Genetics and Robert Redford

A few things that I know are hereditary:
- detached ear lobs
- ability to roll tongue
- diateties

One thing I didn't know was hereditary:
- favorite movies

Sooo, apparently my favorite movie is one of the most boring movies ever! I've tried to show it to dear friends and they either fall asleep or bail on me before its over. What movie is it you ask? "Out of Africa" ...starring the dreamy Robert Redford and amazing Meryl Streep. Despite the fact that it won 1985 "Best Motion Picture" and a thousand other awards for music and cinematography, only I seem to appreciate and love it so much....that is what I thought until two weeks ago. Apparently, unknown to either of us, "Out of Africa" is also my dad's favorite movie too!!!!! I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. (I've never felt so close to my papa before.)

Who knew that someone (me) who avoided sad movies based on true stories would deem her all-time favoriate movie as one that was sad and based on true story? I'm messed up. But that is how good this movie really is!!! I'm just saying.

UPDATE: On Sunday, I thought I might torture Fletcher with a view of this same movie. He was ready and willing to prove his love for me by committing 3 hours of his Sunday afternoon this to viewing pleasure. Turns out...HE LOVES THE MOVIE TOO!! And he's not even related to my dad! Okay, I don't think its his favorite movie ever but he loved everything about it. Not only did he stay completely engaged, I think he'd even watch it again with me!!! Lucky him! :)

A Heavenly State of Mind

I was listening to Bob Lonsberry (AM talk show host) the other day when I heard him say "I'm thankful for this day." It stood out to me as I thought it sounded like something you say when you are praying. For a moment, I wondered if he got too lax and was just going with the flow and let that phrase slip out by habit. Hm? Either way, it reminds me of a hilarious story about my mom....

One night, when she was a teenager, the family was settling down to the table for dinner. They were about to bless the food when the phone rang. My mom jumped up to answer the phone and as she did she said ON THE PHONE "Our dear kind Heavenly Father"....HAHAHAHA!

In all seriousness, if only we could get phone calls from God huh? Maybe Apple will work out some new iPrayer or something.

My Uncle & The New LDS Rexburg Temple

Some may be aware that my uncle temple president for the new Rexburg Temple. Well, I just got an email from him about his new calling. It offered a little insight into the huge undertaking of opening a new temple...so I thought I'd share. Additionally, I would've freaked out if I was a scheduled bride at this temple the first week it was opening...wonder how that panned out for many of them. What a small world we live in though. While my uncle (a state away) was just mingling with the new prophet at the temple...that same prophet lives within walking distance of my house!! We've very blessed here!

"Dear Christensen Family,

We are sorry for the delay in sending a Family Update. We have decided that opening a new temple offers just as many challenges as operating a mission. It took many hours to call the 1200 temple workers . Then were involved in training them in a variety of positions. We were involved with the open house where we invited over 200,000 friends and members through the temple. The dedication services were complicated when President Hinckley passed away just a few days before the scheduled date. The dedication was placed back a week, which required us to reschedule many of the patrons. The marriages where the most effected. It was an honor to have President Monson come for the dedication. It was his first official activity after being set apart as our new Prophet. The patrons have come to the temple in large numbers. Located next to BYU-I gives us the chance to welcome many students to the temple, especially in the baptistery. We open the baptistery at 6:00 a.m. and close it at 10:00 p.m., with the youth occupying the area for those many hours. We may have the busiest baptistery in the entire Church. We have been pleased with the many marriages scheduled for the temple. Last weekend we performed nearly 40 of them. Everything went well. One mother fainted. We think she finally realized that she had a new son-in-law. We hope that many of you will plan a trip to Rexburg in the next two years. Please call ahead to let us know that you will be in the area so that we can host you. It would be a blessing to see you again.....

Love, Val & RuthAnn"