Calendaring

Because we don't get to have FHE all together as one big family, it is hard to know what this week's/month's/year's calendar events will be. ("Any business?") I know BigTent has a calendar, and I created a Google calendar for the family (and emailed you the link), but I don't know that everyone is going to check those. It would be fun to put a Google calendar on this blog, but I don't know how to do that.

In the meantime, I want to tell you what my calendar items are for August.

I am planning on graduating in August, and the dates for the ceremonies are August 11 and August 12.

I'd love it if everyone was there! If possible, I'm thinking of having a graduation party on Friday, August 12. Let me know if that date conflicts with something on your calendar. I also want to know if there are other calendaring items that I should know about before we make travel plans. (We're planning on staying until the 19th for Rachel's wedding, but is there anything after that?)

Do you have any "biz-nack"?

:) Stephanie

Recipe Corner: Jan's invention #135

I invented a pie.

Turkey Spinach Pie

1 onion, diced

1 pk frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed

4 medium carrots, sliced

2 cups cooked turkey or chicken

1 apple, peeled, cored and chopped

2 Tbsp soft butter

1 Tbsp pesto

1/2 tsp tarragon

1 pinch allspice

1/2 tsp pepper

2 Tbsp corn starch

double pie crusts

Toss onion, spinach, carrots, turkey, and apple in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix soft butter with the pesto and spices. Add the buttery spices to the vegetables and mix very well. Sprinkle on the corn starch and mix again.

Preheat your oven to 400º. Get your bottom pie crust ready and carefully dump in the filling. There should be quite a mound. Put on the top crust and seal the edges so nothing escapes. Cut pretty shapes into the top crust.

Place the pie on a baking sheet and put it in the oven for 30 minutes. It should be getting pretty toasty, so put a sheet of foil loosely on top and bake for 10 minutes more at 350º.

Both of my boys really liked it—even Frederick who is picky how he eats vegetables. The carrots were still pleasantly firm and Evan, though skeptical at first, said the apple was a nice touch.

Marcie F.

Archive photos from 2004. Marcie and Ella

I know this is late, but February 27th has been an important day for me my whole life, because it's one of the first birthdays I ever learned. But this year, it came and went unnoticed by me, and I'm terribly embarrassed. So I wanted to write a little birthday tribute to Marcie.

Marcie fits in a small category of women who are timeless and ageless. Her realm exists apart from trends and social pressures. She is modern, educated, a non-conformist, (the person who taught me that word), a forward-thinker. And yet anchored in tradition, wisdom, and eternal truth. She'd be at home in a university faculty meeting, a playgroup planning meeting, a global peace summit meeting, a recipe-swap meeting, or a General Relief Society Board meeting. I think it is because of her deep roots that she can see far ahead and reach out.

Marcie has faith to keep moving forward when she's uncertain of the path. Marcie has motherly tenderness when she calls her children "Friends". Marcie is 150% more thoughtful than I am. She remembers birthdays, sends cards, makes gifts, offers service, when I give it a thought and a shrug. Marcie has always given me stability and hope with her example.

Without her I probably wouldn't have lasted long. I would've gotten beat up on the school bus for being a loud mouth, or run over crossing the busy street with our bikes going to piano lessons. I probably would've gotten in big trouble at girls camp, and failed seminary.

I'm so happy to have Marcie for a sister. For so many reasons.

I love you, Marcie!

What To Wear

Alright my lovely sisters. Some of you may be asking yourselves "What should I wear to Rachel's wedding?" Others of you may be wondering "When is Rachel's wedding?" and Still there may be many of you thinking "Rachel is having a wedding??!?" In that case, I think you missed family prayer.

After much prayer and consideration and looking at Martha Stewart's website I've chosen white and yellow for wedding colors. Cute, I know. I really like how bright and fresh white looks so I want all of the girls in white dresses (not skirt/shirt combo if you can) and you can accessorize with yellow jewelry or sweaters or shoes. (just forget that I said sweaters...it'll be in August.) I'm having headbands made for each of my sisters so I've got your hair all taken care of. Menfolk will wear yellow ties and khaki pants. Is that doable? Just imagine how awesome we'll all look for family pictures! I can hardly wait.

F.A.Q.s
When is this shindig? Probably August 19th.
Where? Probably the Draper Temple.
When am I getting engaged? Probably never. Just kidding, it just feels that way.
When will you all get to meet Michael? Mark's wedding.

I Love you all!

The New Temple

K people. Christmas is overwith. Let's hear what's new.

I'll pass on some exciting news.

Today we had an ultrasound and we found out we're having another BOY!

It was all too obvious. We're happy, although we had hoped to even out our numbers here. I just don't even feel like it's a 50/50 chance anymore. The odds seem lopsided. What's up with all these boys? Ah well. At least he has a normal sized brain and heart.

We had such lovely girl names picked out too. We have 10 more weeks to come up with a decent boy's name. We'll try to make this middle name even more of a challenge!