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Until we can get better quality video, this will have to appease all those interested in seeing Ephraim's performance of Joseph in "Savior of the World". In the first clip, he's singing about the house he's building for himself and Mary. In the second clip, Mary has just told him she's expecting a child and he's distraught because they're not married yet, and the angel hasn't confirmed to him that everything will be fine.







Ella was selected to lead her class in singing the months of the year at her school's Christmas program. The line they gave her was "K-4, how many months of the year?" She figured out that it should be, "K-4, how many months of the year are there?" So that's what she said. She didn't seem nervous at all to be in front of the hundreds of people there. Notice that with Samoan accents they say, "Aukus" for August.


Isaac has also been getting into the dramatic mood. He's catching us totally off guard lately with the phrases he picks up. Right before this video he'd gotten frustrated with something and threw himself to the ground quoting some dialog from "Meet the Robinsons". It cracks us up!



We think he's got a great future to look forward to.

Fillmore Christmas Newsletter

For anyone interested, here's the 2008 Fillmore Family Christmas newsletter hot off the electronic press. My sister Jan put it together and did a great job! I know it's long, but when you've got dozens of people to feature, it'll take 4 pages. Check us out on page 3.

Joseph

Ephraim is a superstar!

I went shopping today and saw him on TV at two different places.

I know it's not hard to get recognized on this small island, but I'm so proud of Ephraim.

Why?

Our stake ambitiously set out to do The Savior of the World for the annual Christmas program. It's a production shown at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City involving professional singers, actors, crew, and orchestra. Although our stake director Tagi Schwenke faced obstacles at every turn with limited time, talent, and resources, she perservered trusting that her faith and effort would be blessed.

Ephraim played Joseph. He had lots of lines to memorize and several solos to polish. The cast spent HOURS practicing--for the last few weeks they basically lived at the church.

The play was finally ready...let's say "scheduled"... on December 4 and 5. All the wards pitched in to create the right mood with scenes of the Savior's life staged along the entrance: the stable, Jesus teaching the in temple, and learning in a carpenter's shop.

Our local TV station filmed the first performance, which was great for me because Isaac and I spent some frustrating time out in the hall during Ephraim's key parts. Some of our friends came to watch, which was the main goal of the production. The second night went well too, although nasty weather discouraged some folks from attending.

I felt proud of Ephraim for many reasons. First, I knew he really didn't want to be doing the play at all. When Tagi first approached him about the part he was convinced he'd be out of town, sick, or both. But as he humbled himself and thought about the good he could do, he conceded, and worked really hard improving his own part and helping the other (knuckleheads) get their parts too.

I was also proud because it was out of his comfort zone to try to act. You who know him well know he's NOT an actor. I had to chuckle at some of his lines and strained smiles--he's cute for even trying!

And finally I was proud because he sang beautifully. (If I can, I'll post some video.) He's really a talented singer thanks to Temple family training. I only wished that Ma Temple were there to watch and hear him. She would've loved it. Our bishop said to me, "So, was it the voice that did it for you? 'Cause I was falling in love with him out there!"

In a lot of ways Ephraim is like Joseph. Facial hair, rough hands, and a big nose... just kidding. I mean he's kind, humble, and obedient to the Lord. And married to a woman most fair above all other women--.

You know, when Ephraim first came off his mission in 1998, after he gave his homecoming talk in church Pa Temple commented that he was "good PR for the Temple family". Good things happen to Ephraim Temple, and I always feel that I'm just lucky to be along for the ride.

Hike to Big Guns

We accompanied the young men and women on a walk up to see the large historic cannons that remain as relics of World War II in American Samoa. The cannons were never used for battle, so Ephraim shared a spiritual thought with us about having our defense in place, whether we need it or not, by staying close to the Lord.

The youth are so great about watching out for our kids. It's a cool Samoan thing.


Can you count the toads on this pile? Icky!


And we crossed the street afterwards to cool off and enjoy the sailboats.

Ella's Swimmeet

Last Saturday Ella participated in her first swimmeet! She's in the beginner class of our parent-run swim program. Despite the bad weather, everyone did really well.


Ella was a little nervous since she's never been in a race before. She did two races: 20 yard kickboard, and 20 yard doggy paddle with a noodle. Her first race didn't go so great because she inhaled some water, started crying, and needed help to finish. Her later comment was, "I forgot something with the kickboard: kicking!" She pulled herself along the rope to the end. It was very cute. But she didn't give up! And she finished 2nd.



Her second race was great! She doggy paddled like a pro and got a blue ribbon.

Yay swimmers!!

First School Photo

So they thought to put a flower in her hair, brush her sweaty bangs, and give her a kukui lei. But no one told her to SMILE ??!!

She definitely has a heap of Melinda with accents of Ephraim. Cute girl, huh?

Smeagol Bus

We thought this bus was entertaining. Although I'd be too creeped out to actually ride it.