Journalism These Days

I've decided that it's highly unlikely to find any unbiased viewpoints on the current political race. I'm frustrated by all the smear tactics and emotionally charged conversation. I'm passionate about my beliefs and preserving those beliefs but I don't write about them for a living. I appreciated this article on journalism today. Let me offer a little disclaimer. I don't generally like Orson Scott Card's opinion, but I have to agree with his comments here. See for yourself (this article is sometimes a little slow to load. Be patient. It's worth it).

Picture Tag

My friend, Alicia, picture tagged me. Here's how it works: you pick the 4th picture in your 4th folder, and then give a brief description.This is from my sister Lexie's wedding. It's in front of the Portland, OR (Soon to be my second favorite behind the Rome temple). I have no idea what we were laughing at, but I'm sure it was great. Good times.

I tag: Elli, Rachael Critt, Lexie, Rebecca Fluhman, and Chantalle. Have fun!

Cornbelly's Pumpkin Land

One of the many great things about being in BYU's MBA program is the Spouse Association. They have activities for families, kids, and spouses. Yesterday, we all made the trip up to Thanksgiving Point to Cornbelly's Pumpkin Patch. It was a blast. Here are some of the kids' favorite parts.

There were two giant "jumping pillows" at the patch. The big one was occupied by teens and older kids, so Palmer headed straight for the smaller one (he was one of the biggest kids on it, which was a nice ego boost). He didn't want to get off, not even for the giant slide. I had to drag him off the pillow after 20 minutes of jumping. If I had a yard, I would buy a trampoline because Palmer is addicted to jumping. He jumps around the house, on the beds, off the beds, onto people (usually his Dad), and around the grocery store. Someday, I will buy a trampoline. But, in the meantime, Cornbelly's did the trick. I love his expression in this picture. I have no idea what Portia is watching in the background.

Portia thought it was hilarious to slide and crash on the pillow. She kept sliding and rolling off it and busting up when she rolled into the sand.

She really did love this jumping pillow. I think she was watching some big kids trying to jump on the little pillow. She's a little territorial.

I couldn't get them to look at me or to smile....until I said, "Say Pumpkins!" This is mid-word and still not looking at me. Oh, well, Portia's expression says it all.

Oops, I forgot to take my glasses off! It was only about 55 out but it was very sunny. I promise, my kids really were smiling three seconds earlier.

Portia LOVED the giant slides. It doesn't look very big but this is about half of it. Palmer loved the slides, too, but I couldn't ever find him to take his picture. He liked to run away and do his own thing with his buddies.

Portia didn't love the piglet races. I don't really blame her. It was pretty stinky! But the little piggies were so cute (I couldn't get a pictures of the little piglets because they were so fast!). She loved the pigs, just not waiting for them to race.

Grateful

I really don't know where to begin to express my gratitude for the amazing announcement this morning in General Conference. President Monson announced that there will be a temple in Roma. I am so grateful to the Lord, who knows our needs and answers prayers in His time. I know that this is a miracle in our day. Who would have thought that we'd have a temple in the heart of the Catholic world? I am grateful for the privilege of serving with the faithful members in Italy and for their continued faith and hope (as Elder Uchtdorf spoke of) and their perseverance in living this wonderful gospel. I am in awe at the thought of seeing this...

...in the same landscape as this.

(St. Peter's Basilica, part of The Vatican City)