Wahoo! What a Week!!

This has been a very busy, but fun and rewarding week. Whooee!

It started with my Keynote concert at the tabernacle last Wednesday evening. I was pleased with how well it went, especially since I found out just before that one of our altos was too ill too attend. We each have narrations and solos and play instruments, so we had to figure out who would do what. Plus, Sue always knows every note and every word. She is solid as a rock. We all depend on her. I think it's the only time in over 15 years that she's ever missed, too. But anyway, we got through, and I don't think most people even knew anything was wrong. Kristen, Jared and family arrived just as it was starting. It was so good of them to rush to make it. They found out that afternoon that they are expecting another BOY! Kristen, Jared and Nathan left early the next morning for Vegas to fly to Wisconsin to find housing. I got to keep Brielle here with me. It's a grandma's dream to be one on one with a grandchild. We had a good time together. Ken also left for a couple of days on Thursday and Friday for work, so it was just Brielle and I. Then, Saturday and Sunday were stake conference with a general authority. We had Elder and Sister Lund. It was nice to have dinner with them and get to know them. It was a great conference. Ken spoke in the priesthood session. Brielle was amazingly good for that long Sunday meeting. Well, here's a review of our week with Brielle:

We watched movies (especially Care Bears, Land Before Time, and Dumbo)

We made cookies

We tried grapefuit juice (pretty good with extra sugar)

Played at the park

Played Sesame Street computer games

Ate doughnuts

Made a Care Bear puzzle

Ate treats

Colored

Went swimming

Went to Pirate's Pizza

The cannons are a little scary

Decorated the deck

Went shopping (and scrubbed the shopping cart car- the entire thing - all you Gabrielsen germaphobes- it's gone to another generation!)

Helped Grandpa thin peaches

And just all around had a great time!

Then last night was my vocal student recital. It's always so stressful getting everyone ready for that and solving all the problems that come up. Kristen and Jared got back at about 4 in the morning, so got to attend that, too. It ended up being a wonderful recital. I was very pleased with how everyone did. I lose two of my star students as they graduate and move on. I have worked with them a long time, and that's always a bitter sweet time. I love my job.

So you've made it through a long post of a busy week. Here's Brielle's review: "I liked going swimming. I liked going to the park with Grandpa. I liked going swimming with Grandma. It was fun to go to the Pirate pizza place. It was so much fun! The end."

Idol 3

That's right- two reviewers tonight: Me and Brielle. Brielle didn't have a lot to say, but her two comments have value, I think. The first was after Casey's first performance: "I thought it was quite funny." Her other comment was after Lee's "Hallelujah" "Why do they keep clapping and clapping so loud?" (She was very tired by then.) The rest is up to me, I guess.

3rd: Casey. Obviously, the judges think he's going, and were trying to direct us that way. Randy's oopsie slipsy comment, "This is the kind of music you should do as you leave the show" was, well, an oopsie slipsy comment. I kind of liked Casey's first song. It was "okay and alright with me." Casey needs to learn to sing on his air and improve his diction. Just sayin.

2nd: Crystal. Again, I'm right with the judges on who took 2nd place. I wasn't crazy about her "shouty" tone on her choice song, and agreed the arrangement was bigger than she was. I really didn't think she did great on the 2nd song, either. She looked SO uncomfortable without her guitar and had a seriously flat time. I was a little uncomfortable with the "man" lyrics, but that wasn't her fault- it was the song she was assigned. But she did wail good.

1st. Lee. He was a breath of fresh air from the first note of "Simple Man" Man, he sounded good tonight. I also loved "Hallelujah" I even voted. Should be a Lee/Crystal finale, but I've been wrong before. I won't be here again next week, so . . .until next year!!!

Michelle, Just so you know . . .

. . . all that time and effort you spent answering Brielle's questions about baby Gabbi really paid off. She knows EVERYTHING about baby Gabbi: She knows what she likes to eat, how many naps she takes each day, what makes her smile, what makes her clap her hands, how she moves across the floor, how much she likes her binkie, etc, etc. Michelle and Brian tended Kristen's kids all last week while we were on the cruise, and in Michelle's words, "For Brielle, any time not spent in entertaining Gabbi or asking questions about Gabbi is wasted time." We're tending Brielle this week as her mom and dad are house hunting. One of her favorite subjects of discussion is still, you guessed it, "Gabbi."

Happy Birthday, Blake!

I don't know how we totally scored when it comes to son-in-laws. We have three of the best available. Well, I guess they aren't available anymore. Blake is an amazing guy and perfect match for Shonna. His grand entrance into fatherhood was anything but easy, but he never blinked an eye and jumped in with both feet. Before baby Caleb came home from the hospital, he did all the cooking, cleaning, caring for Shonna (including all the running up and down the stairs- even packing her a lunch in a cooler in the morning before he left so she wouldn't have to climb down the stairs to eat.) He got very little sleep. Then when Caleb got home, he still did a lot of the cleaning, cooking, changing, feedings (including night) and got very little sleep. Things are much better now, but he still does so much and gets very little sleep. His grandma told me a story about Blake when he was a little boy(you know how Grandmas do!) She said they were in the car together once and he told her, "I can't wait til I am married and have kids." He kept his eye on that goal, and is now a great husband and father. We're so glad you chose our family, Blake! Happy Birthday!

We Be Cruisin!

Last week, we went on a cruise to Mexico. It was a celebration of Jared's graduation. We had a wonderful time. Our favorite activity:

Eating, We also enjoyed having our own "church" Which was interrupted by the arrival of a school of dolphins- literally hundreds of them- came to play with the boat!

We also enjoyed beautiful scenery,

A 22-mile ATV Tour on Stone Island (can you say AWESOME?),

Bird-

watching, Snorkeling, Shopping, Partying, Laughing, and having fun,

Getting closer,

And did I mention EATING? What a great week! Thanks Lu and Jar!!!!!

(I must have done something wrong- the left side of my collages aren't showing up. You can click on them to see them, then use back arrows to get back to the blog.)

Most Memorable Mother's Day

No, it wasn't yesterday. At least I hope not. Yesterday wasn't my best day ever.

Mother's Day, 2001. Miyakonojo, Japan

Background: Ken served his mission in Fukuoka,Japan in the 70's. Over twenty-five years later, Kristen was called to Fukuoka, Japan- the same mission. We HAD to go pick her up from her mission in May, 2001. It was just too great an opportunity to pass up. It was a wonderful trip.

We were in Miyakonojo on Mother's Day. It was Kristen's last area. We met so many wonderful people there. Church was a cultural experience. Usually Japanese people are very soft-spoken, but their absolute joy at reuniting on Sunday morning makes them greet each other loudly. "Ohayo gozaimasu!", "Ohayo gozaimasu!" was shouted over and over. Sacrament meeting was first, then Sunday school and Relief Society . . .all in Japanese. I was touched that one of the sisters found the RS lesson in English and copied it for me, so I could follow along. After RS, the fun began. No one left. The RS room/ cultural hall/chapel was transformed into a banquet hall with tables and chairs. And, get this, the MEN made lunch for everyone. They did little prepared packages of noodles and sauce, but they did the work while the women visited. It literally brought tears to Ken's eyes to see the men prepare and then clean up. That is NOT Japanese culture. Women are subservient and do all of the domestic work in Japan. His experience twenty-five years before would have indicated this would NEVER happen in Japan, and yet here it was, happening. Watching Japanese men do dishes was tangible evidence of the change the gospel brings in people's lives. Turning from time-honored, but incorrect traditions, living as Christ teaches. Each sister was presented with a rose and me, with a glimpse into the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ . . .making for my most memorable Mother's Day.

Guest Reviewer

Though she hasn't actually said she would, I think we have a guest reviewer for Idol next week. Fellow idol worshipper, Joan Morris will write a review (that way I can check in and see what happened, too) next week. Won't you Joan, won't you??? Here's a link to her blog. Don't worry, you're in good hands. . . or should we say EARS.

Original Keynote

This morning, we sang at another Assisted Living Center. We were introduced to Meda Curtis, a resident there who is over 100 years old. Meda was one of the original Keynotes. She was in that first Keynote group, started nearly 50 years ago by Irene Brooks. Meda reminisced with us (her mind is still sharp as a tack- she's just lost her eyesight) about Keynotes in the 1960's. Meda sang 2nd soprano, and it was a much larger group back then. She said they went all over, singing everywhere. It was so fun to meet Meda and to feel the strength of history and roots of our group.

Idol 6

I'm shakin in my cowboy boots, cuz I have no idea what I'm going to say. I thought, overall, it was a good show tonight. I don't know much about Shania Twain, but I can see she's a good songwriter. I guess I'll just go with my gut:

1: Casey. I hate to say "I told you so." No, actually, I like saying it. I've said all along this is Casey's genre. I really think he won the night. He is right: he hasn't really sung before tonight- well, except that one time. This is his genre. He exposed his heart, and took the night.

2: Aaron. The most-improved award goes to Aaron, and catapults him to 2nd place on my list. I think the judges, and probably everyone thought for sure he would be the next to exit, and he may be, but he showed his stuff tonight. I really wish he could be on this show in a year or two. He has a voice, it's just not fully cooked yet.

3. Michael. I didn't know this song, but I thought he sang so well, so from the heart.

4. Lee. He had some pitch problems and weird phrasing. He did get better as he went along. You've got to give him a little break. It's hard to go first.

5. Crystal. She didn't sing a solo, she did a band number. It was cute and fun, but not her best ever performance.

6. Way below the others in my mind was Siobhan. It was a mess. I don't have DVR, so I can't check, but I feel sure she was off on that last screamy note/phrase. She changed the key, I think. The guitarist covered for her by scatting (do guitars scat?), so no one heard. She owes him big time. I wish I could hear it again, but I certainly am NOT paying Itunes for that mess just to check.

I think the bottom three will be Siobhan, Michael and Aaron.

You're on your own next week. I won't be here to review. I know, break your heart!

PS I just have to say that the real winner tonight was Kurt Hummel singing "A House is Not a Home" on Glee. Wow!

Mrs. Mike

Mrs. Mike by Benedict Freedman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars I have several "favorite" books that I like to reread every few year. Mrs. Mike is one of those. It is a sweet, old-fashioned love story of a young girl and her Canadian Mountie husband, Mike. It is based on a true story, as told to the authors by Mrs. Mike. Unlike many love stories, it begins with marriage, rather than ending with it. It is about love and adventure,hardship, tragedy and joy, but mostly it's about a young girl who chooses to "bloom where she's planted," even if that be among the Indians and fur traders of Canada in the early 1900's. Her personality, courage and determination are inspiring- a true literary heroine. I'm stingy with five-star ratings, but, because of how this book makes me feel, I think it deserves that rating. View all my reviews >>

Two More For "The Book"

You may remember a post I did last year about funny things we've had happen to us as our Keynote group has sung at rest homes. We added two more incidents for the "book we need to write" today as we performed at a rest home. We do little narrations between our songs. One lady couldn't hear us, I guess because she screamed out "Louder!" and "We can't hear you!" as Kim and I did our narrations. Then she got downright nasty while Sue (who, by the way, has one of the loudest, best speaking voices in our group) was saying hers. This lady screams out, "I guess you don't know how to talk!"

Then, as we were starting our last song- our grand finale- we had another funny one. Cindy starts the song with a beautiful solo, "A sound of hope, a sound of peace . . ." Just then, right outside the window, the lawn care guy starts up his weed whacker. We all (except professional Cindy) cracked up. The timing was just too good.

Congratulations, Jared and Kristen!

Today, Jared graduated with his MBA from BYU. His specialty is marketing. He will be working for Kimberly/Clark in Wisconsin. They are lucky to get him as an employee. That's what I think. He is smart, creative and dedicated.. . oh, and funny. Congratulations, Jared!

Idol 7

This was supposed to be Inspiration Night. Hmm. I remained largely uninspired. But there were some inspiring moments.

Best. Easy. Crystal. That a cappella was gorgeous. Until her, it was amateur hour on Idol (well, and isn't that what Idol's supposed to be?) She took the show up a notch. She was wonderful, emotional, and I love her mike stand.

2. Lee. The Boxer. He updated this song and made it really good . . .and inspiring. It was sincere. He could improve his diction.

The rest were only okay. Just okay. Nothing too inspiring.

Probably in this order:

Michael, Siobhan, Casey, Aaron, and Tim

Siobhan has so much talent, but someone needs to work with her on some basic stuff- like opening up her mid tones. It wouldn't hurt to have a visit from Stacey and Clinton, either(butterflies?) Michael- no guitar, please.

Traditionally, no one goes home on Idol Gives Back Night and all the votes just go into next week. I guess we'll see what they do this year. What did you think?

Fun Weekend

We had a family weekend. Patty and Hal came Wednesday- Saturday, then all of the Hinton siblings came Friday- Sunday. Rick and Sherrie stayed with us.

On Friday, we had fun, traditional sister out to lunch and shopping. Whenever Patty or Joan come to town, we have to go to Santa Clara and go to Uncle and Aunties and other fun shops. That evening, the three couples went to dinner.

Saturday (I forgot my camera!) we had the Hinton/Hintze reunion with all of Ken's siblings and one family of cousins they grew up with- the Hintze's. It's a fun group. We had a nice day visiting, watching old home movies, and eating a delicious lunch. That evening, all of the Hintons were hosted by gracious Don and Ada who prepared a nice dinner for us. It was a great day. We visited late into the night. Thank you everyone for making the great effort to come!

The Poisonwood Bible

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver My rating: 3 of 5 stars I finished this book a couple of days ago, and have since been trying to decide how I feel about it. There is no denying that this author is an exceptional writer. She is talented. She tells the story of a mean, troubled, abusive preacher who brings his wife and four daughters to the Congo to serve as missionaries in the late 1950’s. They are completely unprepared for what they find there and the lifestyle they will lead. The story is told in the voices of the five women/girls. I was amazed at the author’s ability to push the story forward in this unique format, and to make each voice so distinct and believable. It was a sad story, told in minute detail for the first two-thirds of the book, taking us through the uprising and war of Independence from Belgium for the country, and personal tragedy for the family. Then we see a real change in the book, as the author rushes through, using the book to forward her political agenda. I didn’t like that much. But, I have to say that it is a good book and would make an excellent choice for a book club, as there is so much to discuss. Here are some of the things the author obviously believes and wants us to assume as fact: 1) A mother loves her last-born most 2) Americans are materialistic, shallow, and spoiled 3) “Christian” preachers are fanatics and misguided, at best 4) Eisenhower ordered the death of Patrice Lumumba, the first leader of the newly independent country. Can you see how you could have some interesting discussions? The book has political overtones, but the real story is of this troubled family and their difficult and tragic life in the Congo. View all my reviews >>

Idol 9- Again

Overall, I didn't enjoy the show as much as last week. It must be Elvis week or something . . .or maybe it's Adam Lambert. Anyway, choosing first place for the night is easy, easy, easy. Hands down: Lee. He took on men's theme song and sounded great. I loved the acoustic guitar blended with the electrics in the background. Only criticism- he needs to show more range. It was was a little safe.

Second place: Now it gets harder. But I think I have to say Tim was second best. He kind of reminded me of that dreadlock guy of a couple of years ago- Jason, was it? He just sang . .. and sounded good. I wished he would sustain some of the notes in the verse part, but I liked his version so much better than Elvis'.

Third, Fourth and Fifth: Michael, Katie, and Crystal. All three have great voices. Loved Michael's song and emotion, Didn't love Katie's song (liked her better last week), but she sang well and certainly showed versatility, and Crystal did well, though she did go a little flat toward the end- haven't heard that before.

Sixth: Aaron: I especially liked the 2nd half. You know, he kind of looks like that Schuster guy on Glee.

Seventh: Siobhan and Casey tie, I guess. Didn't love either one tonight.

Ninth, and going home: Andrew. Too bad; he has a good voice. I'm not sure who the other one to go will be. This is a weird year.

Idol 9

Lenin/McCartney Night

Man, oh, man! This is a tough one to critique. I really enjoyed all of the performances and I loved the videos where we got to know the contestants better: Andrew has a personality, Siobhan is really that unique, Crystal is a motherer, and Tim really is a happy person. Oh and Andrew and Lee are best friends and are going to have Danny Gokey babies. Cool. So, I'll give it my best shot, but honestly, I could be swayed. I thought they all did well.

1. Crystal: Ironic I'm giving Crystal first this week when I really don't think this was her best ever performance, and I've never given her 1st before. I'm just impressed with her- she's growing on me. Week in/ week out she nails it- pitch perfect. The hippie vibe is back. Loved the Didgeridoo (even though it was off-pitch at times)

2. Casey: I didn't know the song, but for the first time, Casey dug deep and helped us feel something. Very naked, vulnerable performance.

3. Katie: Okay, so she had the best song: "Let It Be" I really thought she would need to sing something young and uptempo this week, but she totally surprised me. She sang this beautifully. I really liked this arrangement. It's the best I've heard her sing.

4. Siobhan: She has nice low tones AND she didn't scream. Her middle range needs some work- she needs to lift her palette a bit so it's not so nasally (my opinion) But very nice.

5. Tim: I know, surprising. But I liked it. He looked the part, he was on pitch and sounded nice.

6. Andrew: I really liked this arrangement and thought he did it well. For the first time this season, I thought the back-up singers really helped the song.

7. Lee: You can't call that karaoke or wedding singer (a bagpiper in a kilt!). He was a little flat through most of it, so that's why the low rating. I love that he's more comfortable.

8. Michael: I don't know why I didn't like this that much. It just seemed like he didn't really connect with the song/lyrics. But this guy (as I've said before) is already a star. He is so comfortable on stage, so he lets you just relax and enjoy.

9. Aaron: Sorry Aaron-lovers. He's cute, but this was a little boring. The "growl" in his voice was nice. I kind of liked that.

Again, I thought they all did well. It was a good show. I missed Joan this week. We made a good review team. I also missed Didi. She wouldn't have won the whole thing, but I don't think she should have gone home this early. Who did you like? Who do you think will leave? I think Tim will go.

Heritage Dinner

Pam and Roger just sent pictures of the Heritage Dinner taken on their camera. They are so good, I wanted to share them.

Our hosts

Roast Pork with Prunes and Apricots (Sweden)

Cheese stuffed Potato Galette

Asparagus with Brown Butter (Norway)

Cucumber Onion Salad (Norway)

Grandma Beena Rolls

Desserts from South Africa and Sweden

Cheers!

A Fun Easter Week!

We had a fun week with family. Joan, Taylor, and Taylor's friend, Reed came for their annual Spring Break trip on Tuesday. Wednesday, Joan, Pam, and I went to lunch and then fun sister shopping.

Thursday, we did more shopping in the morning, then Joan left for Vegas to meet Tom and Kristen and family came that evening. We colored eggs and then went on our "cold" picnic/Easter egg hunt. It really was chilly and windy, but we still had fun.

Friday, Joan and Tom got in in the afternoon. We spent the day cooking and baking in preparation for our family Heritage Dinner which we held at Pam's that night. The food was delicious- all from countries of our heritage. We concluded the dinner with toasts of "Cheers" in every language.

Saturday was conference (complete with the traditional butterscotch rolls for breakfast). Between sessions we had a "warm" picnic/ Easter egg hunt at the park. After the priesthood session, we had cafe rio and visited into the night.

Sunday, the Easter bunny came and left candy (and proof that he had been here- his droppings on our doorstep) Then Joan and family left and then we enjoyed more wonderful conference with our Easter Dinner between sessions: Ham, Funeral potatoes, asparagus, rolls, and cupcakes for dessert. Kristen and Jared left just before the afternoon session started. It was a wonderful week/ weekend. Thank you for coming Joan and family and Kristen and family! Happy Easter to everyone!!!!

Shirts- Off Spaghetti Night

Kristen told me about a friend of hers who has five little boys. All of them LOVE spaghetti, so once a week they have Shirts-Off Spaghetti Night. Ken and I love spaghetti, too, so I decided we should implement this tradition at our house. Click this link for pictures of our first Shirts Off Spaghetti Night: