Family Home Evening with a Drunk Drug Dealer

Last year I was in an auditorium, beaming with pride as my son Joshua was sworn in as an officer of the law.   It took quite a while to read the name of each new officer, present a certificate, a smile and finally a handshake.  It was about half way through the presentation and after my son had taken his turn walking across the stage that my mind began to wander… My little boy is all grown up.  Where did the time go?

I thought back to when Josh’s little sister was in first grade.  She had been getting on the big yellow school bus when the boy behind her lifted her skirt up high for all to see.  Unfortunately for the boy, Lindsey’s brother saw the whole thing and pulled the boy off the bus and over to the principle.  All those talks, Sunday school lessons & family night discussions had turned my son into a grade school vigilante. 

I thought of the time Josh was in 5^th grade and came home after school with two friends and the beginnings of a black eye.  Of course, I freaked out a bit.  He and his friends explained what had happened. 

Josh had been walking home from school when he saw a boy he knew getting pushed around and teased by a group of  6^th grade boys behind the school.   Josh yelled and stood between the bullies and the boy laying on the grass.  But the bullies didn't back down.  Josh leaned down to help his friend up just as someone tried to kick his friend.  Missing the boy, but kneeing my son right in the eye.  Then someone called the boy “The N word”.  Minutes later two of the bullies were laying in the grass and the third guy was apologizing.  The following day just happened to be picture day.  Josh’s 5^th grade school photo is one of my favorites.  I’m not at all surprised he has ended up in career where he helps people and enforces the law.  

I thought about the time not long after he started the Police Academy, when for Family Night (FHE), after the short lesson, Josh practiced getting handcuffs on and arresting bad guys.  The part of “bad guys” was played by his two teenage brothers and they took their roles as “drunken drug dealer” and “angry bank robber” seriously. And they loved every minute of it.  “Is that the neighbor boy running down the street, in handcuffs, being chased by Josh?”  Yep, the Haskell’s must be having family night again.  

I thought about a lot of things.  Like how happy he was. It must be to have a job you enjoy and take pride in.  Josh loves his job.  It's like he's been training for this his whole life in one crazy way or another.  Never underestimate the power of Family Night.

Bad guys - you've been warned.

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Last year I was in an auditorium, beaming with pride as my son Joshua was sworn in as an officer of the law.   It took quite a while to read the name of each new officer, present a certificate, a smile and finally a handshake.  It was about half way through the presentation and after my son had taken his turn walking across the stage that my mind began to wander… My little boy is all grown up.  Where did the time go?

I thought back to when Josh’s little sister was in first grade.  She had been getting on the big yellow school bus when the boy behind her lifted her skirt up high for all to see.  Unfortunately for the boy, Lindsey’s brother saw the whole thing and pulled the boy off the bus and over to the principle.  All those talks, Sunday school lessons & family night discussions had turned my son into a grade school vigilante. 

I thought of the time Josh was in 5^th grade and came home after school with two friends and the beginnings of a black eye.  Of course, I freaked out a bit.  He and his friends explained what had happened. 

Josh had been walking home from school when he saw a boy he knew getting pushed around and teased by a group of  6^th grade boys behind the school.   Josh yelled and stood between the bullies and the boy laying on the grass.  But the bullies didn't back down.  Josh leaned down to help his friend up just as someone tried to kick his friend.  Missing the boy, but kneeing my son right in the eye.  Then someone called the boy “The N word”.  Minutes later two of the bullies were laying in the grass and the third guy was apologizing.  The following day just happened to be picture day.  Josh’s 5^th grade school photo is one of my favorites.  I’m not at all surprised he has ended up in career where he helps people and enforces the law.  

I thought about the time not long after he started the Police Academy, when for Family Night (FHE), after the short lesson, Josh practiced getting handcuffs on and arresting bad guys.  The part of “bad guys” was played by his two teenage brothers and they took their roles as “drunken drug dealer” and “angry bank robber” seriously. And they loved every minute of it.  “Is that the neighbor boy running down the street, in handcuffs, being chased by Josh?”  Yep, the Haskell’s must be having family night again.  

I thought about a lot of things.  Like how happy he was. It must be to have a job you enjoy and take pride in.  Josh loves his job.  It's like he's been training for this his whole life in one crazy way or another.  Never underestimate the power of Family Night.

Bad guys - you've been warned.

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Downton Abbey News

Season 3 Spoiler alert - dont read further if you have not seen all of season 3 yet.

Dowton Abbey Season 4:
Series Will See Two New Cast Members

Deep into the dramas of Season 3, it's hard to imagine that new recurring characters are on their way to "Downton Abbey."

But as Dan Stevens has announced his official departure from the series, Lady Mary will be left lonely and looking for love by the beginning of Season 4. Luckily, there's a new man in sight.

“In any relationship drama, the will-they-or-won’t-they is always more interesting than married couples," "Downton Abbey" EP Gareth Neame told TVLine. "So actually what we’ve been able to do is reset [Lady Mary]. She has to start again, and that will be much more interesting.”

Additionally, TV Guide is reporting that a new nanny is headed to Downton to take care of Lady Sybil's newborn. "We have a lovely nursery story," series creator Julian Fellowes said.

While many "Downton" fans are still mourning the loss of Dan Stevens, the actor is excited for new opportunities.

“We were always optioned for three years,” Stevens told the Telegraph in December. “And when that came up it was a very difficult decision. But it felt like a good time to take stock, to take a moment. From a personal point of view, I wanted a chance to do other things."

Downton Abbey Season 4 Scoop: Who is Lord Anthony Gillingham?

As previously reported, Dan Stevens has left the British sensation, bowing out after the Christmas special that recently aired in England and which left viewers stunned over the death of Matthew Crawley.

But Mary will only be mourning the loss of her husband for so long, TV Line reports, as the series is seeking a good-looking thirty-something actor to come on board as Lord Anthony Gillingham, a character who will debut on Downton Abbey Season 4 and court the new mother.

Moreover, producers are already considering Gillingham to play a role on Season 5. Sounds like things will be getting serious!

The description is rather vague, of course, but got any casting suggestions for Mary's new love interest?

from an articles posted 1/30/2013 on the Huffington Post and TVFanatic.com 

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Season 3 Spoiler alert - dont read further if you have not seen all of season 3 yet.

Dowton Abbey Season 4:
Series Will See Two New Cast Members

Deep into the dramas of Season 3, it's hard to imagine that new recurring characters are on their way to "Downton Abbey."

But as Dan Stevens has announced his official departure from the series, Lady Mary will be left lonely and looking for love by the beginning of Season 4. Luckily, there's a new man in sight.

“In any relationship drama, the will-they-or-won’t-they is always more interesting than married couples," "Downton Abbey" EP Gareth Neame told TVLine. "So actually what we’ve been able to do is reset [Lady Mary]. She has to start again, and that will be much more interesting.”

Additionally, TV Guide is reporting that a new nanny is headed to Downton to take care of Lady Sybil's newborn. "We have a lovely nursery story," series creator Julian Fellowes said.

While many "Downton" fans are still mourning the loss of Dan Stevens, the actor is excited for new opportunities.

“We were always optioned for three years,” Stevens told the Telegraph in December. “And when that came up it was a very difficult decision. But it felt like a good time to take stock, to take a moment. From a personal point of view, I wanted a chance to do other things."

Downton Abbey Season 4 Scoop: Who is Lord Anthony Gillingham?

As previously reported, Dan Stevens has left the British sensation, bowing out after the Christmas special that recently aired in England and which left viewers stunned over the death of Matthew Crawley.

But Mary will only be mourning the loss of her husband for so long, TV Line reports, as the series is seeking a good-looking thirty-something actor to come on board as Lord Anthony Gillingham, a character who will debut on Downton Abbey Season 4 and court the new mother.

Moreover, producers are already considering Gillingham to play a role on Season 5. Sounds like things will be getting serious!

The description is rather vague, of course, but got any casting suggestions for Mary's new love interest?

from an articles posted 1/30/2013 on the Huffington Post and TVFanatic.com 

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Downton Abbey Quotes

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Quotes I LOVE - I mean REALLY Love!

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All About Mormons

Relationship Quotes

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The Birthday Gift

There is a story about the comedian Steve Harvey that has gone viral in the last few days. As a birthday surprise from the producers of his TV show, Steve was reunited with a couple who helped him out many years ago when he was their employee at a travel agency instead of a world famous comedian.  (you can watch it here)  Steve cried.  The audience cried.  And I cried watching it. It was one of those moments when something triggers a memory and you rememver feelings you had set aside long ago. It was such a touching, honest and heartfelt moment that had me thinking back to a time when I too was in need and someone stepped in and helped me.




The difference between Steve's story and my own story was that the family who helped me, had never met me before.

I was only 20 years old. I was in a marriage where domestic violence was the norm and I had a beautiful 4 month old baby boy.  Because my husband was in the military, we had recently been transfered to Great Falls, Montana.  I had no car, no family, no money, a husband who wasn't home much and I didn't know anyone. I spent my days and nights  being incredibly lonely, trying not to do anything that may upset my husband and trying to make the best of my situation.  (I wont go into details because I've written about that before.)

One night, around 11pm I got a phone call.  It was my husband.  He had been gone for quite a few days and I could instantly tell he had been drinking.  I could hear other men's voices in the background. They had been drinking too.  Then I heard this man I had married inform me that he would be home soon and that I was to "entertain" each of his friends.  Except he didn't use the word "entertain". 

In my entire life, I had never felt more terrified.  I knew he was serious and I knew he was about twenty minutes away.  I knew I needed help.

I made one phone call.  Ten minutes later I heard a loud banging on my door. When I opened the door I saw three men.  Each one of them was holding a black garbage bag.  They told me they were from the same church I had attended in my home town, and they were here to help.  I had already been crying, but now I began to sob.  The men asked permission to help me quickly grab whatever I needed, that could fit in those three black bags.  Most of what I took was baby stuff.  I left everything else I owned behind. 

It had taken only minutes to gather what I could and hurry out to a car where a kind woman (wife of one of the men) was waiting to drive me to her home.  I was holding my baby boy tightly, barely able to speak, overwhelmed and embarrassed of my situation.  We turned the corner just in time to see my husband's blue car, music blaring, pass us on the left. 

I spent about three weeks with the Anderson Family and then I took my son and flew back home.  Looking back, I know I must have looked quite a mess.  As much as I thanked them for all they did for me, I dont think I could ever really express my grattitude. They gave me a room, fed me, drove me all over, comforted me, bought diapers and many other things I had no way to purchase for myself. They talked to me, encouaged me, inspired me and prayed with me on a daily basis.  It was one of the most humbling experiences of my life.

That night was the beginning of the end for me.  The end of a terrible marriage and the end of being afraid. I've tried to find the Anderson family but I dont have much to go on.  That was 22 years ago.  I have no idea who the other men were.  I may never find them, but who knows, maybe someday.  Until then, all I can do is try to pay it forward. 

So Happy Birthday Steve - what a wonderful gift you've been given.

 I know I would react about the same way.

Sometimes we cry because there just aren't enough words to say thank-you. 

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There is a story about the comedian Steve Harvey that has gone viral in the last few days. As a birthday surprise from the producers of his TV show, Steve was reunited with a couple who helped him out many years ago when he was their employee at a travel agency instead of a world famous comedian.  (you can watch it here)  Steve cried.  The audience cried.  And I cried watching it. It was one of those moments when something triggers a memory and you rememver feelings you had set aside long ago. It was such a touching, honest and heartfelt moment that had me thinking back to a time when I too was in need and someone stepped in and helped me.




The difference between Steve's story and my own story was that the family who helped me, had never met me before.

I was only 20 years old. I was in a marriage where domestic violence was the norm and I had a beautiful 4 month old baby boy.  Because my husband was in the military, we had recently been transfered to Great Falls, Montana.  I had no car, no family, no money, a husband who wasn't home much and I didn't know anyone. I spent my days and nights  being incredibly lonely, trying not to do anything that may upset my husband and trying to make the best of my situation.  (I wont go into details because I've written about that before.)

One night, around 11pm I got a phone call.  It was my husband.  He had been gone for quite a few days and I could instantly tell he had been drinking.  I could hear other men's voices in the background. They had been drinking too.  Then I heard this man I had married inform me that he would be home soon and that I was to "entertain" each of his friends.  Except he didn't use the word "entertain". 

In my entire life, I had never felt more terrified.  I knew he was serious and I knew he was about twenty minutes away.  I knew I needed help.

I made one phone call.  Ten minutes later I heard a loud banging on my door. When I opened the door I saw three men.  Each one of them was holding a black garbage bag.  They told me they were from the same church I had attended in my home town, and they were here to help.  I had already been crying, but now I began to sob.  The men asked permission to help me quickly grab whatever I needed, that could fit in those three black bags.  Most of what I took was baby stuff.  I left everything else I owned behind. 

It had taken only minutes to gather what I could and hurry out to a car where a kind woman (wife of one of the men) was waiting to drive me to her home.  I was holding my baby boy tightly, barely able to speak, overwhelmed and embarrassed of my situation.  We turned the corner just in time to see my husband's blue car, music blaring, pass us on the left. 

I spent about three weeks with the Anderson Family and then I took my son and flew back home.  Looking back, I know I must have looked quite a mess.  As much as I thanked them for all they did for me, I dont think I could ever really express my grattitude. They gave me a room, fed me, drove me all over, comforted me, bought diapers and many other things I had no way to purchase for myself. They talked to me, encouaged me, inspired me and prayed with me on a daily basis.  It was one of the most humbling experiences of my life.

That night was the beginning of the end for me.  The end of a terrible marriage and the end of being afraid. I've tried to find the Anderson family but I dont have much to go on.  That was 22 years ago.  I have no idea who the other men were.  I may never find them, but who knows, maybe someday.  Until then, all I can do is try to pay it forward. 

So Happy Birthday Steve - what a wonderful gift you've been given.

 I know I would react about the same way.

Sometimes we cry because there just aren't enough words to say thank-you. 

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Quotes

The MAYOR & his WIFE

Building Your Husband's Self Esteem 

by Katherine Kehler

“Her husband has full confidence in her. 

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life” (Proverbs 31:11-12)

One sunny afternoon, a mayor and his wife were taking a stroll down the main street of their city, while he proudly pointed out his accomplishments during his time in office. Then they walked by a construction site and a man called out and greeted his wife. He had been a high school boyfriend.

The mayor said to his wife,

“See, dear, if you had married him, you would be a wife of a laborer.”

She answered sweetly,

“If I had married him, he would be the mayor.”

It is true. Wives have phenomenal influence on their husbands. It is said that they can make or break their husband. Even though many times we don’t feel like we are making any difference at all, we really are.  If wives knew how much influence they had, they would be filled with pride. If men knew, they would be scared to death.

Building Your Husband's Self Esteem 

by Katherine Kehler

“Her husband has full confidence in her. 

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life” (Proverbs 31:11-12)

One sunny afternoon, a mayor and his wife were taking a stroll down the main street of their city, while he proudly pointed out his accomplishments during his time in office. Then they walked by a construction site and a man called out and greeted his wife. He had been a high school boyfriend.

The mayor said to his wife,

“See, dear, if you had married him, you would be a wife of a laborer.”

She answered sweetly,

“If I had married him, he would be the mayor.”

It is true. Wives have phenomenal influence on their husbands. It is said that they can make or break their husband. Even though many times we don’t feel like we are making any difference at all, we really are.  If wives knew how much influence they had, they would be filled with pride. If men knew, they would be scared to death.

Juggling 5 Balls - QUOTE

Quotes by Elder Uchtdorf