Enterprise Mentors International (EMI)

A few weeks ago at the women's club meeting I attend with my mother-in-law, a very interesting presentation was made informing us about an organization called Enterprise Mentors International. I can't quit thinking about it.

It is an organization that actually helps people living in poverty improve their situation and raise their standard of living. Organized in 1990, the group was formed to give women the chance to receive a small loan so that they could start their own home business. It is similar to the Perpetual Education fund offered through the LDS church, but it was established to help families start a home business in order to sell something and to help them help themselves. EMI extends a hand up...not a hand out. It builds self-reliance in developing countries. It brings hope to improverished individuals. 100% of donations go to the program. All administrative and overhead costs are paid for by the generous board of directors themselves.

If you've ever been in a third world country, you will know what I mean when I say that we have no idea the kind of lives of desperation most people on this earth lead. They live in poverty that most of us can't even fathom. Their sole purpose each day is to find something to eat and to feed their families. They have minimal shelter and only a few items of clothing. They often lives in areas in the world where there isn't work for anyone and they have no way to earn a living. One of the presenters described it this way "As you think about climbing the ladder of financial achievement, you usually think about moving up the ladder a few rungs each year, gradually bettering your financial situation. Most of the people in the world aren't even holding on to the ladder. They don't even have their hands on the rungs. EMI helps them get their hands on the rungs, with their own effort. They just need a chance to get a grip."

In Argentina, I saw poverty, but not grinding poverty. Some of the people we taught had small one room homes with dirt floors, electricity (yes most had a TV and a refrigerator!) and minimal furniture and clothing. But most had jobs and most were able to work for food, shelter and clothing. When we went to Peru, I saw a different kind of poverty in the Amazon jungle. No electricity, no plumbing, no grocery stores. People ate what they could find, what they could grow and what they could catch. They wore very little clothing and their shelter was no more than a shack. Jordan, Rich, Rick and Andy have seen this kind of poverty first hand as well from their mission fields of service. It's heartbreaking and very sobering, yet inspiring at the same time. It puts life in perspective and teaches that we don't need "things" to be happy! The observation I made in these humble situations was the resilient nature of the people. They were happy! They were making the most of their meager situations. I think I've seen some of the most darling children ever in the worst living situations, both in Argentina and Peru.

Because of this background glimpse I have had personally, the presentation really touched me and made me want to help. Even though EMI isn't run by the LDS church, it is staffed by church members and the board of directors is made up of prominent people who have served in leadership roles in the church. Mary Ellen Smoot is the chair of the board of directors, with Coleen Menlove and other retired general authorities are on the board as well. The program was started in the Philippines and is now also in Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador and Peru, with plans to expand to more countries each year. As of last year, EMI had served over 675,000 people in its eighteen year history. EMI has provided 139,526 loans at an average of $168 each for a total of nearly $23.5 million loaned with an average repayment rate of 95 percent over the 18-year history.Can you imagine - a $168 loan making such a difference in the lives of one family? That small amount for a micoenterprise loan has not only helped the 29,407 new clients, but has also generated more than 25,903 new jobs. When one considers that for each family serviced there are approximately five dependents who benefit from the growing business as well. Imagine the impact!

This year EMI is having it's annual gala at the Grand America Hotel in SLC on November 7, 2008. There will be a reception, dinner and a special performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I really want to go! Is anyone interested in going with me? Your ticket of $150 will go to EMI and you can also share a nice evening with like-minded individuals.

Check out their web site HERE. and also take a look at these videos on You Tube for more information.

My feelings are that we all can do something, anything, paying just a little each month - through the perpetual education fund, through the church humanitarian fund or through EMI to help those less fortunate. We have an obligation to share our abundance if we are in a situation to do so. And aren't we all abundantly blessed?

October Conference Weekend

Rick and I started the weekend by going to the Friday
night game in Logan at ROMNEY stadium with Dave,
Courtney, Lee, Mike, Trace, Cam and Jake. Lee fed us
a great dinner before the game and we took cookies in
our pockets to enjoy during the game. BYU 34 USU 21.
I haven't been to a game in years, and although the game
wasn't the best, the company couldn't be beat. BYU didn't
play that well the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters, but still pulled
off the win. All the Aggies were yelling "over rated" after they
scored their second touchdown on the 8th ranked Cougars.
BYU is a team people love to hate.










































Cam and Jake are playing football again this year
and loving it. Go Jensen boys! They are such good, cute boys.



















I couldn't resist taking a picture of this cute witch at Lee and Mike's home. Lee's home looked great, all decked out in fall decorations.















Saturday morning we went to Carol's to help do
some projects. Matt and Rick got busying pulling
weeds on the side yard. They filled up a garbage can.
Way to go guys! Carol's house looked great with her cute
fall decorations on the porch and throughout the house.
I do love fall and the change in seasons.





























Taylor and I washed all the windows in the
house, inside and out. Carol cleaned out all the window tracks.
It was raining on and off, but we wouldn't be deterred. Those
windows look great! Taylor is a natural at cleaning windows.
What a quick study she is and such a good worker! She could hire out :)














We listened to the morning session of General conference
with the Carol, Matt and Taylor (Madi and Tanner were gone).
Wow, 5 more new temples and one in
Argentina!!!! Where EXACTLY is that temple in Missouri......???














Afterwards, we went bowling and had a fun time bowling
a couple of lanes. Don't tell anyone, but I beat Rick
the first game..... I was HOT.....139. Cool!










































We had lunch at Macey's food court and then Rick
and I headed back to Provo, listening to the afternoon session
in the car. We loved listening to the prophets!














We met up in Highland so that Grandpa could go with
Rick and Dave to the priesthood session. They went to
dinner and then to the meeting. Courtney and I had a great
evening together. We went to dear lizzie to look around, to Rod Works
to pick up a couple of things, to Mimi's for dinner and
then to the Scera to see Seussical the Musical. It was a fun
evening to be together and I LOVE spending time with Courtney.

Sunday, we slept in (wow, a first for me, making it all the way
to 8:30 without waking up. Ate waffles, with fresh peaches and whipped
cream for breakfast, made whole wheat bread, made fresh salsa (more on that later), made a fresh peach pie and Sunday roast beef with fresh artichokes for dinner. We loved watching both sessions of conference and we learned so much. We have a lot to improve on and want to listen to and read the talks again soon. It was such a fun weekend and we enjoyed seeing the Cache valley families and getting uplifted in body and soul.

Apple delight

Caramel apple dip

1 8 oz block of cream cheese - room temperature
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. powdered sugar
1 t. vanilla
2 Skor candy bars - crushed

Whip the cream cheese - add brown sugar, pow. sugar and vanilla - whip with a hand held mixer until combined.
Stir in the crushed Skor bars.
Chill and serve with apple wedges.

SCERA summer shell season review

I just got these pictures yesterday at our board meeting from a couple of the concerts we went to at the SCERA shell this summer. We get to attend the VIP dinner and "meet and greet" before the concert and have our picture taken with the stars. I thought I'd give them a review and grade each concert or play. (Rick do you agree with the grades I gave?) Is was a very good season overall and we enjoyed ourselves. We have learned that if a group is TOO old (like the Association last year) that their voices are shot and they should hang it up. Or if their lead singer (Three Dog Night) isn't with them anymore, they should also stop touring. All things considered, it was a fun year and we loved going to ABBA the day after we saw Mama Mia. We were rocking in our seats and I think even Dave and Courtney enjoyed themselves. With no further adieu, here is my review....

LITTLE RIVER BAND - Memorial Day May 26 GRADE - B+

One of the best live bands in the world, Australia-born Little
River Band’s fusion of spontaneity, classic rock ‘n roll and blues
combined with their 8 Top Ten U.S. hits including Reminiscing,
Lonesome Loser, Cool Change, Lady and Take It Easy On Me
has given the group record sales eclipsing the 25 million mark
and an enduring appeal that has withstood the test of time.

THE KING & I GRADE - B
East versus West in 1862 makes for
a dramatic and ultimately uplifting
tale when Anna, a strong-willed
English widow, arrives at Bangkok’s
Royal Palace to serve as tutor to the King’s many wives and
children. Considered a barbarian by outsiders, the King seeks
Anna's help in changing his image, and with both keeping a firm
grip on their traditions and values, Anna and the King grow to
understand and respect one another, in a truly unique love
story. Directed by Howard & Kathryn Little.

JORDIN SPARKS – June 25 Grade - incomplete

(to be given by Sydney since we were out of town and couldn't go and she and her friends used our tickets)
The winner of last year’s American
Idol, Jordin Sparks was the youngest
winner in the TV vocal competition’s
six seasons! Full of class, confidence,
contagious enthusiasm and a
breathtaking range of vocal power
and emotion, Jordin is at the epicenter of the entertainment
world, with a critically-acclaimed 5-star debut album and charttopping
pop singles including This Is My Now, Tattoo and No
Air. With her big-voice, acoustic guitar and cool vibe, Jordin
brings her own “spark” to the concert stage!

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL - Grade C+
The movie musical explodes onto the live
stage! When Ren and his mother move
from the big city to a small town, Ren
fights a ban on dancing from a preacher
determined to control the town’s young
people. When the reverend's rebellious
daughter sets her sights on Ren, her
father, the locals and the new kid clash as they struggle to
understand each other. To the rockin' rhythm of its Oscar nominated
Top 40 musical score, Footloose is an 80’s musical
sensation! Directed by Neal Johnson.

ABBA LIVE! - Pioneer Day July 24 - Grade A

(upped to a solid A on Courtney's recommendation. I agree!)
Direct from Sweden, the tribute group
Arrival is the best touring ABBA show
in the world, with exclusive rights to
exactly re-create ABBA’s costumes,
music and staging! It’s an Abbasolutely
spectacular night of entertainment, with a live band and
vocalists who have mastered the sound of ABBA so perfectly, a
test on Swedish national radio fooled even the biggest fans. It’s
a Pioneer Day pop music party featuring hits Mama Mia,
Dancing Queen and all your 70’s favorites!
World premiere!

PRIDE & PREJUDICE - Grade - B

(grade given by Ann and T, who saw the play at Ed Wk)
A new musical based on the beloved Jane Austen novel!
Obsessed with marrying off her five daughter, Mrs. Bennet’s
relentless matchmaking causes all sorts of affections, aversions
and shenanigans with pompous Mr. Collins, wealthy bachelor
Mr. Bingley, villainous Mr. Wickham and dashing and aloof Mr.
Darcy’s tempestuous relationship with headstrong Elizabeth.
Directed by Jerry Elison and Robert Barham.

UTAH SYMPHONY - August 18 Grade - A
The Utah Symphony under the stars with light classical and pop
favorites conducted by David Cho. One of the world’s most
renowned orchestras will fill the night air with “Heroes in
Music,” including Bizet’s Carmen, music from Star Wars, Sousa
marches, Brahm’s Hungarian Dance, plus composers Wagner,
Puccini, Copland and Strauss.

BOYZ II MEN - August 28 Grade - B+
Four-time Grammy winners
and #1 R&B vocal group of all
time, BIIM’s style has been
described as hip-hop doo wop
mixed with a little a’cappella
and a lotta soul. With their smooth trademark harmonies,
synchronized dance routines and huge hits like End of the Road,
I’ll Make Love to You, On Bended Knee, One Sweet Day and
more, BIIM will also kick the chords with classic Motown tunes
from their hot new Motown tribute album.

THREE DOG NIGHT - Labor Day Sept. 1 Grade C-

(Their voices aren't so good anymore. Great music, average singing. Sad.)
Celebrate SCERA’s 75th Birthday with great music and lots of
surprises! TDN’s dynamic live shows are an explosion of
instantly familiar tunes, including 14 Top Ten hits and three #1
singles: Joy to the World, Mama Told Me Not to Come, One,
Black and White, Shambala and so many more! Impeccable
harmonies bring back the memories and the magic that’s
defined TDN’s success for the last 35 years!

My two brothers

I have two wonderful brothers. They are kind and good men and they have accomplished much in their lives. Gary is older than I am by seven years and Paul is only two years younger than I am. One lives out of state and I don't get to see him very often. The other lives not far away, but I don't get to see him very often either. When I get the chance to be with my brothers, I am a happy girl. I enjoy visiting with them and learning about their lives. I would like to introduce you to my brothers:













































Paul is married to DeNae and they live in a city out of state. We were dear friends growing up since we were so close in age. We went to school together and had many fun times. We attended the same university and shared a car and many great events. We went on LDS church missions at the same time, even having our farewell meeting together and leaving within days of each other. Paul served in Coventry, England and I served in Rosario, Argentina. We wrote letters to each other every week. I still have all the letters. We shared many great times that I cherish. Paul received a degree from BYU in agricultural Economics. He went on to receive his MBA from ASU. He now teaches college courses and works in a very important job with government acquisitions. He has a sweet wife and they spend much of their time serving others and helping their neighbors and friends. Paul can do anything with his hands. He is a skilled wood craftsman and gardener. He is loved by his family and friends and everyone appreciates his kind and gentle ways.



















Gary is married to Nancy, who is his second wife. He had two beautiful daughters with his first wife, Anna. He received his degree in Political Science and joined the ROTC and later the Air Force during the Vietnam war era. His daughters live in the east and they are named Magen and Haley. Magen and her husband Scott have two darling daughters named Riley and Reese. Gary was in the US Air Force for many years and he is now retired. He has lived in Arizona, Texas, California, South Dakota, Korea, Nebraska, Virginia, and Germany (am I forgetting any places?) He had a distinguished military career and served his country well. He is now a gentleman farmer and lives on a forty acre farm with Nancy. They grow calves, steers, fruits and vegetables and keep pretty busy with their home, land and animals. He also works full-time managing an opera company, which he loves. His two careers now are in interesting juxtaposition. He has great organizational skills and he knows how to get things done and take charge. Everyone in his community loves him and knows him and he is well respected.













Gary's grand daughters Riley and Reese. Aren't they darling? Doesn't Riley look a lot like Magen?

We had a pretty idyllic life growing up together. Even though there are 17 years between Gary and Carol, we are great friends and love spending time together when we get the chance. I'll be forever grateful for my siblings and love each of them very much.






































Hahaha. This picture cracks me up. Poor Paul and Ann got cut in half. Ann and Janet are sporting their bubble hairdos with matching ribbons and their 60's clothes! Very stylish. Lee is looking cute in her wool jumper and matching hair cut to mine (which she probably regrets.) Mom is looking very stern, but was probably just stressed out having to feed and take care of so many people. You can see that Gary is VERY TALL and towering over Grandpa Ray. I don't have very many pictures of Grandpa Ray, so this is a treasure. And at the center of it all, yours truly sporting very fashionable glasses, white tights to match the white blouse with the lace bell sleeves (I loved that blouse), the homemade velveteen jumper and the biggest smile showing off the most crooked teeth of all time. Gotta love it! Oh, the good ole days!