I took the kids to playgroup this morning at the playground down the street. As is becoming more common we were the only ones there. sigh. It was rather warm and humid so I told the kids we wouldn't be staying long. Still we were there for about our normal time (45 minutes, without a watch I always want to leave after 45 minutes, weird!).
We were close to leaving, 5 minute warning, three minute warning, etc. I was pushing Peter in a baby swing and Luke was in the stroller about three feet away from me. Suddenly I felt a very sharp prick on my hand and looked down to see a bee on the front of me. I calmly brushed it off and then began to make sure that it didn't return to land on me. I have never been stung before, I had no idea what to do. So I panicked.
I quickly and sharply told the kids we were leaving in my "I'm scared beyond words voice." They hustled to the car knowing that it was serious since the last time I used that voice it was because the neighbor's house was on fire. By this point I was lightheaded, dizzy, weak and shaking like a leaf in the wind. I was praying I would make the 1 1/2 minute drive home okay.
The sting site was a tiny red dot and a white swollen area around it about the size of a pencil eraser. I kept thinking how seriously inconvenient it would be to have to go to the hospital, but since it was my first time, I didn't know if I was dying or not. My head started hurting by the time we got home and I hustled everyone inside. I quickly sat down and googled for bee stings.
All the websites I found said to pull out the stinger quickly. More panicking. I couldn't see a stinger! I frantically checked for signs of allergic reaction. It was all very unclear. I did put on an ice pack, but I didn't know what else I could or should do.
So I did what every mature adult mother of five would do.
I called my mommy.
No answer.
So I called my second mommy.
No answer.
More panicking.
I called my husband.
He advised me to wash it and put some neosporin on it. Which I did.
It hurt for a long time. I whined, I moaned and I got a little teary from the pain in my hand.
Now seven hours later I am miraculously alive and my hand is mostly just stiff and a little achy. I can't even see where the sting is. I think I would be classified as a very mild reaction. It's funny how what I think can become what I feel even if I'm not really feeling it.
Though I will probably deny it after this, I know my kids aren't the only drama queens/kings in my little family. I guess all those years in theatre rubbed off on me, or maybe I've always been like this . . .
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Peter Speaks, sort of
Peter is our darling 2 1/2 year old boy who for reasons beyond our knowledge doesn't really talk. He has learned to say things like mama, and dada, and hippo, along with snippets of other words like hm, for home, or nya, for Anya. Most of the time we understand what he wants or needs just with his gesture and trademark umgaga.
However, more recently we are finding that his need to communicate with us is getting stronger and yet he still seems unable to make that cute little mouth do what he wants it to. I can sit and read a book to him, he will point to an animal on the page and I will say what it is. He very intently watches my mouth, his little mouth will open a little and it seems as if he is trying to decide if he can make that sound. Most of the time he just replies, with a ya(yes) and a nod.
I have been advised by more than one mom to try and teach him ASL. I tried. He looked at me like I was way off my rocker. I gave up. Then I got re-inspired and checked some dvds out of the library. Now I have three kids who holler, mom, mom! look! and then make really cute uh noises in their throats as they sign to me what they want.
Then there is my darling Peter. He really has enjoyed the videos and I kept encouraging him to sign to me what he needs, but he was resistant to the idea and hung on tight to his gaga, and ya, no responses. (why is it that of all the words a child masters no seems to be the most common and the clearest? :)) Then just this week, things started to change. He took me to the fridge, I opened it and he started his regular umgaga, and pointed to the juice. He's only allowed juice once a day and he had already had it so I replied, No, you can have water or milk, which one do you want. He then began tapping his finger on his chin to sign water. At first it was just one finger and I didn't understand, but then I realized that he was using sign to communicate what he wanted without my prompting him.
He has done it twice today, to tell me about a ball and about some toy apples that Anya has in her room. On one hand it seems like such a small thing, but for Peter and me it is opening up a whole new world. I am not sure I can express how exciting it is for me to have him communicating with me. It's one of those yes! victory moments that we parents get to have every now and then. I just wanted to share my joy with everyone.
However, more recently we are finding that his need to communicate with us is getting stronger and yet he still seems unable to make that cute little mouth do what he wants it to. I can sit and read a book to him, he will point to an animal on the page and I will say what it is. He very intently watches my mouth, his little mouth will open a little and it seems as if he is trying to decide if he can make that sound. Most of the time he just replies, with a ya(yes) and a nod.
I have been advised by more than one mom to try and teach him ASL. I tried. He looked at me like I was way off my rocker. I gave up. Then I got re-inspired and checked some dvds out of the library. Now I have three kids who holler, mom, mom! look! and then make really cute uh noises in their throats as they sign to me what they want.
Then there is my darling Peter. He really has enjoyed the videos and I kept encouraging him to sign to me what he needs, but he was resistant to the idea and hung on tight to his gaga, and ya, no responses. (why is it that of all the words a child masters no seems to be the most common and the clearest? :)) Then just this week, things started to change. He took me to the fridge, I opened it and he started his regular umgaga, and pointed to the juice. He's only allowed juice once a day and he had already had it so I replied, No, you can have water or milk, which one do you want. He then began tapping his finger on his chin to sign water. At first it was just one finger and I didn't understand, but then I realized that he was using sign to communicate what he wanted without my prompting him.
He has done it twice today, to tell me about a ball and about some toy apples that Anya has in her room. On one hand it seems like such a small thing, but for Peter and me it is opening up a whole new world. I am not sure I can express how exciting it is for me to have him communicating with me. It's one of those yes! victory moments that we parents get to have every now and then. I just wanted to share my joy with everyone.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Ode to Erin
Not really...but it got your attention, right? She's my newest old friend. And by old, I mean I've known her for like 10-15 years but she was my sister's friend. Now that we're both adults, I suppose it's time to be friends. Partly because we're freakishly similar in odd ways. And that's what makes it fun. I don't know what it is, but something has clicked recently...so here's my shout out to Erin!
I remember a trip to Utah. I was still in high school...maybe my junior year. And I thought I was so cool because I was hanging out with college kids. I remember riding in a car with Erin and Heidi and a couple other guys. I don't know where my sister was and why we got split up. But the car I was in went to Subway and then we headed over to an outdoor concert. It was somewhere in the Provo area. Erin and Laurel...do you remember any of this? I don't know why I remember a detail like eating at Subway...but it's been engrained in my head and I remember having a really good time.
And she tagged me...so here goes:
3 Joys
Early morning fog
Practical jokes
Spiritual ah-hah moments
3 Fears
Spiders (of course)...but not the small ones anymore. And by small, I mean the ones that are so small you can't tell if they're a spider or a regular house bug until you get really close.
Walking up the stairs at night when all the lights are off. I know someone is walking right behind me!
Sharing the Gospel and admitting I'm a political conservative with a group of strangers
3 Goals
Weighing 180 again
Camping out next to Emerald Lake on top of Mt. Timp and enjoying the stars at night while talking with my closest friends
Enjoying the eternities with my family
3 Current Obsessions/Collections
Laziness (sad, isn't it?)
Minesweeper (I don't think I can beat my best scores anymore...they're pretty darn good!)
Wanting to get into the habit of reading good books
3 Random Surprising Facts About Myself
I'm always up for a good musical - Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Singing In The Rain, High School Musical (can't wait to see 3...with the kids, of course!), Phantom of the Opera, Newsies, Enchanted, etc. etc. etc.
I'm dramatic - case in point...I had a crush on a girl named Emma in 4th grade while living in Kentucky. She was blonde and from England. The subdivision we lived in butted up against another subdivision but there was no connecting road...just a line of trees and a small dirt path I would ride my bike on to get to the other side. For some reason I thought Emma lived in the other subdivision. So I went on the dirt path...right in the middle of the two subdivisions...and screamed as loudly as I could, "I LOVE YOU, EMMA!!!!!!" Needless to say, I can be dramatic.
I killed 3 Anoles before realizing what I was doing wrong. I thought they needed light at night so I placed my reading lamp over their container. Turns out my reading lamp fried them. I still feel guilty about it. I can't imagine the slow and painful death that the reading lamp caused. I had some friends over and we held a funeral service. They're buried under my parents deck in St. Charles.
I tag...Jay, Kristy, Julie, Sarah, and Steph (yes...you cousin!)
Happy Birthday America!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
My New Gotta Have
It's hot outside.
It was pleasant at 10 am when we went to ward playgroup at the local playgroud.
(Though Ward Playgroup is a lame name since we are usually the ones there)
We had a nice time swinging, playing, etc. Mark, Anya and James have gotten into the habit of bringing one toy each with them to the park. Usually Woody and Jessie are the top picks. Today was no exception.
The boys were playing nicely on the playset, which is the thing you climb on with all the slides attached, and by playing nicely I mean that no one was screaming or crying. I was a good distance away when I saw Mark standing on the highest platform throw Woody up into the nearby tree. And there he stayed. Mark came running over with a great story about how he slipped and almost fell and Woody fell out of his hand and got stuck in a tree.
Ok, really people! Even if I was only a babysitter who had not seen what happened, I wouldn't believe that story! So naturally I informed him that I had seen what really happened and he tried to hide his I am so guilty and busted grin while explaining that He and James were pretending that their toys were getting hurt and needing rescuing.
For those of you who have not seen the trees here, this was previously a logging forest and there are no tree branches below about 10 feet. So you can imagine that this toy was pleasantly high up wrapped very nicely around a small branch. I thought surely this was the end for Woody, but unfortunately I remembered our lightbulb changer we just purchased to change light bulb in the garage. It telescopes up to 11 feet long. I had to extend it the whole way in order to reach the toy and knock him out of the tree. The other parents probably thought I was a real nut job.
I am afraid I will have much more use for this new tool than simply changing lightbulbs.
It was pleasant at 10 am when we went to ward playgroup at the local playgroud.
(Though Ward Playgroup is a lame name since we are usually the ones there)
We had a nice time swinging, playing, etc. Mark, Anya and James have gotten into the habit of bringing one toy each with them to the park. Usually Woody and Jessie are the top picks. Today was no exception.
The boys were playing nicely on the playset, which is the thing you climb on with all the slides attached, and by playing nicely I mean that no one was screaming or crying. I was a good distance away when I saw Mark standing on the highest platform throw Woody up into the nearby tree. And there he stayed. Mark came running over with a great story about how he slipped and almost fell and Woody fell out of his hand and got stuck in a tree.
Ok, really people! Even if I was only a babysitter who had not seen what happened, I wouldn't believe that story! So naturally I informed him that I had seen what really happened and he tried to hide his I am so guilty and busted grin while explaining that He and James were pretending that their toys were getting hurt and needing rescuing.
For those of you who have not seen the trees here, this was previously a logging forest and there are no tree branches below about 10 feet. So you can imagine that this toy was pleasantly high up wrapped very nicely around a small branch. I thought surely this was the end for Woody, but unfortunately I remembered our lightbulb changer we just purchased to change light bulb in the garage. It telescopes up to 11 feet long. I had to extend it the whole way in order to reach the toy and knock him out of the tree. The other parents probably thought I was a real nut job.
I am afraid I will have much more use for this new tool than simply changing lightbulbs.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
One Soul, Institute and Little House
I thought that David starting another blog would encourage me to blog more. Apparently not. It seems as though I have very little to say right now, due in large part to a lot of inner dialogue (which I am not going to subject you fine readers to again) that has been bouncing around in my brain. I have however received what I think was inspiration guiding me along a path that may alleviate some of the stress in my life, but only time and effort will tell. Tonight it is going well, but we shall see.
During our devotional this morning I introduced to the kids the new scripture for July. It happens to be Doctrine and Covenants 18:15. Go ahead, click over and read it, otherwise the rest of this may not make sense :) We read it out loud and then discussed what it meant. While I was reading it, Mark interrupted me to tell me that he knew the one was each of us. We each get ourselves back to Heavenly Father. I agreed with him, after all, he was right. The more I talked with him and thought about it, the more right it became. It's all about agency. The only person that we can bring back to heaven in ourselves. We can be instrumental in helping someone else, or guiding them to the right path, but in the end we are each responsible for our own choices that will either lead us to or away from our Father in Heaven. I love when I get to be a part of those moments with the kids. It was really just the pick me up I needed since yesterday was not the best day and I had been feeling kind of down.
I have also been using the Institute Manuals for my personal scripture study and am 3/4 of the way through Old Testament 1. I have been doing a chapter a day, which on days like today means that I spent 4 hours reading either in the scriptures or the manual. That is almost all of my free study time in the day, but I did find time to read my more fun book, Little House on the Prairie, more on that later. Sometimes the manual asks really silly questions and by silly I mean the other s word that we don't let our kids say. (stupid) However I have found that the notes and commentary explain things that are otherwise so confusing I don't even think about asking a question about them. The experience thus far has been a very enlightening one and I feel as though I am getting to know the scriptures better than I ever have before. I would wholeheartedly recommend using the manuals, though you might not go as hardcore as I have :)
Ok, last thing. Little House on the Prairie. I admit I was inspired to read the series by Laurel's recent post about the show, which I never watched. I was more the Highlander, Star Trek, Charmed kind of girl. I must say I am really enjoying the books. I have read two of the eight in the series and I almost feel a desire to find a plain where no one has lived and build my own little log house and dig a well, and milk a cow, but then I remember that I was born during this time because as my father always reminded us I am "a pampered little princess". Just as a side note, though I haven't read it in the books yet, I do know from the summary bit on the back of some of the later novels that Mary does indeed go blind, how or why I will have to let you know when I get to it.
It may be a while before you hear from me again, or maybe not, who can tell? Just know that I am still here striving to figure out my life and everything that goes with it.
During our devotional this morning I introduced to the kids the new scripture for July. It happens to be Doctrine and Covenants 18:15. Go ahead, click over and read it, otherwise the rest of this may not make sense :) We read it out loud and then discussed what it meant. While I was reading it, Mark interrupted me to tell me that he knew the one was each of us. We each get ourselves back to Heavenly Father. I agreed with him, after all, he was right. The more I talked with him and thought about it, the more right it became. It's all about agency. The only person that we can bring back to heaven in ourselves. We can be instrumental in helping someone else, or guiding them to the right path, but in the end we are each responsible for our own choices that will either lead us to or away from our Father in Heaven. I love when I get to be a part of those moments with the kids. It was really just the pick me up I needed since yesterday was not the best day and I had been feeling kind of down.
I have also been using the Institute Manuals for my personal scripture study and am 3/4 of the way through Old Testament 1. I have been doing a chapter a day, which on days like today means that I spent 4 hours reading either in the scriptures or the manual. That is almost all of my free study time in the day, but I did find time to read my more fun book, Little House on the Prairie, more on that later. Sometimes the manual asks really silly questions and by silly I mean the other s word that we don't let our kids say. (stupid) However I have found that the notes and commentary explain things that are otherwise so confusing I don't even think about asking a question about them. The experience thus far has been a very enlightening one and I feel as though I am getting to know the scriptures better than I ever have before. I would wholeheartedly recommend using the manuals, though you might not go as hardcore as I have :)
Ok, last thing. Little House on the Prairie. I admit I was inspired to read the series by Laurel's recent post about the show, which I never watched. I was more the Highlander, Star Trek, Charmed kind of girl. I must say I am really enjoying the books. I have read two of the eight in the series and I almost feel a desire to find a plain where no one has lived and build my own little log house and dig a well, and milk a cow, but then I remember that I was born during this time because as my father always reminded us I am "a pampered little princess". Just as a side note, though I haven't read it in the books yet, I do know from the summary bit on the back of some of the later novels that Mary does indeed go blind, how or why I will have to let you know when I get to it.
It may be a while before you hear from me again, or maybe not, who can tell? Just know that I am still here striving to figure out my life and everything that goes with it.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Landscapers are some of our favorite people
Landscapers, lawn maintenance, tree guys...whatever you want to call them--they're cool.
There's something different about them.
They're friendly, laid-back, light-hearted people with just enough "rough around the edges" to make them very personable.
One of our best friends back in Illinois was a landscaper. He was someone I could share the Gospel with until the wee hours of the morning or play Wii with all night long. I wish I had done both of those more often with him. He and his family are good people.
We just had our gutters cleaned tonight. (Do you have any idea how quickly gutters can get plugged up out here in Virginia?!?) The two guys were up on the roof just having fun and getting the job done. Then the owner stopped by and we chatted for a little bit.
He's a member of our ward. And he and his wife are in the process of adopting the 22 year old hispanic kid working for him. It was fun talking with him.
I think landscapers, as a whole, are pretty darn close to being like Jesus. I think it goes: Jesus, then prophets and apostles, then landscapers.
Yep. Landscapers are some of our favorite people.
There's something different about them.
They're friendly, laid-back, light-hearted people with just enough "rough around the edges" to make them very personable.
One of our best friends back in Illinois was a landscaper. He was someone I could share the Gospel with until the wee hours of the morning or play Wii with all night long. I wish I had done both of those more often with him. He and his family are good people.
We just had our gutters cleaned tonight. (Do you have any idea how quickly gutters can get plugged up out here in Virginia?!?) The two guys were up on the roof just having fun and getting the job done. Then the owner stopped by and we chatted for a little bit.
He's a member of our ward. And he and his wife are in the process of adopting the 22 year old hispanic kid working for him. It was fun talking with him.
I think landscapers, as a whole, are pretty darn close to being like Jesus. I think it goes: Jesus, then prophets and apostles, then landscapers.
Yep. Landscapers are some of our favorite people.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Another Blog
I put a thought in my head a few days ago to create another blog where I (David) could freely discuss any topic I wanted without connecting it to my family. Weird, I know, but that's how I felt. So I created my own blog. This blog that you are currently reading is for our family...with some light humor here and there and a look at what really takes place within the walls of our home.
My new blog is what takes place within the walls of David's head. It will be more serious, if you will. It will probably be heavily weighted on spiritual matters. But it will also be a place for me to express my honest feelings about social issues and other things that really don't matter (like the whole puppy adoption rejection and silly newspaper articles I come across)...but nonetheless I need a place to express my opinion. :) So without further adieu,
Another Perspective
My new blog is what takes place within the walls of David's head. It will be more serious, if you will. It will probably be heavily weighted on spiritual matters. But it will also be a place for me to express my honest feelings about social issues and other things that really don't matter (like the whole puppy adoption rejection and silly newspaper articles I come across)...but nonetheless I need a place to express my opinion. :) So without further adieu,
Another Perspective
Suicidal Squirrel
My first one. I'm 30 years old and I have successfully avoided the dreadful thump of running over a live animal...until today.My hand was over my mouth for a solid mile before I could acknowledge what had actually happened.
It all happened so fast...I didn't see it coming...ok I did, but it was early in the morning and my reflexes weren't up to par yet. But it did happen fast.
I watched in my rear view mirror as the squirrel, although dead or dying, did an impressive acrobatic role 3 times.
Until today, I wondered why there were so many dead squirrels on the road and how someone could possibly hit one.
My theory is that they are suicidal. I think they sit in trees or along the side of the road and dare each other to run across the street just as a car is coming. Poor little squirrel. He was so close to making it to the other side...so close.
It was a sickening thump. I'm glad it wasn't a deer.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Kids aren't afraid
The ward here kept announcing playgroup each week. And each week Karen would take the kids to the playground...and there was no one to be found. Even when they changed the date and time, she thought surely people would come. But no such luck.
The kids look forward to going to the playground. So Karen has stuck with the latest time of Thursday mornings. And the kids have made some friends...who apparently go there faithfully each week as well. So now they have their own little playgroup.
Today Mark had a missionary "report" to share with me.
Mark asked his new friend of two weeks if he goes to The Church of Jesus Christ.
Connor: "No"
Mark: "Do you know about Jesus?"
Connor: "Yes, I learned about Him in my school."
Mark: "Do you have missionaries?"
Connor: "What are missionaries?"
Mark: "They have tags and they teach people about Jesus. Do you think you could talk to your mom or dad about coming to church?"
Connor: "I don't know."
Mark: "Will you talk to your parents about coming to church?"
Connor: "Yes."
Then they went back to playing with the omnitrix.
Apparently, Anya had her own little missionary experience as well. She was talking with a little boy about the Holy Ghost. She made it very clear that He's not a scary ghost.
We'll see if the moms continue to bring their kids to the playground on Thursday mornings.
The kids look forward to going to the playground. So Karen has stuck with the latest time of Thursday mornings. And the kids have made some friends...who apparently go there faithfully each week as well. So now they have their own little playgroup.
Today Mark had a missionary "report" to share with me.
Mark asked his new friend of two weeks if he goes to The Church of Jesus Christ.
Connor: "No"
Mark: "Do you know about Jesus?"
Connor: "Yes, I learned about Him in my school."
Mark: "Do you have missionaries?"
Connor: "What are missionaries?"
Mark: "They have tags and they teach people about Jesus. Do you think you could talk to your mom or dad about coming to church?"
Connor: "I don't know."
Mark: "Will you talk to your parents about coming to church?"
Connor: "Yes."
Then they went back to playing with the omnitrix.
Apparently, Anya had her own little missionary experience as well. She was talking with a little boy about the Holy Ghost. She made it very clear that He's not a scary ghost.
We'll see if the moms continue to bring their kids to the playground on Thursday mornings.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Lack of respect
Perhaps I should create a new blog where I can discuss controversial topics. (Like the whole puppy adoption thing a few weeks ago...whoo! THAT was a doozy!) :)
But until I establish a blog to devote entirely to religion, politics, home educating (and yes, puppy adoptions), here's one more topic:
Wikileaks.org v Mormons
C'mon people! There's nothing secretive in the Handbooks of Instruction. There's no animal sacrifice ritual guidelines (not that the Mormons have ever been involved with that...unless you associate our Church with the children of Isreal who obeyed the Law of Moses...which would be an accurate association because both groups are a part of the Kingdom of God), excuses for polygamy over 100 years ago, tradesecrets as to why God didn't allow blacks to have the Priesthood until 1978...I could go on but I think this makes my point.
Wikileaks.org thinks they are "liberating" members of the Church. But all they are doing is proving how disrespectful, dishonest, and desensitized this generation has become.
It's really quite simple. It's called copyright laws. But why have laws if no one enforces them? Oh, that's right. Wikileaks.org is a not-for-profit organization so that gives them a free ride to be disrespectful, dishonest, and desensitized.
Go ahead. Read the Church's Handbook, Wikileaks.org. The laws of men don't hold a flame to the judgments of God. The more you know, the more you'll be held accountable.
But until I establish a blog to devote entirely to religion, politics, home educating (and yes, puppy adoptions), here's one more topic:
Wikileaks.org v Mormons
C'mon people! There's nothing secretive in the Handbooks of Instruction. There's no animal sacrifice ritual guidelines (not that the Mormons have ever been involved with that...unless you associate our Church with the children of Isreal who obeyed the Law of Moses...which would be an accurate association because both groups are a part of the Kingdom of God), excuses for polygamy over 100 years ago, tradesecrets as to why God didn't allow blacks to have the Priesthood until 1978...I could go on but I think this makes my point.
Wikileaks.org thinks they are "liberating" members of the Church. But all they are doing is proving how disrespectful, dishonest, and desensitized this generation has become.
It's really quite simple. It's called copyright laws. But why have laws if no one enforces them? Oh, that's right. Wikileaks.org is a not-for-profit organization so that gives them a free ride to be disrespectful, dishonest, and desensitized.
Go ahead. Read the Church's Handbook, Wikileaks.org. The laws of men don't hold a flame to the judgments of God. The more you know, the more you'll be held accountable.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Rule # 2,598,415
Why we home educate:
7 Arrested for Cheering at High School Graduations
Little by little our freedoms are being taken away. It's like the proverbial frog in a pot of boiling water.
For those educators from both sides of our family in the public school system (Logan, Zak, and Michelle to name a few), ...thank you! You are leaders and you'll have a positive influence on the growing generation. Teach truth in all areas of study and allow the students to learn and discover for themselves.
More to come on this...
7 Arrested for Cheering at High School Graduations
Little by little our freedoms are being taken away. It's like the proverbial frog in a pot of boiling water.
For those educators from both sides of our family in the public school system (Logan, Zak, and Michelle to name a few), ...thank you! You are leaders and you'll have a positive influence on the growing generation. Teach truth in all areas of study and allow the students to learn and discover for themselves.
More to come on this...
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Lightning on the Lake
Have you ever heard/seen lightning hit a lake...or any body of water? I know it's possible although not probable. But I'm not here to give a science lesson. Karen and I are pretty sure we just heard lightning hit the lake.
Imagine a giant redwood out in California. Imagine someone picking up a redwood and cracking it in half like a toothpick. Can you imagine hearing the deep, resonating crack that would create?
That's what we just heard. And then the whole house lit up. It was.....AWESOME!!! We're having quite the thunderstorm with blanket lightning and bolts of lightning. I love these shows!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Top Ten Signs your kids have been exposed to too much Star Wars
10. They act out scenes from the movies.
9. When they ask to watch a movie they refer to their choices by episode numbers.
8. They know the difference in appearance and the relationship between Boba Fett and Jengo Fett.
4. They make and use "lightsabers" made from Tinkertoys.
3. The two year old can do the Darth Vadar breathing sound.
2. They begin to philosophize about the differences in the way Obi Wan and Anakin respond to anger. (see note a)
1. The two year old (who does not speak) is singing the Theme to Episode Five while walking through the grocery store. (see note b)
Note A: Mark asked me for time to have a private talk today. This is a very rare request so we went to my room and shut the door. He had a plan to propose. He wanted to set up a system of reward so that for every page in a book he read, he would gain that much Game Cube time. Smart isn't he?! This opened the field for a great discussion about why they lost Game Cube during the week (not that we haven't already talked about that) and that led to his thoughts. He informed me that he is trying as preparation for baptism, to be good and to keep his anger in. He gets frustrated and sometimes takes it out on his younger siblings. (hello, normal child) Then he proceeds to explain to me how Obi Wan always stays calm in all the movies he has seen (all but Episode 3) and never lets his anger out. Then there is Anakin who lets his out and from the game he learned that Anakin's anger is what led him to the dark side. He wants to try and be like Obi Wan and not like Anakin. He is seven and I would say a bit deeper than normal. I love it.
Note B: Here is a clip of Peter favoring us with his rendition of the Episode Five Theme. As you can see it is a little choppy because he is unable to stand still. Hey, he's only 2! And I think he is pivoting on one foot during the really blurry part, but for some reason it is just so funny! I hope you enjoy our madness.
9. When they ask to watch a movie they refer to their choices by episode numbers.
8. They know the difference in appearance and the relationship between Boba Fett and Jengo Fett.
7. They hold their hands like claws and assist each other in pretending to use the force.
6. The five year old created replicas of all the droids with legos.
5. They commonly use the phrase "I'm going as slow as a gonk droid."
4. They make and use "lightsabers" made from Tinkertoys.
3. The two year old can do the Darth Vadar breathing sound.
2. They begin to philosophize about the differences in the way Obi Wan and Anakin respond to anger. (see note a)
1. The two year old (who does not speak) is singing the Theme to Episode Five while walking through the grocery store. (see note b)
Note A: Mark asked me for time to have a private talk today. This is a very rare request so we went to my room and shut the door. He had a plan to propose. He wanted to set up a system of reward so that for every page in a book he read, he would gain that much Game Cube time. Smart isn't he?! This opened the field for a great discussion about why they lost Game Cube during the week (not that we haven't already talked about that) and that led to his thoughts. He informed me that he is trying as preparation for baptism, to be good and to keep his anger in. He gets frustrated and sometimes takes it out on his younger siblings. (hello, normal child) Then he proceeds to explain to me how Obi Wan always stays calm in all the movies he has seen (all but Episode 3) and never lets his anger out. Then there is Anakin who lets his out and from the game he learned that Anakin's anger is what led him to the dark side. He wants to try and be like Obi Wan and not like Anakin. He is seven and I would say a bit deeper than normal. I love it.
Note B: Here is a clip of Peter favoring us with his rendition of the Episode Five Theme. As you can see it is a little choppy because he is unable to stand still. Hey, he's only 2! And I think he is pivoting on one foot during the really blurry part, but for some reason it is just so funny! I hope you enjoy our madness.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Sunday Afternoons and Camping
I thrive on putting random things together. My mind is a mysterious thing. We had a few pictures to share. I might include a video clip Mark and James did from their camping experience a month ago. We'll see what happens by the time I get there...
Friday, June 6, 2008
Prayers and more
More first...
We're going through the choking phase with Luke(see a very unflattering picture of him to the right). He's eating little star cereal pieces that dissolve in the mouth and coughing the whole time. I think when we had Mark it freaked us out to watch our first-born choke, cough, and turn red. Now we just remind Luke to breathe and walk away. His natural instincts to breathe will keep him alive.
Mark was following right behind me walking from our kitchen into the computer room. I did what any fourth child, baby of the family, only son who loves practical jokes would do. I stopped abruptly and stuck my rear end out. Mark ricocheted beautifully and hit his head pretty hard on the wall. I felt bad and immediately rubbed the red spot. He really did hit it hard and he was in pain...until I asked Karen to get some Tylenol. "Tylenol?" Mark asked nervously. Talk about good (and cheap) medicine! Just saying the word made him stop crying and playing again.
Now the prayer. I had the absolute worst day of my current job and the best day of my current job this week. And I mean really bad and really good. Like the kind of bad where I wondered why I ever got into management, come home from work and caution my kids to give me space, and go lay on the bed bad.
We had a meeting Tuesday. And it turned to utter chaos. No conclusions or decisions were made, everyone voiced their opinions in raised voices, and they were cutting each other off. Don't get me wrong...this is an incredible team I have with strong talent and a passion to do their job right. So I was given a head's up that this group is vocal. But it got out of hand. One girl started spitting out the Savior's name in vain and you could feel the atmosphere in the room deflate. After that, everyone was pretty quiet, we finished the topics, and adjourned the meeting.
I knew feelings had been hurt and people had been offended.
I emailed the girl who had been the biggest offender and asked her not to swear in our meetings anymore and if she did I would end the conversation. And I asked her to let others express their opinion and give them the same courtesy everyone gives her. I also included a note in the email about her strengths and reminded her that she's a leader on the team that people look up to.
She responded asking when she swore.
I told her she said Jesus Christ twice and acknowledged we might differ on what swearing means, but that I didn't want her to use His name that way again. I told her my request was a personal one as opposed to one from her boss.
I went back to her desk before she had a chance to respond. I asked her if she thought I was a dork. That's my way of saying, 'Hey, I'm not the aggressor here. I care about you and I hope you won't make fun of my values.' I'm pretty laid back and very easy-going. I think the Gospel helps me keep things in perspective most of the time. Well, she put on her boxing gloves. She got defensive, acknowledged that she and I were different (she has tattoos, and a pierced eyebrow just to give you an idea), and that she has been criticized her entire career and would be happy to be demoted or even resign.
I was shocked. I had no idea how in the world our conversation just took this detour down a path I had no intention of going down. She had misconstrued my intent and blew it way out of proportion. I reminded her that I value our differences, had no intention of changing her employment status, and we awkwardly ended the conversation.
That was Tuesday.
I didn't say my prayers that night. I was ready to throw in the towel. I'd dealt with more HR issues than I could ever have imagined in the short time I've been a manager. I couldn't believe how childish adults could be. I couldn't believe how close-minded people could be. I wanted to step down or find a new team. I didn't sleep well.
Wednesday morning I didn't say my prayers. I got ready, pulled the car out of the garage and stopped in the driveway. I closed the garage door and bowed my head.
I talked with Heavenly Father and kept it very brief. I recalled the events of the day before and asked Him to bless me with a positive experience that day. I asked for a blessing upon the members of my team...specifically Brandi. I looked up and saw Mark and Peter staring at me through the window. I waved and drove off.
The Lord must have known I was going to pray in the driveway.
Brandi asked me shortly after I arrived to work if we could talk. We walked to a break area (the whole time thinking of all the horrible things she's going to stuff down my throat). We sat down. She got pretty emotional. She had spoken with her husband most of the night. She considered her 8 month old daughter and what kind of a mom she wanted to be.
She apologized profusely and thanked me for taking the higher road. She knew I could fire her after her behavior and she wouldn't have questioned it. I could have put her in her place during the meeting in front of everyone and she would have deserved it. She couldn't believe how kindly I had responded to her. She talked a little about her personal life. How she was raised. Why she isn't religious. How hard she is on herself and why she's so protective. How she's trying to be a better mom than the one she had. We talked for a while.
She asked to be demoted. I politely refused. I told her that this has been a good growing experience...for both of us...and that she could be a stronger leader on the team as a result.
It was an extremely good day. I immediately thanked my Heavenly Father. Brandi voluntarily apologized to the team that morning. And I think the team grew closer together. It was a great week.
I figured out part of my job, too. I'm not one to preach to my employees. Heaven knows the Elders in the ward would like me to. But I don't feel comfortable given my level of "authority." But I'm proud to share that I'm a member of the church. Most know what church I go to. And I want to be a strong leader they can look up to...so when the day comes that they have an opportunity to accept or reject the Gospel, they can remember David.
Who knows? Maybe one day in a break area, I'll have another one of those kinds of conversations and I'll have an opportunity to make an invitation...
We're going through the choking phase with Luke(see a very unflattering picture of him to the right). He's eating little star cereal pieces that dissolve in the mouth and coughing the whole time. I think when we had Mark it freaked us out to watch our first-born choke, cough, and turn red. Now we just remind Luke to breathe and walk away. His natural instincts to breathe will keep him alive.
Mark was following right behind me walking from our kitchen into the computer room. I did what any fourth child, baby of the family, only son who loves practical jokes would do. I stopped abruptly and stuck my rear end out. Mark ricocheted beautifully and hit his head pretty hard on the wall. I felt bad and immediately rubbed the red spot. He really did hit it hard and he was in pain...until I asked Karen to get some Tylenol. "Tylenol?" Mark asked nervously. Talk about good (and cheap) medicine! Just saying the word made him stop crying and playing again.
Now the prayer. I had the absolute worst day of my current job and the best day of my current job this week. And I mean really bad and really good. Like the kind of bad where I wondered why I ever got into management, come home from work and caution my kids to give me space, and go lay on the bed bad.
We had a meeting Tuesday. And it turned to utter chaos. No conclusions or decisions were made, everyone voiced their opinions in raised voices, and they were cutting each other off. Don't get me wrong...this is an incredible team I have with strong talent and a passion to do their job right. So I was given a head's up that this group is vocal. But it got out of hand. One girl started spitting out the Savior's name in vain and you could feel the atmosphere in the room deflate. After that, everyone was pretty quiet, we finished the topics, and adjourned the meeting.
I knew feelings had been hurt and people had been offended.
I emailed the girl who had been the biggest offender and asked her not to swear in our meetings anymore and if she did I would end the conversation. And I asked her to let others express their opinion and give them the same courtesy everyone gives her. I also included a note in the email about her strengths and reminded her that she's a leader on the team that people look up to.
She responded asking when she swore.
I told her she said Jesus Christ twice and acknowledged we might differ on what swearing means, but that I didn't want her to use His name that way again. I told her my request was a personal one as opposed to one from her boss.
I went back to her desk before she had a chance to respond. I asked her if she thought I was a dork. That's my way of saying, 'Hey, I'm not the aggressor here. I care about you and I hope you won't make fun of my values.' I'm pretty laid back and very easy-going. I think the Gospel helps me keep things in perspective most of the time. Well, she put on her boxing gloves. She got defensive, acknowledged that she and I were different (she has tattoos, and a pierced eyebrow just to give you an idea), and that she has been criticized her entire career and would be happy to be demoted or even resign.
I was shocked. I had no idea how in the world our conversation just took this detour down a path I had no intention of going down. She had misconstrued my intent and blew it way out of proportion. I reminded her that I value our differences, had no intention of changing her employment status, and we awkwardly ended the conversation.
That was Tuesday.
I didn't say my prayers that night. I was ready to throw in the towel. I'd dealt with more HR issues than I could ever have imagined in the short time I've been a manager. I couldn't believe how childish adults could be. I couldn't believe how close-minded people could be. I wanted to step down or find a new team. I didn't sleep well.
Wednesday morning I didn't say my prayers. I got ready, pulled the car out of the garage and stopped in the driveway. I closed the garage door and bowed my head.
I talked with Heavenly Father and kept it very brief. I recalled the events of the day before and asked Him to bless me with a positive experience that day. I asked for a blessing upon the members of my team...specifically Brandi. I looked up and saw Mark and Peter staring at me through the window. I waved and drove off.
The Lord must have known I was going to pray in the driveway.
Brandi asked me shortly after I arrived to work if we could talk. We walked to a break area (the whole time thinking of all the horrible things she's going to stuff down my throat). We sat down. She got pretty emotional. She had spoken with her husband most of the night. She considered her 8 month old daughter and what kind of a mom she wanted to be.
She apologized profusely and thanked me for taking the higher road. She knew I could fire her after her behavior and she wouldn't have questioned it. I could have put her in her place during the meeting in front of everyone and she would have deserved it. She couldn't believe how kindly I had responded to her. She talked a little about her personal life. How she was raised. Why she isn't religious. How hard she is on herself and why she's so protective. How she's trying to be a better mom than the one she had. We talked for a while.
She asked to be demoted. I politely refused. I told her that this has been a good growing experience...for both of us...and that she could be a stronger leader on the team as a result.
It was an extremely good day. I immediately thanked my Heavenly Father. Brandi voluntarily apologized to the team that morning. And I think the team grew closer together. It was a great week.
I figured out part of my job, too. I'm not one to preach to my employees. Heaven knows the Elders in the ward would like me to. But I don't feel comfortable given my level of "authority." But I'm proud to share that I'm a member of the church. Most know what church I go to. And I want to be a strong leader they can look up to...so when the day comes that they have an opportunity to accept or reject the Gospel, they can remember David.
Who knows? Maybe one day in a break area, I'll have another one of those kinds of conversations and I'll have an opportunity to make an invitation...
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
A Leader of One
Here is me having a conversation with well, me, since I listen to me more than anyone else does:) We shall differentiate between the the voices with a K for Karen and a W for We, as in the royal we just because it is fun.
K: What is a leader?
W: It's the guy in charge.
K: So the guy in charge has to have someone to be in charge of right?
W: You would think, wouldn't you.
K: So is a leader the person on the news who organized everyone in a crisis and saved lives? Or the guy who spearheaded a campaign to change the world for the better?
W: Yep.
K: So how in the world can I ever be a leader and show my kids how to be leaders??!!
W: umm, that's a really good question.
K: Maybe I should read A Thomas Jefferson Education again.
W: Good idea. You are so smart, and funny too.
K: Nice try, you still have to do the dishes before you can sit down and read tonight.
W: :p
Imagine nice elevator music to mark the passing of time, or even better a great music video montage of me studying and looking really ponderous.
K: Ok, I read the book and would you believe that I learned something different this time!
W: Shocking.
K: Leaders aren't always famous.
W: You don't say!
K: Yep, it's true! Sometimes they are people who none of us have heard about, but they make a difference in the lives of other people thru, get this, SERVICE! Crazy right?!
W: (sarcastically) I could never imagine it.
K: I still don't get it though.
W: Get what?
K: If leadership education is great, we want to share that with other people right? If we do and If they decide to do it, then we would end up with a ton of leaders with no one to follow them, wouldn't we?
W: Is that a trick question? Like if a tree falls in the . . .
K: Zip it.
W: hehehe
K: This will require more pondering time.
Fast forward to the TJED Seminar on May 28. New things are learned. New insights are gained. Most through talking with David, He's really smart!
K: I've got it!
W: Really? Cuz one of us better have!
K: Cute, really cute. I think I finally understand the whole leadership dilemma. The whole a leader needs followers. He doesn't!
W: Would that not leave a sad little person trying to get everyone's attention?
K: Possibly yes, but not if they are a true leader. Here's how it is. Every single person born on this earth can and should be a leader. A leader of themselves.
W: This will lead to dog chasing tail, no?
K: This will lead to a better world. One where each person takes care of their responsibilities. So I don't have to get out there and run for mayor in order to lead. I can lead just by taking care of and teaching my family. I lead by fulfilling my church callings as best as I can. I lead by reading my scriptures and saying my prayers and doing what the Lord prompts me to do.
W: Aren't you already doing/trying to do all of those things?
K: Yes, but now I get why a little bit more.
W: I'm glad you do, cuz I'm a little lost.
K: Go have a cookie.
W: Thanks I think I will, care to join me?
K: Don't mind if I do.
Now I don't fully "get" all of it just yet, but I am certainly learning. Our Father in Heaven wants all of us to be leaders. He wants us to learn to lead ourselves. When we can lead ourselves we don't need to be in charge or in the spotlight, we are able to do what is needed. I guess you could call it self control, or self motivation, it all means the same thing, being able to be in charge of you. I can lead my children by leading myself. I can lead my neighbors by leading myself.
The new question is : Will you be A Leader of One?
K: What is a leader?
W: It's the guy in charge.
K: So the guy in charge has to have someone to be in charge of right?
W: You would think, wouldn't you.
K: So is a leader the person on the news who organized everyone in a crisis and saved lives? Or the guy who spearheaded a campaign to change the world for the better?
W: Yep.
K: So how in the world can I ever be a leader and show my kids how to be leaders??!!
W: umm, that's a really good question.
K: Maybe I should read A Thomas Jefferson Education again.
W: Good idea. You are so smart, and funny too.
K: Nice try, you still have to do the dishes before you can sit down and read tonight.
W: :p
Imagine nice elevator music to mark the passing of time, or even better a great music video montage of me studying and looking really ponderous.
K: Ok, I read the book and would you believe that I learned something different this time!
W: Shocking.
K: Leaders aren't always famous.
W: You don't say!
K: Yep, it's true! Sometimes they are people who none of us have heard about, but they make a difference in the lives of other people thru, get this, SERVICE! Crazy right?!
W: (sarcastically) I could never imagine it.
K: I still don't get it though.
W: Get what?
K: If leadership education is great, we want to share that with other people right? If we do and If they decide to do it, then we would end up with a ton of leaders with no one to follow them, wouldn't we?
W: Is that a trick question? Like if a tree falls in the . . .
K: Zip it.
W: hehehe
K: This will require more pondering time.
Fast forward to the TJED Seminar on May 28. New things are learned. New insights are gained. Most through talking with David, He's really smart!
K: I've got it!
W: Really? Cuz one of us better have!
K: Cute, really cute. I think I finally understand the whole leadership dilemma. The whole a leader needs followers. He doesn't!
W: Would that not leave a sad little person trying to get everyone's attention?
K: Possibly yes, but not if they are a true leader. Here's how it is. Every single person born on this earth can and should be a leader. A leader of themselves.
W: This will lead to dog chasing tail, no?
K: This will lead to a better world. One where each person takes care of their responsibilities. So I don't have to get out there and run for mayor in order to lead. I can lead just by taking care of and teaching my family. I lead by fulfilling my church callings as best as I can. I lead by reading my scriptures and saying my prayers and doing what the Lord prompts me to do.
W: Aren't you already doing/trying to do all of those things?
K: Yes, but now I get why a little bit more.
W: I'm glad you do, cuz I'm a little lost.
K: Go have a cookie.
W: Thanks I think I will, care to join me?
K: Don't mind if I do.
Now I don't fully "get" all of it just yet, but I am certainly learning. Our Father in Heaven wants all of us to be leaders. He wants us to learn to lead ourselves. When we can lead ourselves we don't need to be in charge or in the spotlight, we are able to do what is needed. I guess you could call it self control, or self motivation, it all means the same thing, being able to be in charge of you. I can lead my children by leading myself. I can lead my neighbors by leading myself.
The new question is : Will you be A Leader of One?
Sunday, June 1, 2008
How would you handle this situation?
Mark (7) shared his testimony in sacrament meeting a couple months ago.
He did it again last month.
Both of them have been sincere and good. Karen and I talked about whether or not we should talk to him about the frequency. I remember one ward we were in and a young man got up like clock work every fast Sunday and bore his testimony. It lost its impact, if you will, after a while. Now I'm in the shoes of that young man's parents and I'm trying to figure out the best way to handle it.
To make things harder, I asked Mark this morning why he's been sharing his testimony the past few months. He responded, "To prepare for my baptism."
How can I dispute that? How could I possibly then say, "I think you need to tone it down a bit...don't prepare yourself quite so much."
Now picture this. It's fast Sunday during sacrament meeting and I'm refusing to make eye contact with Mark (for fear he might be encouraged to come up to the stand). As the first woman concludes her testimony, I see out of the corner of my eye 3 tiny people crowding the stand...blocking the woman's exit. Mark (7), Anya (6), and James (5). They squirm around a bit and decide that James will go first. James looks at me and asks for help.
I shook my head and quietly said "no." His bottom lip started to pucker and I placed him on my lap. I motioned for the others to go. So Mark shared his testimony, followed by Anya. Anya held onto the microphone just right so there was a high-pitched squeal at the conclusion of her testimony. James didn't want to go anywhere. But he didn't cry or make a scene...so I was very grateful. He sat with me for about 15 minutes and finally went back to sit with the family.
We've been taught numerous times that testimony meeting in Sacrament is not the time to practice helping our children. We do that at home and in Primary. So it was hard to tell my child no. He asked for my help. He wanted to do something good...and I told him no. It was hard, but I knew it was the right thing (I just hope I didn't permanently scar James).
Everything turned out fine. James is A.O.K. As I walked James to Primary I explained why I couldn't help him and he was satisfied.
But here's where I'm soliciting your advice. Whether you're a parent or not...I'm curious how you would handle our situation with Mark. Karen and I talked to him this afternoon about what a testimony is...and how most people share it when moved upon by the Spirit...and how there are lots of other people who may want an opportunity to share their testimony (to which he replied, "that's why I keep mine short"). It was a productive conversation because we got to talk about the feelings of the Spirit. From a 7 year old perspective, this is probably no big deal. I could tell him most anything and he'd be ok. But as a dad, I worry about how the choices I make will impact my children 20 years from now.
What would you say or do if this were your 7 year old?
He did it again last month.
Both of them have been sincere and good. Karen and I talked about whether or not we should talk to him about the frequency. I remember one ward we were in and a young man got up like clock work every fast Sunday and bore his testimony. It lost its impact, if you will, after a while. Now I'm in the shoes of that young man's parents and I'm trying to figure out the best way to handle it.
To make things harder, I asked Mark this morning why he's been sharing his testimony the past few months. He responded, "To prepare for my baptism."
How can I dispute that? How could I possibly then say, "I think you need to tone it down a bit...don't prepare yourself quite so much."
Now picture this. It's fast Sunday during sacrament meeting and I'm refusing to make eye contact with Mark (for fear he might be encouraged to come up to the stand). As the first woman concludes her testimony, I see out of the corner of my eye 3 tiny people crowding the stand...blocking the woman's exit. Mark (7), Anya (6), and James (5). They squirm around a bit and decide that James will go first. James looks at me and asks for help.
I shook my head and quietly said "no." His bottom lip started to pucker and I placed him on my lap. I motioned for the others to go. So Mark shared his testimony, followed by Anya. Anya held onto the microphone just right so there was a high-pitched squeal at the conclusion of her testimony. James didn't want to go anywhere. But he didn't cry or make a scene...so I was very grateful. He sat with me for about 15 minutes and finally went back to sit with the family.
We've been taught numerous times that testimony meeting in Sacrament is not the time to practice helping our children. We do that at home and in Primary. So it was hard to tell my child no. He asked for my help. He wanted to do something good...and I told him no. It was hard, but I knew it was the right thing (I just hope I didn't permanently scar James).
Everything turned out fine. James is A.O.K. As I walked James to Primary I explained why I couldn't help him and he was satisfied.
But here's where I'm soliciting your advice. Whether you're a parent or not...I'm curious how you would handle our situation with Mark. Karen and I talked to him this afternoon about what a testimony is...and how most people share it when moved upon by the Spirit...and how there are lots of other people who may want an opportunity to share their testimony (to which he replied, "that's why I keep mine short"). It was a productive conversation because we got to talk about the feelings of the Spirit. From a 7 year old perspective, this is probably no big deal. I could tell him most anything and he'd be ok. But as a dad, I worry about how the choices I make will impact my children 20 years from now.
What would you say or do if this were your 7 year old?
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
I refuse to purchase or read text books
I'll get to that in a moment...
I'm opinionated.
And I'm a passionate person.
And when I feel my "freedoms" are being reduced or infringed upon, I get on the defensive all too easily. And "enemies" are formed. Word to the wise, I can be a nasty opponent. My mom learned the hard way tonight that if I've been offended, you better be on my side or get out of the way. :)
The local humane society is not my friend right now. Karen and I have done extensive research on dogs and have determined that now is a good time to own a puppy. We found one the fit our needs perfectly and I submitted an application to adopt.
My application was denied. Here is the response I received: David, we will not be able to help you find a new companion through our Society, because we do believe that animals should be an integrated part of the family and considered family members. Best of luck in finding just the right outdoor animal. Barbe
The application had become ridiculously long and detailed. I added humor where I could (i.e.: Do you own any other pets? I responded: No...unless you count spiders and an occasional mosquito.) And then the questions implied that we were raising a child with this adoption. So I stated: To be clear, I'm not a "dog lover." I believe dogs are animals...not human. I will treat the dog for what it is and will teach my children to respect and be kind to animals. But it will not be a member of the family...it will be a pet.
I suppose it was wishful thinking to assume there would be a normal person on the other end of the application process. But I should have considered reality. (And I'll refrain from name-calling.)
My response was sarcastic and factually accurate. I described the numbers of euthanized animals. And concluded my lengthy response with the following: Children become self-sufficient over time and eventually leave home. Pets never become self-sufficient and will never leave our home. For this reason, I will not define the dog as a member of our family...unless she helps with the laundry and helps clean the bathrooms. (Please note I'm trying to add a little humor.) Regardless of how we define the puppy's status within our family, we will treat her well and provide a good home.
It's unfortunate that good American families have lost their freedom to own pets. (If the word "own" is offensive, please replace it with the word "adopt.") I can only assume the puppy has signed a contract giving her rights to you. Otherwise, how could you have been given such authority?
I carboned the local news organizations with my response and submitted "story ideas" to the local networks.
Local Humane Society Denies 5 Children a Puppy.
I'm ruthless.
Good luck to our local humane society.
Oh ya...the whole text book thing. Text books, by nature, teach you what to think and how to think about the information you're reading. The same is true for any news outlet. My point is...go to the source. Go to the original documents and develop your own opinions. I'll share more in our next post.
I'm opinionated.
And I'm a passionate person.
And when I feel my "freedoms" are being reduced or infringed upon, I get on the defensive all too easily. And "enemies" are formed. Word to the wise, I can be a nasty opponent. My mom learned the hard way tonight that if I've been offended, you better be on my side or get out of the way. :)
The local humane society is not my friend right now. Karen and I have done extensive research on dogs and have determined that now is a good time to own a puppy. We found one the fit our needs perfectly and I submitted an application to adopt.
My application was denied. Here is the response I received: David, we will not be able to help you find a new companion through our Society, because we do believe that animals should be an integrated part of the family and considered family members. Best of luck in finding just the right outdoor animal. Barbe
The application had become ridiculously long and detailed. I added humor where I could (i.e.: Do you own any other pets? I responded: No...unless you count spiders and an occasional mosquito.) And then the questions implied that we were raising a child with this adoption. So I stated: To be clear, I'm not a "dog lover." I believe dogs are animals...not human. I will treat the dog for what it is and will teach my children to respect and be kind to animals. But it will not be a member of the family...it will be a pet.
I suppose it was wishful thinking to assume there would be a normal person on the other end of the application process. But I should have considered reality. (And I'll refrain from name-calling.)
My response was sarcastic and factually accurate. I described the numbers of euthanized animals. And concluded my lengthy response with the following: Children become self-sufficient over time and eventually leave home. Pets never become self-sufficient and will never leave our home. For this reason, I will not define the dog as a member of our family...unless she helps with the laundry and helps clean the bathrooms. (Please note I'm trying to add a little humor.) Regardless of how we define the puppy's status within our family, we will treat her well and provide a good home.
It's unfortunate that good American families have lost their freedom to own pets. (If the word "own" is offensive, please replace it with the word "adopt.") I can only assume the puppy has signed a contract giving her rights to you. Otherwise, how could you have been given such authority?
I carboned the local news organizations with my response and submitted "story ideas" to the local networks.
Local Humane Society Denies 5 Children a Puppy.
I'm ruthless.
Good luck to our local humane society.
Oh ya...the whole text book thing. Text books, by nature, teach you what to think and how to think about the information you're reading. The same is true for any news outlet. My point is...go to the source. Go to the original documents and develop your own opinions. I'll share more in our next post.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
My Dream Job
If I could make a living and support my family doing this...I would be in heaven. I love the close harmonies and, well, it's just plain fun. It makes you feel good and smile.
Monday, May 19, 2008
In no particular order
1) All are invited...none are expected. :) Mark will be turning 8 on September 28 this year. I talked with the Bishop and asked if we could have his baptism on his birthday (since it falls on a Sunday). So Mark's baptism is set for Sunday, September 28, 2008. We're excited for him. And he's excited to be baptized...which is a relief. Until a few weeks ago, he did not like the idea. The water scares him so we had Grandma Christensen and his cousin Hannah share their experiences. Now he's looking forward to it...and he's prepared.
2) For our Illinois friends (and anyone else who might care), I was called to be the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric this past Sunday. I suppose a year in Illinois wasn't enough experience. When I filled in for David Grow January 2007, they had 5 kids and we had 4. Now we have 5. The counselor who I replaced here in Virginia has 7 children. Hmmm...sign of things to come?!? I'll defer that to Karen.
3) Young bunnies have a better chance of survival when you step on them...as opposed to chopping them up with a lawn mower.
4) The hardest thing to clean up is liquid soap. Ironic, isn't it? Peter (2) went to town a few nights ago while washing his hands.
5) 13 is my favorite number. 23 is a close second...not sure why but that date has been ingrained in my head...perhaps because it was the date of my first kiss...I'll let you guess the year Mom and Dad! But 13 is by far the coolest number.
6) Oh! Did you want some background information on #3? (Karen says I'm sick and twisted) At our home in Illinois, I ran over a nest of bunnies twice. TWICE. Do you have any idea how GUILTY I felt? It was horrible. I rushed the kids inside as I picked up pieces and watched one bunny take its' last breath. My stomach still gets into knots as I think about how I separated brothers and sisters and destroyed families. Can you imagine if you were the lone survivor of such a tragedy?
So this past Saturday, I was surveying a corner of our yard that I am planning to landscape. I was innocently standing next to a tree and I hear this high pitched squeal. I felt something under my foot and backed up only to step on another bunny. I saw two bunnies scamper off while the one under my foot was paralyzed with fear. I picked it up and he squealed even louder. I noticed blood on its nose so we made a little home for it and the kids (with gloves) petted him for a while. Once we got him to stop shaking we took him and his sister (I don't really know their genders) back to their nest. We could tell they knew it was home. They burrowed themselves right back into the hole.
We watched for the mom to come back during the evening hours and saw three bunnies come out of the nest and spend some bonding time with her. I was relieved. While I don't encourage you stepping on bunnies...it's a much better option than running over them with a lawn mower.
7) I have the most blah job...but I'm not complaining. It provides for the needs of my family and allows me to serve the Lord. But on a scale of 1-10 for cool jobs, I'm struggling even to be on the bottom of the list. I was talking with some members after Stake Priesthood meeting last night...and I was amazed at the kind of jobs out there. One guy, 30...so my age, has spent the last 5 years attaching commercial satellites to old Russian missiles, sailing to the equator, and launching the satellites off the boat. How cool does that sound? Now he's getting his PhD at UVA and wants to get back into the field of Space. There are guys here who work for NASA and guys who work for the FBI and can't tell their family what their current assignment is. There's another guy who gets paid to learn (as he put it...he's a research professor at UVA). My father-in-law has worked on top-secret projects dealing with weapons systems. And me? I'm an underwriting manager. Most people don't even know what an underwriter is. And I manage them. But I'm not complaining. Life IS good.
8) I discovered a tasteless cookie tonight. If you want to avoid the recipe, let me know. I think the cocoa powder and peanut butter somehow offset each other. You can barely taste the chocolate chips that are in them. It's a tasteless cookie and I was thoroughly disappointed.
9) There's a june bug constantly hitting our window screen right now and it's freakin' me out. Why did God create june bugs? At least it's a beautiful night and we have the windows open.
2) For our Illinois friends (and anyone else who might care), I was called to be the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric this past Sunday. I suppose a year in Illinois wasn't enough experience. When I filled in for David Grow January 2007, they had 5 kids and we had 4. Now we have 5. The counselor who I replaced here in Virginia has 7 children. Hmmm...sign of things to come?!? I'll defer that to Karen.
3) Young bunnies have a better chance of survival when you step on them...as opposed to chopping them up with a lawn mower.
4) The hardest thing to clean up is liquid soap. Ironic, isn't it? Peter (2) went to town a few nights ago while washing his hands.
5) 13 is my favorite number. 23 is a close second...not sure why but that date has been ingrained in my head...perhaps because it was the date of my first kiss...I'll let you guess the year Mom and Dad! But 13 is by far the coolest number.
6) Oh! Did you want some background information on #3? (Karen says I'm sick and twisted) At our home in Illinois, I ran over a nest of bunnies twice. TWICE. Do you have any idea how GUILTY I felt? It was horrible. I rushed the kids inside as I picked up pieces and watched one bunny take its' last breath. My stomach still gets into knots as I think about how I separated brothers and sisters and destroyed families. Can you imagine if you were the lone survivor of such a tragedy?
So this past Saturday, I was surveying a corner of our yard that I am planning to landscape. I was innocently standing next to a tree and I hear this high pitched squeal. I felt something under my foot and backed up only to step on another bunny. I saw two bunnies scamper off while the one under my foot was paralyzed with fear. I picked it up and he squealed even louder. I noticed blood on its nose so we made a little home for it and the kids (with gloves) petted him for a while. Once we got him to stop shaking we took him and his sister (I don't really know their genders) back to their nest. We could tell they knew it was home. They burrowed themselves right back into the hole.
We watched for the mom to come back during the evening hours and saw three bunnies come out of the nest and spend some bonding time with her. I was relieved. While I don't encourage you stepping on bunnies...it's a much better option than running over them with a lawn mower.
7) I have the most blah job...but I'm not complaining. It provides for the needs of my family and allows me to serve the Lord. But on a scale of 1-10 for cool jobs, I'm struggling even to be on the bottom of the list. I was talking with some members after Stake Priesthood meeting last night...and I was amazed at the kind of jobs out there. One guy, 30...so my age, has spent the last 5 years attaching commercial satellites to old Russian missiles, sailing to the equator, and launching the satellites off the boat. How cool does that sound? Now he's getting his PhD at UVA and wants to get back into the field of Space. There are guys here who work for NASA and guys who work for the FBI and can't tell their family what their current assignment is. There's another guy who gets paid to learn (as he put it...he's a research professor at UVA). My father-in-law has worked on top-secret projects dealing with weapons systems. And me? I'm an underwriting manager. Most people don't even know what an underwriter is. And I manage them. But I'm not complaining. Life IS good.
8) I discovered a tasteless cookie tonight. If you want to avoid the recipe, let me know. I think the cocoa powder and peanut butter somehow offset each other. You can barely taste the chocolate chips that are in them. It's a tasteless cookie and I was thoroughly disappointed.
9) There's a june bug constantly hitting our window screen right now and it's freakin' me out. Why did God create june bugs? At least it's a beautiful night and we have the windows open.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
A license to...
I had an interesting conversation with my boss a few months ago. We were talking about this current generation that is entering the workforce. I was dealing with an employee who is pretty relaxed about coming in to work, doing homework on work time, and his indifference to being a "team player." If it doesn't help his ambition, why should he bother?
The conversation became more general as we talked about parenting techniques and styles. And our perceived lack of discipline that this current generation received. Bottom line, kids out of college today seem to expect to drive their parents BMW without having to earn it. They want to be the CEO of a company as if it's their right. (Generally speaking...certainly not all young adults in Generation Y are like this.)
Adults are having kids without thinking through the long-term responsibilities. And my boss said, "You have to have a license to drive. You have to have a license to perform certain jobs. Too bad that people don't have to qualify for a license to have kids!"
I responded, "Actually we do. It's called a marriage license."
She just kind of looked at me. The conversation continued. I don't think she caught on. Probably because it's not as significant outside the Mormon community.
Consider the significance.
What happens when you're caught driving without a license?
What happens if you call yourself a financial planner yet you don't have the credentials?
What happens if a job requires you to have a college degree and you don't have one?
What happens if...
In any of these situations, you're either fined or you don't get what you want. Why doesn't society hold similar standards for child-bearing? Outside of the moral realm, of what consequence is it to have a marriage license? You certainly don't have to have one to live together. You don't need it to have kids. You don't need it raise a family.
WHY NOT?
Teachers should be the highest paid profession on the face of this earth. Emergency personnel (police, firefighters, etc.) should be the next highest paid. Insurance of any kind should not be regulated by the government. And you should not be allowed to have kids without a marriage license. (Sorry for the inclusion of things that seem to be completely off point...but they are just a few things that I feel strongly about.)
The truth is--you DO have to have permission to have children and raise a family. And it's not something the government can give you. It's much higher than that. And thank heavens for that. Four republican judges in California overturned the will of the people. Four men. FOUR. After California voted and banned marriage among the gay and lesbian communities, four men exercised unrighteous dominion. I don't get the logic. So if two men or two women can get married, why is there such a concern over polygamy in Texas or Arizona?!? (sex with minors aside) If it's ok for two women to marry, why can't a man have four wives of legal age? Why can't a woman decide to marry her cat? Of what value is a marriage license when man devalues its meaning and worth.
A marriage license should ultimately have the seal of God on it. Otherwise, it's of no worth after this life. And that's one reason I'm grateful to be a part of this great church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints solemnly proclaims "that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children."
We do need God's permission to raise a family. After all, these are His children...not ours. We are simply stewards for a brief time. The relationships will be bound for all eternity when a marriage is performed under the direction of the Priesthood...but Mark, Anya, James, Peter, and Luke are not ours. They are God's. And I will be more faithful each day to pray and make sure I am raising them according to His will.
The conversation became more general as we talked about parenting techniques and styles. And our perceived lack of discipline that this current generation received. Bottom line, kids out of college today seem to expect to drive their parents BMW without having to earn it. They want to be the CEO of a company as if it's their right. (Generally speaking...certainly not all young adults in Generation Y are like this.)
Adults are having kids without thinking through the long-term responsibilities. And my boss said, "You have to have a license to drive. You have to have a license to perform certain jobs. Too bad that people don't have to qualify for a license to have kids!"
I responded, "Actually we do. It's called a marriage license."
She just kind of looked at me. The conversation continued. I don't think she caught on. Probably because it's not as significant outside the Mormon community.
Consider the significance.
What happens when you're caught driving without a license?
What happens if you call yourself a financial planner yet you don't have the credentials?
What happens if a job requires you to have a college degree and you don't have one?
What happens if...
In any of these situations, you're either fined or you don't get what you want. Why doesn't society hold similar standards for child-bearing? Outside of the moral realm, of what consequence is it to have a marriage license? You certainly don't have to have one to live together. You don't need it to have kids. You don't need it raise a family.
WHY NOT?
Teachers should be the highest paid profession on the face of this earth. Emergency personnel (police, firefighters, etc.) should be the next highest paid. Insurance of any kind should not be regulated by the government. And you should not be allowed to have kids without a marriage license. (Sorry for the inclusion of things that seem to be completely off point...but they are just a few things that I feel strongly about.)
The truth is--you DO have to have permission to have children and raise a family. And it's not something the government can give you. It's much higher than that. And thank heavens for that. Four republican judges in California overturned the will of the people. Four men. FOUR. After California voted and banned marriage among the gay and lesbian communities, four men exercised unrighteous dominion. I don't get the logic. So if two men or two women can get married, why is there such a concern over polygamy in Texas or Arizona?!? (sex with minors aside) If it's ok for two women to marry, why can't a man have four wives of legal age? Why can't a woman decide to marry her cat? Of what value is a marriage license when man devalues its meaning and worth.
A marriage license should ultimately have the seal of God on it. Otherwise, it's of no worth after this life. And that's one reason I'm grateful to be a part of this great church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints solemnly proclaims "that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children."
We do need God's permission to raise a family. After all, these are His children...not ours. We are simply stewards for a brief time. The relationships will be bound for all eternity when a marriage is performed under the direction of the Priesthood...but Mark, Anya, James, Peter, and Luke are not ours. They are God's. And I will be more faithful each day to pray and make sure I am raising them according to His will.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Spiders and Home Mortgages
These are the topics at hand right now. Well...there are others...but these two may be considered "blog worthy."
Does anyone else think dead spiders are more creepy than live ones? Seriously. Karen and I were just talking. I was at the computer and she was in the reading chair. I looked down and in between us was a clump of yarn. But as I looked closer, I could tell legs were curled. And THAT's what's creepy. Partly because you never know if the spider is kidding or not. But curled up legs are pretty creepy. If spiders didn't have legs, I don't think I would mind them so much.
Mortgages. In our current environment when people are walking away from their homes and leaving them in dissaray (i.e.: taking faucets and parts of appliances and anything else they may sell or use elsewhere) you'd think that mortgage companies would welcome proactive customers willing to pay their bill early. Karen and I wanted to to pay our mortgage bi-weekly. Statistics show that it will shave years off the life of the loan. Instead, our friendly mortgage company wrote us and said, "We are currently holding your payment. In order for us to apply the unapplied funds to your Mortgage account, you must make your payment in full."
Oh. But they're willing to do it for us if we pay a $500 fee. Phooey on them. Perhaps I'll call them on Monday and ask them if they'd rather have a proactive customer willing to pay regularly or if I should join those who trash their house and walk away. I wonder which customer they prefer? :)
I'm off to read the contract...
**UPDATE** I read the contract and IT DOES, in fact, state that the lender is not obligated to apply a partial payment. But...it doesn't say they can't. I can be persuasive...
Does anyone else think dead spiders are more creepy than live ones? Seriously. Karen and I were just talking. I was at the computer and she was in the reading chair. I looked down and in between us was a clump of yarn. But as I looked closer, I could tell legs were curled. And THAT's what's creepy. Partly because you never know if the spider is kidding or not. But curled up legs are pretty creepy. If spiders didn't have legs, I don't think I would mind them so much.
Mortgages. In our current environment when people are walking away from their homes and leaving them in dissaray (i.e.: taking faucets and parts of appliances and anything else they may sell or use elsewhere) you'd think that mortgage companies would welcome proactive customers willing to pay their bill early. Karen and I wanted to to pay our mortgage bi-weekly. Statistics show that it will shave years off the life of the loan. Instead, our friendly mortgage company wrote us and said, "We are currently holding your payment. In order for us to apply the unapplied funds to your Mortgage account, you must make your payment in full."
Oh. But they're willing to do it for us if we pay a $500 fee. Phooey on them. Perhaps I'll call them on Monday and ask them if they'd rather have a proactive customer willing to pay regularly or if I should join those who trash their house and walk away. I wonder which customer they prefer? :)
I'm off to read the contract...
**UPDATE** I read the contract and IT DOES, in fact, state that the lender is not obligated to apply a partial payment. But...it doesn't say they can't. I can be persuasive...
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Ssssssssss
Seriously, I don't know HOW Karen spotted these among brown leaves. Any comments making fun of David will be DELETED.
Oh! Glen & Cheryl ~ I waved to you guys as I drove past the Centreville exit off I-66 on my way to and from Silver Spring, MD today. Had I not had another employee in my car I would have paid you a surprise visit. Maybe next time!
Oh! Glen & Cheryl ~ I waved to you guys as I drove past the Centreville exit off I-66 on my way to and from Silver Spring, MD today. Had I not had another employee in my car I would have paid you a surprise visit. Maybe next time!
Monday, May 12, 2008
They're moving in...
Even as I post this, our old home is being moved into. It feels weird. It was our first home. Karen
and I both felt a little sick to our stomachs when we heard the news. Apparently, the new residents have two young boys. So they should fit right in with the neighborhood.
It was a good home. Karen and I bought as much house as we
could afford (which wasn't much) and turned it into a home. Believe me...our first home needed a lot of work:
Here's one before and after shot.
The house was overgrown with bushes that probably had not been taken care of since they were planted in the 60's.
It was a lot of fun to remove the bushes. All yews were removed!!
Maybe it's worldly of me, but I was proud of my first retaining wall.
We tried to make our entrance inviting...as opposed to the castle wall that used to barricade the front door.
We planted a garden, put in several rock beds and created flower gardens wherever we could.
And this was only the outside! We painted the entire inside, put in some crown molding, updated the ceiling fan, laid self-adhesive
tile and carpet in the basement, updated our 100 amp fuse box to a 200 amp circuit breaker, and updated our bathroom (which involved removing a 400 pound cast iron tub). I'm sure I'm missing something. It was hard work...but very satisfying.
And now a young family is moving in today. I hope they'll appreciate what we did for that house. I'll never get to see the vibernum bloom in the back yard that I planted about this time last year. One of our neighbors called and said how beautiful the plants look. We miss our neighbors. We're grateful for the memories we have of Danvers, Illinois.
Here's Eric Melick (one of the best neighbors anyone could ask for) leaving us a message a few days ago:
and I both felt a little sick to our stomachs when we heard the news. Apparently, the new residents have two young boys. So they should fit right in with the neighborhood.It was a good home. Karen and I bought as much house as we
could afford (which wasn't much) and turned it into a home. Believe me...our first home needed a lot of work:Here's one before and after shot.
The house was overgrown with bushes that probably had not been taken care of since they were planted in the 60's.
It was a lot of fun to remove the bushes. All yews were removed!!
Maybe it's worldly of me, but I was proud of my first retaining wall.
We tried to make our entrance inviting...as opposed to the castle wall that used to barricade the front door.
We planted a garden, put in several rock beds and created flower gardens wherever we could.
And this was only the outside! We painted the entire inside, put in some crown molding, updated the ceiling fan, laid self-adhesive
tile and carpet in the basement, updated our 100 amp fuse box to a 200 amp circuit breaker, and updated our bathroom (which involved removing a 400 pound cast iron tub). I'm sure I'm missing something. It was hard work...but very satisfying.
And now a young family is moving in today. I hope they'll appreciate what we did for that house. I'll never get to see the vibernum bloom in the back yard that I planted about this time last year. One of our neighbors called and said how beautiful the plants look. We miss our neighbors. We're grateful for the memories we have of Danvers, Illinois.
Here's Eric Melick (one of the best neighbors anyone could ask for) leaving us a message a few days ago:
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day
The Bishop (on TUESDAY around 8:30pm) asked us to talk today (Mother's Day). The Lord has been kind and helped us put some thoughts together Wednesday and Thursday. (Friday and Saturday was the Priesthood Commemoration Father and Son campout...we'll try to get the boys on the webcam after church to tell about their experiences.) So in honor of our Mom's (because really...without the two of you we wouldn't have had the privilege of having our stomachs in knots for the past few days...i.e.: had we not been born we could not have been asked to talk)...Happy Mother's Day (from David) and Happy Mother's Day (from Karen).
Monday, May 5, 2008
I'm not very good at these tag games...
I'm trying to get Karen to participate in this one...stay tuned.
8 things David is passionate about:
-History
-Keeping things simple
-Landscaping
-Nature
-Music
-Maps
-My family
-The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ
8 past books I've read (do picture books count?):
-The Peacegiver
-Huck Finn
-History of Joseph Smith By His Mother
-Jesus the Christ
-Great and Terrible series
-Fanny's Dream
-Grace Works
-Just started reading Team of Rivals and The Lonesome Gods...combined that's GOT to count for one
8 things I often say:
-Hi
-uh huh
-Interesting
-really?
-oh
-holy freakin' cow
-love you
-Bye
8 things I look for in a friend:
-spirituality
-likes to laugh
-sincerity
-likes to play games
-enjoys practical jokes
-open-minded
-can discuss current events
-older people (they have great stories)
8 things I want to do before I die:
-camp out atop Mt. Timpanogos
-learn more patience
-overcome weaknesses
-watch my kids grow up
-travel the country in an RV
-write a book
-run for president (I think I warned Karen before we got married...)
-live a long time
8 things I have learned this past year:
-I'm relaxed...or lazy...take your pick
-I love to plan
-Mosiah chapter 3 (in the Book of Mormon) was spoken by an angel...not King Benjamin. Read the chapter again knowing that it was an angel of God speaking those words...it enhanced the teachings of that chapter for me
-Mark's favorite color is red because it reminds the world that Jesus bled for us (Karen informed me he got this idea from The Friend)
-Coral reefs are flourishing along the Bikini Atoll's despite nuclear bombs being tested during the mid 1950's. The earth knows how to take care of itself. Despite human egotism, our impact on the earth is insignificant...don't even get me started with carbon footprints and carbon credits.
-Abraham Lincoln said, "The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next."
-My theory on the existence of Dinosaurs has evolved (no pun intended).
-So far, kids age 2 are my favorite
8 people I want to do the 8 things:
-Sarah Lewis
-Julie Olsen
-Cheryl Knutti (yes...you can use the Knutti family blog)
-Julie Wheeler
-Kathy Massy
-Uzi
-Jake Moon
-Wendy Maple
That was hard...yet rewarding. Thanks for the tag, Laurel. And for those of you still reading...my youngest older sister has a new website for Young Women. If you know a girl between the ages of 12-18...encourage them to take a look at: http://www.goasklaurel.com/.
8 things David is passionate about:
-History
-Keeping things simple
-Landscaping
-Nature
-Music
-Maps
-My family
-The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ
8 past books I've read (do picture books count?):
-The Peacegiver
-Huck Finn
-History of Joseph Smith By His Mother
-Jesus the Christ
-Great and Terrible series
-Fanny's Dream
-Grace Works
-Just started reading Team of Rivals and The Lonesome Gods...combined that's GOT to count for one
8 things I often say:
-Hi
-uh huh
-Interesting
-really?
-oh
-holy freakin' cow
-love you
-Bye
8 things I look for in a friend:
-spirituality
-likes to laugh
-sincerity
-likes to play games
-enjoys practical jokes
-open-minded
-can discuss current events
-older people (they have great stories)
8 things I want to do before I die:
-camp out atop Mt. Timpanogos
-learn more patience
-overcome weaknesses
-watch my kids grow up
-travel the country in an RV
-write a book
-run for president (I think I warned Karen before we got married...)
-live a long time
8 things I have learned this past year:
-I'm relaxed...or lazy...take your pick
-I love to plan
-Mosiah chapter 3 (in the Book of Mormon) was spoken by an angel...not King Benjamin. Read the chapter again knowing that it was an angel of God speaking those words...it enhanced the teachings of that chapter for me
-Mark's favorite color is red because it reminds the world that Jesus bled for us (Karen informed me he got this idea from The Friend)
-Coral reefs are flourishing along the Bikini Atoll's despite nuclear bombs being tested during the mid 1950's. The earth knows how to take care of itself. Despite human egotism, our impact on the earth is insignificant...don't even get me started with carbon footprints and carbon credits.
-Abraham Lincoln said, "The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next."
-My theory on the existence of Dinosaurs has evolved (no pun intended).
-So far, kids age 2 are my favorite
8 people I want to do the 8 things:
-Sarah Lewis
-Julie Olsen
-Cheryl Knutti (yes...you can use the Knutti family blog)
-Julie Wheeler
-Kathy Massy
-Uzi
-Jake Moon
-Wendy Maple
That was hard...yet rewarding. Thanks for the tag, Laurel. And for those of you still reading...my youngest older sister has a new website for Young Women. If you know a girl between the ages of 12-18...encourage them to take a look at: http://www.goasklaurel.com/.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Our own family circus
Remember that cartoon? Well, I realized we're living it. Karen keeps track of our kids "sayings" and has compiled quite a list over the years. She was reviewing them last night and I HAD to share a few with you. Some of them really could be a family circus cartoon.
Mark
Mark
- While driving past a pool after church on Sunday, Mark commented on all the kids swimming there. He said, "We don't swim on Sunday, they don't understand the rules." (age 4)
- Mark was "taking pictures" (snapping the flash on his camera) on the way to church today. Suddenly he tells me, "Mom, I took a picture close to my eye. The sky isn't blue anymore." So I asked him what color it was. He replied, "Red!" He was rather concerned, but by the time we got to church his vision had returned to normal. (age 4)
- I heard Mark tell Anya this morning, "This is how you laugh in Spanish, mmwwwhahaha," done in a deep throaty voice. (age 5)
Anya
- Anya went to the doctor today and had to have blood drawn. Once outside she informed me that she did not want to go to the "monster doctor" again. (age 3)
- Anya has always called the sister missionaries "sister marys" so when we got elders in the ward again, she decided their proper name must be "boy sister marys." (age 3)
- Anya informed me today about her bathroom issues, "My poops are spicy." (age 4)
James
- Today James told me this, "...and I have eyebrows and eyes and a mouth and a nose with boogers in it. But I don't have boogers anymore because I picked them all out and they are all over the house." (age 3)
- Today James informed me that he knows that the fat in my pants is just the baby. (age 4)
- The kids were playing outside this morning while Daddy finished some planting. It was flipping between misting and lightly raining so for some reason James held his fist up to the sky and declared, "Curse you rain!" (age 4)
We're enjoying the journey...
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Speech Therapy
Peter said all 26 letters of the alphabet today! Karen learned the art of bribing with pistachios. It was such a HUGE step forward. Peter will be 3 in October. And he doesn't "talk" yet. Karen and I have learned to understand a lot of his "words," but it's mostly grunts and sounds he makes in the back of his throat. We don't draw any attention to it and have decided not to seek professional help yet. We make it a point not to compare our children to each other and enjoy watching each one develop at their own speed and in their own way.
Peter is a lovable cuddly two year old and it was SO fun to hear him say letters today that he has never said before. When he can't quite get the letter out we encourage him to say the sound. Here's a sampling:
Peter is a lovable cuddly two year old and it was SO fun to hear him say letters today that he has never said before. When he can't quite get the letter out we encourage him to say the sound. Here's a sampling:
No disrespect to the dead, but...
We're in civil war country out here in Virginia and there are a lot of relic hunters in the area. I came across a tragic story of a man killed by a cannonball blast as he was cleaning it in his driveway. Following is a quote from the article:
Brenda White is convinced her husband was working on a flawed cannonball, and no amount of caution could have prevented his death.
Does anyone else see the irony in this statement?
If not, consider the following:
Her family was convinced Laurel had a faulty parachute when skydiving, and no amount of caution could have prevented her death.
His family was convinced David stepped on loose rocks atop Mt. Timp, and no amount of caution could have prevented his death.
She was convinced he was capturing a boa constrictor, and no amount of caution could have prevented his death.
I could go on. Am I bordering on grotesque...or is it just sheer sarcasm? Karen says I'm just sick. She does not approve this post.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Christensen Sunday Reflections
Here's two:
It's kind of fun to have an "excuse" to peek during prayers. It's called being a parent. And I enjoy the freedom. The beauty of it is...if I'm caught, the person who caught me can't say anything...because they shouldn't have their eyes open either.
But when you have five kids...and one is them is two years old...it's so rewarding to see how obedient and reverent young children can be. I love watching Peter fold his arms and keep his eyes closed. I love how, on occasion, our children keep their eyes closed but continue to blindly continue the activity they were doing prior to the prayer. And I love it when James squishes one eye so he can open the other and see if anyone is watching.
I love their innocence...their obedience...their pure faith...their example.
Kids are great!
=============
On a lighter topic...it happened several weeks ago. But I was reminded of the event and had to share.
Do you know the song, Beautiful Girls? Sean Kingston sings it and it's a horrible song! But it's got one of those catchy tunes. And we listened to it whenever it came on the radio. It's hard to understand the words so we figured the kids weren't picking up on all of it. Then Mark asked what "suicidal" meant.
So we explained it on their level and kept it basic...it means someone is sad. They were satisfied with that. We don't listen to the song anymore. Haven't heard it in probably 4-6 months.
Testimony meeting March 2008. It was a mediocre meeting. Nothing really special. Unfortunately, someone's cell phone went off. And there was a 10 second delay for the owner of the cell phone to turn it off. Very irreverent. I rolled my eyes. The tune was Beautiful Girls. C'mon people!
As Anya(6) was reading the Illustrated Stories of the Book of Mormon, she and the boys subconsciously chimed in, "suicidal, suicidal." I recall Mark(7) looking up at me and smiling.
No family is perfect.
Happy Sabbath!
It's kind of fun to have an "excuse" to peek during prayers. It's called being a parent. And I enjoy the freedom. The beauty of it is...if I'm caught, the person who caught me can't say anything...because they shouldn't have their eyes open either.
But when you have five kids...and one is them is two years old...it's so rewarding to see how obedient and reverent young children can be. I love watching Peter fold his arms and keep his eyes closed. I love how, on occasion, our children keep their eyes closed but continue to blindly continue the activity they were doing prior to the prayer. And I love it when James squishes one eye so he can open the other and see if anyone is watching.
I love their innocence...their obedience...their pure faith...their example.
Kids are great!
=============
On a lighter topic...it happened several weeks ago. But I was reminded of the event and had to share.
Do you know the song, Beautiful Girls? Sean Kingston sings it and it's a horrible song! But it's got one of those catchy tunes. And we listened to it whenever it came on the radio. It's hard to understand the words so we figured the kids weren't picking up on all of it. Then Mark asked what "suicidal" meant.
So we explained it on their level and kept it basic...it means someone is sad. They were satisfied with that. We don't listen to the song anymore. Haven't heard it in probably 4-6 months.
Testimony meeting March 2008. It was a mediocre meeting. Nothing really special. Unfortunately, someone's cell phone went off. And there was a 10 second delay for the owner of the cell phone to turn it off. Very irreverent. I rolled my eyes. The tune was Beautiful Girls. C'mon people!
As Anya(6) was reading the Illustrated Stories of the Book of Mormon, she and the boys subconsciously chimed in, "suicidal, suicidal." I recall Mark(7) looking up at me and smiling.
No family is perfect.
Happy Sabbath!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
A Birthday Ode (or two)
i like that grandpa and hannah are part of the family. i love my family. happy birthday! i can't wait until grandpa comes! ~ Mark
Grandpa tickles us a lot. Hannah is nice. I love our family. Happy Birthday Hannah and Grandpa! ~ Anya
The orgin of birthday celebrations dates back to the time when so many children died young that each birthday you reached was a reason enough to throw a party. Since that is less of a worry these days, now we celebrate birthdays to show how much we love and appreciate someone.
Hannah - so kind, and so thoughtful. We have missed living close to you. Thanks for being born and being part of our family. We love you!
Grandpa/Dad - he tickles and he grabs necks! are the first comments our kids usually give when asked about you. We know that you do so much more than that. Always diligent in duties to family and God, you have been a shining example for us to follow. I personally love all the phrases you use and I knew with certainty that when I was called a dumb broad, I truly became a full-fledged member of the family. I love watching David each day and seeing so much of his dad in him. Can't wait to see you guys tomorrow! ~ Karen
Hannah - Happy happy birthday! I love your smile, your many facial expressions, your laugh, your kindness, your hair, your playfulness...I could go on and on. I love being your uncle. You are a beautiful daughter of God. Happy 11th birthday!
Dad - I've always looked up to you. I get a lump in my throat and moistened eyes just thinking of how appreciative I am for your example. You're solid. Happy 66th birthday! ~David
Grandpa tickles us a lot. Hannah is nice. I love our family. Happy Birthday Hannah and Grandpa! ~ Anya
The orgin of birthday celebrations dates back to the time when so many children died young that each birthday you reached was a reason enough to throw a party. Since that is less of a worry these days, now we celebrate birthdays to show how much we love and appreciate someone.
Hannah - so kind, and so thoughtful. We have missed living close to you. Thanks for being born and being part of our family. We love you!
Grandpa/Dad - he tickles and he grabs necks! are the first comments our kids usually give when asked about you. We know that you do so much more than that. Always diligent in duties to family and God, you have been a shining example for us to follow. I personally love all the phrases you use and I knew with certainty that when I was called a dumb broad, I truly became a full-fledged member of the family. I love watching David each day and seeing so much of his dad in him. Can't wait to see you guys tomorrow! ~ Karen
Hannah - Happy happy birthday! I love your smile, your many facial expressions, your laugh, your kindness, your hair, your playfulness...I could go on and on. I love being your uncle. You are a beautiful daughter of God. Happy 11th birthday!
Dad - I've always looked up to you. I get a lump in my throat and moistened eyes just thinking of how appreciative I am for your example. You're solid. Happy 66th birthday! ~David
Thursday, April 17, 2008
911
About two years ago (our pre-blog history), there was a time when Mommy played Monopoly Jr. with Mark. Mommy won...and Mark didn't like that. So Mark called 911 to tell them that Mommy was being mean.
Imagine your response.
A police officer came to the house not long after. He did a bit of "interrogating" to make sure everything really was ok. Mark was in hiding. Karen had Mark come out and the nice police officer filled Mark's innocent thoughts with the fear of God. :)
With 5 kids we're bound to have a few stories to share. Karen and I are convinced they conspire at night just to keep the playing field even.
I think we had an FHE lesson a few weeks previously explaining that if someone is in trouble, call 911. We'll be more specific in the future.
Needless to say, 911 operators don't take a 5 year old calling and saying their Mommy is being mean lightly. And what's worse, Mark hung up on the operator. So Karen learns about all of this by getting a call from the 911 operator asking if everything is alright.
Imagine your response.
A police officer came to the house not long after. He did a bit of "interrogating" to make sure everything really was ok. Mark was in hiding. Karen had Mark come out and the nice police officer filled Mark's innocent thoughts with the fear of God. :)
Mark won't call 911 again...unless it really is an emergency.
Peter is 2. And he has recently taken a liking to the phone.
Peter is 2. And he has recently taken a liking to the phone.
Daddy got a call from a 911 operator tonight. She asked if everyone was alright. But this time there was no police officer at the door...fortunately.
Here's what I've learned about our false alarms: if your child expresses concern to a 911 operator, a police officer will come to your house; if your child simply hangs up on the 911 operator without saying anything, you won't have to deal with a police officer.
With 5 kids we're bound to have a few stories to share. Karen and I are convinced they conspire at night just to keep the playing field even.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Coming up for air
I have been busy. Not really, but it seems like it. Until last night I had not read any blogs for about a week. Which is a very long time for me. Between my education, homeschool for the kids, being up every two hours at night (still) and scrapbooking, I have filled up my time. Sometimes I really wonder how shocked people I knew back in high school would be to see me now. (Forget that, how about my own family seeing how different I am now as opposed to then!)
I just did a let's learn about Native Americans and make our own peanut butter time with the kids, during which they shelled peanuts and I read outloud to them from The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. It was fun, but I am sticking (no pun intended) with Jif.
I am eating (Mom and Dad will LOOVE this) a bowl of Grapenuts in milk with sliced strawberries! How healthy am I?! Not very, I am planning on an Oreo or three a little later this afternoon.
In the last week I got the bug again and started scrapbooking again. I was, believe it or not, almost a year behind! For me that is totally unacceptable. The last page I had done was chronologically just after James' 4th birthday. yikes! So in the last week I have created 12 pages of our family's history. I am now only 6 months behind, in that I just did the pages for Luke's birth yesterday. Oh, and I am working on a blanket for Sarah's baby boy. ~Carolyn, your package is in the mail!~
Today is a good day.
Now the main reason I decided to post today was to respond to Wendy's tag.
ok, the nearest book to the desk when I read your post last night was and still is "A Thomas Jefferson Education" So, page 123, 5th sentence right? here it is:
But if you want something else, you'd better get into another system.
That's part of a discussion about whether you want a conveyor belt education or a leadership education. Good stuff!
Well, now that I have had a deep breath of oxygen, down I go again into the abyss. I have 2 pages to scrapbook, diapers to change, a baby to feed, home videos to transfer to vhs, not to mention my studies, in tjed, spencerian penmanship and last but certainly not least, the scriptures. It's a beautiful day!
I just did a let's learn about Native Americans and make our own peanut butter time with the kids, during which they shelled peanuts and I read outloud to them from The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. It was fun, but I am sticking (no pun intended) with Jif.
I am eating (Mom and Dad will LOOVE this) a bowl of Grapenuts in milk with sliced strawberries! How healthy am I?! Not very, I am planning on an Oreo or three a little later this afternoon.
In the last week I got the bug again and started scrapbooking again. I was, believe it or not, almost a year behind! For me that is totally unacceptable. The last page I had done was chronologically just after James' 4th birthday. yikes! So in the last week I have created 12 pages of our family's history. I am now only 6 months behind, in that I just did the pages for Luke's birth yesterday. Oh, and I am working on a blanket for Sarah's baby boy. ~Carolyn, your package is in the mail!~
Today is a good day.
Now the main reason I decided to post today was to respond to Wendy's tag.
ok, the nearest book to the desk when I read your post last night was and still is "A Thomas Jefferson Education" So, page 123, 5th sentence right? here it is:
But if you want something else, you'd better get into another system.
That's part of a discussion about whether you want a conveyor belt education or a leadership education. Good stuff!
Well, now that I have had a deep breath of oxygen, down I go again into the abyss. I have 2 pages to scrapbook, diapers to change, a baby to feed, home videos to transfer to vhs, not to mention my studies, in tjed, spencerian penmanship and last but certainly not least, the scriptures. It's a beautiful day!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Mark, Anya, and James
Just wanted to provide some insight into a few of our children...who really are growing up too fast! Karen and I try to enjoy most of the journey.
Mark
Mark bore his testimony this past Sunday without any nudging from his parents. He read in the program, "Bearing of testimonies," and told me he wanted to share his. I asked him if he remembered how to start it.
"No."
"I know..." I replied. "Do you remember how to end it?"
"No."
"In the name of..."
"Oh ya!"
For a number of reasons I won't share here, I stood up to bear my testimony. I was holding Peter since Karen was out nursing Luke. Mark didn't follow me up and I was concerned he wouldn't get a turn because a long line had already formed. As I walked away from the podium, Mark courageously walked up alone (cutting in front of about 4 people) and went straight to the podium. His testimony on Sunday:
I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I know that the Church is true. I know that we can live for eternity. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
We asked him what prompted him to share his testimony. In addition to reading it on the program, he also gave credit to his cousin, Hannah. We talked about baptism Sunday morning and he reaffirmed his concern with going under the water. So we had Mark call Hannah to talk about her concern when she was baptized. He's still not ready but he feels better about the idea. And because of that conversation he wanted to share his testimony.
He's a good kid.
Anya
Anya lost her first tooth a couple weeks ago. Tooth fairies these days are handing out $1 for the first tooth. Anya approached Karen the other day and mentioned that she figured out what to do with the dollar. She wants to put it in the glass jar at the library. A new library is being built and she wants to help.
=====
Saturday morning we were handing out the vitamins to our kids. There was only one Flinstone vitamin left. Anya said, "Peter can have it. He's the youngest."
Anya is developing into quite the caregiver. She almost always places others before her own needs. Which makes it all the harder to refuse when she calls out to Daddy for some cuddle time at night.
James
James jumped from his kitchen chair the other night and wanted to move faster than his little legs could move him. He fell with a thud. Karen asked, "How's the floor?"
James, in a matter-of-fact way that only a 5 year old can pull off, responded, "Hard."
Karen and I had a good laugh.
Mark
Mark bore his testimony this past Sunday without any nudging from his parents. He read in the program, "Bearing of testimonies," and told me he wanted to share his. I asked him if he remembered how to start it.
"No."
"I know..." I replied. "Do you remember how to end it?"
"No."
"In the name of..."
"Oh ya!"
For a number of reasons I won't share here, I stood up to bear my testimony. I was holding Peter since Karen was out nursing Luke. Mark didn't follow me up and I was concerned he wouldn't get a turn because a long line had already formed. As I walked away from the podium, Mark courageously walked up alone (cutting in front of about 4 people) and went straight to the podium. His testimony on Sunday:
I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I know that the Church is true. I know that we can live for eternity. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
We asked him what prompted him to share his testimony. In addition to reading it on the program, he also gave credit to his cousin, Hannah. We talked about baptism Sunday morning and he reaffirmed his concern with going under the water. So we had Mark call Hannah to talk about her concern when she was baptized. He's still not ready but he feels better about the idea. And because of that conversation he wanted to share his testimony.
He's a good kid.
Anya
Anya lost her first tooth a couple weeks ago. Tooth fairies these days are handing out $1 for the first tooth. Anya approached Karen the other day and mentioned that she figured out what to do with the dollar. She wants to put it in the glass jar at the library. A new library is being built and she wants to help.
=====
Saturday morning we were handing out the vitamins to our kids. There was only one Flinstone vitamin left. Anya said, "Peter can have it. He's the youngest."
Anya is developing into quite the caregiver. She almost always places others before her own needs. Which makes it all the harder to refuse when she calls out to Daddy for some cuddle time at night.
James
James jumped from his kitchen chair the other night and wanted to move faster than his little legs could move him. He fell with a thud. Karen asked, "How's the floor?"
James, in a matter-of-fact way that only a 5 year old can pull off, responded, "Hard."
Karen and I had a good laugh.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
James 5 year pictures
You have to understand...James is a third child. He's unpredictably emotional. He can be laughing one moment and pouting the next. He's a sensitive soul. :) We've learned to speak quietly with him when he's upset. And patience....patience is a MUST. Oh, and you have to give him plenty of advance notice.
So imagine taking one such as James for a photo shoot. He's five. I knew his mood would depend on how well the evening before and the morning of went. So, without being a pushover, we were extra sensitive to James' needs. And, though biased as his father, I have to admit our extra care paid off! Here's James Helaman:
Friday, April 11, 2008
Traditional Indian Vests
For an activity to learn about Native Americans we made vests today. Since I was fresh out of skins, we had to use brown paper bags. The kids had a good time and with very little explanation as to what they could decorate with, they came up with some very meaningful stuff.James went for the very powerful circles of doom. (ok, really he is five and has little patience for these kinds of things) Still he was a very cute strong man.
Anya was a little more detailed in her decorations. She included illustrations from a book titled "Ten Apples Up On Top" on one side and the other front section has a drawing of the Godhead with some stars. (She got the book idea from Mark, but the rest was all her).
Mark was the one who started everyone drawing scenes from the apples book which is depicted on the left of the picture. The right side of his vest is a rendition of the first vision. It's a little hard to see in the picture, but very cool that he thought to do that. (Mark also included his version of the gamecube on the back, which is apparently just as important to him as the stuff on the front. ahh, seven year olds.)
I must say how happy I am when they surprise me this way. It's a little bolstering up for the days when they are less attentive. This reminds me that I am actually not the only one who hears me talking. On some level they are getting it and I am thrilled. There is nothing better than seeing them learn and express themselves.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Family Trips
We are so excited! Karen and I usually plan field trips and vacations for the upcoming year each November. But with the move, nothing was done according to our regular schedule. So we finally planned our year and I just can't wait for the adventures.
"Field Trips" play an integral part in our homeschooling efforts. Anything from enjoying a nature walk to experiencing pre-Restoration religion at Historic Christ Church to living history in Jamestown to enjoying a picnic on a college campus to watching prop planes take off and land at the regional airport to exploring our backyard. The possibilities are endless. You name it...we want our kids to soak it all in and ask questions and be curious and feel and laugh and live.
How grateful we are to live in Virginia right now. We would certainly enjoy being closer to grandparents...but we want to take full advantage of the opportunities all around us. So here's what we'll be up to. Join us by clicking on all the links! :)
Day Trips (in no particular order)
- Richmond - both the capital and confederate capital
- Maymont
- Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown
- Skyline Dr in the fall
- Picnic on The Lawn & the Dome Room at UVa
- Monticello Trail
- Shirley Plantation
- Airport
- Historic Christ Church
- Downtown Mall
- Michie Tavern
- Carter Mountain Orchard
- Culpeper
- Hatton Ferry
- Salem
- Ash-Lawn Highland (home of James Monroe)
- Montpelier (home of James Madison)
- Monticello (home of Thomas Jefferson)
Overnight Trips
- White Sulphur Springs - Organ Cave and the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park (June)
- Virginia Beach (August)
- Washington D.C. (whenever Glen & Cheryl will let us stay:))
Big Trips
- St. Louis (April 2009)
- Gettysburg - Palmyra, NY - Niagara Falls - Kirtland, OH (August 2009 or Spring 2010)
Sunday, April 6, 2008
The Walls of Jericho
Here is the mundane background I want to share before getting to the purpose of the post:
Upon moving to Virginia, we were reluctantly forced to discontinue our DISH service because of the proximity and height of the trees on our property. As a result, we have relied heavily on the internet for our worldly needs to "stay in touch" with entertainment and news. But have you every watched General Conference online? If you do, we highly recommend using the BYUTV link as opposed to the feed provided by LDS.org. We watched the sessions yesterday on LDS.org and the picture and sound were mediocre in quality. But BYUTV...WOW!!! Both the sound and picture quality were fantastic. It was clear...and you could hear individual parts of the choir to my delight. Try it out...and perhaps you could save yourself $50 or more dollars a month, too!
Now...
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang, "The Spirit of God" this morning to conclude Music and The Spoken Word. It was impressed upon my soul how easily the walls of Jericho must have fallen. The power and majesty of the choir moved me. And my faith has been strengthened.
Hebrews 11:30 reads, "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days." 
The trumpets and shouts of the children of Israel were not what brought the walls of Jericho down. But sound of the trumpets and the shouts must have created an atmosphere of intense unity, power, confidence, and courage. As a result, faith was increased to such a point that the Lord could not stay His hand. And the walls fell.
I can visualize Joshua leading the children of Isreal around the city walls seven times. Each time...the resolve to do the Lord's will being increased by the armies of Israel...on a very individual basis.
As the choir sang "The Spirit of God" this morning, I could visualize the Second Coming of our Redeemer and Savior. And I want to be counted among the modern day children of Israel. I could visualize the heavens opening, angels descending, and the literal power of God being witnessed by all inhabitants of the earth. I want to be part of welcoming the King of Kings. I want to follow Him as the Father of Lies is rebuked and peace is heralded on the earth for a space of a thousand years. I can only imagine the power that will be felt by those who choose to participate because of their faith.
Who will be able to deny that Jesus is the Christ? Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world and Savior of mankind.
I felt a glimpse today of how that will come to pass as I listened to the choir. You can enjoy a version of the hymn here.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Worser than Daddy!
My new title. I am so proud. After all I didn't even know I could accomplish such a feat. It was simple really. All I did first was listen. When I listened, I heard Mark and Anya singing along on the karaoke cd of High School Muscial. That's the one with the music and no words. So I did what every other parent would have done in my position. I grabbed the video camera and quietly headed for the kitchen where they were sorting laundry. I turned it on and moved slowly around the corner to get a clip of the entertainment. That's where it all blew up. Mark saw me first, he yelled and took off running in the other direction. Anya yelped and dove for cover behind a half full laundry basket. James turned and smiled and said "What?!" I turned off the camera and went to look for my very sensitive 7 year old. I tried to hug him and find out why he was so mad. Let's just say he most certainly did NOT want to talk to me. I held onto him to keep him from running while I talked with him and that was when he gave me my new title. Then i tried Anya, she at least snapped at me with responses of why she was mad. Apparantly I missed the memo about not video taping them when they are singing. Oh, well . . .
Then, I blogged about it. Want to guess what happened next? (hint, hint basically the same thing a second time.) These are very complex little individuals I am living with.
Then, I blogged about it. Want to guess what happened next? (hint, hint basically the same thing a second time.) These are very complex little individuals I am living with.
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