Proving - continued

Last night Rick and I continued the discussion about proving stuff. We try and prove things at different times and for different reasons, just like everyone else. We don't claim to have a corner on having this figured out, but it is a good exercise and an interesting discussion. We thought it was a good idea to say occasionally to ourselves:
1. What am I trying to prove?
2. To whom?
3. Why?

The motives for proving things seems to be the sticking point and we wondered if there are "pure" motives and "not pure motives."
For example - Am I trying to prove something to be better than someone else or an I trying to prove something to just say "hey, I exist, please notice me" or am I simply sharing information and others perceive it as trying to prove something?

Annie brought up a good example to illustrate this point - Christmas rants/letters. Her perception is that people are trying to prove they or their children are accomplished because of their successes and she isn't comfortable with that approach, which is totally fine. But what is the motive of the sender? There is probably no way to really know. Is it to prove they are better than others, or is it to just say, "this is what we do" or to share family information that happens to involve mentioning some accomplishments during the course of the year? Some people dislike these types of Christmas letters and some people (like me) enjoy them. I guess the receiver can always just throw them away without even reading them if they don't like them.

But don't we do the same thing in family histories, blogs, letters, emails and such? We tell about our lives, what we enjoy doing, what our interests are, who we are and don't we want to prove to everyone else that we are valuable, interesting people? Isn't this a predominant theme in blogging - hey look at me, I've good a great job, a great life, a great sense of humor, a keen intellect, a great family, darling children, great interests, great ideas - or is it just sharing information? And isn't that OK to do? I enjoy having a glimpse into the life of a family member or friend. As Annie mentioned, the conveyance of information through just talking is past. The art of conversation, discussion and just talking is practically a lost art. Now, we publish/write/text/email/talk on the cell phone and tell what we do and who we are because we often don't take the opportunity to talk face to face and share. This is the age we live in and if you want to participate in the discussion, you have to use the means to convey messages like everyone else uses.

Soooooo, do we sometimes perceive that others are trying to prove something, when really - that isn't their intent? There is really no way to know, but we usually don't give people the benefit of the doubt. Does it come across as BIG ME little you? We may feel like they are bragging or showing off when really, they are just sharing a success or an interest. Maybe this isn't allowed. I was with a friend yesterday who couldn't wait to tell me the latest accomplishment of her missionary son. Was she trying to prove something, or was she just sharing information?
I believe a major part of any discussion or sharing of information, either in person, by email in a blog or otherwise, it to allow other people to have a turn and to tell/show/prove that they have equally valuable interests and accomplishments. Their interests, traditions and accomplishments may be different, but they are just as valuable, cool and interesting and the conversation should allow for a give and take. This is a pet peeve of my mother. She can't stand conversations where one person does all the talking/bragging/telling and never lets the other person have an opportunity to speak. I agree that it's very hard to maintain a close friendship with this type of personality.

Also, is it OK to talk about physical fitness accomplishments, musical accomplishments and not spiritual, social or intellectual accomplishments? We gather around and cheer the physical accomplishments, we sometimes give standing ovations to musical accomplishments, but how do we recognize spiritual, social and intellectual accomplishments? Are any references to being smart or accomplished in the work world considered bragging, but the athletic and artistic accomplishments are considered worthy of praise? Is a spiritually accomplished person considered to be self righteous if they share any of their successes? What is acceptable to share concerning our own accomplishments and creations and the accomplishments of our children, and what is not? Do we sometimes knowingly withhold praise because we are jealous of the accomplishments of someone else, but we crave recognition and praise for our own interests and successes? Can't we join in the celebration of the accomplishments of someone else (or their children) even when they are not the same as our own? An example - I'll cheer/praise your straight A student child who was a science fair winner and you can cheer/encourage my volleyball team winner child (even though you don't have the slightest interest in volleyball - but do have an interest in me and my child.) Isn't give and take part of the equation in supporting and sincerely caring about each other?

These questions could go on and go. Sorry, I've probably gone on too long as it is. I believe that at the base of it all is a question of pride. Is our pride involved in trying to prove ourselves? Are we trying to climb the ladder by stepping on other people to make progress? Do we want recognition for ourselves and our families, but we aren't willing to give it to others?
I remember the talk President Ezra Taft Benson gave almost 20 years ago entitled "Beware of Pride." I recently re-read it. It is a masterpiece and worthy of review. Here are some excerpts:

"Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart, or core, is still missing.
The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means “hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.” It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us. Pride is essentially competitive in nature. We pit our will against God’s. When we direct our pride toward God, it is in the spirit of “my will and not thine be done.” Our will in competition to God’s will allows desires, appetites, and passions to go unbridled.
Pride is a sin that can readily be seen in others but is rarely admitted in ourselves. Most of us consider pride to be a sin of those on the top, such as the rich and the learned, looking down at the rest of us. (See 2 Ne. 9:42.) There is, however, a far more common ailment among us—and that is pride from the bottom looking up. It is manifest in so many ways, such as faultfinding, gossiping, backbiting, murmuring, living beyond our means, envying, coveting, withholding gratitude and praise that might lift another, and being unforgiving and jealous."

Musings on "proving youself"

I've been thinking lately about the need we all have to prove ourselves. Some people probably feel the need to prove themselves more than others. Some hardly at all...and some are driven to prove something...anything, to anyone who will notice them.
What do you want to prove and who do you want to prove it to?
Do you want to prove that you're -
smarter?
prettier?
more fashion conscious?
more capable?
more spiritual?
hip, cool, enlightened?
more hard working?
more talented?
thinner?
one who conforms?
a non-conformist?
athletic?
gifted?
creative?
in shape physically?
in shape emotionally?
in shape socially?
in shape intellectually?
in shape spiritually?
sophisticated?
well-known?
well-read?
well-spoken?
well-connected?

Or, do you want to prove that you have

more material stuff?
a better job?
more recognition in your field?
talent in a certain area?
a better family?
a better life?
more self-control?
a better, bigger home?
a better-decorated home?

And who do you want to prove those things to?
Yourself?
Your spouse?
A friend?
A family member?
Your children?
The neighbors?
Extended family?
Business associates?
Anyone who will take notice and give you praise?
Strangers?
God?

And why do you want to prove those things?
To feel better about yourself?
To feel more worthy of affection?
To show that you can do something?
To feel better than other people?
To show off your stuff or skills to be noticed and congratulated?

What are the motives that make us want to prove ourselves?
Is it to receive the accolades of men?
Is it to receive the approval of God?
Is it to just feel good about ourselves and to justify our existence?

It seems to me that the need to prove oneself is human. The motives run the gamut of human feelings. I wonder if the greatest sense of accomplishment comes from getting to the point where we are just trying to overcome our own selfish desires and prove to God that we can bend our will to His and demonstrate our utter dependence on Him. It seems like that is really all that matters in proving anything.

Belonging to Relief Society

I loved watching the Relief Society broadcast last night with Sydney at our stake center. It always lifts my spirits and makes me proud to be a woman and a member of the greatest organization for women on the earth - Relief Society. I have loved associating with so many wonderful women over the years and of serving together and learning from them. I have learned how to strengthen myself and how to help strengthen my family. I'm so happy that my three daughters have Relief Society in their lives to help them, teach them and be there for them if they need help. It is such a comfort and blessing to know that they have that association with wonderful women where they live. Women who watch out for them and who will help them if they need help. It gives me so much peace to know that the women in Relief Society will be their "mother" when I can't be there to help them.
Here are some quotes from the meeting:

Sister Beck: God has commissioned each member of the organization to increase in faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and to serve the Lord and his children, she said. Noting that early LDS women suffered persecution, loss of their homes, a trek across the Great Plains and the death of many family members, she said it was "the fire of their faith" and testimony, along with a conviction that they were helping build God's kingdom that kept them going.

Strengthening families is a responsibility of all LDS women, not just those who have children of their own. "We have a duty to defend and practice the truths found in 'The Family: a Proclamation to the World."'

Sister Thompson: Relief Society magnifies the talents and faith of each woman through offering the opportunities to bless the lives of others. Women can seek to help "a neighbor who is ill, a child who needs instruction, a teen needing a friend or a family who has lost their income and needs assistance to get back on their feet. "We hear of calamities, storms or personal tragedy in the lives of our sisters everywhere. We need not rush about trying to find things to do or causes to take up."

She said most often the help is needed is "in our own homes, neighborhoods and communities. A kind word of encouragement, a note of thanks, a phone call, a loving smile, a helpful deed and a remind that God loves us is often what is needed most."

Sister Allred: Women who make themselves worthy to attend the temple bring to the Lord "a pure heart and a contrite spirit. Personal worthiness is an essential requirement to enjoy the blessings of the temple."

The covenants we make with the associated ordinances we receive in the temple become our credentials for admission into God's presence ... These covenants elevate us beyond the limits of our own power and perspective, We make covenants to show our devotion to build up the kingdom."

"President Uchtdorf : "our splendid sisters sometimes undervalue their abilities — they focus on what is lacking or imperfect rather than what has been accomplished and who they really are."

Realizing there are those who "harbor deep sorrows," wrestle with various fears, or deal with loneliness, he said women who find ways to be creative and to serve others will emulate the Savior.

"Everyone can create. You don't need money, position or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty," he said.

Cousin Rebecca

The Church News contained this article today on the reorganization of the church Young Women general board. Our cousin Rebecca is a new YW board member. Congratulations Rebecca! I'm sure she'll do a great job. She is articulate, capable and a very good leader.


Rebecca S. Gardiner, 54, Colonial Hills Ward, Salt Lake Hillside Stake; daughter of Kenneth B. and June Griffin Soelberg; married John Gardiner; bachelor's degree in elementary education from BYU; full-time homemaker; stake Relief Society president, ward Relief Society president and ward Young Women president.

My Fair Lady at the Pioneer Theatre

Last night Rick took me to the Pioneer Theatre company production of My Fair Lady. He bought season tickets for us to see the plays there this coming year. It was amazing! Really....WOW. Quite possibly the best play we've seen all year. I would give it a solid A. The acting, singing, sets, costumes and music were captivating. It lasted three hours with a 15 minute intermission, and I didn't even notice the time.

Here is a review in the DNews. They called it pretty close to perfect.

Another article on the making of the ascot hats. The least expensive tickets are $10/each, so it is very affordable. If you get a chance to be in SLC in the next few weekends, don't miss it!

"MY FAIR LADY," Pioneer Theatre Company, through Oct. 4 (801-581-6961 or http://www.pioneertheatre.org/), running time: about 3 hours with one intermission

Happy 28th Birthday Baby Girl!!!

Our first baby girl was born on September 25, 1980. This was before ultrasound, so we didn't know "what" we were getting. While I was in labor, Rick took me to the mall to buy a football. Haha. We got our darling Jordan that evening weighing in at 7 lbs. 12 oz. The cord was wrapped around her neck very tightly. It was a scary delivery and we were so fortunate she survived since her breathing was so difficult. To this day she hates turtlenecks.



















Rick was a law student and I was working full-time at BYU supporting our family. I returned to work six weeks after she was born. We hired baby sitters who were college age women who weren't in school to come to our home and tend her. She had great care.















We made many trips to Rupert to visit Mom and Dad. This treasured picture shows her with Grandpa Earl. Mom and Dad bought her her first walking shoes.



















Jordan was a happy, sweet little girl who was very easy to care for her. She could say about 125 words when she was 18 months old. I have all the words written down on a paper in her baby book!















Rick always loved this picture of his daughter. He had it taped to his cubicle at the law school.























I think this picture particularly looks like Lauren. Don't you? Jordan could be a somber little girl who took childhood quiet seriously.

This is how old she was the year dad died. Oh the good old days of flood irrigating in Rupert!

She was a darling little baby who grew into an adorable little girl who never gave us any grief.

Here are some highlights over the last 28 years of our Jordan (a girls name we got from the book - the Great Gatsby) Patricia (named after Rick's mom Pat) life:

• she attended Joy School (pre-school) taught by her mother and other neighborhood moms. She also attended Cheryl Lant's Learning Dynamics in her home. She was one of the first students Cheryl taught. (she is now the general primary president and Todd's aunt)
• she played with Claire for hours and hours, since they are so close in age (18 months apart) they have always been close sisters and they haven't fought or had any real issues.
• she marched off to OES for kindergarten were she excelled at reading. She later attended the Accelerated Learning Lab (ALL) at Cherry Hill for 5-6 and came back to OJH for 7-9. Those transitions were difficult, having to make new friends and "break in" to groups of friends. She served on student council for 9th grade.
• she has a take charge personality and she was a great older sister to Claire, Dave and Andy. She was eight years old when Andy was born and she was a great helper. She set a very high water mark for the others to follow.
• she played softball, soccer and basketball and settled on running cross country and track in high school. She ran in the state high school finals in the 800 meter. She received the academic all state award in track at MVHS her senior year
• she organized a cleaning crew along with Claire called the BCJJ cleaning crew (with friends Becky and Jana.) They went around cleaning windows and cars to earn enough money to go to the Chuck-a-ramma buffet and Seven Peaks during the summer. She had a lot of friends and did a bunch of fun stuff with them.
• she graduated from seminary and served on the seminary council her senior year
• she earned her Young Womanhood recognition award
• she got accepted to BYU and lived at Heritage Halls her freshman year. One of her roomates was Kim Poulsen (Courtney's sister.) She maintained her academic scholarship all four years at BYU. She graduated magna cum laude in Political Science with a minor in Business.
• she worked at Timp Bookstore all through high school to earn money for her own wants. She worked as a janitor at BYU one summer and also worked for Eclipse marketing and for a home security company. She has an impressive resume.
• she did an internship in Washington DC her junior year at the Heart of America foundation. She met Jake in DC during this time. She opened her mission call on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. She was in DC on 9-11-01.
• she served an LDS mission to the Venezuela, Valencia mission and had many amazing experiences. She did a lot of good on her mission and was an extraordinary missionary. She learned many, many things and taught Spanish at the MTC when she came home. She was robbed at gun point the first day of her mission and lost all of her personal belongings and had to start over again.
• Jake was pretty much on the door step waiting for her when she got home. They were married in the SLC temple in May 2004. We loved having Jake join our family
• she started graduate school at the U of U and attended for 2 years, receiving a Master's of Public Administration degree. She and Jake graduated together, he receiving his law degree. She was recognized for her writing and research skills with a special award, she worked in the MPA office at the U and she only paid one semester of tuition, receiving a scholarship for the other three semesters
• and her best accomplishment of all - she is the mother of two beautiful daughters Lauren and Ellie. She is a wonderful, conscientious mother who loves motherhood and taking care of hearth and home.

We love you very much dear Jord. We're proud of the woman you've become and look forward to many more years sharing your life with you. Her blog Enjoy the Ride can be found here.

Weekend visit from the Smiths

These pictures begin at the end, but I don't want to upload them again, so.....I'll start at the end and move backwards!

I had a great weekend with the Smiths a few days ago. My sister Janet came down with her daughter-in-law Tina and they stayed with us for a few days. Her daughter Syd and her new husband Adam came over and we packed so much into those few days! We had a great time and I appreciated them inviting me along for the fun.

Sunday: This is Syd and Adam's home they are going to rent. It is almost ready and it has new paint and carpet. They'll be moving in soon. It will be perfect for them. I'm sure they will have it looking very good before long.














We went to the MTC for church on Sunday. Adam had never been to the Provo MTC when he was a missionary because he went directly to Brazil and missed standing in front of the Provo MTC sign. We took care of that for him. Now he has his own picture. I think he was happy he was on the outside and not on the inside at this point in his life.














We attended sacrament meeting with our branch, went to Relief Society, watched the Spoken Word (which was amazing) and then we had lunch in the cafeteria. It is a very spiritual place and everyone loved going to see what goes on there.














We took a walk around to the back of the Provo temple. The flowers were so beautiful and it was a wonderful fall day. Claire and R, Janet and Dave were married in the Provo temple, so it has special meaning to our families. It's also the temple Rick and I attend the most each month.



















Adam took these great shots of the temple against the beautiful blue sky. After lunch at the MTC, the Janet and Tina packed up and got ready to head home. We were all quite tired, but we had a great time together while they were in town.












































Saturday included a trip to Tai Pan for some shopping for seasonal decorating items. We all got some great stuff. We finished the day at Cafe Rio for dinner chowing down on some great food.














Here we are at a stop at Rod Works for some home decorating items. The girls hauled out the loot and got some great prices on their finds.














Lunch at Thanksgiving Point. They make a great Reuben sandwich there, FYI.



















A stop at IKEA for some more items.....including some grandma supplies for me. Kids dishes - including plates, cups, bowls and utensils with a step stool for the bathroom for the little people. Cool! Each bag of plastic items cost $2.00 each! A true deal. $8.00 total.














We made a stop at a little shop in Highland called Dear Lizzie. They had some darling, overpriced things there. We just looked and got some fun ideas.














We started the day on Saturday hiking up to Timp Cave. Tina and Adam had never been before. Jan and Syd remember going with our family when the children were much younger. Everyone enjoyed seeing the cave. It's an amazing cave and very cool - literally and figuratively. 43 degrees inside at all times, winter or summer. We learned a lot about what goes on in caves.



















Here is the "heart" of Timpanogos Cave. I huge stalactite that weighs over two tons. Wow, it was impressive. These pictures don't even do it justice.














We had a guided tour by Ranger Mark. They take groups of about 15 people through every 15 minutes and you have to have a ticket so that the groups are staggered. There are some spectacular things to see in Timp Cave and to learn about caving. The potty at the top of the mountain will not soon be forgotten by Tina. Can you say "stench?"



















This shot was taken on the way back down. The trail is 1 1/2 miles up with a ascent of 1200 feet. It gave us all a good workout (some even more than others.) I was stiff for days afterword, but it was so beautiful to climb it in the fall. Jan and I did quite well actually. We took pride in the fact that we know many friends of a similar age who couldn't even begin to hike that far up such a steep incline.














Here's a view from about half way up.














Wow, I really need a hair cut and color. Yikes!














The cutest hikers on the mountain (with the exception of Adam who looked very manly and buff!) Those girls turned some heads on more than one occasion. It was hilarious at the MTC. Cute Tina the mother of three darling boys and Syd the newly wed. They've still got it!





















Oh yeah! Hike on baby!! (I hate hiking by the way, but wouldn't have missed out on the great company and the adventure we had!) We had a great time at the cave and everyone thought it was worth the effort. We started the day early, chowing down on some of Annie's oatmeal pancakes with special syrup with a fresh peach smoothie done up in the Magic Bullet. We needed the energy boost for what lay ahead.














Friday, the Smiths arrived about 5:00 pm and the four of us started our great adventure playing tennis. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of that activity, but we all decided that it is a great game and we want to play again. None of us will be mistaken for the Williams sisters or Mary Erickson anytime soon. We had dinner at Rumbi Island grill and then went to University Mall for some shopping. The girls headed to XXI for some clothes shopping and Jan and I went to Kirklands, (one of my favorite decorating stores) See's candy to get a free sample from my friend Evie and then on to Archivers to look at some photo books. Then it was back home again for a round of Uno. It was so fun to be with the Smiths, to get to know Tina better, to be with Janet (always a delight) and to spend some quality and quantity time with Sydney and Adam. I love the Smiths!

No. 11 and climbing.....

This one's for YOU - VFR.
Check it out......
click here.

(then press the little white arrow to activate it with sound) and get ready to rise and shout!!!!

Real Families, Real Answers premier tonight

Last Thursday night Rick and I went to the premier of a new TV series that will be coming out on BYU cable television called "Real Families, Real Answers." Now is the time to put your DRV into good use!!!! The 13 weekly episodes will air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on BYU Television starting tonight. The series will air Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on KBYU beginning Sept. 28.

It's inspiring. It's relevant. It's real. It's applicable. See this video. on AOL.

See this link on the series in the newspaper. Of course the spin in the paper is that it is a reality show. That is partially true, just to get you to pay attention and read the article and check out the show. The advice "Real Families, Real Answers" offers will range from how to strengthen marriages and manage family finances to blending families, managing emotions, overcoming pornography and other topics. Families participating in the series are from all over the US and only a minority are LDS. The series doesn't try to show a monolithic view of family. Instead it tries impartially to show how science can be used to strengthen families and protect family time.

It is VERY GOOD!!! Every family and every married couple can benefit from watching this series. Many of the professors I work with in my employment give expert advise on each of the different topics, along with family scholars from other universities. I think you will be very surprised at how well done the series is and how much it can help you and your family and give some good advise, helps and something to discuss.

"Filmed in high definition, Real Families, Real Answers brings together nationally recognized authors as well as scholars from some of the nation’s most prestigious universities to provide insightful, relevant commentary on resolving and avoiding family conflict, strengthening family relationships, protecting family time, effectively dealing with anger, becoming a better parent and managing family finances. The series also gives insight on how real families successfully handle single parenting, avoid and overcome pornography in the home and rise above the devastation that accompanies family tragedies. Designed for families to watch together, each engaging Real Families, Real Answers episode will provide viewers with practical ideas and techniques they can start using in their own homes right now."

Their web site http://realfamiliesrealanswers.org/ gives additional information to help families. Please check it out and help spread the word to your family and friends!

At last, a worthwhile family oriented TV program! (Please don't hate me for saying that :)

Remembering Jon

Each Life That Touches Ours for Good

Each life that touches ours for good

Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;

Thou sendest blessings from above

Thru words and deeds of those who love.

What greater gift dost thou bestow,

What greater goodness can we know

Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways

Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

When such a friend from us departs,

We hold forever in our hears.

A sweet and hallowed memory,

Bringing us nearer, Lord to thee.

For worthy friends whose lives proclaim

Devotion to the Savior's name,

Who bless our days with peace and love,

We praise thy goodness, Lord, above.

I pay tribute to a great friend, a devoted and dedicated husband, a loving and conscientious father, and a good soul who left us five years ago today. Dear Carol, Madison, Matt, Taylor and Tanner - may the Lord continue to bless and keep you safely in His arms for now, knowing with certainty that once again you will be in the arms of Jon.

Happy 20th Birthday Andy Boy

Andy was born on a beautiful fall day, September 20, 1988, in the regional medical center. He was the fourth child of Rick and Vonnie and a wonderful addition of our family. His older sisters, Jordan and Claire, and his older brother, Dave, were all very happy to welcome him into the family. Andy was a well-behaved baby and he was easy to care for and very easy to love. We all were so happy to welcome him into our home. On the day the picture was taken, he was given a blessing by his father and his oldest sister (who had recently turned 8 years old) was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. It was indeed a happy day in our home.



















He was a darling baby boy with blue eyes, light brown hair and a very sweet face.



















From a very young age, Andy loved to play around and have a good time. He always had many friends and he knew how to interact with people and enjoy a good time (shown in the photo showing off his training pants.)















Andy was a cool dresser and he loved his Ninja Turtle pajamas. Here is a picture of his second birthday party when he received the cool looking threads shown in the picture and a couple of gifts that were given by his trend-setting siblings. Aren't they all darling? Those were the days...

















When he was only one year old, Andy broke his wrist by falling off his rocking horse. He actually bent the bone, but he had to wear this splint for many weeks. This propensity to break bones continued as he broke the same wrist years later while snowboarding. We won't list all the broken bones he suffered while playing football, but just know that there were some.















Andy learned to be a great sleeper at a young age and it was a talent that he perfected until the day he entered the MTC. His daily schedule usually began about noon and ended about midnight or later, if allowed. Can you say, "night owl?" The Pooh Bear represents the great love Andy had for stuffed animals, which continued through high school. In fact, he may have a stuffed animal hidden in his suitcase even now.



















This is Andy's trademark smile. Doesn't he look like a great little boy, full of life, full of mischief and ready to tackle whatever challenge came his way?
A few facts about Andy:
*he got very scared after Grandma Mayme died (the first deceased person he had ever seen) when Claire told him she was hiding under his bed. He slept by the side of our bed for two years (maybe longer) in a sleeping bag on a foam pad.
*he attended Learning Dynamics preschool and Miss Shelley's preschool
*he attended K-4 at OES and ran for President of the 4th grade with the slogan "If you like Candy, vote for Andy" and won! I wonder why.
*he played soccer, Jr. Jazz basketball, baseball and tackle football all through his growing up years. Sports, sports, sports. He was also undergoing his indoctrination in learning to love BYU Cougar football during these same tender years
*he and Dave shared a room until we moved into our current home and then each child had his or her own room. His room had peach colored wall paper for many years until we finally got it re- wallpapered.
*he attended the ALL program at Cherry Hill for grades 5-6 and LJH for grades 7-9, continuing in the ALL program for grades 7-8. While attending LJH he met about 10 great friends who have continued to be his dear friends to the present time. He loved attending MVHS and he had many great experiences there.
*while at LJH he played basketball and football and loved it
*at 6'4" he played high school basketball all three years
*he received his Eagle Scout award
*he graduated from Seminary
*he worked several jobs, earning enough money to finance his own pursuits (snowboarding) - one of his favorite jobs was working at Ernie's Deli. He also worked on a landscaping crew one summer and learned how to work hard and not give up
*he always had a big group of friends, including girls and guys who were faithful friends through many years...he had a great influence on many of them for good
*he was admitted to BYU and attended one semester before receiving his mission call. He lived with five of his high school friends for four months and loved it
*he is a friend to the underdog and we watches out for the little guy
*he stands up for what is right
*he loves to play with children and they love him
*he is an honorable priesthood holder and he fulfilled his responsibilities through the years.
*he is loved by his brother, sisters, brothers-in-law and sister-in-law
*he is missed by his family and loved dearly by his parents
*he is my good bud and I have always loved to spend time with him...he talks to me, cares about me, watches out for me and shows interest in what I am doing. He is every mother's and father's dream son (and we've got two of them!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELDER ANDY