Happy Birthday, Michael!

May 25, 1983. This is our Michael Jay just 45 minutes after birth. He was beautifully healthy at 8 lbs. 10 oz.

A great little baby who slept through the night after just a week or two. He was happy and content to just be here; my easiest baby by far. He was a blessing, that's for sure. He came to earth just 20 months after his twin siblings, Jenni and David.

Sweet and quiet. We got a big kick out of his really low voice, laugh, and cry. When I picked him up to console him he would hug me and say "thank you." Those were his first words, I think. This one has a very big heart.

His second grade teacher dubbed him her smartest student ever! He spent hours and hours drawing heros and their weapons of destruction.

He excelled in his gifts and talents. 

And was a great missionary, serving in Seattle, Washington.

He found a beautiful bride, Desiree Hutchinson, and married her in the Salt Lake Temple.

He is now the father of a sweet and adorable, content and quiet baby of his own. We love you, Michael. Happy Birthday, son!

Knew Knitting

Lylie and Kylie spent the evening with us and were the perfect models to show off the sweaters I've just finished knitting. I decided to use up some of the yarn I've had around for a while; its so easy to accumulate too much. It's oozing out of my sewing room right now and I've just got to use some up before I buy any more!

I am drawn to this color of green -- so pretty with Kylie's big blue eyes.

This sweater is knit with bulky yarn on big needles. Fun and quick to whip up. The girls had such a great time Posing for Potts.  

Oh, and I wonder just whose skinny ankles these are? Well at least SOMETHING is still skinny!

Songs My Mother Taught Me

Attitude makes all the difference.

Practice makes perfect sense.

When you make fresh bread, always give at least one loaf away warm.

Always pray before performing, or before doing anything else, for that matter.

Love your husband and always hold his hand.

Keep your temple clothing clean, pressed, and ready to wear.

Each and every freckle is worth a million bucks.

Own a dog.

A dog is sometimes a woman's best friend, especially when it's hard to get your husband to lick the plate clean.

Don't be too quick to take the car; it's okay to walk or ride a bike.

Music is something that you cannot keep to yourself.

The conductor is always right... especially when he's your husband.

When you go out to eat, share a meal.

A "good-night" kiss is very important.

Run a tidy ship but not a sterile environment.

It's good to have a well-balanced meal ready at dinner time.

Turn and give your husband a kiss after the food is blessed 

A ready smile warms the home.

Everyone loves hot rolls.

Take the smallest piece and serve yourself last.

Wrestle with your boys.

Have a good water fight at least once a year.

Cold fresh-water swimming is best.

Don't cry over spilled milk.

Trust your children.

"Good morning, Merry Sunshine" makes a pleasant wake-up call.

There's something extra special about being a "Gammie."

Stop and smell the pine trees.

Bruises will eventually disappear.

Plant Seeds.

Share your testimony.

Ruth Julienne Hill Slaughter

May 1930-February 1998

My mother, Julienne Slaughter, passed away at the young age of 68 after twenty-two months with Lou Gehrig's Disease. Her name is synonymous with love, courage, compassion, selflessness, enthusiasm, dedication, testimony. I attempt each day to be more like her, but this is a daunting task because she is honestly one of a kind. I received the best compliment imaginable when, after taking a walk with my father last week, he stated, "You remind me most of your mother." I can't think of a greater honor.

"Whatever you build... build it to last."

May 8, 2009 - Congratulations to David who graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics! We are so pleased with his accomplishments.

I was so impressed with the Commencement Address given by David McCullough, renowned author and historian. He left us with plenty to ponder. Here are some thoughts worth remembering:

"...I see the Brooklyn Bridge as emblematic of the call I wish to make to you of the graduating Class of 2009 to give serious thought to what you wish to accomplish in your turn in your time, and how you wish to be remembered by history.

So what will we build in the years ahead? What will you build, you of the new generation upon whom so many high hopes are riding?

How will history regard you in years to come - you who are part of this over-ripe, shadowed, uncertain time which has understandably given rise to so many grave forebodings about the future?

Will you help navigate the troubled waters? Will you rise above avarice and indifference and self-pity? Will you be a generation of builders, not more mere spectators who leave creativity and performance and responsibility to others?

Will you take what you have learned here as inspiration to still greater learning?

Will you make your lives count?

The easy answer is - time will tell. The better answer, I think, is - it's up to you.

...read more history, you who are about to commence to the next part of the journey. Read all you can in all fields. Never stop reading and especially books that have stood the test of time.

And make it your practice to ask people about themselves and what they've learned from experience. Don't ever forget that there isn't a man or woman, no matter their appearance or station in life, who doesn't know something, or how to do something, that you don't.

Whatever you build -- figuratively or literally -- build it to last.

(Postscript: David received a job offer from American Fork High School! He will be teaching 6 classes of Algebra II and Geometry.)

The Influence of Sacred Music

A friend shared this article with me. I love it's message.

Let the Power of Religious Music Wash Over You.

By Jerry Johnston

Deseret News

Aug. 16, 2008

...The impressions left by music are usually the deepest impressions on the heart. I have a thought about religious music and such impressions that I share whenever someone will listen.

I think types of religious music are like bodies of water. The great oratorios, for instance -- "The Messiah," "Elijah," "The Creation" -- are like the great crashing waves of the sea. They wash over you, knock you off balance with their power and cleanse you.

The hymns are serene mountain lakes. They offer a shining surface filled with light, while underneath they reach depths that few can fathom.

Children's hymns are sparkling brooks -- like the little stream that gives and gives. They may be playful and fun, but the water they hold is the same water found in the lakes, rivers, and the seas.

The spirit -- the "living water" -- is just as potent in a brook as in the Sea of Galilee. In fact, one of my favorite children's songs was written by two grand masters. The music is by Josef Haydn, who wrote the thundering choruses of "The Creation." The words are by the legendary storyteller Rober Louis Stevenson, who gave the world "Treasure Island" and "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."

You'd think  such a collaboration would produce a song that would rock the celestial speres and summon lightning from the skies. But the song that bears their names is sweet and simple -- the children's song, "Thanks to the Father."

Thanks to the Father, we will bring.

For he gives us everything.

And when that song is sung from the heart of a child, it can be just as moving as the solos from the loftiest oratorio.

The "living water" of religious songs is always alive, always fresh and invigorating -- whether it "lives" in an ocean or in a teacup.

Photo by Randy 2003

The Choir and the Cathedral

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square were invited to perform in the opening concert of the Madeleine Festival of the Arts. This year marks the cathedral's 100th anniversary. In the words of the Festival's Chairman, "We wanted something special so we selected a 'local group'." That comment received some chuckles... "We found the world's greatest choir just three blocks away!" 

It was interesting to hear that this was the choir's second-ever visit to this catholic cathedral. I personally have performed there many times as a freelance musician, but never with 365 musicians. It was an overwhelming sound. The choir and orchestra definitely infused this landmark building with the Spirit!

The year 2009 marks another anniversary. The Orchestra at Temple Square is 10 years old! What an incredible opportunity this has been to perform with the Tabernacle Choir. I thank President Hinckley for his vision and inspiration. Choir President Mac Christensen once reminded us, "Music is not our mission. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is our mission. Music is the means by which we accomplish that mission." I am grateful for this experience.

One Small Teddy Bear

Primary Children's Medical Center is in need of teddy bears and bright slippers for little boys. As I was knitting this small creature, I recalled a sweet encounter twenty-one years ago...

Audrey was just five weeks old when we drove from Burley to Salt Lake's Primary Children's Hospital. She was scheduled for plastic surgery to open her eyelids.

(from my journal) ...As we entered the outpatient area, I bit my lip. It was only 7:00 in the morning and the room was filled with parents and children. As my eyes scanned the room, my heart ached and I was filled with an overwhelming gratitude for the health of my children. Audrey's little handicap suddenly seemed SO small.

Three children in particular caught my attention; a little girl with big brown eyes and braced leg; a young burn victim - his face, his arms, his legs were covered in scar tissue, he had very little hair left on his head. 

And a little six-year-old boy.  It was clear that this was not his first experience at this hospital. He made his rounds to talk with the nurses and technicians. Each seemed to know him by name. He walked with a limp, his speech was slow and slurred. His head was shaved with the exception of his "mohawk" and revealed numerous scars from previous surgeries. In visiting with his mother, we learned that this was to be his 49th surgical attempt to drain access fluid from his brain.

He held a straggly teddy bear in his arms that looked as though it had been by his side through every hospital ordeal. It was thread-bare and worn. This young boy noticed another who was visibly nervous about having his tonsils removed. His mother was having difficulty consoling him. He cried and cried. The young "experience" boy walked over to comfort him and asked, "Would you like to take my teddy bear with you? It helps me feel better." It was more than my heart could take. 

If this little teddy bear could talk, imagine the stories it would tell.

"No one has ever become poor

by giving."

-- Anne Frank

Knitting with a Cause

Lynette (violin) figured that if we are going to be doing all this knitting, we might as well have an official Utah Symphony knitting circle. "Knit Two Together" meets monthly now. They share food, fun, knitting patterns, projects, and collect knitted articles for humanitarian effort and various charities. I haven't been able to attend the official meetings yet due to scheduling conflicts, but that hasn't stopped me from donating a few items.

Elizabeth (music librarian) designed a hat and booties for preemie babies. Look at the green one above.  It has an "umbilical cord" -- so cute. I took her basic pattern and designed a few variations. These will go to Primary Children's Hospital.

Lynette found this website . Warm Woolies is a non-profit organization whose volunteers knit warm clothing for orphanages in Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia, and reservations throughout the northern United States. Their goal is to knit 10.000 pieces of warm wool clothing for these children. So far, I have knit 2 of the 10,000.

Knitting Frenzy!

Remember these little people? I took them to a Utah Symphony rehearsal to show them off to my fellow passionate knitters and they caused quite a stir. There is now a knitting frenzy spreading through the group. We knit at lunch time, on breaks, on buses and share techniques and patterns. It's pretty fun! 

Lisa (string bass) knit a felted purse (pattern sent out by Lois - violin) and I just HAD to try this technique, which was totally new to me.  The purse is knit with wool on sizable needles and is absolutely giant until it is washed twice in hot water. It then shrinks up to a smallish purse just one-half its original size. The amazing thing is, it hardly looks knit at all -- more like one solid fabric! I've knit four purses so far; here are my first couple.

My nephew Colby and his wife Cami have a new baby girl, Imogen Kiera Slaughter. I knit these up and made a card to send their way. (Knitted flower pattern courtesy of Lynette - violin.)

The Hunt

Katie had a great time experimenting with Randy's new camera.  Nice shots, Katie!

Girls in Spring Dresses with Bows and Pink Sashes

These are a few of my favorite things!

Spring has Sprung!

Our daily reminders that Spring has finally arrived --

Flowering Gardens

Blossoming Trees

And THESE guys!

Ferdinand and Mildred are back! They return to our swimming pool each and every year. Unfortunately, they have chosen to quack their happy song in the middle of the night. Bailey (our dog) can't even scare them off! They will persist in making this their home until we clean and cover the pool in a couple of weeks. It only takes one rocky landing; when they are surprised with the cover where water used to be, they will make their way north again.