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.