I haven't written on this blog for over 5 years.  Why?  Maybe I didn't have much to say, or maybe everything has been said.  Has Facebook taken over.  I  don't  share on FB hardly at all.  But I have something I really want to say, so...I'm going to favorite this page and try my hand at it again.  Thanks for listening.

Family Time Farewell

Julia spoke in church today.  She is a very strong person and will serve the Lord well in Baguio. She and I sang.  She is leaving on Wednesday.  All our family is over right now.  We just ate some sandwiches and pie.  Daren is talking about tent campers.  Mike just brought up family commune topic.  We are all looking forward to our family reunion camp trip in August.  Sarah wants a camper and does not want to sleep on the ground any more. It has been a delightful Sabbath Day.

Productivity

Here is a list of things I wrote down at church that I can do when I am feeling unproductive. 

1. Kettlebell Workout
2. Cook some good healthy food for the family
3. Visit Teach
4. Garden
5. Clean a shelf
6. Read (Shakespeare, scriptures, Ensign, Church News)
7. Do personal progress.
8. Sew
9. Take a nap
10. Paint my nails
11. Call someone or send a letter.
12. Pray
13. Sing/Play the paino
14. Plan an outdoor family activity
15. Ride my bike
16. Paint
17. Think about Christ
18. Pray (I put this twice, maybe I will be more productive if I double up on this one)
19. Read poetry to the boys. (they are going to love this)
20. Blog.

When I productive I feel happy and that's the way I want to be...HAPPY!

Sunday Morning At Conference

President Henry B. Eyring (of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) - We promise to become charitable, witnesses of God, and endure to the end. Elder Eyring has the duty to be a Special Witness of Jesus Christ. I adore President Eyring. He is a witness with power and I feel the truth of Jesus Christ as he opens his mouth. Undeniable. Deny yourselves of all ungodliness, then is my grace sufficient...

Drink deeply and often from the pages of the Book of Mormon. It is a true witness that He lives.

Elder Robert D. Hales (of the Quorum of the Twleve) - The Lord exercised his agency to suffer for our iniquities. "My God, my God, why has though forsaken me?" He endured to the end. Why is it the Son of God, the prophets, the pioneers have so many difficulties? Why such terrible tribulation? For what purpose? Our purpose is to grow from our experiences. Test and trials are given to all of us, to see if we will exercise our agency to follow the Son of God. All these things shall be for our good. Half way through the computer went whacko.

Sister Elaine S. Dalton (General YW President) - Fathers, bless the lives of your daughters. Rise up, Oh men of God. How do you raise a girl? Love her mother.

Elder M. Russel Ballard (of the Quorum of the Twelve) - The church is known by Christ name. Retain his name always in your heart. Let others know who we follow, humbly. We can be called Mormon as a people, but we belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Music-

Alex: Why do they always have two men playing the organ.

Ben: Because men play the organ better.

Rachel: Because if there were two women they would cuddle (I think Mom said that years ago)

Samuel: Why don't they put a grandma and grandpa together?

Mom: Can't you all just enjoy the music?

Ben: Look Michael Jackson (pointed to one of the choir members)

President Thomas S. Monson (Prophet) - We don't despair over the moral decline, we have the gospel. The laws will not change. The commandments aren't suggestions, the are still applicable. Our code of conduct is definitive, it is not negotiable. Our Father is the same yesterday, today, forever...the same from all eternity to all eternity.

You are entitled to a relationship with Heavenly Father. Inspiration and guidance are gifts he freely gives as we ask, search. Receive, trust, follow the inspiration! Fear not, for I am with thee.

Saturday Afternoon Conference Notes

Elder David A. Bednar -The coming and spirit of Elijah! Our ancestors-they without us cannot become perfect, us without them cannot become perfect. For the youth - Do not wait! You have the resources to bring forth the spirit of Elijah. Learn about and experience the spirit of Elijah. Do the work in the temple. As you respond to this invitation, your heart will return to your fathers. My Alex sent info to Elder Bednard office at the request of our Stake Presidency and Elder Bednard's office. Elder Bednard did not refer to Alex's temple work and experience, but here it is.

Alex Stapp

Alex has been able to attend the temple often with his ward and family. His dad, Curtis Stapp, had the idea that he did not want to wait until the children were grown to be with them in the temple. At age 12, Alex was able to go with his family to do a temple baptism for his great grandfather in the Sacramento Temple. Now at 15, Alex feels blessed to have done the genealogy and baptismal work for many of his ancestors.

One of his greatest moments in the temple was doing the work for an adopted "grandparent". For years, his family served his neighbor Don. Don and Lorraine, his lovely wife, had no children and required much assistance because of illness. For years, Alex helped this elderly couple with grocery shopping, yard work and small errands. On May 25, 2007, Don passed away. Lorraine died a few days later (during Don's funeral). On July 6, 2010 Alex was finally able to enter the temple with his family and perform the needed baptism for Don. What a joyous occasion! He truly feels that Don and Lorraine have accepted the gospel.

When asked how he feels when he is working in the temple, Alex says, "I feel like I'm home."

Elder Neil A. Anderson - Multiply and replenish the earth. Have faith, bring your family to earth. Don't delay. Your child can come to earth humbly as the Savior himself.

Do not judge other who are not bearing children. These decisions are for a husband and wife. What a wonderful blessing we have to bring children to our home. They bring happiness, but it's no picnic, haha

Ian S. Ardern (of the Seventy) - He who is faithful is worthy to inherit the mansions of the Father. What time we have we must use wisely. Alma: this life is a probationary state, or a time to meet God. Let us be as quick to kneel as we are to text! Paul: Ye are no more strangers and follower, but fellow citizens of the saints. Devote time that matter most, the things of God matter most. Read and study from the scriptures each day. Draw nearer to Him. Seek from the best books, he will give us knowledge. Grind to dust the time wasting activities! Review what we are doing to prepare to meet God. Loved this message. I needed these words.

Carl B. Cook (of the Seventy) - Believe in God. The prophets redirect our vision. They lead us to God. Look up. Faith to look up and courage to follow His direction. As we look up and step up we will cheer up!

Legrand R. Curtis Jr. (of the Seventy) - How complete redemption's grand design!!! The plan of redemption requires our best effort even though we can never repay the Savior for his sacrifice.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson (Apostle) - Repentance is a divine gift. It should put a smile on our face. It is cause for true celebration. The invitation to repent is a message of love. Repentance means a striving to change. We seek his grace to reward our most diligent effort. Too much to include, but so powerful. Thank you Elder Christofferson! The best word about the remembrance of our sins, "and I the Lord will remember them no more." So as time goes by we forget them also, the pain and remembrance is replace by the opposite, complete joy! See Alma.

L. Tom Perry (Apostle) - Examples of the believers.

1. Declare you belief in Jesus Christ

2. Be an example of His teachings

3. Engage in conversation of these truths. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fears. Speak about the church, communicate directly, honestly.

Share feelings and beliefs. A spirit of love and courage will be your constant companion as you share. I try to do this and I what Elder Perry says it true. I feel so much love for others.

Sat Morning Conf Notes!

Elder Richard G. Scott (Apostle of the Lord)-Turn to the scriptures. They can be your friends. Memorize them, let them comfort you. Consistent use of the Book of Mormon brings an added measure of the spirit. He made an audio recording of the Book of Mormon for his family. So wonderful!

Sister Barbara Thompson (Second Counselor RS) - Have ye inquired of the Lord. D&C 6, how we can receive revelation. Desire to receive revelation! He will bless us with his spirit.

L. Whitney Clayton (Quorum of the Seventy) - Growth in Peru is amazing! Daniel's interpret's Neb's dream. The gospel will roll forth. The sun never sets on this work of the Lord and it is only the beginning!! The places closed to us will open. It progresses one heart and one family at a time. The knowledge of a Savior will be spread to every nation, kindred and tongue. His church is that stone, cut out of the mountain, rolling forth.

President Thomas S. Monson (President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) - The building of temples continues uninterrupted. Provo!!! Columbia, South Africa, Congo, Wyoming, Paris.

Jose L. Alonso (Quorum of the Seventy) - When we emulate the Savior, we show our love for Him. When he lost his son in Mexico City he didn't need a planning meeting to find him, in the same sense we don't need a planning meeting to serve.

Elder Boyd K. Packer (President of the Quorum of the Twelve) - The gospel plan is the great plan of happiness. The prompting of the spirit are felt not heard. The gift of the holy ghost will guide and protect, it is a feeling in your heart.

ABOUT CROWS
by John Ciardi

The old crow is getting slow;
the young crow is not.
Of what the young crow does not know,
the old crow knows a lot.

At knowing things, the old crow is still
the young crow’s master.
What does the old crow not know?
How to go faster.

The young crow flies above, below, and rings
around the slow old crow.
What does the fast young crow not know?
WHERE TO GO.

Youth are being raised in enemy territory. Take hold of your life and order yourself to be valiant. You young crows need not walk aimlessly. You have a living prophet! Trust in the Lord, lean not unto your own understanding.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - (Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) - The vastness of God's creations, worlds without end. Wow! What is man in comparison to God's creation. We are his eternal purpose. It is all for our benefit. Paradox: Compared to God we are nothing, yet we are everything to God. (King Benjamin) You matter to Him--God love's the humble and meek, the meek and the simple proclaim the gospel, no matter where you live or how humble or limited your ability, you are not invisible to Heavenly Father, finally the promises is that God will not forsake those who are his disciple in word and deed. Hold on and believe in Him, one day you will receive the things that God has prepared for you. He sees you as His child, he wants you to know that you matter to Him. May we be worthy of the precious blessings.

blogging becomes me

I was reading my blog for the first time in forever because someone said they had read it and I was curious. What was my blog about? I skimmed it through this for-to-mentioned person's eyes and concluded that blogging becomes me. I am not a great speaker, and I'm not glamorous by any means, but I was laughing at the blog and thinking--yes, blogging becomes me.

So anyhow, I go to thy gym and work out really hard most days. But I don't look like HER-er, and I am guessing I never will. 'Hey, muscle woman. Hey, yes you there with the controlled skin, the skin that loves your body, I'm flabby, but blogging becomes me, so check me...I mean my blog out girlfriend."

I'm sure she'll read it too, then she'll see me in a different light, because, dom dom dom...blogging becomes me!!!

Controlled Freak

I'm a controlled freak. Or better said, I am consistently and consciously controlling myself from controlling others.

1. My kids can do almost anything, generally not as good as I can (like writing skits for general audiences) and that's ok. At age 47, I know how to back away and say, go for it.

2. It is really fine when underlings fail. Even if it is a reflection on me. I can redeem myself thru myself. (are you following this) And if I don't redeem myself, I don't look back anymore. (see #7, memory loss)

3. I've learned the art of not so subtle persuasion when people are not choosing well. For some reason it works for me. Like texting: Get To Seminary or Else!! Next day the kid is at seminary.

4. Hug a certain boy even if he doesn't know who is boss. Squeeze real tight.

5. I cannot control the weather, but most people think I can. (baseball days rarely any rain, perfect weather for science camp...the list goes on)

6. I thoroughly enjoy seeing young people take control. For some unknown reason I wince when adults take charge. At times I am pleasantly surprised and do not feel threatened by their success. I give praise where praise is due, but I sadly foresee where I'm going to end up if I don't control judgements.

7. I have a short memory. This helps me forget my failures and mistakes. I can take anything on. I could easily control the world or at least my part of it, but I'm trying to be a controlled freak.

10 Things I Learned at Family Reunion 2010!

1. Pack more dry towels.

2. Cabin walls are not sound proof.

3. Don't catch baseballs with short mitts.

4. Synchronized swimming develops the mind and body.

5. Brothers give the best hugs.

6. Old commercial jingles age me.

7. Alarm clocks in the early morning are very alarming.

8. Bring your own secret stash of toothpaste.

9. I cannot live without Betts BBQ sauce.

10. Nertz keeps you warm.

Macho Man and Madeline

Sunday night. 9:59 pm.

Family room on Fremont Street. Woodland CA

5 boys, ages 11-16

1 adult man, age 51 or 52 (I can't remember)

All watching Madeline. The movie. Yep!

wink wink

I was sitting in church today listening to the prelude music. Glanced over to see one of the cutest little primary kids. I gave a little wink. No response. Another wink from me. No response at all. A few more wink, and I see a little smile coming on, so I give it the old wink wink wink wink and a small cute wave. In the foreground and in the line of wink fire I see another hand wave. It is a man waving sheepishly at me. WHAT is he doing? I focus my gaze at closer range. It is the scout master man. He thinks I am winking at him, he thinks I'm winking and waving. Oh my goodness. I raise my voice and correct him over the organ noise and across the pews, "I am not winking at YOU!!!!" He looks perplexed and I point to the kid beyond him.

Later after Sunday School I meet this man in the hall and give him a good wink. I say, "Now I'm winking at you." As Scout Master man leaves, he smiles and I can't resist but give him a small cute wave.

Breaking Your Fast

Well this little secret came out recently. Apparently one of Samuel's primary friend has a little routine on fast Sunday. The boy, his name rhymes with barter and starts with the letter "C", packages up a store of cereal in his pocket for church on Sunday. After primary this boy, last name is the lengthened name of "Tom", heads to the bathroom to say his "breaking the fast" prayer. Then the cereal is consumed right there, in the bathroom. Well! I questioned Samuel about this practice. I wanted to know if he had partaken? He said once, they had actually sequestered themselves in the LARGE bathroom stall, prayed together, removed the goods from said pocket and shared a meal (in the stall mind you).

What more can I say? Nothing at all.

Writing #1--Once Upon a Time--I lived.

Over the years I have written. Yep. Here is a little skit I put together that we performed to go along with Elder Uchtdorf's talk at the 2010 YW Broadcast in March

Once Upon a Time....I Lived"

Characters-- 3 princesses and a reporter. Two princesses do not gracefully live through their challenges and therefore just live. The third who takes on the challenges and lives happily every after.

Reporter: Welcome to Meet the Princess, I'm your host, Rumplstilskin. Today on our pretty princess panel we have Cinderella, Belle, and Snow White. We'll start with Cinderella, uh a princess, I think now...(interrupted by Cinderella)

Cinderella (looking very dirty, tough and rough) I hated my step-mother/sister, yeah, well I went to that ball, I had the best looking dress of everyone there BTW and danced with the prince. I told him how horrible my life was, working around the cinders and all. Gave him a piece of my mind about how dirty the city had become. How I hated the gross, disgusting gourmet foods at the ball, I mean the creme brule was burnt on top. As I was making my grand exit, my glass slipper slipped off my foot. I looked back and boy was I angry. The prince had it. I went right up to him, I'm sure he wanted it for his own gain, well I grabbed it out of his hand with a slap to the face. Anyway, at 65 years of age I am currently cooking and cleaning for my last living step-sister. I still hate her and she hates me, so there!

Reporter: Wow, looks like Cindy lived, but not H. E. A. (whisper) happily ever after if you know what I mean. Now Belle, you look like you've done very well for yourself.

Belle (rich and hollywood) Well yes I have indeed. But let me tell you, I have had my share of trials. After seeing my dad imprisoned by the Beast I ran off. I tried to get the villagers to help for a time, but then got distracted by one of the latest books on the shelf, Twilight. By the time I finished the series, it was amazing I tell you, well, I sauntered out to the Beast castle for a visit with pops. A man named Gaston was the only person I found there. He was quite debonair and he had full access to the castle library so I married him and gave him 10 stapling young self-absorbed Gaston Juniors. Gaston turned out to be an alcoholic, carousing, self-abosorbed, pot-bellied sports addict. He left me for Cindy's (looks at Cinderella) evil step-sister so I started writing for Harlequin and made a boat-load. Ho hum (checking out finger-nails) I never saw my dad again or the beast which is a really good thing. That beast was the ugliest creature I've ever seen, and well I wrote that beast into a best selling novel and have enough to pay the lawyer in the lawsuit against Gaston and his pack of he-wolves.

Reporter: Uh yes....hmmm...Sound like Happily Ever After has a different meaning in literary circles. I'm sure many of you out there have perused the Belle's family drama on every magazine cover at the Wal-mart check out line. Wow, ok, so Snow White. What's your story.

Snow White (lovely as can be, high soft innocent voice). Well, I had to flee from the wicked Queen she wanted to kill me and then I went and hung out with the most beautiful animals. It was so lovely and how I love God's creations, but oh how I missed my friends and family! I lived with 7 very cute men, but never fear I kept myself chaste and virtuous. I cleaned and worked and found pleasure in my trials. I whistled and sang in a high pitched voice as much as possible. One day I was tempted by the devil (who I found out later was the wicked queen, bless her heart) with an delicious apple. I succumbed. I was overcome by this mistake and fell faint. A prince saved me! He kissed me! It was a very warm kiss. I did not make out without with him, it was just a simple kiss, because he was very righteous. Anyway, I recovered, I became white and clean as snow again. My prince took me to the temple, a real palace with lots and lots of white and we feel strong and wise and oh so bless and we lived happily, and may I add eternally, ever after.

Reporter: There you have it folks. Some princess rise up to the challenge of adversity and some do not. We have our pretty princesses and our not so pretty princesses. Some live, and some live happily, and may I add eternally, ever after. Until next time on "Meet the Princess" I'm your host, Rumple, see you next week for Enchanted Castle Makeover--Medieval Architecture, Modern Conveniences.

analogies that hurt

Worst analogies by High School students! As funny as a garbage bag full of vegetable soup dropped from a 10 story building.

Spring Fever

It's spring. Alex has a fever. Day 4 or 5! He looks at me in desperations and believes I have control over the fever. "How long is this going to last?" "When will I feel better?" "Will I be going to Seminary tomorrow?"

I keep telling him "probably tomorrow." If he asks again I will say, "What do you think?"