Forgiveness

Out shopping today and on my way home from all the craziness when a very random thought popped into my head. I began thinking about the Connecticut shootings and these children up in Heaven. I don't know what they first saw or if the Savior was the first to welcome them in. Those things will be learned in time. But what I began to think about was Adam Lanza. Why did he do what he did? Was he crazy? Did he understand what he was doing? He understood enough to take his own life--he knew that he would have to answer for his actions. The scripture from Doctrine and Covenants section 64 went through my mind: "I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." Will the Lord forgive Lanza? He doesn't have to. Is this something past His forgiveness, or will He in time? I've never had a hard time with forgiveness. If I let something, or someone, offend me and get into my psyche then I go crazy. I begin to feel guilty and I can't progress, so I need to just... let it go. With these children around Him, will He be able to let this go? I have no answer to any of these questions. I just found them running around in my little head today.

The Hobbit

I have been waiting for this film for a long time, so there was a lot of anticipation that it rock just as much as The Lord of the Rings. I try to stay away from reviews, but I couldn't help but see that The Hobbit has been getting mixed reviews. We saw it with the family last night and I LOVED IT! I was so happy with the movie and left feeling elated!

The dwarves were hilarious and I can't wait to get more of each of their stories. Thorin Oakenshield was perfectly cast. He reminded me a lot of Boromir, but soon took on a character of his own.

I love Martin Freeman from Sherlock and he was so great as Bilbo! His first scene with Gandalf set up his character just beautifully. His comic timing is genius and his dramatic work was spot on. Can't wait for more!

The penultimate scene was, of course, the encounter between Bilbo and Gollum. I think it might be the best scene from the entire set of films! I couldn't have been happier. I only saw the film yesterday and I'm ready to see it again. I am so happy that the Tolkien universe is in good hands.

Lights at Thanksgiving Point

The other night we drove through the lights at Thanksgiving Point, walked around and saw the reindeer and then checked out the new outlet mall at Traverse Mountain. Though, not really a whole lot of outlet prices if you ask me.

Emotional Day

I had a great day at school today. Kam is in my class this year and I have been having a really fun time. I've got some great boys and some of the best girls I have had in years. We had a couple moments in class today where we couldn't stop laughing. I was on an emotional high. I look around at the guys and I just really love them.

Then news came of the Conneticut attacks and it brought my emotions to the surface. I know it's hard for all to hear about and make sense of, but when it involves a school, it just hits something in me as a teacher.

Tonight we attended the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert with Alfie Boe and Tom Brokaw. The spirit felt there and the power and majesty of the music and stories they shared strengthened my testimony of the Gospel and my love for my Savior. Sometimes this free agency thing sucks when you see people abuse it like they did today. We came home and Lindsay woke each of our children one on one and told them how much she loves them.

Christmas Carol 2012

We just finished with our run of A Youth Christmas Carol. I had a fabulous cast and we received some great comments about the show. Many said that it was just as enjoyable and professional as the adult version! I am proud of the work these kids do and I still love the experience of being their director.

My awesome boys. Adam played "Boy Scrooge" and Max was his best mate "Samuel." They had such a fun time and made a lot of new friends.

My production assistant Jenna King. She has been with me since our first production in 2007. I only have her for one more year before she leaves for school. I will miss her and all she does for our program. Plus a rare photo of me on my blog. I realize that I am not pictured very often--mostly just my family. My forehead looks lengthy, but I like my hair.

The cast.

Thanksgiving 2012

At the ranch again and we love it! The entire Rad clan was down, plus a bonus visit from Cody and Linda (aunt and uncle). We played some games, ate a TON of great food, visited with the Brians, celebrated Dad Rad's 69th birthday, got a Christmas tree on Boulder, had a flat tire and outlined our Radebaugh Apocalypse Survival Plan (Step 1-get out of Orem/Provo as quickly as possible).

Hanging out in the kitchen

Making a turkey

Sophie and Brynn

It's not in focus, but it's one of things I love about this photo. A classic ranch photo.

Hours and hours on electronic devices--my mom hates it!

Getting our tree on Boulder Mountain

Skyfall

Saw it. Loved it!

D@8*?>!

Friggin' Obama.

3 weeks, 3 albums

I usually get 6-7 new albums a year. Some of them are duds, some of them are absolute gems! I've gone a bit crazy the past three weeks in getting three new albums. . . and I am in love with all of them!

I saw the movie and had to get the soundtrack. Great 80's throwback songs and fantastic score.

I love Mumford and Sons. Such great passion for their music. It gets better every time I listen to it. They just released a music video for "Lover of the Light." So good.

I saw a preview the other day for the movie Rust and Bone. Watch it on apple.com. The music made the trailer. I looked it up and purchased the whole album. It's made my life better. One of the best albums I've purchased in years.

Ranch in the Fall = Perfection

We went down to the ranch earlier in October and hit an almost perfect 3 days! Sunshine and warmth for a day so we could hike and go for walks--Rain and even some light snow for a couple days to bring out the smell of sagebrush and mountain air. So beautiful, so perfect.

Drive

Holy crap, this film. Lindsay teases me about my Ryan Gosling man crush. Great movie, awesome soundtrack.

Happy Halloween!

At the Haunted Train in PG. First timers and we loved it!

Max had some of the greatest poses for his pictures as Iron Man.

Chim Chim Cher-ee

Barkdull grandkids-family night fright with caramel apples

Collin as Dr. Who fighting off zombies