From Bonnets To Ipods

I wanted to share this little article by Dean Hughs. I loved it so much and think it so true. With the 24th of July upon us I thought I would share it. FROM BONNETS TO IPODS Dean Hughs What did Nauvoo look like in the 1840's? What time of year was it when the Saints were forced out of Nauvoo? And how did the pioneers cross the river? Everyone thinks they know the answers to these questions about the Saints' exodus from Nauvoo. The only problem is that much of what we "know" about Church history is not entirely accurate. History is never quite as simple as the stories we like to tell. Actual events are always more complicated, more nuanced,and more troubling than the accounts passed down from one generation to another. To begin with, Nauvoo wasn't the clean, shining city we often imagine it was. Though Nauvoo was established in a beautiful horseshoe bend of the river, by modern standards it was actually a muddy, rustic place - mostly a log cabin town. For example, one daguerreotype picture of Nauvoo shows the temple in the background and lots of ugly outhouses, fences, and sheds in the foreground. The flight from the little town called nauvoo began when a number of wagons crossed the Mississippi River on February 4, 1846. But only about three thousand of the Saints left during the winter months, not the whole mass of Saints, like we tend to imagine. Around ten thousand waited until spring, and some didn't leave until September. Late in February ice formed on the Mississippi, later than it did most years. When we describe this part of the story, we sometimes forget a few important details. First, some of the exiles did cross on the ice, but only a small percentage of the total number. In addition, the cold that froze the pioneers, so even though it helped hundreds get across, it made for a trying experience and dozens of deaths in the camp at Sugar Creek. The vision of the place the early Saints held in their memories - the one we inherited - is not really wrong. But the real story, in my mind, is not the ice bridge that formed. It's the story of dispossessed people facing trials and hardships and triumphing over them. There were plenty of backsliders, but we have every reason to honor those who made their way across the plains to the Great Basin. We have a noble heritage - whether we're direct descendants or not. We like to turn the exodus in to a miracle play, with faultless Saints marching toward Zion, their chins always held high and their children always singing and singing and singing. But after spending two years in Nauvoo and spending more years reading and writing about tha era, the lesson I have learned is that they were ordinary people, with typical weaknesses and failings , doing what they had to do. I often heard visitors to Nauvoo say, "We just couldn't do what they did." But I prefer the opposite lesson: we have inherited the strength of our forebearrs. We are also ordinary people with all the foolish tendencies and frailities that humans possess, but we're facing huge challenges, and we're doing well. We aren't wandering through a wilderness, but we're slogging our way through some deep spiritual and cultural muck - a kind of hindrance to our progress no one in 1846 ever could have imagined. Maybe the ice on the Mississippi helped for a time, but most of the triumph came from putting one foot in front of the other every day. And we're as STRONG as they were. We face a culture gone crazy, and the trail ahead is not always well defined. But we're moving forward,too, and we're doing our level best to lead our children in the same direction. If our kids sing as they walk, they're probably lip syncing to the music on their iPods, but you know what? They're doing all right. I think the generations are getting stronger, not weaker." I love this and I believe we are doing well. What do you think?

Well, it has been awhile, as all can see that I have not posted anything at all. I have been either busy and or lazy. One or the other. I had Y.W. Rough Camp the last week in June and it was crazy busy. Had a wonderful time at camp. We camp up by Soldier Summit and there were fires all around us but we were being monitored and were safe and able to stay the entire week without any evacuation. We couldn't have any fire in the fire pits but things worked out well and we had a wonderful time and many spiritual experiences. The last day at camp I pulled a muscle under my rib cage and have been in some pain for a couple of weeks, but I think it is finally healing. Not much fun! Because of that I have been babying it and not doing a whole lot. I am picking up the pace a bit more this week. Haven't done a whole lot during the month of July. So not a lot to tell. Life is good though and all of our family is doing well and keeping busy. So for now that is all I have to share and what I am sharing is not much. Bye for now!

The Weather is getting nicer!

Well it is a lovely friday. A bit overcast, but it is supposed to warm up to the 70's today and be really nice next week too! Love it! Lyndon has been in Michigan for the last three days with Spencer and Lance. They are at a Crest Training meeting. You know, when the cats away the mice play. So that is exactly what I have been doing. I have been sewing on my chickens table topper. It is going to be so darn cute. I got all the ckicken's wonder-undered on and am now blanket stitching them on. It is a bit tedious, but I will just have to take my time. Then I have to embroidery the legs on the chickens and then add the last border and then off to my friend, Dixie Sargent to get it quilted. She does really great work and is quite reasonable. I have also been making quite a few new cards. I have spent a little bit of money too at the Thimbles and Threads Quilt Shop open house. They had a lot of fun new things and I couldn't resist buying a kit and some fabric. I will be busy sewing again to day after I get some house cleaning done. This afternoon I am going out to Ashley's for a visit and will be watching Eli this evening so Ashley can take the girls to a movie night at the school. Ruby really wants to go and she should get to. They are going with Erin and her girls. The movie is Charlotte's Web. Well, I am off to the races and need to get going on my day. Have a good one everyone!

Pretty Darn Funny 101 - "Stand Up"

I think this is a great web series. I watched it and loved it. I just thought I would share. Also I love the www.nieniedialogues.com blog. I think you will too! She is Stephanie Nielson who what burned over 80% of her body and survived. She has written a book about it and I want to purchase and read it. I hope who ever is reading this will check it out. She is amazing and she and her family are on the cover of the Parade, Sunday, April 8th. Enjoy! Happy Easter everyone!

This video has alot of meaning for me because this couple is in my ward. They are a great example to all of us and we love them. I was so touched by this video and truly felt the spirit. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true and when we choose to keep the commandments, keep our covenants and serve the Lord we will find true joy, happiness and success in our lives! I just had to share this on my blog. They are an amazing couple!

This slideshow made with Smilebox

We went on a business pleasure trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was alot of fun and we enjoyed ourselves immensley! We went last Tuesday, January 24th and arrived home Saturday the 28th. Fun times, especially getting to spend time with my wonderful husband. Quality time is at a premium these days and so it was really nice to have the time to spend together.

SHAMPOO WARNING: PLEASE READ!!!

A friend of mine on face book posted this and I just thought it was so hilarious and possibly true! Hee! Hee!

She said:

"I don't know WHY I didn't figure this out sooner!!!! I use shampoo in the shower.

When I wash my hair, the shampoo runs down my whole body, and printed very clearly on the shampoo bottle is this warning:

"FOR EXTRA VOLUME AND BODY."

No wonder I have been gaining weight.

Well! I have gotten rid of that shampoo and I am going to start showering with Dawn dish soap instead.

It's label reads:

"DISSOLVES FAT THIS IS OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE."

Problem solved! If I don't answer the phone, I'll be in the shower!

I just had to share on my blog because it is so cute and funny at the same time.