Miss M puts the Beauty in Beauty and the Beast

After 4 shows in just 2 days, Beauty and the Beast is over. We're going through pretty severe withdrawal and laryngitis over here.

All the practices made the crew feel like a team. Every player contributed to the show's success. Miss M figured she spent about 36 hours working on the play!

Scouts from the high school enjoyed the play, too!

I loved seeing friends at the performances! Thanks for coming out to support our Miss M.

One of the funnest parts was seeing the little girls in the audience gather around "Belle". They were so sweet! Disney princesses have a certain responsibility, don't they! Don't worry, it's not going to her head. :)

Happy New Year 2010! What a gorgeous day. Sunshine makes everything look better. Here are some books I want to read this year: Hunger Games, The Purpose of Boys, Percy Jackson 3, 4, and 5, Miss M thinks I should read Leven Thumps, Fablehaven 5, just for starters. But first the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon. I mean, when I sit down to read, I'm going to start with a few verses in the Book of Mormon, then part of the Sunday School assignment in the Old Testament. Then I'll read something else.

Here's what we're having for lunch:

Three-Bean Chili from the Cupboard

1 14 oz can roast beef
1 can diced tomatoes and green chiles
2 c beef broth
1T chili powder
1t onion powder
1/2 t garlic powder
2 t salt
3 dashes cayenne pepper
1 15 oz can each pinto, black, and kidney beans, drained
1 15 oz can peeled tomatoes of your choice
2 c water

In a good-sized soup pot, saute roast beef until pink is gone. Add 1 can diced tomatoes and green chiles and saute for 5 minutes. Pour in beef broth, seasonings, beans, tomatoes, and water. Stir and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and cook for an hour, stirring occasionally. Serve with crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, sliced black olives,etc.


Creamed Corn Bread

1 c corn meal
3/4 c unbleached flour
1/4 c sugar
1 t salt
3 t baking powder
2 eggs
1/3 c butter, softened
1 15 oz can cream-style corn

Preheat oven to 375 F. Melt butter in 9 x 9 x 2 pan in the oven. Swirl butter around pan to grease bottom and sides. Sift together corn meal, flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Beat eggs in medium-sized bowl. Mix in creamed corn. Add dry ingredients and melted butter. Stir to combine well. Bake at 375 F for 20 - 25 minutes.