Some things are just not right

Ann and Mary Deane are hanging out with the Mangums this week. There's just something not right about us being away from each other.

Kurenti

Slovenia: As far as I understand it these guys scare the winter away by ringing bells, harassing women, and accepting donations. As I recall they didn't do a very good job when I was there, I was freezing for a long time.

Life is a highway

Just glad its not this highway anymore.

Happy Birthday Olivia!

Something I like about Olivia is that she is a good example for her siblings. Being the oldest is a tough gig and she is worth looking up to. I also think she has a warm and caring smile.

Mis-tah

Some of our adoring fans in Iraq. For a year I was Mis-tah (Mister) the giver of toys, soccer balls, pencils, and anything else the kids could think of. If you want to learn about persistence and tenacity I give you an Iraqi child. I clocked one kid who lasted at least four hours under the hot Iraqi sun. My memory is hazy but the conversation probably sounded like this:
"Mis-tah?"
"What."
"Mis-tah?"
"What!"
"Pincil (pencil) Mis-tah."
"I don't have a pencil."
- Moment of stupefied silence -
"Pincel?"
"I don't have a pencil!"
Now repeat that conversation for four hours. If you give that kid a pencil three more show up to fill his place. If you open the trunk you'll have a mini-mash pit, its like opening Santa's bag. As exasperated as I may sound I don't think any of the soldiers I worked with got sick of giving. We did as much good as we could without jeopardizing security, and handed out a lot of pincils.

Maribor, Slovenia - I served here for four months

BYU lost in the first round again (NCAA Men's Basketball)

Maybe next year, we are eternal optimists:

Happy Belated Birthday Kurt!

I've liked Kurt from the start, especially when he suggested that Ann and I elope and get married the next week. It was nice to have that support in case Ann tried to change her mind. I appreciate Kurt's zest for life and his generosity. You can love someone without respecting them but Kurt gets both because he loves the Lord, his wife, and his family; magnifies his callings; and ensures that the Holy Ghost can always be with him. Happy Birthday.

Video on temples

For a video on why Mormons have temples please click the picture.

Excited for another weekend

One of the palaces that Saddam's son had

The beautiful sunroof pictured above is courtesy of a United States missile. A swift antidote for dictators-in-training. Below is an outside shot and the view from the palace.

Skofja Loka

Skofja Loka 2

A small town near Kranj. We don't have missionaries here but we came here a few times for P-days. The Elders in Kranj came here to work sometimes but I was never in Kranj.

Vse najboljse (Happy Birthday) Brian!

Brian can make everyone feel at home regardless of who they are, or how much they bathe or not bathe (see subway NY). We look forward to you joining us out here if that's how it works out.

Birding in VA

Virginia wildlife

WE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE BEAUTIFUL WEATHER AND WENT BIRDING FOR THE FIRST TIME (AS A FAMILY) TODAY. THE FOREST LOOKED SOMETHING LIKE THIS. ITS MORE FUN THAN IT LOOKS AND THERE'S LOTS OF POTENTIAL COME SPRING. ANN HAD HER BINOCULARS READY AND WE THOUGHT THAT WITHOUT THE LEAVES THE BIRDS WOULD BE EASIER TO SEE. NOT TOO MANY BIRDS, WE ACTUALLY SPENT MOST OF OUR TIME LAUGHING AT MARY DEANE BECAUSE SHE HAD A BLAST IN THE BABY CARRIER. PICTURES OF OUR ADVENTURE SOON.

The blog was getting too serious

I always wondered...

...what it would have been like to live in the day of Gadianton robbers. I don't think we need to anymore. Its interesting that all the military might the Nephites could muster never wiped them out. The word was more powerful than the sword. And the condition of the people's spirituality directly caused peace or robber infestation. I suppose that knowledge would change my ideas of foreign policy. Would it be a stretch to say that a moral issue like same-sex marriage is a matter of national security? If you have no idea what I'm talking about click the link that says Book of Mormon and Bible, then click on free media and order a free Book of Mormon.
PS - I don't know what the sign says I just liked the outfits.

The Longest Morning

I stumbled upon this story. Its a little graphic but a great example of American courage. Greater love hath no man..., I hope we never forget their sacrifices.