This blog will soon be private

Sorry to do this, but we've been thinking a lot about privacy and safety, and the "all-out-there" style of the internet. So we've decided to set our blog so only those who have been invited can view it. If you would like to be invited, please comment on this blog or e-mail us and on September 23rd we are going to change the settings. We're sorry for the inconvenience (it will require you to enter your e-mail and password; but usually only once if you use your home computer), but appreciate your understanding.
Update for the week:
Jason has been wanting a home gym ever since we got married. He lifted weights in high school and this is the way he prefers to work out. We've been talking about it for years, but he's never found one that was a good value for the equipment. Well, thanks to some money from his parents and aunt (from Grandma Ruby), he went shopping and found this set. We already had some of the weight and curl bar, but he found the squat bar and the bench set for a total of about $250; we've never found such a good price. So he got it! He so deserves it. He never buys anything for himself.

 

Monday we had a branch Labor Day picnic. Here's a couple of pictures from it.

 

 

Also, yesterday was the first day of our town's Fall Festival. It began with the queen contest. One of my seminary students was a candidate. She asked me to play the piano for her during her talent, which was song from Guys and Dolls--Adelaide's Lament. I was honored but very nervous. So we all went to watch her last night, and I made a few mistakes but nobody will admit to hearing them. Solana did awesome in every area and won the contest!!! This was very exciting! I believe she is the first lds queen our town has ever had! She is letting her light shine!
As for me, I am wondering how I got here...I quit playing the piano at age 14 but always played for fun (mostly to keep a promise to my grandma that I would). When we moved from Utah 3 years ago, I was comfortable playing the piano in primary and almost comfortable playing in Relief Society. Then we moved here and I am one of 3 piano players in our branch, two of who have many health issues and are unable to play most weeks. So I started filling in for sacrament meeting once in while, then was asked to play for a choir number (we don't have a branch choir, but we did have a special number once). Then a friend asked me to teach her kids piano, and then another one did; and now I'm a piano teacher. Then the missionaries started asking me to play for them to sing special musical numbers, and now this! Playing in a pageant! Wow. All I can say is, I'm still not that great of a player, but not great is better than nothing. Also, God has magnified my talent and blessed me to serve when needed. I just keep being given opportunities to streeeeeeeetch myself, to leave my comfort zone. It's a good thing, I think?
Here's a picture of me and Solana at seminary this morning (yes, she came to seminary the morning after; I knew she would). None of the pictures from our camera worked out from last night, but maybe I'll get one of her all dolled up at the parade.