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Show Wednesday, September 19, 2007 Heaven Help Us By Corrie Lynne Player The importance of family mealtimes One of my family’s more interesting meals took place when my sister and I combined our children (we each had six) and spent the summer together in Alaska while both of our husbands were gone. Hers was studying for law school finals and mine was working on the North Slope. The meal began normally enough. The babies lined up in high chairs, the toddlers balanced on catalogs and phone books, and the rest of the kids fought over two chairs that didn’t have to be shared. The menu consisted of halibut (which everybody liked), boiled potatoes (which Celestia’s kids ate, but mine didn’t), fruit salad (no problems there), and green beans. Green beans were the only vegetable most of the children tolerated, so we served green beans a lot. However, these green beans were frozen, rather than canned. I sauteed them in bacon and onion; I thought they turned out crisp, bright colored, and delicious. My 5-year-old spoke first. “These beans taste funny.” He put down his fork. Celestia’s 8-year-old chewed thoughtfully. “They’re kind of crunchy, or something.” My 9-year-old pulled a bean from her mouth. “They’s black things on it.” “They taste just fine. Eat,” Celestia said. “No green beans, no dessert,” I said. “They’re crunchy, rubbery, bumpy,” my 4-year-old said, mashing his beans with his spoon. “I don’t like them,” Celestia’s 3-year-old said as she shoved hers onto the table. My 2-year-old put one up his nose and grinned. The babies threw theirs at each other. Celestia’s 4-year-old spit his into a napkin, and her 6-yearold, who usually ate everything, stood up. “My tummy hurts.” Nobody moved. My 2-year-old now had one bean dangling from each nostril, and he skillfully dodged my eldest daughter’s attempts to de-bean him. None of the children touched another green bean that night— or for several nights later. Even when we gave up and served mushy canned beans, everybody stayed suspicious. As I watch my grown children struggle with their kids, I’m reminded of those frustrating mealtimes. I’m sure that all of you struggle, too. Try not to be discouraged—eating with your children is more important than you might think. A problem for modern families on the go is that the table often turns into a feeding trough. People scrounge through the refrigerator and jostle each other at the stove as they prepare to eat and run. My family’s hours were often so out of whack that we had to write each other notes. Two kids with jobs, the others with band and sports fragmented our family time. But I tried to keep dinner as a family meal, especially on Sunday and Monday evenings. I also believed that since we all had to eat, we all should cook. Luckily, for me, Gary enjoyed cooking. His example has meant that my boys cook as well as or better than my daughters. Our daughters-in-law adore us! How food is served is important, too. I think the table should be set attractively with a centerpiece and/or a theme. Although it was easier, I tried not to plunk down the food in pans and cartons. If the table looks messy, behavior will be messy. If you teach your children manners at home, they’ll thank you! Place silverware, napkins, plates, and glasses properly. The fork goes to the left of the plate, the knife to the right, with the blade facing in and the spoon next to it. If you have a salad fork, it sits to the left of the dinner fork. Drinking glasses sit above the knife and spoon, and salad plates are to the left (near the forks). The more I’ve learned about the relationship between emotions and health, the more I think rituals like asking to be excused and saying a blessing should be brought back. When I observed the rituals, my household was happier. Yours will be, too. Bringing your family together at mealtimes with tradition and rituals can be a way of building family attachments. Although the effort might seem overwhelming, persistence will give you and your children happy, if not hilarious, memories, too. A5 Sanpete Messenger/Gunnison Valley Edition Snow plays show quality, fun, substance By Kirsten Reimschiissel Staff writer EPHRAIM—The Snow College Theatre is presenting four new plays this year for the community, specifically chosen for their quality, fun and substance. “The theater values its patrons and provides some of the best seats for those who buy a season ticket. For choice seats and economy, a season ticket is the way to go,” said Kathleen Hansen, music director. A season ticket is $20.50, which saves $6 for adult patrons who attend all four productions. For children and seniors, the season ticket is $19, which is a $5 savings over purchasing tickets for all four productions separately. To order tickets, call 2837478, or mail your order to 150 E. College Ave., Ephraim, Utah, 84627. The box office will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. every- day until two weeks before the production. After that, it will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. All four productions by the Snow College Theatre will be at the Eccles Center for the Performing Arts at 8 p.m. A schedule and summary of all four productions are as follows: “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde, directed by Dr. Kim Christison, will show Oct. 3-6. Two young “gents” of England in 1890 decide they need some excitement in their lives. Jack manufactures a brother named Earnest whom he uses as an excuse to leave his country life behind to visit beautiful Gwendolen. Algernon, Jack’s friend, takes on the name of Earnest when visiting young, beautiful, Cecily, at the country manor. Soon, their deceptions are uncovered and hilariously threaten to ruin their romantic pursuits. “Cash on Delivery” by Michael Cooney, directed by Brad Olsen, will show Nov. 1417. A British con artist has tricked authorities for years. He scams thousands of dollars tax-free. When matters get risky, he decides it’s time to dispose of evidence, but not before the welfare investigators show up. To outwit the investigators, he enlists help from his real lodgers and Uncle George, who is also trying to convince his nephew’s wife that her husband is not a transvestite. He gets caught in the end, but is offered a job in the agency’s fraud investigation because he knows all the tricks. “Little Women” (the musical) with music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and book by Allan Knee, directed by Dr. Kim Christison will show Feb. 21-23 and 28-29, 2008. Based on a novel of author Louisa May Alcott’s own family, this play brings song and dance to the ad- Program will help complete Mountain Dell Scout Camp By Kirsten Reimschiissel Staff writer The Mountain Dell Scout Camp will be open to scouts June 2009, after the new lodge, trading post and swimming pool are completed. Units from the Sanpete District will be able to pre-register for two weeks before registration is opened to the rest of the council. The new “Adopt-a-Campsite” program lets groups prepare camps for opening and maintenance. The program will go into effect this month at the Sanpete District roundtable. Units that adopt a campsite will be able to place the unit name on the pavilion at the appointed campsite and personalize the name for the campsite. This will then become the group’s campsite for campo-rees and district events. Participants may also schedule the campsite for overnight camping and service projects when the camp is not scheduled for the district, council activities, or summer camp. Groups participating will also be expected to complete a service project at least twice a year. Some possible service projects include the following: develop and maintain tent sites and trails; landscape the pavilion and parking area; engrave the campsite and unit name on the camp’s sign machine, then paint and install the signs; paint metal “We have been here in Kuwait a little over a week now,” reported Joe Anderson, Ephraim, on Saturday, Sept. 8. “We are not doing a whole lot right now just acclimatizing and getting used to the heat. The average day over here is in the high 117 range with a low at night around 92, so as you can imagine it takes a little getting used to. We are set to go to Iraq on Monday the 10th and start our mission. Everyone is ready to get started on the mission.” At the Dhahrand Military base, the temperature on Sunday, Sept. 9, was 109 degrees during the day and 86 degrees during the night. Jorgen Jensen, Gunnison, reports that the heat, intensified by the wind, is so hot it’s like holding a hair dryer up close to your face on the highest setting, according to his fiancé Karelee Andersen. According to Matthew Prisbrey, a 145th member from the The Utah National Guard’s 145th Field Artillery Unit is proudly supported by: The Sanpete Messenger Ephraim City Manti City Gunnison City Kenneth Glenn Centerfield Town Fayette Town Mayfield Town Carolyn Brock-Farmers Insurance Ranae Five Star Drive-in Gunnison Subway Gunnison Valley Animal Clinic Gunnison Valley Hospital ACT Composites To become a sponsor, call John at 835-4241, or email john@sanpetemessenger.com. *HW KHOS SUHSDULQJ \RXU IDPLO\ DQG \RXU FRPPXQLW\ 6WHSKDQLH %DNHU H[W ZZZ FHQWUDOXWDKSXEOLFKHDOWK FRP PHGLFDO UHVHUYH FRUSV KWPO (See “Camp” on A8) Fillmore unit, many of the soldiers, especially the younger fellows are bored because there isn’t much to do right now and they’re getting anxious to go to their assignments in Iraq. Those in leadership positions are staying busy attending one meeting after another. There are some soldiers who are still waiting for all their military gear to catch up with them. Meanwhile, back at home, donations are being sought for sandsurvival care packages for the men. Items that are needed include eyewash, nasal spray, chap-stick, bandannas, sunglasses, sun screen, Aloe Vera gel, no-water Excedrin, deodorant, body powder, bug spray, pocket Kleenex, Crystal Light drink mix, Flip Flops, water toys, water balloons, inflatable beach balls, and baby wipes. Donations can be dropped off at the GIC Silver Eagle in Gunnison, or contact Jennifer Broderick at 528-7809 or Amber Henrie at 528-7044 for more information. $UH \RX SUHSDUHG IRU DQ HPHUJHQF\" )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ FRQWDFW poles at the pavilions and picnic tables; carve an animal sign or other object to identify and personalize the campsite; acquire and install approved campsite flagpoles. With advance notice, the camp will provide the needed supplies to improve the campground, such as gravel, crushed rock, large stones, wood chips, paint and paintbrushes, or other supplies needed for landscaping Soldiers getting acclimated to Iraq weather &HQWUDO 8WDK 0HGLFDO 5HVHUYH &RUSV -RLQ WKH &HQWUDO 8WDK 0HGLFDO 5HVHUYH &RUSV ventures of young girls Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March growing up during the American Civil War. It’s filled with “glorious music, dancing and heart ... guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears, and lifting of the spirit,” said Hansen, “America finding its voice.” “Proof” by David Auburn, directed by Michael Helms will show April 9-12, 2008. Catherine, a devoted daughter, must come to terms with the death of her father, a brilliant but mentally unstable mathematician. Catherine fears and wonders how much genius and madness she may have inherited from her father. The New York Daily News states that the play “combines elements of mystery and surprise with old-fashioned storytelling to provide a compelling evening of theater.” “Come join us for another historic year of Snow College Theatre,” Hansen said. 0OF will help keep your child fit. The other will only keep your child’s thumbs fit. You can decide which will win with your kids. intermountainlive.org . For help, visit |