Vocal Christmas Performance

Some of my vocal students recently performed their Christmas numbers for a local rest home. They did a great job and brought holiday cheer to all! Thanks, girls!

Love This Version, Too

My Guilty Pleasure

Confession: I really like the new show: Glee. I know. It's silly- the plot line- but every week they do these amazing production numbers. This one, "Don't Rain on My Parade", is amazing.

"Stained Glass" Plates

I'm craft challenged. I admit it. I'm just not very "crafty." On craft days at Relief Society, I try to sit by someone who looks as scared as me, so maybe mine won't look the worst . . .it always does. But I want to do crafts. I want to get better. So when Michelle told me about this idea to Mod Podge "stained glass" plates, my ears immediately perked up. "Mod Podge" I remember doing Mod Podge as a teenager and loving it because you really can't mess it up. There's no wrongs in this medium. Michelle's idea was to Mod Podge Christmas material onto the backs of glass plates, put your goodies on them and give them as neighbor gifts. But I decided to just use plastic plates. I just ripped pieces of tissue paper and started gluing. It was very fun, and I think they turned out really pretty. This is probably the only craft idea you'll ever see on this blog, so enjoy! Merry Christmas!

Keynote Christmas Concert . . . Plus!

I haven't slept well lately. December 13th was a red letter day looming ahead for the last couple of months. It was the date of our Keynote Christmas concert at the tabernacle to start at 7:00pm. Then, I found out that I would be teaching Relief Society that day. Plus, I'm the choir director in the ward, and our Christmas program is next week, so I had a stressful choir rehearsal to conduct. Then, Sister Orton, our temple matron called and asked our Keynote group to sing for a special Christmas fireside to be held at the tabernacle at 5:00pm for all of the temple workers, with Elder Christensen of the 1st quorum of the seventy speaking. Now that is high stress for a bunch of ladies! But all went so well. It was such a privilege for us to sing for that fireside in a packed tabernacle and feel the help of the Lord. We sang three numbers in the middle of the meeting: "Away in a Manger", "Angels We Have Heard on High", and "O Holy Night". Then we sang and conducted Silent Night with a special descant at the end. We truly felt the help of angels. We all agreed that after that, our own concert was a cinch! I love these special friends in our Keynote group. After the fireside, Elder Christensen came to talk to us. He asked if we were a performing group. Tami answered "No, we're a service group. We sing for rest homes and assisted living centers and wards mostly." It is such a joy to join our voices and try to bring a little joy to others. We all feel the Lord blesses us. Example: Last week, we had several performances scheduled. All three sopranos (Shannon, Kim and I) were very sick. I had a bad cold, Kim had laryngitis, and Shannon had to run out of the Tuesday performance to be sick- she's pregnant. No sopranos. For the first time ever, I think, I had to cancel our Wed. morning performance and the other six ladies met, divided up parts, and did a Relief Society Christmas party that evening with NO sopranos. We've all prayed our heads off. This week, we did several performances with just Kim and I on soprano, then yesterday, Shannon was able to join us and even (beautifully) do the solo on "O Holy Night." It really was a miracle. Shannon felt fine, Kim was really full voice and I've never recovered from a cold that quickly. I always get a lingering cough. Today, we had our annual Christmas party and enjoyed lunch (Cafe Rio!)and visiting at Jennett's. I am grateful for this wonderful part of my life. Thank you, friends! Top row: Shannon, Tami, Nancy, Debbie, Kay Bottom row: Sue, Kim, Jennett, Cindy, Marsha (Marsha, Jennett, Debbie, Sue, and I have been in this group together for over 20 years) During my "White Christmas" solo. Party at Jennett's

You Do Too Have Time!

Take five minutes out of your Christmas rush to sit, close your eyes, and let this beautiful music permeate your soul! Merry Christmas! (It doesn't load well, so you might want to let it load before you try to listen to it.)

Joseph Smith and the Restoration

Joseph Smith and the Restoration by Ivan J. Barrett

I've reread this book throughout this year as we've studied Mormon church history. It was my text for a church history class when I was in college. It is a great history of Joseph Smith and the Joseph Smith years in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, containing little known facts and incidents. My only criticism is that, because it was written in the pre-computer age, the index isn't very effective. I recommend this book if you want to know more of this pivital time in history. View all my reviews >>

Make Snow Angels!

In a recent special meeting for our stake, we had Elder Steve Snow and his wife, Phyllis as general authority visitors. Sister Snow was asked to speak and told of going to visit a dear elderly friend of hers who now lives in an assisted living facility in Idaho. I don't remember this friend's name, so we'll call her Ida. Ida is bent over and is in constant pain, but still always so cheerful and optimistic. It is a pleasure to visit her. Phyllis asked Ida where she goes to church. Ida said that they just go across the street. A sister from the ward is assigned to come and walk them over to church each Sunday, then walk them home. She says it's a little like a mother hen with her chicks. She leads and they do their best to follow- they're all a little unsteady on their feet. She told about one snowy Sunday last year. The sister came and took them to church. While they were inside a snowstorm came and dropped a lot of snow. In trying to walk home, one of the elderly sisters slipped on the snow and fell, causing a domino effect, and many of the elderly sisters ended up on the ground. The "mother hen" was understandably very upset, but Ida just laughed. She checked to see that nothing was broken then turned over on her back and started making snow angels. The others saw what she was doing, so they too giggled, turned on their backs and made snow angels. Ida says they figured they'd never get down there again, they'd better take advantage of this opportunity. Now wouldn't that be a sight? All of those elderly ladies on the ground, giggling and making snow angels. So, some timely advice: when given snow; make snow angels!

Champion!!

What do you do at your Christmas office party? I'll bet you don't do what Ken's firm does! The rule is "What happens at the Hinton Burdick office party stays at the Hinton Burdick office party" . . .but I'm gonna break that rule. Last night was the big event. As part of the entertainment . . .are you ready for this? . .. they have a 10-key competition! No, I'm not kidding. They have a long list of numbers and have a competition on who can add them fastest. They first have four paraprofessionals (with representatives from the 5 different branches), then four professionals, then four partners compete. Then, they have the three winners of those races compete. Britney, a professional from St. George office won last year and has had bragging rights all year. Ken didn't have to do it last year, and was hoping he wouldn't this year. He hates this thing. But, sure enough, he was called. He won the partner race, then had to compete against Britney and a para. He won! It was close, but he won. Van, the office manager is having a ten key bronzed as the pass along trophy. So, now everything you've ever thought about accountants is confirmed true! I think it's cute they can make fun of themselves a little.

Lemon Blossoms Recipe courtesy Paula Deen Prep Time:12 minInactive Prep Time:1 hr 0 minCook Time:12 min Level: Easy Serves: 5 dozen Ingredients 18 1/2-ounce package yellow cake mix 3 1/2-ounce package instant lemon pudding mix 4 large eggs 3/4 cup vegetable oil Glaze: 4 cups confectioners' sugar 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 1 lemon, zested 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 tablespoons water Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray miniature muffin tins with vegetable oil cooking spray. Combine the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs and oil and blend well with an electric mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes. Pour a small amount of batter, filling each muffin tin half way. Bake for 12 minutes. Turn out onto a tea towel To make the glaze, sift the sugar into a mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice, zest, oil, and 3 tablespoons water. Mix with a spoon until smooth. With fingers, dip the cupcakes into the glaze while they're still warm, covering as much of the cake as possible, or spoon the glaze over the warm cupcakes, turning them to completely coat. Place on wire racks with waxed paper underneath to catch any drips. Let the glaze set thoroughly, about 20 minutes. I've also made these with chocolate cake mix and pudding with a vanilla glaze. Yummy!

The Guernesy Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars I just finished this delightful book. It is set in barely post WWII in England. It is written entirely in letters between the characters and tells the story of the people on the Island of Guernsey during the German occupation. There are a lot of characters, so I had to keep a list to keep them straight. But I loved them and was sad when I was finished with the book. I guess you could criticize that the voice in all the letters seemed the same and that the plot was somewhat predictable, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I learned about an island I'd never even heard of, and learned more of that terrible time in history. But, sprinkled with humor, it made it bearable and even enjoyable. I would recommend this book to almost anyone. View all my reviews >>

Thanksgiving in Ohio

We just returned from a marvelous 10-day vacation to visit Shonna and Blake in Ohio. It was so fun to see where and how they live and spend time with them. They were wonderful hosts. We arrived on Friday evening. They picked us up at the airport, and we drove to a Somalian mall where we had dinner at a Somalian restaurant owned by a man Shonna works with at school. He was so kind, making a special trip to come and host us (on their Sabbath) He made curry soup for us and we ate goat and chicken and Somalian rice and the ever-present banana. Somalians eat a banana with every meal. Saturday, we went to a metro park close to Shonna and Blake's home and had a nice picnic and short hike. I told about our special experience there- meeting the Terazzi family- in Shonna's birthday post. We played games that evening. Sunday, we went to S and B's wonderful ward, then went back for a walk in the metro park, and enjoyed a quiet afternoon and evening. Monday was regular school/ work day for S&B, so Ken and I borrowed Blake's car and drove to Amish country. We had such a fun time viewing the countryside and Amish lifestyle, eating in an Amish restaurant, and shopping in the little stores. I found a cute purse in one of the stores. I told Ken he had to pretend to be my sister and tell me how cute it was and that I should buy it. A lady there shopping with her sister overheard me, and told her sister I needed a sister. So that lady came over and exclaimed, "That purse is so cute. I'll bet you have a lot of clothes that would match it at home. You really should buy it." "Thanks, Joan . . or Pam . . or Patty or Cindy!" She was a pretty good fill-in. That evening, we enjoyed a wonderful FHE and lesson presented by Blake. Tuesday, Ken and I went to the Columbus Art Museum and then the Conservatory. Both had beautiful displays of Chihuly glass. We watched a film on how it was made. I fell in love with these beautiful glass sculptures. Michelle, Brian, and Gabriella arrived that evening. Happy day! Wednesday was spent mostly in preparation for Thanksgiving dinner. We baked pies, made yams, rot col, rolls, and and cranberries. Thursday was a happy Thanksgiving day. Besides the feast, we enjoyed games and visiting and another trip to metro park. Ken was thrilled with seeing every variety of woodpecker, including a new life lister- the piliated woodpecker. I hope I spelled that right. We played corn hole after dinner. This is a popular game played in the midwest. Blake and Shonna made their own set of it. It was a little chilly out, but so fun! Friday, we went down to Ohio State University to see Blake's campus and see where he goes each day. He let us each drill a tooth. Michelle was especially enamored with this activity. We then drove Victorian avenue and then went shopping at the Easton Center Mall. We then went to Macaroni Grill to celebrate Shonna's birthday. Saturday, we drove to Dayton, Ohio where we visited the National Air Force museum. Wow! That was a great museum. The men . . .and Gabbi . .. especially loved it. We then drove home in time to watch the BYU/ Utah game- Wahoo!- and feast on Turkey Noodle soup. Sunday was a sad day as we all had to leave. Thanks, Shonna and Blake for a wonderful week!

Happy Birthday, Shonna!

Today is Shonna's birthday. Happy birthday, Shonna! Shonna is changing the world. She has always been so pure-hearted- seeing people's souls rather than skin color, differences, religion, culture, etc. She has a gift for that. She is changing the world one student at a time. She teaches Muslim students from Somalia, Saudi Arabia, etc. Most of them are refugees seeking freedom and security. But, most of them come with prejudice against Christians, if not Americans. Shonna is loving those children and changing them and helping them. She, in fact, may be the most important person they now know as she teaches them English. She is the ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher. They love her. We got to see this in action. We flew to Ohio to spend Thanksgiving with Shonna and Blake and Michelle and Brian (post to come soon). As we got off the airplane on Friday night, Shonna asked if we'd like Somalian food. They took us to a little Somalian restaurant owned by a Somalian employee at the school. They served us a delicious meal of goat meat and Somalian rice and banana. Shonna had told this man that she would be coming that evening, so he made a special trip to be there and to make us curry soup and serve us himself. Obvious respect for Shonna. The next day, we went to a nearby metro park that Shonna and Blake enjoy. We were eating our picnic when a van pulled up. In it was a family very recently moved here from Saudi Arabia. Their delight was obvious at seeing Mrs. Cameron displayed by their shy giggle and "can't wipe it off" smiles. We met the entire family (after the parents finished their prayers to Allah on the mat) and so enjoyed learning of their Id tradition (celebrated at the time of our Thanksgiving: they slay a goat and divide it in thirds: one third to the poor, one third to a friend or relative, and one third for themselves) and meeting all of their children, including the three Shonna teaches. It was cute, when they got out of the van, they said, "Hello, Mrs. Cameron." Shonna responded. She said "How are you?" "I am fine, thank you!" Shonna whispered, "I taught them that." They couldn't say much else, but the father's English was excellent. Later, the mother came over bearing a plate. "I bake a cake." She had prepared her family a picnic, and came to share four pieces of her delicious cake with us. We were so touched at her generous gift. Shonna had made pumpkin cookies, so we bagged some up for them and exchanged. Where there used to be hatred, now is respect. I keep telling Shonna that she is fulfilling part of her destiny. She is changing the world- one student at a time. I can't think of anyone I know that could do a better job of it! Happy birthday, dear Shonna! Shonna with the three Terazzi's she teaches and their mother "I make a cake."