8th Grade

Is it just me or is he really, really looking older this year?

And the "Mother of Year" award goes to....

Just in case you were competing for this award, I'm pretty sure I've got the title secured. Yea, having another one of "those" days. Again. I seem to have a lot of these.

Today was Josh's first day of school. I bought Dunford doughnuts for breakfast (see I really am trying to be mother of the year...or not, if you're a healthy mom....ha ha!). I set the alarm bright and early to give us plenty of time in the morning. Alarm goes off (Chad is out of town btw, so I do have another person's awareness as insurance). I look at the clock and think, "Eh...this is too early. I will wake up in 10 minutes." Next thing I know, I'm being awakened by pounding on the front door. Carpool is here!! I throw on a robe and send carpool on their way and then get Josh out of bed. Luckily, being a boy, it doesn't take much to get ready. I even had time for a quick 1st day of school photo. AND...he even got breakfast. I knew I bought doughnuts for a reason! Just after I drop Josh off (he was on time!) I realize he has no lunch money. I will have to drop some off later.

Still more.

As I'm leaving the gym, I notice a call from the elementary school. I quickly realize that today is picture day. I even had this one written on the calendar (I swear calendars don't work...oh, yea, I have to actually check the calendar). My mind flutters with resolutions. Run to the school with a brush, go home get new clothes...or, do nothing. I concede to do nothing. I am going for authenticity in the school pictures this year. The kids just as they are...no cute hair, no clean shirt....heck, I don't even know if their faces are clean. It's all good. There is plenty of time later for perfectly presented children in photos, right?

Still more.

I have no brain. I wonder how many blog posts have egregious spelling errors and grammatical mistakes (I'm sure many in this post alone). I had done a fun little photo collage of a recent relief society activity. I was asked for copies and emailed them out. Last night I got a couple emails.
"The Higland 1st Ward Summer Salad Social." A few problems: we are not the 1st ward we are the 9th. So a totally fumble around photoshop and somehow change the number and email the new copy. More emails this morning. Ummm....Higland is spelled Hig*h*land. Whatever, it's already been emailed to the ward. I give up.

How wonderful to have Kerri visiting from Colorado! Although she was staying with Jackie, I got to see her a couple times. It was so fun to hit a few classes at Education Week in Provo with Kerri and Andrea. Just enough to know we'd love to do it again. We were totally cracking up that we went to all the effort to climb over flowers and stand next to Brigham only to have the person taking the photo cut his head off! Saturday night, Chad, Jackie and I went with Kerri to hear her friend, Dave perform. He was awesome...taking on any request we had with ease. What talent! Although it was quick, it was wonderful to Kerri...love you, Kerri!

Temple dedication

It still seems surreal to me that we have a temple literally around the corner. It has been an honor to witness the whole process; from construction, to open house and now the dedication. Chad and I were able to attend the first dedicatory session in the temple Friday morning. We sat in one of the sealing rooms upstairs (they really packed people in...even in some of the hallways!). I would definitely have to say that one of the highlights was watching the live feed of the cornerstone ceremony. This is something we most likely would have only seen photos and short media clips of. In this short ceremony we got such a human look at President Monson. I loved seeing him so relaxed and less formal. He did a lot of joking and teasing. He commented to President Uchtdorf's attempt at the mortar, "That's pretty good...for an airline pilot." I loved seeing such relaxed expressions from him...so nice to be reminded of his human-ness. As the dedication continued inside we were able to hear from President Packer and Elder Oaks. As we sung the "Spirit of God," I found knew meaning to the words, "...we'll sing and we'll shout with the armies of heaven." Being inside the temple, I knew we were indeed, singing with the armies of heaven. Sunday afternoon, Chad attended a session with Josh, Andrew and Sarah (I stayed home w/ Jenna and babysat my brother's kids so they could go). Sarah has talked about it several times since and is treasuring her white hanky. I am so grateful for this opportunity we've had as a family to witness and take part in the opening of the Oquirrh Mountain temple.

You know what they say....

....all good things must come to an end. Summer might be winding down, but we are going to make the most of every last bit of sunshine!

What is the "Summer Salad Social?"

It is every one's favorite Relief Society gathering! This activity has become an annual tradition in our ward. It is one we all forward to with great anticipation. Food and talking. I mean really, how can you improve on that? I say don't mess with perfection! This event is always well attended. I love being ablel to visit with many women that I may not have the chance to on a regular basis. Everyone looks forward to sampling so many yummy and unique salads. Of course, there are the desserts, too...this year, the pina colada cupcake was a highlight for me! Not surprisingly, I had my camera with me. I realized how few (if any) photos I have of these wonderful women in my ward. I wanted to change that. I truly love associating and learning from this beautiful group of women and I want them to be a part of my permanent memory.

The music was definitely her idea

What's better than a cookie stand? A cookie stand with entertainment! This is so Sarah. I look out the window (notice a couple blurry photos) to see Sarah shaking her groove thing. Yep. The music was her idea and the dancing just can't NOT come out of her body. If you look hard you can see the princess boom box on the porch. It is playing a great selection from "Kidz Bop." Quite loud I might add. I love her personal touch to the roadside business. She always manages to show her personality in whatever she is doing!

A little spontaneity ...

Last Saturday, after a beautiful (hard!) trail run up Draper canyon we decided we needed some more girl time. We being myself, Andrea and April (who kick my rear in trail runs!). After cleaning up, we headed to some of the homes featured in the Parade of Homes. However, looking at homes is a lot of work and we needed to fill our stomachs. ;) A philly cheese steak was just the thing. While we were at lunch we noticed a farmer's market going on and decided to wander through. After picking up some produce, we continued our home tour. (Isn't that front door amazing btw?) Sometimes, it so much fun to have NO plan. I know I am guilty of needing a plan so it was really nice to let loose a bit and do whatever we wanted as it came our way. Sometimes simple things like this can be really refreshing. What a fun Saturday!

The Mandarin + Mel Brooks= Birthday Wishes for Dad!

Happy Birthday Dad! Actually, last Thursday was my dad's birthday (and my parents wedding anniversary!) but it's never too late to celebrate...especially when The Mandarin is involved. It was wonderful that have Heidi and Dave here from AZ. Lots of family members were missing, but it was great to get together nonetheless and celebrate my dad. My Dad deserves all the love and attention he can get. Do you ever find a gift for someone that is "so them?" I was so excited when I found a DVD collection of Mel Brooks movies for my dad. I knew it would be right up his alley and he loved it! WE LOVE YOU, DAD!!!

Sharing with others....

I am convinced that one of the biggest contributors to hate, racism, war, labels, contention and a general lack of progress and peace is a lack understanding. Either we don't care to understand each other or we don't try to understand each other. Ignorance is not always bliss. I think sometimes we avoid people that are not like us...it takes a little more effort to reach outside our comfort zone. Yes, I am getting a little deep here...stay with me. And, I bet you are wondering why there is an orange flag next to a picture of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. I will tell you!

The street we currently live on has very diverse neighbors... ethnically and religiously. Sometimes it is a challenge but mostly, I think it is wonderful to be surrounded by so many that are different from me. There is one family in particular that I've gotten to know fairly well. They are a Sikh Indian family. We have had the opportunity to talk on a number of occasions. Several of our conversations have centered on their beliefs and my beliefs. I've learned a lot about the Sikh religion. Did you know it's only about 500yrs old? Did you know they don't remove any hair from their body? (yes, the girls are sad to not wax their eyebrows once they fully convert) Did you know they are vegetarian?

This last month, I invited them to the temple open house and they excitedly accepted. About two weeks ago, Boneeta came to my door with her sister Jasmine to tell me they were having a 3 day prayer and that there would be lots of cars on the street. They also invited me down for some food. I politely declined (why would I put myself in a slightly uncomfortable situation??lol). While they were at my door, I asked Boneeta what she thought of the temple. She said she loved it. I thought it was interesting that she specifically commented on the baptistry. Her sister, Jasmine (who lives out of state) expressed that she'd love to see the temple, too. That could be arranged easily enough! I told her that I would get the tickets and bring them over that night. I ran down the street to get some tickets from our mission leader. As I came to Jasmine's house, the garage door was opened and the garage was filled with beautifully dressed people from their group. As I gave them the tickets, I was asked if I'd like to stay for some food. Once again, I politely declined. After talking for a few more minutes, I was asked again if I'd like to stay. Feeling the sweat building, I thought to myself, "This is exactly the thing I need to do. What the heck, I will join them!" And join them I did! Yep, little miss whitey, feeling a little under dressed (and immodest) in my shorts, surrounded by a group of beautiful Indians, gorgeously dressed in their traditional Indian clothing. They were so gracious and even looked a little pleased to have an outsider join them. Yes, I felt sweaty, anxious and out of place but I loved that I took this step outside of my comfort zone. So there I sat with a plate full of delicious Indian food, listening to them speak Punjabi and learning more about their religion and culture. Boneeta then asked me if I'd like to see the prayer. "Sure!" I said, feeling a little more adventurous. I would have to take my shoes off and cover my head with an orange scarf. I entered the house to see a beautiful canopy in the living room with an older lady reading from their scriptures. You see, with this 3 day prayer, they are not allowed to stop. That is why there are so many people coming and going...they all take turns.

I can't tell you how invigorating this was for me. I like to think of myself as a nice person. However, even a nice person's mind needs a little expanding now and then. Growing up in Utah didn't offer me many mind-opening experiences and this was just the kind of thing to help counter that. I left feeling like I had gained a new confidence and ability to show my love for those that are different than me and to not be afraid to ask about or surround myself with those that are outside my normal circle. What a wonderful, wonderful experience!!