"Never Check Your Religion at the Door"

This week has been full, but the previous week was A WHIRLWIND!!!

Last Sunday, after 5-1/2 years, the stake YW president, who I served with, was released and my children's beloved high school math teacher was called. She bore her testimony at Stake Conference which was powerful and reverently humorous all at the same time. I am so happy that Eden has the privilege to have worked both with Sis. Fisher and now with Sis. Harris on the youth committee. I think both women will add to her testimony of this gospel, but in completely different ways.

Last Thursday Eden auditioned for and made Premiere Singers, which means an additional evening of choir in Ontario for her. I hope it's not a mistake to let her get so immersed and that it doesn't interfere too much with school and work and family, but she loves it and I think it is good for her. She has a pretty voice and it's an excellent, uplifting outlet for her.

Last Friday was, of course my birthday. Fred took the day off, let me sleep in, got the kids up and ready for school and brought me breakfast in bed. Then he and Mikayla took over my daily task list (cleaning the house and walking Olive) in the morning while I leisurely got ready for the day. The rest of the afternoon Fred spent working on house projects with me (which usually means he does most of the work and I hand him things=). Then, for the second year in a row, my darling missionary son managed to have a gift, sent all the way from Chile, arrive on the exact day. I can't help but think that there are greater forces at work, because it means so much to me, but it certainly made my day. "El Principito", which is the Spanish version of "The Little Prince", is now sitting on my bedside table with an English version of the book beside it and will be a treasure. In the evening Fred, Mikayla, Eden and I attended " Les Miserables", which will need it's own new paragraph.

We bought tickets for Les Miserables many, many months ago and have been highly anticipating it ever since. Fred and I saw it probably 15 years ago at the Morrison Center and were absolutely inspired. The 10th Anniversary Concert has remained one of my favorite videos ever. The plot deals with hard things and hard times and even those few years ago, some of those things were not fun to wade through in the musical. I remember Fred keeping his eyes down for one scene because of the costuming, so we anticipated that again, but felt that it was worth the wade. However, apparently the play was "updated" at it's 25th Anniversary, and at least in the production that we saw on Friday, was interjected with some unpardonable vulgarity that we weren't prepared for and which was appalling. I was so frustrated and disappointed! The musical talent was incredible (some of the best that I have ever seen or heard on any recording of the play). The theater details were extremely impressive. The uplifting parts were riveting and incredibly moving, but even so, days later, the experience feels overshadowed by the completely unnecessary, and highly offensive material, which I am sure Victor Hugo never intended to be detailed and highlighted as the focus of his compelling story about light rising from darkness. It's sad, because so much of it was so good. Liz and Nate (and "half their ward") attended the same night as us. Ben and Renee had tickets for their family the following night but when they heard about the content they took the financial loss ($500 worth) and didn't attend. They inspire me. Liz had made it possible for most of us to get tickets at reduced prices through an acquaintance so she felt responsible and was furious. She called the box office and complained that nothing on any literature ever stated that the production was for "mature audiences" (incredible irony in that term), but was "professionally" blown off. I admire her for making a stand and for having the ability to keep her emotions under control when she does. I feel those same fiery passions, but often lose credibility face to face because I have never been able to stay composed and contain what I feel in an intelligent demeanor. It is getting more and more difficult to be in the world and not of the world as the worldly is now seeping into the cracks of even those things from which we used to gain inspiration. I grieve for that loss of innocence and reverence. There is so much that is still light and good out there, but It feels like our personal armor can never be taken off anymore--I get a visual of that old seminary video in my mind. We always have to be on our guard, or we will be vulnerable when we least expect it. We are still playing our Les Mis CD in the car and singing it in our heads this week, but we can't help feeling cheated out of what we so wanted to be a beautifully, untainted memory.

Because of Liz I wrote the Morrison Center (better at self mastery with a pen in my hand, instead of a phone=), posted an article on Facebook and my personal blog and sent letters to the Editor to both newspapers in our area. I also e-mailed anyone who I thought would care about making a difference. Many of my friends (even those who didn't see the play) stepped up and contacted the Morrison Center. Most of us have received a form letter back that downplays the seriousness of our discontent. I understand my letter to the editor came out in The Statesman today because friends have called and are now writing in because of it. Even so, I can't imagine that we will make more than a drop in a bucket, out of the 15,000 patrons but we have to try. Thanks Liz for standing up first!

Saturday, Matt and his family came into town so we had a family get together at Ben's. As we drove up Ben was running around his yard, keeping Jared up in the air with a para-glider. Only Ben!=) It was a great visit and among the laughs were some opportunities to talk about some of life's challenges and trials. A few of us were even afforded a rare look into some of the emotional weights that Hyrum has to carry because of his job and it reaffirmed the admiration and love that I have for family, both immediate and extended. We really are all in this together and we need each other so much in order to keep moving forward with determination and hope. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such incredibly good, loving, genuine and generous family--both immediate and extended!

Jenna Jenkins (Aunt Marilyns daughter) e-mailed me last week, after hearing that Jordan was coming home on Tuesday, to let me know that her son was coming home from Rancaugua Chile, the same day, same flight. Jordan will probably see her and extended family in the Salt Lake airport when he changes flights. Sometimes this big, vast world seems very small and full of tender mercies.

Jordan's last letter home was titled "Signing Off"--that made me feel like waiting for Apollo 13 to regain contact. I'm still holding my breath. It will feel good to let it out again soon.

Quote of the week:
"We don't always know the details of our future. We do not know what lies ahead. We live in a time of uncertainty. We are surrounded by challenges on all sides. Occasionally discouragement may sneak into our day; frustration may invite itself into our thinking; doubt might enter about the value of our work. In these dark moments Satan whispers in our ears that we will never be able to succeed, that the price isn't worth the effort, and that our small part will never make a difference. He, the father of all lies, will try to prevent us from seeing the end from the beginning...The Lord loves you; that is why He has given you commandments and the words of prophets to guide you on your journey through life...The Lord wants you...to desire with all your heart to keep these standards and live by the gospel truths found in the scriptures. As you do this, you will see beyond the moment, and you will see your bright and wonderful future with great opportunities and responsibilities. You will be willing to work hard and endure long, and you will have an optimistic outlook on life. You will see that your life's road will lead you to the house of the Lord first and then to serve a full-time mission, representing the Savior wherever He will send you. After your mission you will organize and plan your life based on the same standards. Therefore, in your mind's eye you will see yourself entering the house of the Lord for an eternal marriage and family. Your priorities in life will change to match the priorities given to us by the Savior. And God will bless you and open the eyes of your understanding so you can see the end from the beginning..."--Dieter F. Uchtdorf

My new favorite talk of Elder Holland's (until conference weekend=)

My birthday project headboard (made from a discarded door)

B-day package from my mission (the Post Office wasn't very careful)

A mom's greatest gift!

B-day noodle bowls for dinner--YUM--thanks Mys for the recipe

43 Years YOUNG

"Breathed" out the dainty candle flame before I made my wish

Trying that again

Fall Decor gathered by the twins for my b-day

Hydrangeas and Pretty boxes. Can a guy get more romantic than that!

I LOVE TOPIARIES!