Titanic Symphony

Tonight the Spokane Symphony performed under the direction of Eckart Preu. The theme was The Titanic and they chose songs from the time period. During one of the songs they had photos showing the Titanic 'before' and 'after' (under water wreckage footage). A fun twist to this concert was when Eckart sat down and played the piano for a couple of numbers (Maple Leaf Rag and Glow Worm). So not only an accomplished conductor but a accomplished pianist as well. He shared some Spokane ties to the Titanic, which was interesting to hear these stories. They, of course, performed "Nearer, My God, to Thee" but it was slightly less traditional arrangement and I did not like it as well as the traditional one you would hear in church. And they performed the music from the movie "Titanic" as well. Good concert!

Date Night & RS Game Night

They had a Relief Society activity tonight. John and I went out to dinner first (at Connelly's Place) and then headed over to the church. They had about 5 tables set up and the game "Spot It" on each table. We played the game once and then the winner would move to the next table and we would play another set of the game. It was pretty easy to learn and we had a good time. Basically it is a fast paced "match" game. Every card supposedly can match every card, it just is hard to pick the match out when it goes by so quickly! It was fun enough that we went and bought ourselves the game to play again.

Admin Week

Being the Administrative Assistant to 2 District Managers and 30 store managers can make for a very nice Admin week. I received some fun emails, chocolate, gift cards, flowers and an awesome group gift from the Columbia District managers to include a Nook and some Creative Memories scrap booking tools. Wow. One of the store managers replied to my thank you email with these words: "Well, we love you". It was a nice week. My district managers were not able to take me out to lunch this week, but will take me to Clinkerdagger's in May. Hey, I'm not complaining! Keep the party going : )

Time out for Women Spokane Day 2

The Saturday session of Time Out for Women did not disappoint.

Chris Williams was the first speaker. He shared the experience where his family vehicle was hit by a drunk driver killing his pregnant wife and two of their four children. His message was "Let it go". Jesus Christ heals if we exercise faith. What burden can you lay at the Lord's feet today for him to work miracles in your life. Wow...

Hilary Weeks was our vocal talent today. It was good to hear her songs again as she also was at the October event in Denver. She quoted Elder Scott - We become what we want to be by being what we want to become.

Kris Belcher was the next speaker. Completely blind from her second battle with cancer, she shared a message of how to have the Lord with you. Get in the water. The story that went with this point was how her teenage son said he was in the shower, but as we all know - it sounds different when the water runs without anyone standing under the shower head. So she said Get in the Water and don't just go through the motions. Her next point was to Listen. And finally Don't Give Up.

Michael Wilcox was the last speaker before our lunch break. He spoke of collecting vessels throughout our life: growth, love, family, refinement, gratitude, life experiences. End of life: Let's see what you've collected.

Lunch Break: We went to the Olive Garden and met up with my sister-in-law Marcie & niece Lindsey. Angela's friends had saved us a table so we did not have to wait. It was nice to relax and enjoy everyone's company and thoughts from the morning session. And a pleasant surprise - Dawna paid for Mindy, Angela and my lunch. How sweet!

Merrilee Boyack was our speaker when we returned from lunch. She was my favorite speaker (which was hard to pick)!! Her topic was CPR - Caring Plus Response. Little moments change the world. We need to Open Our Eyes to See; Open Our Hearts to Feel; and Take Action = Your Way! She sang a little song to the tune of Popcorn Popping - "I looked out the window and what did I see? Someone who needed help from me. Life has brought me such a nice surprise. A chance to help right before my eyes. I can take a casserole or jello treat." (And then my short hand failed...) At the end of her talk she asked "Why do we do all this? Because of the Savior." And then she had everyone in the audience sing "Love One Another".

Emily Watts was the final speaker. She spoke about needing a book of hints for the game of life. We learn a lot more from questions than if we have the answers given to us. #1 Sometimes good needs a catalyst - What can I do to be a catalyst for good? #2 Good does not always reside within your comfort zone - How can I reach outside my comfort zone? Parable of the swimming suit : ) #3 Good often appears in disguise - What good might be hidden in this trial? #4 Good takes patience - How can I increase my trust in the Lord? #5 Good is primarily "other" centered - How can I bless someone else's life today? Final - Who might be learning how to play this game of life from me?

What a GREAT event and fabulous weekend!

Mindy & Donna

Time out for Women Spokane

I was able to attend the Spokane Time Out For Women with Angela Heerdink, Dawna Forschler and her sister-in-law Mindy Hales. Unfortunately, Dawna had some issues with her recent eye surgery and was not able to join us on Friday. Thankfully she was able to join us on Saturday though.

The evening started with John Bytheway substituting for Sheri Dew. I thought he did a great job and really enjoyed his Parable of the Marinade. Basically, we are all marinating in something. Good idea if we know "what" that is. Regardless of your original intention, you become what you are surrounded by. You cannot play with a skunk and not stink... You are the average of the 5 people you hand around with. Choose to marinate in the spirit and soak it up!

The evening singing talent was Dallyn Bayles, who I had heard in October in Denver as well. He performed some great numbers including "Dream the Impossible Dream", "I Know that My Redeemer Lives" and "Savior Redeemer of My Soul" from 17 Miracles.

The last speaker of the evening was Brad Wilcox who spoke on "People Shall Know My Name" basically listing all the various names we know the Savior. Jesus - Christ - Savior - Messiah - Anointed One - Jesus of Nazareth - Carpenter's son - Only Begotten - Jehovah. We need to know him on a first name basis.

Making Cookies!

Mirror Mirror

John had a work project that required an all-day Saturday install. He told us to go have fun without him so we went to see the movie "Mirror, Mirror". What a fun twist on the classic fairy tale. And FABULOUS costumes!

Easter Sunday

Had a wonderful Easter service today. The choir performed three numbers: "Hosanna", "How Great the Wisdom and the Love" and "Gethsemane".

Then we went home for a yummy meal: Honey baked ham, Frog Eye Salad, Church Potatoes, Deviled eggs, and a bad attempt at roasted garlic green beans. Fair warning, they cook fast if you use thin style green beans - it was more like green bean jerky!

OVEN GARLIC GREEN BEANS
4 cups frozen whole green beans
2 tsp garlic, minced
olive oil
kosher salt
pepper

Place green beans in a 9x13 baking dish along with minced garlic. Drizzle olive oil generously over beans, toss. Bake in preheated 425 degree oven for 35 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven and sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper.

CHURCH POTATOES
2 can (10 3/4 oz) Cream of Chicken soup
2 cups sour cream
1/2 c. melted butte
1/2 c. grated onion
1 package (32oz) frozen Southern-style hash brown potatoes (THAWED)
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
2 cups crushed cornflakes
Additional melted butter - about 4 tablespoons

In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream, 1/2 cup butter and the onion. Stir in potatoes and cheese. Transfer to a greased 12x9 inch baking dish. Toss cornflakes with about 4 tablespoons melted butter; sprinkle over potatoes. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.

FROG EYE SALAD
3 (20oz) cans crushed Pineapple
3 (11oz) cans Mandarin Oranges
1 c. sugar
2 TB. Flour
½ tsp. Salt
1 ¾ c. Pineapple Juice
2 eggs, well beaten
1 TB. Lemon Juice
1 box Acinin di Pepi pasta
8oz Cool Whip (thawed)
1 cup coconut
1 cup miniature marshmallows

Drain pineapple; reserve 1 ¾ cups. Drain mandarin oranges. Refrigerate well-drained fruit in a small bowl.

In a saucepan combine sugar, flour, salt, pineapple juice and eggs. Cook until thick, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and add lemon juice. Set sauce aside to cool.

Meanwhile, boil 3 quarts water (with salt & oil if desired). Add “78.Acini di Pepi” pasta - Found in a blue square box in the dry pasta section. Cook pasta for 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.

Mix sauce & pasta together in a very large bowl; Refrigerate overnight.

Next day add the canned fruit (drain again if needed), the Cool-Whip, coconut and marshmallows. Stir well and enjoy

Easter Candy

Grandma took us (Gramlow's & Carter's) on our annual Easter Candy event today. We met up at the Nut Factory to pick out our own Easter treats. John was not able to come with us at the last minute (helping someone in the ward) so we made sure to bring home a treat for him too. Licorice or nuts are always a hit so we had lots to choose from since we were at the nut factory. After "dessert" we went to a sandwich shop that recently opened on Argonne called Caruso's. They had sandwiches, salads, pizza and pasta to choose from. When we walked into the restaurant we saw 2 other couples that we knew from church. Small world! Thanks for a fun event Grandma!

PS - this also includes a pre-view of our Easter baskets.

Asian Chicken Wraps

ASIAN CHICKEN WRAPS

Sauce:
2 TB plain Greek yogurt
2 TB mayonnaise
1 & 1/2 TB brown sugar
1 TB soy sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp Thai-style chili sauce

Filling:
2 c. Napa Cabbage - chopped
Tortillas or pita bread
1 chicken breast, cooked & diced
1 can mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 red bell pepper,diced
3 TB toasted sliced almonds

Mix together all the sauce ingredients. Can be stored in fridge for 4-6 days. To assemble the wrap, drizzle the tortilla with the sauce and then layer chicken, cabbage, oranges, red peppers and nuts. Drizzle more sauce on top - - lots! Sauce is the best!!! Roll up tortilla - slice in half for easier handling.