the elephant costume

http://glowingbehindthescenes.blogspot.co.at/2012/11/the-elephant-costume.html

fall preview

http://glowingbehindthescenes.blogspot.co.at/2012/11/fall-preview.html

I am a Mormon

The teenagers in our international ward (congregation) here in Vienna decided to share with the world why they are Mormon.

Natalie hasn't stopped laughing about my dance moves.

I (Heart) Water

While waiting at the bus stop on our way to church this morning Ez spotted this awesome advertisement so we snapped a few pictures.  Below are a couple of close-ups.

Translation: Because only water really makes clean.

Translation: The toilet that cleans you with water.

(I love the action shot of the water.)

Would you believe that we're lucky enough to have this very same toilet at our flat in our little European WC.

Best. Toilet. Ever.

Personal Progress Ideas

I've been newly called to be the Personal Progress coordinator in my ward. Have you heard of that before? It's the first time for me. I'm really excited about it though because I still get to travel to the other wards and branches with Keith on Sunday, but be in Young Womens too. Is that the best of both worlds or what?

I've been trying to brainstorm some ideas on how to get the girls in our ward excited about doing their PP. I've been toying with all sorts of ideas, everything from flow charts to bribery. I know a lot of you are very creative and have had a lot more experience with this sort of thing than I have... If you have any great ideas on how to get teenage girls enthused about doing their PP please share.

Christmas in Colorado

For Christmas this year my family (Ezra, Dee dee, 7 kids, spouses and grandkids) met up at my sister Jenn's ranch in Rifle, Colorado. We had a great time skiing, playing games, shooting guns, etc. On Christmas Eve the whole crew went to the local sledding hill to take advantage of the snow. Natalie, my sister Krista and I decided to show everybody how it's done. Below is video of us doing the first toboggan run of the day. I'm in front Natalie is in the middle, Krista is in back.

It doesn't look too bad, but I didn't exactly stick the landing. My stupidity earned me a trip to the Rifle hospital ER on a back board and in a neck brace. Fortunately I didn't damage my back or neck. I did walk out of the hospital with a cast on each arm and little road rash.

Fortunately Natalie and Krista survived with just a little road rash on their faces. Natalie has been a great "Florence Nightingale" doing just about everything for me (fortunately I can do a few things on my own).

Here is the x-ray of my right arm. Can you spot the break? They aren't absolutely sure yet that the left arm is broken.

Other than the sledding accident we've had a great time with my family. We took family pictures for the first time in years. Below is a sample, and go here for a couple more.

The Ear Debate is Over

Many thanks to my mother-in-law of all people for finally settling the ear debate once and for all. The textbook screenshot below proves that indeed detached earlobes are normal and therefore the best. Attached earlobes, a.k.a. "Adherent lobule", not so much. See for yourself...