The Great Hot Chocolate Experiment

Some background is required for this post.

First, my best friend [Shayla] and I met our freshman year of college. We ended up being roommates before we had ever met. To make a long story short, we bonded over The Phantom of the Opera and have stayed close ever since.

Something that we did on a fairly regular basis was have what we called "hot chocolate parties". We would make hot chocolate (usually in our matching snow buddy mugs) and talk about our day. We reflected on this recently and decided to recreate this event, but invite girls we went to school with to join the fun!

We are also foodies...and decided to make the hot chocolate from scratch.

Vanilla Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:
1 1/4 C Semi Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1/2 C Vanilla Chips
1/8 C Cinnamon Chips (we had a few more, add more to taste)
1 Tbsp Sweetened Condensed Milk
Vanilla Extract to taste
1/2 C Half and Half
5 C Milk

We combined all the chips and morsels, the condensed milk, and the half and half in a saucepan over medium low heat stirring constantly until melted.

We then added the 5 C milk. You can add more milk if you want to, I liked it this way, but Shayla felt like it might be able to use a bit more. Totally up to you.

We continued to cook it until heated through and then served with marshmallows (optional).

We love making things together! I'm always grateful for the relationship we have and for the fun we have creating beautiful and delicious things together!

My 2 Cents

I REALLY hate it that so soon after the tragedy hit Newtown, Connecticut that it turned into a gun control battle. I don't know who started it and frankly I don't care. There should have been more time to let the families of the victims and the country as a whole grieve for the loss of these Americans.

But if it's going to happen, if we're really going to let our opinions known, I'll throw mine in. After all, it is my constitutional right to share my opinion.

Taking guns away from law abiding citizens will not solve the killings. The people you should worry about are the people who don't care whether what they are doing is legal or not. Criminals do not care if guns are banned. They will find some other way to do their evil deed because criminals do whatever they want. That has been the case since criminals and evildoers began walking the earth and that is how it always will be.

If there are going to be criminals walking the streets, I want the right to keep and bear my own arms. As a citizen of the United States of America I have been given that right and I refuse to have that taken away from me.

If a criminal came into my home armed and I had no way to defend myself, wouldn't that be worse than defending myself with an arm of my choice? It is only logical.

Are there many gun crimes in the world today? YES. Are those the fault of guns? NO. Bad people kill other people, not inanimate objects. Please use your common sense.

There you go.

In loving memory of those whose lives were taken 12.14.12

This beautiful poem was written in memorium of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting on December 14, 2012. I found it beautiful and inspiring and hope it does the same for you. I heard it on the Rod Arquette show last night and cried.



Written by Camero Smith of Mt. Wolf PA

twas’ 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven’s gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn’t know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
“where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
“this is heaven.” declared a small boy. “we’re spending Christmas at God’s house.”
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of mom and dad.”
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
“Let My power and presence re-enter this land!”
“may this country be delivered from the hands of fools”
“I’m taking back my nation. I’m taking back my schools!”
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
“come now my children, let me show you around.”
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
“in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT

Read more: http://www.knrs.com/pages/rod.html#ixzz2FQLlc05j

What Have They Done To You?

Once upon a time, a friend of mine posted a facebook status that intrigued me but I never commented on. I didn't because I didn't want to cause a war and I didn't have the most amazing thing to write, anyway. Well, I think I have an answer - but first, the post.

(It was something to this effect...) I just want to know what exactly has President Barack Obama done to you, personally, to make you hate him so much? He made it so I could have a house and a few other things. Frankly, I think he's done fine by me!

I really wish I could find the original post. But you get the picture.

I have a few answers and then some questions.

1. President Barack Obama has openly lied to the American people, one of whom happens to be ME.
a. Benghazi?? Lie after lie after lie.
i. He told America that all he knew was that there was trouble and they weren't sure of what nature. We have since found that he and several others in the white house had intel saying that there was an attack, that navy seals had been begging to save their fellow Americans and been ordered not to do so, that it was a pre-planned terrorist attack, and other such things. And what did he tell Americans? AND the UN?? It was because of a video made to mock Islam. FALSE.
b. Did you watch any of the debates?
i. He told American voters that the reason that gas prices were $1.87 when he entered office was that the economy was on the brink of collapse. How does that even make sense??
ii. He lied about oil and energy. He has shut down refineries and plants and put many out of work and made us dependent on foreign oil and energy sources.
c. You didn't build that.
d. Where are those shovel - ready jobs?
e. Make it easier to go to college? My eye! I fought hard, worked 2 - 3 jobs while working on a double major and still have student debt that I am desperately trying to get rid of, but since there aren't many jobs around it's even worse!
f. Why WON'T he release his college transcripts?
i. Either he is lying about his citizenship...or...
ii. He is lying about how he received college aide.

2. He said when he was running for office last election that if he didn't fix the economy and all of that jazz in three years, that this would be a one term proposition. I'm just holding him to his own standard he set for himself 4 years ago.

3. He thinks that hiring more math and science teachers will help the economy.
a. Where will the money come from to pay these people? We are already trillions in debt.
b. Teachers don't grow the economy. Don't get me wrong, I AM a teacher. And I am passionate about education. But making more teachers will not boost the economy. Yes, it will train our children (future leaders, if you will) in math and science, but then what?? It just puts more people in the work force without money to pay them.

4. He said four years ago when he was running for office that attacking your opponent on small issues shows a weak campaign. he said that is what happens when you have no record to run on. Hmmm......
a. Big Bird.
b. Romney is going to push grandma off a cliff.
c. Voting for Obama should be compared to losing your virginity.
d. Imaginary 5 trillion dollar tax cut.
e. Republicans are going to magically take away all birth control.

5. "I will have more flexibility after the next election...transfer that to Vladimir..." Uh...Vladimir Putin? NO THANK YOU!!

This is just a sampling of what he has personally done to me. Mostly, I do NOT appreciate being flat out lied to. And neither should you. I don't think we're heading in a good direction.

Now, my questions for you ...

1. What has Governor Romney done to you PERSONALLY to make you hate him so much?

2. What do you really think Republicans believe in? Ask me, I'll let you know!

3. What do you really think Mormons believe in? Ask me, I'll let you know!

Election day is coming so quickly! PLEASE...think responsibly before you vote.


If you post anything rude, hateful, or combative, I will delete it. If you have a different opinion and state it in a non-combative and well thought out manner, I will not delete it.

Thanks.

The Foolishness of Boycotts and Hypocrites

As is traditional for my political posts, I am going to begin with a disclaimer. These are my personal beliefs - my exercising of my right to free speech, if you will. Please, if you have nasty comments, refrain. I don't leave angry, hateful, spiteful things on your pages, don't do it to me. Thank you.

About a month and a half ago, there was a lot of controversy going on around the idea of certain companies (namely Nabisco and JC Penney) supporting gay pride and gay rights. One of the reasons that I am aware of this situation is because I am employed by one of the aforementioned companies, JC Penney.

Many of you know that Ellen Degeneres is the spokeswoman for the JC Penney company. She is in several of their commercials, as shown here.



When I learned of this (in February of this year) I didn't really think anything of it. JC Penney was undergoing several changes in its infrastructure and I figured having a popular celebrity/public figure would probably be great for the company.

In June, during gay pride month and other such festivities, a JC Penney ad featured what appeared to be at least 2 same sex partner families. The ad did not come out and say that was what was happening, but a lot of that could be assumed. For a few weeks we (just our store, not the company as a whole) got angry, hateful phone calls asking how on earth we could support that and that they would never shop in our store again because of this. Our reaction was, "Okay, do what you want. We didn't personally print the ads".

I am going to throw in a little side note - I am not what you would call an LGBTQ hater. I have several dear, dear friends and relatives who live the LGBTQ lifestyle and I still love them for the people they are. My personal belief is that you should love people. I may not love what they do, but I still love them. I do not support same sex marriage or that lifestyle, but I don't hate those who do.

Back to JC Penney and Nabisco - I saw an ad on facebook that was included in the following article. I really agree with what this person had to say.



A friend of mine (who happens to be gay and a liberal) posted a meme with a lot of this same information in it when all of this was going down. I agreed with what he had to say as well. It is really silly to boycott one business to stand up for that cause but continue to support the others - It's also kind of silly to deny yourself of something you love because someone in that company made a statement.

Which brings me to Chick-fil-A...

I will admit, I do NOT know the entire story. I did not read or hear the interview. But I DO know that it has gotten ridiculously out of hand.

Here is something a friend of mine posted about her personal experience with this company.

You know what? Chick-fil-A is a great company. I worked there for two years and have absolutely nothing negative to say. They treat their employees well, they treat their customers well, they are active supporters of charity causes in their communities, they have a scholarship program for their employees, they operate debt-free. We should all eat at Chick-fil-A today, if for no other reason than that we believe in free speech. I question the legality of government leaders (such as the mayor of Boston and several other cities) banning Chick-fil-A because they don't agree with Dan Cathy. I will always support a company that gives back more than it takes.

Something to think about.

Also - I heard or read today (I couldn't find the link...) that this whole thing sprang from an unprofessional interview. Whoever was interviewing Dan Cathy (owner of Chick-fil-A) asked the company's stance on same sex marriage, to which he replied a PC statement about no discrimination, etc. But then the interviewer did something which I feel was out of line and asked him his personal beliefs. And from what he said his personal beliefs were is what brought this whole thing about.

Here is a link stating some very interesting things about this interview...



Regardless of all of this, I feel it is time for this...

People on both sides, liberal as well as conservative, have crossed some lines here. I think that is evident in some of the examples I have cited.

I think that we as Americans need to think about what we say, remember it, and refrain from hypocrisy.

I say that because if the liberals felt it was stupid for conservatives to stand up to JC Penney and Nabisco for their beliefs, then they should not stand up to Chick - fil - A for the exact same reason.

I have always remembered the day that I learned the golden rule in elementary school - DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU.
If we truly lived by this rule, so much anger and hate could really be done away with. We all need to calm down, allow individuals to have their own opinions, and just leave it alone. All of these boycotts and protests are not helping anything. Those companies (if they have any moral fiber at all) will stick to their guns and maintain the values they hold dear and people throwing tantrums and hate mail around should not change that.

There - my two cents. Do with it what you will.

Just quit being a freaking hypocrite, and we'll all be fine.

An improvement on perfection?!?!?

I posted a recipe a few months ago for brownies, and Shayla and I made more improvements and they were INCREDIBLE!

2 sticks butter, melted
2 C sugar
4 eggs
1 + tsp vanilla
1.5 C Flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 C baking cocoa + 1/4 dark chocolate hot cocoa
Evaporated Milk
Vanilla Carmels
Chocolate chunks (or chips)

On a VERY low heat, combine the evaporated milk and vanilla carmels in a small saucepan. Stir continually until melted.

Preheat oven to 350. combine melted butter and sugar - blend with hand mixer until the sugar melts and the mixture is smooth. Add the eggs and extract. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.

Pour into a pan. Pour carmel mixture over the batter and proceed to marble through the batter using a butter knife until it is well mixed in. Sprinkle the chocolate chunks over the top of the whole thing.

Bake for 35 minutes in an ungreased 9x13 glass dish. (I baked for 10 more minutes than suggested...)

Seriously, best brownies. Ever.

I bought myself a treat a couple of months ago - a book called "Chocolate Never Faileth". And then proceeded to go on a diet for a month. Dumb, I know. But now that the diet is over, I can make things out of it. And these brownies are amazing. They are called "The perfect chocolate brownies". MMMMMMMM....

2 sticks butter, melted
2 C sugar
4 eggs
1 + tsp vanilla or mint extract (depending on the cocoa you use)
1.5 C Flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3/4 hot cocoa mix is what I did. you could also do 1/2 C baking cocoa + 1/4 hot cocoa. It's up to you :)

Preheat oven to 350. combine melted butter and sugar - blend with hand mixer until the sugar melts and the mixture is smooth. Add the eggs and extract. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Bake for 35 minutes in an ungreased 9x13 glass dish. (I baked for 10 more minutes than suggested...)

Sprinkle chocolate chips over before baking. After baking cover in carmel sauce.

There you have it. Heaven in a pyrex pan. Amen.

...crystal ball...

I wrote this a while ago. It's probably not awesome but it is what I can do. Amen.


If I had a crystal ball
Things would come so easily
Life's hard decisions
Wouldn't trouble me so

If I had a crystal ball
If even for a moment
I could see an abbreviated outcome
Of the life I'm meant to live

...

If I could see just a few years ahead
I would know
Who to love, how to deal, and where to go.

I could know if you loved me
Where we could go
And if we were meant to be.

...

But if I had a crystal ball
Life would come too easily
Life's hard decisions
Wouldn't really be decisions

If I had a crystal ball
Life wouldn't be what it was meant to be
So others have their choice to make
And I have mine

So though it hurts to live
In the dark
I'll take the freedom of choice
Over a fragile, fallible, crystal ball.

New Name, New Logo, Same Purpose

Okay, everyone. We are all learning about fund raising as a non profit organization as we go. Thank you so much for your patience!

We found out recently that the name Community of Caring is being used by another organization, so we have had to change ours. We feel that "Helping Hands" is still an appropriate name for such a cause.

Here is an updated schedule for you all:

MONDAY MAY 14

- Bake Sale and Wrist Band Sale during the school day

- FUN RUN Event
- 6:00 at Bluffdale City Park (14400 South 2395 West, Bluffdale)
- Cost is $5 per person or $20 per family

- NYPD Pizza profit share/give back night
- A portion of ALL proceeds for the night will be donated to the Helping Hands Fund (in the American Preparatory
Education Foundation).

TUESDAY MAY 15

- Bake Sale and Wrist Band Sale during the school day

- Chili's Give Back Night (South Towne Location AND Riverton Location)
- A portion of proceeds (with a flyer attached to the receipt) will be donated to the Helping Hands Fund (in the American Preparatory Education Foundation)
- An electronic copy of the flyer will be available soon. Please disburse them to anyone you wish.

WEDNESDAY MAY 16

- Bake Sale and Wrist Band Sale during the school day

- Rumbi Island Grill Profit Share/Give Back Night (Draper Location only)
- A portion of proceeds (with a flyer attached to the receipt)will be donated to the Helping Hands Fund (in the American Preparatory Education Foundation).
- An electronic copy of the flyer will be available soon. Please disburse them to anyone you wish.

THURSDAY MAY 17

- Bake Sale and Wrist Band Sale during the school day

- Sweet Tomatoes FunRaiser Event (South Towne Location)
- A portion of proceeds (with a flyer attached to the receipt) will be donated to the Helping Hands Fund (in the American Preparatory Education Foundation).
- An electronic copy of the flyer will be available soon. Please disburse them to anyone you wish.

FRIDAY MAY 18

- Bake Sale and Wrist Band Sale during the school day

SATURDAY MAY 19

- Silent Auction Begins at 6:00 pm at Bingham High School (2160 West 10400 South, South Jordan).
- There are several really great items up for auction so far!

- Benefit Concert begins at 7:00 featuring:
- American Preparatory Academy Band, Choir, and Orchestra students
- Bingham High School Jazz Band
- Quintessence Woodwind Quintet
- Calee Reed

- Wrist Band Sales and Bake Sales will be ongoing through the night (before/after concert and intermission)



I think that is everything.


We are still in need of donors and sponsors, as well as volunteers to help with the silent auction! Please share this information with anyone you know!

Thank you!

Things are getting more finalized!

Okay, everyone. We are all learning about fund raising as a non profit organization as we go. Thank you so much for your patience!

So many people and businesses have been so very generous to our cause. I told one of the secretaries today about the item that a music store donated and she burst into tears - she was so completely overcome with gratitude and love for those willing to help these families and others like them. It was a very sweet experience.

Here is an updated schedule for you all:

MONDAY MAY 14

- Bake Sale and Wrist Band Sale during the school day

- FUN RUN Event
- 6:00 at Bluffdale City Park (14400 South 2395 West, Bluffdale)
- Cost is $5 per person or $20 per family

- NYPD Pizza profit share/give back night
- A portion of ALL proceeds for the night will be donated to the Helping Hands Fund (in the American Preparatory
Education Foundation).

TUESDAY MAY 15

- Bake Sale and Wrist Band Sale during the school day

- Chili's Give Back Night (South Towne Location AND Riverton Location)
- A portion of proceeds (with a flyer attached to the receipt) will be donated to the Helping Hands Fund (in the American Preparatory Education Foundation)
- An electronic copy of the flyer will be available soon. Please disburse them to anyone you wish.

WEDNESDAY MAY 16

- Bake Sale and Wrist Band Sale during the school day

- Rumbi Island Grill Profit Share/Give Back Night (Draper Location only)
- A portion of proceeds (with a flyer attached to the receipt)will be donated to the Helping Hands Fund (in the American Preparatory Education Foundation).
- An electronic copy of the flyer will be available soon. Please disburse them to anyone you wish.

THURSDAY MAY 17

- Bake Sale and Wrist Band Sale during the school day

- Sweet Tomatoes FunRaiser Event (South Towne Location)
- A portion of proceeds (with a flyer attached to the receipt) will be donated to the Helping Hands Fund (in the American Preparatory Education Foundation).
- An electronic copy of the flyer will be available soon. Please disburse them to anyone you wish.

FRIDAY MAY 18

- Bake Sale and Wrist Band Sale during the school day

SATURDAY MAY 19

- Silent Auction Begins at 6:00 pm at Bingham High School (2160 West 10400 South, South Jordan).
- There are several really great items up for auction so far!

- Benefit Concert begins at 7:00 featuring:
- American Preparatory Academy Band, Choir, and Orchestra students
- Bingham High School Band
- Quintessence
- Calee Reed

- Wrist Band Sales and Bake Sales will be ongoing through the night (before/after concert and intermission)



I think that is everything. Flyers will be available very shortly, as soon as I have received all of them.


We are still in need of donors and sponsors! Please share this information with anyone you know!

Thank you!

Things are coming together!

Hey folks!

Here's a little more of an updated schedule for the week of caring. There are some things that I will be adding, but please start putting these on your calendars!


MONDAY 5/14

Bake Sale at APA Draper during lunch and after school.
Fun Run at 6:00 (Location TBA) Cost - $5 individual, $20 family
NYPD Pizza in Draper will be doing a profit share with us that night - after your run, go grab some pizza and part of the proceeds will go to the Stones and the Hartungs!

TUESDAY 5/15

Bake Sale at APA Draper during lunch and after school.
Chili's (South Towne and Riverton locations) Give Back Night. More details to come!

WEDNESDAY 5/16

Bake Sale at APA Draper during lunch and after school.
Rumbi Island Grill Profit Share, Draper location. You MUST have a flier for the proceeds to go to the Hartungs and Stones.

THURSDAY 5/17

Bake Sale at APA Draper during lunch and after school.
Sweet Tomatoes FunRaiser (South Towne location). 5 - 8 pm. You MUST purchase a drink with your meal for the thing to work. Fliers will be available soon.

FRIDAY 5/18

Bake Sale at APA Draper during lunch and after school.

SATURDAY 5/19

Bake Sale at Bingham High School before and after benefit concert.
Silent Auction and Wrist Band Sales at Bingham High School before and after benefit concert.
Benefit Concert - Starring APA Music Department, Bingham High School Wind Ensemble, and Calee Reed! 7:00 pm Bingham High School Auditorium.

WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP!

We are still looking for businesses who would be willing to sponsor these events or donate things for our silent auction! Please let me know if you know of anyone who would be willing to help!

Coming Together for Caring Updates

We have had such great responses from APA families and friends. It's been inspiring to see so many people come together to help care for these people who have had such great influences on so many lives.

We will be having a committee planning meeting on Friday April 27 in our band room. So much more will be done and we will have a better idea of everything we need. Here are some things that HAVE been decided...

- The benefit concert will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bingham High School Auditorium.
- The performers there will include Calee Reed, The APA Music Department, and the Bingham High School Band. More may
be joining us, but we aren't positive of all of those details just yet.

- We will not be holding a raffle, per se. We will be selling wristbands, and those wristbands will give you the
opportunity to be entered into a drawing.

- The discussion had happened once upon a time that there might be a fun run, but this may or may not still be
happening.

- We will be looking for restaurants to partner with us. What we mean by that is at certain times, restaurants will
donate a certain percentage of their proceeds to our cause. More details on that one to come.

We will definitely need more help with publicity and other things. Again, if you are at all interested in helping, please let me know!

Try a little somethin' new!

I'm trying a recipe I found on allrecipes.com. I added a little extra spice, as per usual.

4 (4 ounce) fillets tilapia
1/2 cup sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
kosher salt to taste
fresh ground black pepper to taste

It smells great so far! I'll let you know how it goes!

(Few Hours Later...)

So, it wasn't as good as I thought it would be. Turns out I'm not in love with tilapia. Oh well.

I AM trying something else that is SURE to be delicious..."Perfect Chocolate Brownies".

This recipe I stole from my new magical possession, "Chocolate Never Faileth". Basically it's brownies made with hot cocoa mix. Genius, right?!?!?

Anyway, Thanks!

A Time for Caring

My dear friends,

I have a lot to say and a lot to ask in this post, and I pray that the point I am trying to make will come across.

This year at American Preparatory Academy we have had our fair share of challenges. We had a flood at the beginning of the year, which was crazy enough. But then some very sad and trying times came to the lives of our faculty and friends.

In February, as you have seen from previous posts, our friend and colleague Melissa Stone was in a serious car accident and lost her little girl.

This past Friday, April 20, one of our 5th grade teachers (Emily Hartung) lost her husband to a tragic automobile accident while he was out of town on business.

Our hearts are absolutely aching for our friends and coworkers. I personally cannot even imagine what either family is going through or has gone through in the past months.

We, as students and faculty of APA, are going to be running a week of caring for these families - We will be hosting fundraising events through the whole week and will finish it off with a benefit concert starring our music students, the music students at Bingham High School, and an up and coming inspirational vocalist, Calee Reed. We are so blessed to have gotten in touch with Calee and are very excited to have her help us.

Here are some of the favors, now, that I will be asking of you.

We are in need of sponsors and donors.

At the benefit concert, we will be holding a raffle, and those attending and participating in the events will be
able to purchase raffle tickets. What we need are people or businesses willing to donate services and or products to raffle off at the event. Things we thought of were iPods and iPads, gift cards, etc.

If you are in a position to donate these types of things or know someone else who is, please put them in touch with me or get in touch with me yourself through whatever means you have to get a hold of me.

As this continues to snowball, please watch for any other posts regarding this myriad of events.

Thank you for your compassion, prayers, and whatever else you are offering for these families. They need our love and support more than anything in this world. Thank you for allowing us to help make a difference in the lives of these people and their families.

Emily

Been thinking of these lyrics lately...

I heard this song on the radio for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and I loved it. The words continue to sing in my head, so I thought I would share them with you. Normally I don't seek out Jason Mraz's music, but here you go.

"I Won't Give Up"

Hmmmm ... Hmmmm ... Hmmmm ... Hmmm ...

When I look into your eyes
It's like watching the night sky
Or a beautiful sunrise
There's so much they hold
And just like them old stars
I see that you've come so far
To be right where you are
How old is your soul?

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up

And when you're needing your space
To do some navigating
I'll be here patiently waiting
To see what you find

'Cause even the stars they burn
Some even fall to the earth
We've got a lot to learn
God knows we're worth it
No, I won't give up

I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easily
I'm here to stay and make the difference that I can make
Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use
The tools and gifts we got yeah, we got a lot at stake
And in the end, you're still my friend at least we did intend
For us to work we didn't break, we didn't burn
We had to learn how to bend without the world caving in
I had to learn what I've got, and what I'm not
And who I am

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up
Still looking up.

I won't give up on us (no I'm not giving up)
God knows I'm tough enough (I am tough, I am loved)
We've got a lot to learn (we're alive, we are loved)
God knows we're worth it (and we're worth it)

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing...

I'm here waiting for my work day to really start and have a lot of thoughts running through my head.

The past few months have been full of sitting and thinking, waiting for answers, and wishes for things to change or to make sense.

- Waiting to hear how my grandma's chemo treatments are going.
- Waiting to hear how my mom's test results are going.
- Wishing things could have turned out better in regards to JJ.
- Waiting to hear back from someone who could join us for a benefit concert for the Stones.
- Wishing for peace.
- Sitting up late at night, waiting and wishing for sleep to come.
- Sitting deciding how to help plan Ben and Jacquelle's wedding.
- Waiting for people to make up their minds.
- Waiting and wishing for answers.
- Sitting making plans for my future.
- Waiting for parts of my future to unfold so I can better plan.
- Wishing I could achieve my goal to become debt free more quickly.

I know that I may not get many of these answers when I want them or how I want them, and I'm just being incredibly impatient. Through priesthood blessings I've been told that the Lord is aware of the thoughts and pains of my heart, and that in His own time things will work.

In the mean time, I'm still hurting, sitting, waiting, wishing, for something to suddenly make sense. Thanks for your patience with me.

While I'm still hurting, I'll still be a little crazy. But, as I've said before, I try to only surround myself with awesome people, and they usually know how to help me feel better and learn the patience I need.

I know this is kind of a downer - post, and I apologize. I just needed to get a few things off of my chest. Thanks.

PolitiBlog Post #1 - Introduction and Sex Education in Schools

I'm going to straight up here. I am not the smartest woman on the planet. I know that and have accepted it.

But I do know one thing - I know enough that I can make an informed decision through study and discerning a situation.

As the presidential elections are quickly approaching I have been listening to the views of people I know, love, respect, and other things. Some I agree with, some I don't.

I am definitely okay with other people having opinions that differ from mine. If there were no other opinions life would be quite dull. I love a healthy conversation where I have the opportunity to state my opinion and hear someone else's. What a wonderful society we live in where this is possible.

Please, as you read this, if you feel the need to share your opinion please keep it clean and respectful. I do not post rude things on your posts I see on facebook or your personal blogs, so please refrain from doing that to me and anyone who comments on a possible thread.

On the Subject of Sex Education in Schools

I'm going to tell you a secret - I never attended the sex education portion of my high school health class.

*GASP*

And you know what? I turned out just fine. Why? Because I was taught about it at home.

I firmly believe that our children have no better place to learn than in their homes. Teachers are not hired to be parents. As a teacher, I have been thought of as a babysitter and a mom for other peoples' children. I was hired to teach band. That's all. Health teachers are supposed to teach students about a healthy lifestyle. That's all.

I think that our state legislators were doing their job - representing the people of Utah. Many Utah parents are teaching abstinence only in their homes. I can't imagine what an attack it would be for me to teach my child abstinence and then for that child to learn all about things I had no control over at home.

That may make me sound like a control freak, but I don't think so. It keeps my child from being confused if he/she learns things from one source and then can ask questions. All of the views of all of the people who could be teaching my child are different. I want mine to get one and then be able to ask me questions and do his or her own research (through studying books and articles with me and my spouse) and see for his or herself the dangers of unprotected sex.

If your school districts and legislators have decided to remove curriculum from certain subjects, don't throw a fit about it. Take the initiative, become informed and educated on the subject, and teach your children yourself.

The only 100% guarantee that someone will not become pregnant or get an STD is abstinence. If you would like to dispute that then go ahead. But if you really understand contraceptives, you will know that I speak the truth.

If you think your children will still experiment with sex in their younger years, you take the initiative and teach them about contraception. Teach them the benefits and the side effects. Help to make them as well rounded and understanding of an individual as you can. Because that is your calling in life. Teacher of your own children.

I feel there is no greater calling in life than being a parent. Please, if you plan to be a parent, take it seriously and teach your children the things you want them to know.

Last Night

What a long but rewarding day yesterday was!!

I spent several hours at school yesterday with some of my favorite people - my students. Truly, they are my reason to wake up in the morning. They are learning and growing so much it's amazing!

I think one of the most rewarding comments I have ever received came from one of my boys last night. This is a student that doesn't try in any class, and until recently didn't even try in mine. He told me that I was his favorite teacher. I am so grateful that I am teaching the subject that I am, that can really change lives. Because he likes band, he is now starting to turn his work in, in one class, because he knows if he doesn't do well in that particular class he can't come to band. YAY!

Another wonderful part of yesterday was our band concert. Our students have been working VERY hard since the beginning of February, and it really paid off. They played beautifully and put their little hearts and souls into everything.

They also really want to help Melissa, and that is the last miracle of last night. We had a little table set up to collect donations for her, where 2 students and another faculty member stayed. The parents of APA collectively donated almost $1240.00. INCREDIBLE! I am grateful for their example to me.

We are continuing fund raising efforts on their behalf. If you wish to donate, let me know, and I can send you some places to go or some people to contact.

Tender Mercies

This week I have been pondering the term so often used in our society - "tender mercies". To be completely honest, I have never truly understood the phrase. It was something I heard that sounded nice and made other people happy, and that was good enough for me. Until the end of January rolled into February, and life kind of became a mess.

I have realized that my Heavenly Father has truly blessed me with little tender mercies that have been saving graces for me and have prepared me for a lot of the things I have had to go through in this life. I thought maybe I would share a few.

1. I was placed at American Preparatory Academy to meet Melissa Stone and Demya Murdock, my incredible coworkers and now friends.

2. I was blessed to know many amazing people in my life that have passed on - to name a few - Blake Eggett, Donna Jones, Chris Bernardo, Heather Christensen, Don Jones, and more.

3. I was placed at American Preparatory Academy to be there for my students as they went through the tragedy of Melissa's accident because I have been in their shoes many times before.

4. I was placed at American Preparatory Academy to help Melissa through this trial, to be her friend and buoy her up and give her long, heart felt hugs when she needed them.

5. I was blessed to spend the last 22 years living with my brother JJ - getting to know him and love him, and learn how to deal with different kinds of people.

6. I have been blessed with incredible grandparents who face challenges head on and are filled with so much faith and strength that it absolutely floors me.

7. I was not scheduled to work the morning of Ethne's funeral - I didn't have to try and find a way to be there, because my day was already open.

8. I have been blessed with incredibly patient and loving friends who are helping me get through several of my trials right now.

9. I have been blessed with strong family ties that run very deep - that when I come in crying after a hard day my dad will just hold me and let me sob until I can't anymore, or that I can call my mom and throw a raving tantrum about something stupid that happened in my day.

10. I was blessed with an inspired bishop who knew the exact right time to release me from a calling that was becoming too much to handle.

11. I have been given musical talent that I can use as a healing agent. The night I found out about Melissa's accident I had rehearsal for Salt Lake Symphonic Winds, and I was tempted not to go, but Demya off-handedly mentioned that maybe I needed it...and she was right. Playing music is one of the healthiest ways I know of to handle stress and depression, and I am glad that I have that in my life.

I could go on, but I have other things I need to be working on. I needed to outwardly express some of the thoughts I have been having, and remind myself that even though I am going through some hard times that I will be ok and that everything will work out.

Amen.

What a week...Please send your thoughts, prayers, and support to this amazing family.

As some of you may know, one of my co band teachers was in a car accident with her two babies on Monday. It has truly been a heart-wrenching story and experience for those of us who know her and her family, but it has also been amazing to see their strong examples and the outpouring of love from people in our community and especially our incredible students.

If you have a moment, please read their stories. I'll provide a link for their blog with Melissa's progress with a link for monetary donations to help with these horrendous medical and funeral expenses, as well as the story from KSL. Some of the info in the KSL story is incorrect, but you'll get the basic gist.

Thank you.

Roasted Red Pepper Penne

I am completely plagiarizing, but this was one of the most delicious things I have ever made - and by made, I mean team cooked with Shayla. :) This was taken from the site howsweeteats.com


Roasted Red Pepper Penne

serves 4

2 large red peppers

3 cloves of garlic

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

4-5 basil leaves, torn

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 teaspoon salt

4-5 tablespoons olive oil (I used a garlic-infused from Fustinis)

2 cups of dry whole wheat penne

1/2 yellow onion, chopped

2 thin sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts

salt & pepper for seasoning chicken

To roast peppers: remove core and seeds from peppers and slice into pieces. Lay on a baking sheet and preheat the broiler in your oven. Place under the broiler skin-side up until skins are completely charred and black – this took about 10 minutes for me but will depend on your oven. Just check every 2 minutes or so. Immediately remove peppers from oven and using kitchen tongs, quickly place them in a ziplock bag then seal it. Set aside for 20-30 minutes.

While peppers are “steaming” in the bag, pat the chicken breasts completely dry with a pepper towel, then season them with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Brown chicken on both sides until cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. {I made the chicken the same as this recipe.} Set chicken aside to cool, then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet with onions and a sprinkle of salt. Saute over medium-low heat until onions soften and caramelized. Cut chicken into pieces.

Boil water and prepare pasta according to directions. Remove peppers from the bag and peel the skin off to discard. It’s okay if a little bit of char remains as it adds to the flavor. Add peppers, garlic, parmesan cheese, basil, salt and pepper to a food processor. Blend until pureed, then stream in 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil so mixture comes together.

In a large bowl, combine penne with chicken and onions. Add red pepper sauce and toss thoroughly to coat as it is very thick. Serve with additional parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves.

EmShay

On Friday I got to spend the whole day with my best friend - Shayla. I am convinced that we must have been friends in the preexistence or something and knew that we would need each other here on earth. That may sound stupid or crazy to you, but I don't know what I would have done if I had never known her.


We had never met before our freshman year of college - she grew up in Idaho and I in Utah. We were paired together as roommates in Valley View Tower at Utah State, an all girl dorm style part of campus. Our first bonding moment was unforgettable. I, being a music major, was doing aural homewrk and was humming downward intervals, and then she added one. It sounded familiar, and we realized we had inadvertently hummed something from Phantom of the Opera, which we both happened to really like.

We've been almost inseparable ever since.

Going through life we have both had our share of trials and other things to go through. I have never doubted for a moment that she would be there for me if I needed her. I can tell her things I never tell anyone else. She is the best friend anyone could ever ask for and I am grateful for her every day.

Love you, sis.

...on alternative sources of revenue...

A song from one of my favorite musicals comes to mind...

And the money kept rolling in from every side

Eva's pretty hands reached out and they reached wide
Now you may feel it should have been a voluntary cause
But that's not the point my friends
When the money keeps rolling in, you don't ask how
Think of all the people guaranteed a good time now
Eva's called the hungry to her, open up the doors
Never been a fund like the Foundation Eva Peron

Rollin' rollin' rollin', rollin' rollin' rollin'
Rollin' rollin' rollin', rollin' rollin' rollin'
Rollin' rollin' rollin', rollin' rollin' rollin'
Rollin' rollin' rollin', rollin' rollin' rollin'

Rollin' on in, rollin' on in
Rollin' on in, rollin' on in
On in

Would you like to try a college education?
Own your landlord's house, take the family on vacation?
Eva and her blessed fund can make your dreams come true
Here's all you have to do my friends
Write your name and your dream on a card or a pad or a ticket
Throw it high in the air and should our lady pick it
She will change your way of life for a week or even two
Name me anyone who cares as much as Eva Peron

Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
On out

And the money kept rolling out in all directions
To the poor, to the weak, to the destitute of all complexions
Now cynics claim a little of the cash has gone astray
But that's not the point my friends
When the money keeps rolling out you don't keep books
You can tell you've done well by the happy grateful looks
Accountants only slow things down, figures get in the way
Never been a lady loved as much as Eva Peron

Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
On out

When the money keeps rolling out you don't keep books
You can tell you've done well by the happy grateful looks
Accountants only slow things down, figures get in the way
Never been a lady loved as much as Eva Peron

Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
Rollin' on out, rollin' on out
On out

Mostly I like that song because I have fond memories of our high school marching band marching to it in 7/8 time, and playing the gong and bass drum at the same time... But I also think of it as I see money rolling in and then rolling out again.

Working part time at two places is kind of lame. For now, I feel like I should stay at both places, but I also know in the back of my mind that in order to truly make ends meet I need one or two more alternative sources of income. Some I thought of were:

Playing music for hire - playing in a paying ensemble, playing for weddings, whatever I can get.
Mystery Shopping - I am listed as one, I just need to be better about doing it.
Applying for a promotion at Penney's.
Teaching more private lessons.

That's what I have so far. If everything weren't so darn expensive, it wouldn't be a big deal. ;) Maybe I'll get a couple more ideas when I'm down at UMEA in a few weeks. Sometimes it helps to get others' perspectives.

Amen.

...thoughts and deas keep running through my head...

As some of you know, I am currently teaching band at a charter school (K-9 campus) in Draper. There have been some interesting adjustments to make, but overall it has been a huge growing and learning experience.

Recently, there was another incident in which someone wanted to store yet another thing in the band room that did not belong there. I threw a small tantrum, and it ended up being moved. As I have thought back on the matter and talked with some colleagues, I have come to the realization that there really is not enough space in this building to accommodate all of its occupants.

I began thinking of building additions to the existing building. I was informed that there is not enough land left around the perimeter for this to happen. I tried thinking that if we built on top of the building, that it could work. My coworker mentioned the idea of building an entirely new building. Her point was that the location and existing building are great, but not enough for the current numbers, and that a second building (more specifically a junior high/high school building) would be a more practical solution.

As I was pondering this, a different coworker brought up the idea that I should even think of applying elsewhere, getting a salary rather than part time hourly wage, so that I could pay off my student loans faster and become more financially independent. Though I would hate to leave here, she does have a bit of a point.

Anyway...that's what is on my mind right now. Well, all that I have time to write. I have rehearsal soon. What are your thoughts?

Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread and Fettucini Alfredo? Yes.

I keep forgetting to take pictures!!

So, I didn't keep as detailed of a record this time, but I'll tell you what I did.

I got a magical bread cookbook for my birthday this past October, and have been waiting for an opportunity to try some of these recipes out. :) Sunday, Kyle's birthday, was such an opportunity. The actual recipe in the book called for onions instead of garlic, but this could not be done because of an allergy...so we did garlic instead, and added a little more cheese. :)

For the Alfredo stuff, I combined butter, a lot of heavy whipping cream, a little bit of half and half, crushed garlic, fresh parsley and cilantro, a TON of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and a tiny dash of nutmeg. We put that on top of a nest of fettucini noodles, Italian spiced grilled chicken, and peas, and topped it all with bacon. Yep. It was pretty delicious.



You are all allowed to be jealous now.

...chili con carne...con bacon...

My mom and I tried a culinary experiment today - while apart. It was interesting, to say te least, but it ended up tasting delicious. I didn't take a picture this time, but plan to do so in the future. :) Try it at home, if you dare :)

1 cup red kidney beans, dry
1 cup black beans, dry
1 cup white beans, dry
1 cup pinto beans, dry
Garlic powder, to smell
Cayenne pepper powder, to smell
Dried oregano, to smell
Chili powder, to smell
1 tablespoon jalapeno, dried
Celery seed, to smell
Cumin powder, to smell
White pepper, to smell
1 quart tomatoes
15 ounces tomato sauce
1 1/2 pounds hamburger
A few strips of bacon, cut into tiny pieces
12 green onions, chopped
1/2 habanero pepper
1 anaheim pepper
1 tomatillo
1/2 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 bunch fresh parsley, copped

I was away for much of the assembly, but you can figure it out :) Enjoy!

New Year, New Blog

Wow, looks like it's been, like, a year since I posted anything here... Oops :) I want to be better about using this. So this year I'll be trying to keep it updated. I guess we could start with a review of 2011, but I feel like that is kind of cliche. I'll work on that through the week and get back to you - but I just wanted to let you all know I'm still alive :) Emily