To blog or not to blog....

This is just a reminder to all of my "peeps" that blogs are 1) to be updated frequently 2) to be commented on , and 3) an important way that some of us (me) like to feel part of the lives of those who are at the far ends of the earth (and that includes Logan!) Just a reminder:)

Saving Lives

Devin & Lindsey on her 1st ski trip!

Carl & I have been so interested in Devin's research at NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health....did I get that right, Devin?) the past few years. His research involves finding out how many commercial fishermen use personal floatation devices (PDFs) and asking them to try out different types of them to see which ones they would be most likely to wear. We think that this is a worthwhile project that will save lives eventually and we are so proud of Devin for developing the survey and doing the followup research. It also has taken him to some interesting places--Washington and California along the Pacific coastline, Maine and along the eastern coastline, Dutch Harbor, Homer, and Seward in Alaska, and in May to Iceland for a conference. We were excited to see his name in a couple of newspaper articles in preparation for his current trip to Homer & Seward and thought we would share it for those who are interested in learning more about his project (just click on "newspaper articles" and it should take you to one of them). Way to go, Devin!

Hakuna Matata!

My sister, Linda, (lucky girl!) had an opportunity to go see "Lion King," the musical, in Seattle last weekend. She made it sound so exciting that I went online to look at some of the costumes and thought I would share them with you, in case any of you ever have an opportunity to go see it, too. Take a look at some of these wonderful, creative costumes!

If you can see it below, Linda said that they walked on their own legs and carried the body of the animal on their heads. It looks complicated, but pretty amazing!

This photo shows how they use the puppets on stage.

Well, I for one, wish that I had an opportunity to go see it live! Linda goes to quite a few musicals and plays that come to Seattle with their "Fifth Avenue" series they have each year. She also lives not too far from the beautiful Mt. Raineer rain forest and only a few hours from the beach. If it weren't for all of the people, I think I would want to go live there myself. At the least, Linda, we need to go visit you and see your beautiful new home! I'm sure she would welcome visitors this summer....if there are any takers, right, Linda?

A Great Visit!

My mom left this morning after a week long visit. What a wonderful time we had this week, just chatting and doing not much of anything too exciting, except enjoy each other's company! We spent some time on the computer, getting Mom used to getting into her email and writing on her new blog (go check it out at asherhartley.blogspot.com). Linda, my sister, and her friend, John, put together a really nice new computer for her to use and set her up on highspeed internet services. That was such a fantastic thing for her to do, as now my mom can be part of the internet users, quite a feat for an 84-year old woman, right Mom? She was telling me that when she was working at the Corps of Engineers in Walla Walla, they got their first computer. It filled an entire wall, it was so big. She caught onto it so quickly, that, in time, she traveled around training others how to use it! Wow, Mom, I am impressed! It is a bit different now, I am sure, but you can do it!

We had a "girl's day" with Michele & Olivia joining us shopping almost all day on Friday! And then we all had fun on that night when the guys joined us for Carl's delicious barbequed ribs for dinner and a game of Back Alley. It was a great visit. Thanks for coming down, Mom!

North to Alaska

What a great opportunity Carl had to go to Alaska for the blessing of the twins! What a special day it was, as you can see by the pictures. He and Jenny found time to get in a bit of skiing, as you can guess they would! Precious moments!

Thoughts on Marriage

Just one of the many reasons I love him!

I just watched a movie that I am recommending to all of you....Fireproof (recommended to me by Anna-thanks!). I was blown over...not by the great acting, although it wasn't too bad, but by the realization that marriages are worth anything that you have to do to save them. In this movie, the price that Caleb (the husband) had to pay to save his marriage, was almost more than he could do. But after, struggling long and hard, and going through a "mighty change" in his heart and attitude, and by humbling himself enough to recognize that he was a large part of the problem, he was able to do it. He did it by following a plan recommended by his father called, the "Love Dare." I encourage you to watch this movie, or read the book, and consider looking into the Love Dare (you can find out more about this at www.fireproofingmymarriage.com/)

Just some thoughts on marriage. There is nothing like it! The world can view it as unnecessary or temporary, but the Lord views it as essential and permanent. That's why it is so important to choose wisely, and then work hard at making it work. No marriage is perfect. That is just a fact. But, there are always ways to make it better. That is what the Love Dare is all about...doing all you can to make it better, every single day. And that means that you make yourself be a better person; a less selfish person; a kinder person; a more loving person. When you concentrate on changing your attitude and actions, and not on your spouse's shortcomings, then you've got the right idea. It is like the scriptures tell us, "Why behold you the mote that is in your brother's eye, but consider not the beam that is in your own eye?"

I am married to a wonderful man....not a perfect one, but a thoughtful, caring one, who tries to make our marriage work. And it does. And if we want it to still be as wonderful for eternity as it is now, we will need to work on it each day. That is the challenge of a marriage. That is the joy of being married. It is worth "fireproofing" your marriage, no matter what.

You've Been Tagged!

Michele asked me an interesting question this morning, in preparation for a lesson she was giving to the Young Women. "What brings you joy at this stage of your life?" It made me stop and think about my life, and I found that there were many things that I really enjoyed and that truly bring me joy.

Watching my grown children live lives that reflect the values that I tried to teach them...cherishing the Gospel, letting the Spirit guide their choices, chosing good men to spend eternity with, pursuing an education, reading good books, being nurturing mothers and raising good children, doing good, not juding others.

Nurturing a deeper relationship with my eternal companion, as we are now "empty nesters," well, almost! We actually have loooooong conversations about the things in our life! We love being together and love and respect each other more than ever.

Which brings me to the "almost" in my life. I love being with Scott and taking care of him. You may find that hard to believe, but, in spite of all of the challenges he brings, he keeps heaven very close.

Have I mentioned the joy that my grandchildren bring into my life???? There is nothing like having a grandchild....it is a special and precious relationship and time spent with them, and talking to them is incomparable to anything else in this life.

I love having the time to pursue my interests and hobbies....reading good books, doing stitchery, playing the piano, writing, working on creative projects. Hopefully, there will be more time in the future for all of the above!

And lastly, I love the opportunities that life has given me to enlarge my faith. I learn something new everyday about what it means to put my trust in the Lord and to live a Christ-centered life. My personal motto is to improve in some way every day. I know that I don't always achieve that, but my goal will not change.

Well, now that you have read my list, I "tag" everyone who reads this to make their own list and either post it in a comment here, or post it on your own blog. Good luck! Can't wait to see what brings you joy!