Me? Teaching Sing?

It's hard to believe but I have been teaching singing to the children in our church for over a year now.  Can I sing?  Sure, anybody can sing, right?  But can I sing well... nooooo.  I'm much more comfortable behind the piano providing the music

I'm the chorister for Primary, which is for children from ages three to twelve in the LDS church. In primary,  children receive two hours of religious instruction each Sunday. One hour is spent with a teacher who provides a lesson for an age-specific group, and a second hour is spent in a combined group of children in instruction and singing.

The second hour is when I step in and attempt to teach the cute kids music.  Why am I teaching singing when I can't sing?  One of the beautiful things about the LDS church is that it is run by volunteers.  From the leaders to the teachers to the people who clean the church houses every week, we do it all voluntarily.  So, typically when I'm asked to provide support, I'm very willing to do my part.

However, when I was asked to be the chorister for primary, I wasn't as willing.  I was in shock.  I asked them, "Are you sure you are asking the right person?  Don't you mean you need me to play the piano?"  Yes, they were sure they had the right person.  I then asked, "You know I can't sing.  Are you really serious?"  Yes, they were serious and didn't care about my singing.  I know music and they want me to teach it.

So.... I've been the chorister and after a few months of sweating bullets while attempting to teach singing and making a complete fool of myself... I have come to absolutely love it.  I love it all!

I still can't sing.

However, the kids are just so adorable.  They are so sweet and don't care about my voice.  Many of them will point me out and tell their Mommies, "she's the one that teaches music" or will run up to me and give me a big hug and tell me "hi".  How can you just not love that?

This month, I'm teaching a song that is beautiful and poignant called "I Know That My Savior Loves Me".  It is the sweetest thing to hear these darling little voices singing this song so beautifully.  Another chorister has created a YouTube clip of this song that I want to share.  You can hear for yourself the sweetness of the song in the voices of the children singing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzMgE-uFSzQ

Isn't it sweet?  I wanted to share this beautiful song with everyone.  Remember me each Sunday afternoon and keep me in your thoughts as I continue to try and teach music... and try to sing.... and not very well.

If you would like a copy of the sheet music, click here.....Click here for the sheet music.

Tori's Orchestra Concert

Our darling Tori had her orchestra concert the other day. She was amazing. Really, truly... she's got the talent.




















She doesn't like to have her picture taken but she sure isn't shy about performing. She was wonderful!















She had her first taste of violin in 6th grade and decided, at the time, she didn't want to continue this instrument after 6th grade ended. Then, like so many females tend to do, she changed her mind. I'm glad. She's wonderful! Love you Tori!

Winter Time Blues

It's January. Christmas is over. It's cold.... super cold. The snow is not fresh, it's icy, dirty, and not pretty. I think the entire family has got the winter time blues.

This is what I wish we were doing.















Now I'm the first to say I love the snow. I love the seasons we have in Utah. I really don't hate the cold weather. But, I tell ya, these last few weeks have not been enjoyable. Where's our beautiful snow? Enough of this cold, inversion, smoggy air.















Why can't we just go visit the beach each month?

A Very Merry Christmas

We had a very, merry Christmas at the Glassford house. We had a beautiful tree, lots of presents, and family all together. The family all together is my favorite part of a very, merry Christmas.

As you can see between the couches and chairs there is no where to walk.... too many presents. It was a good Christmas for the Glassford children.



















Here's Todd and Tori staging their surprised looks at their Christmas gifts.... already opened. Thanks for the photo guys.


















My darling Tori with her very strange camera pose and showing off her teddy bears. I hope she never gets to old to enjoy getting teddy bears for Christmas.

















The Glassford family got a Wii for Christmas... Santa finally broke down and got them a Wii. Here's the kids and young-at-heart figuring out how this new game works.
















Later that day, we gathered together for a family Christmas dinner. Todd was so kind to carve the turkey for us while wearing the lovely pink, polka-dotted apron Tori made in her school sewing class. Only real men can boldly wear such an apron and feel confident in their masculinity and Todd wore it well.



















My lovely Tori getting ready to eat but no quite ready for pictures.














We were so thrilled to have Spencer and Ashley visiting for the day. I thoroughly loved having all my family together to celebrate the holiday.

































Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our family to yours.

Merry Mint Fudge

My absolute favorite homemade fudge recipe is called Merry Mint Fudge. The recipe can be found on the Keebler cookie box of Merry Mint Patties, if you can find the cookies. I haven't found them this year so I'm glad I kept the recipe.

I'm a huge fan of chocolate and mint... huge fan. So, of course, I'm in heaven when I make and eat this fudge. Give it a try.

Merry Mint Fudge

1 jar marshmallow creme (7 oz)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cups evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups of milk chocolate chips
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup Keebler Holiday Merry Mint Patties, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces

Line an 8 x 8 inch pan with aluminum foil and set aside. In a large sauce pan, combine the marshmallow creme, sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt. Bring to boil; over moderate heat, stirring constantly! Boil 4-5 minutes stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips, until chocolate is melted. Stir in vanilla and chopped merry mint patties. Pour into a pan. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Cut and serve at room temperature.

Played Hookie from Work

I played "hookie" from work today.















Todd didn't have to play hookie 'cause he's got that firefighter job where he seems to be off more than me. Except when he goes to work for 48 hours at a time.

















It was a beautiful day and the snow and sunshine were calling my name.



















Todd and I headed up to beautiful Sundance and made the kids go to school. 'Cause we're good parents like that.

















A beautiful day playing hookie with my husband.





















P.S. For those of you worried that I've made this statement on my blog... don't worry... I actually got permission from my wonderful boss to have the day off. I just like say that I played hookie.

Evan and his Guitar

Evan is learning to play the guitar and is doing a great job. His teacher tells me Evan is his best student. Evan says his teacher is just saying that so I'll keep sending him to lessons (He's too young to be so jaded, don't you think?).

I tend to believe the teacher. Evan has always been a quick learner, he's also very smart, and he's just so darn cute.

He had a recital recently and did a great job.




Great job Evan! We are very proud of you.