I Am Tam

Craig and I Playing Some of Our Music!

2011-05-11T07:31:00.002-06:00

Sleep? What's that!? -- Girl's Night!

2011-03-29T16:48:00.002-06:00

This weekend some of my new nieces came over for a Girls'Night! We had so much fun!

First we ordered pizza from the Dominos pizza tracker!! We knew the status of our pizza every step of the way until it reached our door.

Then came sugar cookies! We frosted cookies that were in fun shapes.

So cute!!!

We stayed up 'til 4:30am! We painted nails...

(we spun a nail color on a plate until it pointed at someone. Then that person had to paint one nail with that color. We did this until our nails were all colored!)

ate yummy food...

watched movies...

made friendship bracelets...

made shakes at 3am

and had a great time!! Everyone got a little party favor bag to take home. :)

PFO Closure This Week...

2011-03-13T20:40:00.002-06:00

Well, this week I had another surgery. Hopefully the last! It was to close up a flap in my heart that did not close when I was little like it supposed to. I guess everyone has a natural opening between the left and right atriums when they are born. Then, the flap closes up before 2 years of age. If it doesn't close, then your blood travels between the atriums even when it is not supposed to. That means that unfiltered blood can go back into your body because it didn't ever go to your lungs to be oxygenated.

This animated video shows the procedure pretty well. I have a little bit different device though. I have the Gore helix device. Ironically, Gore is a brand that also makes guitar strings. Craig is endorsed by Gore so he gets free strings. My Gore "strings" weren't free. But, now I have musical heart strings!

Now, I am just tired and bruised. But, recovery is going well. Much better than other surgeries. I think the tonsilectemy still wins as being the worst!

Mormon Times - Mormon Channel Video

2011-03-02T17:59:00.004-07:00

A New Banjo!!!

2011-01-30T22:32:00.000-07:00

It was inevitable. We knew we would have a puppy sooner or later!! It was time. Meet Banjo! He is a birthday gift to the both of us. :) Here are some cute pictures!!

Banjo hears his first song from Craig...

Craig and Banjo are going to be great friends....

A 'Making Of' video for the Gordon B. Hinckley film by Matthew Havertz

2011-01-20T12:36:00.001-07:00

Time is Flying...

2010-12-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

For some reason the countdown on the right side of my blog says 8 days until Christmas! What!? I haven't really even started preparing! I mean, we have a Christmas tree up and a few decorations and such. But, I haven't delivered co-worker gifts, friends gifts, neighbor gifts, etc! How does time think it can keep moving forward like this without me?

Ready or not!

Tonight we have a concert at the Rose Wagner Theater. Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband. So funny.

See you there!

- Programs - Mormon Channel

2010-11-30T16:58:00.001-07:00

- Programs - Mormon Channel

This is to announce a new program on the Mormon Channel, called "Enduring it Well." Our neighbor, Bill Christensen is the host and external producer. I am the internal producer for it. We are excited that it finally launched. You can hear the first episode at this link.

Danish Puff Pastry...mmmmm!!

2010-09-24T12:00:00.001-06:00

closer

closest! MMM!

From the 27th floor...

2010-09-16T11:18:00.000-06:00

2010-09-02T23:58:00.001-06:00

WE GOT MARRIED!!! August 12, 2010

2010-08-18T00:28:00.000-06:00

Here we are!! Out from the temple! Mr. and Mrs. Miner!!

Just came out of the temple. We had been married for about 30 minutes.

Cutting the cake at the reception at Noah's.

More to come when I have the pictures!!!

Bye Bye Birdie

2010-07-12T00:20:00.003-06:00

A little robin landed on Jeremy's head today! Then, it kept following him around. It clearly wanted his attention for something...

That something was definitely food!! So, we got to work and dug up worms! The bird was obviously not afraid of anyone.

Then, it took a nap right on my parent's porch.

We fed it again a little because it kept following us around. I'm sure it was starving.

It even tried to come inside when we all went in. It actually flew in the house and landed on Craig's head!

We had avoided touching it all evening until we had to in order to keep it out of the house!

Here, Craig holds the robin on his hand. We found out that it has been brought up by our neighbors, who came looking for it later. Bye bye birdie!!!

Surgery

2010-06-11T18:21:00.001-06:00

Well, the surgery "went well" according to the doctor. So, that's good. I had to have what's called a vestibuloplasty (=not very fun). That is surgery number 1. The second surgery can happen after the wedding. The second surgery is to fix a PFO in my heart (small hole in my heart). PFOs are actually very common.

Anyway...that's the update! Healing is going well. Ya know, as well as it goes after having surgery. I can walk around short distances but then it makes me tired.

It's really been raining here so, it's been fun to watch it out the window. But, I hope all is well with the flooding that has been happening near here!

Craig has been so good to come see me each day during recovery. He is a sweetheart!!

...more to come!

Tamilisa

Marriage Date

2010-06-06T10:41:00.003-06:00

So, our first marriage date was June 8th. However, I am having to have surgery on that day instead!! So, we are looking at a date further out (total recovery time from surgery is 6 weeks). I will keep you all posted! Thank you for the prayers and support!!

Tamilisa

The Ring!

2010-04-07T22:46:00.003-06:00

I think everyone knows now that I am engaged. Here is the beautiful ring!

This is as close as even my camera could get and still be in focus.

papa a la huancaina

2010-03-28T17:22:00.004-06:00

Made this dish this week for Craig. I learned it from some Peruvians on my mission in Italy. I searched it online today and found lots of pictures, actually. It must be pretty popular as a meal in Peru.

It is a yellow pepper sauce over boiled potatoes and boiled egg served on lettuce (we added ham).

I didn't have measured amounts written down of each thing you put in. But, this is what I did:
Sauteed onion, garlic, salt, and yellow peppers in olive oil. When the peppers are soft, I put the sauteed mix into the blender. I added Ricotta cheese, saltine crackers, and some milk. Then, we mixed it all up while also boiling potatoes, eggs, and warming the ham in a skillet. I added a little more salt to the blender mixture too.

Here it is!

My New Bed!!

2010-02-16T21:15:00.001-07:00

'nuff said!!! :)

The Birthday Party!!

2010-02-12T17:13:00.007-07:00

My friend Sunshine threw me a Birthday party!!

Emily and Teresa made these cute decorations!!!

We played games...

And ate homemade pizzas!!

It was fun! :)

Pasta Time!!

2010-01-05T18:35:00.011-07:00

Craig and I made pasta for Craig's brother Gary and sister-in-law Annette, and family.

I got to use my new Bosch!

We had to be creative where we dried the noodles.

And then we had to get more creative! Yep, the window rod.

...from the outside.

Coming out of the oven!

Craig dishes the pasta up.

A close up!! mmmmmm....

The Christmas Giver - continued

2009-12-31T16:47:00.011-07:00

Day #10 Cute slippers for each of us!! Mine said "let it snow" on the feet.

Day #11 Aprons for each of us!!

Day #12 Yummy cookies on a "Cookies for Santa" plate!

Can you guess who the Christmas Giver is?? I took some brownies to my sister Thelissa's house to 'pay it forward' ....err....was I 'paying it backward'???

Sure enough, she handed me a plate of cookies in exchange for the brownies and said, "Thanks, you're saving me a trip."

THANKS THELISSA!!!!

"The Christmas Giver"

2009-12-22T13:09:00.019-07:00

My roommates and I have a Christmas Giver!! Following the tradition of the 12 days of Christmas, each day we receive something new on our doorstep! It is so fun! I anticipate what will be there each day. Here's the collection so far:

Day #1: Beautiful Bells for the Christmas Tree!

Day #2: Christmas Tree Ice Tray!

Day #3: Snow Man Wall Hanging

Day #4: Yummy Brownie Mix!

Day #5: Beautiful Star to hang!!!

Day #6: Cookies and Cutters!!

Day #7: Chocolate Santas!! Always a hit...

Day #8: Wrapping Paper for each of us!...hummm...the Christmas Giver knows all of our names! Unfortunately for Teresa, she had just done all her wrapping the night before...lol. But, me and Emily are excited to use it! Emily was excited that the gift had her name on it!

Day #9: MMM...hot chocolate. Teresa was excited to use her hot water maker that is so quick!

Teresa and Emily enjoy a sip...

Cheers to our Christmas Giver!!

Stay tuned to find out what the Christmas Giver will bring next!!!

Something else new for the Townhome!!

2009-11-04T22:29:00.008-07:00

So what do you think of my new buffet table??! :) The idea is that mirror will hang about 2 or 3 inches above the table.

Here is a view from on the stairs...

Also notice that I added light dimmers to most of the lights! It's beautiful and it was a pretty cheap addition that made so much of a difference!

my new shelf!

2009-10-15T20:16:00.002-06:00

I know...I know...

All of my blogs are about my new place recently. But it is because it is so dang fun !!

These are my new shelves from IKEA. Finally a place for all my scrapbooks and journals. :)

Sue, Marilyn, and Me

2009-10-13T21:57:00.007-06:00

Almost 4 years ago I left working for the "Education in Zion" Exhibit project at BYU. It was an exhibit that would be housed in the Joseph F. Smith Building on campus. It was an amazing experience working there.

While I worked there I met some great people who have remained my friends for life.

This is Sue Peterson, Marilyn Miles, and me. Sue was hired onto the project to help write up the stories that would be made into exhibit pieces. Marilyn was brought on as a missionary. It was her stake calling to be there serving.

Every 6 months (at Conference time) we get together at IHOP to catch up. It is so fun! A lot happens to all of us in 6 months time! We always chat chat chat for hours. The tradition has been going on for 4 years now.

We are all in such different stages in our lives. Marilyn's husband passed away years ago, Sue has 6 daughters that are now being married off left and right, and then there's me....still in the dating stage.

It so fun to learn from each other and just laugh. Even though we are in different stages of life, we find that situations and our stories are not so different at all. The same principles are applied no matter what age.

Here we are. Sue is on the left, Marilyn is in the middle.

We have so much fun!

Painting!!

2009-10-04T07:39:00.005-06:00

So, I've never really painted any part of a house for my own project before. It was so fun!! It was scary to pick colors a first but they worked out so well! Thanks to Craig who helped me a ton!! I wouldn't have really known what to do or where to start otherwise!

Here are some pictures along the way and then the final product!!!

TA DA!!!

TOWNHOME!!

2009-08-30T21:02:00.011-06:00

Yes, I finally bought my own place! It is so fun. It's been such a crazy month preparing for the move, the move itself, and the aftermath of unpacking, etc. It's hard to do all that AND keep a full time job going, and everything that comes as part of normal life. But, I am finally getting settled and making the place look great!

A few pictures of the inside!

I took this picture in the mirror before moving in. It was hard to frame up but this one actually worked. lol.

Feel free to come visit!!

Temple Square Flag in the morning

2009-08-06T08:42:00.002-06:00

Just took this picture as I was coming in to work and thought it was really cool.

A Picture Paints a Thousand Words

2009-07-08T08:39:00.027-06:00

Oh! The Places I've Been! (w/ my new camera)

2009-06-27T08:57:00.043-06:00

You can see more places my new camera has been!

2009-06-18T21:11:00.020-06:00

Tune in next time see what else I can take a picture of!!!! :)

My New Camera!!!

2009-05-30T00:54:00.023-06:00

Well, it's about time. I finally went ahead and got a nicer camera. I decided on the Nikon D90. Not too much and not too consumer. Here are some fun pictures I've taken this week!!

radio.lds.org!

2009-05-18T16:33:00.018-06:00

We're up and running!!!! I am the lead producer for radio content for the Church. Here is what the website looks like where you can tune in.

Here is the graphics for a few of the programs.

This one is one that I produce.

This is another one that I produce.

I was asked to be the voice on the History of Hymns.

Bob Collins produces this program is will be very neat to listen to!!

The new radio station in the conference center launched today at 5am. Besides being streamable on the internet, we launched on Bonneville HD channels in:

Seattle, Los Angeles, Cincinatti, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, St. Louis, Chicago, and Washington D.C.

The programs are also downloadable as podcasts. One episode of each program will release each week. To see details of all the programs, live concerts, etc., you can visit the website.

Pretty exciting!!

(I've tried again and again to get the text for this post to cooperate!)

My New Ukelele!!!

2009-05-15T20:55:00.011-06:00

In honor of the podcast Uketopia I bought a Ukelele. My friend Emily Hedrick created a great podcast on itunes about Ukeleles. It is getting good reviews and the KALA company sent her a couple of Ukeleles to try out. She is going to be travelling all around the world with their 'travel' uke and taking pictures with it in all different places.

She asked me to be a part of each episode by doing a section called "Tips and Tricks with Tamilisa."

You can check it out on itunes or go to the podcast website:
http://uketopiapodcast.blogspot.com/

Habitat for Humanity Gig

2009-05-01T19:40:00.004-06:00

My band played this week for our 4th annual Habitat for Humanity gig!! So fun! Craig was nice to come work the sound for free.

Here are some fun pictures.

Me and Craig

Our next performance will be July 21st at the Brigham Young Park downtown. We will be playing for the outdoor concert in the park as part of the Temple Square Concert Series.

2009-03-29T15:38:00.000-06:00

I wanted to repost this because I love it.

Disneyland!!! While We're On the Subject...

2009-03-05T09:56:00.009-07:00

Here is a video piece Craig and I made from our Disneyland adventure!!

Disneyland!!!

2009-02-11T22:28:00.015-07:00

The most magical place on Earth.
How could I possibly let the opportunity pass on posting about Disneyland!!?

Welcome to Downtown Disney!

Craig and I got to go to Disneyland (for free!) a few weekends ago.
We were down in California for a convention for the weekend. The convention was only a couple of blocks from Disneyland so we made sure to go!

Here we are on Space Mountain! You may have to click on this image to make it bigger to see us. We're in the back. So funny.

We met Mickey! :) (Can I just say that I don't like letting random people take pictures! C'mon folks...let's frame it up nice.)And last but not least...a Disneyland garbage can and ash tray.

How, you ask, did we get to go for free?? On Friday night that we were in CA, we attended one of those "come and listen to our vacation time share spiel things" and they gave us 2 free tickets as payment. They also fed us dinner and picked us up in a limo. I don't know of any Utah based spiel that does that! I could get used to California!

So that was how. The next day we came back home. Here we are on the plane ride.

Clean! From the Inside Out

2009-01-24T16:28:00.006-07:00

Hummm!!! You think something is clean but take a closer look! This the front part of my computer, a fan, that I took out to dust! Look at the dust that accumulates INSIDE the computer! Yours may be this way too. My computer is easy to take the cover off so I often dust inside. You can use an air can to get most of the dust. But to really clean the fans, I had to also use tweezers and a toothpick to coax the dust balls out. And my computer isn't even that old! Well, it is now all clean!! :) :)

My New Violin!!

2009-01-23T01:46:00.002-07:00

So, I've played the violin since I was 6 years old. And for the past 5 or 6 years, I have been playing in a bluegrass band. I play the mandolin, fiddle, and am learning banjo. However, I have never had my very own instrument (apart from 2 harmonicas and a penny whistle)!! Well, this Christmas I decided it was time. Time to have my very own instead of hand-me-downs that really belong to my parents. So here it is! :) A brand new Andare (German made) violin.

Another one done!!

2008-12-27T10:51:00.009-07:00

This blanket is for Isabella, Jonathon and Britney's little girl.

"I Know Jesus" from Babylight

2008-12-12T23:07:00.009-07:00

For a while now I have been wanting to put pictures to one of the Babylight songs. Tonight turned out to be a good time. Here is the final product. The CD is full of neat songs. There is a link to the website on the right of my blog.

http://www.childslight.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p126H0qcGN4&feature=channel_page

Blanket for Eliza - It's Finished!!!

2008-11-29T18:52:00.008-07:00

So, I try to make a baby blanket for each of my nieces and nephews when they are born. When the girls were born, I planned to do a pretty intricate pattern (seen here). I did it once for Savannah but then had a hard time bringing myself to make one of those again.

So, I decided I wanted to go back and make the girls a blanket because they got skipped! Only this time they have to be bigger! Toddler-size. So, here is the first of the girl's blankets.

This one is for Eliza (Thelissa's little girl). I got a call yesterday morning though from Savannah. She asked if she could have it. I had made one of the softer ones, besides the pink one in the picture above, for Savannah as well. So, the girls are switching or sharing. They love them! That makes me feel good. :)

So here it is!

"A Giant Among Men" Screening Tonight

2008-11-26T01:13:00.020-07:00

"Gordon B. Hinckley: A Giant Among Men" movie poster.

Tonight was the screening at The District. It was a lot of fun! Here are some fun pictures.

Levi Larsen portrays the young Gordon B. Hinckley.

...With Lauren Brady (portrays Ada Hinckley, Gordon's mother).

It was so nice of my parents to come and also my friend Craig Miner.

A few things from this week:

Filmmaker re-creates early life of President Gordon B. Hinckley

November 24th, 2008 @ 6:14pm

By Carole Mikita

A Utah filmmaker has made a movie about the early life of President Gordon B. Hinckley and is donating the ticket sales to a charity.

"Gordon B. Hinckley: A Giant Among Men" will show in two theaters tomorrow evening, and the proceeds will go to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Perpetual Education Fund. President Hinckley created the fund to help young Latter-day Saints in third-world countries who have served missions with training or education.

The film focuses on President Hinckley's childhood and early years, giving viewers a look at his life long before he became the 15th president of the Church.

"[I] found wonderful material to illustrate his life as a boy and what he learned that brought him to a prophet," said T.C. Christensen, the film's writer and director.

Christensen's biggest challenge was casting the adult Gordon Hinckley and Marjorie Pay. "I looked at a lot of historical photographs and I would just think, 'Who do I know who looks like that?' And Levi Larsen and Tamilisa Wood were just two who came to mind," he said.

The young actress playing Marjorie Pay had been told she resembled her before. "When I got to the auditions, T.C. also had a picture of Marjorie Pay Hinckley, and sure enough, it kind of looked like me," Wood said. "It's such a privilege to portray her and look like her and be like her and think about her."

Larsen says he never imagined playing this role. "To be a part of that, and to be able to possibly help people change their lives through the stories of President Hinckley, is really cool," he said.

"Gordon B. Hinckley: A Giant Among Men" will play at the Megaplex 17 at Jordan Commons in Sandy and the Megaplex 20 at the District in South Jordan Tuesday night at 7:00. It will also be released on DVD on Tuesday.

E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com

Lois Blackburn

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 20, 2008

Hi-Res Photos Available Upon Request

Lois Blackburn

President Hinckley Film to be Released Nov. 25

Profits of Screening to be Donated to Perpetual Education Fund

SALT LAKE CITY – A Gordon B. Hinckley tribute event will be held Tuesday, November 25, 2008 to release a new film about the life of the former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“Gordon B Hinckley: A Giant Among Men” will be played at two Megaplex theaters on Tuesday night, and proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Perpetual Education Fund, an LDS charity created by Hinckley while he was President.

The movie will air at 7 p.m. at the Megaplex 17 at Jordon Commons in Sandy, Utah, and the Megaplex 20 at District in South Jordon, Utah. Tickets will cost $8 for adults and $5.50 for children and seniors. Movie-goers can get more information and purchase tickets at Megaplextheaters.com.

Lois Blackburn

The film was directed by T. C. Christensen and produced by Living Scriptures, and will also be released on DVD Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Because the film is a drama, Christensen had to find seven President Hinckley look-a-likes to play the part of the former LDS president. The seven actors represent Hinckley from ages 5 to 92, and they all come from Utah. (Comparison Photos available for print)

“I looked at old pictures of President Hinckley and his family, and I thought who do I know who looks like that?” Christensen said.

Young brothers Koleman Stinger, Kalvin Stinger, and Kaleb Stinger from Farmington, Utah, play Hinckley from ages 5 to 12.

Levi Larsen from Orem plays the role to depict the future President from ages 18-40. The older years are played by David Emett from Salt Lake City and Austin Garner from South Jordon.

“The appearance really is uncanny,” Christensen said. “I think it makes all the difference to the viewers that the actors actually look like the man they know so well.”

Christensen said he hopes as viewers watch the depictions of President Hinckley’s life, they will understand that prophets start out like any other men, but the people and the choices they face along the way make all the difference.

“Prophets are men too,” he said. “They have experiences as they are growing up. They get prepared along the way. They don’t live this sanctified holy existence the whole time. They are people just like us.”

Christensen said the trait that sets Hinckley apart is that he listened, he learned, and he assimilated quickly to the lessons his parents tried to teach him. One scene in the film portrays the boy Hinckley coming home from school and swearing. His mother quickly washes his mouth out with soap, and Hinckley records that he basically never swore ever again.

The film also depicts the beloved story of Elder Hinckley struggling on his mission and writing to his father that he wanted to come home. When his father responds that he should forget himself and get to work, Hinckley declares that he decided to listen to the advice and that every good thing that happen to him in his life could be traced back to that decision.

“I think viewers will connect to that experience and that moment,” Christensen said. “Everyone needs to have a day in their life when they decide to keep going, where they say, ‘I am not going to give up. I am going to stick with it.’”

In addition to depicting Hinckley’s relationship with key characters in his life, the film also depicts Hinckley’s life and decisions during many hard times. Hinckley battled through times of economic depression, unemployment, war and political strife. Viewers are likely to see their own life experiences through President Hinckley’s eyes in Gordon B. Hinckley: A Giant Among Men,” Christensen said.

Tonight! Tonight!

2008-11-25T09:35:00.002-07:00

http://www.megaplextheatres.com/showtimes/feature.php?feature=10001603

"A Brand New Year" show

2008-11-02T09:19:00.022-07:00

Well, I can't post much about the upcoming program we've been working on. I wish I could show you the awesome stage in the Conference Center. But I can show a little bit of what I've been up to in preparing my part.

First of all we have been collecting tapes from around the world, of youth bearing testimony. Where needed, we've also done some filming here locally to supplement the submissions.

We filmed on BYU campus in order to have testimonies from Young Adults as well. This is Cody (one of our Intellectual Property Assistants) and Rachel (Production Assistant) displaying the legal signs for the students who would walk by.

Then began the editing! Travis Eberhard is my editor for this show. He does an awesome job and works very fast.

Then, there has been the filming for the "behind the scenes" video that will also be played at the event. We have been taping choir rehearsals, orchestra rehearsals, auditions, youth discussion groups, host rehearsals, etc...

Then there has been the logistics like keeping tapes labeled, finding b-roll video, having paperwork signed for video participants, gathering usable images, etc. This is Rachel and I figuring out the tape situation.

It's been fun to be able to meet people from around the world. We interviewed a youth from Hong Kong named Joseph.

More editing with Travis....

Then began the rehearsals...
As a temporary set-up, we practice with the video through a rear projector.

At the tech rehearsal, Travis and I ran the video from back stage.

This is where I sit during the show, it is where we control everything.

BLOG ENTRY UPDATE: Show time!!!

This is the project why I need to catch up on sleep.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates on this project! We still have the DVD and website. And you can find out more about it on the homepage of LDS.org and on the Church News webpage. :)

Blankets...

2008-10-28T23:52:00.005-06:00

With the birth of TWO nephews in one week, I've had to work fast! Here are the two crochet blankets for each of them.

This one was for Joey.
This one was for Liam.

Pumpkin time again!!

2008-10-07T21:55:00.001-06:00

It's Pumpkin time of year!! Look how cute this pumpkin is that Travis Eberhard painted! It's a witch...not just any witch...it's Elfaba from Wicked!

Thanks Travis!

Joseph Powell!

2008-09-20T22:17:00.014-06:00

Little Joey!!

"An Eye-opening Day!"

"First Bath!!"

"Bright Lights!"

The Story....

WELCOME TO THE WORLD JOEY!!

I'm An Aunt! (Again!)

2008-09-13T16:37:00.010-06:00

At 2:40 am on September 12, Liam Shumway Wood was born! I'm an aunt 12 times over! Liam is Jonathon and Britney's baby.

Here are some pictures and a little video of Liam's brothers and sister welcoming him to the world!

"Who's going to be the best big sister?!...."

Sisters, Sisters

2008-08-30T14:36:00.003-06:00

Today I'd like to tell you how wonderful my sister is.

Most of you know her. Her name is Thelissa. We've always been close, especially because each of us only has one sister! She is always willing to listen to my ramblings and thoughts. I love getting her advice on just about anything and everything!! I know I've always wanted to be just like her. It's been a life quest to reach that point. But, I'm sure I will just have to keep striving and never get there. She's always way ahead of me! She is always so much more in touch with the way things should be, than I am. A clear perspective is what I get when we talk.

This was the two of us way back when!!!

And this is the two of us on Christmas Day, 1998.

This is the two of us in the Spring, 1981.

She always supports me with all my crazy things I like to be involved in and laughs at my silliness too. Now she is married and has fun kids that I love to be 'Aunt Tam' to. I'll always remember the days though, growing up, when she would call down the hallway for me to come into her room before we went to bed. We'd talk, laugh, and I'd give her a foot massage. :)

I count her as one of my greatest blessings.

Thank you Thelissa! I love you so much.

FIRE on the Mountain!!

2008-08-28T22:52:00.006-06:00

FIRE on the mountain!! This is the view from my balcony of the fires this week!

This is the Sun behind a lot of smoke.

These are the flames that you could see if I zoomed in!!!!

Deseret First Luncheon in the Park

2008-08-24T09:57:00.009-06:00

Miles To Go played this last Friday at a picnic for all the downtown Church-owned businesses. There were about 3,000 people that stopped by for a hamburger and to sit down and listen to the music. Our music! :) Last year we played at this event as well. We sold out of all the CDs we had brought with us. My parents stopped by too!

Thanks to Travis Eberhard who took pictures from my camera! And to my mom who took some from hers.

Can you say Sunburned!!!?

Playing Wagon Wheel. Trent sings this one and always does a great job.

Tam's Cooking Corner!!

2008-08-17T22:01:00.018-06:00

Welcome to the first episode of the Cooking Corner!

Yesterday I made homemade Italian meal from scratch and I thought I should share a little bit about the process! First you make the sauce and get it into a Crockpot. So...

Saute' onions, garlic, and some salt in Olive Oil. Several onions is not too many!While that cooks, you can start browning the Italian Sausage.
When the onions and garlic are ready (watch for the garlic to begin browning), you can either the plain red sauce to the pan or you can put them in the Crockpot and add the plain Hunt's sauce there. I like to get the Crockpot warming before I put anything in it so that the sauce doesn't start cooling off or anything.Make sure to make a mess.When the meat is browned and in small pieces, add it to the red sauce.After rinsing fresh basil leaves (you can buy these at Smiths, although I prefer to grow my own), cut them into fine pieces. The smaller the better! Add them to the sauce. Let the sauce simmer as long as you can...yesterday I let it simmer for about 6 hours.

Now it's time for the pasta noodles!! In a food processor mix 2 eggs per every 1 cup of unbleached white flower.Put the dough onto the clean counter top with flour accessible near by. Knead the dough until it is not at all sticky. Unlike a bread, pizza crust, or biscuit dough, the more kneading the better!
Then rip off small pieces of dough. On the widest setting, roll the dough again and again through a pasta maker. Gradually change the setting to the thinest until the pasta is in thin sheets.Set them out to dry wherever you can find! I use baking sheets and cookie cooling racks.

I don't how one pasta strip got to be so long! haha....While the pasta noodles are drying (the longer the time to dry the better) you can make the Besciamella white sauce. This is a slow process of melting butter, adding flour gradually to create a base, and then adding small portions of milk at a time in order to create a cream. Add a little salt and nutmeg too.

While the pasta is drying, the sauce is cooking, and the Besciamella is warming, you can prepare the cheeses: Cut the Mozzarella into slices, grate the Parmiggiano (Costco is a good place for these), and open the Ricotta.About an hour before you want to eat, it is time to assemble the lasagna!

Place a little sauce in the bottom of a glass pan. Add a layer of noodles. Then fresh Mozzeralla cheese, more sauce, another layer of noodles, more sauce, cut up ham...
Parmesan, more sauce, more noodles, Besciamella sauce, Ricotta, red sauce, noodles, etc...etc...
Then sprinkle the top layer with a lot of Parmesan!! :)

Bake at 350 or so for about 45 minutes or until all the cheeses are melted and things look done.

While you wait, you can also prepare a salad with tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado to be dressed with Olive Oil and Basalmic Vinegar!

When all is melted you can take it out of the oven! The smell is so yummy! Enjoy!

TA DA!! Buon Appetito!

And that's it! Thanks for tunning in to Tam's Cooking Corner! We'll see you next time...

Tip: Remember that most everything that is delicious begins with onion, garlic, and salt sauted in Olive Oil! :)

Making a move...

2008-08-07T22:58:00.002-06:00

Oh my goodness. I have been lost in the world of moving! Packing, taping, sorting, fitting, cleaning, hauling, settling, re-wiring, organizing, and cleaning some more!!

From the old place to the new place!

OLD:

U-haul Time!

NEW:

An organized kitchen!

The hallway and supposedly expensive water filter!

Food storage! (poor people who helped me carry all this up to the 3rd floor!)

The nice, spacious deck that overlooks a cornfield!

My room!

No more moving for awhile!!!!!

The Last Scenes...

2008-07-21T19:17:00.001-06:00

The equipment truck.

The wardrobe trailer got pretty messy today because there were people to be extras that came today for the dance scene.

Hair time again to look like the '20s!!

Craft Services.

"Gordon" types on a typewriter while on his mission.

The dance hall in the church where Gordon B. Hinckley really went to church at one time.

"I'm ready for my close up Mr. Demille!"

Marjorie spots Gordon for the first time.

A closer look at the scene.

Us three girls look towards Gordon's direction.

TC (the Director) gives Levi instructions.

Us three girls at the dance.

Ready to begin Levi's close up.

Time for the '40s!! Time to go to church.

THE END! My last day of filming for this neat little project is over. I was sad to leave. I hope another project comes along soon! :) It's been so neat to portray Marjorie Hinckley even in the small way that I did. I love the friendships that are formed while on set. I love working with fun people! Now, it's back to the day job (which is usually also fun) for me!!

Filming Again!

2008-07-19T10:23:00.000-06:00

Levi and I rehearsing lines.

Getting that hair done yet again! Several times a day!

In the wardrobe trailer.

Getting lights set for the next scene.

"Gordon" sits at the kitchen table and tells "Marjorie" about a switchman at the railroad.

Only one more day of filming!

Filming Day 3!!

2008-07-15T19:45:00.000-06:00

Today we filmed at the Heber Creeper. Gordon leaves by train to go fulfill his duties.

For the shot looking down the tracks, the camera is set on the back of a moving truck. Look close to see the wheels attached that keep the truck on the tracks!

Gordon searches his train yard for something.

"Gordon and Marjorie" under a tree.

Gordon leaves. But in the scene he is actually sad, not smiling. :)

"Marjorie" and kids wave goodbye to Gordon.

T.C. gets the camera set for filming Levi.

Setting the camera.

...being Levi's eye line so he had someone to interact with as he left on the train.

A nice shot of Levi on the train.

On the train ride, we filmed Gordon reading a letter from home.

...a video of filming on the train...

A picture for fun on the back of a train car.

Levi shows me the cool watch he wears everywhere.

THE END for today...

Filming Day 2!

2008-07-12T22:10:00.001-06:00

Today we filmed several scenes.
Gordon and Marjorie have some nice moments together.

When we were done filming I had a crew member take this shot.

I felt like Shirley Temple!

You wouldn't believe what we go through to get my hair right!
I hope there is no lightening around.
Levi becomes Gordon.

Marjorie and Gordon take a stroll done a lane and talk about his job interview

Marjorie and Gordon talk about their upcoming marriage. We were both looking down in this picture but it intrigues me.

This is the beginning of the day, getting my face to wrinkle!

Whoa! Looking older!

In this scene, Marjorie wakes Richard to go help his dad.

Going out in public for lunch with the crew with these curlers in my hair!!

Let the filming begin!

2008-07-11T22:50:00.000-06:00

Today we filmed a scene where Gordon and Marjorie are talking about his upcoming job working for the Church.

Levi Larson plays the young Gordon B. Hinckley. Marjorie's real sister is playing her when she is older.

Marjorie !!

2008-07-10T18:11:00.000-06:00

Today was my appointment with the hair/make-up department for the Gordon B. Hinckley film. My hair is actually not too short. It is shoulder length now. But they have it all curled tightly and tucked up under so that it looks short.

Sister Hinckley photo

2008-06-09T19:26:00.000-06:00

Marjorie Pay Hinckley when she was younger. They say this looks like me!

Post update: In one of my very first posts, I put up the above photo of Sister Hinckley and told everyone that people had been telling me that I looked like her. I thought it was fun and just asked for your opinion.

Well, how interesting was that!

A few weeks ago I was aproached by a director that said that every time he looked at a picture of Sister Hinckley he couldn't quite place it as to who he knew that looked like her. Then it dawned on him. "That's Tamilisa!" he said. He invited me to auditions that would be held this August. So I was surprised when I got a call to audition last week. They must be ahead of schedule! (unheard of in the movie world, unless you have divine help...perhaps!)

So, yes! I got the part! I will be portraying Sister Hinckley (from ages 18 - 37) in a documentary being done about President Hinckley. We will be filming in July. They are planning on cutting my hair short like a 20s bob!

I am so excited. I feel so priviledged! What a neat honor. I checked out some books from the library. It's time to read up about her life!

Ice Cream Social

2008-06-03T22:57:00.000-06:00

We had an Ice Cream Social for the Audiovisual Department last week. Elder Scott, who is over our department, was kind enough to come across the street to mingle with everyone.

We took a nice photo.

In this one I thought they were taking it of us much closer up. So I was squatting to not cover anyone up. Oh well.

I need more votes!

2008-06-03T22:56:00.001-06:00

If you haven't voted on a photo below, I really need your help deciding!!

Vote on a Photo!

2008-05-20T22:13:00.000-06:00

There is a photography contest that I'd like to enter. But I can't decide which picture would be best to enter! Please tell me which one you like best!! I have to choose to enter either categories of: "people and pets", "places", and "things."

Little Ilene

2008-05-17T11:08:00.002-06:00

So, I am in the middle of a big scanning project. I am scanning my mom's scrapbook that she put together a long time ago. Here are some cute pictures of little Ilene!!

Tapes Tapes and More Tapes!

2008-05-14T23:21:00.000-06:00

I don't know why I have so many posts about my office. I suppose it is because I pretty much live there. I spend more waking hours in the day there at my office than I do at home. There are so many projects that I am currently working on. Here are all the tapes to prove it!
Projects include:
Temple Square Bus Tour DVD
Missionary Referral Center IVR Prompts (when you call, you get the recorded lady - but first I need to record her)
New Zealand Visitor Center Kiosk (5 short videos)
BYU New Student Orientation Video 2008
Tabernacle Gala video
Recent Words Kiosks
President Monson Kiosks
Missionary Driver's Safety Training Videos
and of course the new Family History Sunday School Supplemental DVDs

So Shop at Woody's!!

2008-05-02T23:15:00.000-06:00

I am in the middle of capturing a lot of video clips to my computer to archive them.
This clip was for a school project. I was probably about 7! :)

(3rd Annual) Habitat For Humanity Benefit Concert!!

2008-04-01T11:48:00.000-06:00

Here is a song my band loves to play. It's called "Must Be Love." This performance is at our 3rd annual Habitat for Humanity Benefit Concert at UVU on March 22, 2008!! Thanks Habitat for the great dinner!

They did it!! Wahoo!

2008-03-28T18:10:00.001-06:00

This is Krisi and Eddy! They got married today!!

Easter Eggs!!

2008-03-27T01:10:00.000-06:00

It's been years since I have dyed easter eggs! But this year Nate and I went to my sister's house to dye eggs with her and the kids! So fun! Here are some fun pictures of our egg creations!

New Songs!!

2008-03-05T22:09:00.000-07:00

My band "Miles to Go" is in process of learning some new songs. They are all songs that we've written for our new CD that we will be recording this Spring! We are excited. Her is a sneak peek at "What of Your Soul" written by Trent. The video was taken at rehearsal last night (March 5, 2008). Hope you like it!

Sunshine's MISSION CALL!!

2008-03-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

AN OFFICE OF MY OWN! (as oppossed to "A Home of Our Own")

2008-03-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

A long-hoped for office has finally arrived! Here are some picture of the Steelcase being put together!

I couldn't wait!

I love this nice new bookshelf!
I am now able to spread projects out and be a lot more organized because of having more space!!

The picture of my nephew hangs right outside the door!

This nice whiteboard will help me conceptualize projects, stay organized and efficient, and also help to draw out notes for studying the Church Music Library for films and videos.

TA DA!!
It's already so full of tapes and stuff that had been scattered throughout the office space and cabinets wherever I could find room!!

"The Bored Ultimatum"

2008-02-23T21:47:00.000-07:00

Some of my film friends/coworkers and I entered the 24-hour film festival contest! Here are some fun pictures from filming, and the 3-min video we created.

We had 3 stipulations: incorporate a band-aid, compassion, and the phrase "could you please..."

We had 24 hours to create everything from shooting to rendering to turning it in (yes! I stayed up all night editing...everyone just sprawled out everywhere in my room trying to stay awake while I worked on it).

ENJOY!

We filmed in Salt Lake and at my apartment. You can see Becky giving Matt a black eye with make-up, planning for a scene, shooting, and editing.

The night of the screening we all went to preview our little piece on the big screen at the LDS Film Festival!!

http://www.ldsfilmfestival.org/

Fun Birthday Party!!

2008-02-10T22:16:00.000-07:00

My birthday was wonderful. It came and went so fast, as usual!

The day before my birthday, my work friends got together to have a little Birthday party! We had pizza and cheesecake. Then we just played games and had fun together.

After the party, I drove back to my apt. At that late hour, I had to stop multiple times for deer!! They were even just milling around on my street.

Braving the Blizzard!!

2008-02-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

Church is canceled today!!

..and I'm not kidding. It is a blizzard here this morning! It just keeps coming back no matter if you shovel, brush off, wipe, or not!

The problem is that there is no where to put it!

Update - President Hinckley's Viewing Line

2008-02-01T23:43:00.000-07:00

February 1, 2008

This is the line in the afternoon.

This is the line by early evening. Look close (you can click on the picture to enlarge it). Notice the line wraps all the way around the building.

On the way home from work on Trax, people said that they waited 3 hours in line!

President Hinckley Viewing

2008-01-31T22:15:00.000-07:00

Be Grateful

Be Smart

Be Clean

Be True

Be Humble

Be Prayerful

Tonight my friends (Teresa and Travis) and I went to the viewing for President Hinckley. It was very special. We felt like we didn't have time to really prepare for seeing him there because we were taken to the front of the line (because we went up an elevator for Travis and then we were right there at the casket). So we were able to see him first, and then walk through the rest of the way with the normal line and enjoy the pictures of the family that were all around. It was just like a normal viewing, only on a much grander scale in the Conference Center, and the whole entire world was invited. Can you imagine that? Having the whole world welcome to come to your viewing and funeral. What a difference you would have made.
One of the flower arrangements was from President Hinckley's grandchildren. On the written card it said "we will always be grateful, be smart, be clean, be true, be humble, and be prayerful."
In a way we were all kinda like his grandkids. We can tell him now in parting that we will pledge that "we will always be grateful, be smart, be clean, be true, be humble, and be prayerful." Just like he taught us.

Hall Family Benefit Concert - Jan 25, 2008

2008-01-27T16:02:00.001-07:00

"Miles To Go" Performers! Welcome to your show at Springville High School!Here is your practice room! Your sound check on stage will be at 4 pm.
Followed by a catered dinner from Costa Vita.
Then you may warm up and practice before the show.At show time, your group will play first to kick off the evening! Love that 3-part harmony!Before you go, you can ask Peter Breinholt to have your picture together, if you'd like.Here are some T-shirts with your band name on it, and beautiful frames to take home as a thank you gift.
It was such a privilege to be able to participate in this particular concert. The community really gathered around to support the family!

The big concert!

2008-01-23T22:42:00.000-07:00

Well...the big concert is coming up. At least it is big to me! We will be playing first, and then Alex Boye, and then Peter Breinholt! It is all for such a great cause, check it out: www.hallfamilybenefit.org.

Here is the flyer:Come if you can! It will be a fun show (and auction).

Director Debut!!

2008-01-09T22:45:00.001-07:00

Today was my Directing debut! I am directing two of the twelve segments for the Family History DVD that will accompany the manual to be taught in Sunday School at church.

It went well. I've lost sleep over this tricky little scene but it came off well. At least...that is...we'll see in editing!

Here are some pictures of the Family History video scene.

Clear skies and reflections

2008-01-05T23:34:00.000-07:00

On New Year's Eve Day, the sky was so clear!! This was taken from the 22nd floor of the Church Office Building. Straight ahead is my apartment in Draper.
Sometimes in the evenings, the light from the pond in front of the temple creates this pattern!! I love the golden colors.

Christmas - The Picture!!!

2007-12-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

My siblings got all of their kids together before Christmas to give my mom and dad a special gift! (My contribution was picking it up from the studio :) )
Before opening the gift, Thelissa read a list of quotes from each of the grandkids about why they like their grandma and grandpa.
Grandpa opened the round tube but had a little trouble getting the gift out...
So Grandma had to help a little.

She got the first glimpse at the picture...
And then showed it to Grandpa. It is a picture of all of the grandkids!! It will be framed and hung soon where everyone can see!!

Best Friends Forever...Seriously

2007-12-18T23:44:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I got together with some of my dearest friends. The girls I've known forever. We just know that we will always be there!! What a blessing they are!

Tonight's Christmas Party

2007-12-02T00:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight Miles To Go played for the 12th Ward Christmas Party. It meant the world to me to have everyone take time and come play! No one's really looking at the camera but here is a fun picture. I don't know why this gig meant so much to me. I don't really even know the people in my ward all that well. And no one special was there to watch me or anything like that. I guess I just want to make a good impression on the ward members.
Trent brought all the equipment and everything just for this little ward party. I really owe him one. I think I will get he and Amy some movie passes or something!!

Let it snow! Let it snow!

2007-11-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight as I was briskly walking towards trax (that I knew would be coming soon), I couldn't help but stop and try taking a picture or two outside my work! There was really no one around! And the snow made the lights even prettier!! I had a moment all to myself (amazingly enough!) there in the falling snow.