Why That Song? #1

OK, this little entry will be the first in a series of posts about why some of the playlist songs were chosen.
As a youth The Beach Boys were some of my dearest friends, although they obviously couldn't have known it. They were understanding of the plight of the hopelessly romantic teenager. They kept me company, comforted me in difficult times, cheered me on and made life fun! I related to their music. It could take me from a blue mood to something light-hearted and happy and I'll never forget them for it!

The Playlist

Well, in spite of my gimpy computer and my own techno-challenges, I now (finally ;) )

have a playlist with many songs that I love from over the years.

What a cool invention this is!! HAHA!

Thank You, Suzanne, for helping me to learn a new skill and to be able to

listen to some of my hand-picked favorites!

These kids of ours! They are so computer savvy!! Even the very young ones know which buttons to push and where to move that mouse!

Valentine Monday, Fat Tuesday, and Discipleship

Again there seems to be such a perfectness in the order of the things we celebrate. For example, it is customary for us to express love and gratitude towards the people in our lives on Valentine's Day.

Then there's Fat Tuesday (Feb. 15th, this year). Fat Tuesday is the Eve of Ash Wednesday, or the beginning of Lent, which is celebrated by our Catholic friends, and while I'm not Catholic, I do admire what I think is the thought behind where it all came from.

Lent is the 40 days before Easter, or the Passover, in which the person gives up something as a sacrifice in remembrance of the 40 days that Jesus fasted. I believe this is to help the person to draw closer to the Lord by being able to experience a portion of what he went through, much like fasting once a month does for Mormons. And Fat Tuesday is the day of purging homes in preparation. Many choose to give up some kind of sweets or favorite foods for the 40 days and Fat Tuesday is a time of gathering friends and family together to get rid of the targeted food items. (This is also the origin of Mardi Gras, literally "Fat Tuesday" in French, or Carnivale, which have become far removed from their worthy and humble beginnings and should be avoided.)

But, I think there are many devout church goers who see Lent as an opportunity to give up a sin , never to take it up again, thus showing our Lord their love and appreciation for His atoning sacrifice.

At the end of Lent is the Passover which is celebrated by all of the House of Israel, both Jews and Christians alike, once again, in remembrance and thankfulness of the Atonement of our Lord.

I reflect on President Hinckley and his repeated admonishment for us to "be a little kinder". As I use this season for what I can give up, it will be to more quickly forgive. This is the greatest of all sins next to the taking or bringing life outside of God's law, and it is so because it robs us of being able to be forgiven of all of our sins. Thank you, February, for this seasonal reminder that our first love should be of deity and the best way to show our love for them is to show our love for each other.

The Train Ride Home

I left Salt Lake at 11:30 PM and in less than 24 hrs, there was so much snow that it made me wonder, as we passed through the Truckie area so close to the steep hillside, what it would be like to experience an avalanche!

There were two older men who told stories over the speaker of the local history - very interesting! And there was also a couple who had traveled from Back East who decided to get off the train in this little town where they didn't know anyone but just wanted to explore. Their destination was Emmeryville, Ca., where they planned on turning right back around and taking the train home, just to see and learn more about our beautiful country. What a cool vacation!

The snow reminded me of Christmas. There were young mallards swimming down the stream that flowed alongside the tracks, lots of tunnels. and pleasant attendants and travelers. Considering that it took 8+ hours more to get home than it would have to drive, I was glad to be able to get up and walk around when I wanted to and that the seats were warm and much more comfortable than the bus would have been.

I think I like Amtrak.

HE DID IT!!

Mark's induction into the United States Army.

We're so very proud of you, Mark for your perseverance and dedicated hard work that has brought to to the beginning of your dream come true.

Thank you for the service you are giving in behalf of ours and others' freedoms.

You are amazing!

I Love Flowers!

Thank you, David. Even though you had to go home to work and I needed to stay in Utah for a few extra days, the flowers are lovely. Thank You and I love you!

And thank you , too, Lawrence for being the messenger. I love you, too!

It's Personal

Well, I can't sleep on it. So what's the problem, you may ask? It has to do with eating "travel food" and reading a good book - no, not a good book, a great one!
Remember back a couple of posts? You know, the photo of a book called The China Study? After getting as far as the forward and intro., I am excited to share a scientifically sound collection of research from over the last 50 years that raises the "field experts", or, those from an earlier time who only knew from generations of experience. Once again, I'm talking about that dreaded word "diet".
It's a bit dark in this kitchen where I'm sitting at the computer, and since it's indigestion mixed with excitement that is keeping me up, I'll simply say this, it will save your life. I love knowing that laboratory tests and studies from Cornell and MIT have conclusive and irrefutable proof that what we eat is the reason for the sad state of health affairs in our nation. It informs us of the root cause of all degenerative disease. I realize that this is a huge claim, but I'm not alone in making it. Our diet really is a personal thing and I respect that, but when it comes right down to the quality of life I will experience as I get older, and whether or not I will be too sick to be able to enjoy my grandchildren and their children, there is nothing except the gospel that is more personally important to me.

The Eiffel Tower, Pink Panther and Treasure Island

We had fun showing Chandler some of our favorite things in Las Vegas as we spent a quick night on our way to Salt Lake City. Chandler really likes to watch Pink Panther cartoons and guess what?! That's the song that the Bellagio Fountains danced to - just for him!

D.I.E.T., The Worst 4-Letter Word Of All!

New Year's resolutions are notoriously about losing weight. We set these lofty goals just knowing this time will be different and we mean it at the time, but as most resolutions are lost in the daily routine, I must DO something to not let that happen!! Just as President Kimball said, "DO IT!", so should I. Therefore, I am committing myself to reading health books, in addition to making myself get on that scale, and write down what I eat, etc. in order to entrench myself in the reasons why I am doing this in the first place.

For me, it has never been about dress size, or wanting to look good in a swimming suit, although I like those fringe benefits, but rather, it's about not growing old and sick. My issue has always been better health. So, here I go, with a different resolution: to read from my health books every day. This is a much better goal for me, and the rest of that diet will fall into place and those numbers on the scale will drop.

Richard Simmons and I never have liked the word "diet", so I choose his new word, "live-it!".

Heart Attack!

And they told the Bishopric they were

going on a "Scavenger Hunt".

Well, these "scavengers"

weren't home when they came - HaHa!!)

Our youth are great!!

Happy Valentine's Day to you, too!

From The Quest For Camelot

OK, my fridge had been on the brink of splitting at the seams for some time, and I for one had had my own fill of it! I'd made other things a priority long enough and now it was time.
So, I've been working on clearing shelves of old food and wiping them down as I go, and what happens? A half empty can of pears, (no lid) along with the juice, falls to the freshly pollished floor and onto my pink slippers and new throw rug! I don't lose my temper anymore and I don't swear, but I did find this annoying, so as I cleaned it all up I decided I wanted to bring the Spirit back.
I have a favorite song called, The Prayer, from The Quest For Camelot, sung by the Tabernacle Choir on Heavensong. It fills my heart and home so quickly and effortlessly that I play it whenever I wish to feel close to my Heavenly Father. Here are the lyrics:

I pray thee be our eyes, and watch us where we go
And help us to be wise in times when we don't know.
Let this be our prayer, lest we lose our way;
Lead us to a place, guide us with thy grace
To a place where we'll be safe.

We pray we'll find thy light, and hold it in our hearts
When stars go out each night,
Remind us where thou art.
Let this be our prayer, when shadows fill our day;
Lead us to a place, guide us with thy grace,
Give us faith so we'll be safe.

A world where pain and sorrow will be ended
And every heart that's broken will be mended
And we'll remember we are all thy children
Reaching out to touch thee
Reaching to the sky.

We ask that life be kind, and watch us from above;
We hope each soul will find another soul to love.
Let this be our prayer, just like every child
Who needs to find a place, guide us with thy grace;
Give us faith so we'll be safe.

Who needs to find a place, guide us with thy grace;
Give us faith so we'll be safe.

It's Been A Very Nice Day!

Much of the day has been quiet and uneventful. I woke up to a Happy Birthday phone call from Sam. Abbie and Mollie also called (Paige was busy taking her third bath so as to be ready for her friend's baptism for which she had been asked to offer one of the prayers.) I talked to Dawn and Mark today, and Shannon yesterday. (We already know about HER gift!) And Suzanne's family? Well, let's just say, they outdid themselves with cards and singing from all the kids and a card and autobio. of Julie Andrews, pre-Mary Poppins, plus some cash towards a poster for our master bedroom. It's of the black beach on the lee shore of Oahu that she took when we visited there. David gave me a much needed jewelry box - not that I have an overabundance of jewelry, or that it's expensive, I just didn't have a place for what I have, and now I do! And we went to one of our favorite places, Black Bear Diner, for dinner. I love to order breakfast,and tonight I didn't have to make a cake... I had multi grain almond pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream!!

The day was ended with a breathtaking sunset and a good movie.

Puzzling

Whenever we get together with Suzanne's boys, it's Puzzle Time!!!

Happy Birthday's Eve!

A beautiful card with a sweet poem inside came today from my sister, Sheryl.

And Shannon and Joe and Isabel sent me an edible bouquet.

I was so surprised I could hardly speak! It was so fun I didn't want to eat it!

Well, almost!!!

All's Quiet On The Home Front

After a busy, noisey, crazy, occassionally frantic, very fun almost 2 weeks, our kids had to go home...

We Love Chuck E. Cheese!

The Entire Lineup!!

Suzanne got some GREAT pics!!

Cousins At The Park