Monday, June 15, 2009

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY!!



We have had the most incredible amount of rain lately--every single day we have at least one HUGE thunderstorm and this has been going on for over a week now. The forecast shows it continuing the rest of this week. YUK!! Even the Angel Moroni on our new temple got hit by lightening (see picture). Notice the black arm and trumpet. This is the Oquirrh Mountain Temple just 2 miles south of us. We are both volunteering at the open house this coming Friday. It will be dedicated in August.

Last Friday I went shopping in Park City at the outlet mall with Mindy and Amy. We had a great time and found some good deals. I took Craig back on Saturday to check out some flip flops that were on clearance--you heat them in the oven and then mold them to your feet. We both bought a pair. We heated them in the oven on Sunday. While they're still warm, you stand in them for two minutes and then you can walk around in them. They mold exactly to your foot's shape. They are REALLY comfortable.

This Wednesday evening, Carrie is going to join us for a session at the new Draper Temple. We have not been there since it was dedicated so we're going to try and get into a session. The ordinance rooms are small so hopefully we will get in!

Monday, June 8, 2009

IL DIVO


Friday night we attended an Il Divo concert at Energy Solutions Arena. This is the group created and marketed by Simon Cowell of American Idol fame. They aren't showman as all they did was walk around and sing, but they have amazing voices and all look like Armani models. It was quite enjoyable. The funny thing about the concert was that the avergage age of the audiance was probably 50. I ran into two old friends from my childhood days in Idaho Falls as well as a coworker at the prison. Prior to the concert we had dinner at PF Changs with a coworker of Craig's and his wife but our seats for the concert were not together. All in all, it was a fun night.

Sunday we had the privelege of fasting and prayer for our dear Parker. I think my prayers were as much for Jason and Jen as there were for Parker. We continue to pray that all will go well with the heart cath on Wednesday. We love you Parker!!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

GRADUATION DAY


Today we awarded 361 high school diplomas to inmates in the adult education program at the Utah State Prison. This number is an all-time record. This is my favorite day at work every year and a great opportunity to cheer for these guys and see them so proud of their accomplishment. For some of them, it's probably the first positive achievement of their lives. Our speaker was Larry Galwick, the Highland Rugby coach whose story is told in the movie Forever Strong. He is not only a great coach but an excellent motivational speaker as well. Prior to his coming for graduation, he gave us a copy of the movie and asked us to show it to the grads. Most of them were able to see it and I think it touched them all. This year I requested a clearance for Craig so he could attend the graduation. It was a great opportunity for him to get a glimpse of what I experience at the prison. All in all, it was a great day and I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to make a difference in these inmates lives.