Riding the Rails...

Well, I guess everyone is turning out to ride the rails here in Utah. They don't even go very far...only from Ogden to Salt Lake, but everyone is way excited and everyone had to ride for free.

You know how it is-- the free mentality. Doesn't matter if you need it, want it or could live without it -- it's free. Monday night of course, being the FHE capitol of the world, everyone and all the kids were out to ride. Which would have been fine, if everyone would have behaved themselves, they had put an extra car on every train, and outlined how people were supposed to get on and off. Alas, I'm afraid many people showed their lack of social behavior, especially the teenagers.

One of my co-workers was totally disgusted with the whole thing on his report of the afternoon today. It was interesting to hear his version, when my family had done the same thing. We figured Monday would be the best day for all of us to go together. The initial entrance was no big deal. It was crowded, but we figured it would be. Eventually, I got to sit down, and it was fun.

The ride back was much like his nightmare version, and I have no desire to try it anytime soon -- although I'm getting back on today. sigh. I didn't learn from the first time. At lease I've got a ride home in a car though -- so it won't be the nightmare both ways.

Last night was cars full of tired babies and little children, standing room only, strollers in the middle of the aisle and impatient people who just wanted to get home. My oldest son snagged a seat upon our entry to the car, and no one else was able to get one. I kicked him out of it about half way home, deciding I couldn't take it anymore. My poor hubby stood the whole time, both ways. And...we'd stopped in Salt Lake and gone to the planetarium, so he'd pretty much been on his feet the whole time. I should have sat him down and rubbed his poor aching toes, but I still had to get dinner on the table before everyone went to bed. (we're cheap, ya know? no dinner out right now...)

All in all, I think it's going to be great, but only when it finally runs down to Provo. At this point, I'm thinking they should have just run the Trax line from Ogden to Provo and been done with it. No one listens to me... grin.

So...if you've been trying to ride the rails...good luck. You'll need it. It makes me want to ride a real train though, and see what it's like. Hopefully not as crowded...

18 years ago...

18 years ago yesterday I was bringing a triangular shaped head into the world. My oldest son left skid marks, according to my doctor. We were playing cards and watching Mash when things got into full swing and he was born.

My oldest son is a sweetheart. He's tender hearted, generally kind, and as handsome as a mother could wish. He's not quite the paragon of goodness and faith that I'd like, but he's good, and he tries.

All day I kept picturing a video we took of him when he was little and my husband was going through body parts with him, pointing them out and having him tell what they were. It was the cutest thing you ever saw, and my son was a doll. I try to keep from thinking that a year from now he will be preparing to go on a mission.

He spent his bday at Drill -- coming home in time for dinner and cake and ice cream with grandma and grandpa. sigh. He's growing up and I can't do anything about it. It's enough to make you want to invest in Klennex...

The photo is from last years bday...sigh. He looks even older now. Amazing what a year can do.

Memorizing

Well...today during my quick walk (which I've discovered I'm addicted to -- I didn't have to get up as early and was going to skip it and found I didn't want to!!) I thought about memorizing a scripture. I was reading President Monson's talk from conference two years ago where he speaks about an interview he had in preparing to receive the Melchezidec Priesthood. (sorry if I spelled it wrong) He relates how the man interviewing him asked him to recite a scripture from the Doctrine and Covenants, and he was able to do it.

I thought, wow. I've never really memorized something I didn't have to. When I was on my mission, we had to memorize the 4th section relating to missionary work, but I never really memorized anything else beyond that (well...or anything that stayed with me). So I think I'm going to try to start memorizing scriptures. It's never too late, right?

I just have to decide which are important to memorize -- I mean, ALL of the scriptures are important, right? sigh. That might take some studying. Perhaps I'll start with the one in the Book of Mormon: We preach of Christ, we worship Christ, etc... (I don't have it memorized YET) lol

Looks to be a gorgeous day here...hope you all have a wonderful Friday.

What Does it Mean to Me?

In my walking on the treadmill every morning, I read from the Ensign. This week I've been reading from the May 2006 issue, as I've already gone through the ones for this year and am eagerly awaiting May's. This morning I read a talk by President Hinkley's son, on what his membership in the church means to him. I thought that was interesting, and that I would like to address that.

When I was growing up, I loved going to church. I don't have lots of memories, but I do have one of going to primary in an old brick building in Hayward, California. I can still remember a song I learned there: Give Said the Little Stream. I was baptized by my brother since my father died in the spring of my 8th year, and confirmed by my new foster father. I have vague memories of my baptism -- I remember someone gave me a coloring book about it and sitting in a chapel.

As I grew older, I remember giving my first talk in sacrament meeting. It was on the Book of Mormon, and I remember relating the story of Nephi cutting of the head of Laban with a sword. I can still remember the laughter as I pronounced it sw in stead of so. I had no fears in that talk...only excitement.

As I went through puberty, and the struggle of my early teenage years...church became habit. Eventually, I was the only one who attended from my family because my foster father died and my foster mother was too ill to go, or had stopped going. I still don't know -- we never talked about things. My foster brother had gone the other way, drugs, alcohol and partying. Most of the kids on my street were LDS, so it wasn't as if I did anything unusual by attending meetings, but for some reason I kept going.

Eventually I made poor choices, and good ones and ended up going to a different home. That decision saved my life, I think. The new family were active in the church, and it strengthen my testimony. I spoke to the bishop there and straightened my life out and discovered seminary. I loved seminary! I also met kids from other faiths and actually talked to them for the first time about religion. It was interesting to hear how other people did things, what they believed in. It was a good education for me, to see how strong my own beliefs were. I remember listening to conference over the radio, and they only did one session. I wanted so bad to hear all of them...

When I moved to Utah, I was active, but I'd become a little bitter about life in general. I still believed in the gospel, but my heart was sore and it took a while for my new home to ease the pain -- which they eventually did. After going to college, and being on my own for a while, I realized that my greatest joy would be to serve a mission.

While they were some of the best and worst days of my life, it was the best thing I ever did. I still have some regrets -- I don't think I served with my best every day. I could have done better. I look forward to serving with my hubby so that I can make up for some of those times -- but repentance is best.

I have known from the time I was able to understand my situation in life, that without my membership in this church, things would have been totally different. I shudder to think of where I would be right now. I like to think that my soul would have sought for and found the gospel, but fortunately, that is not required to worry about. My parents found it, and it saved me.

There have been so many times when it was a comfort to me, a strength when all else has failed. I know my Father in Heaven loves me. He has watched over me so many times in my life and protected me and forgiven me. I know the Savior loves me, and is always there. I have been so blessed. I am so very thankful.

Grace

I had a wonderful Sabbath yesterday. It was High Council Sunday, and a Missionary homecoming at the same time. The missionary took forever...lol -- which was okay, we all love her. So, the High Council was short, which was amazing in and of itself, but he had a wonderful subject, one which I felt quite necessary to write about.

Grace.

He said that most LDS do not include grace in our vocabulary. It seems too Protestant. That made me laugh. He's right. You won't find many LDS people using that word or discussing grace. It's just not done. Remember the book I mentioned a week or so ago?? It deals with this same subject. It's a dear word to me now.

Anyway -- He said that as LDS, we tend to focus on works instead of grace. However, it is only by Grace we are saved. Isn't that ironic? I wonder how many really ponder the word and it's implications.

While we have the obligation to do what we can to follow the commandments and keep our covenants and live as we are supposed to--- it's only by Grace of the Savior in his redeeming sacrifice that we are saved and can be saved eternally.

How's that for an aha moment? Just wanted to give you something to think about today. Have an excellent one!

August Rush

Have you ever watched a movie and felt that it struck a cord deep inside? The whole idea should offend me -- with the two side characters sleeping together -- but for some reason it's the real story that gets me. And the music.

A lot of people don't know that I used to sing. I say was because my voice has been going for the past couple of years. But in high school and college, I sang in choir, and loved it. Singing is such a joy, and music touches me in a way nothing else can. I asked a woman in my neighborhood who teaches voice lessons why my voice would be going -- she said that vocal chords are like any other muscle. When they aren't used frequently, they weaken. It's really sad, because I don't know how I sing less than I did before --but that was the only thing she could tell me. What was amazing, was at Christmas my stake had a music sing-a-long for the Halleluja chorus and I was able to hit every note. Even the high soprano ones -- it was a miracle. So...that's a quick blurb on my background.

This movie was wonderful. I've read reviews that said it was a re-make of the story OLIVER, and it was terrible. I could see the comparisons, and there was much alike. However, it was a whole new story -- starring music. Robin Williams actually plays a mixed bag. I've never really seen him play a villain, but he did it in this one, and does it well. You like him and hate him at the same time.

But the main character, that same little boy that everyone thinks is wonderful right now, (having done Charley and the Chocolate Factory, Finding Neverland and several others) he did excellent. The expressions on his face are so perfect, so clear and clean. He makes you believe him. He makes you hear the music.

I hope that you take the chance to watch it. Bring lots of tissue, and be prepared to enjoy a musical experience that will hum along your nerves. I want the soundtrack now...

Capturing the Moment

Several years ago, while we were struggling with a child who was making poor choices, (like that has changed) I ran across a book that has had a great impact on me and my life. While most of you would think this was the Book of Mormon (and it's a wonderful read, I might add) I'm talking about something else. It's called He Did Deliver Me From Bondage.

While I haven't been able to fully appreciate it's principles and apply them daily as it suggests, I have gained new insights from it and am striving to work through my frailties. One of the suggestions it makes is that you read each morning, either scriptures or from the modern prophets and capture what you've read. By capturing, they mean not only studying it, but bringing it into your life. Writing it down, such as in a journal or notebook.

For some reason, this has been difficult for me. I used to be quite the journal writer. I have several journals through my youth and college years, and three alone for my mission. But since being married and having children, that has become a challenge. I've done better in the past year, but it's still much more sparce than I'd like. At one point I was following the 12 week challenge in the book with a group of friends. I got to a point where it was difficult and let myself stop. It still bugs me. I know I need to work through this part of my life, just as I know there are things I need to be doing. It is a hard thing though, and I keep procrastinating.

One thing I have done though, is I've started walking every morning on our treadmill. I'm not a walker in the sense that I like to go outside and take long walks. I love nature, so I don't know why that's not something I enjoy -- I just don't. So, I like walking on my treadmill. And while I walk, I read the Ensign. I've gone through three of them now, which I'm fairly proud of, and started today on last years spring conference issue. I'm figuring on finishing it before May's conference one comes out. I would read the fall conference, but we've been trying to read that one together as a family...sigh.

Anyway, the point I'm getting to, is that it has been a wonderful time for me. I suppose I could read the scriptures while I walk, but they take more reflection and attention than my sleepy first-thing-in-the-morning brain. My goal is to make it to a mile a day. Today was the closest I've gotten, which was 18 minutes, or three times around an imaginary track. That's pretty good for me -- especially when I started out at 10 minutes, and barely past once around...

But my favorite part, is the reading. I love the words of the brethren. I can hear their voices from the times I've heard them in conference. I ponder the words and how they effect me and my life. I feel as if I've started capturing their words -- in my heart. It's an interesting thing.

Unfortunately it doesn't appear to have changed my behaviors much or my tendency to be short tempered -- I'm hoping that will change with time, as I sincerely want to change. But that's what this life is all about, isn't it? The opportunity and desire ... to change. To have the image of the Savior in our countenance. That is all I seek.

Have a good one...

NEW CONTEST!

I just realized I hadn't posted this last week!!! ARGH.
Believe it or not, I am soo pumped! Jeff Savage has written a cool new book, and I'm going to hold a contest. It's all part of this new thing called a Farworld Blog Tour. As soon as I have the details and the dates, I'll be letting everyone know. It's gonna be great!

I've Been Distracted...

I have to admit, I've been distracted. I don't know how it started -- wait, yes I do. Someone invited me to join them at Goodreads, and it's gone from there. Goodreads is where you can list all the books you've read, rate and perhaps review them for others to think about, and mention the books your reading. ugh. I've been going through and finding all the ones I've read. I now have over 300...but it's such a long process because I don't remember all the ones I've ever read. Especially the ones in high school...although I don't think we're really worried about all the silly romance novels I read either...hundreds of those (Barbara Cartland, Harlequin, you get the picture)

So -- I've been trying to find the ones I read as an adult. That's quite an undertaking to figure out what you've read over the past 25 or so years... And it's very addicting!! So, I've posted my bar thing at the lower end of the left side. Check it out...you might have some fun!

Amazing Grace

There are some days when I have no inspiration for this blog. Days when the well seems totally dry and I am left grasping at straws for what to say. Other days, I have an over abundance and wonder how to express it all, leaving most out and getting -- sometimes -- just the bare bones information out.

Today is definitely one of the too much info days. I want to cover so many topics...politics, global warming, education and a movie we watched called Amazing Grace.

So...I'm going to just stick with Amazing Grace for today, and perhaps tomorrow move on to one of the many other topics that are vying for attention in my brain. This was a movie I've wanted to see since it was in the theaters -- but we didn't make it. My daughter rented it for me, and I was totally inspired. We strongly felt the children should watch it, and had it for family night the following Monday.

What I find interesting, is the idea that so many treat the American slaves as a worse blight than the English trade, when one caused the other. Also, I don't think ours took as long to dismantle. What I find most sad, is apparently they still feel they are lacking in rights today -- but that is a subject for another day.

Anyway, I had to look up information on the man the next day, and I was surprised to find that the movie puts a little more emphasis on Wilberforce than was reality. Typical Hollywood, right? However -- just because he was not as large a figure as he's portrayed, he was still an amazing man. One I feel would have joined the church had he been exposed to it.

And the song!! I've always thought it was just a southern Baptist or gospel song, written by some slave or gospel singer. I had no idea it was written by a priest who had been a slave trader. What a touching thing...and the words mean even more to me now.

What struck me about this movie is how some people seem to be born to greatness. Not just worldly greatness as in wealth and esteem, but in the right place at the right time to make a difference in the world. It makes me wonder what I'm doing with my life. Why am I here? What kind of mark am I going to leave? Unfortunately, I don't think it's going to be much. Perhaps just the fact that my children are good and do the right thing will be enough of a legacy...who knows.

I also know of an amazing woman who managed to say pretty much my exact thoughts on civil rights and equality. Her name is Jewel Adams. If you read her viewpoint on Candace Salima's blog, you'll see what I mean. She's a wonderful person, I've met her and she's gorgeous inside and out.

I feel she sums up in a nutshell the way I think things should be. It's people like her that are going to make a difference in the future.

I Love Nature -- Really I do!

One of the things I love about where we live is nature. We have deer wandering through our yard all the time, great views and amazing neighbors. You think I like it here, huh? This morning we had a whole herd in our backyard, munching on the grass. I'm feeling generous...Last year it was the willow tree. I don't mind as long as they stay away from my tulips...

Every year they seem to be attracted to my tulips. However, I do remember last year they left them alone. I don't know if they got everyone else's and were too full by the time they got to ours or not -- I didn't care, i just enjoyed them.

My sister, on the other hand, lives in a little more sheltered area and they love her garden. She says she can't keep any tomatoes or melons, because they come through and eat them. They like her roses, if I remember right, as well. sigh. I guess I'm glad I don't live there... Although last year they did come through and step on and eat a few melons. Dang deer... grin. You can't shoot them and you can't shoo them away.

One year my hubby made a scarecrow type thing to scare them away. It was actually a type of windchime made from pop cans. It worked pretty good -- but after a couple of years it fell apart and we don't have it. I'm going to have to encourage him to make another one this year -- I really like melons!

Tag, I'm It...

I was tagged by a Carrie the other day, and realized that I haven't fulfilled it. sigh...

So...here's the rules:

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

So, here are 7 things about me. (oh boy - I know, you can hardly stand it, you're so excited...grin)

1. I like dark chocolate. I used to hate it, but when I found out it has less sugar and is better for you, my taste buds changed dramatically. Also, I can eat much less of it than I used to regular chocolate, and be just as satisfied. I figure that's a good thing.

2. I want to paint a masterpiece. I don't see it really ever happening, but I often dream of painting a huge landscape that takes the breath away. Unfortunately, framing such a monster would cost mega bucks and so it would just sit on the mantel, a lame duck...grin

3. I never wanted to have children. I am ashamed to say it, but it's true. I was the only daughter, youngest of any family I lived with, and didn't really have much exposure or experience with children. When I first met my hubby, he was regailing me with stories of how he planned on having enough kids for a football team and cheerleaders. I informed him I was grateful not to be marrying him...yeah. We were both ready to be done at 6, but my youngest just had to be part of the family and we wouldn't trade him for anything. I just wonder if the kids would have a better mom if I'd had more of an example, but it's a little too late now... At least I know they love me. ;)

4. I used to own a pizza restaurant with my family. I love pizza. Actually, I used to really love it, but after two years, I really got tired of it. My favorite pizza used to be ham and pineapple. Now I can't stand ham on pizza. I love pepperoni, especially with pineapple. Go figure...

5. My favorite temple is the San Diego one. Ohhh, I think it's just gorgeous!! It's just like a castle in a fairy tale...


6. I hate shopping. Don't get me wrong, I like spending money, but the shopping is a killer. The only place I like to shop is a book store...ahhh, that would be a luxury. Grocery shopping, on the other hand, is torture and should be outlawed.

7. I'm afraid of heights. I'm not talking mild fear here, I'm talking serious, even watching a movie where they are next to the edge of something makes me grab the edge of my chair. I have no problem if I'm encased in something -- say like a plane or helicopter. Even amusement parks aren't too bad, although the sky ride at Lagoon is still a test of will every time I ride it. But the edge of a cliff? The top of a staircase if there isn't a railing? ugh. Ain't happening.

Well, I hope you've enjoyed my little blurb of what I find to be trivia about myself. Be sure to tune in this time tomorrow for some other rant or thought that I would hope to be entertaining...grin.

I tag, on the other side of that coin, the following six people:

1. Danyelle (are you surprised?)
2. Karen (I thought it would be something to get the juices flowing)
3. Rebecca (didn't think you'd been tagged recently)
4. Paul Thought it was time ya joined us, mate.
5. Candace (I figured it was about time you had one of us tag you...grin.)
6. Um...I think that's all folks...

A new blog...

A friend of mine has started a new blog and I thought you might be interested...she's giving away a movie gift card with a contest she is having. Go on, check it out! grin. She always has fun things to say...