Cyclone Hits Vanuatu

My I-Phone is set up to receive google alerts for Vanuatu.  I have received numerous alerts regarding cyclones and earthquakes, but this one seemed to be the worst yet.  Instead of lasting hours, like the ones in the past, Cyclone Lusi lasted 3 days.  A week of worry, and praying that Sister Brown and the other's of her island would be safe from harms way.

I was anxiously awaiting her email Sunday, and was so happy when I finally heard from her.  This is what she said:

"It didn't directly hit us, it was about 60 miles off the coast, but oh my did we feel it.  On Monday my companion and I had a feeling that we should stock up on some extra food.  In our district meeting Monday morning they gave us an emergency plan (they had no idea at that time), and then Monday mid morning it hit.  I freaked a little when I saw our neighbors nailing copper onto their windows.  We went and helped them and my heart may have been pounding a bit!  I heard that 2 people were killed here in Malekula.  People say that cyclones don't usually hit here so it's a little weird.

We were grateful we listened to the spirit and purchased food because when the storm hit all the stores closed.  It lasted until Wednesday.  Huge trees fell over, all our banana trees fell over, and all night you could hear coconuts crashing down to the ground.  On Thursday we did a big service in the
morning to help clean up a young widows yard.  One of her huge trees got pulled out of the ground so we had to cut off all the branches with an ax and bush knife and replant it.  It was so big that we had to use some man's truck to pull it back so it would stand up straight.  Pretty crazy."

Bless her heart.  Those who know Sister Brown, know that she is an anxious young lady.  She was always worried about something.  When our family vacationed on the island of St. Thomas, she didn't want to go because she was afraid of a hurricane.  She has had to face almost every fear she ever had.  Some that she has faced are:  flying in small airplanes (8 man); volcano's shaking her hut, with the ash spewing from the volcano so thick it began thinning her hair in Tana; limited clean water in Tana; adjusting to the food; learning a new language; tending to her companion's huge bug bites; nursing another companion that had Dengue Fever; a serious infection in her leg (almost ending her mission); MRSA on her face (unconfirmed but I diagnosed from here based on the information she gave me); earthquakes; and cyclones.  This is just to name a few.  However, she couldn't be happier. Amidst all the difficulties she said:

"I am the happiest I have ever been in my whole life and I know it is
because of the great work I am able to be a part in.  Every day of our
lives we will face challenges and hardships, but every day we have the
choice to change and become better than we were yesterday.  It is
never too late for someone to change.  We must never lose hope and
give up on ourselves or those we love because Papa God will never give
up on any of his children.  He wants every single one of us to go back
to him. Always remember the words of President Monson, "There is no
time like the present to rededicate yourself" Become the person that
you want to be by changing yourself and becoming better every day.  I
love my mission.  I thank Papa God every single day for the chance I
have to be out here serving him.  I love all of you!!! And I hope you
all have a great week!!"

She is my hero!


Tropical cyclone hits Vanuatu

World

Friday 14 March 2014 - 7:38am

FILE: A search-and-rescue team was deployed after Three people were killed and six went missing after a cyclone hit the Pacific island of Vanuatu. Picture: AFP / Sarah Ivey

WELLINGTON - Three people were killed and six missing after a cyclone hit the Pacific island of Vanuatu, officials said on Friday.

Tropical Cyclone Lusi swept across the country this week and damage assessments were still coming in from remote areas, the National Disaster Management Office said Office director Shadrack Welegtabit said three deaths had been confirmed and a search was underway for six missing women and children.

"A search-and-rescue team was deployed yesterday and we are now waiting to hear from them," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said the cyclone had caused widespread flooding and damaged crops.
Lusi has since travelled south and was losing intensity on Friday as it approached New Zealand.

It is expected to be downgraded to a severe storm early Saturday but New Zealand authorities were still warning some residents to prepare for strong winds, heavy rains and possible flooding.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I have heard over and over the complaints of the emphasis the media plays in the celebration of holidays.  While I probably agree, I still love to commemorate every occasion I can.  Yes, maybe I'm cheesy, but I love it.

No extravaganza, just simple Lucy Charms, gold coins, and green money.  Who doesn't like money anyway?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Braves Take State

One point is all that made the difference in the 4A state championship game.  With Orem's Dalton Nixon on the free-throw line, the Braves watched as their dream of becoming state champions became reality.  It's been a long time in coming. Bountiful won their last state championship in 1997.  In their battle to become state champions year after year they experienced many near wins.  Finally, they pulled off a win.

Mike was on the team last year, but was never able to play.  The surgery on his ankle never completely enabled him to play.  We tried many different treatments, and met with several different doctors, but to no avail.  Still hoping for recovery, and wanting to be a part of the team, he went to every practice, and every game.  He knew these great young men and grew to love and appreciate each one. 

Three of the boys on this year's basketball team were named Academic All-State, Andrew Lund, Jordan Bleak, and Trevor Lloyd.  Several have also received calls to serve a full-time mission.  Not only talented boys, but just great kids.

It's a good day to be a Brave!

Photo credit of Sam Merrill:  Deseret News

Birthday Celebration

March 7th was this cute missionary's birthday.  I wish I were there with him to celebrate his 19th birthday.  Isn't that strange….his 19th birthday.  That used to be when missionaries were sent out to serve.  He was in the first batch of 18 year old missionaries.

In talking with him, and his friends prior to their departure, they mentioned how different senior year was.  Instead of wondering what you were going to be doing, goofing around, making choices that weren't stellar, they were preparing to go on missions.  They said there was almost a reverence as you walked the halls of Bountiful High.

I couldn't be prouder of this cute kid!  He has always been so kind hearted, hard working, easy to get along with, but believe it or not this mission has changed him for the better. His testimony has been strengthen, he has learned that service is what brings people true happiness, he has learned obedience, and to listen to the spirit. He has not only brought other's unto Christ, but has also strengthened his relationship with his Savior and Heavenly Father.

I love hearing about his wonderful experiences.  I look forward every week to his email. His emails and stories strengthen my testimony.  I couldn't be prouder of this young man.

This is a small excerpt from his letter about his birthday: "Thank you so much for all of the Birthday wishes and the package it really means a lot! And thank you so much for all the presents and money.  I'll have to go out and buy something good for dinner so I won't get talked into eating fermented "she-fish" (a catfish the Eskimos catch and bury in the ground for 3 months and then dig up again and eat) for my Birthday, blaaaahhhh!  I've gotta say the card was a killer. At first it wasn't working so I was a little bit confused but don't worry I figured it out. You've just gotta be smarter than the card I guess. By the way who made the sweet pillowcases? I loved my birthday celebration kit! I was strutting around the church with it on all night long. Love you guys" 

Deacon's Ball

The 11 year old scouts were invited to play Deacon's ball since the Teacher's team was short handed and needed a few older boys to play on their team.  With Ben's love for basketball, he was more than happy to play with them.

You would think that perhaps the Deacon's wouldn't enjoy the little 11 year olds playing with them, but they did….or at least it seemed like it.  They included each younger boy with enthusiasm, and played hard to make it to the Stake Championship games.

The Stake Championship games were ALL, that's right ALL, played on a Saturday night.  Each game was 15 minutes long.  You played until you lost 2 games or won the championship.  In the last game of the night against the 10th ward warriors, we won!  Ben was fouled in the last few seconds, made his free throws, and we won the game.  It's always a good day when you beat the 10th ward!

We are the Champions!

Gym Rat

I'm no gym rat, that's for sure.  But with an annual physical to my doctor I was informed in the kindest way, that I need to increase my exercise routine and decrease my intake of nachos and other yummy foods.  Yep, I need to loose a few.

Today at the Rec Center as I was enjoying, well maybe tolerating, the elliptical, I was watching the  TV series King of Queens, or "Dougie", as I like to refer to it.  I do not want to advocate this program, since sometimes it is a little inappropriate, but it is so funny.  I mostly watch it at night right before bed, so I can end the evening on a funny note.  The kids hear me laughing clear down the hall and come in to see what I am doing.  When it is a little inappropriate I quickly change the channel.  They know my routine though, who am I fooling?

When I have my earphones in at the gym, I am unaware of the people beside me or around me.  It was very apparent today, as I was laughing so hard, that people began staring at me.  I did find, it is hard to laugh really hard, when you are exercising, I could barely catch my breath.  At first I was a little embarrassed, until I looked down three spaces and saw a girl working out in her pajamas and looking like she just rolled out of bed.  The stares quickly moved from me to her.  End of embarrassed.

Nana's Day Out

Forget the households duties, the cleaning, the cooking. Today was a beautiful Spring day, and was all about having a great time with my one and only grandchild. After a week off, we are back together again. I decided to start the tending week off right with a "Nana's Day Out."  First on our agenda was watching the MPJH school cheer team perform at an assemble. The assembly was introducing the wrestlers, that they cheered for enthusiastically.

Next up, Station Park in Farmington.  The animated movie Frozen was our main purpose for choosing Station Park.  We arrived early and found numerous forms of entertainment.  I may or may not have gone down the playground slide with Masson, not once, but twice, as the fashionable, preppy moms stared.  The fountains were another fascination.  The fountains danced to music, like those at the Balligio Hotel in Las Vegas.

Time may have gotten away from us when we were exploring the wonders of Station Park.  I quickly bought our tickets for the 11:05 showing of Frozen, purchased a kids pack for Mason, and took our seats in theatre 10.

Mason had a fabulous time, sitting in a big chair with his popcorn and juice, watching the previews.  As we settled in, I noticed that many of the previews were inappropriate for young children.  Some were R rated.  I made a mental note to bend the ear of the Manager on my way out for showing inappropriate previews to children watching a rated G movie.

The movie finally started, I could feel my face go red, and a rush of panic come over me as we began watching "About Last Night', which was definitely rated R.  I packed up as fast as I could and bolted from the movie theatre.  Mason was a little whinny and irritated about the mad dash for the doors.  He was enjoying himself. When we got in the hallway I realized we were in theatre 11 not 10.

MPJH Cheer Team

Station Park Playground

The Fountains

Enjoying the Previews

Spring Fever

Signs of spring are all around. You can feel it in the air with the temperature warming, watching the buds on trees and plants sprout, and hearing the voices of children playing outside. We are ready for Spring, and couldn't be more excited!

This boy loves to be outside.

The Other Side

Last night as we were watching the All Star game, Mason was walking around the kitchen and family room waving with a big smiling on his facing say, "Papa". He has been taught that "Papa" is Steve, and Grandpa is Steve Cottle. There was little doubt in my mind, that Steve was there, especially since we were watching a basketball game:).  I love those tender, unexpected moments, when you know your loved one is with you.

AAU Tournament 2014

Saturday night was spent at the Franklin Covey Basketball Center, playing in an AAU President's Day tournament. We played 3 games, beginning at 4 in the afternoon. We played S.W.A.T., and beat them 37 to 34; Lone Peak, and beat them 47 to 39, and lastly Unitah beating them 37 to 23.

This is a great group of boys, that are learning to play as a team.  This is their first year together, and they are doing great!

We are the Campions!

Valentines 2014

Valentines for a widow can be heart-breaking.  Sometimes the sadness just happens, but that's ok, as long as it doesn't last too long.  Maybe I go a tad overboard on holidays, just so I don't focus on what is missing.

There are so many wonderful people in my life that make holidays, and other special days happy.  I am so grateful for all my friends and family who always remember me.

We had our traditional family Valentines party on Wednesday.  Gotta love heart shaped pizzas and cutler's cookies.  I love giving small gifts to my family.  Mason is a little obsessed with Elmo, so he was very easy to please.

Thursday night Meagan and Quinn took me to The Cheesecake Factory for a lovely dinner.

I am blessed!

My Valentine!

One of the many Valentine gifts received from a dear friend.

Our traditional family Valentine party.

Missionary Packages

Valentine and Birthday packages were on the list of must dos for our cute little missionaries. Elder and Sister Brown were both born in the month of March.  When I asked Sister Brown what she wanted for her birthday her response was:  "If it's not too much trouble, scar cream, rash cream, and calcium supplements."  I thought I'd throw in a few more exciting gifts.

The Spelling Bee

Ben qualified to be a contestant in the Valley View Elementary School Spelling Bee.  He is naturally talented when it comes to spelling.  It comes easy to him.

The day of the Spelling Bee, I had many places to be.  Mason and ran into the school just as they where shutting the doors to the Spelling Bee.  Whew!

Ben made it through the 3rd round.  What a champ!  Several of his school buddies stayed to cheer him on.

Congrats Ben!

Super Bowel Sunday

The Broncos and the Sea Hawks played in the Super Bowl. Since I'm a Bronco's fan, all I have to say is, "What?  You got to the big show and forgot to show up?" Bad commercials, bad game, and funny food stories. Yep, just glad we didn't kill anyone:).

The boys'…..not very happy.

Girls…..always want to look good in a photo.

Our source of entertainment for the night.

Harp Ensemble February 2014

After performing in the matinee production of Sleeping Beauty, Lizzy quickly got ready for her Harp Ensemble in the afternoon before her final dance debut that evening. Wow! What a day!

The Harp Ensemble included 13 harps. Students rotated around on the harps, playing songs from Frozen, Downtown Abby, Abide With Me Tis Evening Time, and others.  Most of the songs from the Disney movie Frozen were performed twice, but from varying students. I absolutely love harp music. This is an excerpt from the ensemble. You can barley see Lizzy in the video, second harp in on the top left hand corner.

Julie Keyes is Lizzy's teacher.  She is absolutely amazing.  She gave this music to her students about 2 weeks before they performed.  She composed many of the songs for this harp performance.  She plays the harp with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, as well as the Nut Cracker at Ballet West, and many other places.  She is an avid swimmer, biker, and triathlon participant.  I admire all of her talents!

One of my favorite pictures of her, is that of her playing the National Anthem at a swim meet, in her swim suit.  She will take a harp anywhere.  Recently, she was seen playing harp music for a dear friend of hers up at the Huntsman Cancer Center while her friend was undergoing chemotherapy.

What a great example, and talented woman she is!
 

13 harps

Julie Keyes and students

Students