Stadium of Fire

The different branches of the military in Utah held a lottery to select families to go to the Stadium of Fire at no cost to us. We were chosen to go along with families of deployed soldiers as well as soldiers who recently returned from deployment and other military families. I have never been, so this was all new. Nine years ago on the fourth I remember Shawn and I setting up our lawn chairs at a little lookout close to Sierra West in Orem (by the mall). We had a nice view of the stadium and were able to catch the fireworks. We consoled ourselves with the fact that we had a great spot and even went so far as to suggest that we had no need for the Stadium of Fire because it just couldn't get any better. Ooohhh the things we tell ourselves in these make- the -best -of -it moments! Um..... couldn't have been farther from the truth. The fireworks alone made the night. Not only was the Blue Man Group performing, but Hannah Montana as well. A few minutes after teh opening of the night, we walked out on to the field as the crowd clapped and cheered. Abi waved a flag and Maddie carried a sign that said, "We miss you Daddy!"

There was a vignette on screen of troops coming home and little tributes throughout the night. Maddie was tearful but happy and Abi pensive. I was completely caught up in watching my girls arms sway to songs and dance and shreik with the crowd. I was quickly reminded of some of the reasons little girls can be so fun. We were close to the front of the group and enjoyed the night. The fireworks took my breath away. Abi and Maddie loved the spy sequence and I think my favorite was the sequence set to Judy garland singing "Somewhere over The Rainbow", where the fireworks (the girls said) looked like dancing christmas lights in the sky. One of my favorite parts of watching any firework display is to look around at people as the light flashes across their faces. It seems that the magic is wasted on no one. As we walked out at the end, Abi declared that it was the best night of her life - ever. I can't think of a better way to have spent this day (except having Shawn by my side watching of course:)).

Independence Day

I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.

-Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams- July 3rd ,1776

I love that letter-and I have loved learning more of the lives of these men and women who played such instrumental roles in our history. I have often seen the bumper sticker that says, "God bless everyone-no exceptions!" Though we have a loyalty before country and culture to man kind, there should be no shame in being a patriot. There is something about this sticker that bothers me. As if anyone who is truly patriotic must also be void of love or acceptance for different countries, cultures, and people and might never think beyond their own existence. I am aware there are people who believe to be a patriot they must turn their back on any other (and possibly fly a confederate flag). Even so, I would like to think that most of us who would speak the words God Bless America would do so only to celebrate the history of our nation and the countless men and women who have forged through difficult circumstances to allow us the liberty we have today. I believe it serves as a reminder of the bond we share as people who support liberty on any soil. I believe it is a reverent call for God to be with us as we continue to make decisions that will affect our future generations. Just as the founding fathers did. So though I get the message this sticker intended to send, I think we learn something valuable when we can call ourselves patriots without having to whisper it.

I will now step off my soapbox. Happy Fourth everyone!!!

Out of the mouths of babes

I have been contemplating lately the silly things that my children say and the likewise silly things that come from my mouth in response to their silly statements/questions. To clarify, it is really maddie who says most of the silly things around here. I love my daughter dearly and know she has been blessed with a compassionate and fun -loving spirit. Having said that, there are days where she is obviously one banana short of a split (she gets it from Shawn). Anyway, here are a few examples....while driving the other day I found myself responding to her with a, "No Maddie-you won't be sucking anybodys blood tonight." The next morning getting ready for church she says, "My nerves just can't take another minute of this. They are so frazzled!" (we were just doing hair by the way). The funniest thing is that it's not a phrase I use. Now if she would have said "I'm two seconds away from crazy", I would have known exactly where that phrase came from. Then there was the french fry comment that went something like this... "Mommy! Abi doesn't believe me when I told her that Happy Meals are called that because french fries make people happy!" Aaaaaaah yes-those moments where as a mom you find yourself mediating a disagreement over whether Abi's stuffed animal gave Maddie's stuffed animal a dirty look (these are mostly fueled by Maddie as well). I believe Maddie is a little girl who has a personality bigger than her little body and larger than life. I think her red hair is like a little warning flag. When you see her coming you never know what she's got planned. These are the days.

Splitsville

Our ward split today. In the not quite three years that we have lived here, we have split three times, and had four bishops. I am a firm believer of change being a good thing. With each new ward comes a new dynamic and new opportunity for growth. I must admit that I don't really know our new bishop. He and his family moved here recently and I have only spoken to his wife briefly. I must admit that with my busy life and all my energy being put into keeping my children alive and fed, the details seem to become less important. And though I will seek to confirm my sustainment of our new bishopric through prayer, I trust that everything will fall into place as needed. This means I was also released from my callings and I have to say I am a little relieved. Don't worry Mom- I accept all callings and will accept more callings as they may come:).

It all made me think back on the little branches I served in as a missionary. There were members who would drive two hours each way just to come to church. And I never heard a complaint. I think about those humble members and how having a new temple less than 12 hours away was the ultimate gift to them. And they would readily show their devotion to building up the church and sharing the gospel no matter how difficult. They would bake fresh bread just for the sacrament and drive long distances to sit with a lonely friend.

So I guess along with change today I was brought a feeling of gratitude for having so many things available to us here and a sense of longing for the days of mission life -being surrounded by some of the most valiant people I have ever met. (Disclaimer: This does not in any way directly or inderectly, partially or completely, suggest, imply or non-verbally indicate that there are not truly valiant people living here as well.) Aaaaaand we're done.

Pictures from Shawn

Shawn has adjusted to the sleep schedule after lots of long and tiring days. He works 12 hours each day/night (except saturday) and has a tedious job which can be quite demanding. His sense of humor has not been lost in the sand and he has a great ability to look on the bright side of things. I am so grateful to him for all he does. I know the heat alone would be a major trial for me- so I truly admire him for his endurance. Here are some pictures of his short stay in Kuwait, his travel to baghdad, and his current station.

Thirty......four!

Ok- so I'm 34 now and there is no way around it. I realize that 34 is actually young in the real world, but in Utah, I may as well request brochures for Shady Oaks assisted living. I wanted to post simply because it was a very sweet birthday filled with love. At 3:45 in the afternoon on the 23rd, I got a call from Shawn! He immediately started to sing Happy Birthday. It was 12:45 am for him and he said he was making sure he was the first to sing to me on my birthday. I love him so. Then I had breakfast delivered to me by DeLana -with a candle to blow out to boot! I was treated to lunch by Angela and in the meantime, Kira delivered the most beautiful flowers and my favorite See's chocolate. My kids were whisked away for a couple of hours while I napped. My mom, Jon, and Josh also called and to top it off, we are having a movie and mojito party with neighborhood ladies tonight. I feel so spoiled. Gros bisous to my sweet family and friends. My birthday rocked! Here is the 34 year old in a self portrait....

This mosaic thing is fun and since some of my favorite bloggers are doing it.......



The Questions:
1. What is your first name? Jill
2. What is your favorite food? Southwest eggrolls
3. What high school did you go to? Mid-Pac/AOP
4. What is your favorite color? Red
5. Who is your celebrity crush? Gerard Butler
6. Favorite drink? Grape juice
7. Dream vacation? back to Europe with Shawn
8. Favorite dessert? Chocolate Mousse
9. What you want to be when you grow up? Laverne and Shirley
10. What do you love most in life? Kissing Shawn
11. One Word to describe you. Creative
12. Your flickr name. jilllafolle


. Jack and Jill went up the hill, 2. Southwest Eggrolls, 3. memory of summer, 4. Abandoned, 5. Gerard Butler, , 7. The last sunray - Barcelona, 8. coffee and chocolate mousse cake, 9. we're gonna do it our way., 10. Kissing Couple #2, 11. The French-Inspired Home, 12. La Folie en Tête - Paris (France)