Jason's art work

In previous posts I've mentioned a great young LDS artist that we knew back in the day. I recently received this email from his mother Sue. If you've ever wanted to own a very nice piece of art work that isn't seen in every home you go to, check out this offer. Most artists struggle to survive in their trade and I'm happy to do all I can to help get the word out about Jason's art. I'm hoping to get a Giclee Print for Christmas!

Dear Friends, I am emailing you regarding a new line of Giclee Prints our son Jason has begun to promote. What he has decided to do is target a market of his work that he has not previously approached, more affordable ways for people to have some of his images, $200 and below price range. If you feel comfortable participating in this venture, could you think of anyone that you think might be able to afford a GREAT $150 print and pass this information along to them. If you prefer just sending us their email address or home address, we can send the information to them personally. Mention this could be a Christmas gift for a son or daughter. Please take a look at the information when you have the time. You may also go to his blogsite at jasonbowenart.blogspot.com to see originals and upcoming events. We hope that you will email us and let us know of anyone that we could send this information to. Jason also wanted to include as an incentive that if you can sell 4 prints to friends or family, he would give you a print of your choice as a gift. We love you all and hope you will enjoy these new images. Love.... Sue

Families and Mental Health

About 10 days ago our office hosted conference #2, and this time the topic was families and mental health. Again, it was held at Sundance resort for two days with the wrap up on campus the third day. Nine scholars came from some pretty prestigious universities to collaborate with our faculty and discuss current issues in this field. My new assistant Brad and I arranged all the details for the conference and we went to the airport to pick up the professors in the university fleet vans and drive them to Sundance. I learned a ton once again.

A few observations:

• poor mental health in parents profoundly affects family dynamics (duh!)


• mental health issues are just as real as physical health issues, but often a stigma is attached to those problems and for many reasons, people are reluctant to seek help or admit that they have a mental health problem


• many mental health problems go undetected, undiagnosed and untreated which often leads to dysfunction in the marriage and the family


• mental health challenges often lead to substance abuse problems - they often go hand in hand because those with mental health problems are trying to find a way to feel better and cope with life in any way they can


• if members of families are diagnosed with mental health problems and if they seek treatment and/or take medication, their odds of success both in their marriage and with their child rearing increases dramatically


• fewer people with mental health challenges are institutionalized. Unless they are a danger to themselves or others, they are out on the street. This creates all sorts of challenges with families who are dealing with family members who have mental health problems. Children are mainstreamed and teachers and schools are expected to cope with problems they often are not trained or experienced with. Education in the community and in the home is essential in helping people cope with mental health challenges.

Those are the main points, but there is a lot more that was discussed. It was fascinating.

• Sundance is a little gem in our state. It is close to Provo, has first rate accommodations, has wonderful service and exceptional food.


• Our guests are pretty much blown away by the beauty of our state. Only one of the nine had visited Utah before. They couldn't believe our huge mountains and the close proximity of the mountains and the resort to civilization. One professor commented when we were on campus "how do you get anything done? I'd just sit and stare at the mountains."


• The professors ask many great questions about our state, our university and our students. It's so interesting to try and see it all through their eyes. They ask questions such as: What are the main sources of income for the state? What is the unemployment rate? What is the ratio of Mormons to non-Mormons? What are the past times and what is there to do for entertainment? Why do your students dress the way they do? Why isn't there more diversity on your campus? What is the acceptance rate at BYU? Is it hard to get into? What is the cost of the tuition? (They they usually say that they are totally amazed when they realize how cheap tuition is for a private university.) How can BYU provide all of this for such cheap tuition? They comment that everything in the state looks clean and new and that they love visiting. Two of the nine stayed for a few more days. One couple stayed on at Sundance over the weekend and another rented a car to drive down to Moab to experience Arches. It's a great opportunity to tell more about our state, our religion, our campus and students.

I think that everyone knows someone who is dealing with mental health issues. I really appreciated learning more about this important topic and hope that I can be more understanding and supportive of people who struggle with this challenge.

Patricia ~ Celebrating 80 years

Rick's mom Pat is 80 years old today! Happy Birthday Pat! We had a family party last night and celebrated with her (see the last two pictures from that party.) She has accomplished much in her life and she has a great skill set in many areas. Some interesting things about her:

She was born the oldest child and was raised in SLC by her parents Marjorie and J. Frederick (hence Rick's name)

She is the only daughter and she has three brothers who have all been mission presidents and they and their wives are accomplished and impressive people

She bore two children and adopted four more

She received her degree in History from the U of U

She is an amazing cook. She can cook anything and she has many wonderful recipes.

She belongs to a bunch of ladies groups and has been involved with them for many years.

She served on the Relief Society general board and has been a ward RS president

She served for many years in Primary and served on the primary general board.

She was the Lambda Delta Sigma church sorority president

She received her silver beaver in scouting in recognition for all the work she did with cub scouting

She was a Beehive advisor in her late 70's and currently serves in a ward RS presidency

She loves to decorate and her home is lovely

She loves flowers, gardening and beautiful, fine things in life

She is very cultured and refined and knows and practices the social graces

She loves good music, good entertainment and good conversation

She is an amazing entertainer and has hosted thousands of parties and dinners

She has served missions with Vern in West Virginia and in LaJolla CA

She was a dutiful mother and tried to get her children involved in developing their talents and in receiving a good education

She has traveled extensively with family and friends and has gone on many cruises

She owned her own travel agency for many years and enjoyed seeing many parts of the country and the world

She has been to all 50 states in the US

She is very conservative and always votes Republican

She always remembers our birthdays and holidays and she has given me many seasonal decorations for our home over the years

She was worked tirelessly to encourage and support their children and grandchildren who struggle

She has a great sense of humor and writes an witty annual Christmas letter that many people look forward to receiving

She is of the generation of ladies who always go to the hairdresser weekly

She is a woman with high aspirations and goals
Rick has this to say about his mother:

I am grateful to her for being a wonderful influence in my life. I always knew that my mom wanted me and expected me to be doing good things, to be involved in worthwhile pursuits, and to be acting appropriately. I appreciate her rather high expectations of me, and, although I haven't always lived up to them, they have been influential in my life. She has lots of good energy, and I'm grateful to have inherited it. She is also very interesting to talk to, and has a fine sense of humor. Happy birthday to Granny Pat!

Pat and I have had an interesting journey these past 30 years. We're both strong willed and there's been some issues of control and resisting control (typical mother-in-law, daugher-in-law stuff.) We've had some highs and we've had some lows, but we're at a good place now. We've forgiven each other and we've moved on and I'm happy for that. Hope your day is great Pat. I love you!

Mary's fresh peach pie

I've eaten a piece or two of this pie this fall....it's delicious!
Mom's fresh peach pie is easy to make as well, so give it a try this weekend.

Mash 2 peaches in the blender (add a little water if it's too thick to blend) add 3/4 c. sugar into which 3 T. cornstarch is added and 1/2 c. water. Cook for about 5 minutes or til boiling. Remove from heat and add 1/2 t. almond flavoring and 2 T. butter. Cool. Slice 3 peaches into each baked pie shell and pour above mixture over the top of the sliced peaches. Top with whipped cream. Enjoy!

Happy 29th - young mother Jordan

Our daughter Jordan is 29 years old today. It doesn't seem possible, but nonetheless, it is true. She has accomplished many things in her young life and now she is in the throes of being a young mother. She has taken this responsibility in stride and she is doing a great job with her two little daughters. I can't help but think of when I was a young mother and had two little daughters to take care of (remember the matching dresses, hahaha!) It's an awesome responsibility and calling to be a mother and I'm so proud of Jordan for shouldering it up and for taking it in stride. She was thrown a curve ball earlier this year, and she has adjusted well to that change in plans. She will continue to put her formidable skill set to work as she welcomes daughter number three into their family later this year. She and Jake are great parents.

I loved hearing Elder Ballard speak to young mothers last May in General conference. Here is his talk if you haven't read it lately. He gives such great council:

First, recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction.
Second, don’t over schedule yourselves or your children.
Third, even as you try to cut out the extra commitments, sisters, find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests.
Fourth, pray, study, and teach the gospel.

Happy Birthday dear Jordan!

I love you.

International Art Exhibit

Last Thursday I went with the Cleofon club (the club I belong to with my mother-in-law, Pat) to see the 8th International Art Exhibit at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. It was so inspiring and moving. It's entitled Remembering the Great Things of God. The pieces of art were varied in form and design and there were some truly beautiful pieces of art that were on display. The 2009 exhibit features 197 works selected from 1,089 entries representing a worldwide range of cultural traditions, styles and media. Artists from 44 countries submitted entries based on the theme. Check out the web site here and browse through the pieces. Use the arrow at the bottom to enter the exhibit and then you can scroll through the pieces that are listed alphabetically by the artists last name and click to zoom in on each piece. The mediums used to convey the Great Thing of God ranged from oil paintings to watercolor, quilts, fabric art, ceramic, pottery, metal design, wood carving and many more. If you get a chance to see it in person, it's on display in the Conference Center until October 11. If not, then enjoy the web site. It's very well done. They even had a weaving from a woman in Mongolia. I'm so impressed with people who use their talents to convey their beliefs through art.

Incredible Ellie

Jake and Ellie had a little adventure over the weekend. They flew up to attend the BYU - Florida game. Yeah, the game was lame, but the visit was great. Since Ellie isn't two yet, she got to come with her daddy and fly for free and I got to tend her during the game. I dare say that we had a better time than those who attended the game!

We played in the park, we had a tea party, read stories and played house. Here are the incredible things about Ellie...she is 21 months old and she:

runs into our arms when she sees us (which is amazing because we don't see her that often!) and hugs us

she doesn't cry when her parents leave

she loves to swing really high and she has no fear

she put her head on her arm and said "night, night" and actually wanted to take her nap

she went down for her nap with nary a whimper, only asking for "mommy song" and "daddy song" (which we later learned meant the songs that go "I love Mommy, she loves me..." and "I'm so glad when daddy comes home") She had to settle for "I am a child of God" and "I love to see the temple."

she speaks really well and can communicate what she wants and it's SO CUTE to hear her little voice

she had no problem taking her bath and getting her hair washed...no tears, no struggles even when I poured the water right over her head

AND the most incredible thing about her, she wanted to take her diaper off and wear her Dora under panties! She told me "poops gamma" and I took her to the potty and she did her business. More than once with success! WOW!!

Gampy loved rocking her to sleep and singing songs, telling stories and just holding little Ellie before putting her to bed. She is a precious granddaughter and we loved having her and Jake visit us.

Sold on soy

I'm sitting here eating a snack...a soy bean snack. Crazy, huh? A few weeks ago while we were visiting some of our neighbors, they went out into their gorgeous garden and pick some fresh soy beans and brought them in, steamed them and served them to us. I was skeptical. Now I'm sold. They were delicious!
When I was in AZ a few weeks ago, I noticed soy beans on the menu in the Asian restaurant we went to. I ordered them as an appetizer. I was sitting by little Ellie my granddaughter who is almost 2. She ate them up, one right after the other and asked for more.
So, I bought a box at Costco when I got home. They are found in the frozen food area by the frozen veggies. It cost $6 something for a huge box with 12 bags inside. That works out to be about 60 cents a bag or so. They are loaded with nutrition and you will find the box that says Edamame in the frozen food section. Edamame is a soybean that can be eaten fresh or frozen and is best known as a snack with a nutritional punch. Soy beans are picked before drying out and boiled (or microwaved) in water for a few minutes. The pods are soft and the bean can be removed by pulling through the teeth and lips. This is an ideal nutritious snack, far superior to junk food. Try them, you may like them. The cooked beans are frozen in their pods and can be heated up in 3 minutes. Just toss the heated beans with a little butter, some fresh ground salt and pepper and enjoy! The Chinese have been using soy beans for about 5000 years. How come I didn't know about this nutritious, high protein, low calorie snack food? Did you?

Calories	125.0
Protein	12.1
Carbohydrates	13.1
Fat	3.6
Ash	1.7
Calcium	9.3
Phosphorus	180.0
Iron	2.7
Sodium	5.0
Vitamin A	130.0
Vitamin U1	0.31
Vitamin C	40.0

Happy 21st Elder Andy

Here is an excerpt from one of Andy's recent emails.

Its easy to just run around and talk
to everyone and tell them memorized
quotes and scriptures and whatnot,
but I can truly testify that there
is power in thinking about the gospel
and all its principles, about thinking
about Christ and His Atonement and how
we can apply it in our lives, about
thinking about God and the love He
has for us and the plan He created
in our behalf, about thinking about
the Restoration, its purposes, if it
happened or not, and if it did what
that means to us as individuals and
to the world as a whole. When I
truly think about the gospel and
ponder its importance to me, I feel
the spirit so much stronger, and
feel the spirit testify of my
words so much more fully. I know
we live in a run and gun, fast
paced world and that we forget
to think or to “ponder” sometimes,
but if we do the spirit can and
will speak to us, our testimonies
will be strengthened and hidden
things will be made know to us.
I know that to be true as I have
done it in my own life. I know
this church is true, God does
live and love us, as does
His son Jesus Christ. They
created a plan for us to be
happy to live peacefully and
to receive eternal life in
the world to come. They love
us so they created this world
so we could learn. They try
us and test us to see if we
will follow them, and when
we press forward our
testimonies are strengthened
and our eyes are opened to
the eternal scheme of things.
They restored their true
church on this earth through
the prophet Joseph Smith who
received their authority which
enabled him and his predecessors
to build temples where we can
make everlasting covenants with
God, and receive the blessings
of the Atonement of Jesus Christ
that allow us to live beautifully
now and which will allow us to
receive eternal life in the end."
I love you all, and pray for you all.
Elder Andy

Happy 21st Birthday dear son.  Even though
you won't read this post, we still send 
our love and best wishes for a
happy day.  We all love you and
we're proud of the important
work you are doing. You've grown from a fun loving,
happy little boy to a fun loving, happy mature grown up man.
Your body has grown to match up to your huge spirit.
It's been a fun ride and we're all so happy to be a part of it.
Keep up the good work son. Keep going strong!  We look forward 
to celebrating with you next year.  Happy Birthday Elder Andy!

Enterprise Mentors International (EMI) Part 3

Announcing the annual Enterprise Mentors International Gala coming up on October 9, 2009 in SLC at the Marriott Hotel. This year the entertainers will be The 5 Browns! I'm so sorry to miss this event this year. So, so sorry. We will be out of town. I still want to contribute to EMI, so I'm willing to buy one ticket to it and give it to someone who would like to go. If you bought another ticket and used my ticket for your spouse, you could enjoy an amazing evening together. I PROMISE that you will enjoy this evening. You will be contributing to a very worthwhile cause AND you will enjoy some amazing talent. If I don't get any takers, I'll just make a contribution this year, but I'd love to help one of you readers attend.
Check out my post from last year here and here for more information on EMI and what they do, or look at their web site here.
Also, to find out more about the 5 Browns, check out their web site here. Check out the videos on their web site to see them performing. Wow! They're Utahans, brothers and sisters, Julliard trained pianists and LDS. They are amazing young adults. 50 fingers playing five grand pianos...Amazing! Rick and I had a chance to see them last year when they received an award at SCERA for their contributions to the Arts in our state at our annual awards gala. They're sweet, humble, talented people and a credit to our state.
First come, first served on my ticket offer! Let me know.

New York Times photo piece

I got this link off my friend Sally's blog and thought you might enjoy it.


The New York Times has a fantastic photo documentary series called One in 8 Million that I love. Today's story focuses on an LDS Sister Missionary from Shanghai serving in Chinatown.
Check out the 80 + comments at the end of the slide show. They are very interesting.


http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/nyregion/1-in-8-million/index.html#/naisi_zhao

Fall produce

Blessings of the restoration

Rick and I speak once a month in sacrament meeting to our missionaries (about 70) in the Missionary Training Center. Today I gave a talk on the blessings of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I thought I'd post a few excerpts from my talk.

Why does this message of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ carry such power? Try and imagine if you heard it for the first time. Try and put yourself in the shoes of a new investigator. How would you react? Would you recognize and feel the spirit of the truth? Would you do your part to follow through on assignments and commitments to come to know the truths for yourself?

Here are the simple truths that have been restored that are taught in the fist lesson. The main points are these:

God is our loving Heavenly Father

The gospel blesses families

Heavenly Father reveals his gospel in every dispensation

The Savior’s Earthly Ministry and Atonement

The great apostasy

The restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith

The Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ

Pray to know the truth trough the Holy Ghost.

Now again, imagine if you were an investigator checking into the claims that the truth has been restored. What would these truths mean to you? How would they change your life? How would they give you hope and help you live for something more? Here are some of the concrete ways the message that the truth has been restored has blessed my life and can bless the lives of those you teach. You will probably have similar feelings of gratitude for the blessings of living in this day and age when the truth has been restored:

I know that I am a child of God. I know where I came from, why I am here and where I am going. I know I have divine worth and that I have potential to become like Him. Through Jesus Christ, we can live with God again. The restored gospel teaches us the importance of families in God’s eternal plan. It teaches us that the people we call families have eternal significance to us and that we can live together as families if we follow the guidelines and keep the commandments we have been given. Families can be sealed together for ever and they are the most important social unit in time and eternity. The heavens are not closed. God is in communication with his prophets in our dispensation. He tells his prophets his will and direction for our time. We have opportunities to sit and listen to a prophet’s voice at least twice a year. I am grateful for President Thomas S. Monson who leads and directs this church today. He is a man of God and I sustain him as such without reservation. Jesus Christ, the son of God, taught the gospel in its pure essence. He called apostles and gave them authority to preach the gospel and perform saving ordinances through the priesthood. The priesthood is the power of God given to man to act in his name on earth today. I have been blessed many times through this priesthood power and testify that it is real. The great apostasy was a time without revelation through a prophet and people fell into spiritual darkness. The gospel needed to be restored in it’s fullness with priesthood power to act in God’s name. Through Joseph Smith, the prophet of this last dispensation, the fullness of the gospel was restored. The Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God and it contains the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Of this I have no doubt. The Book of Mormon testifies to me that Jesus is the Christ. I learned that if we are to follow Christ that we must be baptized and take upon us his name. Through the waters of baptism we are washed clean and we show our faith by following him. We are given the gift of the Holy Ghost which will help us, guide us, give us peace, give us comfort and help us to know what to do.

Many of you have prepared your whole life to share this message. You have dreamed, you have prepared, you have worked, you have studied, you have saved money and now YOUR time has arrived. You are living the dream. When you are out there in extreme weather, when it is hot and humid, when there are bugs crawling in your apartments, when your food is not as good as your Mom makes, when you are so tired that you don’t think you can take another step, remember, you are living the dream you have had since you were a little boy or girl, singing, I hope they call me on a mission. Now it is your turn to let people know that the truth has been restored. Some of you have come from a long line of missionaries who have rendered faithful missionary service. Some of you are the first in your families. No matter what your circumstance is, you are living the dream of taking the message of the restored gospel to people who are searching for more and who are looking for the truth. And you have the truth! You get to tell them that the truth has been restored! It will change their lives. It will change your life and make you even better than you are right now because you sacrificed and shared the most important message of all time.