“The Book of Mormon” Broadway musical, co-written by South Park Creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, received 9 Tony Awards Sunday.
“The Book of Mormon” is a religious satire that follows two Mormon missionaries to Uganda. The show portrays “Mormons” as naïve and their beliefs as bizarre. but in the end they are the heroes because they stand by their convictions. The success of the show has Utahans talking about how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints or Mormons is being portrayed; especially since 60 percent of the state are members of the church.
“People will engage in parody at others expense to raise their own profile, said Ryan Garrison, Orem resident, “it is like dealing with the bully on the playground he will continue to tease because he knows he has hit the mark, but once he is ignored the bullying will stop You can’t control other people but you can control your response to it.”
The show is targeting a specific religious group and with that comes the question of what group will be the next subject. Will it be Gays, Catholics, or Jews? A Jewish New Yorker said “shame on you Broadway” for allowing this type of genre to fill the stage.
“All Broadway is doing is to discriminating against people that are different and that aren’t like them,” said Erica Bowman, Highland resident.
This show has put the church on the map and awakened the interest of some that may have not otherwise been familiar with “Mormons.”
“I think tons of people are going to go see it and will peak people’s curiosity, said Steve Hirchak, Provo resident. Any publicity is good publicity. Think of all the people that saw the Tonys. I’m sure the church’s website was hammered after it won all those awards.”
Some Utahans that have seen the show say they have been more offended by the profanity than any ridicule against the church.
“I know a handful of people who have seen it, and I have yet to talk to one person who's seen it and not liked it” said Shelby Ferrin, Centerville high school drama teacher, “any offense taken was on account of the bad language and boundary-pushing topics (most of which is done by the African characters), not because of the depiction of missionaries or members of the Church. In my experience, the most concerned reactions have come from those who know the least about it.”
Some Utahan’s through blogs have expressed the need to laugh at “ourselves and culture.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints official statement on the show is: “The production may attempt to entertain audiences for an evening, but the Book of Mormon as a volume of scripture will change people's lives forever by bringing them closer to Christ.”

“The Book of Mormon” Broadway musical, co-written by South Park Creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, received 9 Tony Awards Sunday.
“The Book of Mormon” is a religious satire that follows two Mormon missionaries to Uganda. The show portrays “Mormons” as naïve and their beliefs as bizarre. but in the end they are the heroes because they stand by their convictions. The success of the show has Utahans talking about how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints or Mormons is being portrayed; especially since 60 percent of the state are members of the church.
“People will engage in parody at others expense to raise their own profile, said Ryan Garrison, Orem resident, “it is like dealing with the bully on the playground he will continue to tease because he knows he has hit the mark, but once he is ignored the bullying will stop You can’t control other people but you can control your response to it.”
The show is targeting a specific religious group and with that comes the question of what group will be the next subject. Will it be Gays, Catholics, or Jews? A Jewish New Yorker said “shame on you Broadway” for allowing this type of genre to fill the stage.
“All Broadway is doing is to discriminating against people that are different and that aren’t like them,” said Erica Bowman, Highland resident.
This show has put the church on the map and awakened the interest of some that may have not otherwise been familiar with “Mormons.”
“I think tons of people are going to go see it and will peak people’s curiosity, said Steve Hirchak, Provo resident. Any publicity is good publicity. Think of all the people that saw the Tonys. I’m sure the church’s website was hammered after it won all those awards.”
Some Utahans that have seen the show say they have been more offended by the profanity than any ridicule against the church.
“I know a handful of people who have seen it, and I have yet to talk to one person who's seen it and not liked it” said Shelby Ferrin, Centerville high school drama teacher, “any offense taken was on account of the bad language and boundary-pushing topics (most of which is done by the African characters), not because of the depiction of missionaries or members of the Church. In my experience, the most concerned reactions have come from those who know the least about it.”
Some Utahan’s through blogs have expressed the need to laugh at “ourselves and culture.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints official statement on the show is: “The production may attempt to entertain audiences for an evening, but the Book of Mormon as a volume of scripture will change people's lives forever by bringing them closer to Christ.”http://everythingmusicals.com/.a/6a00d8345212eb69e2014e86c95d71970d-800wi

Students experience Greek culture

Friday, Mountainville Academy Charter School hosted its annual Greek Festival for the second grade students.
The children have been studying Greek Mythology for the last month and the festival is a way of experiencing what they have learned. Teachers and parents plan an event for students to experience Greek culture through dancing, apparel, food and Olympic games.
“It's something the kids look forward to,” said Tracy Bertelsen, second grade teacher, “most have older siblings that have been through second grade and know that this is coming at the end of the year.”
The children arrived to school dressed in Greek inspired clothing, which included ornate outfits, jewelry, and creative homemade outfits such as a white sheet transformed into an ancient Greek tunic. All the children were given head wreaths made from spray painted gold leaves.
“Some students really go all out for their outfits. Others are just happy it's free dress day. I tell students they are welcome to dress up, but not too worry so much about it. They will enjoy the day either way,” said Bertelsen.
The festival begins in the school gym or “Pantheon” with the Olympic games, which include Chariot races, disk throw, beanbag toss, crab walk and a three-legged race. A parent volunteer is over each station so the teachers can watch their students participate. At the end of the games all students received a medal.
The refreshments were a selection a Greek foods including olives, humus, chesses, fruits, vegetables, pita chips and deserts. The table was decorated with lavish fabrics and décor.
“I loved all the food, especially the cheese and the statue was awesome,” said Cannon Curtin, student.
Rebecca Covey, a parent volunteer set the scene of ancient Greece. She rented statues and columns and her daughter, dressed as a Goddess, was playing the harp or lyre.
“I just wanted to make it a memorable experience for the kids,” said Covey.
The Greek mythology unit is a part of the Core knowledge Curriculum that is used in schools across the country. The program focuses on teaching students to be well rounded in their education. Second grade is when the developers thought it was appropriate for the students to learn about Greek culture and philosophy.
“My daughter loved learning about the Greek mythology,” said Katie Norton, parent of a second grade student,” it really opened her eyes and anything different aside from the normal routine at school is wonderful.”
The students learn about Ancient Greece, simple geography, what life was like and Gods and Goddesses.
“I loved to come home and tell my family all the stories we learned about at school. I especially thought it was cool to learn about creatures that don’t actually exist,” said Kylie Clinton, student.

Backwards Day!

Everyday I hear screams of frustration coming from Liam's room as he is trying to change his clothes for the hundredth time. Today, however, he came out one proud little boy as he got dressed all by himself. I just think he looks so grown up here!

Go Cougs!

We went with our friends, Amma and James Brown, to the Rugby finals at Rio Tinto Stadium last night. BYU took 2nd in a really close game against Cal. (14-21) It was a seriously intense game and I had never seen my husband behave like such a crazy fan. (he played Rugby for BYU) Bishop Garlick was sitting behind us and also was extremely excited about the game. In fact when he conducted Sacrament today, his voice sounded a bit hammered.
Just a side note about Rugby, I do not pretend to actually understand all the rules but I can tell you it is by far the most exciting sport to watch. The players have no safety gear, it is rough, intense, fast, and a rush to watch. I especially like watching BYU play because at the beginning of most games they do the "Haka" which is a traditional dance form of the Maori of New Zealand, where you hit your chest and stomp your feet. What I would do to have seen my husband do that!

Good news, Bad news!

Maya playing "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?"


Ellie playing, "Cruella De Vil"


Ellie with her piano teacher, Patricia Ockey


Maya with her trophy!




If you can tell from the above pics there is one very happy little girl and one well is not so much. Piano recitals have become something that is dreaded in our family because of the extreme drama that usually plays out afterwards. The girls have always worked so hard for the coveted trophies that are given at the Spring Recital and up until this point neither has taken one. I personally think it is silly. All the kids work hard and deserve recognition, but I guess for some this is a great motivator. Needless to say, I was very very proud of Maya for accumulating the most points in her level. She took home this grand trophy that now sits on our piano front and center so it is the first thing you see when you enter the house. Ellie, on the other hand was absolutely devastated. She works very hard to fit practicing into her busy schedule and really works to make her pieces sound beautiful, but it just wasn't in the cards. They both played beautifully and I am so proud of each of them for working hard to develop their talents. Mostly, I'm proud they are sweet girls, that are kind to others (most of the time) and try to do the right thing.

I'm so proud of my little man!

Lex receiving his Kindergarten graduation diploma.




The whole class!




Lex with his incredible teacher, Mrs. Williams.



Lex and Daddy.



Lex and Mommy.



It has been amazing to see how much Lex has grown this year. My favorite Lex quote he said to his teacher was, "My brain is just going all the time and I just can't shut it off." I have loved to watch him realize what a smart big boy he is! When I would ask him what I did at school he would usually say, "nothing," "played," or "worked." But then he would throw random facts at me out of the blue like, "Mom did you know all living things grow, and I'm a living thing so I grow." Seriously, it just melts my heart. At the graduation the kids recited a poem by A.A. Milne:

When I was One,
I had just begun.

When I was Two,
I was nearly new.

When I was three,
I was hardly me.

When I was Four,
I was not much more.

When I was Five,
I was just alive.

But now I am Six, I'm clever as clever.
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.

--A.A. Milne

I cried just thinking about the almost six years we have had with our little man. Where does the time go? I can't believe how fast Lex has grown up and I'm so proud of the sweet little boy he is. My favorite time with him is in the morning when he comes in with his sleepy eyes and says good-morning mommy. I will treasure those words forever. Congratulations buddy, We love you!

I got some serious Spoil'in!

Mother's Day started with these sweet smiling faces and the best low carb breakfast ever. (prepared by Ryan at 6:30 A.M.) Thanks honey!


After church the kids and Ry gave me some fun gifts!





I decided that for me, Mother's Day isn't so much about saying what a fabulous mom I am, but to remind me of the great blessing it is to raise these sweet children. Don't get me wrong there are plenty of days that I feel like I am headed straight to the psych ward, but as I reflect on the last 10 years I know that my life has been transformed because of my babies! So this was a day where my heart was full of gratitude and a resolve to try a little harder to give Ellie, Maya, Lex and Liam the mom they deserve. I love you guys!



After a wonderful dinner (pork chops, spaghetti squash, salad and shrimp cocktail) we headed to my parents to spend time with my mom.

Uncle Heath heaven!

Heath, Ryan's brother, used to come visit quite often. His life has gotten much busier and he also got married a year and a half ago so we don't see him as much as we used to. However, for the last two weekends we had him staying with us. The kids were in Uncle Heath heaven. He is so great with them from playing with Liam and Lex to having one on one conversations with Ellie and Maya. In the picture above he is creating a story with kids by having them fill in all the details, they were mesmerized.

I just love this girl!

Maya gave a talk in primary today on her favorite scripture story, she chose Noah and the Ark. Last night she colored pictures and practiced her talk while the others watched a movie. She did a great job, I was so proud of her!




Then when we came home from church Li-Monkey wanted to take a bath so Maya bathed him,got him out and then dressed him. Li loves her so much, in fact when she is at school he cries for her constantly and as soon as she comes home they are outside playing together. What a sweet daughter and sister!

Sew What?

Miracles never cease, I finished this skirt I started months ago. If any of you know me, sewing isn't something I do often, but I enjoy it (sort of) when I do. I found this semi-easy tutorial on line @ http://houseonhillroad.typepad.com/photos/twirly_skirt/ on how to make a twirl skirt. Ellie, (yes, my 10 year old) helped me out when I got stuck. The fabric is from an adorable shop in Highland, UT owned by my friend, Alice Childs called "Just Sew." I have material to make a skirt for Maya, hopefully it will get finished a little quicker!

Mommy and Daughters Activity Day Slumber Party!!!

Maya loving her pizza and desserts (skipped out on the salad)




Ellie is also enjoying her fourth piece of pizza!



Maya making bath salts after learning about the importance of keeping her "temple" clean and pure.



Nothing makes my girls' happier than being pampered with a manicure!



Maya and Ellie absolutely loving their facials! Yes they did eat their cucumbers when it finished.



What a fun night the girls and I had Friday at their mother/daughter activity day slumber party. We were pampered with a wonderful dinner and mini-classes on how to care for our spiritual and physical bodies. They have such incredible leaders that plan fun and educational activities. I really enjoyed being able to spend an evening just hanging out with them doing what they love best......being pampered. If the truth be known, Ellie and Maya would opt for facials, manicures, pedicures and hanging out in their pj's any day over say.....going to Disneyland!

Girls Night Out!

Girls night out is seriously the best remedy for a stressed out tired mom. It was especially wonderful because I got to combine a few of my very best friends into one night! I met Trish (far left) twelve years ago at a mission reunion. She was engaged to Gordon Atkinson, who was my previous district leader when I was serving a mission in the Philippines. Gordon was also Ryan's companion. (this was also the night Ryan and I began our very short courtship.) Trish and I instantly hit it off, we had so much to chat about and I absolutely loved her. We ended up getting married a week a part from each other, we have kids close to the same ages and have stayed close all of these years. I just love her to death and she is so talented at many things but most specifically interior designing. Check out her blog @ http://tdadecoratinganddesign.blogspot.com

Years ago when I worked MyFamily.com Missy Bezzant was the executive secretary. I thought she was a big wig (which she laughs about now.) Ryan worked with her as well and one day they were talking about where we were building our home, which happened to two houses down from where her best friend Aimee was building her house. Small world, huh? We really got to know Missy and her husband Russ, when they came with Aimee and her husband Brad, to stay with us in London. They would come back to our place after a long day of site-seeing and we would talk and laugh and Russ would play around with the kids. It was the beginning of a long friendship. Since we have been home, I have had some of the best girls nights out with Missy. We talk, laugh, and eat for hours. There are some pretty funny stories, but I think I'll keep those ones to myself. :)

Aimee(far right) is one of those people that you only meet once in a lifetime. We were neighbors before we went to London, but after we came home is when we became really close friends. I honestly don't know what I would do with out her. She has been there for me in hundreds of moments of crisis, she watches the boys when I go to school (she is like my kid's second mom), she listens to me complain and stress about every aspect of my life, we have been on trips together, I mean really the list goes on and on. I know she has been put in my life because the Lord knew I needed someone like her. We also have been trading dinners once a week for five years, which has been such a great thing to have a night off of cooking.(I highly suggest it.)

Movie Review:
We saw Water For Elephants, starring Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson. I heard mixed reviews about the movie, but I LOVED it! It started out kind of slow and I kept expecting the romance thing to kick in, but when it did, wow! It also had lots of action and suspense, so this is one "chick flick" the guys will like too!

It's Chop Chop time!

My poor girls inherited my horrible hair, it doesn't grow and when it does it is long, messy and stringy. Ellie tried for several years to grow her hair, at times it looked pretty, but mostly not. So she decided to chop it off and she loves it! Again my pics are in the wrong order, I will work on that, but I don't have time to switch them, for fear of a little two year old destroying the house!!!! If any one knows of an easier way to switch pics around or put them in a collage, please let me know, I'm still working on the ins and outs of this blogging thing! Have a great day!

Easter

I love Easter, it is all the fun of a holiday without so much work! I especially love it because we get to really focus on our Savior Jesus Christ and the the great gift of his atonement and his resurrection. I am so grateful for him in my life, he has made it possible for me to get through so many different trials and challenges as well as be able to move past things I have done in my life that I am not particularly proud of.
We had a mellow Easter this year with minimal preparation. The Easter Bunny came when we were at church and the kids were thrilled with what was in their baskets and began chowing on the candy instantly. My parents and brother Tim came for dinner. We had ham, rolls, funeral potatoes, pineapple, deviled eggs, a cheese ball, jello, garden salad and cake! Ryan and I are preparing to get "bikini ready" for our upcoming vacation to Cancun so we enjoyed a few of the items! Happy Easter!