Easter Message

Helping Out

I'm grateful for helping hands and love from all around!

Motherhood and Education

I wrote this for a sociology class entry on

"Sociological Imagination."

********************************

Growing up, I was taught by a loving mother and father regarding the importance of the family unit. My surrounding culture was full of large families and I was the fifth of my parents’ own six children. As the youngest daughter, I watched three older sisters marry and begin their individual families. I was often called upon to “babysit” my nieces and nephews, and I very much enjoyed the children and dreamed of the day I would become a mother, too.

In high school, I was greatly influenced by another family in our neighborhood. They also had six children and their mother was a science professor at one of the nearby community colleges. Education was a high priority for herself and her children. This family’s influence was strongly felt through my associations with Michelle, the fifth child of the family and a dear friend. Michelle spoke of her academic future often and we set plans together for reaching our educational goals. When visiting Michelle’s home, I was often questioned about my plans and encouraged to continue to obtain as much education as possible.

After graduation, I attended a junior college some distance away from home and obtained an associate’s degree, while Michelle pursued her education at the local university. Following my first two years, I decided to travel abroad as a missionary and my vision was expanded and influenced while I served in Seoul, Korea. Michelle went to Finland to do the same. My decision to be a missionary was another life experience greatly influenced by my own family, Michelle’s family, and the religious culture I grew up in.

Upon my return from missionary service, I became reacquainted with a boy friend from my junior college associations. While continuing my education to obtain a bachelor degree at the local university, we dated and were soon married, even before my first semester was over.

Soon another choice, greatly influenced by cultural and religious upbringing, found me expecting our “honeymoon” baby! Fatigued, sick, and weary from attending university and working as many hours as possible, I weighed my options carefully regarding education and motherhood. Lacking the close influence of Michelle and her mother (Michelle was still in Finland at the time), I dropped out of school, worked full time until my daughter was born, then became a full-time mother.

My husband obtained a job with the government. Having had a positive experience in South Korea, I wasn’t afraid of the opportunities that took us overseas to Asia, where once again, my social circle influenced another decision. Being surrounded by many intelligent and well-educated members of the Foreign Service rekindled my desire for more education.

I searched again and again, but failed in my hunt for a program that could work well with my overseas lifestyle and my continued desire to devote time and effort to raising my children. Then last summer while on home leave, I committed to deepen my search for the right educational opportunity that would allow me to obtain my long awaited bachelor’s degree. I was discouraged, however, that my former university lacked availability for only but a few online courses. Oddly enough, I bumped into my old friend Michelle, as I exited a movie theater and we exchanged contact information. Though I had been seeking an opportunity for the past ten years to continue my degree, I hadn’t found the right fit. With her renewed encouragement and influence, I put more effort into my search and found the University of Maryland – a perfect match for my lifestyle and situation!

It is interesting to reflect on the choices I have made and the effects of sociological influences throughout my childhood, and even now, that have led me to my current situation. Would I be the person I am today without the personal, educational, religious, and cultural influences of individuals within my social circle? Wearing my “sociological animation glasses” and stepping back to view the bigger picture, I say aloud, “Certainly not!”

Disco Dancers Swing at Christmas!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Merry Christmas - 4 of the Morey Elves

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Christmas Card with Attitude

Amie says our Christmas Collage has "attitude" this year!

Merry Christmas from the Morey Family!

This Holiday, Play 2008 Morey Mania!

Quiz yourself to see how well you know the latest happenings in the Morey Family!

1. Bonnie began studies to finish obtaining her bachelor’s degree through the University of Maryland in the field of
a. Christmas Tree Decorating
b. Hotel Management
c. Information Systems Management
d. Nursing

2. Adam was recently featured as a soloist in HKIS’s Jazz Band performance of “O Holy Night” on which instrument?
a. Percussion
b. Saxophone
c. Piano
d. Trumpet

3. John wishes he had more time off to
a. Prepare Sunday talks
b. Travel to Koh Samui
c. Exercise with Bonnie
d. All of the above

4. Jordan is currently learning to play which instrument in the band?
a. Flute
b. Oboe
c. Drums
d. Saxophone

5. Jacob is heavily involved in the music programs at school. Which groups is he a member of?
a. Madrigals
b. Mens’ Group
c. Wind Ensemble
d. Jazz Band
All of the above

6. Amie recently obtained a scholarship at BYU through
a. BYU’s Academic Scolarships
b. State Department Federal Credit Union
c. Repulse Bay Instructive Foundation
d. Gold’s Gym Internship Program

7. Bonnie and friends began a new organization, Associated Sisters in Asia, in order to plan and carry out
a. Group Exercise sessions
b. Humanitarian Travel Trips
c. Collaborative Web Recruitment
d. An LDS Women’s Conference

8. Jordan wishes he could
a. Play video games all day
b. Have more than he wishes for
c. Could stay home every other day
d. All of the above

9. Amie has chosen which major at BYU?
a. Pre-med
b. Exercise Science
c. Accounting
d. Asian Studies

10. Adam wishes he could
a. Be a Broadway Star
b. Compose more music
c. Fast forward to graduation
d. All of the above

11. Jake was recently ill and had to miss a
a. Choir trip to Japan
b. Basketball Tournament
c. 11 full days of school
d. A and C

12. Bonnie and John celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary with a
a. New ring for Bonnie
b. Dinner on the Peak in Hong Kong
c. A trip to Europe
d. New laptop

ANSWER KEY

1. C – Bonnie is currently enrolled with a major of Information Systems Management. Although she is still on the front end of the course-work, she is very happy about finally finding the right fit to return to school and is enjoying being engaged in higher learning.

2. D – Adam is now first chair trumpet for both the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band at Hong Kong International School. He’s done a fantastic job and his family loves to hear him play at the school performances! (Click HERE to watch a portion of Adam's "O Holy Night" solo at a recent band concert.)

3. D – All of the above. John would love to have more time to study at home and prepare spare talks in reserve for speaking assignments. Another trip to Koh Samui is always a welcomed respite! Finally, Bonnie and John don’t seem to get enough time together to explore more of Hong Kong’s amazing hiking trails or enjoy the great gym at their new Repulse Bay apartment.

4. C – Jordan started out playing the flute at the end of fourth grade and switched to the oboe half-way during fifth grade. He had a very fine private teacher and was making progress, but when auditions came for percussionists, Jordan tried out and made the cut. Now we’ve got an electric drum set in our living room that is quite an attraction for all of his siblings, too!

5. E – Jake is a member of the madrigals group for the second year (click HERE for his most recent concert). He started out in this elite group last year when he took an interest in voice. He’s quite a singer and loves to sing around the house. He’s also a member of the Men’s Group, an after school club of male students that choose their own numbers to sing. Jake plays the baritone sax in both the Wind Ensemble and the Jazz Band at Hong Kong International School. He’s a fantastic performer and Bonnie especially loves to see him tap his toes while he grooves along playing in the Jazz Band. (Click HERE to see him playing the bari sax in the Jazz Band... listen to that bass line!)

6. A – We’re so proud of Amie’s accomplishment! She worked so hard as a freshman last school year at BYU that she was able to qualify for a full academic scholarship this year. She’s loving her time at BYU and makes great efforts to focus on her studies despite the lure of a fun and full social life. Amie has always been a dedicated and focused student, and it’s exciting to see her hard work paying off… literally!

7. D – Although Bonnie would love to organize group humanitarian trips and loves to exercise with friends, it is true that she was instrumental in forming Associated Sisters in Asia in order to bring ex-pat LDS women together for a conference. It was a dream awakened in Bangkok and rekindled in Hong Kong where the resources, facilities, and people all fit together to make it happen. About one hundred sisters from a multitude of Asian cities came together to nurture their faith through classes, temple attendance, service, and music. You can read more about it, see pictures, and learn about the upcoming 2009 conference at http://asiaconference.googlepages.com/.

8. D – All of the above. Jordan definitely loves to play any type of game on screens including mobile phones, computers, iTouch, Nintendo DS, and the Wii. He would gladly stay home every other day to engage in them! He recently persuaded Bonnie to relinquish her seldom used Clie organizer “to be able to compose stories anywhere,” but there is some concern that the games included may be a distraction for him! It is also true that when asked what he wished, Jordan immediately replied, “To have more than he wishes for.” It’s highly likely that he isn’t alone in that wish!

9. B – Amie is very excited about her directed studies in Exercise Science! She thoroughly enjoyed her recent Chronic Disease Prevention class at BYU. She was so impressed with the material that her enthusiasm led Bonnie to purchase the class textbook, too, as well as the audio book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. She and Amie both listened to the audio book on their iPods and compared notes. Their learning “sparked” both of them to more consistent and regular exercise!

10. D – True, don’t most seniors wish they could fast forward to graduation and get on with life? Adam falls into that category and would love to pursue an education in the arts with big dreams of becoming a star. His incredible music talents will surely lead him to more music compositions as we've already enjoyed several new numbers on the piano this year. We don’t doubt Adam has some amazing talents, but we are encouraging him to make a slower start his first year away as he learns the ropes of being away from home, keeping up with his own laundry, and finding balance between sleep, study, and social life! You can trust we’ll keep you posted on his progress, both at school and on the road to fame!

11. D – Jacob was ill for quite a bit of the second quarter at school and, sadly, had to miss a trip with a select group of Madrigal members to participate in the choir portion of the APAC held in Kobe, Japan in early November. He ended up missing eleven full days of classes, plus partial days afterwards as he had a slow recovery to full strength. His dream of being a straight “A” student this term was essentially shot and he struggled to regain his health and confidence moving into the next semester in January. Hang in there, Jake!

12. C – Bonnie wouldn’t mind a new laptop, ring, or dinner with her Johnny sweetheart on the Peak to celebrate any anniversary, but their twentieth brought an extra special dream come true. Bonnie had a vision of kissing on the Eiffel Tower to commemorate this milestone! Instead of celebrating in November, they travelled during milder weather in September (over John’s birthday, when he proposed) to Frankfurt, London, Paris, and Grindelwald, Switzerland. It was a fabulous two-week adventure enjoying the amazing sights, sounds, and romance of Europe. Yes, they did indeed kiss on the Eiffel Tower and you can see pictures of their joyous journey in this blog and at http://picasaweb.google.com/moreyfam.

So, there’s the latest from the Morey Family. We wish each of you a wonderful holiday season and our Father in Heaven’s choicest blessings. We’re grateful for this season of celebration and commemoration of our Savior’s birth, and know that his gifts to us are the most precious of all. God bless you, every one!

Much love this Christmastime and always,

John, Bonnie, Amie, Adam, Jake, & Jordan

Adam's Editorial - Broadcast Journalism

Click on the photo above to see another view of Adam in his Broadcast Journalism newscast at HKIS. "Great job again, Adam!" says the proud mommy!

Can I Brag a Bit?

It's my goal to finally obtain my bachelor's degree!

It will still take some time and effort, and in some ways it's been quite challenging. I'm used to my old schedule and responsibilities of home, family, church, and other commitments, but this pursuit tops many of the others in stress level. So far, I'm only taking two "light" courses, yet they really have been more than I expected. The courses are very structured and not the "move at your own pace" type. So accountability for the work and learning are built in, and a definite avenue to facilitate success. Even though my courses are online, regular attendance is taken by logging in, class discussion is required by posting and responding to others regarding class material, and quizzes are given on the assigned reading. The thing I love about the online quizzes is the immediate feedback on my score! I know right away whether or not I have truly learned the material since my score is immediately posted. Also, an e-mail is sent with all of my answers and the correct answers. So far, I've earned 100% on each of my assignments and quizzes. This has been a huge boost to my waning confidence in my academic adventure. My bragging rights are pictured below!

Happy Anniversary to Us... from A to Z!

Thank you for 20 years of...

Absolutely adoring each other
Being best friends
Compromising
Discovering new things together
Encouraging each other
Forgiving and forgetting
Gazing into each other's eyes
Hugging and holding hands
Inspiring each other
Joking and laughing together
Kissing
Loving with all our hearts
Marveling at each other’s talents
Nurturing one another
Overcoming problems together
Playing games
Quieting fears
Remembering the little things
Saying “I love you”

Taking time for tenderness
Understanding
Valuing each other
Wishing on stars together
X-pressing our true feelings
Yearning for each other
Zzzz-ing in each other’s arms

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Southeast Asia Honor Band Festival

Jake, Adam, and I took a flight to Jakarta with 11 other HKIS band students and their director, Mr. Gavlik, to participate in the Southeast Asia Honor Band Festival at the Jakarta International School.

Several schools in the area participated including Singapore American School, Taipei American School, International School Beijing, Jakarta International School, Guangzhou International School, and Shanghai International School, making up a band of around 90 hight school students.

Adam played the trumpet, first chair, and Jake was one of two baritone saxophone players. They worked very hard for two days of dedicated practicing with a guest conducter from a university in Texas (but I forgot where), followed by an incredible performance on Saturday.

It was a great experience for them and my heart is swelling with "mommy pride!"

At the Honor Band Festival, we met several previous band directors from the schools the kids have attended. Here, Adam and Jake are with Mr. Poling from Bangkok International School. He taught the middle school band and jazz band, which Adam and Jake were both involved in. He was so positive and really helped to created a successful start for both of them, especially fostering a love for jazz. Great guy.

HKIS Honor Band Participants

Adam, Me, Jake

Loved this march! It had to be my favorite

of the five pieces played.

Adam's Solo... click the clip above to hear!

Delicious AND Healthy Pumpkin Muffins

So... Amie wanted to make pumpkin cookies for Halloween and called me for the recipe (on my Saturday morning). I got so hungry for them that I immediately began making a batch myself...which were snarfed for breakfast by my family!

Since Amie is currently enrolled in a "Disease Prevention" course at BYU, she has piqued my interest the subject and I recently read her text, The Culprit and The Cure: Why lifestyle is the culprit behind America's poor health It was a fascinating read and inspired me to keep trying to "healthify" recipes. I healthified the cookies and they were so delicious that I got the urge to bake some pumpkin muffins, too. Now really, Friends... this muffin recipe is even yummier than the cookies and totally to die for!!! And they're soooo healthy for you... well, except the mini chocolate chips. Enjoy!


HEALTHY WHOLE WHEAT PUMPKIN MUFFINS

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup raisins (optional)
2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1-3/4 cups canned pumpkin puree (one 16 oz. can)
½ cup vegetable oil (or olive oil)
½ cup honey
½ cup maple syrup (or apple juice concentrate, or brown sugar + water)
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
¼ cup flaxseed (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 12 cup muffin pan.
2. If using raisins, place them in a cup, and add enough hot water to cover. Let stand for a few minutes to plump.
3. In a large bowl, stir together the whole wheat flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
4. Make a well in the center, and put in eggs, pumpkin, oil and honey. Mix just until the dry ingredients are absorbed. Drain excess water from raisins, and stir in along with the walnuts and/or chocolate chips.
5. Spoon into muffin cups so they are about 2/3 -3/4 full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool in the pan before removing from cups.

Makes 18 muffins

Adam & Jake performing with the HKIS Jazz Band

Jake on the baritone saxophone

To see more pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/moreyfam

Click on the movie below to hear Adam's solo!

Adam's Newscast at HKIS

Click on the photo above to see Adam's newscast at HKIS.

"Great job, Adam!" says the proud mommy!

News is out that Adam will be joining a panel of students

at CNN's broadcast station in Hong Kong next week.

Anniversary Travel to Europe

John and I enjoyed a wonderful vacation to Europe! We were there to celebrate our 20th anniversary which is coming up this November. But since we didn't want to see the sights in the colder weather, we went early... on the anniversary of our engagement. John asked me to marry him on his birthday, September 17th. CLICK HERE to see more pictures of our adventures.

Girls Getaway to Bangkok

Amie and I enjoyed a fabulous trip together to Bangkok to visit friends, shop, explore, and relax. See more photos by clicking HERE.

Just Outside of Rock Springs

I'm just outside of Rock Springs, Wyoming on my walking trek to Nebraska, door-step to door-step from the Draper temple to the Winter Quarters temple in Omaha. Today, my actual steps took me around Hong Kong's Lamma Island where I enjoyed a seafood lunch with a group of friends from the consulate and branch.

If I Were Walking The Plains

I could walk from the new LDS temple in Draper, Utah to the Winter Quarters, Nebraska temple for my 1000 miles in 2008... that is, if I weren't walking the trails of Hong Kong. Still, it's an interesting thought.

An Enduring Measure of Fitness: The Simple Push-Up

I'm still stepping strong in 2008 and my goal is 3 million steps for the year! I enjoyed a long hike again this Wednesday, logging in a whopping 19,353 for the day. I've been behind on the other days lately, however, but I'm determined to get there. For my small stride, my 3 million steps will roughly equal 1000 miles. I wonder where that would get me to if I weren't walking the trails of Hong Kong....
I'm also working to add more upper body strength by doing push-ups. I read a great article this week, recommended by a friend, in the New York Times. From the article, I learned I ought to be able to drop and do 16 push-ups in a row without faltering. I'm feeling pretty wimpy about my push-up ability right now, so give me a few months. I started out feeling the same about my hiking, but I've gained quite a bit of confidence and increased ability over the last 22 weeks. Go, fight, win!