disappointing ice cream and other things

I have two weeks to cover and I haven't been feeling energetic--for almost 2 weeks now, I've had a pinched nerve or something in my back, so my productivity has really slowed down. I am feeling somewhat better, but I see the doctor tomorrow and am hoping to feel whole again soon.

Out of order we have:

It's important to know what a habanero is if you are buying something that has it as an ingredient. Poor Glen was disappointed yesterday when he bought a carton of mango and habanero sorbet swirled with coconut ice cream. He likes mangos and he likes coconut. He did not know that habaneros were spicy peppers. (He did not like the ice cream in case you were wondering.) It is weird--you take a bite and it's mango and coconut sweetness-and then your tongue slightly catches on fire (the lid ranks it 2 chili peppers out of 3 for heat).

Glen continues to work on building the greenhouse. It's coming along nicely, but it's dark outside now and I don't have an updated photo, so this one from last week will have to do.

Two weeks ago for Family Home Evening, Angeles wanted to do something different, so she organized a campfire complete with s'mores and the Jamiesons. We practiced appropriate social distancing in that the Jamiesons sat on one side of the fire and we sat on the other. Luckily it wasn't windy because Joseph had already called dibs on the non-smoky side of the fire pit--and the smoke went straight up, so we didn't have to suffer smoke in our faces. We had a lovely time.

Ben, Joseph, Kathy, Gary, and Hannah

For the closing musical number at family church today, Kaellen, Ryan, Eric, Hannah, and Angeles sang the Come Thou Found of Every Blessing/If You Could Hie to Kolob medley that is sung by the group Eleyni. It was absolutely beautiful. I cannot tell you how much I am enjoying "home church." What a blessing to be together to worship.

(normally you don't take photos during church--but "home church" doesn't seem as taboo)

Today is Mother's Day and tomorrow is the 2nd anniversary of the passing of Glen's mother, so we took a trip to the cemetery this afternoon to put some flowers on her grave. Yesterday marked 4 months since my father passed. We miss them both.

The men made a wonderful huge salad bar for dinner today (at my request). It was delicious. And Angeles made me some tarts. And Hannah gave me a sleeve of my favorite Girl Scout cookies--thin mints. Good day.

We got to video chat with Alex today. It's transfer time this week, but he and his companion were happy to find out that they are staying together because they have been making missionary videos and have many more good ideas that they want to turn into realities. Elder Niu likes to cook as well as make videos. He made some pies and they delivered them this morning. Sister Bytheway was kind enough to text this photo to us and to Elder Niu's parents. Alex said he helped by giving his companion moral support. I told Alex he really should learn some cooking skills from his companion while he has the chance.

I also got to chat with Andrew, Heather, and Henry today. Henry was so cute--he was so excited to tell me all that they had done for Heather for Mother's Day. And it turns out that Alex isn't the only family member making videos for Facebook. Heather made a video where she plays the piano and the violin and sings the Primary song "Mother I Love You." She has such a beautiful voice (wish I could sing half as well!).

And of course, I talked with my mom today. She is keeping very busy. her latest project is painting her bathroom. I can't wait to see it--and her. Love you mom! Happy Mother's Day!

I did manage to cook a little the past 2 weeks and Eric made doughnuts this week (I didn't get a photo of the doughnuts, but they were good!).

homemade English muffins (a little heavy, but good enough)

homemade bagels, very ugly but good toasted with cream cheese

I did manage one real project in the last 2 weeks--painting the counter in the big pantry.

before (a sage greenish color)

after (a light blue color)

And that's the brief overview. We are doing fine and hope you all are, too.