Bel's Bit

Back to Nature

2010-09-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

I am really feeling this title. I am yearning for quiet and solitude in nature. Call me "John Muir". We were hiking up to Delicate Arch one morning last week and I supped in the quiet as it completely enveloped me. It was transforming. I said to myself, "THIS is my Father's world" There's a song by that title that of course was humming through my mind at the moment. This past week I also heard a recent talk from Jeffrey Holland where he recommended being in nature and finding quiet and solitude to feel closer to Heavenly Father. In the LOUD and demanding world we live in, this is a way that we can actually leave it! All around us seems to have become the wicked world of men but it is not so! This is our Father's world and always will be. He controls it with love,long suffering and infinite patience. We can ALWAYS be in our Father's world and feel Him near...just go on a quiet walk in nature or sit outside your front door in the early morning and watch the sun rise.

Bel & Mel

2010-03-12T20:34:00.000-08:00

I am really enjoying my association with Mel Bartholomew, author and creator of Square foot gardening.
We seem to really click. He is a big fan of the choir too. He has asked me to work for him as the teacher coordinator for his foundation. I am responsible for over 200 certified square foot gardening teachers around the country. I get to work from home on my own hours too. I'm having a lot of fun and it is a valuable relationship for our business as well.

Bye-Bye Britney

2010-01-20T09:08:00.001-08:00

Britney has just left to live in Maryland for two months. She has unselfishly gone to live with her cousin, Emily, who has two month old triplets. She dropped her school schedule, put her job on hold, said goodbye to dear friends & family and packed her bags to be a nanny. I am proud of her for her choice. It will be a good experience and her first time away from home for so long. She is my dear friend and I am blessed to call her my daughter. I will miss her happy face and beautiful smile but I know I can find her on facebook anytime!

Thankful!

2009-11-26T07:08:00.000-08:00

Truly blessed and truly thankful I am! The Lord is very kind to me and has blessed me all of my life. How grateful I am for a unusually good man as my husband. I am blessed with five upright and noble sons and three beautiful and precious daughters. I cherish my three grandchildren, Reese, Sawyer and Stella. These relationships are truly my greatest blessings and I know will last through all time. What a joy and blessing to live in America and to experience freedom to its fullest. I will always remember my Dad for his personal sacrifice in protecting this sacred gift. My heart is especially full today even to overflowing.

There Were Angels Among Us

2009-08-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

On June 14, our Tab Choir tour had a very special send off by President Monson. He promised that we would receive many miracles and that angels would surround us and bear us up. I believe he is a prophet of God and I carried his words with me throughout the tour. The first angel that I felt was my Dad. He passed away recently on D-Day, June 6, from a long battle with cancer. I felt the distinct impression that he was assigned to watch over me on this important choir assignment. The second angel I detected was at our concert in Omaha, Nebraska. Earlier that day we had toured the winter quarters area where the temple and old pioneer graveyard are located. At the visitors center there, Barry called my attention to four words displayed prominently at the entrance: Consecration, Sacrifice, Cooperation and Charity. I realized that these things were what we specifically needing to practice during this choir tour. These pioneer angels were certainly in attendance at our concert that night and I especially felt the presence of William Clayton who composed Come Come Ye Saints at Winter Quarters. It was as if he was conducting us during that rendition.
The Spirit taught me that the Lord uses the choir to prepare the hearts of true and honest people for His coming. There were countless miracles taking place in the hearts of the many people who heard us sing.
At our final concert in Denver, Co. at the Redrocks ampitheater, We had the joyous surprise of Pres. Monson attending! What a spectacular setting! I rejoiced in song as I gazed at the beauties of the Lord's creations around me. Toward the end of the concert, as we sang Come Come Ye Saints, my mind had a fleeting glimpse of special angels in heaven. They were the truest and most loyal friends revealed to my mortal mind from past eternities. Their faces and hearts were full of love, care and comfort for me . They had been watching over me all along. My heart was filled to overflowing so much that I could not sing. What a sweet and precious moment that I will always remember and cherish. I thank the Lord for His kindness and concern over the details of our lives. I thank Him for the blessings he sends us through a living prophet and for the privilege and honor it is to sing in His choir.

An Amazing Life

2009-06-12T07:19:00.001-07:00

Walter Scott Barrett
W. Scott Barrett Logan, Utah Walter Scott Barrett peacefully passed away on June 6, 2009 at his home in Logan, Utah at the age of 84 due to cancer. Scott was born May 19, 1925 in Logan, Utah to Walter William Barrett and Myrtle Jeppson. The family moved to Phoenix, Arizona when Scott was in junior high. During World War II 19-year-old Scott set off to join the Air Force, but was so excited to learn to fly that his soaring blood pressure disqualified him. He was inducted into the Army July 1943 and served in the 99th "checkerboard" division as a corporal infantryman, the best marksman in his squad of 200. Captured at the start of the wintery Battle of the Bulge, he spent five months in a POW camp in Nuremburg, Germany until the end of the war. He was discharged from the army December 1945. Scott then served a three-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western States, 1946-49. After his mission he earned his bachelor's and law degrees at the University of California at Berkeley (Boalt Hall). He married Julia Ellsworth in 1951 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Upon graduation he began practicing law in Oakland, but when he was offered the job of assistant attorney general for the island of Guam he jumped at the chance. He wrote the bill that established long-awaited post-war security clearance for Guam which was read into the U.S. Congressional Record. Scott subsequently practiced law in Guam, San Francisco, Oakland, and American Samoa with several firms, including Barrett, Ferenz & Bramhall. As Scott and Julia raised their six children they resided alternately in Guam and Piedmont, California. In 1976 the family moved to Cache Valley to a farm in Lewiston while Scott opened a new practice and had their riverside home built in Logan. About this time he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot and flew his Beechcraft Sierra for more than two decades logging 3,300 hours and landing at more than 300 airports. Scott served as city attorney of Logan for 12 years and as a member of the Logan firm Barrett and Daines. In 1992 he helped found the Moab Music Festival and served as a generous and wise trustee. From 1999 on he was also deputy attorney for Grand County, making countless trips to Moab with Julia for both business and pleasure. He never retired, settling his last case from his sickbed. Scott served in the LDS Church as the Guam Branch President, in a bishopric in the Oakland 1st Ward, and taught the High Priests group in the Logan 8th Ward for many years. Most recently, he especially enjoyed home teaching. Throughout his life Scott's interests included photography, gardening, home improvement, health, music, astronomy, maps, reading, word puzzles and games, chess, coin collecting, walking and hiking, tennis, bike riding, skiing, and golf. He was a great example of physical and mental well-being, intellect, wit, and wisdom, unconditional love and boundless generosity. Scott leaves his family with many wonderful memories of love of life, faith, humility, integrity, and humor. Friends and family can enjoy some of his thoughts on http:// scottshumbleopinions.blogspot.com/. He is survived by his wife Julia, of Logan; his children, Cathryn Frisby (Stephen R.) of Orem, Utah, Janice Graham (Stephen F.) of Pleasant Grove, Utah, Michael Barrett (Leslie Tomkins) of Bronx, New York, Belinda Jensen (Barry K.) of Pleasant Grove, Utah, Clark Barrett (Brenda Gardner) of Hyde Park, Utah, and Blake Barrett of South Lake Tahoe, Nevada, 26 grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren, a brother, David Bruce Barrett of Salem, Oregon, a sister, Joyce Barrett Stephenson of Salt Lake City. W. Scott Barrett was preceded in death by two brothers, Gwynn William Barrett (2006) and Stephen Lee Barrett (2008). Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 10, 12:30 p.m., at the LDS chapel at 325 Lauralin Drive, Logan. A viewing will be held previous to the funeral from 10-12 noon. Interment will follow at Logan City Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the famiy at www.webbmortuary.com. The family wishes to thank friends, business associates, and extended family for unfailing support and Alpine Home Health Care and Hospice for generous and tender care at every turn of events.

The Birth of a Business

2009-03-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

Its been about a month now since I came up with a business idea. I was contemplating how to exercise my freedom and rugged individualism in a gloomy economic climate. I read a sentence in a book, "free choice is the essence of free enterprise". It inspired me! Then, I got to thinking about my gardening experience last year in building a square foot garden. I reflected about how hard it was to get my soil just right for healthy vegies, and all the time an effort that went into this project. When I first started I had searched the web for anyone that sold these products to get started. There was no one and I had to refer to the book over and over and over trying to get the details just right. I still didn't get it all right but managed to enjoy myself and have some success. I suddenly identified a need. I realized that I could really help people with square foot gardening. This is a perfect time too, when people are really thinking about being more self reliant and wanting more organic foods. With the help of family members, we came up with Home Gardens To Go; we supply the 4'x4' garden box AND just the right soil for it. We will deliver and set up your new garden and all you do is plant! I have had such positive response about this that we have worked really hard to be ready for this coming season. I am especially excited about our soil. I have a company mixing it just the way we want. It is less expensive than if you tried to buy and mix it yourself. I would like to give my teenage boys work to save for their missions. We're not expecting to make a lot of money but hope to have a great family experience of working together in our own business.Check out www.homegardenstogo.com and get your box early to avoid being put on the waiting list! I want to especially thank Jonny Rejholec for creating our logo and Ben for designing the web site!

Spiritual Creation

2009-01-31T12:17:00.001-08:00

I recently watched Elder Bednar’s talk from last conference and was impressed with the thought he had about spiritually creating each day with prayer. He compared it to the doctrine that the Lord created all thing spiritually before they were temporally created.

It occurred to me that I need to do better at spiritually creating my choir performance each Sunday. I am going to do this by attending the temple Sat. morning, having gospel study, praying, and studying the music. I have to be careful too, about what movies and activities I involve myself in on Saturday night. I have already been doing these things but just being more aware of creating a performance spiritually will make a difference.

I really love serving the Lord in this calling! Last week we ended the broadcast with “Rejoice the Lord is King” . During the performance, I felt the Lord’s very command: Rejoice!!! We live in the fullness of times and have the greatest blessings ever to be on the earth!

Barry’s Happy!

2009-01-31T12:07:00.001-08:00

Remember the sitcom called Newhart? It is Barry’s favorite show of all time. Its the one with Larry, Darrell and Darrell. The first season came out a year ago on DVD but nothing else since. He found the entire season on the web for sale that was recorded off TV. It came today and he’s watching it as I type. He’s pleased with the quality and very happy!

Get Lost!

2009-01-20T15:46:00.001-08:00

Bree and Chad are hosting a “Lost” party tomorrow night. Its the new season premier. Our kids have been pretty big fans. In fact, last year Bree suggested we all get different “Lost” t-shirts to wear. Barry and I are lukewarm fans but try to go along with the crowd.

This is our new granddaughter, Estella 3 1/2 months . She is really mild tempered and sweet. What a blessing for Bree, Chad, Reese and all of us!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T10:22:00.001-08:00

Our stake had a Christmas fireside this last week and Barry gave the stake presidency message. He spoke about the three levels of Christmas. I really learned from it so I want to relate what he said. The first level is the Santa Claus level which includes the giving of presents, singing of carols and general good will feeling. The second level is the silent night level. This is the story of the baby born in the manger. We sing and celebrate the birth of the Christ child. These two levels really do not last. The Christmas tree dries up, presents are forgotten or broken. The shepherds at the manger left, the Christ child grew up. It is the third and most important level that we should seek. It is the Adult Christ level. Keeping the Adult Christ in our lives and honoring and obeying His word is keeping Christmas all year long. I joy in my Redeemer and testify that He lives!

New Granddaughter !

2008-10-28T09:16:00.001-07:00

This is Estella Fowles, 7 lbs. 12 oz 19 in.

My daughter, Breeann and her husband Chad have a new baby girl (their second)born Monday,Oct. 6. Britney and I were visiting her, playing games, (while in labor ) and got to be there for the birth and 4:04 pm! We LOVE her!

Square Foot Gardener

2008-09-09T10:37:00.001-07:00

Last spring I happened upon a book I’d had around for a few years that I originally found in my choir box in the tabernacle as the kind author had gifted every choir member with a copy. I began reading and could not put it down. I had always made an attempt at gardening through the years but never really excelled at it. I can’t say that I have now either but at least I’ve had a rebirth. Barry constructed us two 4x4 6 inch tall boxes. We put tarp on the bottom and set them right on our cement driveway. We bought the specified soil mixtures for the boxes and then measured off 16 divided squares in each one. I actually sprouted cherry tomatoes, cucumbers,watermelons,and marigolds back in the early spring. I really enjoyed tending them each day or so. In May I transplanted these and also planted lettuce, beets, zucchini and yellow squash , cilantro, carrots, onions, peas,peppers and beans. I have worked hard but have to say that the box planting is SO much easier and makes more sense than long rows and large spaces that are harder to care for. The garden is right out my back door and I have pulled very few weeds! Not everything worked well but I am pleased with the bounty. I am still harvesting lettuce,cucumbers, squash,tomatoes,beans,beets,and chard, I planted peas and spinach in late July for a fall harvest. The boxes have taken more watering than I expected…almost every day. I recommend this method to anyone who has little space to garden, even just a patio!

We Had A Great Summer

2008-08-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

We had fun in our above ground pool, playing badmitton, and tennis. Barry and the two youngest boys went to Joe's Valley for a week long scout camp. I went to my high school 30th reunion in Logan. I went to Sun Valley, Idaho with the choir where we performed and were treated like royalty. The kids didn't seem to get too bored. They practiced with their rock band, had friends over almost every day, worked at their jobs, filmed and watched movies, went to Bree's place to swim, etc.

Family Vacation

2008-07-10T11:31:00.001-07:00

We used our Disney Vacation Club points (time share) and took all us us (13) to Anaheim the first week of June. It was SO FUN!!! I'm so glad we joined the club because we know that we always have a vacation waiting every year or two!! We stayed 5 nights in the Disneyland hotel which before would have been cost prohibitive to us. I highly recommend it...

Final Day 5

2008-06-20T07:57:00.001-07:00

Saturday is the marathon day because we report by 9 am and are tired from the night before and the whole week as well. This is when I totally rely on the strength of the Lord to bless us physically and mentally to finish. By this point too, I don't even need to warm up, I'm just conserving what voice I have left. We started with "How Bright is the day". It reminds me of a Scottish folk song. Its message is so reassuring and faith building! They speak of the restoration of the gospel, the building of zion, and our family in heaven where we can "be there forever at home". We then recorded again "Bound for the Promised land" which is Britney's and Brian's favorite. Hopefully it is even better than our past recording of it. Amazing Grace was next with bagpipe guests. They played out in the middle of the tabernacle floor and the sound echoed throughout beautifully. This is such a powerful tune I believe the recording of it will reach many many Christian people and speak truth to them of the restored gospel. We broke for lunch at 12:45. We all walked over to the church office building cafeteria where we were served "chicken surprise" and fruit pies. Its always good food. We had an hour break and then moved on to "Old Time Religion" I felt to raise my hands and sway to the spirit! Then our last piece was "Battle of Jericho" These last two were accapella . We ended at 4:00 but knew we had to go home and rest up for the early morning 7:15 call for the relentless broadcast schedule. We would put it together in the morning and it would be pieces from the recording sessions. This CD is scheduled to come out in the spring of 2009.

Day 4

2008-06-18T15:30:00.001-07:00

By Friday I was really conserving my energy and not doing much other than singing in the evenings. My throat was a little sore and my sinuses throbbing now and then. Mack asks us constantly to use the head voice and put the sound in our molars. Our first number tonight was "My God My Portion and My Love" Its a little like "Come Thou Fount" and just as moving. "Down to the River to Pray" is one of my favorites of this CD. I was really feeling the emotions of the need for repentance and being born again . Than on to "His Voice as the Sound" which has amazing words! ...His lips as a fountain of righteousness flow that waters the garden of grace....It is a subdued melody and exquisitely beautiful. We had the traditional "Cowboy Cookies" that a sister organized to be made and served to everyone. Food, books, sudoku, Ipods are always around during recording sessions. I have to say though that to me there did not seem like very much down time; just 10 or 15 minutes here and there.

Day 3

2008-06-16T13:55:00.001-07:00

This night the men got to come later after the women recorded "Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling" The interesting thing about this piece (and many others) is that Mack wants all the women to sound like sopranos in an alto range. Just when we thought we could belt out our low notes, he wants us to lighten up for a more unified soprano sound. go figure...its a little disheartening but I do what he says! "My Song in the Night" was next up. Its really a beautiful song. "Oh Jesus, my savior, my song in the night. Come to us with thy tender love my soul's delight. Unto Thee in affliction I call. My shadow by day and my song in the night...". Then on to "I Want Jesus to Walk with me" which is mostly a solo by Alex Boye. At the end of it Alex sings a really high note. After recording this part for the first time, most of us heard an enthusiastic "Wow" come from down the stairs in the recording room. We all laughed. When this piece was done, Alex grinned widely and gave a leap of joy. He's got a great ,friendly personality.

Recording Day 2

2008-05-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

This recording has been pretty demanding vocally. I especially feel worn out when the pieces are loud and high for my range. Wednesday night the men had an earlier call time so the women got to come later around 7:45. The men were recording "We'll Shout and give him glory" BUT some volunteer altos were asked to help out with the VERY high tenor sections. So.. I volunteered. Mack emphasized that he knew the tenors sang those notes very well but just for recording purposes (which require singing those high notes over and over and over) he wanted about 30 altos. It of course is not as straining for us. I think we sang many "b's" above middle "c" That's one of the best notes for my voice. It is a rousing piece and we finished it around 8pm. The ladies then came in and we proceeded with "Death Shall not destroy my Comfort", another M.W. arrangement thats been around for a while. It starts with womens voices in a minor mode, and strains of "oh halleluja, how I love my savior.." Mack has such an amazing ear for pitch. We've all noticed that his ears are tilted forward. He is constantly asking us to raise the pitch when it must be but a mere fraction off that I'm sure is not even noticeable to most people! The last piece for the evening was "Rock-a-my soul in the bosom of Abraham" Mack told us how he saw this done on TV or something and that he loved it so much he hunted down the composer and got the music for it. its accapella and features short solos by Alex Boye. Its a spiritual that builds and builds with excitement. I like it a lot. We finished a little late at around 10:20.

A Recording Log

2008-05-28T09:19:00.001-07:00

This week the motab is recording a new CD called "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" It is American Folk Songs and Spirituals, conducted by M.W. I thought I would give a day by day entry of the process. Last night we began at 6:45 in the tabernacle. I drove a van full of people up to SLC leaving at 5:35pm. We sat according to a new seating chart. We were asked to bring blankets to lay on the benches of the tabernacle to muffle the sound a bit. Half the choir forgot to bring them but we seemed to have enough. We were introduced to the recording engineers and staff, some of whom are not Mormons. We began with some sound checks for the orchestra and then the choir. By about 7:45 we were beginning to record. We started with "Saints Bound for Glory". We did a few full run throughs and then took is apart and recorded sections at a time. I brought my ipod along and listened to talks when we had a few minutes of waiting. At around 9pm we proceeded with "Come Thou Fount". Some new people had never even sung this with us and here they were expected to record it right off. That's how it goes in this organization. Its made up of people who CAN do that! We spent quite a while on perfecting the different verses and then finished around 10:15. I drove everyone home, dropped off the church owned van at a guy's house and arrived home at 11:20. This will be the schedule for every night this week and all day Saturday.

Puerto Rico!

2008-03-18T07:48:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of our trip. It was a truly wonderful time. Bryce did not let up on the work at all! He took us to visit and challenge members and bring them to church! We worked until 9pm the last night we were there. He has been a most excellent missionary and we are very pleased with his service! This old fort called "El Morro", was built in the 1500's. This is the apartment we stayed in at a members house. All houses have tile floors. A street in old San Juan the view in a restaurant we went to

The Passing of a close friend

2008-02-04T08:20:00.001-08:00

Pres. Hinckley was the Tab choir's advisor for over 30 years even as the prophet. Our leaders met with him often. He watched the broadcast whenever he was in town. He attended our Christmas party every year without fail!(since I've been in anyway) The choir was invited to a private viewing last Thursday night. Some of the Hinckley family were there to speak to us. One son said that the choir had become especially dear to the Pres. these last few years. We sang three hymns; We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet, Abide With Me, and God Be With You. It was a solemn and deeply moving experience. I felt Pres. Hinckley's pleasure and a firm decree that he would never leave us! I believe that just because someone dies doesn't mean they stop caring about their life's work, especially the Lord's work. We are so blessed to live among men like him and also to have seen so many other great ones that have gone before. What a blessing and sign of God's love to hear their words and see their lives as they witness of the restored gospel of Christ. I am reminded that where much is given, much is required and that we are really left without excuse.

Six weeks to go!

2008-01-15T08:05:00.001-08:00

Bryce only has six weeks left of his mission. He got called back to Puerto Rico from the ABC islands. He is training a new elder. He emails us every week faithfully. Barry and I have our flights to pick him up on March 6th. We'll stay there for six days. He doesn't like to talk about coming home! He gets mad if we mention it! He has had a fabulous experience and has seen many people come into the church.

His name is Sawyer

2007-12-06T13:45:00.001-08:00

Ben & Lindsey have a baby boy!

2007-12-04T12:12:00.001-08:00

Monday night, Dec 3 at 10:07 pm their little boy was born. His name will be forthcoming! He weighed 7 lb 11 oz and 18.5 inches tall. He was born at American Fork Hospital. Lindsey had a very good delivery although labor went for about 12 hours. We are so blessed to have this little one safe and sound!

Christmas: It's All About Kindness

2007-11-23T09:19:00.001-08:00

I'm really into showing extra kindness these days with our PTSA theme of ARK (acts of random kindness...have you seen Evan Almighty? SEE IT)) So, speaking from the wife of a retail manager, I implore all of you who may read this: Show extra kindness to the souls who may serve you in the stores you may shop! They're people too!! Here is a simple truth: The person who buys is no better than the person who sells. All are alike in the retail arena. Don't go into a store with the attitude that I am better and I deserve more. Yes-customer service is important but not more than the person who is serving you. BE KIND!!! Your kind action will make that person's day and carry on into other people's lives as well. Your impatient or condescending attitude will only add to too much unkindness that is already out there. Put positive vibes out into the universe during this season of kindness and make it a Merry Christmas for everyone!!!

(p.s. I know you are all kind anyway!)

It changed my life!

2007-10-29T19:48:00.000-07:00

Well I had my vocal assessment with our vocal coach. She is a delightful person and so intelligent! She has a doctorate in vocal pedagogy I think its called. She spent a half an hour with me! I am still on a high from the experience. First of all, as she had me sing to review my range, she stopped after I reached c or b below middle c. She said you have a true contralto voice! She said it is a rare thing. Then she related stories about Mary Martin as Maria in the broadway sound of music and about the singer, Marilyn Horne. She said,"Okay now sing in your choir voice..." I had to tone it way down and prove that I could sing a pianissimo. She said when Craig asks for the russian alto sound you do not need to darken yours at all. That was nice to know! She also had me sing a hymn a few times to check for vibrato,intonation,posture,jaw tension,head lift,etc. She observed that I had a lot of tension in my jaw by being too tense in my diaphragm, She was exactly right. I knew I had too much tension but wasn't sure where and how to fix it. She changed my life!!! In the past, I have had so many facial aches after singing, I cannot tell you! She gave me a good exercise to get used to feeling more looseness in my diaphragm. This is just a sampling of the things I have been learning in the choir! By the way , check out the article in the NY times about the choir audition process! Click here to see it

Brad's new Blog

2007-10-22T20:46:00.001-07:00

Brad wishes you all to visit his new blog. Click here to take a look at it. This blog announces all the new and upcoming events on electronics. All the information on this blog is helpful and true. Brad is there to help you figure out what questions you have about electronics.

Beautiful Zion

2007-10-11T06:36:00.000-07:00

(These pictures were recently taken at Cascade Springs)
Did you hear the Tab choir sing Beautiful Zion this conference? For some reason that song really was my favorite. Its hymn #44-look up the scriptures in Revelations that are listed there.I did this in preparation for conference. I truly felt the hope and the joy of the Lord's zion that is to come. I prayed that this zion would burn in my heart as it did in the hearts of my ancestors who left everything behind and walked and walked and walked.
M W arranged this just for my voice range. Unfortunately though,not really. Lately He tells the 2nd altos to sound more like the sopranos singing more in a head voice. I agree that the sound should be blended but why can't the sopranos sound more like the altos??? Its funny too because CJ's favorite part is the 2nd alto and he likes the deep russian alto sound. In fact, he has said many times that this section is the most important one in the whole choir. SO...I've decided that the 2nd alto simply must be the most flexible of all parts; at different times, sounding like a Russian woman, a tenor, an alto and a soprano. NO other part is asked to do that! I have definitely learned a lot in the past six years (this month) I have been in the choir. We are now being scheduled for vocal assessments. I'm looking forward to a good lesson!

This and That

2007-09-17T19:42:00.001-07:00

Sorry its been awhile since I've written. School is back in session and I am going full speed with PTA pres at American Fork High School. Its been fun and I think I make it busier than I need to...just coming up with more and more ideas all the time, you know... . We are sponsoring the ARK with an actual one in the main office. It stands for Acts of Random Kindness. The idea is that when you see someone doing something kind you put their name in the ark. We read all the names at the end of the week and draw one for a prize. So far its catching on. I think its a good thing for kids this age to try to think about someone else!
Last week I was in SLC almost every night in recording sessions with the MTC. We are producing a CD of MW's sacred works including his new "Requiem" . CJ said he is going to nominate M for the Pulitzer prize for choral composition.
He said there is nothing out there this good. We are performing this week at BYU for the homecoming spectacular show. C and M are being honored at it too. I;m excited for it.
We heard from Bryce today and he is now zone leader and opening up a whole new area. It is the northern half of Curacao called Barber. His zone also includes Bonaire. He sure enjoys the work of the Lord.

Trek at Martin's Cove

2007-08-05T20:02:00.001-07:00

Brad and Britney have been at martin's Cove these past four days. They enjoyed cool temperatures and just a little rain. Oddly enough, the hardest part of the trip was the ride there in school buses! It took ten hours with all the stops. Nevertheless, the trek was successful and meaningful to all who participated.

This is Devil's Gate.

These statues depict the men that rescued people and carried them across the icy Sweetwater river.

More Choir Tour ....

2007-07-07T16:21:00.000-07:00

This top picture is at the Newell K. Whitney Store in Kirtland, OH.
Barry was in charge of all the venue sales for the tour(on his vacation time). He set a lofty goal of 100,000 in sales. At the first stop in Toronto, he and his team (all volunteers- a lot of choir spouses) sold 22,000! They were working like crazy. The funny thing is, the theater only held about 1500 people! We did two concerts there though. Barry had shared his goal with everyone and before long the whole choir knew about it! He would be asked by several people every day how the sales were going. By the second venue sales were already up to 44,000. Yes... by the end he made his goal and even went over by 9,000. Choir Pres. promised him a steak dinner if he made the goal...we'll see. We performed in four outdoor venues-The Blossom ampitheater in Cleveland, Riverbend in Cincinatti, Ravinia in Chicago and Chautauqua in NY. The hottest was in Cleveland. It must have been 90 degrees and 90% humidity. We were informed there that a broadcast was going to be taped for future a showing. I only hope there were not too many closeups because most of us were dripping with sweat, especially me! When the bright lights were turned on it must have gotten to 110 degrees easy(add a hot flash to that! I about died). In Cincinatti we were the opening concert for the summer season with the Cincinatti Pops. Conductor ,was a lot of fun. He did something weird though...he made us all bow together! He was so thrilled with our sound and ability that he said a number of times that we had to move to Cincinatti. He never had anything to say to us but praise. There were over 10,000 there at Riverbend. All of the crowds were so enthusiastic and warm. It was a pleasure to perform for them. This picture was taken at Chautauqua during "Ah El Novio" Boy was I glad to get to the last two venues that were indoors. We performed in Nashville and Memphis. The latter for the very first time in the choir's history. At this point, KSL's and her cameraman joined our tour. We had a general authority travelling with us as well. We also had church security and travel department people with us. The tour was extremely well organized as you can imagine it would have to be with 574 people. We stayed in the nicest hotels, mostly Marriots and ate very delicious food...too much I'm afraid. I learned something though... food cannot energize you alone, you have to have enough rest as well. We lacked the rest portion a lot. I rested on the bus rides but you know how that is...I never really slept. Check out the list on the top left for some of our great newspaper reviews! Copy and paste the address .

A 12 Day Mission

2007-07-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

Well we're back from the choir tour. It was honestly so busy that I never had time to enter a post.
Here is an example: On the second day in Toronto we were up at 7am and bussed to sound checks at 10 am,then bussed to lunch, bussed back to 2 hour matinee concert , bussed back for dinner , bussed to evening two hour concert. After the concert we left Toronto in an eleven bus convoy stopped at the border for passport checks on every bus, and to Buffalo, NY to arrive for sleep at 1:30 am. That morning up at 7am leave at 9am for Chautauqua, NY. Sound check at 11:30 matinee at 2:00 hang out around the grounds til evening concert at 7:30. Around 10pm load buses for Cleveland to arrive around 2am. YAY got to sleep in til 8:30! These were our hardest days. It was a difficult and demanding tour physically,mentally . I felt at times that I was pressed to my limits. I remembered the pioneers that "in their extremities they became aquainted with God" I hoped that would be true for me and then I was reminded that I was only singing!!! This was a happy opportunity to bring peace and comfort to others! The Lord blessed me greatly and gave me strength of voice and spirit. We sang to over 50,000 people who shed tears of joy as they witnessed the Lord's choir perform with His power and love.
The choir is an amazing ambassador for the church to soften hearts and open doors. More to come....

Preparing for Choir Tour

2007-06-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

We'll be leaving in about a week to go on a choir tour to Canada and the midwest. We'll be in Toronto,Chataqua, Cincinatti,Cleveland, Chicago, Nashville, &Memphis. Please email anyone you know that lives in these areas to support the choir, take a nonmember friend, and go to the concert. It'll be for 12 days and includes 7 venues and 9 concerts. I'm suffering from a head cold right now so keep me in your prayers that I'll have a strong singing voice for the tour. We'll be traveling with 574 people in 11 buses. Barry has been given the big job of arranging all the CD sales at every venue. So his trip has been paid for this time by the choir. He has a goal of selling $100,000. We'll be performing hymns,classical,folk,broadway,patriotic, etc. Some of my favorites on tour will be The Impossible Dream, Morning Has Broken, Cindy, Come Thou Fount of Every blessing, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Betelehemu. Tours are very demanding and exhausting. Although the tour planners allow for as much sight-seeing as time will allow, I usually sleep in and skip it if there was a concert the night before. Its important to reserve your energy. I have to admit though, that I do slip in some tennis just a little if I can with some choir friends. I need to make sure I bring plenty of cough drops, travel pillows, ear plugs, eye covers and sleeping pills. Those are my staples for a tour. I'll try to blog often while on tour to give you a feel for it. We will literally be on a 12 day mission for the church. I feel the weight of that responsibility and ask for your thoughts and prayers in this worthy endeavor to touch the hearts and minds of the people we come in contact with. Thanks!!!

Here's our newest high school graduate

2007-06-02T11:33:00.000-07:00

Britney has graduated from American Fork High School this past week. She had great intentions of sending out announcements, she even made them...so you still may get one.
She ended the year voted as "most improved student". She even did well in her Algebra 2 class. She was a member of the tennis team, choir and orchestra. We are very happy for her to pass the milestone in her life!

A Memorial Day prayer

2007-05-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

I thank God this day for this land of America, the greatest country on the face of the earth. She is a light and hope to the world of freedom and a better life. I thank Him for those who" more than self their country loved " that have given their lives for Her. I thank God for the abundant freedoms and possessions we have. I only pray that all citizens will remember that we have our "liberty in law", laws founded on the laws of God. Amen

The Age of No Common Sense

2007-05-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

I went to the gym this morning and watched some TV while I exercised. We decided about three years ago to give up TV. I do not miss it at all except when it comes around Memorial day for the US Tennis Open or other big tennis events. As I watched today at the gym I was stunned with the lack of common sense that seemed to pervade almost every story I saw. California wants to install a new power plant system that would cut down pollution dramatically. The environMENTALists say "No!" it MAY have some affect upon the natural landscape...so what about human kind ??! Another story said "Does sexy attire in the work place hinder a women's progression in her career? DUH! If a woman does not respect her own body no one else will either. Then to top it off...within this same 30 minute period...the whole discussion about immunizing young girls against sexually transmitted diseases. Has the world gone crazy? The commentators spoke as if being chaste were completely out of the question and irrelevant. Truly this is the age of no common sense! You better guard your own with your life!

Bryce has gone to Curacao !

2007-05-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

We received word today that Bryce is flying 490 miles south of PR to serve now in Curacao which is part of his mission. This is a beautiful small island 38 miles long and 8 miles wide . Its actually part of South America 40 miles from Venezuela. It has a dutch influence and the language is a new one he'll have to learn called Papiamientu(dutch,english and spanish mix). There are 150,000 people made up of black, english,dutch and jewish descent. It should be cooler and not as humid and it is out of the hurricane region. We loved hearing his voice on mother's day...I wish I had recorded it!

Crime and Cruelty-Warning! this is really sad and insane

2007-05-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

I have to share this because it weighs me down so heavily. Its a story that you could never make up...its too insane. I thought that writing about it might help. This is the sorrowful plight of a sister, friend and devoted mother. It is hard to imagine the suffering that some people are called to go through. Most of you probably know that Barry's sister, Jennifer, died this past Tuesday. She came here 8 months ago with her four children and new husband she met over the internet ( that her sisters begged her not to marry). She discovered back home in Indiana that she had melanoma cancer. She wanted to come home to be with her extended family and receive support. Unfortunately Jennifer left in a hurry and did not bring sufficient clothing and supplies for her family. She came destitute of any means hoping that the new husband would take on responsibility for them. She had been abandoned by her first husband who left her and the children for another woman nine years ago. This man let her live in poverty, paying the smallest amount of alimony and child support that was allowed. He neglected to pay many months as well. Jennifer had social disabilities but managed to have a part time job as a church janitor. She gave her children the greatest gift she could, and that was her love. They are wonderful, loving children, devoted to their mother.
Four months ago,two weeks before Christmas, the ex husband came to Utah with a warrant charging child abuse of the new husband. With the intimidation of a police officer, he ripped the four crying children from the arms of their sick and dying mother and flew them far away to Florida. I was very involved with those children as I would pick them up from school daily and visit with them. They seemed happy and anxious to go home each day. I even asked the older brother of any unusual behavior and he vehemently denied anything. The new husband did raise some red flags as he was socially lacking and unknown to any of us. I kept very close watch on the situation and am convinced that the ex husband and his mother were extreme in their accusations and vindictive in their actions. The new husband was sent to jail for a time leaving Jennifer alone to fend for herself in her sickness. He never did hold a job of any kind and seemed indifferent to it although always promising Jennifer of something. As you can imagine, all of these events have caused Jennifer's extended family the most extreme pain and dismay as well as worry over her financial obligations. Jennifer's children wrote letters and called periodically which cheered her spirits. However, her health declined from them on and she spent weeks in the hospital until she passed away this week. I witnessed the last goodbyes from her children over the phone. We all thought, surely these children will come see her in her last days and for her funeral! But "No!", here is the crime and final cruetly-the ex husband (who most likely does not want to spend the money to bring them) claims that it is in the children's best interest not to come, and that the children cannot be around the new husband for fear of witness tampering! Is not this insane reasoning?!!! The new husband vowed he would not be in the same building with them for the Jennifer's sake.
It already feels better to purge these events from my mind. I leave final judgement to the Lord who knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts. He alone administers true justice which cannot be robbed in the end. Jennifer's funeral which is being paid for by the donations of her extended family and ward is this Sat. at 11 am at the brown chapel on 600 W and 500 N in PG. I have learned that when we see and experience the sufferings of others, we witness the sufferings of Christ for he descended below all things and has suffered all of our pains,sorrows, sickness and sins. I am also convinced more than ever that we need not suffer to extreme degrees if we will but individually exercise careful diligence in keeping all of the commandments of God.

Wow! What a weekend!

2007-04-29T17:29:00.000-07:00

I've been busy with some choir concerts this week. The piece we performed for its premiere is a new Requiem by Mack Wilberg. It is an amazing piece of music and sure to be a classic. Its absolutely beautiful. Mack's publisher, Oxford Press (England) even sent two editors to be there. Mack is their best selling composer surpassing John Rutter. I hope it might be broadcast on BYU TV so watch for it. The Temple Square chorale also performed Mozart's Requiem which was as good as you could hear it anywhere in the world. We had four soloists from New York that were excellent. We got a pretty good review in the SLTrib. We never get to rest on our laurels though...we're already preparing now for a performance of Elijah with Bryn Terfel in less than two weeks!

The Q&A Thing Going Around

2007-04-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

For hours and hours I could...

visit with my husband and or children

sing with the Tab Choir.

Read a really good book.

I feel best about myself...
when I put others first

when I have work to do and I get it done

I absolutely cannot stand...

complainers

lying

I am afraid of..

deep murky water

the idea of parachuting

I love to splurge by...

buying a new tennis racket

I save by...

buying one on sale

I hardly every buy groceries that aren't on sale

I am trying to work on...

remembering that I am third

Increasing my knowledge of geography

In high school...

I surprised my AP English teacher by really applying myself on a term paper about Jack London. She gave me a straight A

I loved being in choirs,tennis team and on the seminary council

I enjoyed my good friends
In college...

I enjoyed my great literature class and piano lessons

I feel I'm a good mom when...

I make a good dinner

I really listen to my kids

I regret...

not finishing college

I could never have too many...

tennis balls, flowers

grandchildren

friends

What about you?

I'm a Tennis Bum

2007-04-15T14:18:00.000-07:00

I went to the 4.0 tennis workout last Friday at Gold's Gym in Orem. It really makes me huff and puff ! There's a family of two brothers and a sister that do it for us. Sperry is their name. It is fast paced and fun. They have so many different drills that keep you moving for an hour and a half. I wish We had them two or three times a week. I finished our league season with a pretty good record-4 wins and 2 losses. I even won two singles matches. Tennis is so good for your mind and concentration. One time my doubles partner and I drove up to our match in SLC. For some reason we got on a really heavy subject...raising problem kids. We kept up the conversation all the way onto the court. We started our match but our minds were too far gone and we did not play well. We could have easily won the match but we blew it mentally by getting so involved with that conversation !
That's how it is in tennis. I've found that to do my best I need to psyche myself up a little the day of the match and focus well. I've been playing league for 15 years. Its pretty competitive which I like although a little time consuming. We play mostly in SLC and even Park City. Summer is the most competitive season. Its too bad it gets so hot!! I play better indoors. The Gold's 4. 0 AND 3.0 teams went to Hawaii last year for the National play off and the 3.0 team won theirs. We have a good group of players here. Its never too late to learn how to play and to improve your game!

The Choir's Home Again

2007-04-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

This past week or so the choir entered the tabernacle for the first time in two years. We were rehearsing some things for conference and the dedicatory concerts. I felt a somber spirit of gratitude and awe at the beautiful additions and renovations done just for the choir. As we started Come Come Ye Saints I could not contain the emotion and lowered my head into my music folder and sobbed! My friend behind me was sobbing too! It was like everyone who has ever sung in those seats was sending a sigh of relief and joy that the choir was back where it belonged! It is definitely the HOME of the tabernacle choir and will be always. I felt humbled at the opportunity to hold this stewardship for a short time. Yesterday we had a picture taken with everyone who has anything to do with the broadcast production. There were probably 500+ people including Pres. Hinckley, front and center, who has been the adviser to the choir for 45 years. Our next big concert is the end of this month. The temple square chorale is performing the Mozart Requiem and the choir, Mack Wilberg's Requiem. In May, Bryn Terfel is coming to play the part of Elijah in that great work by Mendelssohn.

Guess Who's Expecting! & A funny thing happened...

2007-04-02T20:17:00.000-07:00

Yes...we are expecting another grandchild! Ben and Lindsey announced it to us last week. He told the story of she and him driving along in their jeep and a bird swooped down and knocked Lindsey on the head. The funny thing was, it was a stork! We all got it but Bree. She said "Maybe it was a sign!" You'd have to be there. He or she is due around Dec. this year!
A funny thing happened at the last session of general conference. The choir is allowed to go up to the roof of the conference center between sessions to eat lunch. I always go up to get some fresh air and enjoy the view. There's one freight elevator that takes a bunch of us up. Well, it got to be 1:30 and we knew we better get to the elevator because it usually takes a while to transport everyone. We stood and waited 15 minutes and it wouldn't come! We (about 30 of us) started to panic and look for alternate ways down. I followed some members down some stairs and we ended up in the middle of the lobby and then right in the aisles of the main seating! We hurried past ushers who asked for our tickets (until they saw our attire) and up the side of the stage. It was by now 1:55 ! I whizzed to the stairs past Craig and Mack and to the loft putting on some powder and lipstick on the way. I was one of the last to make it ! One guy didn't make it and had his seat given to an alternate person (new member) I was a little rattled and sweaty but tried to gain some composure for the opening song !

See You This Weekend!

2007-03-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

Its general conference again and I hope to see you all. It will be a thrill to participate in the re-dedication of the tabernacle and all four sessions. We actually don't look at the music together until the Tuesday before. We prepare more spiritually by 1-doing an anonymous good deed,2-attending the temple,3-fasting, 4.righting something wrong in you life. I love this time of year. It seems heaven and earth meet for a brief moment.I had an experience one conference weekend in the early morning hours. I woke to the sound of a radio playing. I looked around from my bed and decided it was from outside somewhere. I started to worry about getting back to sleep because it was going to be Sunday and a long tiring day. Whenever I start to worry sleeping only gets more difficult, so I prayed that the Lord would just take care of it for me. I then started hearing music. It was the tab choir singing,"If you could Hie to Kolob" (one of my favorites)It was quiet and sounded from a distance then came closer into my room. It calmed me and I felt blessed. I drifted back to sleep to the sound of it. Later that day I realized that there is no recording of that song except from maybe a past broadcast and for sure from the very first conference session I sang with the choir. What are the chances of that being played on a radio in the middle of the night? That's what I mean by heaven and earth meeting during conference time. It is a time when the heavens open and revelation pours down upon the saints in a miraculous way. I hope you all experience the wonder of this time of year.

Sadness in my other family

2007-03-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

I think I've realized how much the choir is a family to me. A younger sister, Bertha, came down with a rare disease about four months ago. She was a tall beautiful Samoan in her early thirties. She had thick black shiny hair down to her waist. She was quiet and mild tempered, kind and lovely. The disease was called an Auto Immune difficiency. It started out as a virus with skin blisters and spread over her whole body. She became an actual burn victim in the intensive care for months. Her hair was shaved and skin grafts were attempted but failed. They said she would surely recover but she just didn't make much progress. I can hardly comprehend the suffering she has been through. Bertha passed away last Wednesday from kidney failure and a collapsed lung. We had choir rehearsal the next day without fail but the mood was somber. It was hard for me to even go but we hugged and cried and mourned for our friend and sister together. We'll be singing at her funeral on Monday . I was a little surprised at how deeply I felt for this person. I spoke to her on occasion but didn't know her well. I think I have discovered that there is a bond that exists between us all in the choir that goes deeper than we realize. Through it all I appropriately had the words to a song in my mind.."there but for you go I"

Bryce is Doing Great!

2007-03-17T19:35:00.000-07:00

I thought you all might want some news about Bryce. He is very happy serving in P.R. He said,"I'm feeling good. I'm slowly getting more and more tired every day...I can feel it. I'm excited to be halfway. I look forward to this coming year. I love being a missionary."
I thought the first lines were funny..he must be working hard! He says the Lord is blessing him to have a continual teaching pool. He's district leader now . He said the mission is actually going to be split this year. We hear from him by email every week which is really wonderful. He looks pretty skinny in his pictures. We are confident that the Lord watches over him and strengthens his faith and testimony continually.P.S. Pray for Samuel and Isaias -they're scheduled to be baptized on the 24th.

In a Dream

2007-03-09T20:55:00.000-08:00

Our Disney cruise was like a dream. Barry said he thought heaven was like it. We enjoyed (almost)all our family around, had no cares and viewed extreme beauty everywhere.
I agree with him. It was truly magical. We are all still talking about it.
We also stayed one night at the Disney Resort, Saratoga Springs. It was just beautiful . We bought into the Disney Vacation Club which is a time share and our actual property is there. Ben gave Barry & I two free tickets (from friends in his ward) to Disney World so we went there for part of the day. He and Lindsey were very sweet to give them to us. Of course, Britney had to come too! The boys were content to take a ride on the surrey bicycle at the resort which is in the picture. I guess we've had enough Disneyland for the year(4 times).

The Disney Wonder was WONDERful! As we entered the ship ,someone announced,"Welcome aboard to the Jensen Family!"
We ate and and ate and ate. There was ice cream and pizza 24 hours a day. Ben bragged that he gained 10 pounds! We played shuffleboard, jogged around the deck, saw a Disney Musical stage show, watched three movies, went to the spa, swam, played ping pong, ate and ate and ate, Sang Kareoke (Barry got a standing ovation-no kidding!) bonded with our servers, JoJo and Rey, shopped, explored, rode the glass elevator, saw disney characters, watched onboard fireworks, made friends, snorkeled, paddle boated, toured, rode a banana boat,and that's the fun in a nutshell! Disney's private island, Castaway Cay was a real highlight. The Flying Dutchman ship from the Pirates movie was parked there which made for a very picturesque view. They fed us a barbecue picnic on the island and provided activities on the three different beaches. Serenity beach was just for adults.
We also stopped at Nassau and toured there for a day. We are already talking about our next cruise because I guess once you've done one you're hooked!

Blogs Away !

2007-03-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

Jan showed me her blog last night and it looked like a lot of fun plus a good way to keep a history of yourself. So...here I go. I have enjoyed Dad's blog and the way he seems to say something important every time he posts. I don't expect to do that but hope to improve my writing skills and share my pedestrian days with family members that might care a little.
My next post will about the picture below....our Disney cruise! I will include pictures too. The DVD (produced by Barry) has been released as well to anyone interested! Bye for now

Aboard the Disney Wonder

2007-03-07T21:01:00.000-08:00