The Rainbow Connection

Today was one of those days you wish you could avoid but inevitably have to face. These days are always full of tears mixed with laughter and some fun memories.
Last week a friend of mine, Mike Nebeker, passed away. He was/is a such a good guy. Today, at his funeral, I was thinking really hard about Mike and great memories we had together. I couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. I love that I have the advantage of knowing that Mike is on the other side making many others smile ear to ear; I think it makes the passing easier.
The funeral service was definitely a celebration of life; Mike's life. His siblings shared memories of Mike that made me feel closer to him. It's always fun to hear about someone's childhood years. One thing I learned about Mike (it was made obvious that maybe I should have known) was his love of the Muppets. Honestly, though, who can't love the Muppets. Kermit is the cutest frog and the only frog I secretly wish to kiss. Because of Mike's love for the Muppets, it was only appropriate to have a musical number that was Muppet related. Frank Chang, a member of my ward, put together a piano piece of The Rainbow Connection. On the back of the program were the words and I was able to follow along with the piano. This song struck me deep inside and I wanted to share the words with you:

Why are there so many songs about rainbows and what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
And rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it;
I know they're wrong, wait and see
Someday we'll find it, The Rainbow Connection;
The Lovers, the dreamers, and me.

Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that, and someone believed it;
Look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing
And what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, The rainbow Connection;
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.
All of us under it's spell; We know that it's probably magic.

Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it.
It's something that I'm supposed to be.
Someday we'll find it, The Rainbow Connection;
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.

Thank you Mike for all your memories and AWESOME ribs. You will be missed here on Earth. God be with you til we meet again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSFLZ-MzIhM

Let me lighten your load.

Hey there bloggers! The kids are hyped up on candy, the costumes are put away, and your starting to think about Turkey Day. Don't let your hyper kids and plans for turkey eating let you forget that Christmas is on it's way. Let me know if I can lighten your load.

I love Primary

It's true. I work really hard for them every week because I love it so much. So, I made all these awesome things for an upcoming primary singing time and I know the kids will not appreciate me so someone has gotta. In reality, I know that I have some close friends and family that have the same calling that I do and I thought this might be a fun idea to share. If you would like to use it I can email you the pictures and you can just print them off your computer so you don't have to make them yourself. I'm actually really proud of what I did and I think I learned a lot myself.
The kids are going to be learning the books in the Book of Mormon and these pictures are how I thought they would learn best.
Below each picture is the description/ reason of why the picture is what it is.


1st&2nd Books of Nephi: Lehi brought his family over to the Americas in 1st Nephi.
Jacob: Jacob 5-the olive tree



Enos: Enos prays for remission of his sins.
Jarom: Nephites are looking forward to when Christ comes.



Omni: Mosiah dies and King Benjamen steps forward as leader.
Words of Mormon: Mormon puts the Golden Plates together and gives them a special blessing.


Mosiah: King Benjamen gives his "address."
Alma: War...need I say more



Helaman: Story of the stripling warriors.
3rd, 4th Nephi: Christ comes to the Americas in 3rd Nephi.


Mormon: Lamanites are taking over the Nephites. That's the Lamanites camp ground.
Ether: Those are stones that are being lit up...like what happened to the Brother of Jared.
Mosiah: Last book in the Book of Mormon

Remember my Orchid?

Well...it died. I am not surprised so you should not be either. Anyway, so same company, same story, this time with pillows!! Look how cute!

Dinner for Two-October

This is the Dinner for Two I just did last Friday. Once again...a lot of fun. Thank you to Masha Ellsworth for taking my pictures. Please click on older posts so that you can see pictures from my August Dinner for Two.

Dinner for Two-August

A couple of posts ago I mentioned my business, Dinner for Two. Dinner for Two combines my two passions; cooking and teaching. For those who did not see the post here is a rundown:
I use my expertise that I learned in school and teach them in a fun, laid back environment to couples (or a couple of friends). I always make sure to have three courses so there is a lot of variety. I try to emphasize techniques and making the recipe your own. I have had success so far and hope for more in the future.
Here are some pictures from my first Dinner for Two back in August. Pictures from the most recent one will be up in my next post.
Thank you to Masha Ellsworth for taking pictures (along with Michael) they look really good.

Now this is cool

This afternoon when I was driving home from work I thought about how much love is shown when you serve. It's so easy to serve someone and can mean more to the person you are serving than you will ever know.
This amazing woman is showing service above and beyond anything I have ever done but she inspires me to do more. She is helping this little girl in a way that helps me remember the importance of service and the love we can show one another.