Because mom cares

Moms always know.

Sketchbook: Double header

 I thought about cutting these in half...

Teach them correct principles

When I was ward clerk a few years ago, one of my tasks was to count attendance at sacrament meeting. As I went up and down the aisles, I was surprised to see (1) how many people were on their phones, and (2) what they were doing with their phones! Not all of them were on LDS Tools — or even LDS Laughs!

Maybe we should follow the spirit of Pres. Nelson's social media fast and extend that to at least a couple of hours on Sunday. Texting and diving don't mix, as we all know. It doesn't mix with worship either!

One more little rant before we go. I won't say which temple in Utah County it was, but while we were waiting for a session to start someone's phone went off in the chapel. Perhaps we need a "temple mode" as well!

Instagrammy

My Grandma used to carry around a little photo album labeled SOGPIP: Silly Old Grandmother with Pictures In Her Purse.

Nobody takes pictures like grandparents!

Family tales

We all have that one family member who tells the same stories all the time. I imagine it was no different among the seagull families in the 19th century!

Those lazy, hazy days

Those first few days of my mission are really hazy. If you had asked, I would have told you (then) that I didn't have jet lag. But from my memories and my missionary journal, well, there was certainly something going on!

And remember! You can follow Sis. Kerry Jo on Instagram!

Oh, those ancestors — whoever they were!

I often had this problem in my younger years.

Sketchbook: Flyering in to Zion

I read a factoid recently that said that most Mormon pioneers didn't come by handcart. Most came by covered wagon, by horse, or some other means.

The more you know.

It's got potential!

When they entered the Salt Lake Valley, one of the early Mormon pioneers  is quoted as saying: "There wasn't even a tree you could call a tree!" Some of the remote settlements were even more desolate (looking at you, southern Utah!).

The desert has indeed blossomed like a rose. But it was a pretty rough patch of dirt when it started!

Fairy Tale Theatre

I've said it before: If you think the sights you see in the morning at Girls Camp are scary, you've never been to Scout Camp!

On a personal note, I kind of like the way the sky turned out on this one. I love it when a cartoon comes together!

On a short leash

SFX: Eerie music in the background.

Cue Rod Serling: "Imagine a world with no targeted ads, no news updates, no unwanted, unrelenting political diatribes on social media.

"You have just entered... Girls Camp!"

Which, in its way, can be a little Twilight Zone-ish, can't it?

Standing for something

There are times that you just have to stick to your principles!

Right place, wrong time

"And always let your conscience be your guide."

I wonder if anybody has ever quoted that in General Conference?

Sketchbook: The Plan of Redemption

I know the people in Croatia are proud of their team for making it to the finals of the World Cup. It's an amazing achievement! Heck, the USA didn't even qualify.

I think this would be the perfect opportunity for the missionaries to teach about the Plan of Redemption, don't you? After all, the next one in four years is just around the corner!

Trekking in style

All those modern conveniences!

Come to Zion, come to Zion

There weren't a lot of travel options in those days — wagon train or handcart company. We're kind of lucky today with multiple modes available to travel. Pioneer Day celebrations just wouldn't be the same if they took a high-speed rail!

Sing as we go

There's always that one guy...

To dance is to live...and let die

I like this kind of gag. I'm sure it has a technical name, but I love it when a character jumps to  totally illogical conclusion.

Aren't the formations in square dances usually round anyway?

Tenderfoots

There's no better feeling than taking your shoes off at the end of the day!

Sketchbook: Bishop's advice

Because the sisters always know.

All grown up

Sometimes you just know.

Laundry emergency!

Wouldn't it be nice if there were an app that you could download and it would take care of your laundry?

Special Notice
As an LDS cartoonist, I have the fortune to every now and then be introduced to new talent.

I would like today to introduce you to Summer Bird, creator of Summer Bird Stories. She's a local LDS cartoonist (kind of a rare thing outside of Utah), and she's just getting started. She has some wonderful work that you can see on her website. Or, you can follow her on Instagram @summerbirdstories.

Summer recently sold her first cartoons to the New Era, so she may be joining our Mormon Cartoonists Association here soon! Visit her sites, follow her electronically, and show her some love!

Independence Day breakfast leftovers

This would never happen in your ward, would it?

It's the Fourth everywhere!

The first time I spent the Fourth of July outside of the United States, I was in Canada at the Calgary Stampede. They were good hosts there, and recognized that many who were in attendance were from the USA. Big fireworks, big celebration!

The next time I spent the Fourth of July outside of the US, I was a missionary in Korea. It was just another day to them. My Canadian experiences had colored my expectations, I suppose. I was a little disappointed.

I'm happy now to be back in the USA. As our family has grown and traveled and included many more cultures, we've also taken to celebrating holidays from around the world. Any excuse for a present and a party, right?

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July — wherever you are!

Knock and it shall be recorded

Another one from the mind of my padawan — but this one is based on his real-life experience as a missionary.

And, mom — Elder Cox says hi!

Sketchbook: Music that moves you

Choristers: they're either a big focus of the music in church or they're practically ignored.

The chorister in our ward told us that she really has to hold herself back from dancing to some of the songs, she loves them so much. That kind of comment had to be illustrated. And you can bet that the ward is going to be watching her carefully from now on!