weekend notes

While Mark was at work on Friday, he was offered tickets to a concert at the Conference Center on Saturday night. We made arrangements and got to go on Saturday! The concert was the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Utah Symphony, and special guests Denyce Graves (soprano with the Met), Brian Stokes Mitchell (broadway singer, just having finished a run with Man of La Mancha), and Erich Kunzel (conductor of the Cinncinati Pops). Wow -- it was really good! I especially enjoyed hearing Brian Stokes Mitchell, because I like the Broadway-style music/singing.

On Sunday the boys were part of the primary program that was presented during sacrament meeting. I realized a few days before that this would be Jared's last primary program -- wow, he's growing up (next year he'll be in YM)! Since all three boys were participating, I invited all the grandparents. G&G Vawdrey had other commitments that day, but my parents were free, so they decided to come spend the day with us. It was really nice having them here for a visit. The boys all did well by behaving (i.e. being reverent) and saying their parts clearly so everyone could understand what they were saying. That evening, Jared had his first Court of Honor. His age group was in charge of the flag ceremony and Jared did the calling (announcing). He did great! Jared received his Tenderfoot and a "special" award -- a Thomas Jefferson dollar. He got that from one of the head scout leaders because during his recent board of review he was able to recite the scout Outdoor Code (Law?) from memory. Way to go, Jared!
Yesterday was a tomato day. Mom & Dad brought me a bunch of tomatoes that were left over from John's farmer's market, so I bottled 7 pints and 7 quarts of tomatoes and made a small batch of salsa. Unfortunately, I didn't have a great sealing day, and one pint and one quart didn't seal. I ended up with about 1/2 gallon of salsa. I love seeing my shelves and freezer getting full -- I get a weird sense of accomplishment out of it!