Open Invitation to Ian's Open House

This is an open invitation to anyone who would like to attend Ian's mission open house. It will be held this Saturday from noon to 4, just at our house. My niece, Jessica, will be doing the food, so the snacks will be delicious!

His non-farewell talk will be Sunday at noon. If you would like to attend, call me and I'll give you the address.

STOMP!

Back in the summer as I took a turn about the local farmer's market, there was a booth for the Provo Covey Center for the Arts, advertising that the production, "Stomp" would be there in January. Tickets were going fast, but I was able to get the two seats in the very back corner of the balcony. Let me tell you: it was well worth it. Since Ian's leaving two weeks from today, I figured he was the best candidate for the second ticket. We both loved it from the very start to the very end. Offering two standing ovations, my mind was all a-flutter about how to incorporate this style of, um, expression, into my calling. Now, I don't know how the young women are going to do it, but somehow, somewhere (I'm thinking skit night at camp), the Lakeridge 8th ward YW will be stomping!

I know I've said this before (or maybe I've just thought it), but I love living here. The family and I have been able to see such great entertainment. I'm grateful that we're able to enjoy these performances, usually at a reasonable cost. (Okay, sometimes it costs a bit more for the bigger/better shows, but still, we go to lots of local theater which is the same cost as a night at the movies.) I may hate our January inversions, but I sure love all the "drama."

The Winter Solstice Viking Feast (a few days early)

You may remember that Ian was invited to attend my nephew's summer Viking Feast. This time, John, Maggie and Ian were invited for the winter feast. I stayed home with Griffin and tended to the annual 1200 piece mailing I do each Christmas while Griffin finally got to watch his shows on the downstairs television. (He'd been denied access to all the TVs while we were all doing different things. Ellie was at a birthday party.)

Here are a few pictures.

The Ward Christmas Party

The annual Ward Christmas party was yesterday morning. With a breakfast of casseroles, pancakes and peaches, we ate and visited with friends and family. Ian and Maggie performed, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" with their cousins, Ben and Sydney Roden. The Primary children sang and I played "O Holy Night" to help accompany some of the youth on their violins. It was a nice break from the shoveling we've been doing for the past four days!

Joseph and His Coat (November 12-13)

It has been a month (really?) since my last post. Our ward has been involved in a production of "Joseph and His Coat" since October and it has taken up a majority of our time. (I did stall on posting about it because I was waiting for pictures. I wish there were some of Griffin who did the robot during the dance portion and also gave the big "Broadway finish" that everyone was looking for.) Griffin and Ellie were in the kids' chorus, Maggie was one of the wives/dancers, Ian was the technical director, and I was one of the narrators. John provided emotional support as needed and came to both of our performances.

I was thrilled to have Chris Hopkins in attendance at our Saturday performance, as well as John's parents, 2 of his sisters and their families, and a niece who is attending the Y. As thrilled as I was to be one of the narrators, the time, energy, and brain space was a bit overwhelming. It was a great experience for everyone, but I think we're all glad that it's over.

Here are the pictures. This was performed in a church cultural hall and I think we all know that the lighting in there always wreaks havoc with the quality, but I think these turned out fairly well.

From Dark to Dark (October 31)

Happy Halloween! Our day started very early as we prepared to take Ian to the Mount Timpanogos temple to receive his endowments. It was a surreal experience. I just don't feel old enough to have a child ready to go on with this step in life. I was thrilled to have the bishop and his wife, my friend, Michelle, come so I had someone to sit with. I couldn't believe how hard my heart was pounding at certain times. An overwhelming morning.

From there, we went to our "Joseph" practice. The performance is two weeks from today and there's still lots of work to be done. This Wednesday we will be doing the play straight through for the first time. John has been asked to be the stage manager, so with the little ones in the primary choir now, it's a full-on family affair. Mags was able to come and learn the song her group is performing in (One More Angel in Heaven) and I even get to participate in that one!

I got back from the practice around 2:30, in time to help decorate our doorstep for Halloween, find costume pieces here and there, and get ready for our Halloween dinner. Ellie went trick-or-treating with a friend, meeting at 3 to get ready for the big event. This year she dressed up in such a way as to be able to use the mask she got in Venice. Quite a stunner, that girl is.

Griffin and John and I went out around 5:30. This year, Griffin wanted to be a "Pumpkin Man." After digging deeper to find out what that entailed, I convinced him to maybe find a different option. While we were out, he saw a Jango Fett costume and decided THAT was what he wanted to be. I used my mask this year, too, and John went as a father forced to go trick-or-treating with his wife and son who would rather be home watching the Phillies game.

The moon rising over the mountains Halloween eve.

It's now after 10 pm, my feet and legs are tired, my blog is caught up, and I have early morning meetings tomorrow. It was dark when the day began and it's dark when it's over. Good night!

Drum Roll Please...

September 27, 2009

Dear Elder Asplund:

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Argentina Cordoba Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months.

You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, January 27, 2010. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Spanish language. Your assignment may be modified according to the needs of the mission president.

You have been recommended as one worthy to represent the Lord as a minister of the restored gospel. You will be an official representative of the Church. As such, you will be expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct and appearance by keeping the commandements. living mission rules, and following the counsel of your mission president. As you devote your time and attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all other personal affairs, the Lord will bless you with increased knowledge and testimony of the Restoration and of the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Your purpose will be to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptaism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. As you serve with all your heart, might, and strength, the Lord will lead you to those who are prepared to be baptized.

The Lord will reward you for the goodness of your life. Greater blessings and more happiness than you ahve yet experienced await you as you humbly and prayerfully serve the Lord in this labor of love among His children. We place in you our confidence and pray that the Lord will help you become an effective missionary.

You will be set apart as a missionary by your stake president. Please send your written acceptance promptly, endorsed by your bishop.

Sincerely,

Thomas S. Monson, President

Mission Call Update

On Saturday, President Wolfert informed Ian that his call status has been changed to, "Call Selected and Mailed." So this week is the week!

Griffin brought me a globe after dinner today and told me that he knew where he was going to serve his mission. He pointed to the Atlantic Ocean and said, "right here." I told him I couldn't see because his finger was covering it. He said, "No mom, right here." I again said I couldn't see anything because he was blocking it. The third time's the charm. "Mom, right here!" He is going to serve on the "A" that labels the Atlantic Ocean. I haven't heard that the "A" hasn't been opened to the gospel, so I hope he finds someone to teach there! Gotta love that boy.

The Mission Call Process

An email from the Stake President:

Ian, I promised to give you an update on the status of your mission call. This morning the system shows your application as "Ready for Assignment." From a timing standpoint that means they will make the assignment this Thursday/Friday, and you will most likely receive it in the mail NEXT week.

We're very proud of you Ian. You are an exemplary young man and will be a great missionary!!

Pres. Wolfert

Here is the current list of mission call guesses:
Mandy Rohner Cincinatti, OH (Spanish speaking)
Leila Scurr: Philadelphia or Canada (French speaking)
Stacey Pannell: Philadelphia
Liisa Roden: Australia
Candace Berquist: Carlsbad, CA
Terri Hatch: Nova Scotia
Cindy Bouwhuis: Tokyo Japan
Grant Hopkins: Texas
Lisa Hagen: Philippines
Catherine Peterson: Denmark
Mom: Mongolia
Dad: Peru
Michael Clawson: Brazil
Jaime Clawson: Norway/Sweden/Austria or Australia
Isaac Clawson: High school (since he’s still too young)
Kim Griesemer: Ecuador
Luke Allen: Idaho
Carma Williams: Honduras
Cherise Elliott: India
Pat/Malcolm: Pocatello, ID
Mary Asplund: Domincan Republic or London
Stan Allman: He’s old enough to go on a mission? Crazy!
Megan Clawson: New Orleans, LA

So we're hoping that in 10 days we'll have the answer.

SENT!!!

Ian just walked in the house after his interview with the Stake President. The papers are on their way to church headquarters and either next or the following Wednesday/Thursday his call should come. We're loving everyone's guesses so keep them coming!

Crossing T's and Dotting I's

The last piece of Ian's mission application has been done. On Friday, he had his cavities filled and we sent in his photo. This week, he can meet with the Bishop to see if he's received everything, and then, he can make his appointment with the stake president to hit the "send" button.

This is going unbelievably fast. He's working 30 hours a week now and putting every penny into the bank to turn into the Bishop when the time comes. I'm proud of his resolve and determination to do what is right. I just don't know if I'm quite ready.

And so it begins...

This afternoon Ian met with the Bishop to start the mission process. And here we are, going through the application. Tomorrow is his dental exam and Friday is his physical. His wisdom teeth are already out, so here's hoping for a not-so-bumpy ride (knock on wood!).

Just Call Me Elder!

Woah! That's weird! Today Ian received the Melchizedek Priesthood and became an Elder. My son can now give me a blessing! We were able to have one grandparent participate, and the other grandparents watch via Skype. Bruce and Ben were also part of the circle. It was a wonderful blessing and an overall awesome experience.

Pomp and Circumstance

On Thursday, May 28, Ian became a member of the real world and a graduate of the Mountain View High School Class of 2009.

It was two hours long, but didn't seem to drag. At one point, the Senior Class Historian, Jared Cisneros, said, "I'd like to read a poem written by Jennifer Asplund." My phone began lighting up with texts as he said the following,

In case you couldn't understand it, here it is:

As good friends come together,

They must also turn and part.

But all those memories are forever,

And join in the heart.

Though true friends never disappear,

Some fade into the past.

Yet with those few who are so dear,

The love can always last.

A new life is beginning

An old life just behind

The world to face in front

The lesson in your mind.

The joyous gifts of passion

The heartbreaks of a loss

Are all a part of growing

And becoming your own boss.

So hold on to all those friendships,

And remember when you're blue;

Your friends are there to turn to,

To tell you, "I love you."

This was a poem I wrote for my graduation and gave to several of my close friends. In turn, Greg Hoffman had it done in calligraphy and framed as a gift to me. I have it hanging in my laundry room and Ian took it to student council to read to them at their end of year meeting. That's how Jared heard it. It was a surreal experience to have my poem read in front of all those people. (Even afterwards, people in my stake were coming up and telling me I was "famous" and how did it feel to be the only parent mentioned by name.)

Ian was one of the very last ones to receive his diploma cover since he was part of the student council.

After Ian turned in his gown and got his diploma, we went home to let the kids change clothes and then went out for a celebratory dinner to Sakura, a Japanese Steakhouse and sushi bar (Ian's request).

It was very entertaining! We had never been to one of these before, and it was an adventure for us all. Griffin shocked us by ordering sushi (which, to no one's surprise, he didn't eat) and shrimp (which he ate one), but enjoyed watching the show most of all.

Ian attempting to catch the shrimp our chef was throwing at him.

We found out the next day through one of Griffin's friends, that Griffin told his class he had seen a volcano! Here's the proof.
After the meal, the family retired for a bit of rest, while the girls and I went out to try something new: a gelateria that just opened (they say it's imported from Italy). We brought home six flavors and enjoyed the memories of our trip last summer.

When it was 8, it was time for the older ones to head off to the end of year dance while I went into the school to set up for the all night senior party. Carma, Terri Hatch and I were in charge of the entertainment from 1 to 3 a.m., so we came up with 3 rounds of Deal or No Deal and 3 rounds of Family Feud. They seemed to go over really well. I only have one really horrible picture from the evening and that's of me and Ian (while I'm in my "costume" as the 70's game show hostess). It really is horrible of me though, so I didn't include it. I guess that's the benefit of being the blog hostess!

We got home at about 5:15 a.m. and I slept for an hour before going with the little ones to their last day of school. They have an end of year assembly and you never really know if you are or aren't getting an award, so I just always go "just in case." Griffin was sure he wouldn't be getting anything, but ended up receiving a certificate for 100% attendance for the school year! We didn't even realize that he hadn't missed a single day! Ellie received an award for scoring in the top 10% of the Iowa Testing for reading and language. She was shocked as well. I was glad I attended, but unfortunately, was so blitzed from the night before that I had left my camera at home, so no pictures.

By 9:30 Friday morning, everyone was declaring that the summer had begun, and I went back to bed! (By the way, there are only 80 days until they go back to school, but who's counting?)

Congratulations, Ian. Welcome to the real world!

Memorial Day Concert

I can't remember the last time I went to a full-on professional concert. I think the last one I went to was Phil Collins when John and I were still living at the U. Yesterday I took Ian and Maggie (and one of Ian's friends, Mallory) to see

Paramore and

at the E Center. There was another opening act (The Sounds) that just had the foulest language. I could have done without them. Twenty minutes after they finished their set, Paramore was on stage. I love playing their songs on Rock Band (how sad is that) and I enjoyed their 45-minute set. Their lead singer is a teeny powerhouse. I realize my pictures are pitiful, but I left my other camera in the car since I didn't want to risk it getting taken away, so these are just from my phone.No Doubt took the stage at about 9:15 and their encore ended at 11:00. I got my hearing back at about midnight. I'm glad I was able to go with the kids. Ian got to see what graphic design artists do as far as the screen behind the band, as well as all the light design that goes into the shows.

What was great to me was that you typically become a bigger fan of a group when you see them perform live--if they do it well! Where we used to go to the record store the next day to buy their albums, the kids just jumped on iTunes and were downloading. The only downside is that I'm not as young as I used to be. I definitely was feeling it when I had to be at the school with the kids this morning for the annual dance festival.