“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!