Valenism

Tonight at dinner Valen tells me she wants to be an oceanologist.

"That's an oceanographer."

"No mom, I don't want to take pictures, I want to study the ocean!"

WHAT!?!

I found my first grey hair this morning. . .

Valen's First Meal

For one of her Faith in God requirements Valen had to help plan, prepare and serve a nutritious meal. She was very excited and enjoyed the planning process. She was only a little frustrated when I kept modifying things for her--such as telling her that she needed a whole grain pasta because white pasta doesn't count as nutritious. I bought all of the groceries and she helped make the meal. She spent the afternoon in the kitchen with Justin making dinner. On the menu was an organic whole grain pasta with organic locally bottled sauce; steamed organic broccoli--without cheese sauce; organic fruit kabobs and organic multi-grain bread. The meal was followed by a Family Home Evening lesson on following the Word of Wisdom. We talked about what foods are good for our bodies; what foods are a sometimes food and what things do not belong in our bodies at all. For dessert we had: brownies, ice cream, fudge topping and whipped cream--none of it low-fat or organic, because, like Valen says, "Sometimes my body needs sugar Mom."



Way to go Valen!

Film Performance

It was my privilege last night to attend one of Justin's film performances. I usually don't get to go because of babysitting issues--they usually start late at night and go into the wee hours of the morning--but last night it started and ended at a time that was manageable. He was one of two film/video performances. He performed one piece--"Valen in the grove"--and presented another--"The Sound of Crickets." It was really neat to see him perform in front of an audience and receive positive feedback. I'm amazed at how far he has come creatively and how much talent he has. I love the field that he has chosen and the direction that he is taking with it. I decided last night that if his career involves nothing but smaller performances and film festivals I would be completely happy. I don't need red carpet premiers to enjoy what he does for a living.

*Total bonus! He got paid for his performance! He is now a professional artist!

Check out the link to the event:
http://www.justbuffalo.org/index.php?task=view&id=60&show=493