Dance Magic Dance

"I could have danced all night."

said Eliza DoolittleAnd that's just what Megan did. This little gal danced all night, non-stop, at her Uncle Josh and Aunt Alyssa's wedding reception. She had so much fun, and I had so much fun watching her. DELIGHTFUL!

~ 14 March 2009 ~

Be Not Ashamed

Be Not Ashamed*

Most are aware of the persecution of the early members of the Church. They were driven from one place to another, and were only able to find peace by moving west. The Prophet Joseph Smith was persecuted and finally martyred. Today you'd think the persecution perhaps is behind us. I don't think that's true.

When the name Warren Jeffs appeared on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list, and when the news of his arrest in Las Vegas hit, polygamy again made headlines, along with tons of misinformation about the Church. Then, Mitt Romney's run for President of these United States, was a real eye opener for me, regarding how far we have NOT come, regarding being understood as a people. When the opponents of California's Prop 8 , caused such a sad stir, they even suggested that of all people, the Mormons should know better than to discriminate. Last week HBO's Big Love aired an episode depicting what they understand to be sacred temple ceremonies. Pretty sad. I am reminded of Elder Hales last message at General Conference, Christian Courage, and Elder M. Russell Ballard message The Truth of God Shall Go Forth.

* I entitled this post "Be Not Ashamed", because when I was fifteen-years-old Patriarch Spongberg admonished me to: "Be not ashamed to properly represent the Lord Jesus Christ as one of His chosen people." Those have been words I have tried to live by, and I plan to exhibit 'Christian Courage' 'til the day I die.

JANUARY & FEBRUARY

Birthdays
On January 22nd, Sweet little Conley Marshall Vidal joined our eternal family.
We are so happy he is here.
He is now numbered among our family members who celebrate winter birthdays.
What great company!

There's Bodie, Bradley, Logan, Bailey, Aunt Janice, (Conley and Aunt Janice now share a birthday), Blake, Noah, Jed, Adam, Katherine Cecily, and Kyle. What an awesome group of fine people. Happy Birthday to all of you!
Families are Forever

Washington

Happy Birthday George

Today is George Washington's birthday. He is one of my heroes. When we lived in Virginia, I loved our visits to his Mt. Vernon home. Then there was the time we took a trip to Valley Forge in the dead of winter. We talked of Washington and the suffering of his soldiers, but we stayed in the warm car, as we looked out over the frozen snow-covered ground. Many times, when we'd cross the Potomac, I would think about George throwing a coin across the river. There's no way, unless he had a little A-Rod action goin' on, and it was the Rappahannoc River, not the Potomac! I know the "I cannot tell a lie, I chopped down that cherry tree" story is a fable. But, I like to have cherry pie on Washington's birthday and talk of his honesty. So today we did! Stories sure can get twisted. Several times a year, I drive past the St. George Temple. Each time, I mentally recall the experience shared by Wilford Woodruff, regarding the appearance of the Founding Fathers, and their requests for their saving ordinances. Now there's a story that is not twisted! So today - Happy Birthday Brother Washington, and thanks for everything!

We also shared a bit of patriotism at Jack's place today. We miss you little one.

B.Y.U.

S o M u c h F u n - - -

A house divided??? Check out Sarah's post.

Terry knew how to do it, I am still trying to learn - UGH! I'm trying to put into action President Hinckley's advice: "In all of living have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed not just endured." Ter' used to practically drag me to stuff! I'll never forget not wanting to go to a Laker's game, because my to-do list was SO LONG. How dumb was that? We weren't even in our seats for 5 seconds, and I was having so much fun.

Going to this game last night was so much fun.

I loved the energy in that arena.
I loved the noise.
I loved the indoor fireworks.
I loved being part of the sold out crowd; largest crowd in 16 years.
I loved the star sighting.
I loved holding Conley the entire time, and protecting his baby ears from the NOISE.
I loved being with Bradley Bear. He's such a good sport!

I loved the “secret” parking spot; thanks Sam!
I loved the stress relief that always comes, for me, at rowdy basketball game.
I loved going with Sarah and the boys.

I DID NOT love the outcome, but I do love Joe.

L.O.V.E.

"How Do I Love Thee?"

Elizabeth Barrett Browing

The Second Coming

~ The Second Coming ~

Lucky for me, Bradley sometimes gets to spent the night. We have so much fun when he comes over. Last night was one of those fun nights. This morning, I was talking with Ann on the phone. She was telling me about a sister in her ward that was beginning to attend Church again after not attending for some time. I said that it was a good thing. I said that this sister wouldn’t want to be on the outside looking in any longer, because after all, the Savior is coming.
After the phone conversation ended - - -
Bradley asked me: “The Savior is Coming?”
Me: “Yes, Bradley.”
Bradley: “Is He coming to your house?”