Ward Conference 2010

Today was our Ward Conference. It was one of the best ever. But then again, I love Ward Conferences. I just really do. Kind of like General or Stake conference but more personalized. The talks and lessons were motivating, validating, and made you want to do and be better.

We had a special ward fast today for a young women who has a terrible disease. Crohn's. She is such a love of a teenager, and has endured so much. I hope she and her family can feel comforted and the doctors will be inspired with new ways to help her. It evoked some tender feelings in me. I appreciated it when the person who gave the opening prayer mentioned about our special fast for her and then included all 'others' who might need the same blessing and suffer unawares. THANK YOU from the very bottom of my heart. I've wished we could ask or have someone offer for a fast for Shaun. (I don't know if he would ever agree to it) But who wants to know or understand about mental illness. How do you explain it? It's a hard one to wrap your mind around. It frightens people. After all, even when we are physically ill, we still have control over our minds and thoughts, right? When a person has a physical illness you can SEE it. One understands the body being ill. The person has an 'injury' or equivilant that medical professionals can not fix or cure. With mental illness from all outward views the individual appears fine. But they live a very private tortured life with little relief. Too bad we can't take the brain out and put a cast on it, or an ace bandage around it or see all the neurotransmitters mis-firing. And just like a physical illness there are many doctor visits, hospital visits, sleepless nights, worry, by them and their family. It also takes it's toll on everyone. So thank you, Brother Barry for your prayer!

I made a new recipe for pork tenderloin. I think it just might be our favorite way to do this now. I will post the marinade for it--super simple--in it's own post.

Mike had a great experience today. He ordained a friend to the priesthood. This is a guy he has known for years through work whose wife had been away from the gospel for some time. She has changed her life during the last few years and found the gospel again and Mike baptized him a few months ago and now today he received the priesthood!

After 17 days, the Olympics are over. I will miss them. I love to see everyone doing their personal best. And even though I am an American through and through, I do find myself rooting for the Germans from time to time since it is part of my heritage! Thanks Canada for hosting.

What Did We Do Today?

~Rain, rain, rain.
~Cozy fire in the fireplace.
~BYU basketball game and lunch.
~Adrianne put me through the paces of an exercise video and I'm feeling it!
~Christine babysitting, went to Mission Stake's road shows, and a dance. phew, busy gal.
~Olympics, olympics. They had a spell-binding segment on Canada's roll during 9/11 when all the planes were grounded. I hope they come out with that on a dvd some day. It was quite moving.
~Adrianne and I made a dash in the rain to get some Samoa ice cream. You can only get it during Girl Scout Cookie season. Thin Mint was gone.
~Why is it that the men in my family drive a car until there is only a drop of gas left without filling it up and then take another car to avoid having to take the time to get gas?????? Arghhhhhh! So off to the 'petrol station' we went on the way home.

Today Felt Like A Saturday

It took Duff 2 different trips to 2 different hardware stores to find the right pegs to put the other shelves in the other set of cabinets in the garage. This is a big deal because he does not like to do handyman things, and he didn't complain once. His dad didn't like to do those kinds of things either and his mom would lament many a time to me about having to wait to hire something out. Over the years, Duff has gotten much better, but he still would rather not.

But the shelves are in perfectly now with Josh's help, and we started putting things back in. Wow. It makes the space so much more efficient, workable, and gives us more of it.

This now meant that I had to tackle all the manuals and paperwork about our emergency preparedness. I have just had it tucked in everywhere. I spent most of the day with it all spread out on the kitchen table and island sorting, throwing away doubles, and now it is all separated and piled up into sections. I just need to put it in a big binder with dividers so it is all in one place.

I came across so many things that we should still do and haven't. I came across lots of things that we have done and felt good.

I also looked into a cupboard that is filled with games and puzzles we haven't used in 5-10 years. Yikes. I sure could use that extra space taken by them, but my question is do I just throw them all away, or give them away (and if so to who?) All the games we love and play regularly are in the family room ottoman, and it is full. There are some cute ones for little kids that are still in good condition. Do I save those for 'games at grandma's house'?

Adrianne got her hair cut and it's really cute. Meredith is off to Northern Cal to nanny for the next 10 days. The money will be good. All the kids were here for the evening. The olympics are coming to a close. I have enjoyed them. Looks like we play Canada for the gold medal in hockey. Oooo. Come on USA! We gotta do it!

It's Just Another Day......It's Just Another Day!

The bar exam is over. sigh. Meredith had Josh's favorite dinner--pork chops--in the crockpot first thing this morning so it would be ready for him to celebrate when he got home.

Miguel and Maria surprised us with Caldo de Pollo for dinner. I can make the soup, but it always tastes better when Maria does it. And I will never be able to make homemade corn tortillas like she does. It really is in her genes!

More work on the food storage. Arms pumping in the air to open the flour and milk and they are ALL still good. I figured out a new rotation system for it and hopefully it will work much better. Had to throw out the corn meal. We need more wheat and oats, and another dutch oven. Oh. And a couple new sleeping bags.

Did the laundry in between the rest.

Adrianne and I worked on some embroidery during the Olympics. The women's ice skating was so enjoyable. It turned out just as it should. The gals programs were stunning. And now it is midnight and we are going to bed.

G.S.N. Or In Other Words: Goal. Setting. Network.

...and Girl. Strengthening. Network.

I must mention about New Beginnings this week. It was really good. How do these leaders come up with such fun and valuable activities and events?! These gals are inspired and awesome!!

Christine was asked to give a talk about The Importance of the YW Theme and How It Helps Us. and then led us all in reciting the theme together. I will post it later. She did a great job.

The new Beehives were all introduced. OH. I remember when they were BORN! 100 YW surveyd and the top 3 answers on the board with the value that their fellow YW felt best described them.

The 'theme' for the evening was about game shows. There were tv's set up with tapes of ward members who had been on different game shows throughout the years. SO hilarious! And the decorations were simple but like we were in a studio. There was even a red carpet down the middle of the room.

Talks by Sister Herrscher, Koelliker, and the Bishop. Great information and instruction. The Bishop talked about the current Olympics. Did you know that .09 of a second is like the blink of an eye? And that is what separates most of these athletes in their sports. It also is the time it takes to 'wipe out' and have your Olympic dream be dashed. It is those little .09 choices in our lives along the way that can lead us to not realize our dream of eternal life!

Sister French emcee'd the YW Family Feud game, complete with suit, tie, and pony-tail! It was hysterically fun. I didn't get a picture--there was too much excitement going on--but it was the girls against the parents and all the questions were about the Personal Progress and YW program, Values, etc. They had the original FF music playing in the background each time a new daughter/parent was called up for their turn at the 'podium' complete with round push lights to hit after the question was read. The YW were beating us soundly (as it was supposed to be), but we parents did get 2 points on the board and one of them was mine. Chris and I were the last ones called up. We got some good laughs. Afterwards, I got several comments and high fives. I may come across all quiet and proper, but get me in a game and I am fiercely competetive. Ask my family!

We even had a 'word from our sponsor' aka: a commercial by the Laurels. They marched in from the hallway up the red carpet and stood across the front of the room and sang a song about PProgress to the tune of the Jeopardy music with the clock ticking. So creative!

The new PProgress books are beautiful and I think the changes are appropriate. I am going to do the new program too and get another medallion. They are really beautiful and much more symbolic. Plus, I'm such a sucker for the color pink.

"Pearl"

Well, today was the day for the dreaded dentist. I actually like our dentist. He is a dear friend. And he knows me and my dental phobias so well. But I had a routine cleaning. We have genetic placque build up in my family and that combined with 'aging' means I need to have my teeth cleaned every four months instead of every six.

I actually LOVE one of his hygenists. I can ONLY have Charlene clean my teeth. She knows everything about my mouth, and my gagging, and my lingering childhood traumas from Dr. C. She is so calm and gentle and encouraging. No surprises. "Okay Cindy. I'm going to move over to the top back teeth on the left side now...."

That being said, we have all learned that it is best if I come 'medicated'. And first thing in the morning. Which means that I can't drive myself there or back, and I park myself on the couch until it wears off by the afternoon and then I still have 1/2 of my day left to be kind of productive. Just for the record: I have made progress over the years. I only have to take ONE pill instead of TWO now, unless I have work to be done other than a cleaning! I'm very proud of myself for this.

My reputation preceeds me. I'm rather loopy waiting in the lobby until Charlene comes to guide me back to the chair. Yesterday, all the staff came by to say hello and check on me. I don't know what was so funny with my giving Traci the thumbs up today when she poked her head in to ask, "How are you doing today, Cindy?" but apparently I made a face along with it and so Jaclyn had to come and see, and then Melanie. Geez......already!

I found out today that I have earned their Best Patient Award. I am extrememly cooperative, calm, relaxed, and while in this state they can do whatever they need to with speed. This they also told Duff and Josh the last time they were in for their cleanings. And then they all laughed. Thanks, guys!

Another funny dentist story: A few years ago I wanted to whiten my teeth. No one believed I could do it. Except Dr. D. (affectionately known in our house as 'Pearl'. Get it? 'pearly whites'...)
So one afternoon while I had Christine in for a cleaning, he peeked around the corner and whispered, "Cindy. Come here." Motioning with his finger. I walked over, he plopped me in a chair and announced he wanted to check on 'something'. I opened my mouth and while he had the instruments in it, the assistant came in with two trays already prepped with impression goop which only had the bare minimum in them. He put the chair straight up as fast as it could go, leaned me forward, rubbed my shoulders, and took me through birthing breathing techniques, and before I knew it THEY WERE DONE! Everyone cheered and a week later I had my trays.

Probably only a dentist who is also a good family friend could get away with that, but it worked!

I did get the laundry done, and some more food storage arranged. And did the carpool for lacrosse.

***Natalie called and John laughed out loud for the first time last night!!!***

I Like Mondays

I like Mondays. I like getting things back on track from the weekends that are more loosely lived. I like the routine.

Duff and Josh took out all the food storage from one set of cupboards in the small garage where we are consolidating everything. Then they put 3 new shelves in. Now the weight will be distributed more evenly and I will be able to see, use, rotate, and restock much more efficiently. They will do that to another bank of cupboards at the end of the week, once I get this one put back together.

Now the task is to assess and get rid of the expired things. I found bisquick that I had done in mylar bags from 2000. Yikes. In the garbage they went. I didn't even bother to open and check inside! I got rid of the kudos (!) bars, and 6 year old powdered eggs. Also the pudding mix, fruit drink mix, and hot chocolate. Fortunately I didn't have many cans of those so it didn't hurt too much! I'm happy to report that so far, everything else (the big staple items: wheat, flour, milk, rice, sugar, oats, beans) is still good.

Duff went with Josh to Ontario to settle in for the bar exam this week. OH. I'm so nervous for him. If you have a minute please pray for him with us, 'k?

What Is A Bunged Out Chicken? and Sunday Musings...

I really, really don't like the early church block. UNTIL I get home at noon and feel: ahhhhhh!

We had the most beautiful musical number today. A family who sings from another ward. They performed a choir arrangement of Ere You Left Your Room This Morning, Did You Think To Pray? It spoke to me. My prayers could/should be better. I felt motivated, re-committed. I even had goose-bumps at one point. I know it was the spirit speaking to me.

I spent the SS hour looking through the building and parking lot for a friend. She is struggling. I love her. She left. I was bummed. I texted her and saved her a seat in RS, but she didn't come. I was sad.

I love Relief Society. Today's lesson was amazing, taught by Diana, who is a natural teacher. She has a mix of making it personal and drawing you in to see yourself in the lesson material and make it part of who you are. I looked around the room and stopped on each one for just a moment. Oh, none of us is perfect by any means. But I saw a group of God's daughters who are trying to do the best they can--and sometimes not the best we can--gathered together to try and be better. I loved Flor's hispanic accent as she gave the opening prayer. And Mele's tongan accent as she read a quote.

I made a good old fashioned roast beef dinner in honor of Auntie Ann. It was her signature go to meal and she felt it would cure anything for anybody. At her funeral we learned that on the day she had to be rushed to the hospital the kids walked in and found a pot roast cooking. Fitting, huh? She never served it without broccoli and cheese sauce. So we had that too.

Josh and Meredith came by to visit for the evening and we got all involved in the Olympics. Was that hockey game against Canada crazy or what! And congrats to Bode Miller. The girls endured ribbing from the guys about the ice dancing, and I was accused of being a traitor merely because I mentioned I liked that Aksel guy who crashed in the slalom part of the super G. He has quite a story.

Josh, Mike, and Christine asked for a father's blessing, so we spent some time with that. Talked to Natalie and she said John was a 'bunged out chicken' today at church. I have no idea how she came up with that phrase, but it cracks me up every time she says it. Doesn't it just make you laugh and come up with all sorts of mental pictures??? He's making the transition from a newborn to a baby, and they are first time parents. Enough said.

I'm Nervous

Christine is a 9th grader on the JV team. She was asked last night at practice to suit up for the varsity lacrosse game tonight. She is soooo excited. And I'm sooooo nervous.

You Go Chrissy!

Follow up: She suited up, but didn't have to play. But she was READY. She enjoyed being a part of it on the sidelines and lining up to shake hands with the other team afterwards. She was visible to the coaches and a part of the girls. They led the whole game until the last 20 seconds and then lost by one. She plays goalie. When we got there she was warming up with the boys varsity goalie. That didn't sit so well with her dad. Hahaha! (He's having an interesting time with this growing up thing.)

Yes, I know. The goalie. She LOVES it. You mothers of goalies understand. Being the mother of a goalie means you would wish to bite your nails (or maybe you do!), sit on the edge of your seat. Cringe when they take direct shots. Pack them in ice when they come home. Luckily she has a pretty good head about it: she understands that she is the last line of defense and if the opposing team scores her team's defense didn't do their job. But a goalie mom just hopes they block every single one so you don't feel like decking the rude fans in the bleachers when they blame everything on the goalie.

We stayed for the varsity boys game afterwards, (It was a tournament that our school hosts every year), while Chris did her booth assignment. THAT is a completely different game! We had fun visiting with friends in the stands and stayed warm with our quilts. COLD!

Boxes and Bins

I've heard it said that organization is an investment. It can be costly. I'm finding this is true. Replacing decades old cardboard boxes with appropriate storage containers adds up. I've been waiting for and using every sale and coupon that comes along. This takes time to wait and watch for the specials. This week, Target had their $9 bins on sale for $4. That is a great deal!

This week was the time to address Natalie's wedding dress. This is a 'hot button' for me. My gown never got 'preserved' until it sat in a plastic bag for 27 years in my garage and made 5 moves. Some of the bodice lace had really yellowed. So disappointing, even for a trendy, daisy, 70's wedding gown! Not that anybody would ever want to borrow my dress to be married in today, but my daughters loved looking at it and it began numberless conversations about getting married to your sweetheart, morality, eternity, how do you 'know'?, hoping, wishing, goals, and the like.

Several years ago I finally had mine cleaned and boxed. It turned out amazingly well. I will give all the credit to J. Fields Cleaners. I called and called around only to find that they were one of the few who even did wedding gowns and they could tell me their process exactly. So I called around again and a few more have added this service, but no one could explain to me how they did it. It made me very nervous. Did you know that some gowns are only to be laundered? Some can only use certain chemicals and if you use the wrong ones it will melt your beading? Scary. They do each gown one at a time in clean chemicals and there is a whole hanging/drying/ pressing process. Plus, J. Fields is having a 20% off your entire bill sale right now and that includes big items like gowns and preservation items. Bingo!

Meredith went with me and took her dress too. I took Adrianne's for her while she was at work. I also took Christine's blessing gown, bonnet, and booties, AND the boys blessing bubble suit with hat and booties, AND the blessing blanket and blessing shawl that I was blessed in and all my children were blessed in (53 years old!). I had Natalie's done when my wedding gown was done. I love how they fold and place it all 'just right' in the archival box. It's like a framed shadow-box showing as many details as possible.

Yay! Now they will all be preserved and in the same place and not all over the house closets and garages in plastic bags and deteriorating cardboard boxes.

P.S. what is up with all the olympics drama about skating? If you watch the programs over again, YP was clearly out skated by EL....

Auntie Ann's Obituary

Meada Ann Penney

Meada Ann Penney

2/7/2010

Meada Ann Penney of Rocklin, Calif., passed away on February 7, 2010, a native of Sierra Madre, Calif., at 76 years old.She is survived by her children Jeffrey, Fred, Frank, and Jerry Penney; 14 grandchildren; and siblings, Ward and Robert Davis.

Friends are invited to attend services held Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Loomis 1st Ward Chapel (3354 Margaret Dr., Loomis).Price Funeral Chapel (916) 725-2109, directors.

Back. On Track.

I was worthless yesterday. Just plain overtired from the fast funeral trip up north and emotional processing it all. Mom wanted me to take her to Joann's so she could 'look' (which almost always means the 'looking' turns into 'buying'! Something we will laugh about at her funeral one day...)

We both looked at each other at the same time and said, "I don't feel good. Let's go." So we quickly finished and left. But that being said, we did get some great deals on some fabric. Yay for sales and coupons.

My parents left for Wrightwood. Auntie Tia is having a hard time with Uncle Bob. He has had some more TIA's and they have taken their toll. I think she is finally at the point where she is ready to bring in some outside help. Since my mom pretty much raised her siblings (my grandmother had serious health problems when her children were young), Tia looks to my mom not only as a sister, but a mother figure too.

I spent the rest of the afternoon wrapped up in a blanket and watched some tv. I just needed to download I guess. Mike and Adrianne made fajitas. They are so awesomely delish. Better than any restaurant I've had them in. I was so grateful not to have to cook.

Today I woke up back to normal, except for losing it briefly when a tad bit overwhelmed at getting back on track after 5 days. Eeewww! Once I got it under control, the rest of the day went splendidly. Do you ever have days like that? The laundry is on it's way and Duff and I got a few more things organized in the garage in the cupboards. Now all the food storage stuffs are together in the same location in the same garage, and the decorations, luggage etc. that were scattered between the two are all together and so goes our plan. It works better with my methodicalness.

I'm really enjoying the Olympics in Vancouver. Love, love it all.

Floyd And Myrna

As long as we were already there, we decided to drive up to the top of the hill and visit my grandparent's grave. There is not a bad location anywhere in this cemetery. But up here the views are stunning.

Their marker. It threw me off at first because my grandmother always went by Myrna even though her given name was Jessie Mary.

I love this picture.

Looking down. The little cement paths that line this lower hill are for pallbearers to walk on so they don't tip over under the weight of the casket. Good thinking. I wouldn't have thought of that.

Cemetery.

The local cemetery is a place out of a book. It is beautiful, peaceful, quaint, small, and filled with character. If I could choose right now, this is the kind of place I would like to be laid to rest.

Some of the pretty flowers from those who loved her.

Her boys. Jeff keeping his emotions in check.

Little Miss Em with her rose to place on Grandma's casket.

Sons and grandsons after placing the casket.

Frank dedicating the grave.
He gave a beautiful prayer.

Placing the roses. One last good-bye to their grandmother.

Her grandchildren minus two. Ashley couldn't get out of her midterms and Frank's toddler was in someone's arms.

The boys picked out her casket. It had an ever-so-soft pink edge to it.

Frank and Duff visiting.

There are quite a few benches throughout the cemetery for visitors to sit on. I think that is a nice touch.

Some of the grandsons.

Friends and Family.

Aunt Jackie and my mom. Aunt Jackie announced to every one several times that she is just bout 92 years old, and proud of it!

Uncle Bob and my dad.

Ann's brothers.

The rolling hills, mature trees and woods of this burial place speak to it's charm and peace.

Good-bye, dear Auntie, till we meet again!

Services.

My aunt's full name is Meada Ann. But she just went by Ann. I didn't know her first name was Meada until years into my life. Her funeral was nice. She would have loved the stories her boys remember of her! Her life was her children.

The 'guys'.

Jeff, Duff (how did he sneak in there? Oh yeah, they were all gabbing away!), Fred, Jerry, Frank. One is a judge, two are attorneys, and one is a cop. They like to say that so and so catches them, the other two prosecute, and so and so puts them away! Hahaha!

The beautiful table display Jennifer (Frank's wife) put together in the foyer. This is how private my Aunt was: most of the pictures even her children had never seen! Jerry found them in one of her closets last week.

Isn't she a beauty? I totally remember her this way in her 20's.

On her wedding day. She was VERY sick with pnuemonia. She had even been in the hospital and just released. They got married in my grandparents living room in the duplex in Manhattan Beach. She couldn't get through her vows, so she kept swigging from her bottle of codeine cough syrup. Look how tiny her waist is! And that platinum hair. I used to love sitting in the bathroom with her while she took down her perfect french twist and brushed those long silky tresses. They ended up in one curl down her back. My mom has always told me that I have Auntie Ann's feet. Looking at them through the years confirms that. I had a chuckle to myself when I saw her feet in this picture: I always put my left foot on top of my right toes, too! Must be in the genes.

Such a darling picture of her as a baby.

Ready for the family prayer, which Fred gave.

All of her grandsons except Frank's youngest (who is 2) were the pallbearers. She would have wanted it that way.

This is Kelly Leonard ???. I don't know her married name. But she was in my ward when I was growing up in Torrance and has landed in Rocklin. Auntie Ann was her visiting teacher. It continues to be a 'small world'.

The services were simple. Two speakers--one for the euology, which was very nice, and one for the plan of happiness. No musical numbers. Her brothers, my dad and Uncle Bob, gave the prayers. The boys will have heck to pay for even having a funeral however simple. She just wanted graveside services. But I'm glad they chose to do it.

Dinner At Frank And Jenn's

Today we drove to northern California for my Auntie Ann's funeral tomorrow. We took the 'scenic' route and went up the 99. I think we will take the 5 on the return trip.

My mom and dad drove with us and we had a really fun time just the four of us. I crocheted trim on a baby blanket I am working on, and my mom was cranking out the crocheted dish cloths. By the time we arrived in Rocklin, she had a set of 4 for each of Ann's daughters-in-law! My dad and Duff thought it was kind of funny that my mom and I had both chosen a crochet project to keep our hands busy while we traveled!

My aunt has 4 sons. Jeff, Fred, Frank, and Jerry. They are good men, and I love them all. Frank and Jennifer had invited us for dinner when we pulled into town so we went straight to their house. They greeted us at the door with hugs and kisses and then all of a sudden I looked up and there was Jerry and Melissa coming through the kitchen doorway and Jerry had his arms out to me with his huge smile and I dropped my purse right in the entry way and ran to him! They had lived here in Corona right after he graduated from the chp for a couple of years and we had the BEST time with them. We did as much as we could together and when they moved back up north we missed them a lot.

Jenn made an awesome dinner with Frank at the grill, and before any of us knew it, it was almost 10pm!!! We laughed, hugged, visited, talked, exchanged recipes, the guys played Guitar Hero and watched the olympics, and we gals never left the kitchen. Their six children between them ran in and out and were enjoying being together.

THANKS soooo much. LOVE you guys!

Happy Birthday K.R.I.S.T.I.N.

Happy Birthday,

Hap-py Birthday!

Happy, Happy Birthday TO YOU!

Hope you had a fantastic day! We are on the road, but are sending our love through the traveling vibes!

CHOCOLATE GANACHE CAKE

As promised.

Chocolate Ganache Cake.

It is from the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten, herself.

This recipe will make one 8 or 9 inch cake.

Believe me. You don't need more than this unless you are having a huge party. It is deeply chocolatey and rich. You can make this up to a week in advance. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. I have even put it in the freezer and taken out a few weeks later. You can glaze it the day you serve it. You will love it!

For The Cake:

1/4 pound (1 stick) butter at room temperature

1 cup sugar

4 large or extra large eggs at room temperature

1 16 oz. can Hershey's chocolate syrup. (This is 2 cups and I have used the store brand with

great results.)

1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

1 cup all purpose flour

For The Ganache:

1/2 cup heavy cream
8 oz. semisweet chocolate chips (This means 1 cup)
1 tstp. instant coffee granules. (Ina uses this but I never do, and it is just fine.)

Preheat the oven to 325*. Butter and flour an 8 or 9 inch round cake pan, then line the bottom with parchment (or waxed) paper.

Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time. Mix in the chocolate syrup and vanilla. Add the flour and mix until just combined. Don't overbeat, or the cake will be tough.

Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until just set in the middle. Don't overbake! Let cool thoroughly in the pan. (This is counter-intuitive, but do NOT rush this step!)

For the ganache, cook the heavy cream, chocolate chips, in the top of a double boiler over simmering water until smooth and warm, stirring occasionally. (I just use a mixing bowl over a pot of simmering water. Don't let it the water boil hard or touch the bottom of the bowl.)

Place the cake upside down on a wire rack and pour the glaze evenly over the top, making sure to cover the entire cake and sides. You can tilt the rack to smooth glaze. Do not refrigerate. (I just put it on my cake plate and pour the ganache over and smooth with an offset spatula and it works fine.)

I like to take a basket of ripe, washed, and pureed strawberries, add some sugar to taste, let mascerate and chill in a tall cooking squirt bottle.

To Serve:
Cut cake into wedges. Place on dessert plate and drizzle with sweetened pureed strawberries. You can dot the plate and then add a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla bean ice-cream.

All For L.O.V.E.

We had a good Valentines Day, did you?

We went to church where during the last hour Christine was set apart as the new Mia Maid President. Grandpa enjoyed being able to participate in that since they were in town.

I don't know why some pictures lately don't stay turned the right way when I post. Any thoughts? Our 'valentines' watched the olympics while they were 'resting their eyes'.

and Darla took care of them. She hopped in bed with Grandpa this morning to cuddle.

Gramps catching 40 winks.

Welcome greetings at the front door.

Pretty roses from my valentine!

Thanks, handsome hubby!

Addicting.

Our heavenly chocolate ganache cake.

Served with a drizzle of fresh strawberry sauce and a scoop of vanilla bean ice-cream.

Recipe to follow, but probably not until I get home from the funeral up north.

HAPPY DAY TO ALL MY VALENTINES!

Happy Birthday Melanie

Mel, I can't believe you are 18!!! I remember the very day you were born! We got the call and were so excited, and then the pictures started coming in the mail, and you stole all our hearts. So it is very appropo that you were born on Valentines Day!

We send all our love and hope you have the best day ever.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Winter Olympics and stuff ...

Yesterday was the first day of the Olympics. And someone died. A 21 year old luger. They showed the practice run that he lost his life on when he flew over the track wall and hit an unpadded steel pole. I'm quite sure he was dead on impact. It was horrible to watch.

But the opening ceremony went on as scheduled. It was a beautiful program. Christine and I fell asleep on the couches downstairs, but no fear--we dvr'd it, right? So this morning we curled up in blankets to watch all the things we missed. We got to fast forward through all the commercials--yay--and finally got to lighting the torch. All of a sudden it shut off!!! What???

Well with the opening coverage about the luger's accident, and then the minute of respectful silence for him, and then the malfunction of the 4th tower for the torch, we ran out of scheduled dvr time and completely missed it lighting up. Major disappointment! I learned a good lesson to go into the next program time for things like this.

Errands for Saturday. You know. Like the grocery store, clean the church, and get ready for tomorrow. Chris, Adrianne and I ended up running over to Joann's. Just about everything in the entire store was 40-50% off plus I had a coupon for 10% off my entire purchase. Then over to Target. And since I took longer than I should have and they were late for her nephew's bday party, I volunteered to finish their laundry while they were gone! It was the least I could do. I felt really bad.

My mom and dad got here about 5:30pm. We are going to drive them up north for Auntie Ann's funeral. It's been a difficult week for them, so it will be good for them to have a day to rest and regroup before we go. We ate pot au feu. Good, healthy, and comforting.

I'm tired and yet I'm not. I think I've got everything ready for tomorrow.

Hmmm. Maybe Some Disneyland?

No school for Christine today.

I think we're feeling like....The Happiest Place On Earth!

We met up with Mike and Adrianne who were celebrating their anniversary!

Along with Josh and Meredith, who made use of the time waiting in line to work on flash cards for the bar in the next two weeks.

We're all glad it's almost over. Especially her, after Josh of course.

Getting ready to soar over California.

Yes, it is the happiest place on earth where magic happens!

Some Backyard Flooding

Just to document the rains of winter 2010 and their effect on our backyard.

Our trusty pump.

It saved us.

The flooding starts like this...

...and goes into this...

...and then to this...

(Kristin, help. My picture won't load up right.)

...and is on it's way up the geranium pot...

...Christine's feet as a reference point. And in some places it is much deeper...

Thank You, Mr. Pump.