'I Write the Songs' - Barry Mannilow

I had such a fun day with Taylor yesterday. Let me tell you why. Right after graduation, Taylor went on a 3 week church history tour with seminary students. They visited all the major and minor church sites, as well as New York and D.C. After he returned home he spent most of the summer writing a song about his experience in the Sacred Grove. He's hoping to get it added to the 'Heritage Tours CD' that is given to all the kids every summer who go on the tour. Our friend Jeff Sermon hooked us up with 2 of the legends in the LDS music industry, Mike Dowdle and Greg Hansen. We spent yesterday afternoon in a recording studio with them and they worked their magic on his song. I kept trying to help Taylor grasp what an amazing opportunity this was...Greg Hansen and Mike Dowdle for crying out loud! I'd never even gotten to meet them before, let alone work with them! Next week we'll go back in and add Taylor's vocals. It was so rewarding to share time in a studio with my son. We had a blast.

'God Bless the USA' - Lee Greenwood

I was hoping that voting early would be a bit faster than waiting until next week. I guess that's what everyone else thought too, because by the time I got to our public library at five minutes after the polls were open, the line was already out the door, and snaking down the sidewalk. I waffled for a minute, because I had a schedule to keep and kids to pick up. But I committed and established my place in line. People around me were cheerful and kind, and most seemed to be in good spirits. Perhaps it was because we got to just stand there and enjoy the GORGEOUS fall day. Though I must admit as the minutes seemed to drag on and the line didn't seem to be moving, there were a few times my 'natural man' was showing as some dared to butt in line. I didn't say anything, but I'm sure they felt my eyes boring into the back of their heads. After about an hour I started to complain in my head as my cellphone began ringing with kids wondering where I was and why I hadn't picked them up yet. But then I thought of my beloved Grandpa Parks who was wounded in World War II, and of the sacrifices made by my father-in-law while he served in the air force. Then I was embarrassed. Standing in line is nothing. My kids could wait, dinner would be something simple and thrown together, and errands are over-rated. I'm grateful to live in a country where I can vote, even if I had to wait 90 minutes in line.

'The Monster Mash' - Boris Pickett

Last night for FHE we had our traditional Halloween Ghoulish Feast. Every year I try to come up with new dishes that will gross out the kids, so this time I added zombie vomit and witch fingers. Unfortunately I didn't get a great picture of all the food, but here's a shot of our plates last year, as well as some cute pictures of the fam and our fun cousins we invited. I'm not sure zombie vomit is what Elder Uchtdorf had in mind when he spoke to the RS sisters about finding happiness in creating, but this week that's what it looked like at my house.

'Rumbly in my Tumbly' - Winnie the Pooh

I often hear myself say to my kids, 'If you dance all night, you gotta pay the fiddler.' Well, this morning, Gary and I were singing that tune. Last night our dear friends invited us to the UVU Scholarship Ball where he is a vice-president. The culinary school showcases their talented students for the black tie event. It was fun to dress up and go out on a 'real date.' We had an hour of mingling amidst tables and tables of incredible appetizers and ice sculptures. We ran into old friends, and enjoyed visiting, eating all the while. Before we knew it, we were full. Then, they made the announcement to move to our tables for the 6 course dinner! Amazing food, glorious presentation, and great entertainment. We feasted until we were physically ill! But we still managed to catch a dance or two on the dance floor before we rolled to our car. I have a rumbly in my tumbly this morning but it was SO worth it.

'Little Purple Pansies' - #244 Children's Songbook

Today I am grateful for pansies. I have always loved them. Purple is my favorite color, and I loved to sing the primary song about them when I was little. Today I was planting them in some pots and in my front planter. I love to get my hands in the dirt and work...that's when I do some of my best thinking. The pansy gets it's name from the French word pensee' meaning 'thought.' It was so named because the flower resembles a human face and in August it nods forward as if in deep thought. Because of the origin of it's name, the pansy has long been a symbol of free-thought. Maybe I looked like a pansy as I worked. It's hard not to think about heavy things these days, with presidential campaigns, the economic crisis, and the uncertainty in our country swirling about us...but as I looked at those pansies, I felt hope. Another reason I love pansies is because they not only survive, but thrive while other blossoms die as it turns colder. They must be a 'faithful flower.' They reminded me that there is much to be happy about and that an abundant life is a simple life.

'Slip Slidin' Away' - Paul Simon

"Happy Hump Day!" Spencer has been serving in Pennsylvania for a year now, and this day has brought many emotions. It's gone by so quickly, yet when I reflect on the time, it feels long as well. I am so grateful for the growth, and refining work of the spirit in his life and character. It is amazing to see him grow up so much. As parents, we knew he had it in him, and the Lord is a much better parent than we are. In his year-mark email, I think it is telling that he didn't even mention how long he'd been gone, or how long he had left. He was too excited telling us about Elder Bednar's visit to his mission this week-end for stake conference. Elder Bednar is having a special meeting with the missionaries and their investigators and we could feel the joy in Spencer's words. When folks ask how our Elder is doing, Gary and I jokingly reply that he is doing so well, we hope he can extend an extra year. I'm not sure my mother's heart could take it, but I must admit, it's been a vacation in a way, not worrying about my teenage son, but I know when he does return, he will be a man. I love you, Elder Judd. Hurrah for Israel!

'Baby Mine' - Dumbo

Maybe it's because he's leaving on his mission in a little less than 6 weeks, but lately I have been reminiscing about my life with Taylor. What a joy it has been. He came out of the womb cheerful, obedient, kind, loving, and wise beyond his years. When he leaves there will be a big hole where big brothers used to be. I was watching him the other day, patiently steering his siblings. They adore him and are going to miss him so much. Our home will not be nearly as bright and fun when he is gone. My mother heart is aching today...lots of ache where there is lots of love.

'He Found Me an Angel' - Mindi Childs

Wasn't General Conference wonderful? My heart is grateful for so many things, too many to list, but I'll share a few thoughts. We were so thrilled to hear about the temple being built near Spencer's mission in Pennsylvania. I wish I could have heard the saints gathered there when they heard it announced and seen Spencer's face and that big smile of his. I loved every song. I loved every talk, especially Sister Dalton's on virtue, Elder Bednar's on prayer, and Elder Uchtdorf's at the RS broadcast, but the one I wanted to blog a bit about was Elder Holland's talk on angels. As he spoke, I saw in my mind so many faces of people who have been angels to me. If you are reading this blog, you are one. Thank you. I am so grateful for my prayers that have been answered through other people, just doing their best to lift and serve and be like our Savior. Thank you for your example and your love. I love you.

'Under the Sea' - The Little Mermaid

Aloha means hello and good-bye. We were able to tell our kids good-bye and hello to each other when we snuck off to Maui for a week. It was glorious! We've never been there before, and were in awe of the beauty all around us. We must be getting older, because we weren't too adventurous. All we wanted to do was unwind, sleep, read, eat and watch the sunset every night. Gary loved the fresh banana pancakes with warm coconut syrup that we discovered at a little local joint. I loved the resort's yoga class, the view, and sleeping-in with my lovey. On the second morning, we laid there trying to remember the last time we were both awake and still in bed together in the morning. We usually hit the ground running in the morning to meetings, work, or kid control. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father created such a beautiful place, and such a wonderful man to share it with.