ROR ROR ROR

I was going through some old papers and found this drawing Henry made a few months ago. It was so good I didn't have the heart to toss it. He's really getting good.

My picture didn't load

Take Two

No me gusta

Thanks Rex.  I love you too.  And I too love that I don't have triangle hair any more.  Not going to lie, I don't know how I feel about having that particular likeness floating around cyberspace.  

I feel like I've been so blog-incognito.  I can only read the blog at work.  I can't post.  So that means I have to make it more of a priority in the evenings.  

So here are my musings for the moment: 

(1) Making the Cut (by Jillian Michaels of the biggest loser) is amazing.  I haven't lost any weight, but I have lost inches.

(2) One of my goals for this year is to be a doer not a talker.

(3) I love the ballet.  And I love Cooking light.

And lest you've forgotten what I actually look like (in light of Rex's oh so nostalgic visual representation), you can refer to the following.  Caption: What happens when you live in New York City, your friend has chosen the coldest day ever to move, and you insist upon "getting your exercise" by quite literally running between apartments to load and unload.  Aka: New York ski bunny.  My face was so frozen while I was running I couldn't feel the snot and drool freezing to my chin.  Three words: iced over grossness."  

Mary's Triangle Hair

Dear Mary, this post is to say how much we love you. We think you're so great and of course the kids love you as well. We do wish you'd come and visit a little more often than you do, but we know you would if you could. We're also really glad you no longer have triangle hair. Love, Rex.

It's snowing in Utah

Hi all,

I'm trying to teach Grandma Patton how to use her brand new computer, a Mac desktop. So I will write more later,

Love, N

I don't know how the layout is going to work with these photos but I wanted to try posting with pictures included and thought you might like these photos.  

Yeah for the Beach!!! (Although I hope y'all remember how cold it was in the top two pics. 

 This is my screen saver. I miss you!!!!

Family Reunion 2009

It's time to plan. 

I have talked with some and now I am talking to everybody. What do we think of our family reunion being Disneyland and the Rose Parade next year?  With taking vacation days and what Mom is referring to as the next great depression, I think this might be a good solution.  

Issue 1: None of us really know what our schedules are this summer (and by us I mean Rex, Natalie, and the babies) so this would give each of us time to plan on it

Issue 2: I know we just had fabulous Christmas so thinking about next Christmas might be a little premature, but it must be done. 2009 is the Nielson Thanksgiving year.  I know Mom and Dad are planning on coming home for Christmas so perhaps we plan on a New England Thanksgiving.  

Issue 3: If all of us are on the West side, trecking to the other coast is not so much of an issue. The main concern here is that we don't want to take Rex, Nat, and the babies away from their Thompson Christmas. Thoughts? 

Issue 4: We stay at the Disneyland Hotel in a suite (yes I have already looked up some rates and etc....I'm getting excited); we can hop from park to park; eat at the Mug; go to the parade; bring in 2010 with style;

Issue 5: Mary, we plan on a group of 12. Catch my drift?

Issue 6: I'm planning on coming out for Memorial Day for 10 days...maybe for Rex's graduation...maybe just for fun (no pressure here Rex). We can view this as a little mini-family vacation. Mary what is your work schedule looking like?

What do you guys think?

The beginning of the rest of my life....

That sounds very dramatic doesn't it?  But I have learned some important life lessons over the past two months. Here they are. Some are serious. Some are for fun. Some are common sense. Some are things I knew but that I forgot and needed to remember. 

1. I do not like practicing

2. When your life is out of balance nothing works properly

3. The fact someone else is talented does not diminish your own abilities

4. You can, if fact, do anything for 10 minutes

5. No matter how secure you are, the second you listen to negative self-talk is the instant you feel like the chubby girl in ballet class

6. If you can't enjoy the moment, there is not point. 

7. You never know who is praying for you

8. I like the violin

My list could go on. 

For those who haven't gotten the full report of my audition--It is over. Yeah!!! Let the celebration begin.  That is by far the hardest thing I have ever done and I don't know why anyone would willing repeat the experience if they didn't need a job. Mentally, musically, and emotionally I feel stretched.  I don't know that I was impressive in any way to the judges (unless I left a lasting scar on their musically attuned ears), but I learned a lot. 

The main impression I had as I contemplated bailing moments before being called on stage is that this could not be a positive "faith promoting" experience if I didn't go through with it.  At church we talked about Zion's Camp and the way the Lord called the brethren to serve. They did hard things and were mentally prepared to go into battle at the Lord's command. The time had come. And then the Lord told them their faith was enough.  They had proven themselves by their obedience and their willingness. My experience is insignificant in comparison to their call to serve in the Lord's army. I made a decision based on what I felt I was supposed to do. I thought I knew what was required. I did my best. And now I know that there is a plan even though I don't know the plan and all will be well.  

Now it's time to get to my list "Things I want to do if I don't get the job."  In the words of my roommate Amy, I'm excited for my future. 

News from the U of U visit

Mostly, there hasn't been much, but I have talked to Rex once and he's enjoyed the visit and the department. I should be getting more information on how his job talk (the most intense part of his interview) goes later tonight.

Meanwhile, I have been trying to keep my cool with the three young'uns, which all would be a lot easier if Peter wasn't waking up at 5:30 every morning! Where does he get off? We all feel like we've been hibernating from the cold weather, and I've been baking so many treats (my favorite past time), that I now just need someone to eat them. Any volunteers are welcome!

I'll let you all know what the word from Rex is when I have more information!

Interesting week I am having...

Hi all,
I received an email from our stake president Monday telling me a woman from Arizona was here visiting along with her daughter and daughter's boyfriend. The woman became suddenly ill and was going to die. She is an endowed member, the daughter is not endowed, so would I dress the woman and get her ready for burial (in reality cremation). Having never done this I gulped and said okay. I need to learn how to do it anyway.
Well, she died yesterday and I am doing this on Friday morning. Problem is the distribution center is closed for cleaning. Thankfully one of the wards had everything I need in their Relief Society closet at the church. Now I just need to arrange some helpers.
I am definitely not taking Emily.
Tomorrow she and I are driving to Worcester to volunteer at the Bishop's storehouse. Then we have to go again on Saturday morning for a 7AM meeting I have. Sunday I have two ward conferences to attend (as does Dad) in Marlboro - almost as far as Worcester, so I will be gone from 8AM until 5PM. Dad doesn't have to stay quite as long. Emily just keeps saying, "What about me?" (We have made arrangements...)
I guess we can't be snowed in forever. Last Sunday was so delightful...
Good luck Libs. You will be wonderful.
And good luck Rex. Safe flight, wowsome interviews. I am praying for both of you. And Mary darling - I always pray for you - you live in NYC.
Natalie - I will add special prayers for you - alone and at the mercy of Henry, Lucy, and Peter for three days.
Love to all, Nancy

My Utah Symphony Debut

I am so glad that is over because now I can sit back and realize "these are just people who do what I do...they might have a little more experience, but it is all the same."

So here is how the morning played out for those who want the play-by-play:

I didn't know where to park so I parked at the pay lot by the Delta Center. It was a lovely walk over to Abravanel Hall, where I got to enter the building through the back stage doors which felt pretty nifty. (I say that realizing that it is the normal way to enter, but everything seemed a little cooler today for some reason...in fact I think I've entered through the back doors several times before, but today was special.) You go up stairs and then you are in the musicians' green room which is basically a lounge where everybody puts their stuff. 

I don't know what I was expecting, but once rehearsal started it was the same as a college orchestra rehearsal, except we sounded better. There was the same chatting with your neighbor, the same "instructive" person bringing you up to speed on the way things are done, the same fear that you are grossly unprepared and you should have practiced more. 

So the moral of my story, all is well in Zion. I can still play the violin.  

And now I need to practice. 

Love ya.

Hey family!  I just wanted to drop a line.  I am off to rehearsal--with the symphony...and I don't know why but I feel like it is my first day of school and I have no idea what I am doing! I'm not saying I laid my clothes out the night before, but I definitely have butterflies and plan to be super early. I'll keep you all posted on how it goes. Love you!

Multigrain Bread Recipe

Hey all! This is a good new recipe I've made twice now--enjoy!

Multigrain Bread, from America’s Test Kitchen Favorite Recipes, 2007.

1 ¼ c. 7 grain hot cereal mix
2 ½ c. boiling water
3 c. all-purpose flour
1 ½ c. whole wheat flour
4 T. honey
4 T. butter, melted
2 ½ t. instant yeast
1 T. salt
¾ c. unsalted pumpkin or sunflower seed
½ c. old-fashioned oats

Place the cereal mix in the bowl of a standing mixer (Kitchen Aid or equivalent) and pour the boiling water over it. Let it stand, stirring occasionally, until the mixture cools to 100 degrees and resembles thick porridge, about one hour. Whisk the flours together in a medium bowl.

Once the grain mixture has cooled, add the honey, melted butter, and yeast and stir to combine. Attach the bowl to a standing mixer fitted with a dough hook. Wither the mixer running on low speed, add the flours, ½ c. at a time, and knead until the dough forms a ball, 1 ½ -2 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest 20 minutes. Add the salt and knead on med-low speed until it clears the sides of bowl (3-4 min.). If it doesn’t clear, add 2-3 T flour and continue mixing. Continue to knead the dough for 5 more minutes. Add the seeds and knead for 15 seconds. Transfer to a floured work surface and knead it by hand until the seeds are dispersed evenly and the dough forms a smooth, taut ball. Place the dough into a greased container with a 4-qt. capacity. Cover the container with plastic wrap and let the dough rise until doubled in size, 45-60 minutes.

Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Spray two 9 x 5 loaf pans with nonstick spray. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and pat it into a 12 x 9 rectangle. Cut the dough in half crosswise with a knife or bench scraper.

Working with one piece of dough, with the short side facing you, roll the dough piece into a log, keeping the roll taut by tucking it under itself as you go. To seal the loaf, pinch the seam gently with your thumb and forefinger. Spray the loaf lightly with water or vegetable oil spray and then roll it in an even coating of oats. Place the loaf seam-side down in one of the prepared loaf pans, pressing the dough gently into the corners. Cover the loaf lightly with plastic wrap and repeat this process with the remaining piece of dough and oats.

Let the loaves rise until almost doubled in size, 30-40 minutes. (The dough should barely spring back when poked with your knuckle.) Bake the loaves until the internal temperature registers 200 on an instant read thermometer, about 35-40 minutes. Remove the loaves from the pans and cool them on a wire rack before slicing, about 3 hours.

I am NOW Aunt Suzan!!!

Libby fixed it so I can now contribute and my name is no longer "mom"!  thanks for posting pictures!  I love pictures!!!  We have 25 people in the basement watching the Utah game!  Toddy is very  loud and Kyle is trying to get his roomate to kiss Libby!! Libby made delicious meatballs and layered dip!  She is going to spend the night and I am happy.  I think the basement people are also happy because Utah is doing very well.  xoxoxoxo Aunt Suzan

Help for the slightly unskilled computer user

Is there a way to put recipes in a little category off to the side? I thought I was doing this by labeling them "Recipes" but they still showed up like a regular old entry. Anyway, Mary requested bread recipes using sprouted wheat, so here they are. BTW, I made Natalie's recommended recipe (from The Best) for guacamole yesterday and it was fab. Thanks, Nat.

Honey Sprouted Wheat Bread
(from King Arthur's Whole Grain Baking)

1/4 c wheat berries, sprouted
2/3 c lukewarm water
2 T orange juice
1/4 c honey
2 T butter, cut into 3 pieces
1 1/2 c traditional whole wheat flour
1 1/2 c unbleached all purpose flour
1 1/4 t salt
2 t instant yeast

Same general instructions and baking temps as the other sprouted bread recipe...

Sprouted Wheat Sandwich Bread
(from King Arthur's Whole Grain Baking)

1/4 c wheat berries, sprouted
1 c lukewarm water
3 T orange juice
4 T butter (preferrably unsalted) cut into 6 pieces
2 T honey
2 1/2 c traditional whole wheat flour
2/3 c unbleached bread flour
1/2 c old fashioned rolled oats
1 1/4 t salt
2 t instant yeast

Process sprouts, water, and orange juice in blender until sprouts are finely chopped and mixture is milky white. Combine all ingredients and mix and knead (by hand or machine) until you have a smooth, soft dough. Cover, let rise until doubled -1 to 2 hours. Lightly grease a bread pan. Gently deflate dough and shape into a 9" log. Place in pan. Let rise until it has crowned about 1" over the rim of the pan - 1 to 2 hours. Preheat oven to 350. Bake about 40 minutes, tenting with foil after 20. Done when instant-read therm registers 190. Remove; brush with butter; let rest on a rack for 30 minutes before slicing.

To sprout wheat: Place 1/2 cup wheat berries in a quart mason jar. Cover with 2 cups cool water. Soak at room temperature for 12 hours (overnight). Drain the water, rinse wheat thoroughly. Use lots of water and high pressure. Drain as thoroughly as possible. Turn jar on its side and let berries rest at room temperature, not in direct sunlight, for 8-12 hours. Rinse and drain again. You will start to see tiny white roots sprouting from the ends of the berries. Rinse and let the berries rest one more time. Sprouts are ready to use when white roots are 1/4" long. Use right away or store in the refridgerator.

Henry spent the afternoon groovin' on his harmonica. Lucia was not impressed.

Hiya

I already like this better than myfamily.

As part of our New Year's resolutions, Nat and I decided to declutter by getting rid of at least 10 things from every room. When we got to our study, we both realized that maybe we could make some money doing this, so I posted a whole bunch of books in Amazon to sell, and if they all sell, we'll have made $400.00! And this for books we never open. Sheesh.

Natalie also dipped, at Mom's suggestion, some mint leaves in chocolate—they were divine. Thanks for the tip.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! It snowed buckets yesterday and then the wind came along, so right now it is -14 degrees with the wind chill. We ran the humidifier for Emily last night since she now has the family cold and when that nice moist air hit the windows that were already very cold on the outside it froze on the inside. Consequently we have ice on the inside of our windows... don't you wish you were here. Hope you all have a wonderful New Years Day. We just finished watching the Rose Parade and we are more excited than ever to go to Pasadena next year and see it in person. We hope you all will plan on going with us! Now I am going to exercise and then make some guacamole and watch football. Love to all, Mom