God Save the Quinn

Happy Birthday Jennifer!

2010-02-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

It all began with her. From there my mom would have 9 more children, but Jennifer set the bar!

My oldest sister Jennifer is one amazing woman! She has always been a good example to me, in every aspect of her life. She was a good girl, obedient to her parents, helpful to her siblings, and the best example of a disciple of Christ. I have so many fond memories of my friendship with my sister.

I loved dancing around the "pretty room" while Jennifer played the piano.

Jennifer let me go to a sleepover for our cousin Debra with her, even though there's a good 7 year gap in our age. It was there I received my first (and ONLY) perm. Jennifer taught me the running man and the rodger rabbit dances that night as well, changing my life forever!

One time Jennifer let me stay up and watch Far and Away with her and her friends. I still remember sitting really still and quiet so that she wouldn't want to send me away. I didn't want to ruin the good thing I had going. You know it's special if it got me to sit still and quiet!

I also remember when Jennifer came home from college once and took me, just me, to go see Forrest Gump in the movie theatre. When you have 9 siblings, going anywhere alone with someone is pretty special.

While I remember these few moments, there are countless more experiences with Jennifer, experiences where she gave of herself, sacrificed time and energy for my sake. I love you Jennifer. I'm so grateful to have you as a sister and friend.

Love,
Tanya

Jennifer: Click on this link birthday to watch your Birthday video.

New Year's Resolutions

2010-01-04T12:01:00.000-08:00

I had a great year in 2009. I was able to compete in a national service competition in Kansas. I had a lead role in a professional play. I graduated culinary school! I went on a cruise. I lived by the Atlantic Ocean. I got pregnant, which was a big dream come true. I completed a culinary internship. I moved to Utah Valley to join the rest of my world. Tom and I have of course had loads of fun together, as we always do. For 2010, I'm hoping to keep the ball rolling and check some other things off the list. You know, it's a shame it's in list form because the journey really is half the fun. But lists have their place in the world. I LOVE lists. Plus, I'm hoping that if I write them down, and send them out to the blogging universe I will have a better chance of accomplishing my new year's resolutions. So here are some things I plan to do this year:

1. Book at least 12 catering/craft services gigs this year. I'd like to average one a month, but I know some will have more than others and January's going to be busy, what with having a baby and all.

2. Have a baby. I like to put a few things on my list that I know I'll be able to cross off.

3. Learn the entire Beyonce's "Single Ladies" dance and perform it for whoever will watch. I wanted to learn it last year and never did. I don't think people would have enjoyed watching me perform it pregnant, though.

4. Be healthy enough to perform Beyonce's "Single Ladies" dance in the customary leotard and high heels.

5. Read 6 novels. I'm not usually a slow reader, but I know I'll have a lot on my plate with the new world of being a mom, so I'm trying to be realistic.

6. I have a cookbook idea. I should at least be able to get a rough draft written. Plus, there's a lot of at-home research I can do to make sure the recipes work, etc. So, I will write the rough draft of my cookbook. More details to follow on the actual idea.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-01T19:01:00.000-08:00

It has begun! Well, to be honest, it began for me a week before Thanksgiving, but I can officially shove all my holiday cheer into your faces! Here's something to start the season off!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Halloween Movie 2009

2009-10-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

For your viewing pleasure, I made this movie yesterday for a friend's Halloween party. Everyone was invited to make a little music video and submit it at the party. Here's what I came up with last minute, 'cause that's how I roll!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auA6iuaINF8

Here are our costumes for the party. Tom was Speed Racer. Doesn't he look awesome?! He put that together in an hour!

I went as a stay-at-home mom, cause soon I'll have time to wear pearls, make sure I look nice all the time. I was barefoot since I'll have no where to go, right? Mainly, it's what I wore in the video and didn't have time to come up with something else. But I'm wearing false lashes so it's a costume.

It was a really fun party. Lots of good food, spontaneous improvisational singing. Isn't that what you guys do at parties? Make up songs with a pianist who can create songs on the spot?

(The Queen of Hearts is Jewels, the hostess with the mostest!)

Tom's latest movie and QUINN FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT

2009-10-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

We had one of the best family photo sessions of all time! It really captures the Quinns. Laurel, Ma Quinn, wanted us to dress as if we're trying to be fancy, but because we're Quinns we just miss the mark. The files are too large to post so here's one and I'll resize the others so you can see the whole family.

Also, Tom filmed a little short this summer. It's really funny and short, so take a moment and watch it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RHXCctE9r4

It also involves our adorable nephew, Cash, telling a joke.

His mom's blog is Kat, the link on my page.

Our Own Home

2009-10-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

Here are a few highlights of our new home. We moved down the canyon to American Fork. Tom finally exclaimed one night that he couldn't handle the commute anymore so I wasted no time finding a place.

I almost didn't call on this home, and here's why:
The ad simply stated "$400, 2-bedroom Mother-in-law apt. in exchange for some daycare." It had no pictures, so of course I assumed some small basement dump and daycare meant to me 9-5 all the live long day and I wasn't interested with the new baby coming. I finally decided to call just to see. I figured I owed it to Tom to see if there was a way I could help us financially since soon I won't be providing any income. Coincidentally, the home owners weren't going to interview anymore people but decided to interview us. When we went by to interview and see the apartment I finally understood why they didn't show pictures. They would have received ridiculous amount of applicants. The house is just that, a house. We have our own 4 walls. There is a hallway with two locking doors that connects us, but even through that hallway you can't hear anything.

As for the daycare: The children are adorable and good kids! Plus the daycare consists of a couple hours a day, a few days a week, and only during the school year. Dad is a lawyer and Mom works for UVU so I won't be working during the holidays, etc.
It has turned out to be a huge blessing. With the money we spent commuting each day and maintaining our storage unit, we'll probably break even in our budget each month by living here, if not save money!

It was like Christmas moving in. First, because you're actually unwrapping things. Second, I had been in storage for so long I forgot what I owned. I forgot I owned a vacumn, a washer and dryer. It was so much fun!

There is plenty of twirling room, which is a must!

We're so excited to invite everyone in the world over for dinner and not ask them to drive up the canyon!

Our bedroom has a door connecting to the bathroom. That's been nice through the night as I get up several times now.

This will become the nursery, but for now, it's our guest room.

The bathroom has double sinks! I don't know why I love it because I've lived just fine without them, but I love it!

Walk-in shower. Aren't all showers technically walk-in? It certainly isn't a squeeze-in shower, though.

Let me tell you, I've used the tub. It is wonderful. It comfortably fits two adults. We can just lounge and the jets are so relaxing. So, bring your suit, we'll have a party!

I love my little laundry room.

I have no fear for winter. Winter's got nothin' on me! There's a bunch of stuff in there to go to DI, but it has plenty of room for my storage around the cars and we won't have to squeeze in.

2009-09-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

Michelle and I both independently looked at this picture and thought, "Hm, why does my makeup look so good?" Then I realized it was because my sister Jennifer did our makeup using bare minerals.

Thanks Jennifer. Adding to the Christmas wish list: Bare Minerals.

My Family

2009-08-14T23:53:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share this. I have the most beautiful family... and it's all because of these two! No, I'm not going to say "all because two people fell in love."

Recently

2009-06-13T17:03:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading

Funny.

Advanced Baking

2009-06-06T14:40:00.000-07:00

I didn't take as many pictures in advanced baking. I don't know what I was thinking. I learned how to make croissants, danishes, puff pastry, ice cream and sorbet, gourmet chocolates, petit fours (which is pretty much any dessert, but bite size), pulled sugar, and plated desserts, where every dessert was comprised of 10 elements on the plate. Here are a few pictures. I probably don't have any pictures of the danishes because they never lasted long enough for me to get my camera out. Just ask Julia or Jamie. They can tell you how those babies last before being consumed! Here are a few highlights from the things I learned.

Danish dough, croissants, etc. are considered rolled-in dough because you create a block of dough and a block of butter and roll and fold, roll and fold, to create the fluffy, airy layers when baked. The butter and dough have to be the same consistency or you will ruin it. Hence, you probably don't remember waking up much to your mother making danishes from scratch. However, the dough freezes really well so it's my lofty goal to make some and freeze them so I CAN have fresh croissants or danishes anytime I want. Yeah, I'm sure I'll make them at home, since I'm so good and updating my blog!

Pulling sugar burns your fingers. Just try to pull and shape sugar by hand over 300 degrees without burning yourself.

I need to invest in a $7000 ice cream machine. Rock salt just doesn't cut it!

When you make graham cracker crust in advanced baking you first have to make graham crackers from scratch! The recipe is actually quite simple and really delicious! It was sad to have to crumble it right after I made it.

The orange macarons are not hamburgers. I just didn't think ahead as to how they might look. And yes, I meant macarons, not macaroons. Macaroons are typically a coconut cookie while macarons are almond-based.

All in all, advanced baking was a fun challenge for me. I really enjoyed it and will always value the experience it gave me.

Let them eat cake!

2009-06-06T14:26:00.000-07:00

In my last semester of school I was in advanced baking. One of our last assignments was to submit a wedding cake in a competition. Everything had to be edible and made from scratch. We each designed our cakes and I made every little flower on that thing, plus extras, because you never know. It was neat to compete and I learned a lot. I now know how to make a wedding cake. Don't ever ask me to make another.

Each cake required a topper. I am proud, for it being my very first and all.

Of all the fancy desserts and beautiful cakes, my mom's chocolate cake with homemade chocolate whipped cream and drizzle is still my favorite. I'll take it over fondant any day! Featured with the cake, Hailey Smith!

I'm Back!

2009-06-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

I have so many posts I'm currently working on, but I just wanted to say hi, I exist, and I"M PREGNANT!

So much more to come:
Bahamas Cruise
Snorkeling
Disney World
Daytona Beach
Life in Virginia Beach
Pregnancy
Cooking Blog
Finishing school

Yeah, I have a lot to work on.

Check Me Out!

2009-01-11T18:22:00.001-08:00

Link to the picture

So the other day I received a package in the mail. It was from SKillsUSA. I competed last summer at the National level in a food service competition in Kansas City. While there I was waiting in the hall for my friend's competition and took a nap. I am never afraid to fall asleep in the middle of a hallway. I folded up my coat and laid right down. So I woke up well rested. A gentlemen came to the classroom door I was laying next to. I must have looked really well-rested because he asked if I'd like to go to a photo shoot the next day. The offer: My picture MIGHT end up somewhere in the organization's 2009 magazine. So the next day I went to the photo shoot. They shot a couple pictures and I was on my way.

So you can imagine my surprise when I received a letter and a few copies of a magazine with my face on the cover! It was a fun Wednesday.

Fairy Pride Parade

2008-12-22T23:06:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you about the magic of Christmas. Two hours each Saturday I was flitting around with children. I say flitting because I made it a point to never walk. I allowed skipping, dancing, jigging, and a lot of flitting, but never just a walk.

I was the Sugar Plum Fairy at Thanksgiving Point's "Breakfast with Santa." I channeled Amy Adams from Enchanted and went on my merry way. The costume isn't quite how I'd picture the Sugar Plum Fairy. Next year I plan to take my costume design into my own hands. It must involve a tutu, fruit in my hair, and bigger wings I think.

It's kind of odd having hundreds of children want to be in a picture with you. I'm now in photo albums and blogs across the Wasatch front. It's kind of awesome, however, to encourage the magic of Christmas.

I had children who have "seen my movie," and promised to watch it again to support me. Others professed they "loved my book." I received several questions on how Tinkerbell is doing, and even more hugs. A few "smart" boys wanted to test my ability to fly, but every skeptic believed in the end.

I enlightened the children on many fairy facts.

1. I had a spider sew my wings so they'd be stronger.
2. To travel we shrink to the size of butterflies. So if you see a butterfly you can wave because it's probably a fairy.
3. Tinkerbell and I often have lunch together. She is an excellent cook.
4. I live in an oak tree.
5. I love making snowmen and snow angels.
6. I'm tight with Santa and can pass along messages. I can even remember lengthy lists which children deliver in detail.

It was a great 4 weeks.

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

2008-12-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

Come one come all, to our ugly christmas sweater ball. This Friday, 6:00 at my house. Give me a call and I'll give you more details. We'll have pizza, a gingerbread decorating contest, and of course we'll have the wii and big screen tv set up for tournaments! I can't wait!

Halloween Fun Times

2008-10-29T17:41:00.001-07:00

I've got great ones of my hair, which I did myself that I'll post later.

Go to my friend Julia's Blog to see all the fun details of the Halloween party we attended last night. It was all very halloweeny.

So, I have found I often describe things this season as "Halloweeny." I couldn't figure out where I got it until I was talking to my mom about her plans for the family Halloween party she was throwing and she used the term. I cried out, "that's where I got it!" She replied, "well, there's christmasy, things that are christmas-like, and halloweeny, things that are halloween-like." I couldn't believe it. That's the exact reason I give for using it too!

So eat pumpkin pancakes, and make ghost lolipops; TP the neighbor's house, and eat spaghetti brains!

It's all very halloweeny.

Lately

2008-10-26T18:23:00.001-07:00

Here's a new way to make a fruit platter.

Here's a new way to present a traditional Fall cheese tray. Find a cookie cutter in your favorite leaf shape and start cutting.

I made calzones from scratch. I made the Italian sausage, sauce, dough, the works. I'll post the dough recipe. It's very simple.

I carved ice, with chain saws and chisels and everything.

Here's what I carved, a leaf and acorn.

We re-tiled the laundry room floor, which was also covered with carpet.

Because this is what we found, mold!

I busted out my Wizard of Oz nutcrackers so I could introduce the wonderful world to my niece and nephew.

And now for the main event...

I had my Garde Manger final. Garde Manger is the section of the kitchen that makes hor dourves, salads, and sandwiches. We were each in charge of a table of appetizers for the presidential scholarship ball at UVU. I chose to do salmon. Here are some pictures of what I made.

Smoked Salmon Platter

The three sauces I made from scratch: Tartar Sauce, Remoulade Sauce, and Cocktail Sauce.

My show platter. I baked the salmon whole, skinned the front half and layed thinly sliced cucumbers for scales. It's not necessarily how I'd present the fish for a party at home, ya know, fish staring you in the face, but the effect is neat.

Over the last couple months I have...

2008-10-07T16:02:00.000-07:00

Catered a full wedding- made that fruit tower! Also made a chicken tortelini salad, shrimp salad, the ever-popular pear salad, compound fruit and vegetable butters for freshly baked bread.

Re-floored the bathroom- Tile instead of CARPET

Carved a LOT of fruit

Which has all been a lot of fun! By the way everything on our platters is edible, so that giant ribbon- is made out of a vegetable!

Created Flavored Vinegar

Hor' Deourves anyone?

Aspic(chicken gelatin) hor' deourves with Chef Franz, who by the way is from Austria and the same province as Arnold Schwartzinager so I giggle every time he says California. He's a truly great chef who has taught me a lot, and hilarious!

Learned how to make and tasted more Sushi in one day than I've had in all my life

Made sausage- I created Italian and breakfast style sausage

WENT TO THE CIRCUS!

Watched conference.

Made a lot of salads.

Found mold in the food pantry.

Made the school competition team. I'm team manager, which is what I tried out for. I'll get to practice with the team and hone my skills, while helping in a way I feel more comfortable- raising money, coordinating equipment and schedules, etc.

No picture yet but I just accepted a position as foodservice manager at Dan. Daniels Academy is a therapy boarding school for teenage boys. They will board 8 boys and I'll cook for them. Not only will I be cooking, but I will be developing and budgeting the meals. I will also teach the kids nutrition, cooking, and grocery shopping, various lifeskills classes.
Drumroll please... They also brought up their media team and how they're really hoping I'm interested in filming a cooking show from their kitchen, which is immaculate, brand new, and definitely cooking show set worthy! Let's think here, do you out there in reader land think I might be interested in a project that combines cooking and theatre?! Hmmm.

So that's my life right now. I'm glad we could catch up. I'll be sure to write in my journal, say my daily prayers, and blog more often.

Dear Tanya,

2008-05-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

We celebrated your birthday on Saturday. You slept until 9:30 so we all got to sleep in. For breakfast you enjoyed an egg and sausage "face" that "Nickle Pickle" made for you. We had a brief visit at the doctor's office to make sure you don't have TB. We don't want you infecting any kids you come around! Happy to report you are TB-free. All the Quinns called to say Happy Birthday. You felt special to have so many people care about you.

You got to go shopping and picked out a new outfit. It matches and everything! Angela had you over for a birthday barbeque dinner then everyone came over for games and cake.

You were SO excited for that cake!

Your favorite present was delivered as a surprise from Tom. You were so happy you started to cry, but you were also sad that Tom couldn't be there with you. It's so cute. You're always saying "Tom is my bestest friend."

You're getting bigger every day! I need to start giving you more vegetable snacks. It makes me happy, though, to see what a good eater you are. You aren't picky and eat everything I put in front of you. You love grilled ham and cheese sandwiches and your eyes light up every time I let you have some Pepsi. You love to be in the kitchen and often say "when I grow up I want to have my own cooking show." I think your love of being on stage in front of big audiences also plays a part in that goal.

You are running now which is a recent development and I get so excited to see that you enjoy it. You love to swim and get antsy to go to the pool each time the sun comes out.

I'm excited for this year ahead of you. I pledge to be better for you and will help you become your best self.

Love,
Tanya

The Call

2008-05-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

Listen to the song I just added to my music playlist. It's the last song on the list. "The Call", performed by Regina Spector. It's the song from the latest "Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian." I really like it and I like the message.

I'm just going to leave it at that. You can ask me about how I feel about the message sometime. Here are the lyrics.

It started out as a feeling
Which then grew into a hope
Which then turned into a quiet thought
Which then turned into a quiet word

And then that word grew louder and louder
'Til it was a battle cry

I'll come back
When you call me
No need to say goodbye

Just because everything's changing
Doesn't mean it's never
Been this way before

All you can do is try to know
Who your friends are
As you head off to the war

Pick a star on the dark horizon
And follow the light

You'll come back
When it's over
No need to say good bye

Now we're back to the beginning
It's just a feeling and now one knows yet
But just because they can't feel it too
Doesn't mean that you have to forget

Let your memories grow stronger ans stronger
'Til they're before your eyes

You'll come back
When it's over
No need to say good bye

Hero For A Night

2008-05-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

My brothers and I have another game tonight. I believe our record now stands at 5-2. Our win last week was the stuff of legends; you should have seen it. The other team was obviously the better, and after the first inning they were up 12 runs. Their bats were thunder-sticks and their mitts were a wall of inescapable vacuums. As you can imagine, we were quite intimidated, and all but defeated. But, just as we were about to abandon all hope, something in our defense switched on, and we were able to hold them to only three more runs the rest of the game as we continued to chip away at their gigantic lead. We sat at the bottom of the last inning 15-15 with one out. There was a man on first and third, and I was up to bat. With one out I only had to hit the ball deep enough for the man on third to tag up and make the run for home. This would seem like a very simple task to the average player, but seeing as how I stand just below average when compared to the rest of the league, I was a little skeptical as I stepped up to the plate. While standing there I became increasingly aware of the dumb things we yell from the dugout, things like "good eye" when the pitchers ball drops a foot short of the plate, and is obviously unhitable. But, we say these things to be supportive and to keep our mouths busy, not actually to congratulate our teammate for avoiding a truly crap pitch, that if swung at would bring endless ridicule.

I allowed this mindless banter to drift to the background as I focused on the pitcher. He was my enemy and I was determined to send him home contemplating quiting the game of softball forever. I didn't just want to beat him, but to crush him, humiliate him, and if possible, cause a marital rift that would tear his family apart, leading to a plunge in his work productivity, which would result in his dismissal, causing the loss of his home and friends, leaving him penniless and broken. I didn't know it then, but looking back I wanted all these things. In the end there was less drama than I would have hoped. I didn't wait for the full count, but took the very first pitch within reach. I swung with all my might, and despite separating many of the muscles in my back and pulling my groin, I sensed the ball connect with the bat in what I like to call "the sweet spot." It was magnificent. The ball sored out, out, out of the infield, landing just past the second baseman, in a place I like to call "the hole", a place where "easy outs" turn into singles, a place where mediocre ball player's dreams come true.
The crowd was uncontrollable (by crowd I mean the three supportive wives) as our man on third made an easy run home bringing the score to 16-15 and ending the game. The air was chill, the stars were out, and I glowed like a pregnant woman as I reveled in the taste of the first sports success of my life.

Sincerely,
Thomas

7 minutes in heaven? Try 2 days!

2008-05-13T23:35:00.000-07:00

At Disneyland that is. It was by far the best Disneyland experience ever! I went with my sisters: Connie, Michelle and Nicole. Here are a few highlights, and a lot of pictures.

Within the first hour, we got on 4 rides. We then went on all the rides we could possibly want to multiple times, and even a few Nicole wanted, like Alice in Wonderland. I kid Nicole. I love Alice in Wonderland. The longest wait for a ride was 30 minutes.

The second day we went to Disney's California Adventure which is really fun. I didn't know anything about it going in, but loved it all.

Tower of Terror: You're in an "elevator" and you don't just drop; you go up and down and don't know which way you'll go next. It was great.

California Screamin': Normally on big roller coaster rides you slowly start up the first big hill. Not the case! They count down from 5, then SHOOT you across a speedway and up the first hill.

California Adventure is great for families. It's mainly shows and activities. There are Disney characters walking around everywhere. Some of my favorite activities:

Beast's library: you answer questions and Lumier tells you which Disney character you are most like. I am like Dot the Ant from "Bug's Life" and Mrs. Potts from "Beauty and the Beast."

Ursula's Grotto: you sing or act along with a scene from a Disney movie then it plays back with your voice over the original. I was in heaven.

Here are some pictures of our days. I threw in a picture of a "the happiest mullet on Earth."

The Happiest Place on Earth

2008-05-12T15:41:00.000-07:00

Here it comes: cheeseball romantic details of my marriage that you may not care about. Guess what? I don't care! I can't help but declare from the blogging rooftops my intense love for my husband, Thomas Arthur Quinn. May 16Th will be our 5-year anniversary and sadly we will be apart. We're spending the summer down in California. That's right, we chose to move to Bakersfield during its peak hot season. We're crazy like that. That's just one more piece of evidence of Tom's love for me. He's willing to MELT all summer long just so I can be closer to my family. In any case, I have come down early to find a job while Tom finishes up some work in Heber.

We will be apart for over 3 weeks, which is the longest by far that we've been separated, and it's killing me. I'm only one week into it and contemplating jumping a train, changing my name to Bojangles, pasting my hair, or someone else's, to my cheeks, all in the hopes that I could safely arrive in Heber Utah just to see him before donning another disguise to return home. Why the disguise? I don't know; that's how crazy being apart is making me!

I'd like now to wander through the wooded glen of mushy feelings. You're welcome to join me. You're also welcome to skip this entire blog entry and go watch something on youtube. To each his own.

Tom loves Waterworld. I love Babes in Toyland. Tom came from a family of all boys, while I came from a predominately girl family. Tom loves Meatloaf. I love to eat meatloaf. Tom loves mountain biking. I never learned how to ride a bike. We are incompatible on so many levels, but I want to tell you how I feel about compatibility. We are not the same, because that would be boring. But we are compatible. We just fit together. We each bring a unique perspective to life. I know Tom has enlightened mine. He continues to teach me, help me discover more of who I am, and patiently helps me become the woman I want to be.

I always ask Tom, "why are you so good to me?" He replies each time, "because I love you." I always know he means it. It's not a competition, and he's not looking for anything in return. I pray every day to find ways to be good to him. He deserves the best, and I want to be my best for him.

Here's a list of great things Tom does, that I don't deserve, but I love:

1. When I say, "oh I'm so thirsty." and we're lying in bed and he was in bed before me, he'll get up and go get me a big glass of ice water, even though I'll inevitably only take 3 sips before falling asleep.
2. He loves me even after I eat eggs. Nothing further.
3. He cuddles with me all through the night.
4. He shops with me, which I don't make him do often.
5. He listens to me as I work things out audibly, even when I don't want an answer.
6. He supports me going back to school before he finishes.
7. He does the dishes. He loves to do dishes. It's crazy!
8. He sings me lullabies every time I ask him to, even though I'm 25.
9. We do tradsies; I rub his shoulders for 5 minutes and he rubs mine for 50.

Here's a list of things that just make me gaga for Tom:

1. His blue eyes.
2. He's so excited for Christmas that he gets up at 4:00 am and walks around the neighborhood, waiting for everyone else to wake up.
3. Whenever he performs: comedy, music, sports.
4. His Christopher Walkin impersonation.
5. His 100% home teaching record, not because it's a record, but because he has a love for and testimony of the work that makes it not work.
6. When he laughs at goofy things I say until he cries, not because they're witty, but because he loves me and I can see it.
7. His family. I met Tom's family two weeks into our dating and just fell in love with them, possibly before I fell in love with him.
8. He holds my hand, even when we're driving in the car.
9. He continues to dream and dream big!
10. His freckles, all of them.

I will be able to bare being away from Tom for our anniversary because I know that we can be together forever. I pray each day that I will live worthy of him. I could be doing the most exciting activity on earth, but without Tom, it's just not complete. I could be doing the most boring, mundane nothingness, but when Tom's there, it becomes the happiest place on Earth.

I love you baby.

Lately

2008-04-11T22:48:00.000-07:00

So, remember when I won Gold at the college level in a competition I didn't compete in? Well, I had a chance to prove myself and I'm happy to report I didn't fall flat on my face. In fact, I took the Gold record at State and will be competing at the National competition in June! I want so badly to write more, but here's an update on why I can't write much.

I am enjoying school immensely and I get to bake and decorate beautiful desserts. School is from 8:00am to 1:30pm. From there I go to work from 2:00 to 8:30pm and then home and to bed.

I got a job at Cirque Lodge, the rehab facility to the rich and the famous. I get to cook for 50 people and am exposed to diverse and fabulous menus each day. That's all for now. I'm tired ya'll!

Here's one for the road:

We had a scholarship ball to raise money for the culinary program. I made those desserts with my class. They were insanely intricate and time-consuming. I loved every minute of it!

Success!

2008-03-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Well, I've officially catered my first event. It was only possible through the generosity of U.V.U. and the hours of help from family. My sweet Tom came and helped me in the kitchen for long hours and worked with me every step of the way. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun. Even when I was exhausted, I was still enjoying myself.

I made roasted chicken with a mushroom infused veloute sauce (fancy word for chicken gravy), fresh roasted vegetable medley, rice pilaf, pear and caramelized pecan salad with a red onion vinaigrette and of course rolls and butter. I made everything from scratched. I rendered (cut) all the meat from whole chickens, chopped all the vegetables, made the sauce with chicken stock- the whole works. Friday I was up from 6:00a.m. to 1:00a.m. prepping food out and was up the next morning again at 6:00a.m. to begin the day.

I forgot to take pictures of the food, but it tasted good. I also forgot to take a picture of the drink table. I know the table centerpieces weren't big of fancy, but we just wanted a little something to make the luncheon special. I wish I had taken a picture of the room. The crisp, clean look of all the matching tables looked great.

I think we did a great job considering we couldn't get into the church until half an hour before the luncheon began! There was another activity before us that ran late. There are definitely a lot of things I'd change for next time, but it was all behind the scene things. My main concern was that the bride would be pleased. She was concerned with having her luncheon in the cultural hall and wanted it to be nice. My family helpers all dressed in black and white and served the food and cleared plates, and worked their fannies off! I loved the look on the bride's mother's face when she realized they didn't have to clean up. It felt good to know I had a part in making their special day achieve its "specialness."

Opportunity Knocks Me Out

2008-03-07T12:07:00.000-08:00

In my life, I've only held two jobs that I was willing to keep for more than the summer, or the winter. or whatever the appropriate season- shoeing horses and building picture frames. Not too long ago I was "laid off" as a frame builder, which story may very well become the subject of another blog. And, as the horseshoeing season has not officially begun, I find myself once again among the unlucky and unemployed. This would not be nearly as alarming if I were 21 and single. But, as I am married, and nearing my thirties, a decade of life that should be marked by the unfathomable possibilities of success, and the hopes of settling into a rhythm and career that would allow me the rock hard stability of a professional foundation, I am faced with the terrifying prospect of interviewing for jobs that I have as much training and experience in as a high school graduate.
As I am trained for little else, applying at Michaels for a picture framing position seemed like the next logical step. My application rose straight to the top of what was no doubt an enormous stack, disappointing hundreds of picture framing hopefuls. An interview was scheduled at my soonest convenience, and the manager bent over backwards to accommodate my every whim.
The interview was flawless- a study in professional communication. Rhoda, my interviewer praised me up and down for my years of experience and for my obvious need for no further training. I would be, in her words, "an incalculable asset to the store." Now full of myself, I determined that this job and I would be the perfect marriage. I had been honing my craft for years, learning the ins and outs of frame building and picture framing so that I might arrive at this place , under these circumstances- the union of the perfect job with the perfect employee. "We would like you to start right away," she said. "That would be great," I said. "It would be wonderful if you could work the morning schedule," she added. "That would be my preference as well," I returned. "We are prepared to start you at eight dollars an hour," she said "Tpbbbbpbbbpbbbtpbbbbbbbbpbbtpbbbb," I said. Actually, I never said that last part. It was merely the sound of me filling my pants with disappointment. So, this is what I was worth. The realization was sobering, to say the least. My years of experience and training, my knowledge and skills, my apparent value to company, had all brought me to this very depressing and sadly avoidable point-- the beginning.

Sincerely,
Thomas

What I Used To Think

2008-02-26T22:14:00.000-08:00

I've made a break through; turned a corner; leapt from the plateau, on which I have spent so many years without direction or resolve. This blog is a testament to that. Also, I recently enrolled in aviation classes to pursue a life-long goal. And, after at least 21 years of nail biting, I've called it quits.
A long study of my life has lead me to analyze the deeply-rooted beliefs I had accepted as a child, and which have corrupted my ability to function as a normal adult.
Some of my more crippling and heinous misunderstandings are as follows:

1. The monster under my bed can only grab my feet if I set them down right next to it, due to its tiny arms and lack of "Bed Monster Commitment."
2. Falling asleep is just a shorter version of dying, making the prospect of being unconscious absolutely terrifying, and giving "bedtime" the same connotation as "death sentence."
3. "Ninja Turtle" is a reasonable career decision.
4. Any child can overcome the fear of bullies or even the effects of physical handicaps through the purchasing of "fast shoes."
5. Girls are lame.
6. When watching an action movie, declaring "I'm him!", or "That's me!", in connection with movie characters, can determine the pecking order for the rest of the night, and dictates who can punch whom without recourse or retaliation.
7. My parents often drug me to get me to sleep, because I can never seem to make it past the opening credits of Saturday Night Live, no matter how hard I try.
8. The correct lyrics to Jimmy Hendrix' "Purple Haze" are "'scuse me while I kiss this guy".
9. Snakes in the sewer can swim up the pipes and bite you on your pooper.
10. Teachers are not real people, but farmed and bread for the express purpose of being cold and authoritative figures without first names. Those seen in the real world doing normal people activities are braking serious teacher rules, and should be reported.
11. All dogs are male and all cats are female, and that puppies and kittens are a direct result of a long and complicated courtship, which included dinners out and other pre-planned activities.
I can see now that a flawed seed will only produce flawed fruit, or no fruit at all. But, my corruption of yesteryear has been purged and set afire, and the soil prepared for a whole new season of sewing.
One fact I still hold to be true: Choosing your school picture background carefully can cause even the most skeptical of people to believe you really were in space.....in a space station.....made entirely of lasers.

Sincerely,
Thomas

Beware

2008-02-23T20:07:00.001-08:00

I've had to change my security level on my comments. Some dummy stranger left a comment that has a link that might be a virus link, so I deleted it and will notify Blogger but until I feel safe it will be a little trickier to leave comments, but I'd hate for one of you to somehow link in to a virus!

Love,
Tanya

Magic Spell

2008-02-21T14:54:00.000-08:00

So, I was browsing Pyzam for a new template and in my excitement almost dropped the glass balls I was juggling! They have a David Bowie as Jareth from Labyrinth template! I was instantly ready to switch my template over when I remembered how much time it takes to put my sidebars back in. It made me seriously question my commitment to David Bowie. Did I not love him enough to change a simple blog template? Could that sub-par level of affection withstand the storms that threaten all great love? Do I really deserve someone wonderful like Jareth? Think about it: he doesn't discriminate against you just because you may be tall, short, hairy, an ogre, or baby. He loves kids. He can sing. He loves masquerade parties and what woman doesn't wish her husband would drug her, dress her up, and take her to a masquerade?! I've survived this long loving a man in ballerino tights who has a fascination with small children that I can only describe as disturbing. I'm sure I can hold on to the good memories hard enough to keep this crush going well into my old age.

Then again, maybe I need help.

Quinn Snow Day

2008-02-21T00:13:00.000-08:00

I need to stop blogging at 1:00 a.m. Maybe I'll post more later when my mind can actually form coherent thoughts, but suffice it to say that we had a lot of fun tubbing last Saturday.

Valentine

2008-02-16T11:21:00.000-08:00

First and most important: every reader or peruser of my blog must click on the link to Ben, my brother in law, Tom's brother. Tom and Ben made their first film. They have so many great ideas and a great help and friend in Garret Batty, of Three Coin Productions. "My Valentine" was chosen to produce first because of Valentine's Day of course. So go watch it. It's hilarious!!

Second, we had a wonderful Valentine's. On Thursday I had a lot of studying to do for a big test Friday so we just watched our niece and nephew while Ben and Kat got some well-deserved alone date time. We celebrated last night. We went to a Utah Grizzlies hockey game. They were playing the Bakersfield Condors! I had to fight the urge the whole game to yell out "I'm from Bakersfield. Do you know anyone in Laurelglen area?" We also had dinner at The Garden restaurant at the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, overlooking the temple and Salt Lake scene. It was beautiful and the food was great! It was neat because my current chef/professor was the head chef of The Garden for 8 years. A lot of recipes we make come from the Garden because he created 80% of the menu. They still use his recipes. I realized after I ordered the porkloin that I made the apple-mango chutney that accompanies it. I was even more pleased to taste it and know that I created the same quality. It feels good to know I can reproduce good food like that. I think it's what I'll make for our family Valentine's dinner tomorrow. We got to stay at Little America hotel. We love it there. The tower is worth the stay every few years because the rooms are so comfortable and elegant. The Little America has this amazing breakfast buffet. It's so gourmet, with an omelet bar and fresh-carved ham, french toast, crepes, biscuits and gravy, all the fresh berries you can eat, pastries- a total breakfast lover's dream. Go some time!

P.S. I got a 39.5 out of 40 on my written test and a 92% on my practical. I was really pleased with both. We had to prepare duck, a soup, a sauce, and two side dishes with appropriate garnish as well as demonstrate our cutting skills and some other criteria I can't remember all within 2 1/2 hours. It was intense and fun!

Here's a picture. I don't have any for this blog's subject but it's fun to have a picture, right? This particular photo is of Sean right before his mission and our nephew Chase, Laura and Devin's son. They don't have a blog but I want the world to see their cute son.

The First Cut is the Sweetest

2008-02-10T12:25:00.000-08:00

Saturday I had the opportunity to prepare the food for my friend Catherine's baby shower. It was so much fun! Rarely do I feel creative. I always feel like I'm just copying other things, but I felt like this time it was my creation. I was proud of my little toothpick holder made out of half a lemon. I rested my little stuffed potatoes on "nests" of alfalfa and it looked like little egg nests. I'm sure it's been done before, but the idea seemed new to me. I used the tops of my melon bowls as bases to add height and angle the bowls. I really enjoyed using food in new ways and thinking outside the box. I'm sure nothing will come of it, but one of the guests called the host after she left to get my number because she wanted me to cater an event of hers. I was flattered and felt very fulfilled at the end of the day. I also want to thank Tom for staying up really late with me and helping me prepare the food the night before.

Here are some pictures. P.S. I didn't make that beautiful cake. Christina did. She makes the best cakes. They're all from scratch and so beautiful and they taste amazing!

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Business Before Pleasure

2008-02-07T20:18:00.000-08:00

Cash was on the verge of writing genius and could not be disturbed.

Maggie finished all her dinner, and there was a lot on that plate, so she could have a cupcake. We were all very proud of her.

To show our appreciation and pride we all sang "Happy Thursday to You" to Maggie and let her blow out the candle on her cupcake.

The little disc on the cupcake was a ring, so life for Maggie was pretty great tonight.

Winter Wonderland

2008-02-03T17:34:00.000-08:00

We are definitely in the middle of winter. The other day we missed school because the canyon was closed while they blew up avalanches. Today we woke up to a tremendous snowfall. Midway, which is right next to Heber, cancelled church so they could shovel people out of their homes. We were able to make it.

I do love the snow. I do love the snow. I do, I do, I do.

We shoveled our way to our car this morning for church. Tom had to shovel our way from the car back to the house after church.

If you didn't notice, that snow bank behind us is as tall as me now!

I'll update you when we build our snow fort next weekend.

Bowl Full of Cherries

2008-02-02T22:26:00.000-08:00

Today we got together as a family. We hadn't all been together since Christmas break. It was so nice. We feel so spread out so it's great to have these fun-filled days together. We went to lunch, then bowling, then to a movie, then played games.

I bowled my usual 75 using the time tested Granny method while Tom rocked the house with a turkey!

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

I don't know why people didn't smile bigger. (Thank you Kat. You smiled when I said cheese.) I promise, we were having fun.

If you caught the tail end of that video you'd hear Tom apologizing for bowling Kay D's frame, not realizing his was over after getting a strike. (He thought it was the tenth frame.)

And the winner is...

2008-01-31T20:23:00.000-08:00

I've won my first medal. Here's what I had to do for it:

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

Let me explain. Last Friday Chef Troy came in to our class and announced that we could compete in a culinary competition, a la Iron Chef, and possibly go to Nationals. I considered competing. I thought about the competition. I knew I probably wouldn't win, but I thought I'd still compete for the practice. As I was thinking this over, my current chef, Chef Todd came over and said, "Tanya, the board had our meeting and we all nominated you for the Food and Beverage Service part of the competition." I asked him if it was because I was a bad chef. He laughed and assured me that it wasn't. Cody, another of my culinary professors was very complimentary and I was flattered that several people who hardly knew me had such confidence in me. In any case, I met once with Cody and we discussed how we'll practice for the state competition in March.

Skip ahead to today.

The three classmates who won in the school level cook-off and I headed to the meeting we were instructed to attend. I assumed it would be an information meeting and I knew they'd announce who won of my classmates who competed. And they did. I clapped as my three classmates headed up front to receive their gold, silver, and bronze medals. As the clapping subsided, the man at the front proceeded:

"And in the Food and Beverage Service competition, First place goes to Tanya Quinn." The lecture hall of people began clapping for me as I had to walk down and accept a medal for doing absolutely nothing. The worst part is that another student won second. I felt for him. Who gets second for a competition you didn't compete in?!

I think it's an okay thing, winning before you compete. I already have a win under my belt. I can move on to the state level with full confidence. So go ahead. Celebrate something you're going to do. It's a good feeling. Have that ice cream sundae because you're going to work out tonight. Paint your nails because you're going to scrub the bathroom tile. (Wear gloves when you do scrub so the painting isn't for all for naught.) The important thing is, find joy in the things you're going to do, then the strength to do them and go out and do them!

Maybe at the next level I'll compete before I take home the gold.

Hey Good Lookin'

2008-01-29T20:17:00.000-08:00

I have been making some good looking food. I'll post recipes soon, but here are some pictures. I've included a lot of the things we've made. I also included a picture of me and my two team mates after we each butchered our first fish. I know you're jealous of my stylish uniform, but sorry, those elastic-waist checkered pants are all mine!

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

The decision to begin culinary school is definitely one of the best I've made. I've really enjoyed it. We work hard every day, but the days go by so fast.

So far we've had one practical exam. I had two hours to make a meal for my teacher from scratch by myself. We had to produce a soup, sauce, starch, vegetable, entree and had to demonstrate three types of classical cuts. Chef Todd said no one had ever finished their first practical on time. So of course I had my challenge. He laughed when I told him I looked forward to being the first to finish on time.

So, the day came and I had planned really well. I finished on time! It was great. I was really pleased with how it turned out. My goal was to finish on time, and I did. I got a good grade too. I was really pleased because Chef always says we need to balance speed with quality and I did just that.

We're Famous!

2008-01-26T20:54:00.000-08:00

Here are our celebrity look-a-likes. Soon I'll be able to post my own pictures, but until then:

In case you were wondering, yes, that girl cut off at the end that Tom looks like is Kate Beckinsale.

Here's mine. As a side note, not a surprise, there were three more oriental girls that I looked like.

A Time To Mourn

2007-12-21T22:21:00.000-08:00

I needed to put my sorrow out into the universe. It might help me move on. First, let me say I take every precaution to protect my laptop short of sleeping with it. Ask Tom. I am paranoid about where I leave it. So, when we rushed out of the office last Friday for a friend's Christmas party and I discovered I left the laptop at the shop, you can imagine my desire to turn right around and retrieve it. We decided the laptop was perfectly safe locked away at work, under a desk out of sight no less. So, one thing lead to another and I did not go back all weekend. Upon arrival to work Monday morning we discovered that ours and several other units had been broken into. They were looking for blank checks. They found them at several other offices. Luckily, United suffered no loss. Yes, here's where your stomach turns...

They found my laptop bag.

Here are some of the contents of my laptop bag:
1. Various important papers including some credit card statements so I had to change all my credit cards
2. BRAND NEW macbook
3. ipod video
4. wireless internet card I bought LAST WEEK!
4. Every song I've ever downloaded- I have over 50 gigs of music; (that's a lot) And all that music was purchased legally, so I'm out that money, not just time
5. Every picture I've ever taken from the beginning of my marriage in 2003; and no, they weren't backed up anywhere because I just put them all onto the computer planning to back them up on an external hard drive when I had a spare moment.

Let me just say: I know I'm extremely blessed. It's just stuff. I know that. I'm still very grateful for all the Lord's done for me. I lead a very blessed and cushioned life. It was a lot of eggs in one basket. In the end everything works out for the best. I'll probably regret this blog. Maybe if I had come Saturday night to retrieve the laptop I would have walked in on the scum and they would have shot me or something. I have all these optomistic thoughts and I'm often fine, but it still sucks!

So, that's why I've been down this week. We've made an insurance claim and you know how easy and painless they make it. Oh wait, they treat everyone like you must making a fraudulent claim. I have to provide receipts for everything that was taken. The laptop's easy, I just got that. But Tom gave me the ipod 2 years ago. The music will be a bear to find receipts for and I'm sure they won't count pictures as valueable, even though that's what eats me up the most! So, because people in the world are thieves I'm having to deal with insurance people who treat you like a thief because the same scummy types are defrauding insurance agencies as well. I haven't talked about it much because I get pretty upset every time I think about it too long.

So, I'm hoping this will be theraputic. I'm really grateful for everyone's blogs and pictures. Tomorrow is a new day and I'll post all that I'm grateful for. I know people are going hungry and homeless and presentless. I just needed to be a little down so I can appreciate the up I guess.

Is It Kosher?

2007-12-06T16:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm almost ready to celebrate. I have two more final tests, but I am officially done with homework!!! I wanted to share one assignment I am particularly proud of. I had to present information on religious customs that affect foodservice. The large focus was on kosher foods. The laws are extremely complex so I wanted to come up with a way servers could remember some guidelines to ensure they served only the best. I racked my brain for weeks. I paced the floors, stayed up hours of the night and then... genius. I feel I was truly inspired. I wanted to share it with the world. So, sing the following song to the timeless tune of "Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel."

"Kosher, Kosher, Kosher"

You can eat me if I'm cloven and chew all of my cud,
except if I'm a porker and live down in the mud.

Fish that have their fins and scales: that you can prepare.
Chicken, turkey, duck and goose are all considered fair.

Kosher, kosher, kosher; dairy I can eat.
Kosher, kosher, kosher; except when mixed with meat.

Make sure there's no blood.

It's very important as you sing the last line you shake your very best jazz hands and add a carny inflection to your voice. You may want to "ah cha cha cha" to get the full effect.

Festival of Trees

2007-12-02T01:26:00.000-08:00

Today was great. We woke up to a winter wonderland, 7 inches of snow! We went to the Festival of Trees. Hundreds of decorated trees are donated, then auctioned off to raise money for Primary Children's Hospital. There were so many to admire, but here are a few that stood out. Maybe they will give you some ideas for your Christmas.

Michelle Thompson's favorite- ode to Audrey Hephern

Sophia Slade's favorite- All Olivia the Pig

Tom's favorite- Arch made by two trees

My favorite- upside down tree

Christmas Greetings

2007-12-02T01:03:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from the Quinns!

As you know, Grandma McGuire has opened her home to us. We were lucky enough to find these fabric jewels in her basement. I hope you study the picture closely to fully appreciate the quality photo setting.

You Get to Decide!

2007-11-27T20:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, I need your help. It's time for this year's CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD HOUSE/COTTAGE/DWELLING EXTRAVAGANZA QUEST-LIKE ENDEAVOR 2007! I can't believe I can't find pictures of last year's finished product. It was a masterpiece, complete with flower vines and christmas decorations. Below are a few pictures, but they don't adequately capture the grandeur that is my gingerbread house. (And no, I'm not biased at all.)

Just so you know, I inserted lights so those butterscotch windows put off a soft glow when the lights are out, just like a real home.

Around the corner is the chocolate rock chimney.

So, here are the candidates for this year's CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD HOUSE/COTTAGE/DWELLING EXTRAVAGANZA QUEST-LIKE ENDEAVOR 2007!

Log Cabin

Carriage

Cookies & Cream

The polls are now open. Let me know what you think. Voting will close 12:00a.m. PST December 1st. I need to get going so it doesn't become a VALENTINE'S gingerbread house/cottage/dwelling extravaganza quest-like endeaver!

Why Captain and Chef?

2007-10-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

Did I get two new career barbies? No! Those are just the titles we have decided to pursue...this week. Tom has flown his first solo! His instructors said he did really well. I wondered what doing well is when it's your first flight? Good job, you only scraped one building. Good job, those cows were going to be slaughtered anyway. Good job, now we can buy that new plane we've had our eye on!

Can't you see it? Here are a few pictures from our days in school.

I got some 'splaining to do! My speciality will be candied yams. I'll have the smoothest marshmellow cover in all the land!

"Love lifts us up where we belong".... Actually, Tom informs me that "Lift lifts us up where we belong." Sing that; see how it grabs ya.

Here are a few more...

The flavor is hidden in the sloppy. (P.S. It's supposed to look like that.)

This image brought to you courtesy of Tom's solo flight. That was a comforting picture to receive. Don't mind my texting... I'm just FLYING!

My Family

2007-10-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

I've seen enough Twilight Zone episodes to know the danger technology poses. Mac has just released a camera that takes pictures. You may say to yourself, "so? That's nothing new." This is no ordinary camera. It takes pictures of the soul! That's right! You can now view the inner you. Don't be afraid. Let the world see the real you. I'm sure my sisters will thank me for showing the world their inner beauty. Good thing I live out of arm's reach!

We're no respector of persons.

You can see where we get our good looks.

It's good to be home.

We're alive!

2007-10-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

It's hard to write a blog when you don't have any cute baby pictures to share. I'm determined to try though. I do have one interesting thing to share....

ITALY

That's just a little teaser. I'll post an actual summary when I don't have hours of homework to finish.

But hey, at least I have a post in the year 2007!!

Football!!

2006-10-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

Tom and I have never been sport-team-followers. However, we were so lucky to go to a USU game to see the Aggies win their homecoming game! We went with our friends Jeff and Joni Hansen and their family and it was a blast! Here are some pictorial highlights:

Tom caught a free appetizer football. It came straight to him. It just hit him in the chest and fell into his hands! The USU fans couldn't be stopped from rushing the field when they won the homecoming game. We were in the season ticket holder seats. I'll never go back to bleachers ain! Individual seats with bum gooves, back rests and cup holders?! Can life get any better? I submit that it cannot!

Travels

2006-10-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since my last post. Unfortunately, it's not because we were off traveling the globe, but we certainly had our fair share of traveling. We went down to Utah for a while to help at the frame shop. I got to see my mom and sister for a few days. It's been a lot of back and forth and I'm excited to just stay put for a while.
We're in between seasons at the club. Everyone's back to school, but there's no snow yet to bring that crowd, so everything is pretty much shut down. On the plus side, I get to attend to my calling in the Young Women and actually go to the activities now!

Summer Adventures: Vol. 2

2006-09-02T18:07:00.000-07:00

Family Time! Michelle and Nicole came out and it was so great to have them! They helped out at the club and really made this summer unforgetable for me. I don't know what I would have done without them.

A race to the finish at the Alpine slides! Nicole was a great photographer.

Fun at the county fair.

Not so much fun at the county fair.

Tom and Nicole were truly fearless. They are about to go on a ride that flys you up and down.

Michelle and I took the safer route and went on the Dragon ride, with about 15 other 5-year-olds.

Michelle's Birthday. Nicole made great brownies!!

Our great concession girls. They got more tips in the one month they were there than anyone the entire summer! Sweets serving sweets!

Summer Adventures: Vol. 1

2006-09-02T17:35:00.000-07:00

This summer has been chuck full of memory-making experiences. It'll take a few editions to catch you all up on our fun times, but I'll just start at the beginning and when I get to the end, I'll stop.

We enjoyed rafting with our very good friends, old and new. Catherine Allred and Joe came to visit and we were so lucky to get to see them! Tom's not our guide because he was working that day on another trip. We somehow managed.

Michelle's Birthday dinner. Very tasty! There are several great places to eat here in Jackson, or so I hear. This has actually been the most frugal summer by far. We've enjoyed nature a lot more then we intended, so when we eat out we really enjoy it.

Tom's favorite, and I must say a great deal, free golf all summer long! Here we are with our friends Kenny and the Rusts, namely Nick and Julie. It really is a lot more relaxing to play golf when you know you didn't pay for it. I highly recommend it some time.

The Alpine slides and Alpine miniature golf were another couple great highlights. Everyone is connected in town, so our recreation was for the most part, free. Our friends the Hansens came into town and we made the most of it!

And of course, the hikes! There is so much around and so many easy hikes that there was really no excuse not to get out into nature. Nicole and Michelle were great hiking buddies. A few of my favorite hikes, (which yes, happen to be the two easiest), are the hidden falls and the hike along String Lake, both in Grand Teton National Forest. The forest service does a great job of keeping the natural beauty preserved and not letting the park become too commercialized.

Stay tuned for Vol. 2 of... Summer Adventures!!!

COMEDY FACE-OFF's Kickoff Season

2006-09-01T15:13:00.000-07:00

Here is some of the original cast at our very own Comedy Face-off! It's a competitive improv show and it's our baby. It's just like a real baby too. It's hard work. We're losing sleep. We're totally broke. It consumes all our time and energy, but we wouldn't have it any other way! We are so happy to be out here. Our first season was successful in that there will be a second season! In the above picture you are seeing mostly Quinns. From left to right: Pat Q.(Tom's bro), Marty Q.(Tom's dad), Laurel Q.(Tom's mom), Kenny McNett(player and friend), me(Tom's wife), Tom(Tom's self and Tanya's husband), and Ben(Tom's bro). Marty and Laurel have been a huge help with the door and promoting the club. We couldn't have done it without them. Behind us is one the many great signs Tom's oldest brother Jason designed and made for us. Everyone's pitched in and made this dream come true. I should define "player." It's our term for performer but we say we "played" in the show, so we're players, like in sports. Tom and his 3 brothers, Kenny, and I all played in the shows. It's been a fun group effort and it's been such a huge blessing to get to play every night. It really is "play" too. We have a lot of fun. Check us out at www.comedyfaceoff.com. Here are a few highlights from the past season.

We have audience volunteers during some games. Here is us with one.
This is the front and back of our brochures, with which we shamelessly blanketed the city!

Enjoying Nature

2006-08-28T01:46:00.000-07:00

We live in a truly beautiful area. We've really enjoyed taking in the splendor of God's creations. Too cheesy for you? Well too bad, because it really is amazing out here. I'll post some pictures of our summer adventures.