It was a perfect day...

My Eternal Family

The Portland Oregon Temple

The Lovely Couple

Ralph and Wavie Siple

Geoffrey and Miss Five

Brent and MaryKate Berg & The Crockpot and the Missus

Three Generations

This is our family...

May 23, 2009

All pictures by Amy Cannon

The After Party

Grandma and Grandpa go through the line of the lovely luncheon

The theme of the luncheon was Circles.
One eternal round...round flowers, round food, round accents.

So many friends and family

Sandwiches on rolls, pasta salads - and my favorite - Tracy's Caprese

Lemon Blossoms - a big hit

All pictures by Amy Cannon

Today is a great day...

Today is great because:

The Binghams should be having their baby today.

I got to lay in bed as long as I wanted talking on the phone.

The sun is out and the sky is blue.

I have several great books to read.

My "to-do" list is pretty short and easy to accomplish (but I wrote it out anyway!).

Tonight I have ballroom dance class.

I'm not at work.

I'm getting ready to have family and friends visit for a very special event.

This afternoon I have a dental cleaning.

My many blessings are quite obvious.

Oh the week I had...

So - this past week was not the greatest...

Sunday: Tried to unplug griddle. Plug burst into flames in my hand. Result = second degree burns, bandages and sedation.Monday: Attacked by student. Kicked and hit and threatened.
Result = me sobbing in my car for 30 minutes and then pressure washing in the backyard.

Tuesday: Having to debrief attack. Cried some more.
Result = Extreme relief when the Binghams had a false alarm and I called in a sub for Wednesday.

Wednesday: Binghams didn't have baby. Head filled with pressure and was quite queasy all day.
Result = sleeping most of the day away. Kind of a waste and kind of a relief.

Thursday: Attacking student back at school after suspension. Continued with nausea and cold symptoms.
Result = not swine flu.

Friday: All students at school were flying high. Other staff getting slapped in the face.
Result = sheer joy at having made it through the week and to be at my dance class.

The weekend was SO much better - and going into this week things are already looking up. It's only a three day week at work, thanks to parent/teacher conferences.

Beaverton Farmer's Market 2009

A tradition continued this weekend with the season opening of the Beaverton Farmer's Market . You may remember that for the last few years, Dad and I have gone on the opening day to get flowers for Mom for Mother's Day. This year had a few added bonuses including a perfect blue sky and temperature and my brother working at the Market in the Bungalow Bread Co. booth!

Of course, Dad and I get there about 45 minutes before the opening bell. This allows for rock star parking (which is challenging for this event) and to wander the booths to get a head start on flower selection. We love the ladies at Ferrier Creek Nursery and the gents over at Ross' Nursery. The flowers are beautiful and a great price. Dad and I also love being able to just wander and see everyone getting ready and setting up.

Have you been to the Bungalow Bread Co. ? If not, you need to fix that...

They pretty much had to bake for two stores - the main store and the Farmer's Market booth. Well over 50 loaves...no fishes.

After the bell rang, we handed the checks over and we got our flowers loaded in the car. It was now 8:06 a.m. so Dad and I stopped for a breakfast crepe. And yes, I had a crepe with Nutella and bananas and whipped cream and cinnamon. Yay breakfast! Also - Zest Crepes is BRAND NEW! And they are good. Do stop if you're at the Market another day this season...

Dad had a savory crepe with ham and Gruyere, so he needed a maple bar chaser. Pretty standard, really.

I'm sure in love with this picture because it's so "my Dad." Suit, tie, maple bar, perfect 'stache.

While they were setting up, my brother was loading and hauling and stuff...so now we get to see him in action...

Their booth was pretty much this busy all day.

Geoff tells the customers all about the delicious breads and cookies...

But really - don't you think you need to go to the Farmer's Market ? It's so fun. The cool booths, the live music, tasty foods and delicious smells. And then you can go home and take a nap! Be sure to stop by and try some samples and get a loaf or two. May I recommend the Cinnamon Chip and the Cheddar Garlic breads? Perfect for french toast and grilled cheese sandwiches, respectively.

Awesome...

So - there is this tradition of wearing your prom dress or suit/tuxedo the next morning to church. I really dislike this tradition. It seems so weird and conspicuous. And some of the outfits look pretty silly and out of place at church. But then - two boys showed up today in these beauties...and it made my day...The butter yellow tux is so great - white shoes to match. And then you have the powder blue - with TAILS! What you can't see are the perfectly matched "cons" he's sporting. This picture was snapped in the hall, right after these boys had helped to distribute the Mother's Day gifts. Awesome.

F-U-N

I would love some of these...so if you're headed over...stop and get some at the store, would you?!

Listen...do you smell that?

I know several little boys what need one of these...bad.
Head over to Wu and Wu and get one...or two...

Death Salad...

So - okay fine. I almost killed a missionary last night. Mom had forgotten to tell the rest of the family (okay fine - me) that she'd signed up to serve dinner to the missionaries. We were on their calendar and they called mid-day to confirm. Good thing I had some delicious croissant sandwiches and salad and fruit left over - right?! At the shower I'd let the ladies know that the chicken salad had nuts in it. I forgot to mention that to the Elders before they started eating...and only a few bites in Elder Victim had to ask if their were nuts. People only ask if there are nuts in something if they are ALLERGIC to nuts...am I right?!

Good thing for me his allergy isn't TOO severe - just throat closing!! But regular old Benedryl did the job of antidote - and he ended up having Dino Bites and BBQ sauce for dinner. I feel so bad - because, man...I wasn't trying to kill him.

But believe me - if I was TRYING to kill you...you'd know.

Baby Shower for my friend Petie...

Today I hosted a baby shower for my friend Petie from Table and Singlepot . She's having her third baby and her first girl.

Miss Five and Petie before the ladies arrive. She just came from Russ...lucky.

Tables with fresh growing flowers and candles...room for all.

Giant cupcakes waiting in the kitchen to be served...

Up close...the picks were all different papers - to match the birds I made for the flowers on the tables.

See?!...MATCHING!
I am particularly proud of these birds because it was a project of tracing and cutting. I am not a good cutter-outer of things. At all. These few that I made took me a LONG time. And I am VERY proud of them.

The luncheon was cashew chicken salad sandwiches (on croissants), fresh green salad with cranberries and feta, and fresh fruit salad (including mangoes and pineapple).

There were lots of cute gifts - cuz it's a girls shower! But the HIT had to be the sparkly pink Converse that Kourtney brought. WOW. Do they come in a ladies 9?

So, now it's over. The shower was such fun. I got to meet new ladies and reconnect with a friend from high school! And mostly - I got to have lunch and visit with my friend, Petie.

Good luck, Miss Petie - and I am very excited to meet the newest Bingham!

You saw this, of course...

Of course, you did. But somehow - if you didn't...get a drink and sit back and enjoy...

Final part of the random questions.

56. Do you have good vision?
Heavens, no. Even WITH my contacts - I do not see well.

57. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
Oh sure...that list is long and distinguished.

58. How often do you talk on the phone?
At least five to ten times a day.

59. The last person you held hands with?
One of my students, walking down the hall.

60. What are you wearing?
A black shirt, red plaid pajama pants and my cute pink pinafore apron.

61. What is your favorite animal?
Baby ducks. I want one...or two. My mom says, "No."

62. Where was your profile picture taken?
I took it from the Interwebs...

63. Can you hula hoop?
Yes...but will I? No.

64. Do you have a job?
I do - I work with aggressive and angry kids. And they yell a lot. And sometimes I think I'm going insane. Other days I laugh a lot. I think a lot of moms feel the same way about their kids.

65. What was the most recent thing you bought?
A rotisserie chicken.

66. Have you ever crawled through a window?
Yes.

RQ 5

45. Ever walked into a wall?
I've walked into many things I wasn't supposed to walk into

46. Favorite color?
I really do love lots of colors - pink, red, purple, blue, green, orange...uh...yeah...lots of colors...

47. Have you ever slapped someone?
Not that I remember - but I think about doing it - A LOT.

48. Is your hair curly?
Is it ever!

49. What was the last CD you bought?
A Child's Prayer...lullabies...

50. Do looks matter?
Yes...

51. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
Only at board games...not at life.

52. Is your phone bill sky high?
It has been...man.

53. Do you like your life right now?
Yes, I do.

54. Do you sleep with the TV on?
No, way.

55. Can you handle the truth?
I can - but I can also handle what I want to hear, too.

RQ 4

34. Who are you going to be with tonight?
Tonight I was with my family and the missionaries.

35. Are you too forgiving?
I am a TOTAL sucker when people ask for forgiveness. But I have a hard time when I just need to forgive - on my own.

36. Ever been in love?
No...I guess not.

37. What is your best friend doing tomorrow?
Well - tomorrow is Thursday so she's got to be up and ready for the day by 8:45 a.m. when I call her. Then she'll work in her office and take her son to pre-school. She will also watch out the window for the grumpy mailman.

38. Ever have cream puffs?
Yes - and I could really go for some right now

39. Last time you cried?
Sunday afternoon...talking about the plans for May 23.

40. What was the last question you asked?
What the heck, man!?

41. Favorite time of the year?
I do love a lot of the year - but I really love springtime. I love rain and sun and flowers growing and jelly beans.

42. Do you have any tattoos?
No - I cannot think of one image that I would want on my body for more than a week.

43. Are you sarcastic?
Only when I'm speaking out loud

44. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
No...did anyone?

RQ 3

23. Do you rent movies often?
I have a 6 year old Netflix subscription and I love it. I even lived right behind a Blockbuster for a while - and still - I only used Netflix. So, yes.

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room in which you are?
All the candle holders that are glass or crystal is as close as it's getting...

25. What countries have you visited?
England, France, Germany, Mississippi

26. Have you made a prank phone call?
Oh yes - in junior high school - I was the QUEEN of prank phone calls.

27. Ever been on a train?
Yes - I love the train. The perfect trip is from Portland to Seattle - in Business class.

28. Brown or white eggs?
White eggs - the brown eggs just seem so trendy.

29. Do you have a cell-phone?
Yes - and I love my little Juke.

31. Do you use chapstick?
I use Extra Emollient Night Creme by Mary Kay

32. Do you own a gun?
NO.

33. Can you use chopsticks?
Not without my special training wheels guide thing...

Random Questions 2

12. Are you emotional?
Yes - and yet - I can also be the cool headed voice of reason. But I also cried during music last Friday because the song we were singing was so sweet and tender.

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
No. Why would I do that?

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
I do both. But mostly I bite it. Do I seem like I would "take it slow" when it came to ice cream?

15. Do you like your hair?
I like the color of my hair and that my hair is very obedient. It will do what it's told. But my natural curls make me crazy - so, of course, I want straight hair. But I only have straight hair every six weeks when I visit Russ for a haircut - and he straightens it.

16. Do you like yourself?
Huh...I'll get back to you on this one...

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
No - I don't think I would - unless he was paying and I got to hang out with some Secret Service agents. Then: maybe.

18. What are you listening to right now?
My mom's white noise machine (grrr) and my dad prepare a baked potato and raccoon through the kitchen, "Did all the salad get eaten?"

19. Are your parents strict?
Not particularly - because really - they didn't have to be. Geoff and I weren't too deviant. And they just made the expectations clear and knew that we would meet them. Or die.

20. Would you go sky diving?
No, thank you. My worst dreams all involve the feeling of falling. So - no. I don't want to fall from stuff.

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
Yes - I do - but to me cottage cheese is a compliment to savory things - especially potato chips. The idea of eating fruit with cottage cheese makes me want to barf.

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
Well - I talked with a local news anchor and I stole James Spader's water from a set once. And I had a meal at the Hamburger Hamlet with the bass player of Maroon5. That's about it.

Not that you wanted to know...

1. What is the first thing you wash in the shower?
My hair - Aveda only. While I was in California, during the shoot, one of the school staff asked me if I used Aveda products - and that it smelled really good. Um...why was she so close to me? Can you really smell it from normal person distance?

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
Baby blue Camp Namanu hoodie - minus the string...for safety sake.

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
Yes

4. Do you plan outfits?
Oh yes! If I'm invited to a function or to participate in a program or something my FIRST concern is what I'm going to wear.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
I'm feeling tired and pleased and a little worried.

6. What's the closest thing to you that's red?
My pants. Uh-huh!

7. What was the last dream you remember having?
I actively dream every night - and remember bits the next day - but right now I can't think of one.

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
Yes - I met a really dumb girl at the spa. Seriously - she's SO dumb. And way too tan.

9. What are you craving right now?
Banana creme pie

10. Do you floss?
Yes - daily - because I've got this gap in my teeth on the back right...and...well...I just have to floss everyday, okay?!

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Stinky. And Carnies.

New goodness!

I've been a faithful follwer of marta - and have even purchased a few of her mini-diaries (which I bought to send to my dear friend - only to discover she'd done the exact same thing!). marta uses high quality paper and binds the journals by hand. And now - there's this fabulous blog - new to me - called Sherbet Blossom . And there is a great interview with marta and a giveaway of one of the mini-diaries! You should go and check out all the beautiful and creative ideas Hannah has and enter the giveaway. But - don't be sad when I win...okay?

Not about Disneyland...

So - I know you're totally still waiting for me to write about my time at Disneyland - but this isn't it. This post is about how I'm so excited to have all the talks from the most recent General Conference as podcasts. While I was not able to watch the Saturday sessions, I'm now almost caught up because I've been able to listen to the talks on my iPod...during my break at work and while I was shopping at horrible WinCo. I like the prices at WinCo (which is why I shop there) but I have a hard time with the atmosphere and people. But it was SO MUCH easier not to get angry while listening to the conference talks. So - if you want to get the talks in podcast form head over here . I used the link to go through iTunes - so this isn't any kind of tutorial about how to make it work if you don't use iTunes.

You're MOM has a birthday....

Today is my mother's birthday. She's older this year...than she was. And this picture perfectly captures my mother in her most natural and preferred setting. Take note of her smile. And her relaxed posture. Also note that her computer is handy - and her drink is perfectly at arms length. You may also notice that her outfit is very classy - and that she's wearing a sweater while sitting next to the fire. (She hates being cold, people.) Her hair is in a cute and stylish bob - which is not how her hair looks now - but I can assure you that it is still cute and stylish. You may not realize by just looking at this picture that she is at the coast, enjoying a quiet weekend.

Debbie loves:
her family
doing excellent work
Diet Pepsi
her white robe
staying in touch with her friends via the Interwebs
a sunny, warm day in her beautiful backyard.

Debbie hates: (which is not to say that other people LOVE these things)
the wind
rough-housing
car trouble
grocery shopping
running out of toilet paper
headaches

I love my mom because:
she laughs easily...except for that one time when they were burning that tree...
she taught me to love music
she has high expectations for herself and others - and is always ready to cheer you on.
we say the same things at the same time - in the same tone/way. A lot.
she an outstanding teacher.
she is a hard worker - and will do what it takes to get the job done well.
when she does cook - it's really good. Really Good.
she opens her heart to many people.
she has great style and fashion sense.
she knows what's what. And she does - she knows EXACTLY what's what.
she will do anything in her power to help her family.

Mom - I love you and hope your day is just what you want.

While I was away...

This has been a full and fantastic week...and here's what I've been up to:

I flew to Burbank, and was picked up by Wonderful Ryan. We then went to lunch at the ever busy and delicious Porto's ...having some of the most delightful desserts after. There was this elegant raspberry mousse - that had a surprise of chocolate in the bottom. Yes. YES.

After lunch, Wonderful Ryan drove us down to Del Mar, introducing me to tons of music and literally making me hurt and sore with laughter. Incidentally, Wonderful Ryan and I were wearing the same outfit. Jeans and a purple top. That made us laugh, too. We arrived at the hotel and got settled and met up with the rest of the 6360 Crew for the first shoot - which went really smoothly and was a lot of fun. It also included a trip to the San Diego court house - and some funny footage of one of our crew running down the hall in her socks, only to try and slide and instead smack her face on the floor. I'm not sure if/when that footage will be available...but I'll let you know.

After we were all wrapped for the day Wonderful Ryan and I went to dinner at Il Fornaio in Del Mar. It was so lovely and elegant. It was just what I needed at the end of the day. Then I got a frozen custard cone...and slipped into a sugar coma.Tuesday was more shooting and then a drive back to Tujunga to the Aunt Hill. Wonderful Ryan and I stayed with Deeder and Karen for the rest of our trip. Tuesday was great - but I didn't do much. An extreme nap was taken and then I remember snacking...and then going to bed.

Wednesday was one of our "off" days from the shooting schedule, so Wonderful Ryan made reservations for us at Gordon Ramsy's at the London Hotel.
You should go check out the full menu, but for those who are interested, I had:
Caprese salad with burrata mozzarella and aged balsamic; Roasted breast of jidori chicken with braised romaine hearts, creamy pomme purée, lemon thyme jus; and chilled coconut tapioca with passion fruit, candied ginger, milk chocolate and star anise gelato. I also couldn't figure out how to make the lights brighter in the ladies washroom. So, yeah. It was so sophisticated and polished...I loved it. From there we went up to the Griffith Observatory walking around learning new things and then watching the new planetarium show. I highly recommend it! We then drove back to the Aunt Hill and had dinner and got ready for the last two days of shooting.

Thursday was an early day - but my schedule was very light. We shot all morning and then met for lunch at the Pasadena Police helipad for our traditional lunch catered by the incomparable Pie 'n Burger . I've talked about them before - but still - SO GOOD. If you're ever in Pasadena and can't think of a place to eat: Pie 'n Burger is your answer. In fact, the question doesn't matter - Pie 'n Burger should always be the answer.

After lunch, Wonderful Ryan and I killed time before our next call by attempting to go to the Huntington Museum - but not having tickets - we decided to go to the mall and ended up testing the massage chairs at Brookstone. With time sufficiently killed, we headed over to Pasadena City Hall to film the interviews...and guess who else was shooting there?! The cast and crew of Parks and Recreation! But, sadly, we didn't see Amy Poehler. But then we were done and I went home and crashed and sat on the couch watching the first DVDs of Summer Heights High .

Friday will get it's own post...so you'll just have to check back in...



Other Images from: here and here

Could I pull this off?

I've seen these and in my head I think that I could pull these off...but I just don't know. Only one way to find out, right?

Which do you like? Head over here to see more!

Picture from here

I said it...

I love Tom Jones.

Image from here

Just in case....

Now - in the event you can't be having a Monte Cristo at the Blue Bayou on Friday...and you can't convince Josh to make you one...here's how you can make it your ownself:

Disneyland's Blue Bayou Monte Cristo Sandwich via Mouseplanet.com

4 sandwiches

Ingredients

BATTER
2/3 cup water
1 small egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder

SANDWICHES
8 slices white bread
4 slices roasted cooked turkey (1 ounce each sandwich)
4 slices Tillamook swiss cheese (1 ounce each sandwich)
4 slices smoked ham (1 ounce each sandwich)
vegetable oil, for frying

GARNISH
confectioners' sugar, for dusting
fruit, compote
currant jelly, sauce

Directions
BATTER: Place water, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl and using an electric mixer, mix well at low speed. Add flour and baking powder and mix until batter is smooth. Chill.

SANDWICHES: Make 4 sandwiches, putting cheese between ham and turkey. Cut into fourths and put a toothpick through each quarter.

Heat about 6" of oil to 340 degrees in a fryer. Dip sandwiches in batter to cover all surfaces. Deep fry sandwiches until golden brown, turning as needed. An alternate way of frying it to put approximately 1/4" oil in a large pan and fry the sandwiches on both sides until crispy and brown.

Remove from oil and take out toothpicks. Drain on paper towel to remove excess oil. Sprinkle sandwiches with confectioners' sugar. Serve with fruit compote and currant jelly sauce.

Image from: la-foodie.com

Fun...and educational!

So here's a fun book that I'm really wanting - it's found over at Jayson Home & Garden.

This would be such a great thing to have for your house guests, or family and friends or all the other folks you have stopping by that you'd want to get to know a little better...and have more interesting conversations than: "How's work going?" "Fine."

Don't forget to turn out the lights!

So - tonight is Earth Hour - so don't forget to turn off your lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., local time. Of course, if you're not in my time zone - you may have missed it - but still - you could turn your lights off for an hour tonight!

I desire:

So - these are Whoopie Pies. And don't they just look so good? Creamy insides - doughy chocholate sandwiches. HOLD ME. Also - they have a mix people! Just head on over and order yourself (or meself) a mix: http://www.stonewallkitchen.com/prdsell.aspx?L0=Chocolate+Whoopie+Pie+Mix

Next Week...

Just in case you need me next week - I'll be in Southern California...working on a project with my Aunt and her production team. Here's last year's project...

You might also find me here...maybe...eating a Monte Cristo sandwich.

Image from http://www.themouseforless.com/

Considering...

Am going to ride the Max downtown to see this this afternoon...

Image via: www.impawards.com

Spring Break...

Clearly - life here in the Parlor has been slow - and quiet. But in case you were wondering, here's what I've been up to for Spring Break 2009:

I was asked by some dear friends to house/dog sit for them while they're in Flordia. Their dog, Ginger, and I have been having a great time. She's very mellow and affectionate and we get along great. The house is huge and gorgeous and quite peaceful...

I have been reading a lot! It's so quiet here - that I've finished three books and still have quite a pile of books to enjoy!

On Tuesday afternoon, I joined my friend Dana in leading a music workshop for our senior Primary kids. I taught two "sessions" - Introduction to Conducting and Get to know the Songbook. Dana taught Theory and an Introduction to the Organ. We had some very sweet kids join us and we had a lot of fun. Then we had Cherry Floats for the treats...and that ain't bad!

I had a delicious dinner at Five Guys - and yes, it really IS that good. Should you be coming to visit sometime soon - this would be part of the culinary tour. Assuming, of course, that you like meat and deep fried things. And aren't allergic to peanuts...

I spent a little time at the Beaverton City Library- where I totally forgot to update my account, but was able to replenish my pile of books. I really don't like the feeling of not having a book to

read.

Please consider this blog updated.

Images from: here, here, here, here, here, and here