Forever Strong

One would not characterize Rindy and I as heavy movie goers but given the invitation from friends at church to go watch the newly released Forever Strong we jumped at the occasion. The movie intrigued us for several reasons: one being Rugby and our emerging interest as a family in the sport, the second being the film is based on the life of Coach Larry Gelwix, the brother of a friend in our Ward.

A quick recap: we find a strong-willed and skilled, but undisciplined high school rugby player from Arizona sent under court order to live in a JD Center in Salt Lake City where he eventually starts playing with the Highland Rugby team; a team with an incredible winning record and a coach who is focused on building boys not just championship teams. The story leads to the conflict of his old Az team, coached by his father, meeting his UT team in the national championship.

When the team dances the Haka, I am immediately brought back to Max Leo leading our Medicine Lake Ward boys in this same dance, and reminisce of the Peniata boys. The dance is symbolic of the cultural bonding and warrior spirit of the Maori of New Zealand.

The story errors on predictability, yet was enjoyable and a good evening's entertainment. Clearly, not as well written, produced or classic as Remember the Titans and Hoosiers, yet I see this joining the home collection of repeat viewing with a sport-based story that lifts .

Hearts of Generations

I have a few women who mean so much to me. The following photo includes the generations of my family while missing my dear sweet sister sj.

Part of a relevant poem whose sentiments I share:

Women of courage, women of strength, Women of faith and devotion.
Mothers of children with spirits so strong
Who may have unbridled imaginations.
They are women, women of courage
They are Christians, towers of strength.
They are women who put Jesus first in life Show’ ring His love on all those they greet.
Women with losses, women who love,
Whose strength and whose courage comes from above,
Whether they're mothers; or loving Aunties, It's plain to see love shines through them.

Neighborhood Culture

Since early in our marriage we have frequented the Uptown Art Festival and enjoyed the ambiance, the art, and the fun stroll. Imagine our delight to find the Neighborhood Art League sponsors an Art Fair right along the River Walk no more than five blocks from where we live. Rindy, Evan and I strolled along and enjoyed the small but tasteful festival. Crazy given that just last week the area was under water from the effects of Ike.

New Beginnings

Fall is a traditional time of new beginnings as summer ebbs, autumn flows, and students flock to schools as migrations set in.

In addition to Brigham being a senior at BYU, Parker a junior at North(?), and Mackey an 8th grader at Washighton(?). Those later names raise an eyebrow after decades of 281- TLC and Armstrong. Back-to-school happened in Naperville, Illinois. First day of school started at the hotel.

After more than a year of Tim commuting the family took the leap of faith and pulled up roots and landed together again. Leaving old friends and family has been a challenge but new friends and new opportunites have been wonderful

The family together prior to the move in a summer shot.