Frog Isn't So Bad...

I thought, as I chewed the little buddy up last night. Spitting out the vertebrae, I thought of all the family and friends that have tasted like things before my tongue has... and then my thoughts drifted to Kermit the Frog. Cruel, cruel death. Last night we found ourselves on a brightly lit street with red Chinese lanterns zig-zagging their way over our heads about 10 feet. The night wasn't night: it was living, breathing, and eating with hundreds of people. I think the total cost for our meal was in the ballpark of $30 (about 100 'ringuh', Malaysian currency). Grilled chicken and beef and noodles and frog and more and more. Absolutely delicious.

I've been sitting in on a few interviews. These people being featured in this MLM company are the highest achievers in this area. These people are motivated by what they do. Especially came clear with the 20-yr-old that pulled up in his gorgeous car. The kid earns about 9K a month. All off juice.

I'm not advocating we change from Shaklee... :) No, its just been interesting to see what makes us all tick. Photographing them as been a little different than my usual, US clients that are used to this kind of thing. I am so fortunate to enjoy this part of my life, right now. I feel a lot of gratitude. Trying to better understand where somebody is coming from, what their motivations are, listening to their struggles and projecting with their dreams... well, its all very humbling to be a part of. Don't get me wrong: I get tired. Post-production work can be a bear with endless clicks on the computer and sessions of computer-staring that MUST be more dangerous than staring at noon-day sun! Even with that, I still prefer the individual.

I am reminded that we are not alone. Not here. Not there. Meeting these wonderful people remind me of how fortunate I am to be alive, to share, to love, to allow an ear to their lives. People think they are ordinary, when in fact, their "usual" lives aren't that all. All of us are quite extraordinary.

I'm thankful for other countries; I'm thankful for other people.

And... I'm thankful for my "own" people. You. My greatest and blessed family. Love you all. Dxo

New First Presidency

I am sure you all are in a state of joy and happiness as we are right now. Elder Uchtdorf is truly a wonderful man and equal to this high and holy calling. I personally feel it such a blessing to know them so personally and to have had such good times with them. They frequently express their impressions of our family and appreciate knowing each of you that they have met. I truly felt the spirit confirm to me that these men are the Lord's choice. What a joyful moment for all of us - - -for all the Church! xoxox Mama

Gabe's baptism

Gabe was baptized Jan. 12th. Dane performed the baptism and Stan the confirmation. Thank you mom and dad and Jessie and Joni and Dallas and Doug and Jodi's kids for attending. We surely missed the rest of you but understand we cannot fit it all in.

Congrats to Abby for her wonderful accomplishments!! Congrats to Caroline on her baptism! A big get well soon and hope you're feeling better to our dear sister Jodi. Dallas, where the heck are you? Also, to all, please sign your blogs with your names because I don't know your nicknames! Love to all! Gina

Abby's Personal Best...

Well, sorry to bore you with the gory details, but we wanted to tell you the outcome of the 3A State Swimming Championships held at BYU.

First, Wasatch did spectacular. The girls, Abby's team, finished the highest in school history, at a solid 4th place. Our boys, who had a legitimate shot at the championship, came in 2nd Place, only 22 points off the 1st place Ogden team. The final was Wasatch 317.5 to Ogden 339. Sort of tough to lose that close. But they all swam like Poseiden. We had some personal champions in single events and some relays.

On a personal note, Abby had a fantastic meet. On Friday night, she dropped 5 seconds off her Individual Medley!!! That is huge. Like a whole new level. She was jumping for joy. On Saturday, she swam her fastes backstroke ever, dropping a full 1 second off her next fastest time. She is so happy, and very satisfied.

After the meet, our dear coach Leo announced to the team and the parents that he is moving to Alaska in two weeks. Wah! We are in a search for a new coach.

I included some pictures from BYU. Enjoy.

Brad

Crossing The Bar

We, like you have been weeping and remembering our beloved Prophet. I thought everyone would like to hear the words of the song sung by the Choir, "Crossing the Bar". I quote from William J Bennett's Book of Virtues;

"The literal 'bar' of this poem is the kind of submerged sandbar that frequently stretches across the mouth of a river or entrance to a harbor. A ship 'crosses the bar' when it puts out to sea."

Crossing The Bar

By Alfred Tennyson

Sunset and evening star,

And one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning of the bar,

When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,

Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out the boundless deep

Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,

And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell,

When I embark;

For though from out our bourne of Time and Place

The flood may bear me far,

I hope to see my Pilot face-to-face

When I have cross'd the bar.

We love you all. Anxious to see the hand of the Lord move swiftly now to establish the new First Presidency. We felt obviously drawn to President Monson. We loved hearing President Packer's subtle comments about preparing the church to sustaining President Monson.

How greatful we are that we have a prophet on the earth, and God has not left us comfortless.

Crossing

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

It looks like a space-ship station, I think... Greetings from KL (as the locals call it). Kuala Lampur is the capitol of Malaysia, a fun, interesting, buzzy place in Southeast China. I'm working with a company based out of Utah, called XANGO. Buddy Dainon Moody is a writer for them. He's basically visits company employees across the globe and interviews them for an in-house periodical. They also use a photographer and that's where my eyes come in. We are meeting w/ people, walking the streets of KL (and surrounding areas), photographing the XANGO bottle and the XANGO people. Its been a very good time. Some highlights: the fruit (that we don't get at home); the enigmatic Bantu Caves, Little China, the 85º weather, new people, great food. Our heaviest day will be today. Hope all is well at home. Attached you are seeing the "twin Towers," called Petronas (sounds like Harry Potter's spell). They are strangely but beautifully designed and really look like the image I'm showing. Sure love you all! 7 of 9. PS :: and the yellow guy? That's me, shining brightly on the roads!