It's that time of year

My kids are going to laugh when they see this post, but heck, who cares.

IT'S COUNT DOWN TO DRUM CORPS! I am such a closet fan! I look forward every summer to June and Drums On Parade. I have been a supporter and fan of Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps since I was in high school and several of our marching band members were scouts!

Its great music of course, but there is something so uplifting in watching the hard work and dedication of young people. These kids put their heart and soul into something so positive and so enriching. How can I not be in support of that! My kids will also tell you that I tried with all three of them to get them to join, but it never worked out. That's okay. We love it as a family and its one of those traditions that we will be sharing with our grandchildren one day.

If you get a chance, go support your local drum corps. Tickets to local events are usually pretty affordable and every penny goes to support drum corps.

Here's the link for Madison's Oldest Drum Corps event:

http://www.drumsonparade.com/

Not from Madison? Visit http://www.dci.org/ and find your areas drum corps! Enjoy some music this summer. I know we will!

NOV 29 2008 - TOM's BAPTISM

Finally, pictures up from Tom's baptism. We waited to post until all family members had been told before we put them up. It has been a bittersweet couple of weeks. daily, we see the blessings of being a house united, working toward common goals and pray daily that the Spirit will bear witness to those we love who are having a difficult time understanding. I truly believe that in time, the changes in Tom, in our family, will be the strongest witness of all. I had written the post a few days afterward and held onto it. So here it is...

I had the best birthday present a girl could ever have this year. Tom was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Frankly, I had rarely even contemplated such an event. It never seemed possible. I was content with both of us worshipping separately, but still strong, practicing Christians. However, when Tom reached his own crisis of faith this summer, we both knew something had to change. The change would not be for me, for us, but for him.

Over the last 4 months I have watched him struggle, persevere and overcome so many obstacles that have for years, prevented him from seeing himself as our Heavenly Father sees him. He tackled each obstacle with fervor and determination. He never gave up, never turned back, never gage in. My accounting of his journey seems to pale in comparison as to when he bears his own witness. I will refrain from doing that here and let him write and post himself. I can say that there has never been more peace, more joy, more happiness than I have ever seen Tom, let alone our family, possess. I think the pictures sing that song quite well! A few years ago I started praying that the joy and happiness we had in the beginning would return. My prayers today were answered 100 fold. I have/we have never felt happiness such as this!

A heartfelt thank you to all his "angels", who selflessly gave of themselves; who shared their testimony of the gospel by their actions of love and friendship. Our gratitude is eternal, as well as our love for all of you.

Addendum, four months after I wrote the above, those words could not be more true or accurate. I have often said throughout the past 8 months, I feel like I am in a constant "pinch-me" mode. I have resigned myself to idea that I will always be in a "pinch-me" place!