David and Goliath

Timberlakes

This photo was taken from the deck of the cabin.  This is a little buck that likes to live underneath the cabin.  The first time my son-in-law went under the deck to get building supplies the buck darted out from the dark and startled Patrick.  Now we leave the door open so the buck has a place to rest during the hot hours of the afternoon sun.

 

      A week of down time and relaxation.  Last Friday evening I learned that my kids all wanted to go fishing up in the mountains.  My husband works in Timberlakes and it is a one hour commute each way.  He wanted to save time and gas so he decided to stay in a cabin and asked me to stay also.  It is so beautiful and very relaxing up here, also I might mention that the temperature is about 77 degrees.  I have heard on the news that it has been a very hot week in Salt Lake averaging about 97 degrees.  As far as the fishing went Nichelle caught 4 fish and everyone else a big ZERO!  Nichelle certainly had the magic touch last Saturday.  I opted to stay behind and take pictures of the woods so I do not have a photo to document the prize.  Can you image that I would rather take pictures than go fishing? LOL!  If you know me I am a "girly girl" and camping, fishing, etc. are not my "cup of tea."

    

     These swans live on a little pond on the way to town.  I like to stop and photograph them.  Aren't they beautiful?  When Nichole's wedding reception was in our backyard I begged my husband to let us rent a swan to put in the pond.  His emphatic answer was "NO!"  So, we opted for little tiny plastic swans that you fill with nuts to float in the pond.  I know that these swans had babies because the female would be sitting on the nest when we would drive by.  I don't know where the babies are now.  I've been told that the swans can sell for a thousand dollars each.  So, I would imagine that the chicks have been sold.  I love to watch swans because they are so elegant and bring you an inner peace.

 

     Now back to the city and back to reality.  I love the beautiful mountains, aspens and pine trees, rushing water, wildflowers, and the wildlife.  We live in a beautiful state and we are very blessed to be able to enjoy our surroundings.  Have a great week!

Spiritual High!

      Lisa Bearnson has been getting ready for CKU Provo.  She has met friends from all over the world through this amazing hobby.   She asked us to introduce some fellow scrapbookers to Music and the Spoken Word and Temple Square.  Michael is from Illinois and is one of those "rare birds" being that he is one of a handful of male scrapbookers that love this industry.  Michael and his mom, Diane and sister, Michelle flew into Salt Lake City  a week before CKU.  My friend Karen Clauson and her husband Rob met up with me and my husband to show the Lazorchaks' around Temple Square.

     Diane is the choir director for her church and really wanted to go to Music and the Spoken Word.  We didn't know that the entire Osmond Family would be performing that Sunday Morning.  It was a very inspirational program that really touched our hearts.  The two deaf brothers of the Osmond Family would sign the songs that their siblings were singing.  After the broadcast we were all in for a surprise.  President Monson, the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints presented the Osmond family with plaques of appreciation for their long service of entertaining through wholesome music for over fifty years.  He personally presented each member of the family with a plaque, flowers, and a big hug.  

 

 

 

    My friend Julie  who is an amazing photographer and a spiritual giant arranged for a personal tour of the Conference Center and Tabernacle with Clay Christiansen who is one of the Mormon Tabernacle Organists.  He gave a 30 minute organ recital and then a private tour for us.  We went behind the scenes of both the Conference Center and the Tabernacle.  Clay was very gracious and spent about an hour detailing these beautiful buildings.  A special thanks to Clay and Julie.

 

I have included this picture from the Tabernacle which shows the table where the Sister Missionaries drop a pin, then a nail, and tear newspaper to demonstrate the marvelous acoustics of the Tabernacle which was built by the early pioneers.  You can hear the items dropped in the back of the building without the use of microphones.  My husband was a security guard for the church many years ago.  One of his duties was to perform the acoustic demonstrations.  So, I guess that is his claim to fame. LOL!

     As a part of Lisa Bearnson's Backyard Adventures, a prequel to CKU Provo, we went to Temple Square for a tour of some of Lisa's favorite places in Utah.  We were treated to a delicious lunch at the Lion House with their famous rolls with honey butter and yummy desserts.  Then we went to the Visitor Center's, genealogy library, and saw some very touching films.  It was a smaller group and was just a perfect spiritual experience.

 

 

     As a side note, you might notice that some of us weren't looking at the camera, (mainly me), and my friend Julie was giving last minute camera tips to the Sister Missionaries who were taking the pictures.  It was a pretty funny sight because they seriously had a camera from each person in the photo and were just going down the line cameras and taking shots as fast as they could.  I asked Julie for a copy of her photo but it was even more out of focus than my photo.  So will you just image that we are all looking at the camera and are ready for the picture?  LOL!

 

      It was a very fun week and helped me spiritually to spend some time remembering where I came from, who I am, and where I am going.  Sometimes it is very beneficial to slow down and recognize the spiritual moments in our lives.  Temple Square is such a beautiful and quite place to reach your inner spirit.  So, here is to a "spiritual high" moment.  Have a great week!  I will post more pictures about our CKU week later on.