An historic day

Today, his Eminence Francis Cardinal George, OMI, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, spoke at a Brigham Young University forum in the Marriott Center. His topic: "Catholics and Latter-day Saint: Partners in the Defence of Religious Freedom."

His talk was powerful and thought provoking. I'll link to the online version or a summary of the talk when it comes out in print. (The online version is now available to watch. Go to the link given and then to "conferences and addresses" where you will find the talk by the Cardinal.) Francis Cardinal George holds a prominent position among U.S. Cardinals as the president of the United States conference of Catholic Bishops.

Religious liberty is being challenged worldwide. Article here. in the Church News.

The arts

...if there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things ~ 13th Article of Faith.

I love the arts. Almost every aspect of them (with a few exceptions.) Especially well done works in dance, music, visual art, theater, & good films that lift and inspire. I admire people who can create outstanding art of any variety. Last night we attended the annual SCERA gala and once again artists in our state were honored for their contribution to the arts. Many have made such important contributions to the arts in our area and because of their skill and hard work, many other people have been enriched and lifted to a higher plane.
Those honored were these groups or individuals.

The local paper did a nice write up in the paper about each one being honored. It's a fun night to get dressed up (and to wear my Grandma F's antique rhinestone choker necklace!) to raise money for SCERA and to celebrate the expression of good art in our community.

Concerning the arts, a recommend three different aspects that we really enjoyed this last week:

Music: The amazing new CD from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The Choir’s new album, Heavensong, reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Classical Crossover chart this week. The album is unlike anything the Choir has recorded before, and includes a choral arrangement of the hit song, "The Prayer," by Grammy Award winner David Foster. "We particularly enjoyed working with our friend, David Foster," said Choir Music Director Mack Wilberg. "We're very pleased to see the music's popularity and hope that many more people will have the chance to enjoy this music."
Theater: "Twelve Angry Men" at Pioneer Theater Company really makes you think. The acting was incredible and Rick especially enjoyed the courtroom drama.

Most legal thrillers take place in the courtroom — with the defense, the prosecution and the rapid fire back and forth. But "Twelve Angry Men" flips the camera to the jury room. A man has just been tried for killing his father, the jury files into the room, and the door is locked behind them. Twelve nameless men from 12 varied backgrounds must now decide the fate of the young man; a fate that could possibly end in the electric chair.

Well done film: We really enjoy seeing "The Young Victoria" movie yesterday. The film is a romantic dramatization of some of the events preceding and following the coronation of Queen Victoria, focusing on her early reign and romance with Prince Albert in the 1830s.

Check out Mr. Wickham of P&P fame as Prince Albert.

Aunt Marilyn's cheescake

This cheesecake recipe is amazing. It comes from Aunt Marilyn G. and I've been making it for years. It's incredibly good. I made one for Valentines day and it was a hit. Top it off with chilled cherry or blueberry pie filling and you have a no fail dessert. (I wish I had a spring form cheesecake pan. Maybe someday.) Enjoy!

1/3 - 1/2 c. melted butter mixed with 1 package of crushed graham crackers - press into pie pan with the bottom of a measuring cup.

Cream 2 t. vanilla (I only use real vanilla, not imitation) 2 eggs, 2 - 8 oz. cream cheese packages (I use reduced fat cream cheese and it still tastes the same!) add 1/4 c. powdered sugar and 3/4 c. granulated sugar. Mix all ingredients until smooth. Pour into graham cracker crust and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, take cheesecake out of oven and spread mixture of 1 1/2 c. sour cream mixed with 5 T. sugar and 1 t. vanilla on top of hot cheesecake. Return to oven and bake 10 more minutes. Cool. Refrigerate when cooled. Serve cold with toppings.
YUM!

the nicest nieces

Seriously, I love my nieces. It's so fun to have friendships with them as they get older and are mothers themselves. Lindsey, Emma and Lydia came for to visit for a few days while Ryan had a business partner in town. We had a great time. When we opened the door Emma said "Hi, I'm Emma. Thanks for inviting us over to your house for a sleepover." She was so well mannered and behaved so well. Take a look at the video to see her in action. She turns 4 in a couple of weeks. Lindsey is a conscientious mother who is teaching and training her little daughters so well.
Sydney and Daelynn came over with McKynlee for a visit and we had a good time chatting. Dustin was in the area attending meetings and it was great to see Daelynn and her little daughter, and always a delight to see Syd.
I was able to go to Logan the weekend of Makayla's blessing. I'm so glad I got to spend some time with Carol and her family and that I was able to be there to support Madi. Makayla is a sweetheart and she is loved by her mommy and so many others.

Make a Smilebox greeting

Beads galore

Last fall this wonderful friend named Marlene demonstrated for a group of us how to crochet beads onto the edges of socks for little girls. Marlene is a pro and has made many dozen pairs of socks as you can see from the pictures below. I got into it and made my four granddaughters several pairs of socks with dangling beads. Yesterday some of my nieces visited along with their little girls. I whipped up a pair of socks for each of the three little girls. I think they were happy with their new socks with beads that click a little when they walk. They're kinda crazy, kinda fun.
I learned to crochet when I was a young girl in primary. I've made several items during the years, even getting into making hair-pin lace baby blankets for Jordan and Claire when they were babies. I enjoy doing it. It's something I can do while I'm watching a movie or while traveling in the car. It doesn't take a lot of concentration. Let me know if you want me to whip some up for your little daughter or granddaughter. I'd be happy to do it!