Our House is a very, very, very fine House

We just finished our annual California Dental Association House of Delegates today, and it was an enjoyable meeting. This year it was held in the Beverly Hilton. Heidi came with me this year, and we had a good weekend.

On Thursday evening, I attended a dinner with the Presidents-Elect of 18 other component dental societies (out of the 32 in California). We had a good dinner, and discussed that challenges that we face in our individual components. It is also nice to network with the others who will be president next year. I sat with the Presidents-Elect from West Los Angeles, Contra Costa, Alameda County, and Santa Clara County Dental Societies. It's a privilege to associate with a group of good people like that. We also met the Executive Committee of California Dental Association and the President of the American Dental Association before we ate.

The House began in earnest on Friday. After the first session, we held three reference committee hearings, which were very productive. In reference committee, we discuss the individual resolutions (we ended up with 58 this year), then the reference committees met in closed session to revise resolutions for later presentation to the house. We go by Sturgis' rules of order because they are less cumbersome than Roberts'. We had box lunches so we could work through midday. Following the reference committee hearings, we heard presentations by the two candidates for Secretary of CDA. This was the first contested election in 15 years. I know both candidates, but I know Phil Maldonado, the eventual winner, quite well. We did some behind the scenes work with some of the other caucuses to help his candidacy. As our new Secretary, he will "move through the chairs," and will be CDA President in 2012. I think he'll be excellent. Following the second session, we had a reception for our new CDA President, Carol Summerhays.

Now while I engaged in all the politicking, Heidi went (safely) to the Los Angeles Temple and did two endowment sessions. On Saturday she went again and did initiatories. The temple is just two miles down the street from the hotel. What she did was more important than what I did.

Friday evening, Tri-County Dental Society and spouses went to dinner at McCormick and Schmick's on Rodeo Drive. We had good dinners and enjoyed getting to know each other better. It was good that we had to walk almost a mile to get there. I needed that!

On Saturday morning, we had our individual caucuses to discuss our positions on the resolutions. There were no contentious issues on the agenda this year, although there were some that will prove important to the future of our profession. I led the first part of the discussion, because the President got up late. Next year, I'm the official head of our delegation. In the afternoon, we met for the third session of the house, and it was very productive. I am very appreciative of consent agendas. They help to move things along quickly. We made it through 52 resolutions and two special presentations between 1 and 5. When we adjourned for the day, we had just three resolutions left (three more were added on Sunday), and we felt pretty good about our progress.

Saturday night is the traditional President's Party. In years gone by, it was a formal ball, but our generation doesn't do that sort of thing. The theme was rock and roll, and we were encouraged to dress up as our favorite rock and roll star. Tri-County began a tradition of wearing matching t-shirts, and that impresses everyone else. I dressed up as Bob Dylan, complete with a messy wig, a Levi's jacket, and a harmonica in a neck holder. Everybody loved it.

We're kind of a wild-looking bunch, but we know how to have fun. The buffet was really good. We also had an awesome band to dance to, and Heidi and I danced to the very end.

Another highlight of the night was the auctions for the CDA Foundation (see a previous blog). We had a silent auction and a live auction. I was the winning bidder for the burger special (In-N-Out, Tommy's and Carls Jr.), because I walked by just before the bidding ended. In the live auction, they bid for vacation packages and things like that, which are way out of our league. All told, we raised $158,000 and counting for the Foundation last night! That was a great success!

On Sunday morning, we reconvened for the final session of the house. Heidi went to sacrament meeting in Westwood 2nd Ward. Our new President and new officers were installed by my friend Gordon Christensen (see my San Antonio blog), and it was fun. Always the good missionary, Dr. Christensen mentioned the importance of family a dozen times, and reminded the officers not to neglect their families. He said that eventually, all this (dentistry and the organization) will be gone, but we will still have our families. I'm glad that we were given a message like that.

After the ceremonies, we wrapped up our business, then said goodbye to the Speaker of the House, who is stepping down after six years. We will miss him. Then we adjourned until next year. I enjoyed this house more than the three I had previously attended. I think that is mainly because Heidi was with me, even though we didn't spend a lot of time together. But it is also because I am getting to know more people throughout CDA, and it's fun to have a group of friends like that.

It really is a privilege to serve my profession like this. I would not have imagined the opportunities for growth, learning, and fun that I have had since I began serving. And Heidi keeps telling me she's amazed at the respect people have for me. (No, she isn't amazed that people respect me.) It looks like I will have the opportunity to serve on a CDA Committee in 2010. That should provide for even more fun.

Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends

After the American College of Dentists meetings ended, Heidi and I attended the American Dental Association Scientific Sessions (Convention). We have been attending conventions for many years, beginning with Texas Dental Association in 1987, and also 20 years of California Dental Association Sessions, plus Academy of General Dentistry once. This was our first ADA Convention, and we enjoyed it.

On Friday morning, we walked to the Alamodome (not actually a dome, but the name sounds good), and heard Tom Brokaw speak. He gave an excellent talk, and we were impressed with what he had to say. Then we went back to the convention center for classes. Heidi took two classes on family and personal health and fitness, which she really enjoyed. I took a class on practice management and one on ethics in the dental practice. My classes were very good, too. After classes we went to a reception for the UT Dental School. I didn't see any classmates, but we did talk to some of the faculty. I was glad that they remembered me.

On Saturday, I took a class on implant prosthetics from Gordon Christenson. He and his wife run a research facility in Provo, and they speak very authoritatively on dental products and techniques. I always enjoy hearing him. He served as President of the Los Angeles Temple Visitors' Center with his wife about six years ago. In the afternoon, I met up with Heidi and we walked the convention floor (trade show) and enjoyed seeing what's new in dentistry.

It was a very busy week (as expected) but it was nice to get away with my sweetheart and spend some time together away from the pressures of work. I was disappointed that I didn't cross paths with any of my friends from dental school, but I did meet some new friends.

Follow the fellow who follows a dream

I spent our first two days in San Antonio at the American College of Dentists Convention. We had a series of lectures on ethics and some good meals and entertainment. I felt honored to be invited to join the College. Then I learned what it is all about, and I feel more than honored. I knew I was being recognized for my contributions to the profession and for my ethics, but not much more.

The mission of the ACD is to advance excellence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership in dentistry. They said that only about 3% of dentists are Fellows of the American College of Dentists (about 7500 currently). They said that the ACD is comprised of dentists who have exemplified excellence through their outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions to dentistry and society. It overwhelms me to think that an organization like that would want me. What I came to realize is that I am being recognized not just for my activity, but especially for my values, and that means a lot to me. I hope that this doesn't all sound boastful, because I am humbled by this recognition.

At the Convocation, we donned our robes and had fellowship conferred on us. There were 220 new fellows this year. I'm in lofty company. We committed to uphold the principles of the College, to strive for personal and professional improvement, to continue to contribute to organized dentistry and to the community, and to encourage ethical behavior and integrity.

I was nominated by two of my mentors in organized dentistry, Butch Ehrler and Ann Steiner. They are my cheering section in Tri-County, and serve as our Trustees to the CDA. I am thankful for their friendship. They have also advised me in some challenging decisions that I've had to make as President-Elect of Tri-County. I think you can tell which one is Butch and which is Ann.

Following the convocation, we had a formal dinner/dance.
I was glad that they placed the menu at our places so that we knew what we were eating. It was fancier than anything I've ever had before, but it was good. We did know what the filet mignon was. There were two bands that played: a mariachi band, and a rock band that did some swing stuff before getting to the music we know how to dance to. Heidi and I had a good time together. We were seated with a dentist from Redlands and one from Hollywood. We met the President of Michigan Dental Association, as well as dentists from Missouri and Utah.

Again, I am humbled and honored to be included in the American College of Dentists. Now I have more initials after my name: Robert D. Stevenson, DDS, FAGD, FACD.

Is anybody goin' to San Antone, or Phoenix, Arizona?

We just returned from a delightful week in San Antonio. I can't believe it's been twenty years since we left. Our excuse for the visit was the ADA Convention, combined with the American College of Dentists Convention, but really, we just wanted to go back and see some old friends and revisit a special place in our lives.

After an exciting flight (did you know that the Santa Ana's generate turbulence for hundreds of miles at high altitudes?), we dropped below the clouds and saw our beloved "broccoli trees," the ubiquitous oaks of South Texas, and landed at San Antonio. We thought we were renting a Dodge Caliber or something similar. Instead they gave us a red 2008 Mustang. That cured any possibility of a midlife crisis (ha!). We dropped off Penny Gage, Tri-County Dental Society's Executive Director, at her downtown hotel, then made a beeline for Bill Miller's, a favorite barbecue restaurant. The brisket and sausage was delicious! So was the pecan pie! Then we went to see our dear friends Marvin and Bretta Weatherholtz, who boarded us for the week, except for the one night that we spent with Craig and Debbie Bassett, another pair of wonderful friends.

Even though twenty years had passed, we talked as if we had just seen them in the past week. I am thankful for friends like these. In our previous life, we traded babysitting with both families. It was so much fun to reconnect. We had a great time with them. We attended church in the Leon Valley Ward, a part of the Ninth Ward where we lived. I got to talk to my old Bishop, Ned Lunt, and my old Elder's Quorum President, Rick Knight. Both have served as Stake President since we left. I was glad to express my thanks for their guidance and example during a challenging period of my life.

We visited the San Antonio Temple after church. It is on a prominent hill north of town (it may be the highest). It's a beautiful temple, with the same layout as the Redlands Temple. When we moved to San Antonio in 1984, they were in the Mesa Temple district. When the Dallas Temple was dedicated that fall, we were all thrilled that the temple was "only" 300 miles away. We had some enjoyable excursions. What a thrill to see a temple in San Antonio! I played piano for a singalong with Weatherholtzes, and that was a highlight.

Much has changed in San Antonio in twenty years, and it didn't seem familiar. Perhaps the synapses have been disconnected. The freeways are being reconstructed, and traveling them is great. I love the frontage roads on Texas freeways. The biggest difference was that the Medical Center area was on the outskirts when we lived there. Now the city has grown far beyond that.

On Monday, we went to see the Alamo and walk on the Riverwalk. We had lunch at County Line Barbecue at the river's edge, and saw a mother duck with her week-old ducklings (ten of them) swimming right by us. The brisket sandwiches were great.

Tuesday was our last day in San Antonio. We took a drive into the hill country before we headed to the airport. We flew back with some of my friends from Tri-County, Butch Ehrler and Ann Steiner, as well as a number of friends from Sacramento, San Diego, and the Bay Area. When we arrived in Ontario, we felt elated to be home. Traveling is fun, but there's no place like home. We are thankful to Dad and Mom for taking care of Christy for the week. Tom stayed home because he couldn't miss school, but we came home to a clean house and a well-stocked fridge. That was awesome!

Who's on the Lord's side?

Dear Friends and Families,

Please remember God's directives at the beginning of this world. "Therefore shall a man leave father and mother and cleave unto his wife: and they two shall be one flesh." (Genesis 2:24) Beginning with Adam and Eve, a family has been defined as a husband and wife married according to the laws of God and, then later, also according to the laws of the land. Most often this union has been blessed and graced with children. A husband and wife who are faithfully married become partners with God in creating bodies for His spirit children.

This pattern of family living has made it possible to continue family units from one generation to the next. This is cohesive and coherent. If society begins to redefine marriage and the family, it will quickly unravel the fabric of which it is made. Confusion and chaos will only breed confusion and chaos, not children, and definitely not families. There cannot be a new norm here.

In this 21st Century, there are some who think that we have become so sophisticated that we may embrace any kind of barbarism in the name of not discriminating. It is not discrimination to be discriminatory. Neither is it a hate crime to love the laws of God.

Voting to protect traditional marriage is voting to protect your own family. Moroni's words should also become our call to action:

"In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children... (Alma 46:12)

YES on 8

Protect Marriage Traditional Families Are Forever

Good times never seemed so good

On Thursday evening, Heidi, Tom, Christy and I went to the Hollywood Bowl to see Neil Diamond. All of us like Neil Diamond, partly from numerous trips to Utah when we would sing along with his tapes (or CD's). So we decided to go as a family, and build on some memories I didn't really realize we had been creating. It was a perfect night for a concert: not too warm, not too cool. And the Hollywood Bowl is a beautiful concert setting. We parked at the LA Zoo and took a shuttle to the Bowl (at $3 each round-trip, we heartily recommend it).

I have developed a sort of "bucket list" of performers I want to see---not before I die, but before they do. I can now check off another one.

Neil Diamond is now 67 years old, and hasn't lost a step, although he is performing a few songs in lower keys. He performed for nearly two and a half hours with no intermission. He is an awesome entertainer, and his band is great. It was an emotional evening for me, as I've grown up listening to his music, and our vocal ranges are the same, so I love singing his songs. From the opening notes of Holly Holy, to the final notes of Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show, we were thrilled by his performance. He is an amazingly personable performer, and he tells great stories. Many of his songs were very interactive, like Sweet Caroline. I will always love I Am . . . I Said the best, and Crunchy Granola Suite and Done Too Soon come in second.

One song we were introduced to at the concert was Man of God, which we really liked. He sings that he is a man of God, a man of faith, a man of song, and a man of peace. It is interesting to listen to many of his songs in light of that one, because he encapsulates a search for truth in his lyrics, and he seems to be really close. I wish I could meet him and share it with him. It is interesting that a Jewish singer does gospel so well.

We were also appreciative that Neil Diamond has kept his ticket prices reasonable. That made it possible for us to see him. We all had a wonderful time, and more great memories to add to our store of family memories.

The monkeys stand for honesty, giraffes are insincere

My next Sacramento trip was on September 26 and 27. I got to stay overnight this time! This time I went for a Recruitment and Retention Conference, sponsored by the CDA Council on Membership. Since I am the Chair of Tri-County's Council on Membership, I was invited to attend. I sat next to Laura Petersen, the Executive Director of Orange County Dental Society, on the flight up. My dentist friends from Orange County don't realize what a great director they have.

After we arrived on Friday, we took a junket to the Sacramento Zoo, where we had a forum on new dentists, and a nice dinner. We had the opportunity to visit with our colleagues from across the state, and I met a UT grad (who is LDS), and some other interesting people.

On Saturday, we had a seminar conducted by Colin Rowan, who discussed Storytelling as a Best Practice. He taught us about how to recruit using stories instead of using numbers and data. We had heard him speak at the ADA Recruitment and Retention Conference in Chicago in March, and I told him I was glad to hear from him again. I tend to be a numbers and data person, and I've always liked making lists, but that will be changing. Maybe I'll be a little less boring, too, who knows?

Colin told us that the typical nonprofit would tell the story of a popular novel this way: a dysfunctional blended family in the Midwest runs into difficulty with a rebellious teen. During a major storm, she suffers severe head trauma and is rendered unconscious. She has a confrontation with a person of color, and seeks the help of three homeless neer-do-wells as she tries to rectify her situation. If you couldn't tell, that was a sanitized version of The Wizard of Oz. He taught us how to tell a more compelling story. So I now have stories to tell when I am trying to persuade someone to join CDA.

We had an enjoyable weekend in Sacramento. I'm not trying to position myself for anything in CDA, but it is good to be seen at their events. I also have some good material for my training sessions with our Ward Mission Leaders. So it's beneficial across the board! My church training helped to land me in dental leadership, and now the opportunities I have to learn in Tri-County, CDA and ADA are strengthening me in my church callings.

I've seen all good people turn their heads each day, so satisfied I'm on my way

I was recently asked to serve on the CDA Foundation Board of Advisors. While this is an honor, it was a little frightening as well. The CDA Foundation is our charitable fund, and it was started in 2001. Right now, we provide grants to community dental clinics, and provide tuition relief grants to recent graduates who are serving in low-income areas or other areas of the state with poor access to dental care. Our primary goal is to provide greater access to dental care in California, especially to children and to the elderly who don't have dental coverage through insurance or government programs.

Some of the success stories are very touching, and emotions run close to the surface. We have had many successes, but we can't help with every worthy project.

That is where we come in. The Board of Directors voted to appoint a Board of Advisors. Our responsibility is to help to capitalize the fund so that we can make a bigger difference to the underserved in California (no, that didn't say the undeserved!). So we are a committee of ambassadors and fundraisers.

I attended our second meeting in Sacramento yesterday (we were at the circus during the first one). It is an interesting concept to me to fly 400 miles for a four-hour meeting, then fly home, but I enjoyed it. Sacramento was gorgeous (for Chrissy and Matt, I'm referring to the weather). I arrived three hours before the meeting started, and found a bench by the Cathedral on the K Street Mall (this is right by our CDA building, and a block north of the capitol), and read and enjoyed the fresh air until it was meeting time. Please see my book report below.

I met dentists from all over the state, and we had to time to socialize before and after. Tom Wilson, who is a philanthropic fundraising consultant (I bet he enjoys using that title), gave us a great presentation. We shared a cab back to airport, and he said he rarely sees the level of enthusiasm that our group has.

When we introduced ourselves at the beginning of the meeting, I was struck by the absence of ego. In that room were four Past-Presidents of the California Dental Association, as well as the current President and President-Elect of CDA, many of our CDA Trustees, and a number of component officers (like me). I sat among some the elite of our state's dental leadership yesterday. And yet no one mentioned position or tried to present themselves as someone important. It reminded me of our Stake High Council (where I also feel dwarfed), where we have a unity of purpose and we sit as a group of equals. It is a special privilege to be part of something like that. I suppose true selfless service brings that out.

I'll have more updates on my activities. Next week I return to Sacramento for a Membership Recruitment and Retention Seminar (sounds a little like missionary work, doesn't it?).

I should mention that it is years of training in the Church that has brought me these leadership opportunities in dentistry (no riches, just leadership opportunities), and the chance to associate with some awesome people. I can't help but feel great gratitude for these experiences. My church service has enhanced my dental service and vice versa. I never imagined I would be President of my Dental Society (next year), nor did I seek to be, but the things I have learned over the years about conducting meetings, following through, etc. have positioned me here. I wish I could thank everyone who made a difference in my life. I am unable to do so. But if you have read this far, you are probably one of those who has made a difference, so I thank you for being an important part of my life.

By the way, our fundraising goal is $39 million. If any of you need a great tax deduction for a great cause, let me know (not all at once, please).

So listen, so learn, so read on, you´ve got to turn the page . . .

I went to a meeting in Sacramento yesterday (more about that later). On the flight up, and while I waited for the meeting to begin, I read a great book. In fact, it was wonderful just to sit outside on the K Street Mall and enjoy the good weather and the sunshine.

I have really enjoyed Patrick Lencioni's books. He is a prominent management consultant who teaches through (semi-) fictional stories, in which the protagonist learns the principles that Pat wishes to teach. It isn't great literature, but I find myself sucked into the stories, and I have learned along with the protagonists. After the happy ending, there is a summary of the principles with additional practical applications. A Past-President of the California Dental Association turned me on to Lencioni's writing, and I have liked all of his books.

In The 3 Big Questions, we meet the Cousins family, Theresa, Jude, and their 4 children. They are typical of the families we know: very busy, very frantic, and overwhelmed at times. Jude made the comment to Theresa "If my clients ran their companies the way we run this family, they'd be out of business." Those could be fighting words in our home. Theresa decided to explore this instead of sulking. She was taught by her husband's partner in the consulting firm what they teach their clients. Then she distilled it into a useful, simpler formula and put it to work in her family. When she began to see positive results, she was elated. Then she began teaching it to her friends.

The three questions are these:
1. What makes your family unique? The answers to this question provide a basis for making family decisions, and help to provide a focus in our busy lives.
2. What is your family's top priority---your rallying cry---right now? This serves as the primary family goal for the next two to six months. This helps to get you out of Covey's Quadrant One.
3. How do you talk about and use the answers to these questions? This is where the first two answers are implemented. The benefits come when the answers are used in day-to-day decision-making and planning.

Some families we know are already doing something similar, but I'm not smart enough to come up with things like this on my own. We will be using it in our family, and I will modify it slightly in my practice, too.

Something else I like about Lencioni is that he posts worksheets on his website for free downloading. Stephen Covey charges for all of his stuff (don't get me wrong on that count---I count Covey as one of the most influential non-fiction writers in my life). You can get the basic worksheet at www.thefranticfamily.com. But I would recommend reading the book to get the full effect. As I said, his other books are excellent, too, and all are quick reads. See his website at www.tablegroup.com. Death By Meeting is particularly good if you are responsible for meetings at work, in Church, or elsewhere. Check them out, and let me know what you think!

Should you really chase so hard, the truth of sport plays rings around you

We have all enjoyed the Olympic games, and everyone has his or her favorite moment. One that will always stand out in my mind is Michael Phelps' winning eight gold medals and setting new world records in awesome style. I remember watching Mark Spitz in 1972 in Munich, and the excitement we felt then. To me, this was more emotional. To see the joy in his face at the end of each race, and feeling proud of my country, which he honorably represents, are experiences I will not soon forget.

In one of the many spotlights on Michael, they discussed his physical gifts. He is 6'-4" and has a "wingspan" of nearly 80 inches. He has the classic broad shoulders and narrow hips of a swimmer. His feet are size 14. He can hyperextend his elbows, knees and ankles. This combination makes him a phenomenal swimmer. But none of this would provide any advantage without intensive training and a will to win.

We too have been endowed with special gifts for the "races" we must run. Some of our gifts are a part of our character and personality. Others are spiritual gifts that were given as a part of our foreordained callings. These gifts and talents are not as visible as Phelps' physical gifts. But even with Phelps, there was a period of discovery and development when it was discovered that he had a special talent for competitive swimming.

Our discovery comes through faithful Church service; through stepping out of comfort zones, repeatedly; through associating with good people; through study, prayer and pondering. Our patriarchal blessings are an excellent guide. Once identified, then the training comes. Sometimes the training is monotonous and repetitive. At other times it can be painful. But train we must!

If we are not willing to put forth the effort to train and excel in our gifts, we will not earn our gold medals and laurel wreaths in the Eternal Olympics. And unlike the Summer Olympics, in the Eternal Games there is room for all on the winners' platform. I hope we will all stand proudly together when it is all over.

The sun is the same in a relative way, but you're older

As I begin my 50th year on this old earth, I have to pause and look back. No, not because of shortness of breath. Just because I have found it helpful to reflect on last year's path and plan for any course corrections.

The past few weeks have been eventful enough to take one's breath away. We were fasting for a lot of family members last Sunday. It makes you stop and really think about our mortality.

Heidi's sister, Sheila was hospitalized for blood clots in her lungs, following varicose vein surgery. She's doing fine, but they are still working to balance her anticoagulants. She'll be on those for a while.

No sooner was Sheila stabilized, than Heidi's sister, Kathy went to the hospital with abdominal pains. They discovered a grapefruit-sized tumor, a sarcoma of some sort. It is aggressive and invasive and the prognosis doesn't appear good. She begins chemo soon to try to shrink the tumor so that they can try to remove it. Kathy seems to be in good spirits considering the news and the fact that her oncologist is lacking in tact.

And we have been keeping up on baby Andrew's progress, and are grateful and amazed. It is amazing for a newborn to go through such a complex surgery. I am also amazed at the surgical team and the stamina they must have for such a complicated surgery on a little body. That has to compare with running marathons.

Heidi had her first MRI today, on her shoulder. It has been causing her some pain for a while. Of course, we're hoping that it's not serious. It's not her throwing arm (thank goodness), but it is her baby-carrying arm. She found the MRI experience humorous.

As we deal with all the complications of life, it gives pause (yes, there I am pausing again) for reflection on the miracle of the human body. Heavenly Father gave us an awesome gift. When you stop to consider the complexity of the body, it's amazing that more doesn't go wrong.
Anyway, we pray that everyone will be healthy, and for the Lord's will to be done. Sometimes there are things we have to learn first.

I just heard Jimmy Cliff singing Many Rivers to Cross, and that just about sums it up. We have many rivers to cross before we reach our destination, and the crossings aren't easy. We just need to keep praying and keep pushing forward, and stop to rest long enough to understand the Lord's will.

Sail on silver bird

Tom received his Eagle yesterday afternoon. We are very proud of his accomplishment. After four misfires on his project, he finally found a good one and completed it. He made children's picnic tables for two homes for pregnant women that our Stake was helping. They were thrilled to get the tables, and we were excited to finally finish a project. As Crew 1 Committee Chairman, I conducted. I was also his first Scoutmaster. Tom's other Scoutmaster, Craig Rees (Eagle Class of '92) spoke, and his other Scoutmaster, Rich Skeate, presented Tom his Eagle. Here you see the Eagles' Nest repeating the Eagle Scout Oath. Dad and Mom prayed, Cathy led the music, and Cathy and Heidi sang "America the Beautiful." My good friend Joe Doyle, a Silver Beaver, (who was Craig Rees' Scoutmaster) was Tom's escort.



Here is the proud Eagle family. John and Eliza are away at BYU and were unable to join us. Tom joins me (Eagle Class of '74) and his brother John (Eagle Class of '03), as well as numerous uncles and cousins in the family Eagles' Nest.

We had had a nice lunch before the Court of Honor. Special thanks to Heidi for her efforts in encouraging the project and setting up the Court of Honor. She truly earned her mother's pin. Also to Dad and Mom for coming out to spend the afternoon with us. There were many others who played important roles in Tom's Scouting career, especially those in Tribe of Tahquitz who were both mentors and tormentors. This caps Tom's career as a Young Man, which included his Eagle, the On My Honor Award, induction into Tribe of Tahquitz along with two eventful summers on staff, and two two-week missions. He has had many great opportunities as a young man.
Heidi pins the Eagle Scout Medal on Tom (actually on his uniform!).

Tom just returned from three weeks in Nauvoo, where he served as a missionary on the stage crew for the Nauvoo Pageant. He had a great time there, and really didn't want to come home.
He also made the Dean's List in the College of Business at Cal State San Bernardino. We are proud of our Tommy!

Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right . . .

Cathy is visiting with us this week, and we've had a busy week. She made a trip to the dentist, then we saw The Wizard of Oz at the Redlands Bowl. It was an excellent community theater production.

Today, we all traveled to Anaheim to see the circus. We had great seats, and we all enjoyed it. The show was awesome. The 21st century circus is not the same as the circuses we saw as kids. The clowns don't clown like they used to, and there were no tightrope walkers. That's progress for you. But the acrobatics were great, and the elephants and tigers (and the dog and pony show) were lots of fun. Christy's last circus was 10 years ago, and she slept through that one, so she was excited to see it today.

Best of all, when we go to see the circus, we all become children again. Even the adults look at the spectacle in wide-eyed amazement. That is what is special about the circus. How many things in this world bring out the child in everyone? We need more of that in this old world. It would make it a much better place. From where we sat, there was just pure enjoyment all around us (along with popcorn and cotton candy).

Happy Independence Day!
We are grateful to live in this great nation with all its freedoms. Especially the freedom to worship as we choose. Without this freedom, the gospel could not have been restored. Even with freedom to worship, the Church had rough start. We should all be thankful.