Last Weeks of Summer

I decided to start writing on my blog again.  So here goes . . . 1st story: highlights of the past few weeks.

The flowers my Dad bought.

My bro & his son & daughter.

With my Mom's sister at my Uncle's casket.

1) Wonderful time seeing relatives again at my Uncle's funeral.  Even got Pres. Monson to wiggle his ears at me after he stood by me viewing the casket.  How many people get a moment like that?  Even told me he was glad he followed the prompting to go visit & lay his hands on my Uncle's head the night that he died.  I loved seeing my brother's (& his children's) reactions to seeing our Prophet at the family prayer.  Thought it was neat when my brother had us wait behind all of the other relatives only to be escorted to the front row (perfect view of Pres. Monson) when the chapel filled up.  Our Prophet spoke the most consoling words about family unity and how Heaven would not be Heaven for Uncle Mark without all of his family there.  Then, he admonished us to always walk in truth and never let offense get in the way of family relations.  The siblings gave exquisite talks and the music (strings on one number and harp, flute & grandchildren/great grandchildren voices for the other) was incredible.  One of the most wonderful tributes was hearing how much my Uncle served the Lord, his family, and had a fun sense of humor (not light-minded, but light-hearted).  And how he was committed to quality in all aspects of life, especially serving my Aunt by attending concert after concert with her.

With Mom & Dad at the Graduation.

My bro's children at the graduation.

My Dad & my niece at the graduation.

2) Attended my niece's BYU graduation.  What a wonderful thing my brother did in getting my Mother ready.  He made sure she had a nice new outfit that matched her bright blue shoes, and a great hairdo.  My Dad wheeled her in a wheelchair so she would not have to walk too far.  I had some of the sweetest moments with them listening to "oldies, but goodies" in the car.  How the two of them complement each other!  It was so good to see them together again, & enjoy their fun and kind personalities.  Loved it when my Mom turned to me & said, "He sure is a nice boy!"  The talks and music at the graduation were astounding and perfect for me!  I loved the one about the single gal who helped infant upon infant survive.  I was lifted by the talk about the Savior showing His disciples the example of a truly great (& humble) leader.  I was mesmerized by the idea of comparing the Last Supper table seating to that of an Executive Committee Business meeting arrangement; that the "lowliest" of all (secretarial minute-man person) was so essential to the collective whole in translation.  I was reminded again of how the "greatest among you shall be your servant." Enjoyed eating sushi and steak at the restaurant that evening altogether, meeting my niece's new impressive boyfriend, and hearing the local singer out in the patio as we walked in.  Also enjoyed a nice meal with my brother and nephew at the Joseph Smith Memorial Gardens Restaurant after touring the Mega-nacle (as my bro's like to endearingly refer to the Conference Center across the street from the SLC LDS Temple).

My bro's put together a wonderful book of my Mom.

3) Been working on little projects here and there . . . one being the expansion of the genealogy book I put together for my parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary and the music & children's book I plan on writing.  I have other aspirations for composing, recording, and publishing.  More to come on that . . . I also have a journal of one of my ancestors, Truman Leonard, I am translating.  Also, doing lots of preparation work for the future.  More to come on that also . . .

Chocolate dessert at the Dinner Group w/ homemade butterfly!

4) Enjoyed a wonderful breakfast and dinner Sun. (before and after church) with friends from the ward.  Here's just a little smidgen of what we got to eat!  Been enjoying my ongoing Pinterest activity collecting recipes I want to try (& simply drool over.  Man, if eyes could eat I'd be fat)!  In constant care of my body.  Been swimming a lot, stretching, and doing ballet.  I read recently in one of my ancestor's histories, Simeon Franklin Allen, that he always wanted to enjoy good health and because he took such good care of himself, he practically never got sick a day in his life.  He subsequently died being thrown off a horse (not from illness)!

5) Someone banged their car door into mine at church and made a dent in my year old car.  Couldn't really get angry when seeing how smashed up his car was on the right side while he struggled even to get it started.  Perspectives . . .

6) Getting ready to play for President Monson's birthday party.  He handpicked all of the music we rehearsed last night, except for one:  "76 Trombones" from The Music Man.  Mack Wilberg said he had to add something "lively" to all of the sedated music the Prophet had picked.  These are some of the numbers chosen:
"Tomorrow" (from Annie)
"There But for You Go I"
"You Raise Me Up" (I cried during that one ~ yes, right there in rehearsal)
a hymn, "If the Way be Full of Trial, Weary Not"
"Bring Him Home"
"The Holy City"

I think it will be a wonderful tribute to a great man who loves to serve his fellowman!

My bro, Dad, Mom, & Aunt.

7) One other thing I enjoyed was getting Baskin Robbins with my Dad and brother (after visiting with my Aunt and taking her to see my Mom).  We laughed and laughed at the humongous portion they served him, and the combo I got:  bubblegum with chocolate chip on top (my fav)!!  Will never tire of 7-11 slurpees and Baskin Robbins ice-cream cones as long as I live with Jon Jon.

My nephew & yours truly enjoying a bite to eat!

Pic my bro sent me of our Broadcast.

My Dad, bro-in-law, gr nephew, niece-in-law, & bro.

My Dad, sis, & bro-in-law at Kennecott.

Dad & Jack enjoying peach shakes together!

8) Getting to see Kennecott Copper Mines for the 1st time after years of living in and visiting Utah!  We were all fascinated by the enormous size and orderly beauty of one of the only man-made areas viewable from space.  Afterward we enjoyed a bite at Chick-FilA (until I got sick from something I ate later that night).  We all got peach shakes!  My Dad then drove my brother to the airport while I headed up to a wonderful session at the West Jordan LDS Temple ~ before performing the next morning for Music and the Spoken Word: