rhonda's view

a word to you :)

2010-08-06T22:50:00.001-05:00

i stop in a write a novel and then disappear for months and YOU are always there encouraging and loving me when i return. your comments were/are so appreciated! i shouldn't feel guilt with this- but i do. my interest in you and your life hasn't waned- i just have so little time to seek out your blogs for catching up and, well, that is hardly how i want it to be.

but again, thank you for caring- for leaving your powerfully positive words to me and i'll try to do better to do the same for YOU.

xoxo

now- onto what i haven't stopped to write about yet...

i left you in Dec with my testimony of God's love and the wonder of His works in my life! thankfully the journey hasn't been as bumpy since then but- my little family has felt just as much love :)

utah... i was able to visit in Dec with Emily and we had a fun trip! utah, for me, is a place to breath deeply and feel even deeper because i am surrounded by the love of my family. it's always too short- but also always long enough to get revived and nourished for the next leg of my journey. we had a wonderful Christmas- with the usual movies, food, parties and i was able to meet Will. not that Will will remember it- but how fun is it that technology is such that we are able to travel in hours instead of weeks these long distances?! and the baby that i wasn't there to welcome into the world can get to know me anyway- and i him- because of it? i LOVE this family. each and everyone adds joy to my life and i am so thankful for their efforts to be a part of my fond memories when i am there!

my parents gave me a beautiful drop pearl necklace as a surprise. i love it! :) em goes kicking and screaming but this trip was actually a health crisis free trip and i believe she too had fun! we came home in time to celebrate New Year's and to get our feet on the ground for our next semesters.

em barely escaped being tortured through the second part of spanish 4 and managed to get through her algebra 2 with a little tutoring help because of another round of sick days. she was transferred into a business class which she enjoyed but the highlight of the end of her sophmore year was art. she has such talent and we are excited to see her continue in the fall!

before i forget- i must write about the crazy winter we had! lots of snow fell, more than it had in years... even into april. we had so much snow fun! of course school was cancelled- for days! so we took advantage and played our hearts out... made snowmen, took TONS of photos in one gorgeous morning... and ate yummy winter goodies while watching movies and videoing (weird word!) our doing shadow puppet shows on the wall. shannon was with us a bunch as we all had a great time!

during this time frame i also as a single adult leader had the opportunity to help put together a conference for the metroplex area. this meeting was pull my hair out kind of planning and work but in the end the Lord created something pretty special.

as i mentioned, james ferrell accepted our invitation to join us and speak. he was fabulous! touched our hearts and souls with his message of Christ. he was our keynote speaker for the opening meeting and he brought the perfect message for us. but first! my girlfriends joni jensen and carlyna put together a song with a couple of other ladies that ushered in the spirit to an amazing degree. we KNEW that we were about to feel a powerful witness and it came- as to Heavenly Father's love for us. brother ferrell spoke about Christ and the atonement- painful trials and endurances... this talk was so touching that as we ended the meeting for lunch we all sang through our tears, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives." i am so grateful for the Lord's mercies in our lives. the testimony i have for the Savior and this gospel's knowledge grew but interestingly added to it my testimony of the SA program and how the Lord has His hand in it! time and time again we were led by the spirit in the planning. i knew that bro. ferrell was to come and speak- the names of our workshop speakers came so freely- and their topics. it was work, but everything kept falling into place and as it did felt stamped in the approval of our Heavenly Father.

and, following the coming and going of about 450 SA's who expressed their love and gratitude for the experience- i knew why it had been so. Heavenly Father knows we are here. He wants this group of people that have been on the outter edges to feel His love and to know that He was/is there for all of us.

a really cool thing came about following the lunch with bro ferrell :) pres riding invited jay, stacy (yes they got married!) and i into meet with bro ferrell for about an hour where we were able to share our appreciation and a bit of our stories with him. by this time i had cried so much (and no sleep for days) that i was pretty much a mess, lol. bro ferrell took each of my books that he had authored and that i had brought and signed them all, too. he said that it was a privilege for him to be at our conference- and for him to meet me and then he wished me the best in my scripture journey and in life. he also signed tay and em's books- which they will treasure forever as i do. not so much the celebrity aspect of the interaction... but the message that is for us all.

i recently read The Peacegiver again. the book is full of insight into how to work through our perceived injustices to see them as potential vanities that are our sins- just as jonah did with ninevah. it's easy for us all to call "foul ball!" but, we are not the Referee in the eternal realm. we have to do better to turn out hearts to Him for guidance and peace.

i also just finished reading The Hidden Christ which bro ferrell wrote about the old testament and how the scriptures contain Christ's life story in archtypes and similitudes. frankly- i was just blown away by the book. i need to know so much more than i do!

to continue with the conference- the workshops were phenominal. the dances and mingles were fun! the food and the service provided by our stake volunteers made my heart swell in gratitude. overall- the Lord was there in His glory and we were blessed with an outpouring of His Spirit. it was beautiful! :)

following the conference i still had to get my homework done and move forward- thankfully i was able to do so with another 4.0 with the blessings of my Heavenly Father :)

speaking of school- loved last semester but had my math assessment taken which concluded that i really belong in grade school! so this past summer i took 2 courses to catch me up to speed so that i could enroll in the classes i needed this fall. i just have to laugh as i think about the journey i'm on... no room for pride here!

i'm going to have to collect my thoughts about the next section of writing and get back to this blog after i do so.

i can't close without expressing gratitude for all that our Father has given my life- so many wonderful people and opportunities for loving and growing.

i wish you the very best and much love...

me :)

a forgotten post finally published :)

2010-08-01T22:49:00.000-05:00

i began the month with a status that i had intended to share what i was thankful for, asking you to add some of yours, with the intent to add one more item each day. well, my birthday came and the list was buried under my birthday wishes (so fun!) so i decided to just make a 'note' of it :) here is some of what i wrote to my missionary son, taylor, and below that, the list that was in the making earlier this month:

Hey Elder, i want you to know the things i am thankful for today- and everyday- but especially this week as we celebrate Thanksgiving. i am thankful for being born into the family that i was given! no one was perfect or even close to what they are today. but everyone has tried to become better people and always have had love for one another. Add the atonement and forgiving and repentance, my family has blossomed! tay, there were many difficulties once upon a time, and sometimes there still are... but the atonement is such a blessing to heal hearts and to help love and understanding grow into an amazing thing. today i love my parents more than i ever have. they call to see how i am, they pray for me, they make sure that i get to come to utah when i don't/can't spend the money, and most of all- they love you and em so deeply and so openly that it just makes me love and appreciate them that much more! despite any faults (which are few!) that any of us have- every member of our family has stayed close to the gospel and to Christ and our family is truly blessed because of it. i am thankful that i had the opportunity to be raised in the gospel. i am thankful that i went to primary, yw's, attended sacrament meetings, that i watched countless people go to the temple to be married!

i am thankful that eternal families are the focus of so many different lessons and talks. i am thankful beyond expression for the atonement and the life that Christ lived! everyone has a moment that they suffer or sin and it is such a joy to know that through Him i can heal and repent and live life joyfully. the gospel and Christ are the core of the happiness i feel, despite the hardships that i may endure. i've learned that those very hardships make me that much more important to Him because it is through those trials that i learn, grow, further root myself in the foundation of truth so that i may be helpful to His other children.

sometimes i don't know where the strength will come from, but i do know whatever i need for the task will be provided. what a blessing that is all by itself! i am thankful for the beauty of the earth- for grass and soil, for sand and rock (i especially like the red kind :) for trees, and flowers, and the scents of mother earth- the quiet beauty of a river or lake and the grandness of the ocean. i'm thankful for the amazing, vast world of insects and animals even though i don't ever think i'll care much for red ants! oh, and i love i love seasonal changes and how the breezes let us know that we are alive :) i am thankful for the home and place that we live. flower mound has been a gift of home away from home. what wonderful, sincere, loving friends we've found living here! our lives have been eternally touched and blessed because of our time spent in texas.

i am thankful for you and emily. my two babies that i love more than i ever thought i could love! there have been ups and downs and smiles, laughing, giving! yes, there has been hurt- but again, our loving Savior and Heavenly Father have wrapped us up in their arms and have led us through those times. i see the brightest future for you two! i'm so excited that your love for each other has grown this past year... and hopefully the love that we share for each other will always anchor us when times are hard. i want you to know that i pray fervently for you and em. i attend the temple and seek inspiration in your behalf. i serve in my calling with all of my heart so that you will have a positive example of service in your lives. i work hard so that you will know the value of it- which isn't money- but rather the quality of life that is gained when one is positively engaged in good works. you two are my deepest love and joy and of all i have, you are the most loved and served.

i am thankful for the gift of learning and curiosity! what a gift the world is- it's history, it's sciences, it's people, it's diversity! i am thankful for books and the creative minds that have given us music and art, and thoughtful ideas to explore- even the moments when gifts of genious in the form of humor are shared. this world is full of delight! i am thankful for my years of service in the gospel. i have grown through my callings and each one has contributed to me becoming a more thoughtful spirit. we are so blessed to have the opportunity to serve in so many ways! i have especially loved working with the children, youth, and my SA's. teaching has been a stretching experience and as usual, i have learned more from the lessons that i have taught than i suspect anyone has learned from me.

i love my SA's. i think and pray about them often. they are a group that Heavenly Father loves beyone my capacity to understand. they are the most giving, supportive, and service oriented people i know- and they do it all even though most of them have a yearning for an eternal relationship that hasn't yet been realized. i don't know that anyone knows how difficult that journey is. i see more faith from the faithful in my SA's than i ever have ever known. i am thankful for missionary work. i love what you are doing- what all missionaries are doing! such hard work! i don't know what to say, but other than the gospel, my family, and the work/school that i do, missionary work is what is on my mind... i pray for the work to continue to move forward and that you and the other missionaries are blessed with courage, the Spirit, health, and love so that you may accomplish all that the Lord needs from you.

i am thankful for the Spirit. i have been guided and blessed beyond expression because of the Spirit. i feel closer now than i have ever known! i had an amazing experience recently. i went in for a mammogram where they found a growth. further tests (2 more confirmed it) and so a biopsy was required. early on, after the first test, the Spirit let me know that i would have my answers on my birthday-and there was a calmness to it. well, when the biopsy was scheduled on my birthday, i wasn't surprised, but i couldn't understand what the Spirit had shared because i would have to wait for results. i had had a priesthood blessing, i had had my name in the temple, i had had the Bishop and Stake Presidency aware of my situation and with all of them i shared what the Spirit had communicated. so, on the day of the biopsy, the nurse explained to me that if everything was okay that i would know right at that moment- no waiting! and as you have guessed, they were able to tell as they drew the fluid out that it was benign. the Spirit is a blessing and it's guidance and help is invaluable to me! i could go on... but i will stop now :)

i hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. i hope that some family will take you in and feed you a lovely meal. even if that doesn't happen and you end up eating tuna sandwiches, you can thank your Heavenly Father for the tuna sandwich and know that you are loved... by SO many.

love you and have a GREAT week! ~mom

the following is the list that i began earlier in the month:

Rhonda: time to refocus on things to be thankful for... i am thankful for the growing experiences. (i never knew i was part of the elastic clause, lol) got one to add?
Stephanie Miller: Love it Rhonda! I am thankful for crisp fall air and the smell of a bonfire with kids laughing around it.
Rebecca Holtom Billat: I am thankful that my son is on a mission and is turning into a man before my eyes. Nothing better!!
Suzanne Cook Taylor: Yes, I have one to add. I am so grateful to Heavenly Father that little Manda is doing so well. She had her annual exam yesterday from Dr. Judd who comes down from Primary Children's Hospital to see how Manda's heart is doing. Yesterday they took an ultrasound and found she is doing extremely well! Yay, Manda!! Love you to pieces :-).
Rhonda: thinking of Fort Hood families...so thankful that America has the armed forces but even more thankful for the men and women that make it happen. very sad things happen daily- including the lack of support from their commander in chief, but these fine people still serve with their hearts. Thank you to our past and present military! @mom- that is GREAT news about mandy! :)
Rhonda: when i see others and their struggles, it makes blessings more apparent. we all have them- different shapes, sizes, and scopes... this is about recognizing and then expressing!! i am thankful for the opportunity to be in school while working and being a mom.
Rhonda: today i'm thankful specifically for VETERANS. both of my grandfathers (yes, i still have both!) served and fought in WWII- one as a Marine, the other in the Navy. i'm so proud of them and LOVE them DEARLY :D Happy Veterans Day!!!
Rhonda: what a daughter i have! i am grateful for my em, who sat by my side and helped me with an excel program assignment after her youth group activity. what a smart, cute, sweetie!

Suzanne Cook Taylor: Yay, Em!
Rhonda: thankful for the plan of salvation and temples...
Rhonda: thankful for the times when there is more peace than normal :)
Rhonda: is thankful for the people that inspire and believe in me
Suzanne Cook Taylor: Thankful for my sweet Rhonda Leilani :-)!
Rhonda: is thankful for the warmth and comfort of a home :)
Rhonda: i am thankful for wonderful friends :)

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank; people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis it is between you and God-It was never between you and them anyway.
~kent keith

back from the abyss- temporarily :)

2010-03-13T19:39:00.003-06:00

if for no other reason, i am here for me and the record which i hope to keep of the struggles and triumphs that i experience...

i looked back at the last entry and it spoke of James Ferrell and my excitement at being able to contact him. that was august??? wow.

today is march 12th and so much has occured since then. in short, i began school and struggled to find a balance with going back to school full-time, being a mom, working, and my church responsibilities with the single's program- which included a conference that in my last entry i hoped James Ferrell would speak at. through all kinds of twists and turns that is exactly what happened and i must say it was so worth the efforts! more on that later...

back to my fall. i am currently running 3 preschool aged classes and teaching piano to 12 students. my back to school schedule included 4 classes with a dollar bill attached to it. let me explain...

sometime in early oct i was given the opportunity to get a mammogram for $11. it was an opportunity that i couldn't resist so i scheduled and went and shortly after i was called and told that something was found. that was troubling as i don't have health insurance. i fall under the 'pre-existing conditions' clause that is quite convenient for them but not so much for me :)

fortunately a place called bridge breast network lets applicants apply for assistance, which i did, and they took care of me from then forward with scheduling the follow-up exams. i was referred to a cancer center in Denton for my next test and somewhere in that time frame i had a strong impression that i would know what i needed to know by my birthday (looking weeks ahead into november). when i arrived for my follow-up the cancer center had to reschedule me because the other films had not arrived yet. i personally picked them up and rescheduled.

during this time it was hard to keep my head in the work i was supposed to be doing at school but i did my best. i asked my friend and our Bishop to give me a blessing. i told my family and a few close friends. also during this time i received a call from my credit card company offering their insurance on my credit for 'life events.' i thought about the upcoming tests and decided to take a look at their offer. it was during this investigation that i learned that the credit insurance would also kick into gear if i was a student and if as a full-time student i made a 3.6 or higher. i took the bait and went for my next visit, scheduled on november, fri the 13th. yikes! during this visit they did another kind of mammogram and saw the cyst in my breast wall- but not well enough to rule one way or another so they asked me to stay for a sonogram.

the sonogram confirmed that i needed a biopsy and that would have to be scheduled. as i stood at the counter to schedule (honestly fighting back tears) the gal told me that november 19th was available. i looked at her and said, "that's my birthday." she replied with the desire to change to another date- telling me that i didn't want to spend my birthday that way. but because of the impression that i had received i told her that i DID want that date. it still made no sense to me because i knew lab work had to be sent away but i went and during the biopsy both the doctor and assistant let out a sigh at the giving way of the cyst and so i had to ask- does that mean you know something? they were both ready to confirm to me that my cyst was benign. this story was about a tender mercy- and it continues.

just after i was given a clean bill of health i had a couple of friends tutor me in excel and access while the stake presidency asked it i would give a talk about being single. the date? the evening of my last final- a night that i was also scheduled to feed the missionaries :) wow...i hardly had time to breath the next few weeks and never did get around to writing a talk. on the night before the final and my talk my brother called me.

i was very tired- brain completely done absorbing info so i took the time to extend a few questions his way regarding my talk and the subject. he probalby doesn't know this- but our talk brought me to tears thinking about what it is to be single and the enormous pressure i was feeling to speak about it- wanting to do it justice but more importantly, saying what Heavenly Father wanted me to say. talking to bj helped me focus and it was then that i prayed and got ready for bed.

at 4:30 that morning i woke up to a message from Heavenly Father that was given to me in my dream. i recalled a story that our prophet had told us during conference and with that the strongest impression where that story was to lead. i jumped up and ran to the computer and began typing, while crying- the Spirit was so strong. i just felt guided! when the inspiration stopped i got ready to go to my final along with a quick review. the test went well- i ran to get the mishes some food and then home to finish writing my talk.

the day was some kind of miracle marathon. my time allotment to speak was just 8 minutes- but something changed that opened up 20 minutes for me. i shared the message, the Spirit joined in and i believe that it was pleasing to our Father. there were so many comments afterwards- people wanting to tell me their stories, my stake president telling me i hit it out of the park... it was such a relief to be an instrument in His hands for and behalf of the singles. at the end of this entry i am including my talk :)

one week later i received my grades: 4.0! i was so excited i did a happy dance like none other!!! i sent my grades into the card company and they have paid my last three months of balance along with my premium on the insurance. what a blessing!!!

to back track a little... em took drivers ed this fall, tay turned 20 and spent his first birthday away from home. em is now a gorgeous 16 and looking forward to getting her license while Elder B is a zone leader with the zeal of Brigham! i love my children :) also, during those crazy months i decided to create a book for Christmas for the family titled: The Family, a Proclamation to the World. it required a great deal of time and help from my sibs but i managed to get it done and ready for em and my trips to Utah for Christmas.

It's spring break this week. i hope to write more... if i don't then i need to say how much i am grateful for our Savior and Father's love, for the love of my parents, brothers, sisters, children, and friends. i am so lucky- so blessed :)

rhonda

preface- i did my best to use the talk as a springboard- so many of these thoughts had personal touches, led by the Spirit. anyway, here it is in type and i hope that the message can shine through!

I am humbled by the responsibility to address you, and yet I am grateful for the opportunity to do so. By way of introducing myself, I am Rhonda Barron and I am a single parent in this stake, who has been richly blessed by this gospel and the Single Adult program.

Last April, as I sat in a single adult conference and heard the message that “Christ was an administer of healing to others.” The speaker then prompted us to to ponder what our own ministry might be, so i asked, “What is my personal ministry?” It was in that moment that I knew what Heavenly Father needed of me- the Spirit washed over me, sharing: my ministry was to be within the singles program, with the singles in this gospel.

A little back story… up to that point I had eventually chosen to sustain the Lord’s single adult program, despite the stigma associated. Slowly I had learned that just like any other program within the gospel, the single adult program was what I personally made of it! As my attitude changed, so did my heart, and as often happens when a spirit gains a testimony, my love for the program grew as did my feelings for those I was meeting.

When I look back on my personal growth through this program, I recognize that my own Grinch heart had grown 'three sizes that day’! Instead of joining the ‘whoville’ dinner as the new big hearted Grinch did, I found myself a couple of months later with a phone invitation to sit across the desk from President McEntire, where I was extended the calling to be one of this stake’s single adult reps. :)

How can this pursuit of a personal ministry be applied to all of us, specifically to ‘rescuing’? The Lord wants us to step up and ask, ‘what is my personal ministry?’ We then can turn to blessings, scripture, prayer, and the temple, when seeking an answer.

In a recent conference talk given by Pres. Monson, we were taught to “Be of Good Cheer” as he shared the story (that brought us all to tears) of the woman in East Prussia who had lost her husband in WWII and then was required to move in the cold winter, by walking months with her four children to a new home. The elements and lack of food proved to be too harsh for her little crew, and one by one this mother found herself burying each child in the frozen ground with a tablespoon as her tool.

Around 4:30 this morning I was awakened to this very story following an emotional night with my Heavenly Father regarding this talk and what the Spirit wanted me to convey. Very clearly, following the prophet’s story and words, this next thought followed; the singles of today are yesterday's pioneers in their struggles.

We as singles are often alone and struggling while experiencing many hardships as the adversary makes every effort to beat us down. This explains the staggering statistics of how many singles remain active in the gospel vs. those that fall away.

Brothers and sisters, I’m humbly asking that if you were to have had come across this sweet mother in your life’s journey, would you have stopped to put your arms around her, offer words of comfort, even kneel beside her and offer help in her impossible task of burying her child?’

Let’s ponder and inquire of the Lord what we each might do to reach out and kneel side by side someone who is struggling within the Lord’s Single Adult program. ]

How can we help our brother, our sister? Love w/o judgment. Did you know that it is currently estimated that 48% of the church is single? Through death or divorce, you or someone you deeply love will be a part of this, the fastest growing demographic in the church. You have the opportunity in knowing this, to actively participate in building up the program, starting with a man or woman that you know- and showing love, and if applicable, extending that love to their children.

Include a single in your family’s activities and prayers, and encourage/invite to all of the activities! A gospel centered approach is the answer, and personal contact is the key. Together as a family we must recognize the value of home and visiting teaching, and contribute to the building up of this program w/: energy, enthusiasm, service, and a positive attitude along with finding a way to be very positive about what Heavenly Father intended to happen in this program of the church.

There is joy in this gospel and there is joy within this single’s program in this gospel! Heavenly Father wants each of us to know that we are eternal beings, whether we are married, or not! He wants us to know our eternal value and to be in the Temple being taught! Additionally, He wants us to be serving one another with a glad heart! I love serving this group of saints. I have seen miracles in abundance in my own life and in that of others, through works of service. I have also found that just one spark of the Spirit can redirect a life towards an eternal path! It is joyous in the way Heavenly Father wished, and I am so grateful for the offer of Joy in the Journey, no matter my marital status!

Pres. Monson continued in his talk saying, “The future is as bright as your faith! The history of the Church in this, the dispensation of the fullness of times, is replete with the experiences of those who have struggled and yet who have remained steadfast and of good cheer as they have made the gospel of Jesus Christ the center of their lives. This attitude is what will pull us through whatever comes our way. It will not remove our troubles from us but rather will enable us to face our challenges, to meet them head on, and to emerge victorious.”

In an address to single adult members of the Church, President Gordon B. Hinckley said: "Because you do not happen to be married does not make you essentially different from others. All of us are very much alike in appearance and emotional responses, in our capacity to think, to reason, to be miserable, to be happy, to love and be loved. "You are just as important as any others in the scheme of our Father in Heaven, and under His mercy no blessing to which you otherwise might be entitled will forever be withheld from you. "You are precious and important to Him. You are precious and important to the Church. You are precious and important to all of us."

I know this is true- my little family has been loved and served well. This has been a blessing that I have been eternally grateful for, and I would like to share some of this with you tonight:

1. Friends fasted in behalf of my spirit. After my divorce I was at a spiritual low, they knew I needed help and they gathered together in my behalf. And look, today I am able to stand up here and speak to you about it!

2. Home and Visiting Teachers served consistently in our home.

3. Young Men and Young Women leaders have continually reached out to my children in love. I now have a son serving in a California mission and a daughter that is doing great!

4. Within a few minutes of the tornado this summer our ward preparedness leader, and my friend Jay, my home teacher, my neighbor, and a call from my Bishop who was out of town, all reached out to me. I was overwhelmed by all of the attention.

5. My home was pretty battered from the storm. My home teacher’s son and companion helped organize the building of a new fence for us.

6. Countless inquiries, hugs, tears, and encouragement from a variety of sources.

7. And finally, the ministry of angels from a loving Father.

Despite the challenges and struggles that one faces following divorce, through the love, fellowship, and service of my ward family, the love of our Eternal Father, and the atonement of our dear Savior, my little family remains strong and steadfast in this gospel. I pray that this may be the experience of all within our ward families.

One of my single friends mentioned to me, “The Shepherd's fold, the ward family, is a safe haven from the world. No matter what our family status, we can be strengthened and strengthen others through the programs and established haven of the church.”

(I closed with my testimony of the positive good that reaching out with love and service can do- and I want you to know that Heavenly Father loves you- just keep looking to Him and the Savior and reach! By the way, I love you too :)

a note from my favorite author...:)

2009-08-24T23:13:00.002-05:00

as many of you know, i have hurt my right hand pinkie and am finding it difficult to do anything, let alone type. the timing of this is especially troublesome because my first semester in school since 24 years ago, started today...

also, as many of you have heard, i had the opportunity to reach out to James Ferrell and share my feelings regarding his books. he reponded, and that is something that i would like to share with you:

Rhonda,

Thank you for sending me your remarkable story. I always stand amazed at the Lord's merciful work in each of our lives. Sometimes, in the middle of it, the merciful gestures are unrecognized. In retrospect, however, they testify of a patient and loving father. I will treasure your story. And what a wonderful thing to have a son like your Taylor, who is serious about serious things. I'm sure that the strength he has received through hardship will serve him and others well on his mission.

Thanks again.

Jim

i just wrote tay and shared this response with him as well. honestly? i'm so grateful that i've had the chance to tell a man that made such a difference in my life, exactly that! it began with my sister Candice, placing the book into my hands and from there, straight into my needy soul.

so, with school and a pinkie gone awry, my entries will be a rare occurance- and keeping up on the blogs you write as well, but i know that you will be supportive and at the same time you will know how much i love and appreciate you.

rhonda

Family, Utah and the Freedom Festival

2009-07-29T15:42:00.002-05:00

greetings y'all!

i'm a bit torqued, if i may say. i wrote bunches last night and quit to help emma with something. we got to bed late and at some point the comp powered down and blogger did nothing to save my work.

i hate going back to step one- yet here i am!

i was in utah seeing family the week of the 4th.

being in utah at that time of year is a treat!

we enjoyed attending the Patriotic Service held at BYU's Marriott center. Matthew Holland was the guest speaker, music was generally by the Osmonds, 2nd Generation and the Wasatch Winds Symphonic Band.

additionally, we were treated with bagpipes and an extremely well done, very respectful flag ceremony.

Matthew Holland is Elder Holland's son. He gave a wonderfully insightful talk about Abraham Lincoln- even finding the above photo- proving that AL was a UVU alumni. ;)

k- this blogger/pic thing is driving me crazy! i'll add a photo- it brings it in and places it at the top- which throws all of my dialog off... i'm sorry, but why is it that blogger hasn't been able to let you add a photo to where you are in your text? hum?

moving along...

dad and mom threw a yummy dutch oven picnic for the families, including grandpa stan and charlotte. we had delish dutch over chicken and even more delish dutch oven cobbler :)

we had a surprise visit from david and lisa with their youngest, dakota, and pam. it was great seeing family that i hadn't seen in many years.

one of the many highlights of the afternoon was the opportunity to take photos of the kids while they were playing. love that! andy got a game of football going and at a break in the action i took a team photo. waaaay cute! we had hoped to do fireworks but the weather didn't cooperate- so that was rescheduled.

i have to say- cleaning out 8 dutch ovens was anything but pleasurable- but since it was dad and i, it was fun. we scraped and scrubbed and gagged and...lol... we did a great job of it!

i love my walks up the canyon to bridal veil falls. i only walked it twice during the week- the first one w/my camera. i was more concerned about trying new things with settings than i was about just taking photos- so my collection is a bore to the viewer- but this leaf photo is one that i felt i accomplished the lighting/setting as i had hoped to.

BVF's is a sanctuary to me. i love it- the walk takes effort; it's a 10 mile round trip. but the landscape, the sounds, the smells, the abundant visual opportunity is breathtaking.

another fun activity that takes place 3 days during the week is the Balloon Fest. Dani was able to join us (dad, mom, myself) and we arrived, cameras in tow, promptly at 6:30 a.m. it was educational seeing how the hot air balloons worked- so i took my version of a documentary of the event. i have tons of photos from the beginning of the process through the end. dad and dani are more artistic. that's something i need to make myself do more of :)

we had a fun time and added to that fun by meeting everyone for breakfast afterward. there's always the best food in utah! and i have to admit, that i ordered 2 eggs and dessert: the strawberry shortcake. lol- wow!

i'm going to publish this much before adding another photo messes up what i've been working on. more to come soon!

nearly a month has gone by... ouch!

2009-07-14T22:05:00.011-05:00

i was sitting here thinking- nah. i'll write some in the morning... but i just can't put this off any longer: there's too much to catch up on! going back an entire month is not just hard but CRAZY. however, lol, i'll do my best :)

oh- and it didn't help to find out that yahoo 360 was shutting down- yikes! last night i had intended on writing here, along with writing tay's letter, only to find out that i (along with all my family) had to save both em's and my entries on that blog. i did get it done tho! all saved to a WORD doc. mine being close to 200 pages. LOL. and i didn't save everything! i will be backdating this blog with those entries at some point...

mom and dad decided to drive to texas in june to bring me the car that they were selling. while dad was only here a short time, he did get to begin to use his new camera :) we ran around getting the car title changed over to a texas driver (me!), went out to eat, saw Star Trek and out to the river for some family photos. i am SO glad that i have these pics dad: Thank You!!! i'm also very excited about the car- now i just need to unload my mazda. hey- if anyone out there wants a two year lease- i'm your gal! (not me the CAR, silly:) just a moment to say- mom and dad- i love you both so much. and i very much appreciate the lengths you'll go to, to help me and the others in this family. to everyone- my parents ROCK.

mom and i then got ourselves together after a crazy week of my camp/piano schedule (mom is a great camper helper:) and took off for the 2009 Cook reunion in Stephenville, TX. it was great seeing lots of familiar faces and catching up- but mostly we loved the time spent with Grandma and Grandpa Cook and Aunt Bobbie. we talked, took pictures, and enjoyed good meals :)

on our way home from the reunion, we had made plans to visit Woody, mom's cousin and his family in garland texas. on the way i talked her into stopping and checking out the animals at Fossil Rim. That place is so much fun! it's not too far- maybe 90 min's/2 hours but the experience was so entertaining that it is completely worth the effort! while you drive through the park, you stop where there are animals so that you can feed them and take pictures. we giggled our faces off we had so much fun! part of the excitement was learning how close you wanted the animals to get to you. they are entirely comfortable walking right up to your face, with theirs! at first we didn't know this- and i remember saying, 'he's acting like he wants me to pet him!' well, after that i quickly found out that they were happy to eat the feed right from your hands. it was breathtaking being so close to those beautiful creatures. i got fairly comfy with them right away- but mom seemed to like her space and i'm tellin' ya- don't get near her window if she has her finger on the button. she's hilarious! so to share- here are a couple of photos:

mom took this photo of me (in the tye-dyed shirt that i made with emily) and it's my favorite: yes, both the shirt and the picture! i really will always just treasure getting to interact with these gorgeous, sweet creatures!

we did get to Amy's, where Woody and Carolyn are staying, and had a yummy Father's day meal with them while we visited. Woody is not well, but he is better and this is giving them all a chance to spend some quality time together.

so- it's time to stop and get to posting tay's letter. but i will mention some things i will be writing about.

for one thing, em was around but only a little bit because shw was gone to EFY and then to girl's camp. so i'll post some things about that... and then i'll update you regarding my return to school, my chance to teach gospel doctrine this coming sunday, along with the opportunity i have to go on exchanges with the sister missionaries this friday. of course, the biggest entry of all- my trip to utah!

and somewhere in there, i'm going to be visiting other blogs and getting caught up. thanks for your patience and love! see you soon!

what a crazy life!

2009-06-16T20:55:00.012-05:00

let's go back to the weekend of june 5-7... this is a pic of me at a dinner for singles. we met at spring creek bbq before heading to a single's dance. i decided to try to enlist participation and fun and i think it went pretty well...! i think my lucky hat game was a hit: if you put the hat on, you were kissed- and of course there was a camera to capture it! i like to take pics and post them on facebook (FB) because i think the more it shows that we're having fun, and the more faces that are seen, the better chance there is of getting people out and mingling.

this photo is from the single's fireside that weekend. our stake was in charge, and jay, my good friend was solo in preparation, so i joined in and worked to make it a good one. in the end we had Pres. and Sister Thurston, and Sis Payne, who is related to Pres. Hinckley there to speak (all pictured) they did a great job of sweet testimonies and interesting insights and can you believe? just shy of 90 singles came! just amazing really! it was so worth the work and i hope that we can continue to build the program around the metroplex.

one of the men i met over the weekend told me that if the program had been as good one year ago, he believed he might not have married so quickly and in the end, be divorced a 2nd time. i don't know- but i do know that this group of people, MY group of people need lots of love in friendships, coupled with uplifting experiences to work through there individual 'issues'.

my next project is to get a temple night started... i'll keep you posted ;)

oh! before i forget- my friend ron rhoades held a b-day party for all the june b-days. this photo below is of me at that party with a new friend and convert jack; what a great guy and just one example of reaching out and bringing in! and, let me say- i really appreciate men like ron who open their homes up for get togethers. :)

so summer camps have begun...wheeee! my first two weeks i've only had one girl. wow- crazy!

and to add to the crazy, we were hit by a storm this past wed. that produced a category one tornado just a minute from my home:

it damaged my large old silver maple in the front and destroyed my huge tree in the back... along with the fence and probably some structural in the patio roof. actually, we were really blessed to only have that to deal with- but it has been a ton of clean up and it's still on-going. sigh. oh well!

i thought that rather than re-type everything that i wrote to tay this week regarding this and other things, i'd just post my letter to him: (oh and fyi, this looks normal in edit but on the blog the spacing is funky. sorry!)

so, you wrote tues and on wed, wed evening, we had a huge storm. actually, a tornado! right on morriss! it was close to the apartments and while it barely made a category one, it did cause some damage. our big old fron tree only has three branches left- and the back tree by the fort is gone completely. we had winds of 60-80 mph- it was crazy. mostly the house is ok, but, they are checking the patio roof for structural damage and the front corner of the garage for the same thing. oh- and almost all of the fence is down.

i was home alone, em was at dad's so i sent a text to him asking for him to get her in a safe place. and i actually sat in the closet! it was really cool tho- i had bro marks, and my home teacher, and bro coombs all at our home in minutes cking up on me- and the bishop called from high adventure! the next day a group of men and boys from the ward came and hauled all my dead tree stuff to the curb. it was so kind of them- i didn't even ask- they just arranged it because they knew i was in need. i felt very looked after and loved, and in sacrament meeting the prayers reflected a people who acknowledged their Father's hand in our protection and the service rendered.

many ward members lost power, too. i only had trouble for a few minutes but there were lots who lost it for days. anyway, the neighorhood and morriss look terrible because of all of the downed trees but for the most part, it is just a mess.

here's a really cool couple of mish stories for you from me (hehe): so- i did arrange to take katy to do baptisms, and she and em and i went to the temple sat afternoon. afterwards we went to lunch and had the opp to talk a little. she just graduated and had plans to move from her dad's to her aunts. katy's mom has never been a part of her life, and currently her dad has a new g/friend that doesn't like that katy was baptized- which is why she was moving. but then the aunts kids got involved and said they didn't want katy moving in because she was mormom...so now katy is stuck. i told her she was welcome to my home anytime- that em and i just hang out anyway. she seemed grateful. then at church our RS president came up and said that she's felt inspired to give me Katy's name for visiting teaching. i don't know what i'm supposed to do- but it feels like i'm supposed to be involved. we shall see! but the temple was awesome for all of us and we're going again as soon as i get back from all the family trips :) we took a couple of pics for you, too!

after the temple i was supposed to go home and try to get ready for mom and
dad to visit. with the storm, i was way behind- because i forgot to tell you that i had the Richards come to our home when i learned that they didn't have power. they didn't stay the entire time, but between that and working, i wasn't getting anything done. but i felt very impressed to go to a baptism that was scheduled, so i did. the sisters asked me to take pictures, and i was, when as we were finishing, a woman walked in that i had met at my camps. she had her son hayden enrolled. we really hadn't talked much until one day she came in late and shook up. it was the morning after the storm and we thought it was because of that- but it turns out she was trying to quit smoking and had a car accident on the way over to us. anyway, tay, she was at the baptism to see what one was like because she wanted to be baptized. i just hugged her and asked her to sit by me in the service. we talked and i answered any of her questions she had. she was like a child in her curiosity and spirit. i then found out that because she is getting a divorce and is in school, hayden will be in my camps all summer long! i told her that we would love on him and i hope that i showed her by by words and actions that i am someone she can talk to and become friends, with. she's scheduled to be baptized on the 20th!

oh- and here's another! you know bryce that came to help at your eagle project with that other guy (can't remember his name! starts with an m... curly dark hair) anyway- he went to high adventure and that's when bishop found out that he is Katy's brother! both of those boys apparently had a good experience going. so stay tuned!

i saw seth- he's leaving soon for hawaii... he said he wrote! yay!

my dad has been here since sat evening. they drove up and brought me that car- so nice of them! dad is leaving today. mom and i will leave for the reunion early fri and return sunday. mom goes home monday. we saw star trek and had dinner last night. we've had some good movies lately! i'm buying the DVDs :) on sunday we went to church, had a yummy roast dinner, and went to take pics.. so more for you. yay!

SO YOU FINALLY GOT THE JERICHO!!! WHOOO HOOO!!!! lol...so fun! k, i heard that you have newsletters within the mission- please save those and even send them home so i can, would you? i'd love to read the old issues! anyway, i'm so happy that the work is going so well and that you achieved that goal! i know that it is still onward and upward but man that had to feel great!

is the baptism still on the docket? i can't wait to hear!

LOVED the story of weed pulling service. i totally have a testimony of service- for many reasons. i can't wait for updates on these stories!

i put your and your comps names in at the temple. :)

i'm glad that there is some fun mixed in with the work. everyone needs to have down time and laughter. so fun that you get to play foosball!

I WISH I COULD BE AT THE BAPTISM- BUMMER! lol...but so glad that you're getting to do one so soon. i'm so excited for paige :) :) :)

it's so cool that you've developed a relationship with pres brady and sis brady. it makes me think of that salesman in mr macs who talked so highly of them. they must be amazing and it's such a blessing that good hearted people go on missions to bless the lives of missionaries and those they are teaching. honestly, i hope that dream doesn't pass me by.

i love you son. i miss you. im so freakin proud of you, too! you're a man that grows everytime i hear from you into a better and stronger man. yes, missionary work is your calling- and you've been blessed to be there at this time and moment. and you are so good at it- but you need to know that Heavenly Father has more work for you to do unpon your return to home. He (and many of us) know that your potential in education is untapped- that you will come back and apply yourself to your future because being a husband and father is the next great missionary work that you will do. when it's done right, just as your exact obedience and love is showing you now, you will be blessed beyone measure in happiness and love. it's really kind of exciting, actually... :)

can't wait to hear from you!!!!

mom
(this post may go down as my longest...!)

these pics are from mom and dad's visit:

we're having a great time! em has now left for EFY and dad has made it back home safely- and mom is watching the news while i'm catching up :)

we're looking forward to the reunion and seeing the family there! more on that, soon.

i think, finally, i can comment regarding my talk. it went well and i'm thankful for the opportunity it gave me to research reverence...some absolutely wonderful things to ponder- so to conclude i'm posting the talk below. read, or not- but here it is for my journaling purposes anyway...lol ;)

Good morning brothers and sisters! I’m so thankful to be here today. I feel that the Spirit has guided me to have experiences this past week that would teach me a deeper respect and understanding of this topic I’ve been given.

Today’s talk is ‘Showing Reverence for the Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament’- and I was asked to reference Elder Featherstone’s talk ‘Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament’. I also looked into the scriptures, and into some things that Bro. Bytheway and Bro. Truman Madsen had to say. There are many amazing thoughts on this subject.

Elder Featherstone offers a scenario: 'Imagine a person has come to sacrament meeting feeling desperate, lonely, and hurting. This person comes a few minutes early, being greeted in the foyer by loving members. He enters the chapel, where there is a spirit of reverence. The organist is playing worshipful music, having arrived early and selected from the hymnbook several pieces as prelude music. The organist might well have prayed, “Heavenly Father, help me to choose hymns that will soothe the troubled heart.”

The person sits quietly for 10 minutes and listens to the music. He can feel its soothing influence in his soul.

The bishopric is on the stand six or seven minutes prior to the meeting. The meeting starts on time. The congregation joins in singing a spiritually uplifting hymn. A thoughtful prayer is given on behalf of ward members and others, and it contains expressions of gratitude, love, and pleading for the needs of the members and others.
A sacrament hymn is sung, and again the Holy Spirit rests upon the congregation. The sacrament is blessed and passed with great dignity, and the congregation partakes, renewing their covenants made at baptism.

Youth and adult speakers address subjects that can bind the broken heart, lift the downtrodden, and provide rest for the weary and hope for the despairing. A choir sings a hymn, or some other kind of sacred music provides an additional spiritual experience for those who have gathered.

The concluding remarks are made, followed by a beautiful closing hymn from the hymnbook. A closing prayer of thanksgiving and supplication on behalf of ward members is given, after which appropriate postlude music is played.

Greatly encouraged, the person leaves this meeting feeling he can make it for one more week. Expressions of love are shared in the foyer or hall in reasonable tones so that the chapel may remain a reverent and holy place.'

I believe that there is more than one person in this chapel today that is here needing this very experience- and the question is, are we doing our part in being reverent for the Spirit to attend?

Brothers and sisters, because of the storm, this week was very chaotic and that’s an understatement. Earlier this month I had talked with Katy and and Emily about attending the temple and doing baptisms for the dead. Our appointment was for yesterday- and when we were in the car, listening to ‘Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing’ I was beginning to see how excited I was to be headed for the temple. We entered and the quiet peace surrounded us. It wasn’t too much longer that my body, and my mental and emotional self- exhaled and I was ready to inhale the Spirit there.

The Lord has said that while he may or may not be able to remove the storms from our lives, He can and does promise us peace. It is my testimony that this is tied into being in sacred places, with a reverence and attitude for the Spirit to be with us.
I’m quoting Brother Bytheway when I say, our great grandfather’s referred to this day as The Holy Sabbath, our grandfather’s called it The Sabbath, our parents called it Sunday, and today it’s often referred to as the weekend…

Reverence toward the Holy Sabbath and The Sacrament begins with an attitude.

We each came here, today, with a container of sorts- perhaps yours is a cup- and you are barely aware of being thirsty. Perhaps another came in with their cup, but they have their hand over the opening, resisting any filling. Still, there are some of you, that came with a jug, as large as possible to carry…and you are anxiously awaiting a fill.

The temple, our homes, and this chapel are three sacred places that we have to turn to when (amongst other things) we need a ‘spiritual fill’.
There is a primary song that I love- and one that I believe has the ability to teach us perspective in our actions, in our attitudes:

If the Savior stood beside me,
would I do the things I do?
Would I think of His commandments,
and try harder to be true?
Would I follow His example?
Would I live more righteously
if I could see the Savior standing nigh,
watching over me?

I would like to suggest that if we had walked in today… and saw the Savior waiting for us, our meeting would be reverent and one to remember forever. And in essence, our Savior wants to be among us- with the Holy Spirit- and can only do so if we invite him. If through our reverence we hold out our jugs- our broken hearts, meaning our open hearts, He can fill it.

Bro. Madsen shared this dream in a woman’s conference talk given in 1999: It was in Amman, Jordan some years ago. We had just come from a parched visit to Egypt where even the native Bedouin can survive, at most, three hours without water. We had said to some of our friends, "This should remind you of the two words spoken from the cross, the only self-regarding words which are a sure sign of the loss of blood. Jesus said: 'I thirst'" (John 19:28).

That night I had a dream. I was beaten down to my hands and knees and was conscious of a burning thirst. In the illogic of dreams there was somehow a small cup filled with liquid—an unearthly liquid. It was radiant. It was delicious. It was cool. But as I lifted it to my lips it was as if two hands were placed behind me, not touching, but close to my head, and from them came a kind of throb, a comfort, a warm feeling, and then the miracle. As I drank in relief, the cup filled again and again. The more I sought to quench my thirst, the more it flowed. A wave of gratitude came over me to the Christ—for in the dream it was Christ. My impulse was to turn around, stop drinking, and thank him. But then came the sweet assurance that my drinking was His thanks—that this was what He most wanted—that this was His reward, even his glory, like a gracious hostess, who takes delight in seeing her family and guests eat heartily. I knew and I knew He knew, so I drank and drank until I was full. Only then was He gone.

I loved that Bro Madsen shared this… and as a side note- I will miss him.
Bro Bytheway suggests in his ‘The Best Three Hours’ that we can be measured by a spiritual yardstick by asking two questions:

1.What do you think about in the Sacrament?
2.And, How do you treat the Sabbath day?

If we were to go back to our scenario, where Christ is here with us today, and the sacrament song is now playing, where would our attention be? How would our hearts feel? How would the sacramental prayers be offered? And how would they be received?

Jesus said (Matt 18:20) ‘where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them’.

This was shared by Elder David B. Haight while he was standing in the Last Supper room with Bro Madsen:

This man, shortly before, after a heart attack, had been clinging to life, unconscious in a hospital, and was given a repeated dream-vision of Jesus' last week on earth. He said what he had said in General Conference: "I heard no voices but was conscious of being in a Holy Presence and atmosphere. The first scene was of the Savior and his apostles in the upper chamber on the eve of betrayal. Following the Passover supper he instructed and prepared the sacrament for his dearest friends as a remembrance of his coming sacrifice. It was so impressively portrayed to me—the overwhelming love of the Savior for each. I witnessed his thoughtful concern for significant details: the washing of the dusty feet of each apostle; his breaking and blessing of the loaf of dark bread and blessing of the wine; and then his dreadful disclosure that one would betray him. Then followed the Savior's solemn discourse when he said to the eleven: 'These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.'"

Then Elder Haight turned to Bro Madsen and said, "We do not appreciate the sacrament enough. It happened! It is real! It is our access to the Savior."

If the Savior stood beside me,
would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind
if He was never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel?
Would I speak more rev’rently
if I could see the Savior standing nigh,
watching over me?

This makes me think that when our Priests kneel at the Sacrament table, in our hearts, we are kneeling too. And just as wonderful as we felt on our baptism, to participate in that ordinance, we would look upon the passing of the sacrament with that kind of joy- because it is a renewal of everything that we believe and love about the Gospel and for what our brother, Christ did for us when He died for us.

Behaving just as we would were He in this room- because he has said: Levitcus 26:2 Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.

D&C 109: 21 'And when thy people transgress, any of them, they may speedily repent and return unto thee, and find favor in thy sight, and be restored to the blessings which thou hast ordained to be poured out upon those who shall breverence thee in thy house.'

And The Psalmist said, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Ps. 46:10.)

We’ve been given a tremendous blessing in having a Holy Sabbath Day. Let us do as He asks, and remember Him. Let’s remember Him as we prepare to arrive and enter the chapel. Remember Him as we participate in inviting the Spirit to join us. Remember Him as we partake of the sacrament. Remember Him in our reverence, always.

lazy bummin' day :)

2009-06-02T15:12:00.009-05:00

yep- that's me. i woke up just in time to take em to school- well, we both woke up just in time....lol. (no seminary this week has been sweet.)

when i got home i was so tired, still, that i went back to bed! (just after i ate a slice of two different kinds of Mimi's muffins)

i woke up and began thinking about facebook- and squared that away. tay had sent me a letter with a CD of what he said were tons of pics. i was so excited to look at them- immediately em and i pulled them up to only find 8 photos- which i am grateful for: don't get me wrong! but it was confusing, and yes, disappointing. but i posted the few anyway and wrote about the FHE we had last night.

regarding the FHE...em was finishing reading her LEAP (pre AP)book, poisonwood bible (and no- sorry fans of poisonwood bible, em is not a convert) (and, no- i don't get why)she said that she needed to be left alone. so, i called a friend and we went into dallas to a rehab center where one of our fellow singles is. neal was nearly killed in a bike accident a few weeks ago. today he is paralized from the waist down. we met in a room at the rehab and had a lesson on service. so cool! i took my camera but didn't have a memory card with me- so this photo is courtesy of ron rhoades and his camera/phone. (he's on my facebook and is a single's friend)

i've always loved service...and love hearing stories of service, too. neal's roomie is not lds but wanted to come into our meeting. his accident was 4 years ago and just two days ago he took his first step. he was so excited to share his news! i brought twizzlers (which all women should know are on the top 10 faves for men)and began to share them around. both neal and ricky were happy to get to have some, and we were able to have short convos in the process, and when the meeting was over i left the tub of twizzlers with the two, along with hugs and a kiss on the cheek. i hope to get back to visit. ricky left us with this thought: 'i cannot tie my shoes. because you can, you are a blessing to me when you help me. don't take things for granted'. perception adjusted!

i'm babbling. it's useless at this point to try to make sense so i'm just going to keep on going with the babble presentation ;)

yesterday i had all of my teachers get together of lunch at mimi's. we had such a fun time! i love those women...and their children, too. this photo is of melissa rasmussen and darlene kopta- who were my awesome busy bear teachers:

this is of gail murphy and brandi ehrenberg- the best two year old Li'l school teachers around!

and the luncheon photo of barbi bagan, joana sanders, and brandi ehrenberg who have been totally wonderful in the discovery kids class:

and, that pretty much wrapped up the year for early connections. i've been blessed to work with some very beautiful women that genuinely love children!

back to being lazy. humph. i suppose it has to do with looking forward. i'm not sure where my camps stand- i haven't asked! lol... i will. but currently, i was wondering why i hadn't heard from the college i had applied to. so, today i finally got around to calling them. apparently they were just waiting for my transcript. so that is what i'm doing tomorrow. onward and upward!

may i admit to feeling just a little nervous? about life? everything?

and...

i have a new calling. i will SO miss my sunday school class! what great kids these youth are!

my life just keeps changing, twisting and turning and i never know much about tomorrow. thank heavens for being rooted in the Gospel.

sunday was my last lesson with my class. i had kady, a new convert that i'm going to take to the temple to do baptisms- which we're both so excited about! and then the kids brought another young lady, who had had her first discussion. my lesson happened to be on the plan of salvation. she had lots of questions- and the class understood how important it was to have the Spirit there. they were reverent and testified in their answers to truth. it was amazing. and, i realize that there are more opportunities for me to share the gospel outside of that setting- but i will miss teaching- and them.

i'm not allowed to mention anything more about my new calling- yet. when i can, i will!

and it's time to run and get em.

♥ lots of love ♥ friends and family. ♥

i promise i haven't forgotten you!

2009-05-28T00:33:00.002-05:00

it's the end of the school year, folks, and i am under water... but i'm also so excited to be back in touch soon!

in the meantime...check out this dazzling group of women i teach with in discovery kids. they rock! and gorgeous to boot! love them! :) (that's a 'shout-out' to Brandi, Joana and Barbie)

to all the moms

2009-05-09T19:28:00.004-05:00

who...

...ran their kids to school (in their pjs) and then had to get out of the car
...are the big jokes when playing video games with the kids
...get everyone to church on time but then notice that they forgot to put a bra on
...who tried healthy new recipies (lima bean casserole) that never really were meant to be eaten
...cried every first day of school
...hunted over the holidays for the most sought after toy
...took too many photos for one occasion and didn't get any of another
...stayed up all night for:
...a costume
...or a science fair report
...or to clean a house
...or care for a sick child
...or because they were pregnant
...or from worry

to all the moms who...

...couldn't decide if it was a laugh or cry moment
...that made impossibilities, possible.
...bit their tongues
...cried in the bathroom
...cheered louder than the rest
...drove endless miles
...who sat in principal chairs
...who sat in doctors offices
...and hospital rooms
...and by gravesides.

to all the moms that i've watched, and learned from, and felt loved by- to those that have loved my children, my loved ones, and those that will someday be part of my family-

i love you! i'm grateful for you! Happy Mother's Day! :)

three generations

new post!

2009-05-06T23:09:00.003-05:00

this is so random... i'm writing without anything to say. really! yes, i know... but really.

this is an experiment of sorts- if i just start talking, will it turn out okay? be a disaster? well... it's time to find out!

yes, texas was hit with the swine fly, i mean flu (of course but maybe i'll add leaving in typos just for kicks. or not...too many)this past week. true: that we gave america it's first fatality. true: that we gave america it's second fatality. but in our area, let's say- oh... denton county, there have been just three confirmed cases. and yet, the school districts shut down.

just what is the definition of hysteria?

i was going to ask def leppard- i mean they did put out a song called, 'mass hysteria" but after reading the lyrics... um... nope.

and then you go to websters and the first defintion addresses the woman's womb.

sheesh! and nevermind!

anyway- three days into our being sent home and quarantined, LISD changes there minds and says we're back in school tomorrow.

em spent the last w/e with her dad. when she got back to me we saw 'taken', we went to breakfast, did a little shopping and she had a sleepover. and just like that our quarantine is over. (i hope you're noticing how we laughed in the face of QUARANTINE.)

SUBJECT CHANGE*****

sunday is mother's day and this particular sunday has new meaning for me! YES! you guessed it: elder tay, my favorite missionary, gets to call me! yay! yay! yay! ok. so i'm already having a brain freeze. each week i come across the same worry- what am i going to write in this week's letter? so this week i barely had anything to write about...and now i'm getting to speak to him and i need material! HELP me think of things to ask him. please?

that almost sounded desperate!

well?

(i'm totally laughing)

love you guys :)

r

i'm such a slacker :)

2009-04-28T18:31:00.004-05:00

hey, once again, y'all!

i thought about just writing this one thing, well, let me just do it:

i went to the store and saw fish sticks. i never stop and buy fish sticks but this time i did- and fries even! waaaay out of my usual, right? so, one night i decide to cook some of this up because it was getting late after my piano lessons were over and em came home starving.

she took one look and said, 'what are they?'

i just have to say that i was so proud of myself! my 15 year old daughter had no clue what fish sticks were!

i told her they were like chicken fingers- but fish- and to try it, she would like them. and she did, of course... lol

and then i considered ending it right here. what a great note to end on!

but then i began to think about the great SA conference that i attended this past weekend and i wanted to share a little.

the conference began on thursday evening with a dallas temple session. there were so many in attendance that they opened up another session. very cool! i drove out with my g/f lori.

on friday they had a social/dance- met a bunch of new people and had lots of fun. this time i drove out with lindy.

what i looked forward to most, was the saturday workshops. the stake in charge had lined up elder fluckinger, daniel bell, and keynote speaker sis barbara thompson from the relief society general board. we were supposed to have area seventy jim martino but he was given an assignment from slc and couldn't attend- and we were also supposed to have brent yorgason, but apparently he became ill and couldn't attend.

the organizers did a fabulous job of bringing us A-list speakers that spoke on subjects that lifted our hearts and did it with such class and humor that i was thrilled to be a part of it!

i ended up meeting sis thompson and she graciously accepted having her photo with me. what a lovely woman. she was emotional and heart-warming in her stories and advice.

daniel bell is a wonderful speaker. he had us all laughing and the next moment in tears over something that was very spiritual. i hope that you get the opportunity to hear him speak.

at the end of our conference, we were served dinner and then treated to the Texas Boys Choir. it was wonderful!!!

sunday, bro bell spoke in a fireside and i took the time to speak to him, appreciating his wonderful speaking ability. one thing he told us- and i need to remember to tell taylor this, that we need to take our patriarchal blessings and note in three colums labeled: Blessings/Warnings/Personal Commandments.

i was standing with a new friend, tevis, told bro bell about his experience in going home and doing this with his blessing. it was touching to be a part of.

and so...changing subjects!

i'm in utah the end of june, beginning of july. mark your calendars!

love y'all!

Utah, Spring 2009

2009-04-10T19:25:00.002-05:00

i wanted to post these ages ago- and didn't because i was hoping to use a new photo format...but, sigh, i just have not gotten my act together!

i had the very best time in utah seeing my family and some friends and Moab. Fabulous!

did you know that i've had two facebook friends see some of these photos and ask if i was at Stan's Drive-In? isn't that fun? would you know the inside of Stans had you not been going there your entire life? i LOVE it!

as usual, time flew by and there is never enough of it to spend with everyone- but i did enjoy the nieces and nephews here and there...my sibs, too! (despite flu and pregnancy) and this trip getting to meet up with Jennifer and Arlen C*, Nancy, Angela, and Jeff.... all long time friends that are a part of who i am :)

i LOVED being in Moab with mom and dad. they are the ultimate travel companions. SO fun! (honestly, i can't believe that i don't crimp their style!)

thank you thank you thank you THANK YOU to all for spending their time, energy and resources to be with me. i just love you!

The Number 1 Lady Detective

2009-03-30T17:40:00.002-05:00

changed up to be about me and not about our adorable fictional character in botswana. :)

i've been asked to help a family- a daughter, to be precise, in finding her father.

she lives in Israel, he live here.

so...

after a few moments on the internet i found his name on those sites that if you pay this amount of money... etc., you can have this etc., info- which i won't do!

but sticking to my guns, i looked closer and found a couple of names that kept showing up when his did. i searched out in the white pages and found a phone number for one and dialed.

a woman answered. and she knew the man i was looking for. it turns out that she was an ex wife- but she did not have any information on him, being that she had been out of touch for years and, she included, he owed her money.

to me she was lovely and quite helpful, giving me more names to work from.

i ended up finding the man's niece, her husband, and their two children- but addresses only.

i also was given the man's parent's names- but was told that if they were still alive it would be a surprise, do to age.

and i found that to be exactly true. the man i am looking for, 'E''s parents were 'H' and 'G'. i found H's name mentioned in a newsletter, in a 'In Memory' listing. i called the Rabbi that was listed on the following page.

we didn't speak- but i did speak with his lovely and helpful wife who gave me the info that her husband Rabbi H did do the service and knew where he was buried. i then acquired that info and the following morning gave the temple where he was interred, a call.

contact info is kept, but in this case not a phone number- it is an address.

meanwhile...my head is thinking...

i really did not want to write the man a letter. it seems so old fashioned. and so unreliable! how would i know if he ever received it- or if he just refused to respond?

i thought back to what E's ex wife had told me... she went with him to where the child was living some 25 pluse years ago, only to find that the child and her mother no longer lived there. he was so distraught that he was hospitalized for a few days, suffering from a mental/emotional break down. i can only hope that he wants to be reunited should i be able to reach him!

this morning i sat down at the comp and the array of people that i've been trying to find played in my head once more. if only i had a phone number!

i opened up my facebook and went in to get caught up when it occurred to me that i should try looking there.

i typed in the youngest one's name. found a match and msg'd him. he responded right away- but it was not the right man.

i then typed in E's niece's name- and found a match...looked in her friend's list and saw other familiar names. bingo! i sent her a msg telling her the story.

it wasn't long before she responded. i had found her- but she had lost contact with her uncle 4 years ago...

again, i'm at a dead end- well, i do have an address.

write? say? send certified?

hmmmmm....

Earth Hour

2009-03-28T11:26:00.000-05:00

i had heard about this earlier in the year- and after talking to a family member (who shall remain anonymous) who said that earth hour was already past, i felt a bit defeated that EH had come and gone without much notice by the news...and people i know.

said anonymous person was (fortunately) wrong!

EH is: 8:30PM local time, wherever you live on planet earth. Saturday 28 March 2009!

i'm a little late to declare- i doubt my little post will inform the masses...but- if you do read this? turn your lights off at 8:30pm. leave them off for one hour. light a candle and contemplate...and play! what an opportunity for us to be aware and grateful for what we have and this beautiful world that gives us so much.

we should give back so much more. it's one little thing. can you do it?

my 100th post!

2009-03-21T14:51:00.002-05:00

and it gets to be about an adventure! one that didn't kill me...yay!

it was an interesting flight into slc....the plane was getting ready to land- we were about to touch down- and then the plane took a sharp nose turn upward- power boost the engines and up we went. ?!? i was sitting on the left side of the plane a few rows in front of the wing, beside the window. i looked at my elderly seat companion and said, 'ummm...trouble' ...looked out the window and watched as we flew closer to a lake and then added while pointing to the water, 'plan B' :)

around me people were appreciative about the humor cuz the tension about what was happening was growing. the pilot then came on and told us that the landing gear was not giving a safe reading. he told us that another captain (riding as a passenger) was going to come through the cabin area and climb down through a floor door (a few rows behind mine) and try to get a look at the landing gear through a periscope. we then watched the captain appear and find the door and then...disappear. meanwhile the plane just circled the area- i'm sure by this time the entire area was cleared for our plane.

eventually the capt. came back out and as he was walking past my row he said he couldn't see anything. he then went into the cockpit to talk with our capt. soon enough, our flight capt came back on and told us that the attempt to see through the periscope had not been successful because too much light was coming in and hitting the mirrors, making the ability to see, impossible. meanwhile, the capt of our flight had flown past the control tower and they, with their binoculars, had witnessed that our landing gear was down and appeared ready for use.

about this time i had turned my phone on and sent a to text mom- letting her know that there was a problem. she is still laughing that all i said was, 'there is a problem with our landing gear'. and then i shut off my phone. she thought i should have said my loves and goodbyes...lol well, to be honest, i never felt that things would not turn out ok- or i would have!

the capt. then told us that they were going to manually put the landing gear down, just to be extra cautious and that when we landed it might drag on the runway making a loud sound. he also gave us other scenerios, such as the landing gear not holding up on the left side (mine) and it that occured the wing would hit the runway. we were told to leave everything under the seat upon landing and to be prepared to exit the emergency exits taking none of our belongings with us. i suppose that meant the big air slides. anyway- we landed and i think collectively we all held our breath to see what might happen- but the gear held and we let out our breath while many clapped for the crews efforts.

as we began to slow down, i noticed the emergency crews that were there waiting for us- fire engines and paramedics- but we must have been perfectly safe because after a moment the plane proceeded on to our gate. we were only one hour late :)

how's that for an adventure? and for a 100th post?

oh when the saints...

2009-03-11T08:23:00.003-05:00

come marching in...!

there aren't many great things about being single- but i have to say that being able to attend the single adult firesides has to be on the top of that short list :)

this past sunday's fireside was held in denton- and the subject was 'the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Denton texas 1958-2008.

The sweetest little historian, with a twinkle in his eye, got up and shared what he had learned while writing this book. interestingly, he will make no money from sales- every dollar made is going towards the 50th year celebration that is being held this summer in denton.

many of the stories were humorous and spiritual while at the same time being quite remarkable.

in '58 a sunday school class was formed in the area. it dissolved a year later for lack of priesthood- the families were temporary. at the time there were only two stakes in texas- and the dallas stake had just been formed, the other stake being houston.

fast foward my lifetime...and last year we formed another stake in our area- making it the dallas, lewisville, denton and frisco stakes. none of these stakes include the fort worth area any longer.

some of the notable heroes were the most determined and educated folks of the area, that were converted in the early 60's. one of those families is now patriarch nobles. he was taylor's patriarch because of strange window of opportunity. his family history and conversion is in this book.

i was so excited that i bought three books- one for each of us and had the author, George U. Hubbard autograph each copy!

then i wrote to tay about it and if you haven't read his latest letter home, he responded by saying that he had just (this week) been thinking about the history of the church where he came from...coincidence? i don't think so :)

em also has access to the elieson family conversion and history- and her eventual patriarch elieson is in the book, too. isn't that cool?

i'd be happy to share my copy of the book but if you want your own, it is $15 for a single copy and $11 if you buy 2 or more.

if you live in the area- you'll want to attend the denton celebration. they have all kinds of the old time activities planned, along with some current type of fun. they hope for all to RSVP if they are interested- ck it out: www.dentonjubilee.org
i'm sure that info on the book is there too!

'when your heart speaks, take good notes' - judith campbell

2009-03-07T10:01:00.006-06:00

this quote found in the book, Three Cups of Tea, is the story of greg mortensen, a former mountain climber that became a gentle force to change the course of the world.

amazing stuff. unrelentless in his determination and sacrifice to see the smallest of villages in pakistan and afghanistan have access to education for their biggest hope- their children.

greg's heart and life were devoted to this cause following one pivotal moment that to me seemed to be guided by the heavens.

the story was touching and thought provoking!

if you mananged to get through the book- perhaps you felt as i did, that it felt like reading a series of 'parade' or new articles. it wasn't an easy read because of that. but if you have started the book and put it down because of it's writing style- pick it back up and take it in pieces. read it! you will be so glad you did!

*********

yesterday i had the best surprise...tay's follow up email showed up! he sent it on tues the 3rd and it arrived on the 6th. strange but wonderful! i posted his few comments and pics.

i also worked on my backyard...i'm thinking another couple of weekends and i'll have it whipped into shape :)

while i was outside, i was admiring the bradford pear tree that is blossoming. it's truly beautiful right now... and it got me to thinking.

em has wanted to put some pictures on her wall but we've had a hard time finding anything compatable to her colors and taste. i told her that i could do something with photography and tried to describe for her what i imagined but it didn't translate well.

maybe that's because i still needed clarification! anyway- i bought some colorful flowers and butterflies that matched her room and thought of them when i was outside around the tree blossoms.

in the end, em was delighted with the pictures, has chosen her favorites, and now my job is to get them made up poster sized and framed. above and below are two of her faves. :)

it's 15 today! Happy Birthday Emily :)

2009-03-04T07:45:00.003-06:00

em's weekend...!

2009-03-01T21:56:00.006-06:00

it has been a fun and busy weekend! em's party was great- darlene and lizzey hosted the party at their home and we had a great turn out of friends for pizza, games, and a movie. here are a couple of snapshots:

with emily's bday this coming wed. and it being her night with her dad, along with the following w/e also his weekend, we decided to make this her birthday weekend. to top it off em and i took lizzey and hayden to medeival times for a fun night of entertainment and dinner. the kids are awesome and we had lots of laughs! an additional note- we knew one of the gals that works there and she got us all upgraded to the best available seats. it was a perfect night of fun!

heading into this week i'm looking forward to march...spring is ahead and my coming to utah is just days away...yay!!!

can't wait to see y'all! :)

encroaching upon 100! (95 posts)

2009-02-22T22:55:00.004-06:00

Life in the fast lane..............!

really- i've had a bit more time to do things without elm fork and i've enjoyed it a bit, too.

so far- the time hasn't been so much for me. i've spent some time helping a friend of mine- michael (israel) finish up his business here as he is moving to north carolina this week.

things with his partners went south and to be honest- watching this has been an eye opener! i told the police officer that israeli's follow their own laws and seem to be choosy about ours. and i'm not even going into why i had to talk to a police officer- or the rest of this drama. lol.

i failed to write tay last week. i blame it on not feeling well and having a medicine head. i'd say: i'm going to do 'this' and write tay next. but then a new 'this' came into my head and i'm not sure where i put tay. it honestly made me sick...and this time not anything that a med can help with! additionally, my classes had their make-up days last week- the first falling on the day that tay and i exchange emails. i guess it was just too much- it happens! BUT you should see the make-up letter i sent him...it's forever long!!!

if you're not following tay's blog, he's doing awesome. he has several contacts that he's keeping in touch with along with progression of actual investigators. his heart, mind, soul, and spirit are all engaged in serving- i couldn't be more pleased with him. he is confessing a sadness- transfer time is coming up. he's been in the same companionship and member home since he arrived in his mission. his companion has been amazing and the family has been a blessing! so...i'm sure he'll have a heavy heart when he writes this coming tues. stop in and drop him a note (leave a comment) on his blog- he'd love to hear from you! :)

i went to see the family that tay told me about. my friend lindy came along and we enjoyed getting to meet them! we're looking forward to introducing them to the scout leadership along with the bishop next sunday. and, hopefully they will join lindy's family, mine, and the missionaries for dinner a week from monday.

speaking of the missionaries- em and i made cookies and took them all over last week- including the missionaries. i also put a big bag of valentine goodies together that i ended up with from being a teacher. the elders were thrilled! i then had signed up to feed them the following wed. it's been a week of service over here!

finally- em was ranked in school. she has a 4.0 and a 105.00 point average and out of (just shy of) 900 kids placed 97th. i'm so proud of her! that emily is a hard worker, self motivated, and extremely bright. all of that and a 97 tho...i can't imagine what has to be done to move up to number 1. she's taking pre AP in three classes...! lol...oh well, we're excited that she's navigating her freshman year so well!

this week i gained two photography jobs and i'm very excited about them...

and that is the end of post 95. have a great week y'all!

deepak

2009-02-12T21:49:00.004-06:00

set up: my yoga instructor has the class in corpse pose (back down, lying flat, palms up) on our mats...listening to the music tape she has started. instead of hearing the normal- this yogi plays a thought- calling it our daily 'purpose'.

most of the time the thoughts are very pleasant and quite thought provoking in the best sense...but this time it is even more so.

a man's voice began by saying that we are part of a ecosystem web of life: the trees are my (our) lungs. the rivers are my (our) circulation. the earth is my (our) body and the air is my (our) breath. that this is wisdom...

it struck me as beautiful. i don't know how many times throughout my lifetime i have felt connected to the world in a deeper way than just feeling responsible and respectful. this thought voiced- even articulated what my soul has known all along.

so i googled it.

to be honest- i almost didn't write this post when i learned that deepak chopra was the man who this came from.

i associate him with the new age...2000 and beyond hippies.

but, i guess i'll fess up! i liked it and it is to his credit!

great things...

2009-02-09T22:43:00.002-06:00

sometimes i feel that i really have to sift through my days to find good happenings.

this week has been that- even so, i feel gratitude.

saturday was my last day at elm fork. i could rattle off many reasons for this- but i would like to leave it with that simple statement.

sunday i went to church and was so uplifted by the meetings! we had a welcome home talk by kyle t*. what a great kid! he gave an outstanding talk and i really just couldn't help but look at him and think of my tay and feel such love for these young men who are giving their hearts daily to the Lord- regardless of how their hearts are being received by the people they seek. it's such a lesson to me- and a reminder to me that i can do better!

i then went on to teach my sunday school class. we had all of kyle t*'s cousins join in with kyle's sister in my class- which made it HUGE. additionally, we had a investigator come for her second week. it made for a challenge- especially teaching about the Holy Ghost.

thankfully, i felt guided in my approach and was able to bring their focus in to the Spirit. it felt successful, and was confirmed as i overheard my investigator (kadee) tell her missionaries that she had a great class. the timing was there, so i walked over and hugged her letting her know that i'm open to answering any questions she may have as i teach.

and, a fun thing too! all of those t* kids are distant relatives! we shared that together and the experience helped us all bond together.

i already love that class.

yesterday evening the adult singles had a dinner and fireside with our area 70 speaking, Elder Martino. i had the pleasure of sitting in on a talk before and very much enjoyed the company of my single friends followed by his inspiring talk.

tomorrow i look forward to hearing from tay. it's all i think about starting the sunday before. :)

i'm going to visit the family that he asked me to go see tomorrow, being that they have not contacted me. pray for a good outcome!

thank you to my friends and family... your love and support mean everything to me and our little family!

such a FUN thing!

2009-02-01T22:18:00.004-06:00

tonight i received a phone call from a strange number- ringing in from california. i answered and was blown away to learn that a family from tay's mission had called me to talk about tay!

they had just had our elder and elder murley over to a lasagna dinner (per the boys request) and when it became time to go (they were supporting another companionships baptism tonight), bro. krause told the elders that if they wanted, he would call and talk to their families after they left for the baptism. :) :) :) :)

how fun is that?!?

what a sweet man bro krause was to think to do that. so- he mentioned (and i have to paraphrase because of my silly emotional memory) what a good elder tay was... how he could really see how tay would be flying after the awesome training he was getting from elder murley...what a great team they were...how awesome in general tay is, (and during the convo bro. krauses 15 year old daughter was being silly in the background)and that the boys worked hard and were impressive. he seemed to really enjoy our tay- and the family has had them over for dinner 3 times already. he also spoke of their tight ward, and how they really cared and looked out for their missionaries. the krause family has an elder in idaho, 5 months now.

it's just such good karma...and loving thy neighbor...!

i'm feeding our missionaries on the 18th of this month- and really looking forward to it!

okay- so i finally posted some pics to go with our 'big' ice storm. it doesn't look in the least bit dangerous to me. all my friends took their kids out to the malls and such... i mean, what do you think?

there were more accidents than they could count from this. oh well! the funniest part of all is that this was just last tues and wed. and then on fri we were back to 70's and enjoying gorgeous weather yesterday and today, too !!!!

a note to dad...it's never to late to stop in and leave a comment. i LOVE to hear from you!

iced in and...he wrote, he wrote, he wrote!

2009-01-27T21:33:00.008-06:00

yes, this is the serious ice storm...

that closed us down for 2 days...

this is the best picture of ice that i could find...

i'm not a meteorologist- don't even know if i spelled it correctly- but i don't get freezing rain. it just seems that if it is cold enough, and there is precipitation falling...that it should be SNOW- not ice chips! (incredibly- 500 reported accidents today because of the icy roads) anyway...em and i had a happy day of being 'iced' in. we made brownies, played facebook scrabble, and watched american idol to enjoy the time away :)(also cleaned out a closet- i seriously have more bath and body products than anyone else other than bath and body!)

oh! and happily enough, em is going to EFY! she'll attend the denton location.

also...

i've posted tay's 10th letter and a new pic of him and his companion- and i'm hoping that i can get the other photos in a day or so...!

my new sunday calling...!

2009-01-25T23:11:00.003-06:00

the first i became aware that i hadn't told you about my new sunday calling (job)was in a comment dani left-

i am the new sunday school teacher for the juniors and seniors in high school!

these kids are friends of taylor's and it is fun to be in there with them. :)

i look forward to the studying that goes into teaching the subject- but also the interaction with these kids, and the opportunity to share some the happenings with taylor.

this week at church, two of our missionaries are returning. one came back friday and the other will join his mom in utah, where she moved just over a year ago. patti was our women's leader and as a single mom (widow) did a fantastic job as relief society president. i am now happy to announce that she is also engaged! i'm so happy for her- and the funny thing about that is- it's taken me three (plus) years to get over the feeling like i couldn't breath when one of my single friends announced that they were getting married!

i feel sorry for the friends i let down with my paranoia. yikes!

also, dani asked what play was em in- emily was in theatre for her first semester and as a 'final' the classes were required to perform mini-logues. the one that em performed was a comedy- and one of the few that received consistant laughing. she had a girl partner and together they were perfectly cute.

forgive me for not mentioning it earlier- em put the big 'kabosh' on it and wouldn't let me tell anyone (this included her father) but then at the last moment lizzie arrived and sat with me. they are such good friends!

em started new classes this past week. her leap started up and she's into big reading- jane eyre, along with chinese cinderella and soon to follow, poisonwood bible.

i'm keeping three cups of tea bedside, hoping to get some of it read here and there!

this week proves to be short on news and long on work hours. i'm working next sunday, so it becomes one of my marathon stretches...13 days straight.

i'll be posting from tay as soon as i hear from him.

your comments are so much appreciated! thank you, thank you, thank you!

distractions!

2009-01-20T07:34:00.002-06:00

i probably have had more time to write... okay, i KNOW i've had more time to write, but i've had a few distractions.

the biggest culprit has been FACEBOOK.

it's been absolutely wonderful to meet up with friends from the highschool days- and friends that i've known that have moved away.

and it's a bit of a silly place too- interactive, so it is rewarding to spend time there.

BUT my first love is blogger and i'm going to do better by it!

distractions... it seems elder barron had a few the last week- but they were good ones. he wrote people that have been hoping for a letter and i'm okay with going without so that others could have the opportunity.

HOWEVER... he will read a note from me today letting him know that next time he had better at least send a line explaining his plan so that i need not worry or ck my email 40 times looking for word from my 'favorite missionary'!

so- i was very excited for my photograph of scott to be used in his upcoming 'raw and wild' tv debut. he brought the poster in, unrolled it, and i immediately knew that it wasn't my pic. apparently they pulled one off from his website that wasn't a 'happy' scott, but rather a 'serious' scott. true- we didn't take any of him being so intent.

people who didn't know about me and the photo made comments about his pic- and they weren't kind about the expression he has- so i guess a small part of me thinks they made a judgement error...lol

BUT i discovered this week while watching a instructional shooting DVD that several of my photos were in it and i was asked to give them my info to be included in the credits. the DVD is called, 'Lipstick and Lead'...starring jeanie! fun!

and hopefully that last little tid bit was entertaining enough to read that you forgot that you were 'distracted' from the 'distraction' theme of this post so that i can remain on the thread i intended.

tay should write today.

and really- all this distraction thought is rhonda trying to click the time down until i hear from him again.

thank you for being that distraction!

you lovable distractions, you... lol

i'm not sure this is worthy

2009-01-15T00:21:00.008-06:00

of being my 88th post but it's all i've got:

elder barron stiffed me this week!!!

and he stiffed his dad...

< HOWEVER >

em received one- good of him bcuz (texting mania creeping in) at least we know he's alive!

ergggghhh

my usual weirdness!

2009-01-10T22:05:00.003-06:00

this week has been filled with activity- school started up again for both em and i... seminary is it's happy little 6am self... jeanie (elm fork) has said she misses my assistance and has asked me to help whenever i can...5 guys that have wanted to get together with me have stopped texting me about it...my christmas tree is 'tagged' for tomorrow...michael is leaving for israel...and that has me doing google searches on more israel history.

in less than 12 hours i had three different references to israel's 6 day war fall in my lap. k- i'm not jewish, haven't taken any history courses on the subject, and have no other ties to israel other than what we're taught from the bible. therefore, the 6 day war was new stuff to me. i was a year and a half old when it happened, june 1967. so, not a huge surprise, but even so, the story is remarkable enough that i can't believe if i did hear about it that i didn't pay any attention to it.

oh, and it's only called the '6 day war' by the israeli's- the other countries involved have their own names for it, while the syrians who were also involved have absolutely no reference to it in any of their writings.

strange stuff!

anyway, i'm rambling. the point is- what happened in those 6 days is what makes up the dynamics for what is happening today.

when i read the news reports of tens of thousands protestors in france, barcelona, sweden, lebanon, milan, florence, venice...all against israel fighting gaza- well, i couldn't believe it.

my curiosity is piqued. i don't get it. what am i missing???

i'm back to my research. articles on the net...might pick up a book by michael b. oren (history phd, american jew who moved to israel with his family as a teen and has an extensive army history. remember when i mentioned that all 18 year olds are required to serve three years? that service is required for one month out of every year following until the age of 42! there are many non jews that live in israel that volunteer for that same commitment)...and channel surfing last night brought up cspan history and a book review. maybe they'll have more.

if you have anything to comment on to help me out...please do!

Happy New Year!!!

2008-12-31T19:12:00.006-06:00

hey y'all....!

look- we're at a NEW YEAR. amazing stuff! i've been thinking about it- seems every magazine has some article about healthy ways to approach new year goals.

dr. phil...i can hear the groans! but, he has some wonderful self examining bullet points to aid us in evaluating for change. he asks:

1. Is what you're doing in your life working?
2. Are your payoffs healthy?
3. Are you getting in the way of your own success?
4. Are you making everyone happy except yourself?
5. Is the most of what you're doing too high?
6. Are you living with a chip on your shoulder?
7. Has it been too long since you relaxed?
8. Have you gotten too comfortable?
9. Are you being spiritually fed?
10. Are you low on your own priority list?

the usual suspects aren't on this list but if you read between the lines, you will find wherein you know you need to make adjustments.

funny enough, i got to thinking of this list while i was in my vinyasa yoga class this morning. our instructor reminded us that stressful/painful/unhealthy memories are held in the hip joints. she led us through several poses to loosen the areas and then repeatedly asked us to exhale- deeply and vocally. it was interesting to me that at that moment i did feel different and invigorized to do more.

i wake up each year knowing that i want things to be better than the last. i'm thankful that as the years have progressed my goals have matured- this year no exception.

at the end of a good yoga class, the instructor will advise the group to get in 'corpse' pose. laying on your back, hearing the calming exercises for the mind to also rest, most participants lose themselves- almost drifting off to sleep. today the instructor walked around through the group and selected some here and there to nourish. i don't know what else to call it... and what she offers differs from one to another. when her feet approached our area i knew that she was coming to stand by me. i didn't have anything covering my eyes- which most in the class like to have- so she placed a warmed towel over my eyes, then gently pressed her hands into it, then to my shoulders, doing the same, and then finally letting her hand rest on my forhead. after she walked away i felt a tear dropping off my cheek.

we carry many things around with us each and every day- every moment- on our shoulders, on our minds, in our hearts. that small act of giving just touched me. and i realized that i need to find where my goals, dreams, and hurts are and address them.

along this line of thought- Randy Pausch (i'm sure you've heard of him)gave a lecture that ended up being on demand, picked up by tv, book rights sold, and moved into my world. i saw the advertisements, watched a bit of the special that was on tv, and heard the announcement of his death.

and, was given the book to read, which i did over this past week. i copied this summary from the website regarding what all the fuss was about:

"A lot of professors give talks titled “The Last Lecture.” Professors are asked to consider their demise and to ruminate on what matters most to them. And while they speak, audiences can’t help but mull the same question: What wisdom would we impart to the world if we knew it was our last chance? If we had to vanish tomorrow, what would we want as our legacy?"

to summarize even further- his book talks about these bullet points:

1. Always Have Fun
2. Dream Big
3. Ask for What You Want
4. Dare To Take a Risk
5. Look for the Best In Everybody
6. Make Time for What Matters
7. Let Kids Be Themselves

it's a great book. he's funny and full of life and how he lived it- and how he'd love to see his children get to live theirs. great perpective and, definitely worth reading!

and that's it! i'm done being all new yearsie in this post! yea!!!

to add: i've placed tay's 7th letter on his blog. check it out and be a dear and leave him a comment. he loved the last ones! :)

i wanted to share a pic of a gift i received from michael, my friend from israel. he wanted to give me a christmas gift- i dare say it was the first such gift he's given. so cute, too, kept saying 'merry christmas' days after christmas was over. the reason i'm posting this is- he had many observations of being here during the holiday. he didn't think that our area seemed to really celebrate. he told me that christians love the jews- but most people 'don't love us so much'. i try to show him what being christian is, outside of what he sees working here in america. anyway, he gave me this:

he explained that he bought the necklace in israel when he was home last, and that it 'wasn't so much but thank you for being my friend.' he further explained that he didn't know who he would give it to- but that he had decided he wanted it to go to me, adding, he didn't understand why i wanted to be his friend. well, i just do.

it's sterling silver, the star of david, and as you may have guessed, the gift was perfect for me. i love it!

i found this interesting too... he forwarded this to me from his jewish friends. it had made the rounds in their peer group- and after i translated the hebrew (sample בן ביקש מאביו "אבי, האם תשתתף בריצת מרתון איתי?", האב אשר למרות היותו
סובל ממחלת לב אמר "כן". הם הלכו והתחרו במרתון ביחד. יום אחד ביקש הבן
מאביו "אבא, בא נשתתף בתחרות איש הברזל ביחד". האב אמר כן. כדאי להזכיר
כי תחרות איש הברזל כוללת שחיה בים למרחק של 3.86 ק"מ, רכיבה על אופנים
למרחק של 180.2 ק"מ וריצת מרתון של 42 ק"מ. האב ובנו התחרו בתחרות ביחד.
עכשיו תראו את הוידיאו המדהים הזה של שניהם מתחרים) to english found that they researched the story, added details AND LOVED the message. (yeah, i get a kick out of it translating what i can w/the help of a website) you just have to watch it to see why it's so interesting (and again, blogger won't let me just add a link so copy and paste plz):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJMbk9dtpdY&eurl

and finally, out of the blue, i was released from my church calling as a primary teacher and was not extended a new one. (i think the comment i made a few months back about single moms being called to teach primary was overkill) sigh. lol.
love ya and Happy New Year!!!

christmas!

2008-12-28T19:01:00.007-06:00

talk about your untraditional celebrations!

em and i decided to celebrate on christmas eve (day) being that she was spending christmas eve and day with her dad.

she's so cute- she woke up early on c-eve morning thinking that we'd open gifts WAY early. i only slowed her down a tiny bit- made her wait while i finished putting bows on her gifts. i also wanted to deliver our neighbor gifts with her before we got started...

she helped me put them together and off we went...to our elderly widow next door who is just CUTE. she had full make-up on (em says it must be a goal to get the make-up in the vacinity of where she would like it to be) and was dressed up head to toe in christmas green...with matching eye shadow. so CUTE. i complimented her on how festive she looked and she confided, "well, you know, i have so many christmas outfits that i changed three times yesterday to get to wear them!" so CUTE. :)

our other two stops were to neighbors that in their small way are good to us through the year... watching out for us while we're out of town, bringing the garbage cans in, edging my yard... just nice. and this year, one of those neighbors and i began talking again after years of strain. it's a beginning. i'd like to think one that added straw to Christ's manger.

when we finished, em opened her stocking and gifts. she was so excited to get her new rant phone and digital camera...amongst other fun things.

i did a couple of things for myself- a new dress and boots, along with buying a copy of the book that i made and gave to mom and dad, along with both sets of grandparents. as a teacher i receive so many fun things to treat myself- and gift cards to share as a family, too. mom and dad gave me my first digital frame- a large one that i absolutely LOVE. i'm putting together a wall grouping with it. :)...me and my photos!

darlene had em and i over to dinner after i got em's phone all set up. we helped with the dinner and then off em went.

my christmas day was spent, off and on, with Lori- another single mom spending the day alone.

we went walking first thing in the morning and then i hurried home and did a few things waiting for my elder to call. when he did it was so exciting to hear his voice again. makes me get emotional just remembering our convo. he's such a good boy. one wonderful thing that happened- i got to talk a minute with the mom of the family that has the missionaries living with them. she seemed to be so warm and sweet and yet i could tell she was lively and fun. she was so gracious with me- i had sent their family a christmas card and she said it made her cry, and then she went on to compliment me for how young i looked. blessings come in ways you never expect! first i get to learn first hand how wonderful the family is that tay gets to stay with- sister gardner was so kind regarding what she had to say about our boy...and i even get to hear a compliment about how young i look. it was a good exchange. :)

anyway- i'm posting that convo on tay's blog sometime this evening... i would love for you to leave a comment for him. he LOVED the last comments that were left!

lori and i then spent the day in a movie and at dinner. we were very lucky to find a place to eat- i mean, the news said many places would be open on christmas day- but we only found one: the golden corral. lol. it worked. :)

and finally, the day ended with phone calls to and from family. i love you guys! i'm so blessed!

below- tonight em and i finally got around to cooking a holiday meal...even if it wasn't on a holiday! it was fun and super yummy- we made a turkey with all the trimmings, homemade bread and a new traditional salad: field greens and spinach, fresh pear and slivered almonds with a homemade dressing to die for. fun!

ready or not...!

2008-12-23T20:23:00.004-06:00

love this jibjab stuff- too fun! although, i'm trying to find a way to save and post so that em isn't cut off by my page limits...! (turns out that jibjab must be overloaded and so rather than deal with them- i took a pic of our design, and added it instead. it's not as good- but much more reliable!)

tay emailed AND sent a letter with a few pics... it's now on his page and ready for you to see! :)

Kenneth Cope

2008-12-21T12:35:00.004-06:00

...made this 'O Holy Night' video in conjunction with Liz Lemon Swindle's art work. i found it to be wonderfully done and so i wanted to share!

blogger won't let me make it into a link- so just copy, paste, and enjoy!

http://www.foundationarts.com/christmas_2008_ecard_high_def.htm

Christmas Naughties

2008-12-19T17:45:00.006-06:00

this is what i am not so lovingly referring to the abundant amount of goodies that are passed around at this time of year.

at my house there is a rule: "enjoy it for a day (12-18 hours)then throw it away."

yesterday was the last day of preschool and it was fun, as always! and as always, there was left over pizza and cookies and plenty of gifts that included treats.

some of those left over cookies made it to our home, and today em decided to make up one for me:

do you see the i (heart) u? so cute! so caloric? so NAUGHTY. and actually, she knows that i don't care for lots of frosting but she did it anyway. just so you can see how thick it is:

i told her i loved her and then i put on my walking shoes, grabbed up a gift i needed to deliver, along with some mail- and walked to the post office and on for another hour. i feel much better! just looking at that cookie made my blood sugar go up... :)

okay- so tay finally sent another letter and i'm going to write and paraphrase it a bit on his blog because there were things in there that he wanted kept private. all i can say is that it choked me up good. i've held myself together, well, until i read this last one.

thank you, again and again for loving and supporting him. :)

and, i'm sending my best vibes your way that the remaining time you have to spend preparing for Christmas and to be with your family doing fun things... that time will be splendid!!!

love ya!

tay's mission president letter arrived

2008-12-14T19:57:00.002-06:00

with a pic and map and... i've posted it to his blog. ( a small map on the sidebar and a larger one you'll find by scrolling to the bottom of his page) check it out!

to catch up a bit!

2008-12-13T22:09:00.003-06:00

the biggest and saddest news i have to share is- miley is no longer our dog.

when tay left- and the care for her planted itself on this working mom's shoulders- well, i thought i was doing okay. but i guess miley didn't.

she started showing defiance for the new schedule by messing in her kennel- even with me getting up throughout the night to let her out- i'd wake and she'd have done it again.

it didn't help that the temps were in the 20's and 30's while i'm out trying to clean it out and start again.

so... i went out and bought a better collar and toys and a dog coat- and took her for long walks and she still tortured me with the messing.

i mentioned my problem to a friend who knows dogs and i was told that when i was ready to say goodbye to miley, that a new home would be arranged for her, by people that love dogs more than they love people.

this reassured me... but still i tried.

and it got me no where.

so, now miley is in another home- we know nothing more.

and we will miss her.

on a brighter note: i received the letter and picture from the mission president and his wife. i plan on posting that tomorrow, k? it's good stuff! (something to look forward to, right?)

and today i had an opportunity that was fun, and hopefully works out, too. Scott (from elm fork) asked me to shoot some head shots for a poster that his tv show is needing. this show is going to be on the outdoors channel and will be called, Beretta's Raw and Wild. if they can work with the photos that we took then i'll have something of a TV CREDIT.

add that to Wal Mart insisting that one of my families get my approval for copyright on their family portraits photos... :)

packages are sent out and cards are almost done. shopping is done! and now the organizing and cleaning begin!

i spent 10 hours of my life today at elm fork and i'm whipped. goodnight y'all!

letter 4 arrived

2008-12-10T18:19:00.002-06:00

check it out by following the link 'Elder Barron'. AND want you to know that i had two pages of comments to send him this week in my first letter to california. THANK YOU for taking the time to write a comment! BIG hugs :)

Look Out...

2008-12-07T19:20:00.013-06:00

rhonda's (yes that's me) bought and decorated a tree! and i love it! (as much as i can love doing something that i'm not really into.) it's a nine foot, pre-lit beautiful tree and replaced a tree that barely made it through the last season. honest to goodness- if it hadn't have been tay's last Christmas at home, i would've kicked that tree to the curb the day we put it up. in humor and some disdain, we called it the leaning tree...

aside: if you could help me figure out why i'm so loath to get into decorating anymore... how i got to be this way... i'd be forever grateful. :)

Christmas is a wonderful season and i remember days gone by where i made the most of every carol or Christmas CD. not only did i decorate- but i worked on decorations months in advance. a couple of those decorations i use and love, still. such as our stockings and the tree garland.

the stockings i made...

the garland to match...

we each have a new ornament to add to the tree, this is em's.

i've always collected nativities...

taylor was not here to choose an ornament this year... so when i came across this indian and eagle one, and it brought to mind tay's eagle scout ceremony, i felt it was a wonderful find. head's up friends and family- next year i want to find a missionary ornament. if i can't find one i guess i'll make him one :)

the other tradition that we have is to collect (and this will make you wonder even more about me-) ornaments from our vacations. yes, even though i don't like to decorate for Christmas, i go out of my way to collect ornaments in every town we travel to. but, it is a fun collection! here are two we have from hawaii:

i want to pass on a trick i have- i keep all of my ornaments throughout the year in the christmas gift boxes that can be bought in stores- it takes a couple of boxes for each of us- and yes i separate them out when we bring the tree down, so that the following year we can easily see who's belong to each of us. after we decorate the tree i place the boxes under the tree. it looks like we have presents under the tree- and as funny as this sounds- everyone who comes over is impressed with that! let's just keep that amongst ourselves!

as i was working on this post i listened to The First Presidency's Christmas Devotional. i love the stories, the music, the Spirit. it helps and it heals.

i heard to reach out and serve- and that will be my goal the rest of this season, at least!

for all of you, from me- i hope that you are loving this time with your family, that you are enjoying the festivities, too- and that you feel the Savior's love! xoxo

tay wrote again...

2008-12-03T06:14:00.002-06:00

and he's officially in CA as of yesterday morning! (For those of you who missed this- Tay has a link on my sidebar where i am posting his letters!) leave a comment and i'll be sure he hears from you when i send my letters. :)

a holiday review

2008-11-30T21:38:00.002-06:00

hey family and friends!

i hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving- lots of yummy food and time with loved ones. :)

em and i were invited to Jeanie's home and with their large and wonderful family, we had a great time. that family knows how to cook! the food was delicious and there was easily enough for double the crowd.

about 1 a.m. miley decided to start whining. i couldn't comprehend it then but when she began again at 4 something i hopped out of bed to take her out. sure enough she had 'issues'.

at that point i couldn't go back to sleep, even tho i tried in vain. i looked over at the clock and it read 5ish. i decided to get myself up, dress, and head to best buy for the black friday deals.

i honestly didn't expect anything to be there that i had seen in the ads. but- i got VERY lucky, starting with a front row parking space.

to make it short- i found everything i wanted, didn't have to wait in the crazy lines ( a trick i learned a few years back) and was back home by 6:30.

it was great!

how about you- did you do the crazy shopping thing? any luck? did you say no way? :)

TWU

2008-11-23T17:08:00.003-06:00

i had such a wonderful time working at TWU for the Music Dept. this past week! i spent two days with some amazing kids and a very welcoming admin, along with their professors.

it was so entirely awesome that honestly, i felt at home.
as in- when can i get back in school???

i sat in classes that sang, group instrumental classes and in private instruction.

the final class i attended just touched my soul... it was a classical guitar group, that included one student that also played violin. it was so beautiful watching and listening to them play- - - - :) and interestingly, the class was all men- and just one young lady. at texas WOMEN'S university!!!

p.s. i'm hoping to get a letter from tay monday afternoon!

hey!

2008-11-19T15:36:00.002-06:00

i'm back and have lots to say... as if you didn't know that... but wanted you to know that i'm working on Taylor's Missionary Blog.

He's listed on my links as Elder Barron.

today i posted his first letter home!

if you write him a comment, i'll be sure to add those comments to my letters that i send him. :)

the MTC

2008-11-12T20:15:00.004-06:00

cutting the pocket stitching...

adding the name tag...

officially official :)

grandma and uncle ryan with the newest elder at the mtc!

pics to capture these memories

2008-11-11T10:11:00.008-06:00

i love my elder!

taylor, and a friend, michael, from age 5! :)

tay is the oldest grandson and gabe is the youngest- son of bj and rochelle.

...with beej, rochelle, and gabe.

tay and his grandparents, ron and sue.

tay with candice, andy, mandy, and ally.

tay with dani, kirk, braden, kimmie, rissa. and tanner.

tay and grandpa stan.

this is the silly version of tay and the girls...

and then they gave this nice one!

tay and grandpa on the way to the BYU vs San Diego. (we stomped)

countdown

2008-11-10T09:33:00.003-06:00

it is monday- and i am thinking a lot.

i have two more days with tay- to complete getting him ready, to look at his face.

it has been a wonderful trip so far.

at the airport we met a woman who has sent out 5 sons on missions. she was so warm, and enthusiastic with tay about his serving- kind to me in some coping advice.

upon arrival we met another woman- who approached tay with such openess- and it turns out that she lives in the carlsbad california mission. she raved about the mission- it's members, the beauty of the area.

these interactions were like hugs. we recognized them as blessings.

we met mom and dad (so good to be here with them!) and grabbed a bite at our favorite place only to be approached by another- this time a young man that had returned just the day before from his mission. the brotherhood that these young men must feel was touching to witness.

we were so happy to see candice and the girls for a few minutes before we hurried off to the mall to get tay's shopping done.

at mr. mac's we were introduced to a salesman- who had served in the carlsbad mission just one year previous. he spoke with love and assurance to tay regarding the people and mission president. and then he helped us pick out the items tay would need.

at the end the manager gave us an additional discount because mom and dad knew him from years back- and again, all these things we recognize as blessings.

tay has seen most of the family now- and has said his goodbyes. it has been hard to observe these very tender moments.

em, she had the hardest time when reality hit her. she cried for hours, starting with the meeting when tay was set apart and not ending until she fell asleep exhausted.

james had a hard time, too. they (em and james) are hanging out together this week.

today we meet with james' family for dinner. i was invited along and i was happy to accept. it has been since i was married that i have been with all of them. i hope to fade back, take pictures for tay, and let this be all about him.

anyway, counting down- grateful, emtional, grasping at each potential moment.

tay told my uncle jc that he was ready to go- but was treasuring each of these moments leading up to wed.

he sits next to me at every opportunity. i rub his back- i pester him with mom type questions.

he puts up with my camera at his every turn. it is almost comical!

and so... onto the day. love from utah! ...rhonda

leaves, and leaves

2008-11-06T06:19:00.006-06:00

this week has been beyond the usual in crazy- but when an event is coming and it feels like you're standing on the track at a station and your feet feel the rumblings of one approaching...

anyway- it was nice to make an excuse to get outside, which i did for a bit to take a few pictures of a new friend, michael, and a bit of texas leaves.

i took pictures at a friends 40th b-day party, too.

when i return, i'm tentatively scheduled to do two days of works for TWU's choral dept. they want to update their website, so i'm going in and capturing what happens during the day in the classes- sounds a bit fun, eh?

i also have a few families wanting photos, along with individual portraits upon my return- so, i'll return and hit the ground running!

today we finish getting ready to leave for utah. i'm sure i can pack and clean and make my kids a bit nuts today... i'm not sure that i can wrap my mind around tay leaving for two years until we walk in the mtc. i'm bring my own box of tissues-!

tay gets set apart tonight...

i'll share his testimony that he bore last sunday re his car and job.

do you recall a year ago? i called it my black october. my health was giving me issues, the fridge went out, and tay called to tell me he was arrested- and a few minutes later the missionaries were supposed to be coming over for dinner.

so i continued to prepare for the dinner as i waited for the officer to call and tell me i could come pick tay up- as long as i brought (was it?)$800. about then i tried to slice my finger off with my cutco knife.

it called for an ER visit. okay so- add up those expensives- and guess at the cost of the others, and you'll see that i was a bit stressed about what was happening with my budget, my health, and more importantly- my son.

it was at that point that taylor quietly turned to his Heavenly Father and asked for His help. tay desired to obtain a job, and with the help of a car he depended upon, which would need to be reliable, he prayed for the car too.

tay spent a year working every opportunity and quietly saved his money. it was rare for him to spend any of it. once in a while i'd see him grab take out, or come home with a new game- but that was it.

fast forward to this past sunday, when tay stood up and walked to the front of the fast mtg and stood to tell a 'fantastic story' as he called it.

he told that he worked his final night of delivering pizzas, woke the next morning, and his car wouldn't start. tears filled his eyes as he bore his testimony that he knew that Heavenly Father had answered his prayer- that everything would come together so he could save and go on his mission- and that he was blessed exactly that way.

after the mtg i had so many people come up to me and hug me- all of us with tears in our eyes- and then they expressed their happiness for taylor and that he's such an amazing young man. one family asked 'how do you raise a son like taylor?'

you know that it has been bumpy- and that no one knew what might happen in his life. but i am telling you, and this is my testimony- i did nothing. i loved tay, sure. and i fought for him with everything in me. but the reason tay is who he is and where he is today, is because Heavenly Father wants this young man and has plans for him. i have felt the angels fighting in his behalf- using me and others as necessary to reach him, and to secure him. i'm so grateful.

Taylor, Happy Happy Birthday!!!

2008-10-29T08:30:00.001-05:00

i wasn't home yesterday to put this up- because after i got em to school i grabbed up tay and spent the morning with him at the temple and having lunch. i then went to the gun range to run leagues...and work on the next three mornings of subbing in seminary! whoo hoo what fun!

anyway- tay is such a great kid and i love him through and through. :) he's so prepared to teach. i asked tay why (because in all my wisdom i had a couple of thoughts on this) the Prophet, his mission president, and our local leaders had asked him to attend the temple often until entering the MTC.

tay- just being 19 had figured it out: that he needed to have a working knowledge and testimony of the eternal nature of families if he was going to be teaching about it. also- the more that we attend, the more we are able to lead others to the temple. i explained tha many of the missionaries will not have had the opportunity- for one reason or another- to have attended much. he'll have the opportunity to help and teach them as well. he may even have missionary opportunities within the MTC.

he's sober of mind and great in spirit and has such empathy for his fellow brothers and sisters. i'm just glowing inside!

i love you tay!

voting-

2008-10-23T21:47:00.003-05:00

i, along with many other north texans, decided to early vote this past tues.

it felt good to make a decision and to be done with it!

and i encourage everyone to make their vote count too.

lately i've become acquainted with some people that do not have a right to vote in this country- all for varying reasons.

no names, to protect the innocent! so let's start with D.

D is from Africa. he came from an area where he fought in the national service until his life and that of his family, became in danger. they fled- made it to canada, tried to apply to the US for protection, and were told that if their lives weren't in danger in canada, then they could stay in canada. in the US northeast, late at night, and while they feigned being asleep, a friend drove them over the border and into america. shortly after, D's wife was admitted into a center for those emotionally ill. D cries as he tells his life story. the good news for him- they are now citizens, legally, and his wife is much better. they will be able to vote in one year's time.

K is from England. he 'online dated' girls from the US until he found someone that he felt was a keeper. she flew to England to meet him and after three dates she asked him to marry her! he came to the US with permission to stay 6 months, and in that 6 months he had to get married or return home. A visitor such as he cannot work here. and, it takes 6 months of marriage before you are eligible to work here. K's friend did the same thing...although, his online girlfriend wouldn't marry him and he's at the mercy of her and his friends until he meets someone else. i asked K why they went through all of the trouble to get here- i was wondering why someone in england would be so desparate to get here. he claims that it's impossible to get ahead in the UK- that there is no future there. and just so you know- he has an engineering degree- he's no slouch!

recently i met a group of people, 20 somethings from Israel. The group is here working for R at a store he co-owns. all of these young men and women served an amount of time in their homeland army. they all speak Hebrew, Arabic, English, and some Spanish. i inquired why they were here...and again it is said- America is the land of opportunity. they earn money and send it home. not one of the group can vote here. they didn't talk of the dangers in their homeland- dangers we know exist.

this list of people does not include the people i know from mexico that are here and working illegally, that also send money home, and that also cannot vote.

we take so much for granted. we are so blessed that we cannot even recognize the blessings we have because we've never known the kind of desperation that each of the above has faced.

even i- with my hardships and discouragements cannot even begin to comprehend life with my family's lives in danger- my children being schooled in warfare- the corruption that goes on in other countries, right on down to what happens at the post office when you try to send a package to a missionary. and yes, we have hungry citizens- but not a government that posts gunmen at delivery points to stop people that are trying to help.

please recognize the value of your vote, and then vote gladly!

taylor's farewell talk

2008-10-19T21:17:00.002-05:00

i won't add much to this post- i'll just say that once again tay did a wonderful job of preparing and giving this talk titled, "Testify of Christ".

Testify of Christ

In answer to the question, “What are the fundamental principles of your religion?” the Prophet Joseph Smith said, “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.” I was asked to speak about testifying of Christ. The first thing I asked myself was what does it mean to testify of Christ? Webster’s Dictionary gives two definitions to the word testify 1. To make a serious declaration to substantiate a fact; bear witness or give evidence and 2. To be evidence of.
To testify of Christ as we should, I believe that we need to address both definitions. We need to be missionaries with the purpose of declaring Christ’s name and we also need to emulate Christ ourselves.
In Doctrine and Covenants 11:21 it says, “Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men.”
So in order to testify of Christ we must study and work to become more Christ like ourselves. Christ like attributes come through righteous living, obedience, and charity. If we want to become great missionaries and examples to our friends who have not yet had the gospel in their lives then we must first embrace the gospel ourselves. To develop interest in our church we can show the light of Christ acting in our own lives.
Ammon was a great example of Christ like attributes. When he went to teach the Lamanites he went as a servant. The King of the Lamanites received him as a servant and asked Ammon to tend to his sheep. When the servants were attacked Ammon knew he had been given his chance to testify to the Lamanites because of his faithfulness. He knew that he had been promised protection by the Lord during his ministry to the Lamanites. So Ammon fearlessly drove away the attackers and showed the Lamanites the power of Christ. The astonished servants excitedly told King Lamoni what had transpired and the King became curious because of Ammon’s bravery and diligence. His heart was opened and Ammon was able to convert him to Christ that day.
Just as Ammon testified of Christ to the Lamanites we can testify to our friends. My favorite part about that story other than the chopping off of arms is that Ammon never tried to force a gospel conversation on King Lamoni. Often we can be a testament to the truthfulness of the gospel through our actions. The Latter Day Saints are a strange people to the world and the world watches us. Often the best way to start missionary work is through actions. An example of this is the commitment of time and talents our youth put into this church. Seminary five times a week at 6am, mutual once a week, three hours of church on Sunday and it is not uncommon for youth to be engaged in a meeting or other extra activities over the weekend. 7+ meetings a week. You really just do not see that anywhere else and I know that the youth open many hearts through their actions and are wonderful at testifying of Christ through their example.
The other thing we must do as latter day saints to properly testify of Christ is to open our mouths and testify when we have the chance. Christ taught not just those who were eager to hear and learn from him but he also taught those who were his enemies. He spoke to everyone who would listen.
In Doctrine and Covenants 100:5-8 it says:
Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men; For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, the very moment, what ye shall say. But a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall declare whatsoever thing ye declare in my name, in solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness, in all things. And I give unto you this promise, that inasmuch as ye do this the Holy Ghost shat be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall say.
While not every conversation we have with a nonmember needs to be about Christ and our church we need to be open to missionary moments when we have the chance. We know when we have opportunities to testify of Christ and of our church. We just need to have the faith to take advantage of them.
Samuel the Lamanite was a great example of testifying of Christ when it might have been a scary thing to do. He was asked in Helaman 13 that he should return to the Nephites, after he had already been turned away to prophesy the things of his heart. The Nephites even tried to kill him as he preached from the city wall yet he continued to preach the words of God to them. As we know, the Nephites decided to remain wicked but at least Samuel showed a great example of missionary work.
Another example of a prophet being asked to testify to people who he thought would surely turn him away was Jonah. Jonah was asked to call the Ninevites to repentance. He was so opposed to the task that the Lord caused him to be swallowed by a whale before Jonah consented to do what was asked of him. To Jonah’s surprise the wicked Ninevites did repent and the Lord did not need to destroy them.
Both prophets Jonah and Samuel were asked to testify of Christ. When they did they had different results. They were obviously both men of God yet one people received the gospel into their lives and one did not. What I draw from this story is that the Lord may ask you to bear your testimony of the divinity of Christ even though he knows that testimony will not be received. Also, I know that even if I testify with the spirit and the Holy Ghost I may still not be received and that is ok. As long as I do my part and bear my testimony I do not need to be ashamed if a friend does not accept the gospel into their lives.
With all the full-time missionaries of the church it might seem like missionary work is exclusively for missionaries. This is not true. Every member of the church should seek out and pray for missionary opportunities. President Hinckley taught:
“So many of us look upon missionary work as simply tracting. Everyone who is familiar with this work knows there is a better way. That way is through the members of the church. Whenever there is a member who introduces an investigator, there is an immediate support system. The member bears testimony of the truth of the work. He is anxious for the happiness of his investigator friend. He becomes excited as that friend makes progress in learning the gospel.
“The full-time missionaries may do the actual teaching, but the member, wherever possible, will back up that teaching with the offering of his home to carry on this missionary service. He will bear sincere testimony of the divinity of the work. He will be there to answer questions when the missionaries are not around. He will be a friend to the convert who is making a big and often difficult change…. The process of bringing new people into the church is not the responsibility alone of the missionaries. They succeed best when members become the source from which new investigators are found.”
As President Hinckley said, it is a much better situation when members of the church are active missionaries. It is important when investigators come to church gatherings that they have a friend and an outlet to help them feel more comfortable. It is also important to members themselves to reach out and bear their testimonies often.
In Doctrine and Covenants 84:61 it says “For I will forgive you of your sins with this commandment- that you remain steadfast in your minds in solemnity and the spirit of prayer, in bearing testimony to all the world of those things which are communicated to you.”
It is implied in this scripture that the Lord will forgive those who bear testimony of that which the Spirit teaches us. Because it is also written in the scriptures that the Lord cannot look upon sin with the smallest degree of allowance I believe that when we bear our testimonies we are perfected. President Joseph F. Smith said in Doctrine and Covenants 138:12 that “the spirits of the just” were those that “had been faithful in the testimony of Jesus while they lived in mortality.”
In contrast, when describing the terrestrial kingdom in Doctrine and Covenants 76:79 Joseph Smith says, “These are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus; wherefore, they obtain not the crown over the kingdom of our God.” From these scriptures I conclude that it is necessary to engage in missionary work when we can. In order to become perfected in Christ we must be valiant in our testimony of Him. I know that in my lifetime I have felt the regret of passing a possible missionary opportunity and I would not with that feeling of disappointment on anybody.
I have heard that a great talk ends with a challenge. I want my talk to have been great so I challenge you to pray this week for missionary opportunities in the morning and at night every day this week and act on any promptings that may come of it.
(2 Ne. 25:26.)

Tay then bore his testimony to conclude the talk.

i was/am very proud of him!

our trip to the temple

2008-10-14T08:55:00.001-05:00

it was a beautiful day and i am thankful for the wonderful experience that we all had together.

because of the sacred nature of being there- it's best left at that!

Michael Buble'

2008-10-12T20:34:00.003-05:00

Hands down this was the most talented, genuine, entertaining time i have spent at a concert.

Michael's talent isn't in doubt... but when i asked tay and em if they wanted to try and get tickets em was enthusiastic and tay was doubtful at best, but because he's brave, he surprised me by answering, 'sure.'

i'm not so brave but i am adventurous, so when the time came yesterday to get the kids together to go- i sent tay a text to see if he hadn't managed to have a conflict.

when the three of us got on our way, gps guiding, the feeling that this really was going to happen began to creep into my mind.

we got there, bought our t's and took our seats (great btw) just in time for the opening comedy act to begin.

the guy wasn't prepared for our group- and he pretty much bombed...

but that made michael's concert even the more sweeter.

honestly- if tay could be blown away by the experience, which he was, then i really don't have to add anything more- but i want to.

em yelled and cheered like he was a jonas brother. both of my kids saw me behave like i might've as a teen.

and three times when the conference center was completely quiet, i whooped or told michael that i loved him. i didn't even blush.

he sang and danced- his band played their hearts out- he enteracted with the audience, and at the end- even after singing all the fave such as 'lost', 'everything', 'home', 'you know how i feel' and many surprises such as 'mrs. jones' and 'ymca', i found the very last sounds he sang to be the very most memorable.

i want to add that michael seems to be a very nice, funny guy. many times during the concert he would just begin to talk and have us in stitches over something- but at the end, he became serious and said he didn't want to end things on a downer- but that he and the band recognized that this audience came to see them on gas money. that families with college children were their paying good money for the seats. that the countries we loved were in bad times... so he thanked us and teared up in the end saying that good friends of his were canceling concerts because people just didn't have the money to attend. he thanked us and said he'd come back as often as we would have him.

Michael came out upon our encore request and sang, 'a song for you'... and on the last few measures, dropped the band, dropped the microphone, stood at the very front of the stage (which immediately we all sensed) and finished the song acapella. it was heart stoppingly beautiful.

I've been so many places in my life and time
I've sung a lot of songs and I've made some bad climbs
I've acted out my life in stages with ten thousand people watching
Oh, but we're alone now and I'm singing this song for you
I know your image of me is what I hope to be, I've treated you unkindly
Oh, but Darling can't you see that, there's no one more important to me
Baby, baby, can't you see through me, 'cause we're alone now
And I'm singing this song to you, you taught me precious secrets
Of a true love withholding nothing, you came out in front
When I was hiding, yeah, yeah, but now it's so much better
If my words don't quite come together, please listen to the melody
'Cause my love is in there somewhere hiding
I love you in a place where there is no space or time, I love you for my life
You are a friend of mine, and when my life is over
Remember, remember, remember when we were together
And we are alone now, and I was singing this song to you
We were alone, and I was singing, yeah singing
We were alone, and I was singing this song for you
Singing my song, I'm singing my song for you

don't miss the opportunity to see him if you ever have the chance!

results

2008-10-02T20:48:00.003-05:00

the results are in...!

miley does NOT have cancer- she had a very severe bacterial infection that our vet said she should recover fully from. we're doing the happy dance for miley. although all of us are scared of her at the moment. she's scary with the lampshade accessory and she's been so hungry that she's been manical.

so- to answer the lampshade issue: she's getting her stitches out monday and we're hoping that she's losing the hat then, too. if not- we're prepared to decorate it for halloween! ;)

and the hunger issue: i received permission today for miley to start to get to eat more- which is very good for her. we hope to see her calm down several notches or ten!

and finally i have one more result to announce: Tay got his ACT score. he scored a 29 and we're so very proud of him!!! yea!!! this calls for another happy dance!

now- we're off to bed- em has the doughnuts assigned to her in seminary tomorrow and tay has his temple session @ 7:30. i'll be working until late and have to put in 24 hours at the range over the weekend.

frankly, i'm tired just thinking about it! :)

i went shooting today...

2008-10-01T18:15:00.005-05:00

shotgun shooting, and loved it!

the divas came out again last saturday to the range- and when there was a bit of a break, one of the instructors called me over with, "rhonda, get over here and shoot!" i couldn't wait to! and of course i missed a few- it's been a year since i shot last- but i hit several, too.

because of that- a couple of the shooters began to ask me to go shooting and today i had the opportunity to get out.

it was sooo fun and i can't wait for the next round!

we have some plans we're looking forward to as a family this month- we're going to see michael buble' in concert, we're going to see byu stomp tcu, and we plan on spending an evening at the texas state fair. FUN!!!

wish you were here................! :)

miley... :(

2008-09-29T08:28:00.006-05:00

our little miley has been sick- as you know- she had a fever and undiagnosed issues with eating. i thought it might be an obstruction- as did mom, but our vet took xrays and couldn't see anything.

exploratory surgery was the only option to know exactly what was hurting her, so i took it- with a discounted price tag of 1k.

still we have no answers. they did find that her lymph nodes were highly infected and swollen along with an inflamed intestinal tract. biopsy's were taken and we should know if it's cancer or not early this week.

to keep miley from messing with her incision, she is wearing what we lovingly refer to as her lampshade. em calles her a wrecking ball because she bangs into everything with it!

and, as you can see- she has quite perfected her 'puppy eyes'. :)

Happy Birthday BJ!!!

2008-09-28T21:46:00.003-05:00

i know, i know... late! but we love you and hope that it is the bestestest!!!

love, your texas family :)

miley...

2008-09-24T18:21:00.004-05:00

has been sick. she stopped eating last thursday and by saturday was very sick with a 105 fever.

james had the kids and miley- so they took her to a vet. the doc couldn't find any of the usual suspects, so she did blood work and a body scan, along with giving miley an IV for the day.

still, nothing was found. so miley is home with a special diet and medicine, still being very lathargic and uncooperative in taking her medicine.

i'm hopeful- i've been able to get her to eat eggs and beef hotdogs. she really doesn't like the prescribed dog food. and honestly? i don't blame her!

changing subjects...

tay has his recommend and we're scheduled to take him to the dallas temple next friday. we're very excited!

interestingly...

i had three guys, 27 and younger, try to get dates with me, all within 18 hours. i'm not sure what that is all about- i even looked at one of the guys and said, "are you serious?" he responded with writing his name and number down and handing it to me.

so, dear family...any opinions? how about i add... they were all very nice looking and well spokien? (laughing) can't wait to read your responses!

our run-in with ike

2008-09-14T19:47:00.002-05:00

after all of the big build up- ike moved up texas to the east of us. we experienced wind and rain (that would come with any storm) and it was actually just very pleasant.

i'm sad for the many who had the real terror of the storm. tomorrow i'm stopping in at the city to see what the outlook is of the evacuees there.

remember these people in your prayers!

Riddle: What do Hurricane Ike and Rhonda have in common...?

2008-09-10T19:50:00.005-05:00

Elm Fork, too, is being affected. yesterday i made up the flood plan after riding with Jeanie around the property, taking notes at what we needed to move to higher ground.

we will close early tomorrow- and we had to cancel the competitive shoot, 'Dove Classic' that was to be held this weekend.

flooding at the range is always a concern- but with Ike, we're also very concerned about the wind that will be coming...

yup- they're bringing evacuees into my little world again!

i'll keep you posted...

here comes the rain!!!

The envelope please...

2008-09-07T10:05:00.006-05:00

we are BEYOND excited to announce that Taylor has received his mission call and will be serving a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Carlsbad California Mission. He reports to the MTC on Wed. Nov. 12th. (wow-)

WHOOO HOOOO!!!!

(too see the notes on each picture, place your mouse on the slideshow)

kerry- i am so glad you've visited the blog and left a comment! i hope this means that you'll soon have your own blog! :) (for everyone else- kerry was my roomie my second year at byu. she was one of two roomies that joined the church that year- and this year she's teaching seminary in Georgia, married, and the mother of three beautful children!)

where in the world...

2008-09-05T09:59:00.003-05:00

do you think taylor will end up?

i'm on pins and needles today thinking his call may come in the mail today!!!

james thinks italy.

tay and i have no impressions.

what are yours???

A Riddle: What do Gustav and Rhonda have in common?

2008-09-03T22:08:00.004-05:00

the answer is: the recreation center.

when the mandatory word came out- that certain areas had to evacuate, my little world became involved.

my school was to begin this week- but the Red Cross came in and took over the facility.

apparently- where ever the Red Cross is- they have the right of way. everyone and thing else is put on hold.

at first i felt a bit inconvenienced. i mean- this is my living and having it happen the first week of school meant a certain loss of income- and how much exactly could be disastrous.

but... i went on tues, what was supposed to be our first day. i wanted to catch any parents and children that happened to show up so that we could explain the situation.

and that did happen- but more than that...

i brought my camera and while i was there, i walked around talking to the people that were there. many had left the building to go to parks, or look around, many even went to walmart. (100 people had been checked in)

going in meant, first, going through the security set up. people were being checked with a wand, searching for weapons. not me- the police officer waived me on because i was carrying my camera. (i was secretly disappointed :)

the Red Cross volunteers were all over me quick- telling me that i could not take any pics without gaining permission first. i assured them that in no way would i be intrusive.

and then i went about taking a few pics and meeting the rec's temporary residents.

the first shots of the man be wanded- i took without permission from the policeman, but did get from the guy. after i showed the pic to the officer, he said sure- that at that angle his protective vest didn't make hime look too much bigger than he was. what a hoot!

the pic of the girl in front of the cot filled gym was very happy to pose for me. her mom said it was her baby girl- the 8th of eight girls.

the pic of the two boys (giving me their best boyz in the hood look)was easily obtained too. and when i got attitude in the first shot- i told them that i wasn't impressed and wanted the real them. that got me bigger and more relaxed grins. we became 'cool' with each other immediately.

and if you notice in the background of the third pic of the teen boys, there is an older man watching- i helped him out.

many of the residents had heard that our local CCA was handing out gas and food vouchers to those who evacuated. one poor guy had tried to find the place 3 times and hadn't. so i told him i'd be happy to lead him there- if he wanted to follow me.

he had the most incredulous look on his face- and had to clarify, "really?" (i'm going to add here- my g/friend darlene k. was with me for most of this. she's awesome!)

and after he checked a couple of more times with me and after i eventually convinced him that i really did want to help, he asked me to 'wait just three minutes' while he ran inside to take care of something.

while i was waiting, i sat down and talked to two elderly women. one of these women is in my slide show with her son and the child. i talked a little about where they were from, and asked how things were at the rec for them- and if they needed anything that wasn't being provided. the older lady in the picture was quick in her response, 'pampers'.

i wasn't sure i heard right. i mean, i've heard of depends and pampers- but not pampers for adults. she assured me it was pampers- that inside they had small pampers, but not large- and she needed large pampers.

i promised her that i'd round some up and then left with my CCA follower, driving behind.

at about 30 miles per hour, in a 40 that most people drive 45 in. lol. i slowed waaay down and led him on.

we got there and i went inside to inquire about the vouchers so that i could better help. i got him settled and went on to walmart for my purchase.

the elderly ladies were grateful for the purchase and while i was sitting with them it was mentioned that the baby was cute. that was when we found out that the elderly lady was the child's great-great grandma. the man was her son, and the baby was his great: 5 generations!

i then asked for a picture.

i wanted them to have a copy of the pic- they seemed so excited just to see it on the screen. but i could tell that they didn't have email- so i asked about one of the daughters- and it was thought that one of them might- so i gave them my email. we will see!

today i went back- and although i didn't have to buy any pampers, i did take more people over to the CCA. They, too, drove verrrry slow... is this a south thing???

This morning they were down to 25 people- and it looks as if we will have our school going again on Monday.

i'm very thankful that we've averted disasters such as these- and i'm grateful that Gustav didnt come in stronger than a category 2.

it's another day down- and i'm getting up at 5:30 these days for em's seminary: ouch!!!

but i'm kind of excited, too. i learned today that a secret service team in dallas is coming out to elm fork. i wonder if, when pres. bush is past pres. bush, if he'll ever come out?!?

fun stuff! g'nite!

Happy Birthday, Dear Dad!

2008-09-02T18:17:00.004-05:00

Another Year

I’m wishing you another year
Of laughter, joy and fun,
Surprises, love and happiness,
And when your birthday’s done,

I hope you feel deep in your heart,
As your birthdays come and go,
How very much you mean to me,
More than you can know.

By Joanna F.

Isn't this fun? Dad, you're the epitomy of what a dad should be and we love you texas style! (cuz everything's bigger in texas ya know)

HUGZZZ!!!

Dallas Exodus Ministries

2008-08-29T07:30:00.004-05:00

Last weekend i had the pleasure of taking pictures for an incredible charity and group of people- Exodus Ministries of Dallas.

This charity takes in about 10 women as they are coming back into society from prison, and reunites them with their children.

Exodus then sets these families up in an apartment (in a complex they own)that is furnished and rent free. counseling, child care help, training, a clothes closet, are all provided- but most importantly- a group of caring community members mentor and love these women back into society. each woman has strict rules to follow to stay in the program, which lasts 9 months.

although they don't have to pay rent- they are required to put rent money into an account... an account that gets them in the habit of being responsible for providing, and when it's time to leave the Exodus apartments, the women are given the money back to help them upstart their new lives.

taking pictures of these women and their children was touching- we bonded quickly. and this little boy pictured above gave me a couple of hugs during the day.

the charity event raised 49k for Exodus- with the help of some generous shooters and a great silent auction that included big screen tvs, vacations, and lots of guns.

this is the event that will be in an upcoming magazine- and as soon as i know more about it- i'll let you know. annnnnnd..... when i know which pictures they are using to tell the story- i will post them in a slide show for you!

time travels

2008-08-27T15:38:00.003-05:00

em began high school this week- and she has funny stories to tell- i wish she would write!

she transfered out of cross country into spanish 1 and 2- and the next semester she'll take another class that offers outdoor sports like archery and shooting again.

and as you can see- her braces are cute on her!

and so... on monday we got out the door- and i came home to realize that time has reversed on me. i'm back to one child in school- and one at home.

life is strange!

it's official... Tay's papers are in!!!

2008-08-22T07:10:00.003-05:00

the stake pres. pushed the electronic button last night and we are beyond excited! i'll post the email he sent me:

I submitted the application just minutes ago.

Best case Taylor’s application gets reviewed next week and placed on the agenda for assignment next Friday, August 30th. Packets with missionary assignments normally leave Salt Lake the following Tuesday or Wednesday but with the holiday that would probably be Wednesday or Thursday the 4th. He’s got a few things in the application that may raise a couple questions so it’s very possible it might be a week or two beyond that. I don’t anticipate major delays, but perhaps just some clarification required. It doesn’t take much to put it out a week or two, but now we know it’s in the hands of the Brethren and ultimately the Prophet.

the few things that are mentioned above could be his health paperwork, could be his little stint with the law last oct... i don't honestly know.

so there ya go! or... we go! but most definitely... he goes!!!

Marissa, Marissa!

2008-08-21T19:21:00.003-05:00

We love you little honey bun! and, we hope that your birthday was fantabulish! :)

2008-08-18T23:17:00.005-05:00

hey friends and fam...

the olympics(em and i like to show how we, too, can do the various floor exercise moves to tons of giggles... and shout and jump around cheering the close finishes in the swimming... we are not passive viewers...lol) have been so amazing that i haven't stopped by here to say hi in awhile- thought it was time to!

we've had lots of rain the past couple of days and many puddles, big and little are forming, becoming birdbaths for our little flying friends. i thought this was cute- my two faves, the cardinal and bluejay sharing. i wish i had had a better zoom ready to go- the birds wouldn't let me get as close as the dragonfly did- even so, not bad!

update on em: she has braces on her upper teeth now- and it looks cute on her. she wouldn't let me take a pic yet- but i will! em has decided to not run on the cross country team- so we are hoping that the counselor gets her schedule changed soon- as school starts next mon. also- em is giving a talk on sunday.... something to do with humility- hehe.

tay is in a holding pattern with his papers just a hair away from being sent in. we were given an old form when we visited the doc so we're trying to get a couple of other q's answered from him so that we can send it on. he's fine with it... i'm dying tho! his temple prep classes are beginning this week- and he is scheduled to get his patriarchal blessing this coming sunday evening.

as for me- i finished with the summer camps and i am now preparing for school to begin- for emily and for my classes, too. i'm throwing a 'you are a star party' for the children in my church class this week. they are 6 turning 7 and quite lively and fun!

i've also been busy with jeanie and the gun range. i put together their E News, along with many other projects such as the latest- putting together before and after photos showing the course of elm fork's progress during the last 5 years, that is to be presented to the city of dallas park and board.

this coming weekend exodus ministries is having their charity event and i am the photographer. i enjoy and look forward to this kind of work. :)

and so, i hope this little update finds you happy and well- and enjoying your beautiful families!

Mom! It's YOUR day!!!

2008-08-15T11:37:00.003-05:00

Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy Birthday Mom!

yes, you are a year older- but as i was saying- if i get to 62 and am as HALF as great, lovely, and respected as you- i'll take it. you're amazing!

love you tons- !

hope it was fantastic Dani!

2008-08-14T19:45:00.001-05:00

because you deserved the very best birthday!

love ya dani!

my morning visitor

2008-08-10T21:06:00.003-05:00

i don't know why i'm posting this pic, other than i thought it was very cool that the dragonfly decided to land a couple of feet away from me while i was outside with miley- and then didn't fly off as i crept up to within 5 inches of it for this photo. i sure do love nature!

okay- i'm back from the dead..., a 'funny' regarding finishing the Breaking Dawn story.

i haven't had time to process my thoughts enough to articulate why i enjoyed much of the book and why some of it bothered me. but over all, stephanie wrote an interesting ending that didn't leave me feeling like i was silly for reading it!

picture this- i plopped upon my bed after working at elm fork all day, grabbed up the book and began to read and relax. meanwhile em made her way home- so i invited her to bring her summer (leap) required reading and to scoot in next to me. i'm reading, of course, Breaking Dawn, and she is reading Jane Eyre.

freaky friday!

a picture update on miley...

2008-08-01T06:28:00.001-05:00

hey family! i'm posting an update on miley today for mom. she has asked many times- so mom- here is miley!
she is now 12 weeks old and all of us were very surprised at how much she has grown since we left on vacation. (yes the kids are home and safe)
miley is a funny dog. and everyone seems to be drawn to her telling us how smart or cute she is.
check out her ears. they never seem to be doing the same thing at anytime that you look at her. it cracks us up.
and last night when the kids came home and we all sat outside with miley, miley seemed to be grinning from ear to ear!
on the downside... she's still potty training. ugh!

Happy 64th Anniversary Grandma and Grandpa!!!

2008-07-31T08:58:00.004-05:00

64 years... how wonderful is that? you've been such a blessing to us all and we love you bunches!

big hugs and loves!

dad...!

2008-07-30T21:55:00.003-05:00

what a craaazzzzyyyy guy! you were challenged to put yourself in your dad's place with,
'now think...where were your dad hide the flag...'
and a couple of breaths later-
you opened the box with the flag!
yes, that was fun.

tonight i'm thinking about you, dad. i just want you to know that. everything is going to be A O K.
LOVE YOU TONS AND BIG HUGS...!!

p.s. there should be no doubt from where i get my ham-y-ness. (let's look no further)

utah and bryce canyon...:)

2008-07-30T00:37:00.002-05:00

i had a fabulously wonderful time... and will write more about the trip in a post tomorrow.

love you all!

FLDS view, pt. 2

2008-07-22T21:00:00.001-05:00

i've noticed that quite a few readers are from areas in the states that are high in FLDS population. i'm surmising that you are from the FLDS community.

when i think about our two religions- and how we began together- i wonder about the differences in our beliefs now and how these differences came to be.

we both (FLDS and LDS) began with the belief that Joseph Smith read the Bible searching for an answer to a question: which church is true?

Joseph began with attending various meetings. any personal discussion that he had regarding his quest led to prejudiced answers: each pastor, preacher, bishop, etc. proclaimed that his own church was the church to join.

Joseph read that he must ask of God. and then he did just that.

we, together know, that Joseph then received an answer that would change his life- and yours and mine forever.

when i look, as an outsider, into your troubles- i wonder where the concept of seeking personal revelation is within your church.

Joseph did not stop praying after he received his answer that day in the grove. and more importantly, he encouraged every man, woman, and child to pray and receive truth for themselves.

from my point of view, it appears that your congregation acts in blind faith and blind obedience. Joseph never would have asked for blind faith or obedience. it goes against everything he taught.

if you don't think, or ask or pray for yourselves,then you become a prime target for unrighteous dominion.

i worry for you and your families. i imagine that many of you are loving, hard working families that have no desire to see your children taken away or harmed by members of your community.

i wouldn't either!

i've been taught to hear what our prophet and leaders teach us and then turn to God to receive a personal confirmation of what is being taught.

many times faithful, God fearing people become lost because they don't think to have their own testimony on the concept.

man can and will mislead you. God wouldn't. and certainly, a true prophet of God would not mislead you either.

that is my testimony of a universal truth for the two of us.

taylor has graduated!!!

2008-07-11T21:37:00.005-05:00

We're very excited about it too!
last night i went to a baptism... and as i was walking to the font, our ward mission leader said hi and then mentioned it was nice to see me there. and then he inquired,
'isn't it neat that this all began with taylor?'
i mentioned before about the young man that had discussions in our home because of tay inviting him to church and then bearing his testimony that sunday.
this young man, adam, read the book of mormon and was very enthusiastic about the whole mormon culture thing. but adam is conflicted with believing in a God. and being conflicted, it was hard for him to believe in prayer. adam is still close to the church (and is in utah preparing to go to school there) (he doesn't seem to see his path will lead him to baptism :). adam, being excited about his discussions, shared his enthusiasm with another young man, stephen.
it took a very short time for stephen to gain a strong testimony. while mom was here visiting, stephen was baptized. his mom came for support- and soon began taking the discussions herself. and yesterday i witnessed stephen, a newly ordained priest, baptize his mother.
it was a very sweet meeting.
taylor is doing great. on wed. evening he went to his interviews with the Bishop and Stake Pres. to prepare for receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood. Taylor will be ordained sunday evening by his father along with the support of some very close ward family.
the next step is receiving his patriarchal blessing- which will happen upon our return from summer vacation, and then taylor's papers will be ready for submittal for his mission.
and just like that- my little 9 lb baby... sweet toddler... smart boy, impressive young man, becomes an Elder.
i'm so grateful.

2 CommentsClose this window Jump to comment form

Mustang Suzie said...
Okay, I'm crying! Taylor IS a wonderful missionary already. It will be fun to share his experiences when he goes on his mission. I am so happy that Stephen's mother joined the church also. I had the feeling that she would as I watched her at Stephen's baptism. How great!! Thanks for sharing, Rhonda. Taylor will always be your baby. That part just doesn't change. :-) Mom
July 11, 2008 3:15 PM
Dani said...
I love this story!! What a wonderful experience for everyone involved. Taylor, we are so proud of you! Congrats in everything!! Can't wait to see you all!
July 11, 2008 4:25 PM

tagged!

2008-06-29T19:48:00.003-05:00

Dani 'tagged' me and i promptly ignored it.

then mom and candice did theirs... and after reading the three- i decided to quit being such a stooge and to make myself think this out:

3 joys: people working together- giving their hearts to a common goal/cause; being in nature with my camera; my children.

3 fears: participating in a triathlon; ruining something that is priceless; dad and mom being chased by a bear.

3 goals: to raise my children in love and faith; to improve upon my talents and passions; to get to the most amazing places on the earth with my camera.

3 current obsessions/collections: i love reading to the point that it takes over my life; learning everything i can about photo taking and photoshop; living life to the fullest.

3 random surprising facts about yourself: i don't know about three of these- but this single one will cause a stir...: i was asked out by four different black men in the past 2-3 weeks- and i accepted one. we went to dinner at a very nice seafood/steak restaurant and had a great time!

tag 3: i won't send this one on- you can thank me later!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

2008-06-28T08:48:00.005-05:00

Grandpa- Happy Birthday! it was wonderful seeing you at the reunion- and spending time with you! Big Hugs and we love you!

Happy Birthday Candice!!!

2008-06-27T08:53:00.000-05:00

and as soon as i get my pics loaded from the other comp- i'm posting. hope your day is fabulous! love you tons sis!

a bit on emma

2008-06-26T19:14:00.003-05:00

Emily has kind of been on the back burner during tay's important goings on! i decided that i must catch you up a bit regarding her before i move into more of taylor...
em played soccer at the end of the school year- and then she also attended a week of soccer camp- which she very much enjoyed. She talks of running in CC for a year and then trying out for the marcus soccer team. it's an incredible program. the boys and girls took state- and have several times in the past few years. and then our marcus boys took nationals. the school is a good one- and can you believe the opportunities!?! i can't wait to see how the band and drumline do this year!
em's been helping at the summer camps and she has been a better helper than ever before. mom filled in a bit when she was here- and she can tell you that while it's a fun thing to be doing- it is also exhausting- so good help is VERY important to me! :)
anyway- em's just been to young woman's camp. and she had a wonderful time. i wasn't there this year- but hope to get some copies of pictures that were taken.
hope the summer's lots of fun where ever you are!!!

give me your poor, your lost animals, and lost children...

2008-06-18T20:58:00.008-05:00

before i launch into the story of the evening- i need to do two things:

1. Dad... Happy Father's Day! with everything that happened during mom's visit- i didn't get to do say it with a pic (on the old comp) and blog flare...but!!! i love you tons and miss you terribly! i haven't heard a word about the latest test- so keep me in the 'know'- k? (and following this post i am going to catch up on the fam's blogs- it's just possible that you have already shared. :)

2. Mom... what a trouper you are! leaving your torn up home, dad and his test, just to wander into my home- saving puppies and playing nurse to my possible salmonella poisoning. i walked into walmart tonight and saw dunkin' donuts and nearly burst into tears that you never got your breakfast there! i'm sorry that things were as they were. very. sorry. :(

mom- thanks so much for all of it- and i love and appreciate you tons!

give me your poor:

after a shoot at elm fork, i left with howard following behind in his car to find something to eat. the place where we were headed was close by but was also closed when we got there. as i was slowing down to discover this, a woman in a pink suit stuck out her thumb to hitch a ride.

normally i wouldn't have stopped- but howard was behind me and so i rolled the window down and asked where she was headed.

long story short (maybe) she was headed to a church (car in shop) to ask for help paying her hotel bill (getting paid on tues) and was in this predicament because of a bad divorce.

she was hungry (hadn't eaten in two days) so i ran her through jack in the box for a combo.

second stop was a church that turned out to be spanish speaking.

third stop was a church (mind you this was a sunday) that had a youth group and youth pastor- but no one else. after it became clear to me that she wouldn't be getting any help, i pulled him aside and said- 'really, i'm just looking for the movie ending here. what am i supposed to do now?'

meanwhile she meandered around eating her fries and shake.

in the end, she asked for money (she got her meal and the change for a $20.00) from me and a $20. from Howard and then asked to be dropped off at the bus stop (which i realized could have happened to begin with). and she wanted the receipt for the food (which i figured a day later was probably to return the untouched hamburger).

notable: she said the Lord's Prayer over her meal and then said her own prayer. she repeatedly said, 'God bless you' and waved goodbye until i drove out of sight.

we all know that i have no idea if she spoke one word of truth to me.

give me your... lost animals...! the night mom flew in, and after the baptism we attended for a teen in our ward, and while we were trying to get a meal for the day- a cute puppy landed in our laps.

i scooped her up and directly drove around to try to find his owner.

no luck.

found the police and asked for shelter info- it was the w/e- no luck.

asked the police if he would take him- no luck.

drove to petco and begged a puppy sitter while i ran em and mom across the street to get food (this could be the 'tired and hungry' part), then returned to plop $45. on the counter to help a puppy survive the w/e at our home.

she didn't sleep- i didn't either- but next morning the happy owner and the happy puppy reunited.

that evening...:

the salmonella poisoning hit.

taylor's graduation day and i'm sicker than sick. but i peeled myself off my pillow and went. my next post will be about taylor and his graduation! (are you still with me? even i am getting bored at this point!!!)

tonight i was four houses away from being home when i spotted a baby walking on the sidewalk. i looked around and saw no parent- so i pulled over. (yes, this is the lost children part)

at this point i still couldn't spot anyone missing a child so i held the child and called 911.

the officer insisted that i stick around even if the parent appeared so we walked up and down the sidewalk looking for a mommy or daddy or a police car.

they all appeared at once.

i hope that was a happy ending- it's hard to know the circumstances!

but (seriously) i'm thinking about not going anywhere for days to avoid any more of rhonda trying to save the world.

after all- i'm not tall and green and standing in a bay. lol....

p.s. check out the pics below- our new puppy!

meet our newest family member!

2008-06-18T18:28:00.004-05:00

i'm calling our new puppy 'lovey' until we can all agree on a name...!

she's a purebred catahoula/heeler mix.

don't you just love the red on her eyebrows and cheeks?!?

we expect for her to grow to be about 35 lbs.

see that cute little face? she just wet on my carpet!

Taylor's Seminary Graduation

2008-06-02T12:15:00.003-05:00

Yea!!! Taylor received his four year certificate, graduating from seminary last night. Tay was asked to speak at the graduation- and i have copied his talk here for you to read if you want to.

he received many compliments on his talk- seems taylor speaks to people in a way that he comes across as real and reaches the listener in some way. i was so proud of him! (as dad calls it- 'righteous pride' :)

i was asked to take the official photos- the ones that will be submitted by our areas press representative- so i've included a few for you to see. the PR mentioned that Taylor would be quoted and so she wanted his picture for the paper as well.

FYI... the ceremony was for all the graduating youth in our stake. the pictures only reflect Taylor's high school- three other high schools were a part of it as well.

and a sidenote...: our stake was recently a part of a tri-stake conference that ended up creating a fourth stake. when this happened, Gary R*** became our new stake president. some of you will recall that i was his sister's roomie at BYU and dated Gary a bit back then.

to update you further, Taylor and Julia broke up a few weeks back. I believe that this time it is a keeper. Tay has begun talking with a girl in our stake- her name is Jennifer R***. to be clear, yes, Gary's daughter.

it was Gary that asked Tay to speak at the graduation- and i told him that's only the beginning if he's going to date the stake president's daughter... he he he.

********

"Hello my name is Taylor B*** and I am from the F M 3rd ward for those of you who do not know me. I was asked to talk about my experiences with seminary and asked to specifically speak to those of you who have not yet graduated. I would like to discuss what is unique about the educational setting that Seminary uses and why I think these things are crucial to a sound understanding of the gospel and being a prepared missionary.

At the end of this last year of seminary I had to make up something like thirty or forty days to graduate. It was also necessary that I have nearly 100% attendance for about a month and a half. I tried to look at the situation as an opportunity to immerse myself in seminary and see if I could gain something from giving the class an earnest effort. I noticed several things as I put thought and energy into the class and spent time outside the class working on make-up. The first thing that changed was that Seminary ceased to be a burden. I enjoyed my time there. Also I became aware of some things that it has to offer that I had never noticed before.

The first thing I would tell you is that Seminary widens your knowledge base that you can draw upon when opportunities to discuss religion come up. When I have been on splits with the missionaries teaching investigators, they use scripture to teach constantly. This is necessary because the investigators do not yet have a testimony of our church and need something concrete to draw initial faith from. The missionaries use several references, mostly from the Bible, to introduce the gospel. Nearly all of them are scripture masteries. If it were not for seminary, I am sure I would have been overwhelmed with feelings of inadequate knowledge of the Bible. However, I know most of the scriptures they used and feel confident that with the Lord’s help I will be able to increase my knowledge until it is a sufficient base for the mission field. Seminary is very much geared to provide the knowledge and spirit that are crucial to missionary work. I bear testimony that if you put your time into Seminary all four years and learn the scripture masteries and read the works of scripture then you will have an excellent knowledge base for the mission field or for post high school life. I could not believe how the scriptures I learned in senior year were the exact ones that the missionaries invariably use.

It has been my experience that Seminary is one of those critical commitments you can make to the Lord that will keep you strong in testimony. To those who will commit to serving a mission it is a great proving ground for learning part of the daily life of a missionary. If you can consistently commit to an hour of scripture study in the morning now then it follows that you should be able to in the mission field. In my opinion learning to be attentive in early morning study is a skill that has to be practiced like playing the piano or running track. Sacrificing time and energy and working hard are also skills to be practiced. These are all things you can do in Seminary if you desire to. Those who have done it know that it can sometimes take incredible self-mastery to focus and attempt to learn. I imagine it is the same on a mission and if you have already developed these skills then it will be one less thing to adjust to in the field.

Another thing I attribute to Seminary is that it can enhance scriptural knowledge in ways that Sunday school and personal study do not necessarily offer. An entire year is spent in a classroom setting studying a specific work of scripture. This institution of the church gives five times the amount of time available to Sunday school and ten or twenty more insightful people. This is unique because seminary can ably teach the context of the scriptures regardless of how relatively important or exciting the passage is. Instead of only reading the passages that are relevant to a certain lesson you get to know the entire stories. This wider view learning approach enables the students to learn things that only time and effort will teach. Also, the more difficult stretches to understand in the Bible are taught. I think that learning Isaiah was meant to be a group effort. Some passages in scripture are just not easily decipherable and Seminary is the perfect tool to learn context and see the bigger picture.

Four years is a long time. Sometimes it is difficult to see graduation from freshman and sophomore year. The Lord loves those who are long-suffering and I promise there are blessings for those who will take it seriously and seek to take what they can from it. In closing I would like to say thank you to all of my seminary teachers and all of my classmates for making the experience a good one. I know that we will be prepared for what will happen in our lives because of our commitment. "

***at this point taylor shared his testimony and concluded his talk***

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!

2008-05-31T22:00:00.002-05:00

from where i stand- there's a bit of luck, a lot of hard work, lots of laughs and blessings, too. in the end, you have 5 children and a bunch of grandchildren that honor your name.

Congrats on one more year of adventure and happiness.

love you bunches!!!

First light at Elm Fork, Memorial Day weekend

2008-05-29T21:12:00.002-05:00

i wanted to capture the amazing fields at first light-

i made my way at 5:30 in the morning, hoping that the rain would quit- that the sun would be seen as it began to rise.

i think it turned out fine- and more than that, it was a lot of fun!

Howard met me out there. He, too, thought it would be a fun morning- and the challenge of getting the light right at that time of day was a good learning experience!

Finally- a post!

2008-05-28T22:53:00.002-05:00

This little group has been so great to teach. We had our graduation last week- and for each of them i make a 'annual' of sorts. the book includes a photo of each of their friends and is presented in the fashion of Eric Carle's book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear.

Mine began, 'Brown Bear, Brown Bear what do you see? i see Bryn looking at me.' and so it continues until you come to the last child who see her teachers- and then we see the class picture, which reads, 'Teacher, Teacher what do you see? I see a graduate looking at me!'

anyway- there is Tyler who is my Taylor all over again- so bright and happy and good hearted. and Bryn who wouldn't accept her graduation certificate during the ceremony until she could tell me that her mom promised that she could come to a summer camp- so that it wouldn't be the last time she could see me.

there is Rachel who cried in her sleep that she wouldn't be in our class anymore- and Jimmy who decided that i was supposed to be his Kindergarten teacher.

these children are near and dear to my heart- and will be missed!

here's an 'interesting'...

2008-05-14T19:20:00.003-05:00

since i published my flds 'rhonda's view', and this post, there have been four visitors to my site that aren't family.

one from DC , one from San Angelo, one from Arlington VA, and one from SLC. the readers from DC, VA and SLC googled blogs that had FLDS mentioned- and i'm not sure how san angelo found me.

at any rate...

hey Beej... this does have a feel of Big Brother watching!

(i'm smiling as i'm writing this so in case there are hidden cameras, i'll look good)

crawfish aka 'mud bugs'

2008-05-13T23:14:00.010-05:00

Lousiana is known for these cajun critters, but since i've lived here in texas, i've learned that if texas likes something- it becomes theirs, too.

lot of folks hold crawfish parties- and i have up to this point avoided it all.

last tuesday, that ended.

this shooter that we call 'doc' because he's a chiropractor, came into Jeanie's office to say 'hi' and to invite me out to meet his famous cooking buddy.

i went and was invited to stay for the feast.

i say 'feast' because you should see how they serve this stuff:

that's right, in a styrofoam bucket- 5 inches deep and a foot across by 10 inches. heaping full of legs, shell, eyes, antennas...all of it! ...with a side of corn, some crackers and half a roll of paper towels.

so i took a lesson from doc. you take the mud bug in your hands, snap the tail off from the body, if you have a stomach of steel then you suck on the body and finally, you pull the meat from the tail. at this point you devein it- and put the inch or so of meat into a dip not unlike thousand island, pop it in your mouth- only to begin the process again.

ummm...

i don't have the strongest stomach. especially when i'm man handling eyeballs and guts with the same fingers i'm eating with- but i hung in there and ate about 10.

they are good- but to be truthful, i doubt i'll go looking for the experience again anytime soon!

doc has pancreatic disease. he's the happiest man- even when he's wearing a patch for pain meds! i enjoyed sitting there having this meal with him- and when he left he kissed my cheek and told me how he 'enjoyed' me. read nothing more into this! he is happily married and brags about his bride the way every woman would love to be. i imagine they've been married close to 35 years. doc is also a veteran, surviving several serious injuries.

in the end- it was my mud bug pleasure!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-05-11T12:19:00.002-05:00

Mom, Happy Mother's Day!
To all of the mommies, too, you're admired and loved-!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-05-08T18:22:00.001-05:00

just a little busy and a whole lot of fun!

2008-05-08T18:02:00.008-05:00

the slide show above has a sampling of a few other shoots i've done recently.

'Diva Day' was held at Elm Fork. the Divas of Dallas hold this event twice a year to encourage local women to become more acquainted with outdoor sports- so they offer BB guns, archery, cross bow, rifle, pistol, fly fishing and shotgun. the ladies had a 'blast'!

i also took Sarah K's senior photos in the studio. sarah loves to be crazy fun and always a big smile. she told me that i had to be her wedding photographer because i was so fun to work with. her mom told me that the photo she personally liked best was one of sarah being more thoughtful- and a VERY hard capture- but worth it- darlene cried when she expressed how thankful she was to me for the beauty of it.

i also worked with steph and luis's family. we spent 2 1/2 hours taking photos. the boys are young and needed alot of energy and effort to get good photos, but in the end steph said she loved the photos and that i 'really caught their personalities'.

i am so excited to know that people are touched by what i'm doing with their memories. it is such a rewarding experience and drives me to just get in and do more!

my FLDS view

2008-05-06T22:18:00.011-05:00

living in texas as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (mormon) there are many opportunities to learn and talk about what's going on in the news regarding the FLDS.

first, i'm so irked that not only are they referred to as FLDS they are also called renegade mormons by the press. it leaves everyone wondering how we are all tied in. i have answered many questions regarding this- and i have no problem answering them, but at the same time, i am annoyed. according to wikipedia this group didn't form until around 1935 even though the LDS church formally abandoned polygamy in 1890.

there were several off shoots in those years- each with different names. lucky us (sarcasm in my finest snarky tone) that the FLDS is the group in the news- it's name is the only one close to ours.

onto the news at hand.

many children were taken. i don't think it was wrong for this to happen. i believe that if there is one predator living amongst a group that is living as a family- then all who are vulnerable should be removed. abuse is sick and i am not for taking chances with those too young or innocent to defend themselves.

on the outset, many wondered if the move was appropriate.

since- the facts coming out of this investigation are astounding to me.

the move to test for DNA was brilliant. not only does this help identify which child belongs to which parent (because there were children that didn't know which mom was theirs additionally there were moms lying about it!) it also is living proof of the underage sex that was taking place. they've come to find out that many of the teens either had had babies or were expecting them.

sidenote to BJ: i shudder to think about your concerns over Big Brother being too invasive over allegations that possibly could lead to a single abuse case. ive been for taking the chance on being wrong when it comes to protecting a child- yes, one single child. and in this case- we're now hearing about...

of 400 or so children: 41 with current/past broken bones or fractures. i've worked with 60 children this year. 2 of the children were treated for similar problems. 10 percent is outrageous!

of the 400 children, only 1/3 of them are boys. because many find that odd- there are now investigations leading into other sinister goings on. so far the 'lost boys' have been mentioned (again for that reason alone i am for being invasive because that, too, is abuse). a boy has no value in the community. several interviews i have heard talk about boys being used for blood atoning and slave labor. and the latest is that the boys are being sexually abused, too. BIG surprise-NOT. if abuse is accepted within a community- don't expect or fool yourself into believing that girls are the only victims.

abuse is not having boundaries. this is why verbal abuse often escalates into physical and why sexual abuse is not only about girls and women.

in the end- the FLDS brought this outcome upon themselves because they did not protect their own children. this is sad to say- being that so many of the people in this community have been programmed to think differently about society norms.

in other cultures around the world atrocities are 'norms', too. generations of families are living thinking that it's okay to sell children to have money to eat. that it's okay to mutilate or kill in the name of honor. the thing is- as long as one sane person is in their right mind and is able to act in behalf of someone who needs help- even if it is not wanted- it is the right thing to do.

(almost at the end of my rant) the men in that compound have had free reign long enough. if they were just about sharing consenting women and living polygamous lives- fine. honestly, i don't care.

there is a polygamous group that comes to the city center once a week. they disappeared when the news broke- until today. all of the moms and kids returned- the adult male did not.

if they are living otherwise law abiding lives then i'm thinking, 'let them be'. however, should i be given cause to suspect a child is being abused... texas better move out of the way, because i'm going to do whatever i can to help.

National Kidney Foundation of North Texas

2008-05-05T20:45:00.002-05:00

it was my privilege this past weekend to work with Howard at the kickoff event for the kidney foundation.

we took the team photos and also many pictures of the event in progress.

i met a man who is a kidney transplant recipient. he now has three kidneys! i didn't know that if the kidneys were healthy, but not diseased, that it is perferred that the kidneys stay.

there were great stories- groups of people gathering together to walk in memory of someone that they loved or admired- and happily, survivors surrounded by supporters, too.

it was a great day. enjoy the sample of photos!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-05-05T20:43:00.001-05:00

Tay is an Eagle!

2008-05-01T23:28:00.002-05:00

It was an amazing day- !

and it was even better because mom and dad were there!

i was so glad to have their support and love.

tay has the best memories. thank you!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-05-01T23:27:00.001-05:00

Taylor's 'Mormon Prom'

2008-05-01T18:59:00.002-05:00

Prom, as i recall it, was a night to dress up and have fun- hopefully with someone that you liked a bit!
Prom here in Texas is an excuse for the girl's to wear as little as possible...everyone arrives drunk- and, it's expected that if you don't end up sick in the bathroom somewhere, you'll then be dancing very suggestively with your date.
Tay hasn't had any desire to be a part of it- and up to last year had not attended a single dance.
I can't believe that the adults around here can't do better than that- but it seems that most of the adults are in on encouraging their teens to look as immodest as possible and 'wink', 'wink' when they step out the door.
so... the mormons to the rescue!
they held this year's dance at southfork ranch- it included dinner- and had a safari theme.
the kids were excited and looked great!
tay gave julia long stemmed flowers (her preference).
enjoy the slide show!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-05-01T18:59:00.001-05:00

my three day Mustang

2008-04-30T22:24:00.002-05:00

my car is coming home tomorrow- and i'm happy to get it- but i must say, this car was SO FUN to drive!

2008-04-30T22:16:00.002-05:00

i'm just giving you a little peek at my cottage... after the spring maple seeds fall, followed by the rains...not two or three weeks later my rain gutters begin to grow 100's of trees.

after they reach 6-8 inches i get up there and pull them out.

funny enough, i feel awful about it. i hate killing this beautiful life.

but honestly, i don't my little gutters could support it!

i did take a gallon sized bag of these plants to my 4-5 year old class and then taught them about seeds. we also planted some seeds into planters: garden beans and radishes.

we'll keep a journal of the growth.

and at the end of the day, 25 maple trees headed out my door- potentially ending up with their roots in the ground.

i hope so!