REAL pictures of Steve and football

Steve was able to get these pictures off the web. They are fabulous. The first one shows a great fall/tackle but he does have the ball. The second is him running in for a touchdown. The 3rd and 4th are his interception and return. Coach Hutch has his hand in the air, "Bingo!" (these are my personal favorites) and the last is an open field tackle on a punt return.
Anyway, I'm glad somebody else had their camera going because of course I didn't get all this good stuff! Oh and notice they have on their new beautiful jersey!
Oh, Lara and Heidi and Mel, be sure Dan and Seth and Jake see these, ok....These are really posted for the former BAS football players I guess.

Pasta dishes by a real Italian

So Deb is married to a Sicilian! The first tip: when heating up left over pasta dishes, the microwave is NO GOOD! You should put a bit of olive oil in the frying pan and fry it up! Just as tasty as the first go around!

The one she cooked for me:
Peel two eggplant and then dice. Fry in olive oil (don't stir very often or it goes mushy, try to make it more crunchy by stirring only occasionally). Then set this aside.
garlic and onion diced and saute in olive oil, then add 5 diced tomatoes.
mozerella cheese, diced and continue heating till they start to melt.
Mix all ingredients with cooked penne pasta. Serve topped with parmesean cheese.

Second Pasta Dish
Brown lardon (or bacon pieces). Saute onion and garlic. Then add sliced mushrooms. Add tomatoes for a red dish, OR a small cream for a white pasta dish. Add to cooked pasta with parmeasean

Third Pasta Dish
Dice chicken breast and brown with onion, garlic and mushroom.(she says to try the funky mushrooms if you can find them) Throw in fresh baby spinach and a little cream. Add to cooked pasta with parmeasean

Fourth Pasta Dish
Brown mild Italion sausage, sliced thin. Add red pepper and garlic and onions, all sauteed. Add to cooked pasta with parmeasean.

Obiously she cooks like I do. No measurements. Just eyeballs it and puts it all together.

Lastly she gave me these two websites:
Tvlinks.co.uk and radioblogclub.org for watching old tv shows and movies, etc.

So that's what she shared with me and I thought I would pass it on if you are interested.

Bikes!

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A couple of shots of some of the amazing bikes in Amsterdam. Special note: Not a bike helmet in the country! The very first picture of the bike has how many seats? Yep, Three! Also, the one where I am at the bottom of the stairs? Well, we were on the 3rd floor of an apartment building and the stairs were really that steep. You didn't have to bend over to put your hands on the next step...they were in front of your face! So now I need to stop blogging and go write a term paper. Do you have any idea how long it's been since I've done that??? GAG!!! Oh Tom and Steve are babysitting for their home teaching family tonight. Three little kids, all quite rambuncious (Heidi, the spell checker doesn't help me with this one, so I agree with your past comment about Stupid Checker!). I'm sure they will come home quite pooped.

Steve and Homecoming

I have neglected to post a couple of pictures of Steve that I thought you all would enjoy. The football ones were of homecoming and he is #24... He's the first one through the paper "shield". They won their game and were so thrilled they hoisted up their quarterback! I have to admit that the whole game I was thinking to myself, "I have had kids on these sports teams for a long, long time, and this is the very last football game where I will have a child on the team. I sure hope it ends on a high note." And it did! It was a beautiful day and a perfect ending to the season...to the entire season of Herway participation in BAS football!!!
Now may I just say that for wacky day he did NOT win. And I was told several times by some of the mothers who have kids at the school that Steve "was robbed". He was defenitely the most wacky. With the cheese head, the flippers, the boxing gloves, and those fabulous dance costumes, he was a shoo-in. Oh well, since it was teachers who made the judgement, then we can assume they were just out of it.

How's your faith?

I really like my friend, roommate and yoga teacher Deb. Great sense of humor, very low-key, open minded, flexible, clean, helpful (sounds like a scout motto or something). Anyway, one night at the restaurant, she says, "We haven't argued about anything. Pick a topic we can have a good discussion about." Well, that's easy. I started with the first article of faith. What Christian in the world won't argue about that??? I even drew the plan of salvation on my notebook for added discussion. She didn't buy any of it. But it sure did ease my conscience!
And last night we took another classmate to dinner with us, Melissa. All the usual questions women ask each other, "how many children, where did you meet your husband, where have you lived, do you have siblings, etc..." Turns out she is a twin and one of eight children and lived in Ogden, Utah till she was 12 and then moved to California. "Oh really, are you a Mormon?" "Well I was raised a Mormon and my family is still practicing that religion but I personally am not a practicing Mormon." That broke my heart. Her brothers have served missions. Parents active.
Made me stop in my tracks, so to speak. It's so easy to take your testimony for granted. And to be quite honest, easy to feel your testimony wobble ever so imperceptively when your beliefs are questioned and you can only answer, "I don't really know why or how, but I do know!"
All I want to say, is that we have answers that seem so clear, but it doesn't seem clear if you aren't ready to hear it. And to keep it all clear in your own brain you certainly need prayer, SCRIPTURES and conference talks to stay grounded. So everyone, keep up with your prayers and scriptures....and don't ever break your parents' hearts! (That of course means earthly and heavenly parents)

FYI

So just to clear up any misunderstandings about this class. It is a college class, AND it will earn me 3 full credits...that is if I pass! So no, it won't get me a degree in one week, darn. But hey, 3 credits in one week isn't too bad of a deal. I do have to write up a paper when I get home...but otherwise, all the work here for the week is contained within this week.
More of the same to report today. Just one added tidbit. They have every bike in the world imaginable. From a limo bike (one that carries 2 baby seats in the back and is actually extended to handle the extra child!) to a pick-up truck bike (one that has a huge crate in the front and carries dogs and babies and tons of stuff) to a camper bike (one that pulls a covered trailor behind) to a u-haul bike (an open bed trailor pulled behind). Impressive the ingenuity. When I get home I'll post a couple of the pictures.

Tuesday morning in Amsterdam

Yesterday after class, Deb and I and Melissa, another classmate took our materials to a cafe and hoped to be able to tackle some of our assignments. We found a typical Indian restaurant, ordered our food and settled in for the long haul. One of the beauties of Europe, the restaurants don't care how long you occupy one of their tables! Oh, AND we had an outside terrace table because the sun was intensely shining. It was glorious. We had a view of a plaza so there was a lot to observe, and keep us entertained. We had out our tablets, or daily journal where we are supposed to explore different styles of art....impressionism, expressionism, cubism, etc. We had an old guy come up to comment on our drawings....Deb made the mistake of saying she was from Brussels. Off he goes in Dutch...we just nodded and smiled.
After studying Van Gogh and his attack on Gauguin with the knife, Deb thought it quite funny that last night about midnight she walks over to me with just her laptop light on and a butter knife in her hand. I think she makes a better yoga teacher than a Van Gogh impersonator.
I like to go to the museum just a hour before closing and roam the rooms by myself. The crowds are down and I can enjoy the paintings at my leisure. Seth liked one with the fruit, all in golden toned colors, in the original frame, during his Japanese period. (during Van Gogh's Japanese period that is!) It is amazing Seth. I'm still debating if I have a favorite. For sure it's a thrill to see his actual strokes on his paintings!
Lastly. I love all the bikes. Some of the classmates are from Naples. They mention how quiet it is here with bicylces instead of cars and motorcyles. It really is nice. We have been lucky with sunny, mild weather. I took a long walk in the park, it is much like Tervuren Park, where there are lots of trails and canals....and loads of bikers and runners.
Hey Colie, I heard you had an adventure yourself....unplanned, but an adventure nonetheless. We all want to hear the details...give us an update on your blog! Love to all
PS. Dad tells me he fixed cream of wheat and Esso sandwiches. AND he slept with hs guitar. So I guess he really doesn't need me as much as I thought he did!

Contact me in Amsterdam

Hey, my apartment has internet, and I brought the laptop....so I'm connected. If you need to get in touch you can either email or put a comment on the blog. I'll check it every day.
So I've been in class for one day. It could be a challenge because the teacher is really "touchy, feely" and not real clear on expectations. I should be right in my element after taking modern dance classes at BYU....now that was really into "what are you feeling, what does this express, etc. etc. Like today we discussed shadows, what they are made of, the color in them, the absence of color....and on and on for at least 4 hours. She claims she appreciates all opinions, but after all is said and done, she really does want you to have HER opinion on the whole matter. Otherwise I guess she wouldn't be the teacher, right?
My roommate, Deb, who is also my yoga teacher, had me up this morning for sun salutations and some yoga. That's good. And she is easy to live with and very flexible in her expectations. I'm sure we'll be fine this week. I need to go in and help with dinner. We have an apartment with a kitchen and she was willing to cook in tonight (it being Sunday). I'll keep you posted.

The Lone Men

I leave for Amsterdam tomorrow after the homecoming game. Why am I worried about the 'boys' at home? Could it be they don't know how to wash their clothes, fix vegetables, turn on the oven, vaccumm, make their own lunch, get out the door on time? Oh well, a steady diet of ice cream and cereal never killed anyone did it? Did it???

Rockin' Rachel

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TWO YEAR OLD!!! Hope you have a terrific day and that mom and dad let you have your way the entire day! We sure do love and miss you! Grammie,Pop,Uncle Steve

Kite Runner

So who has read this book, "Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini? I just finished it. Loved this line: "I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night."
I would say this was the meat of the book. Tell me your thoughts if you have read the book.

BAS Football

Steve had a hard week-end in Rota Spain. He was the starting quarterback. Yep, the 3rd string quarterback was starting! The other two were hurt. He didn't like it at all. Came home all beat up because there was no one to block for him. It was their homecoming and they were big and not nice. They quit at the half. Everyone had had it. In addition, Mr Mcvicker went on the trip and he yelled at the kids when their alarms didn't go off, among other infractions of such magnitude.... Oh well, next week-end is Alconbury and OUR homecoming so we'll hope for success. The picture is just a random one from last week's game with Menwith Hill. Good news on the sports end: Indians beat the Red Sox. And BYU won their game. Just those poor Brigands.

madrid

We had a great time with the Simmons in Madrid. We loved spending the day at the temple, and then went to a Flamenco club (Tablao) for dinner. Mind you our reservations were for 10:00pm and the show started at 11:00pm. We were home by 1:00am. We were really living the Spanish lifestyle. Believe me, we entered our hotel and the streets were still packed with people. When we caught our taxi to the airport at 5am they were just thinking about going home. Talk about a party country!
The Flamenco is described as a forceful artistic expression of the sorrows and joys of life. The dancers improvise from basic movements, following the rhythm of the guitar and their feelings. It's fascinating. It's incredible. The flamenco guitar developed from the modern classical guitar. They have a lighter, shallower construction and a thickened plate below the soundhole, used to tap rhythms. The guitarists were amazing. Never looking at their guitars, and putting forth beautiful rhythms and music. The flamenco rhythm is created by the guitar, the hand-clapping, and the dancer's feet in high-heeled shoes.
We talked to the owner of the restaurant, and he said that the clubs hire out different groups and they perform twice a day on the week-ends and once every week night. They are in the clubs about 2 weeks and then they bring in a different group. Our performers were 3 women and one male dancer (The bailaor) Two vocalists and two guitarists. My favorite was the male dancer and the female dancer in red. I guess the poka-dot dress is the traditional style. Tom of course loved the guitarists and the vocalists.
Our table was right next to the stage. We could see the dancers expressions and watch each movement of the guitarist. It really was fabulous.
Sorry the temple shot is sideways.

Tough Situation

So I just finished a lesson in Seminary. How do you make a very immature 9th grader fit in with very mature 12th graders??? You would think I would have this down to a fine art. Just thought I'd see if you guys had a suggestion. You guys haven't been gone from the HS years as long as I have!

Beautiful Belgian Day

It's soooo gorgeous today. I'm sitting outside with my laptop feeling very happy. I'm at the front of the house because that's where the sun is, so I watch people walk by. The whole country is outside I think. You sure don't waste a day like today. It smells and feels like Fall, yet it's an Indian Summer Day. Glorious. And it's Dan's birthday. And it's General Conference. And we have a new apostle and a new counselor in the First Presidency. Just all kinds of good news and exciting happenings. I hope you all are having a great week-end. Steve gets a 2-day break from school, but Tom has to work. I know Jake and Mel are babysitting 5 kids (one being Rachel) for 10 days. What is everyone else doing for the holiday?

The Mom Song

For Trevor Hall and Jeff Packer, (and Lara of course) The only two boys I know personally who serve in Iraq

Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.

No, he responded.

Heading out I asked?

No. I'm escorting a soldier home.

Going to pic! k him u p?

No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq. I'm taking him home to his family.

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you . Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.

Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.

'Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this fligh! t . He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign.'

Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.

So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.

signed: Stuart Margel -- Washington, D.C.

Also, here are two very touching photos honored at this years International Picture of the Year.

&n! bsp; &n bsp; First Place



Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News
When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport, Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac.
During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport, Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful: 'See the people in the windows? They sat right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home,' he said. 'Th! ey will remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should.'


Second Place




Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News
The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she sle! pt. 'I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,' she said. 'I think that's what he would have wanted.' -

Red Fridays.

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing
Red every Friday The reason? Americans who support
our troops used to be called the 'silent majority.' We
are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for
God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We
are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.
Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends,
simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America
supports our troops. Our idea of showing
soli! darity and support for our troops with dignity and
respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and
every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a
deafening message that .... every red-blooded American
who supports our men and women afar, will wear
something red.
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United
States on every Friday a sea of red much like a
homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every
one of us who loves this country will share this with
acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will
not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it
will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is
on their side more than ever, certainly more than the
media lets on.
The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can
we do to make things better for you?' is ...'We need
your support and your prayers.' Let's get the word out
and lead with class and dignity, by example and wear
something red every Friday.

The Big 30...yep, that would be Dan!

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OK, so it's not till Sunday. Who cares??? I had so much fun going through all the old photos. Lara, you'll have to take over b/c I left off with a photo of you and Daphne....so you can add the photos from that point, ok?
Anyway, Dan, we all hope that your birthday is fantastic. It's on General Conference Sunday!!!
And my I also add what I think are Dan's real strengths. He's a hard worker. He is VERY responsible, and always has been. He's very organized. He's a very neat person, everything is in order. He doesn't complain about doing 'woman's work'...dishes, laundry, cleaning. You name it, he'll do it without a word of complaint. And do a very thorough job to boot. He was always my right hand man, maybe that's why he is so good a doing 'my jobs'!!! I have nothing but praise for his abilities as a Dad and Husband. I stand in awe. He's fun. He takes after his Dad and is romantic (I see how he treats Lara!) I love ya tons Dan!
HAVE A SUPER 30th!!!

I am SO not interesting

I just want everyone to know how much I enjoy your blogs. They are creative, and interesting, and pretty much keep me up to date with your lives. So I feel like I should reciprocate in some way but I really have nothing to report. I love my life, but right now it's very routine. Mind you I keep busy with tennis and yoga and walking with friends and studying for Seminary and cooking and cleaning and travelling to football games and cooking for football teams....just run of the mill stuff.
Tom is no better. Church, work, pay bills. An occasional Andy Griffiths. Steve is a tad better, but only a tad. After school and football and Seminary, he eats junk food and talks to his friends and SLEEPS, alot!
Oh, everyone likes to mention the latest book they read. Darci by far has the best answer: The Book of Mormons...a book she heard was interesting and she's giving it a try.