I went to bed last night feeling a sweet sadness at the news that President Hinckley had passed away. I hope that I can honor his memory by living up to his example of kindness, optimism, and discipleship.

After we heard the news last night, Coral began to receive messages and phone calls suggesting that the youth all wear their 'Sunday best' to school today as a tribute to President Hinckley. They all looked lovely filing into the building this morning as I dropped her off. (One of many reasons this is a fitting tribute is that he has been so impeccably dressed over the last few years. I keep telling Kevin that we need to find out from where his suit and tie combinations come. :))

As I look back with love and admiration at President Hinckley and his life, I look forward to the outpouring of the Spirit that will surely come as we experience a change in the leadership of the Church.

I thank my Heavenly Father for the life and legacy of Gordon B. Hinckley. President Hinckley, your teachings and example are part of who I am and of who I hope to become.

Bird Watching

It was about 20 degrees F yesterday afternoon when I took Niall to Scouts. As we drove down the street we saw a flock of Cedar Waxwings swarming all over several trees. We stopped to watch them stripping the tiny fruit off the branches.

We had a flock stop by our yard in CA one winter afternoon. They stayed for several hours eating until the fruit on our Crab Apple tree was completely gone. I was so surprised to see them here in the cold of January doing the same thing!

It is hard to see(sorry, amateur photography), but there are about 10 Cedar Waxwings and one Robin in this tree.

Thankfully we all stayed home Monday for the MLK, Jr holiday. By 3pm when the snow plow finally came, we had 18" of snow on our driveway!! Kevin alternated shoveling and napping all day, the boys played out until they were popsicle boys, and I finished Atlas Shrugged. The girls got together with friends- they had to don snow boots and walk down the hill, out of the neighborhood to be picked up on roads given more plowing priority.

Missionary Farewell

Sunday, the girls and I attended the Missionary farewell of Kellie Edwards. Kellie was a young woman when we lived in CA. We came to know and love her and her Mother, Laura Newman, and sister, Liz. Kellie spoke well is definitely all grown up and ready to serve in the Independence, MO Visitors Center. We felt a great spirit in the meeting and enjoyed visiting a little(in the foyer!!) with her family. We enjoyed seeing David & Rachelle Stoneking from CA, as well. The only downside was that another departing missionary spoke also- a young man- and all his hundreds of teen aged guy friends came to listen. The girls were getting whiplash!

Burns Supper

Saturday, we attended the annual Burns Supper hosted by the Utah Scottish Association. The anniversary of the birth of Scottish poet, Robert Burns, on Jan 25th is an excuse for Burns enthusiasts as well as fans of Scottish history & culture to celebrate.

The evening followed "a typical Burns Supper format with Presentation of the Haggis & Toast, Toasts to the Lassies & the Laddies, The Immortal Memory address, music and Burns’ poetry. Celebrants stand, hold hands and sing Burns’ ode to friendship, Auld Lang Syne, to culminate the Burns celebration, in keeping with long standing tradition. "http://www.utahscots.org/ We have attended this event every year we have lived here. The food was amazing-Cock-a-leekie Soup, Angus Roast Beef, Roasted Potato & Parsnips, Horseradish Jus Lie, Salmon Fillet with Caper Butter, Roasted Asparagus, Wild Rice, Haggis, Neeps& Tatties, Bramble Apple Crumble with Creme Anglaise, & Shortbread Cookies. The music and poetry were cool-some programmed as well as some 'open mic'. And of course, there were many fine men in kilts! We went this year with Tom & Daphne McGill & Jack Marinello & Robin. Kevin's parents were there, too. The whole thing was brilliant-check out the photos:

Kevin is wearing the 'Freedom Tartan'. I am wearing a sash of 'Old Stewart'-Stewart is one of my family's ancestral names.

Good friends Tom & Jack join Kevin- Jack is the festive soul who owns all these clothes, plays the bagpipes on his porch above our street, and shares generously...

Coral and Kaitlyn Findlay connect with Burns' romantic nature! Coral is wearing 'Dress Stewart'.

Congratulations Coral! Coral auditioned for and was accepted into the Alta High School Orchestra's 'Woodwind Ensemble' playing the bass clarinet!! She played this in Jr High, but has taken a break for the last few years. I am glad she has returned to it. She said something I have been longing to hear for a while-that music is more important to her than drama! She will be playing in festivals and competitions this spring as well as going on a fabulous trip to Chicago in April.

Bleak Midwinter...

I am nursing a seemingly endless, mild cold. It is freezing out. The house looks bare without Christmas decorations. And... I don't feel like doing anything except reading. It's a good thing I need to finish Atlas Shrugged in the next two weeks- the perfect excuse to curl up in front of the fire. (It is quite a book-I am reserving comment until I am finished reading and pondering...)

Patriotism...

It was intense to watch the news yesterday and today as they reported on the Iowa caucuses as well as the election related violence in Kenya and the ongoing drama in Pakistan. I am so grateful to live in this country and sometimes wonder why I am so fortunate.
As for the caucus results, Huckabee scares me, but I am grateful that no one will riot or kill over it- and, Obama is an exciting candidate. I hope he continues to do well.

The Water Horse

Yesterday, I took the boys to see The Water Horse. It is a perfect movie for 'wee' boys! It is also nice for anyone else who likes to look at Scottish Highland scenery and listen to Scottish accents. The soundtrack was amazing, especially Back Where You Belong by Sinead O'Conner and the Chieftains' Water Horse Suite.

Niall and Leith are constantly asking me if they can hold wild animals and have them as pets. This story is their fantasy!