"Dad, I don't have any friends at school... because of my Aspergers."

"Dad, I don't have any friends at school. I think it is because I am different because of my Aspergers."

It was a situation I knew one day we would face. We knew our oldest son Garren was different from a young age. He read really early and really well, he would talk nonstop about facts and figures of things he was interested in, and when with other children he was perfectly content playing independently. Once Garren started first grade we had confirmed that he had Aspergers.

Young kids were generally patient with his quirks and he had good friends at school that we were also friends with outside of school. Now he is facing more serious consequences in our new home in Arizona.

Last night Mom was at Homemaking and me and the kids were just sitting around the living room talking. Then Garren says, "Dad, I don't have any friends at school. I think it is because I am different because of my Aspergers." I didn't know what to say, and honestly would have cried if I opened my mouth. I just smiled at him.

I need some advice; how do I help my son gain the confidence in himself and create meaningful friendships at school?

Meet the Mormons (2014): Mormon Movie Review

 

(Grade A)

   I didn’t intend on seeing the Church’s new film, Meet the Mormons right away. I wanted to see it, but didn’t see the need to view it in the theatre. Who wants to pay nearly $20 for you and your date to see a 70 minute I’m a Mormon commercial? Then I saw the invitation from Jeffrey R Holland.

Read the Full Review…

Guest Post: General Conference Traditions

My beautiful wife shares some of our General Conference traditions. She has started a blog of her own sharing her side of the story when it comes to how she experiences this Mormon life. You can also read my General Conference post from last year.

I LOVE traditions! And I love General Conference. Every 1st weekend of April and October a General Conference is held where our dear prophet and other church leaders speak to us. And I truly believe that Thomas S. Monson is a real prophet who speaks for The Lord. Like Noah or Abraham of old. It is a great weekend to get answers to struggles or personal revelation on how we can better come unto Christ. It's always inspiring. I always feel the spirit. And everyone is welcomed to listen. They have two general sessions on Saturday and two sessions on Sunday. There is also a Priesthood session Saturday night. Always fun to see the Conference quotes on Pinterest after a session. Love that we can have reminders in our home after conference is over to help us remember the great things we learned.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014): Mormon Movie Review

 

by Grady
(Grade: C+)

I went into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with pretty low expectations. I can safely say it was better that I expected, but not as good as I had hoped.

I think I’ll lead off with the things that went as expected.

First is the overuse of CGI. If you have ever read a review by me you will know I am a big fan of practical effects. Having your five of your main characters be hyper blur martial artists is a discredit to the medium of feature film. It was very good animation, but it was still animation. The plot was very weak and transparent. The only spoiler I will give in this post is that there are no spoilers! Everything happens just as you expect it would.

Read the rest of the article on Mormons at the Megaplex…

Review: 1776 is a Jovial and Musical Tribute to How Our Nation was Founded

(Grade: B-)

I love musicals and I love America! As we approach Independence Day I was hard pressed to find a film that tells they story or the signing of the Declaration of Independence, let alone the Revolutionary War. After much data mining I excavated this gem from 1972…

For the full movie review along with a content guide and spiritual messages to discuss visit the Mormons at the Megaplex.

Millennial Choirs & Orchestras- To Be American: Mormon Music Review

   I have been singing with the Millennial Choirs & Orchestras for about eight years now and we have recorded three full length albums ranging from the birth of Christ to his visit on the American continent.

   MCO’s newest album, “To Be American” is a musical tribute to God & Country.

Get Ready for Summer- Three Hour Block Party Ribs

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media® and Farmland/Smithfield, but all my opinions are my own. #weavemade #ReadySetRibs http://my-disclosur.es/RgFrEH

   With our impending move to Arizona we have been staying with my parents these past few weeks. My mom is an awesome cook, and before I left I asked her to teach me how to make her awesome baby back ribs. When I get to Gilbert I am going to need to impress all our new friends with my BBQ skills.

  Her ribs are surprisingly easy to make. They are the perfect dinner to throw in the oven, head off to your Three Hour Block of church, and come home to a meal ready to slap on the table. Or you can grab a knife and separate the ribs and serve them at your Summer Block Party.