Greg's Mission Call

As one of the youngest in his graduating class, Greg has been anxious to join the ranks of those receiving mission calls. Over Christmas break from BYU, he applied for his passport, went to the dentist, went to the doctor and got some immunizations, and had his wisdom teeth out. He completed his paperwork and interviewed with his BYU bishop and stake president. He had things ready and turned them over to his stake president over President's Day weekend when he came home for his friend's farewell.

Greg had his call sent to him in Provo, but he knew we wanted to be involved. Particularly, he knew that I would be crazy if I couldn't see him open it. Therefore, he promised that he would wait for us to join him in Provo as he opened it. Greg texted me that he'd gotten that precious envelope in the mail on Feb. 29, 2012 (leap day).

I told Greg that if he couldn't stand the wait, please just call us and we'd be with him over the phone. He's a patient guy, so we left home as soon as everyone was free from school on Friday, March 2, 2012. Greg invited some friends and nearby relatives. Grandpa and Grandma Herron stayed home and anxiously awaited a phone call. We picked up Grandma Bird on our way through Salt Lake and arrived a little late for our 7:30 p.m. appointment with Greg.

We'd reserved a room in the Heritage Halls Central Building for the event. We picked up two Baskin-Robbins ice cream cakes on the way. We were met by Greg, Cindy Glad, Kirby Glad, Sarah Glad, Marcie Glad, Jacqui, her boyfriend Brendan, and many of Greg's friends, roommates and ward members.

Aunt Cindy videotaped the event. Greg drew in his breath, opened the envelope and started reading his letter. I saw him glance ahead, but couldn't tell what his expression meant.

He caught himself and continued reading. " You have been called to serve in the Spain, Madrid Mission. . . . you will enter the MTC on August 1, 2012." We cheered. He grinned with excitement. Robert walked over and gave Greg a hug, and I got my head and did the same.

We're proud of him. He took the lead and got his call. We're working on his visa paperwork as he finishes up his Winter semester. He will attend school for the Spring term and return home in the middle of June for six weeks of final preparation. We are excited to participate in his preparation and experience in Spain. He will have an amazing experience as he shares the gospel of Jesus Christ with those who are ready to listen.

We're grateful for the young man Greg is and pray that he'll stay strong and face the challenges which will face him in his time of preparation and service.

When Robert returns home with the Corinne's camera, I'll try to post some pictures and maybe even the video (if I can)

Recipes from Christmas

Kirby these are for you.

Fudge Sauce

2 cubes butter or margarine
4 cups powdered sugar
1 can evaporated milk
1 cup chocolate chips (semisweet)

Mix together. Boil 8 minutes. Add 1 tsp. vanilla


Triple Chocolate Fudge

6 cups sugar
1 cup butter
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 (11 1/2 ounce) package (2 cups) real milk chocolate chips
1 (12 ounce) package (2 cups) semi-sweet real chocolate chips
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1 (13 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
1 tablespoon almond extract
1 tablespoon vanilla

1. Combine sugar, butter, evaporated milk and cream cheese in 6-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally with wire whisk, until mixture comes to full boil (20 to 30 minutes). Boil, stirring constantly, until candy thermometer reaches 234 degrees or a small amount of mixture dropped into ice water forms soft ball (10 to 13 minutes).
2.Remove from heat; whisk in all chocolate and marshmallow creme. Beat until smooth and glossy. Stir in almond extract and vanilla.
3. Pour mixture into buttered 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly-roll pan. Refrigerate until firm (at least 2 hours). Cut into pieces. Store refrigerated.

I'm not an Incredible Woman

My sister-in-law Kara has a blog called Incredible Women. She was running dry on ideas for this week, so she interviewed me. If anyone is interested you can go to www.reallyincrediblewomen.blogspot.com and read the interview. She posts the answers to two questions a day, so you may want to check it a few times. She's looking for amazing women to spotlight, so she has a way to nominate anyone you find interesting.

I Can Draw Me!

I don't know how I ever got roped into being an Art Mom. Never in my life have I claimed any artistic ability. When I was in high school, my English teacher assigned us to to write poems on a monthly basis. I didn't find that so terrible, but she had us illustrate them so she could post them on the bulletin board. My art almost always consisted of scraps of construction paper cut into geometric shapes and scattered across the page. I didn't even want to try drawing. I'd always told myself I was awful at drawing. I hated to do art--and was incredibily jealous of those who could. So, two years ago Claire's first grade class needed an Art Mom, and someone tried to recruit me. I resisted, but knew how much Claire likes art. Reluctantly I decided that if she was to ever have a chance at doing well at art, she needed some support at home.

I figured that I could probably draw as well as the first graders, and since the art projects were all outlined for me, I could manage. I enjoyed it, but didn't seek out any other opportunities--until this fall. Claire's third grade class was again short in that department, and my neighbor was in charge. She asked, I conceded, and have enjoyed the projects, but still feel I'm not really the woman for the job.

So, yesterday I looked at the project I'd intended and realized it seemed really similar to those the children had done already this year. I called a friend, who really enjoys teaching art at her daughter's school, and asked for an easy project with little prep time. Art was today before lunch.

She suggested drawing realistic portraits. She had prepared instructions on how the face is proportioned, so I decided to try it. WOW!

I still believe true art is a gift. The ability to create something with enough vision to move and inspire others thoughts and actions has to come from the depths of the soul. But good instruction and teaching can really improve any skill, and the ability to draw is a skill that can be taught. I teach my writing students that, but have a renewed understanding of it from a different point of view. I could actually see myself in my self portrait. Corinne tried it as well. The whole family was amazed at our abilities!

I'm not the most skilled art teacher, but the students seemed to have fun and learn. Some turned out amazing; some turned out pretty good;but they all turned out more realistic than they would have without the instruction.

I'm thrilled. I can draw me. I am an Art Mom. Any skill can be improved by instruction.

Halloween

We love Halloween. This year, the kids looked great. Corinne was a cave girl. Claire went as Ginny Weasley(from the Harry Potter stories). Mark was a scary, cute pirate. Greg went to a school dance as a '20s gangster, and his date, Sarah Eyring, went as a flapper. We think they looked very good.

The week was full of events starting the Friday a week before with the school carnival. On the 30th the kids had their class parties, which were fun. Then on the big day, Robert and Bruce Baxter took the kids "trick or treating" and afterward we all went to the Baxter house for their traditional candy swap and socializing.

On Sunday, we had the practice for the Primary Program, so the children had two hours in the Primary room. They were very energetic from the candy the night before. I hope that our Saturday practice goes better. The kids always pull it off in the end and I'm sure it will go well on Sunday, but it really strips the nerves to prepare for it. Now it's on to November for birthdays and Thanksgiving. . . .

Steven's Farewell

We had a wonderful trip last weekend--short, but wonderful. After watching some great soccer games on Friday and Saturday, we speed-cleaned the house, then packed and headed to Utah. We visited with Grandma Bird, Grandma and Grandpa Herron, saw parts of the sad BYU game, and picked up Jacqui from Provo. She seems like she's doing great. It was so very good to see her.

Sunday morning, we got up early and went to sacrament meeting in the ward Robert grew up in. Robert's sister Bonnie and her husband Richard live there near Robert's mom. Bonnie's son Steven was speaking before he leaves on Wednesday (tomorrow) for the MTC. He will be there two months before serving in Cebu, Phillippines. We're very proud of him. He gave a great talk. He is a strong young man. We'll miss him--especially Greg and Jacqui. He's part of their cousins "group." It was good to see him and all the family.

After a perfect afternoon in Bonnie's backyard (which brought back memories because we lived in their basement when Robert was at the U and Jacqui was born while we lived there), we headed to Provo to drop Jacqui back off. The kids got to see her dorm and her roommates. She has great roommates who have bonded well and really look out for each other. From there we headed back home. The only down side to the trip was that Claire and Mark were sniffling and coughing the whole ride home. I kept them home from school on Monday. They weren't nearly sick enough for that, but the schools are very cautious right now, and I didn't want them sent home. They played and played all day--something they haven't enjoyed very much lately. I guess there's even an upside to the colds.

Any Suggestions Would Be Appreciated

I'm so new to blogging and illiterate about it, that I can't figure out how to place my pictures where I want them or how to keep them from keeping my writing from looking ridiculous. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.