One of Those Days

Yesterday I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I'm not sure why. I did all the right things. I got up early and went walking with my favorite walking partner. We had family prayer and scripture study. I even made a healthy smoothie for breakfast.

I didn't even realize that I was grouchy until my daughter asked me, "Are you all right?"

"What do you mean?!" I responded as I stuck my tongue out at her. And then I knew exactly what she meant.

Fortunately I was able to push through my rotten attitude. I got some laundry started, helped Marianne with some schoolwork and then made sandwiches and raspberry muffins for lunch.

Later I attended a homeschool meeting and went for a walk with my friend whom I visit teach. Fortunately, I was able to do both of these without biting anyone's head off!

The chip on my shoulder was mostly (but not completely) gone. Then I saw this video. Take a look. Even if you're having a marvelous and perfect day, it will make it brighter. And if your day is, shall we say, a little "dim" then you can definitely use the light you'll find HERE.

Did you click the link? Seriously, go back and watch it. The video is awesome and the quote at the end is powerful. It is worth 3 minutes of your time!

A Few of My Favorite Things

I am not a shopper, spender or decorator.
I am really not into "things" and

I am pretty good at getting rid of stuff I don't use.

But there are some things I really do treasure.
Many of my books fall into this category.
So do my china, silver and crystal.

I received all of this when we were married almost 24 years ago.
It seemed like an extravagance at the time (and it still does to some extent),
but my Mom convinced me I would never regret it.
She was right!
Our family and friends were very generous with their gifts
and I have service for fourteen.

I haven't used our china enough recently, so I decided to pull them out for Easter dinner. The kids loved using the "fancy" dishes and goblets.
Over the years, many of the goblets have been lost,
but that's okay. I still have 8 or 9.

The china pattern isn't what I would choose today,
but I still think it is beautiful. I love how the delicate silver edges come to little peaks.
I think the silverware is classic and I would choose something similar now.

My mother-in-law fell in love with our silver pattern and bought a set for herself.
When she passed away, I was given her silver and I have enough for 16 people.

My favorite part of the whole set is the gravy boat.
I love the shape of the handle and
the peaked ends of the dish.

In fact, don't tell anyone, but I actually have two of these gravy boats.
I'll admit we didn't use them at Easter, but come Thanksgiving time,
the kids' table won't feel neglected!

Benjamin Franklin was Right!

Apparently haste really does make waste.

Awhile back I ordered business cards and other supplies to help with fundraising for our 3 Day for the Cure Walk. I was in a hurry to finish my order when I realized that I could add some calendar magnets for free! I quickly entered the information and completed the order.

Days later the box with all my supplies arrived. I was pleased with how everything turned out, until I saw the magnets. At least they were good for a laugh!

I know I am not a particularly speedy walker, but I'm certainly not that slow! The walk is designed for a 3-4 mph pace. I can do that!

Easter Weekend Highlights

Getting to visit with my brother Scott and my sister Jenny
(Love that cheesy smile!)

Our Easter egg dyeing extravaganza.
Thanks to my awesome sister-in-law Denise!

All the beautiful colors!

Spending time with my Dad!

Having Aaron come home from BYU!
Cammi is happy too.
Celebrating Molly's birthday!

Visiting the cemetery, singing "Did Jesus Really Live Again"
and hanging Easter ornaments in the tree near Mom's grave.

Cousins

More cousins

and even more wonderful cousins!


Watching my sweetheart play with our beautiful granddaughter.

What a weekend!

Better Than An Elephant!

We have a winner! Congratulations to the winner of the "Let's Talk About the Elephant in the Room" CD . . .

DaNell!

I have known DaNell for more than 10 years and she is a wonderful friend. She is the mother of eight children and she is a gifted teacher and mentor. She has poetry in her soul. She is a great listener and I love to have long conversations (the kind mothers rarely have time for) with her. Despite her busy schedule, I know that DaNell will make time to listen to this CD and will be able to discern what she needs to implement with her family.

I really think that EVERY LDS woman (and her family) would benefit from this CD. Please consider buying or borrowing this CD. On my current "to borrow" list I have:

Molly
Rachel
Bryn
Leticia

Please let me know if you would like to borrow a copy.

Sweet Easter Sunday

I love Easter and the chance to focus on my Savior, Jesus Christ, and his atonement.
We got to spend Saturday with lots of family. We dyed eggs, hunted for eggs and even had a passover dinner. This year's dinner definitely went better than last year's!

One of the things that stood out to me was the symbol of the four cups of wine. It is based on this scripture:

Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments.

And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. Exodus 6:6-7

We used grape juice of course, but we drank four times to remember the beautiful promises.

1. The Cup of Sanctification of Consecration
Promise: I will bring you out of Egypt.

2. The Cup of Praise
Promise: I will deliver you from their bondage.

3. The Cup of Redemption
Promise: I will redeem you with a stretched out arm.

4. The Cup of Acceptance (Also known as the cup of Elijah)
Promise: I will take you to be my people.

I am so grateful on this Easter morning that my Savior has brought me out of the bondage of sin. He has redeemed me and I praise His holy name forever. I am blessed to be called one of his daughters.

HAPPY EASTER!

Not So Ancient History

**Don't forget to read THIS POST and comment to win a CD+DVD**


Yesterday, I walked 4.5 miles.

The day before, I finished reading the Book of Mormon.

Last week, we spent our spring break in Arizona.

We love vacationing with family (especially while wearing sunglasses)

I got to visit my friend Tammy, our friends Stuart and Malissa,
as well as a candy factory! Here are the kids hard at work.

We also toured Frank Lloyd Wright's home and architecture school.
His blend of form and function is beautiful and amazing!

We also explored music and instruments from around the world at
the fantastic Musical Instrument Museum.
My favorite part was the Experience Gallery that was completely hands-on.
We tried a nickelodeon, drums, bells, ukeleles, harps and this huge gong!


But the best part of our trip was attending the
Easter Pageant at the lovely Mesa temple.


The music, dancing and acting were phenomenal
and the costumes were spectacular.


But Evan's favorite part may have been eating the
giant 3 pound bag of popcorn!

Will you forgive me?

Early this year I listened to a fabulous CD. In fact, it was so good that I listened to it twice. The second time I even took notes and then I watched the bonus DVD included in the package.

I know I should have shared it with you then, but I got busy.

I did tell a couple of friends about it. One friend even ordered a copy. I decided to get an extra copy to share with you. I meant to tell you about it, but you know how it goes. I had so much going on. First it was my husband's birthday. Then March was just crazy busy and then there was spring break and . . .

Enough with the excuses!

I'm going to interrupt myself to tell you about one of the most powerful CDs I've ever heard. Author Jill Manning speaks specifically to LDS women. She explains how she became fascinated with elephant society. Elephants have very strong, matriarchal families. The female elephants work together to protect and raise their young. In times of danger or crisis, they encircle the young elephants as a means of protection.

But this isn't just an interesting zoology lesson. Instead, Manning uses this as a metaphor to empower LDS women to step forward and protect their families from pornography. She doesn't use guilt or scare tactics. She covers everything from teaching toddlers to choosing a spouse. Most importantly, she helps you feel that there IS something YOU can do. You shouldn't ignore this issue, but you shouldn't be stressed about it either. This CD will help you get started in whatever way is right for you and your family. And since it is only 60 minutes long, you can find time to fit it into your busy schedule!

As a peace offering, and to help you forgive me for not sharing sooner, I have decided to give away one copy of "Let's Talk About the Elephant in the Room".


So please leave me a comment. I will select a winner by random drawing this Saturday. In case you don't win, I also have another copy available to loan. Just let me know. You don't have to do an elephant impression or tell me your best elephant joke. Just leave a comment.

Just one woman (you!) can make a difference in this elephant-size problem facing our families and our society.

Lend Me Your Ear

I have been told I am a "good listener". I guess that's true, at least some of the time. However, after being a mom for 21 years, I have perfected the art of tuning out my children. Here is a conversation that took place yesterday while I was doing some "very important things" on the computer.

Evan: Mom

Me: no response

Evan: Mom!

Me: no answer

Evan: Mom, I'm trying to tell you something!

Me: Okay, I'm listening.

Evan: See . . .

Me: Not really, I was just kidding.

Evan: Mom!!

Do I get points for being honest?! In my defense, I knew that Evan was just trying to tell me that he wanted me to get off the computer so he could use it.

Sweet (Shakespeare) Sunday

Several years ago I read and watched Shakespeare's Two Gentlemen of Verona for the first time. Then my son Aaron was cast as Proteus in the play. Proteus is the guy who betrays his true love, manipulates his best friend, and then he tries to force himself on his best friend's girl. What a jerk! I saw Proteus as a very evil character.

Early this year, we decided to perform Two Gentlemen with our Classical Acting troupe. Since I would be directing, I spent hours reading and watching the play. I came to realize that Proteus isn't really evil; he is a self-centered teenager. He wants what he wants and isn't thinking of anyone else. It made even more sense when I realized that all four lovers in the play are immature and more like teenagers than adults.

Whenever I direct a Shakespeare play, there is a moment of epiphany--a time when I suddenly realize, "Oh that's what this play is really about!" But that moment always catches me by surprise. This year it was quite late in the process, just a few days before our performances.

The play ends rather abruptly. Proteus is about to force himself on Silvia, who has refused his advances. Fortunately, he is stopped by Valentine, who is his best friend and Silvia's fiance. Proteus apologizes immediately and just as quickly Valentine forgives him.

The play ends in one big love-and-forgiveness-fest!

Julia forgives her lover Proteus, even though she has witnessed all of his terrible behavior.

The Duke forgives Valentine for his deceit and trying to elope with his daughter.

Silvia forgives both Proteus (for his attack) and Valentine (for offering to give her up).

The Duke even forgives the outlaws and pardons them.

Initially, I thought it was ridiculous, even wrong, that everyone in this play is so forgiving. Then it hit me. That's the point! The message of this play is to forgive quickly and love freely.

Actually, that's the point of our life on earth!

Dallin H. Oaks explained it this way:

"To achieve our eternal destiny, we will desire and work for the qualities required to become an eternal being. For example, eternal beings forgive all who have wronged them. They put the welfare of others ahead of themselves. And they love all of God’s children.

If this seems too difficult—and surely it is not easy for any of us—then we should begin with a desire for such qualities and call upon our loving Heavenly Father for help with our feelings." (Desire, April 2011 General Conference)

Ouch!

When Ryan was a little boy he loved to catch bees with his bare hands. I warned him repeatedly that he might get stung, but it never seemed to bother him.

Evan on the other hand, seems to attract angry bees. He has been stung many times and he is allergic to the stings. He swells up horribly. Fortunately it is not systemic, but the local swelling is very painful. The doctors haven't been very helpful expect to say, "Get the stinger out immediately."

Then there's me. In all of my 44 years, I have never been stung by a bee. Until yesterday. I was sitting in a lounge chair reading when I felt a tickle on my neck. I reached up to brush whatever-it-was away, when suddenly I felt the sting. Even worse, the bee was buzzing around inside my shirt. I told Marianne to pull out the stinger while I extricated the bee from my chest.

The worst part of the whole experience was when I realized that I may have brought it upon myself. Why? Well, the book I was reading is titled . . .

Photo by: Larry Crowhurst/Oxford Scientific Films

. . . The Secret Life of Bees

Blast From the Past

Year: 1984
Location: T-203, Deseret Towers in Provo, Utah
Favorites: Sweaters, Cabbage Patch Dolls, White Shoulders perfume, artwork by Bessie Pease Gutmann, getting a perm every 6-8 weeks, trips to Arches National Park and Mexico with my Colloquium class, edited movies at Varsity Theater
Claims to Fame: I had a computer (!) and a toolbox in my dorm room

When I arrived for freshman orientation at BYU, I had no idea who my roommate would be. She turned out to be a friendly, outgoing girl from Georgia. We became good friends and I had a blast my freshman year at college. Tammy and I were close during all our years at BYU and later were bridesmaids for each other. We both have 3 boys and 1 girl and our daughters are the same age and share a name. Last year both of us lost a parent. Her father died in June and my mom passed away in October. So much has changed over the years, but when Tammy and I get together she is still the same great friend you see in the picture below! She also happens to have a birthday this week and I want to wish Tammy a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Love you!
I know some people have horror stories about their college roommates, but I will always be grateful for the blessing I received when I walked into that dorm room so many years ago.

Six Months

Today marks six months since my Mom passed away. Of course I think of her and miss her every day. During this grieving process I have learned something important. Some things are harder to mourn than others.

Now I'm not trying to compare trials or say "my trial is easier (or harder) than yours". The adversities we go through impact each of us differently. You can't really compare them or rank them.

But I will say this: People expect you to be sad when someone you love passes away. They may not respond perfectly, but they are generally understanding and thoughtful. You can express your sadness and friends will listen.

With other trials it may be more difficult to mourn. Sometimes we can't discuss them openly because we have to respect the privacy of others. Sometimes the trial involves someone's weakness or even sinfulness. We can't talk about the situation openly even if we feel the need. In some situations, people are judgmental of choices that have been made or the way we are dealing with a trial. This makes it hard to grieve and heal.

I am grateful that I have been able to mourn the loss of my mother by talking and crying with friends and family. I am thankful to be able to write about my mom and share my feelings on my blog.

But I know that many people are suffering, mourning and grieving in relative silence. Other people don't realize the pain they are suffering. Friends likely don't understand why they are grouchy or unreliable or distant. I hope that I can do a better job of recognizing unspoken needs in those around me. I pray that all of us can be patient with friends, family and even strangers who may be going through "invisible" trials.

Henry B. Eyring said, "All of us will be tested. And all of us need true friends to love us, to listen to us, to show us the way, and to testify of truth to us."

Click HERE to learn more about this painting by Diego Rivera
and how it relates to the burdens we bear.

[Bitter]sweet Sunday

Today is General Conference. I know I will learn and be inspired by the words I hear today. I will listen for the things I am meant to hear, for the whispers to my heart from the Holy Ghost.

But my heart will feel heavy as I remember last General Conference. Last October, my family spent conference weekend together during my Mom's final hours on earth. We knew her time with us was short. We made sure conference was on the TV in her room and we took turns sitting by her and talking to her. But she was unresponsive and I believe she had already begun her journey home.

This is our first conference weekend without Mom. I am excited to hear the Lord's word through His prophets, but I will miss my Mom. She won't be there to cook us bacon or share candy with the kids. She won't comment on which apostle is looking older or tell us which talk touches her heart. She won't give us a hug or discuss the scriptures with us.

My Mom loved watching and studying the conference talks. She loved pondering and talking about them. As I watch conference, I will think of her. But more importantly, I will think of my Savior. I know that He will bring peace and comfort to hearts that are burdened.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28

My Week

I have finally entered the 21st century. I got an iphone. I've never even had an ipod before, so that's been my favorite part of my new phone. I am also having fun with the camera and the Hipstamatic app. So here's a view of my week . . .

Much of our week was spent on Two Gentlemen of Verona. We did two shows on Tuesday. First we performed for a small audience at a local charter school. Most of the kids were young, but they giggled and giggled and it was fun to see them "getting" Shakespeare. That night we performed at a church for mutual night. We had a huge audience--about 150 people. It was mostly teenagers and they were a really fun audience. They laughed like crazy!

Two shows meant a 12 hour day with lots of loading and unloading. Here I am carrying part of our set to the van. Why does it still have the price tag on it? Hope it wasn't visible onstage! Shonda looks very calm in the background. It's good to have calm people around!


Here is my friend Sheree's van fully loaded. She is an expert at fitting in everything and using blankets as padding so that nothing gets scratched.
We also got to spend some time with sweet Brianne this week. Here she is signing "more"


She already knows how to pose for the camera!

And speaking of posing, here I am with a rubber ducky. I think I must have been tired after all those performances.


My final picture was definitely not posed. It should be titled "Frustration". I think I picked the wrong week to insist that Evan increase his practice time.