They're Going to Miss This Place

Just a short trek from Mark and Jenni's old apartment is Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, fifty-five acres of land and water at the southeast corner of Lake Washington. It must be one of the most gorgeous spots in the state of Washington.

Boys Will Be Boys!

We captured our family portrait at Gene Coulon Park nearly two years ago.

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature, and God.

Because only then does on feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.

-- ANNE FRANK

Come Fly with Me

When we can get tickets for $50 each way, we head straight for Seattle to see these little munchkins.

Oh how Sadie loves her mommy! She is happiest when she is in Jenni's arms. Mine just wouldn't do...
...until about day three; then she warmed up to me a little bit and realized that Gammie is her friend...
...and gives her another set of arms to snuggle in.
Little did we know when we booked our tickets that Jenni and Mark would be closing on their very first home our last day there. Wish we could have stayed to help them move the big stuff, but at least we were able to receive a grand tour of their new place.
Payton had a blast watering HIS new yard.
Yes, their new hardwood entryway was given a good wet shower. I was proud of Jenni, she just took it in stride. I'm sure she realized that there would soon be many more events to "break in" her new house and make it a "home".

A house is made

of walls and beams;

A home is built

with love and dreams.

Batter Up!

The Annual Collier Family and Friends Memorial Day Softball Game

How many years have we been doing this now? Anybody know? Some years it has morphed into a volleyball game due to inclement weather... and one year we even filled sandbags to prevent flooding in Draper. This year the sun shone on a muddy field and we couldn't stay indoors!

It's time to put on your best Game Face!

Audrey's powerhouse friends were a great addition to both teams.

Even the mini-ones played!

Spectators were happy!

By half-time my team was losing AGAIN.

 It was awful! 

But somehow we rallied and...

We Won!!!! 

(unless a certain someone finagled the score - Hey, it's MY game, we play it MY way or no way!)

Losers --- supposedly.

Wipe that grin off your face, Emily! 

You lost, remember?!

That's more like it, Jenni!

And After the Game, a Celebration!

...with hotdogs, homemade rootbeer, and delicious potluck. Our neighbor, Pat, furnished all the meat (he works for John Morrell). Thanks, Pat.

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.