Monday, April 28, 2008
Easter Egg Hunt
Here are the pictures I took of our Easter egg hunt last month. It was the only nice day in weeks.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Late Night Stroll in the Graveyard
It is almost 11:00 pm and Daniel and I just got back from a delightful walk. We decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather (who knows when it will be this nice again). I can't remember the last time we walked in the moon light. Daniel has been at scout camp for the past few days so we spent the time catching up.
The most notable thing about the evening was the location of our walk. We started out walking in the field that is next to our house, but since it has been really rainy lately, it was kind of mucky. Then we walked down and back up the road, but even at this hour, there was to much traffic. Finally we decided the best place to walk and be uninterrupted was the cemetery. I know walking in the dark in the middle of an old graveyard probably sounds a little creepy, but it was quite peaceful actually. The night was gorgeous! The stars were out, you could hear frogs in the distance, and the temperature was just right.
We did end up cutting our stroll a little short however. Okay I admit it, we got kind of spooked and decided to head home. What spooked us you might be wondering. The odoriferous smell of skunk.
The most notable thing about the evening was the location of our walk. We started out walking in the field that is next to our house, but since it has been really rainy lately, it was kind of mucky. Then we walked down and back up the road, but even at this hour, there was to much traffic. Finally we decided the best place to walk and be uninterrupted was the cemetery. I know walking in the dark in the middle of an old graveyard probably sounds a little creepy, but it was quite peaceful actually. The night was gorgeous! The stars were out, you could hear frogs in the distance, and the temperature was just right.
We did end up cutting our stroll a little short however. Okay I admit it, we got kind of spooked and decided to head home. What spooked us you might be wondering. The odoriferous smell of skunk.
7 Miles!
I ran 7 miles today and it felt great!
This is the first time this year that I have ran outside. The weather was perfect! It was cool and slightly breezy, which is exactly the way I wanted it. Jennifer ran with me and she planned the route. It was mostly flat, which made it really nice.
I have been worried about running outside because usually it is harder than running at the gym. 7 miles is also the furthest that I've run since I got pregnant with Michael. But to my surprise I felt great. In fact I could have kept running I felt that good.
This is the first time this year that I have ran outside. The weather was perfect! It was cool and slightly breezy, which is exactly the way I wanted it. Jennifer ran with me and she planned the route. It was mostly flat, which made it really nice.
I have been worried about running outside because usually it is harder than running at the gym. 7 miles is also the furthest that I've run since I got pregnant with Michael. But to my surprise I felt great. In fact I could have kept running I felt that good.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The Parable of the Rose
Tonight at our training, this poem was given to each leader. I thought it was beautiful and hoped you might enjoy it too. It carries a message in it that I very much needed to hear.
Let me echo the words that my husband posted a few days ago and express my deepest gratitude for having the friends that I do. You help me see past my innumerable thorns. You give me hope that there is a beautiful rose inside myself. Because of you, I know the Savior's love more personally. You help transform my life into a stunning garden. I love you!
The Parable of the Rose
by Ralph Gardiner
It is not recorded in scripture . . . Christ never uttered it as such . . . but it is evidenced by every word He spoke, in every deed He performed.
A certain man planted a rose and watered it faithfully, and before it blossomed he examined it. He saw the bud that would soon blossom . . . and he also saw the thorns. And he thought, "How can any beautiful flower come from a plant burdened with so many sharp thorns?" Saddened by this thought, he neglected to water the rose, and before it was able to bloom, it died.
So it is with many people. Within every soul there is a rose..the Godlike qualities planted in us at birth, growing amid the thorns of our faults. Many of us look at ourselves and see only the thorns . . . the defect. We despair, thinking that nothing good can possible come from us. We neglect to water the good within us, and eventually it dies. We never reach our potential.
Some people do not see the rose within themselves; someone must show it to them. One of the Savior's greatest characteristics was that he was able to show people the Kingdom of Heaven within them. He was able to reach past their thorns and show them the rose.
This is the characteristic of love . . . to look at a person, and knowing his faults, recognize the nobility of his soul, and help him to realize that he can overcome his faults. If we show him the rose, he will conquer the thorns. Then will he blossom, bringing forth thirty, forty, sixty, or a hundred-fold as it is given to him.
Our duty in this world is to help our brothers and sisters by showing them their roses and not their thorns. Only then can we achieve the love the Savior wants us to feel for each other; only then can we become perfect as He wants us to be and blossom in the garden of His Father.
Let me echo the words that my husband posted a few days ago and express my deepest gratitude for having the friends that I do. You help me see past my innumerable thorns. You give me hope that there is a beautiful rose inside myself. Because of you, I know the Savior's love more personally. You help transform my life into a stunning garden. I love you!
Activity Day Training
Tonight I went to a Stake Activity Day training. It was great!
I have taught Activity Days for a couple of years now in this ward. I also held this calling in our ward in Provo (back when it was called Achievement Days). This is the first training meeting that I have been to, specifically for Activity Days. It was really nice to have so much attention focused on this calling. In the past it has felt like Activity Days was a "second thought" kind of a program and I was left pretty much to my own devices. I do pretty good on my own but service is much more enjoyable when you do it with others.
Our Stake Primary Presidency recently changed and the new group has really committed to providing more support for us leaders. This training is just the beginning. They put together a helpful records binder (although I do all my record keeping on the computer) and have set up a blog where all the leaders in the stake can share their ideas. I am also thrilled because they announced that they are going to be putting on a summer day camp for the girls.
It is so exciting to be able to feel connected with the Stake and know that we will all be supporting each other. I also can't wait to see what the leaders in the other wards are doing.
I have taught Activity Days for a couple of years now in this ward. I also held this calling in our ward in Provo (back when it was called Achievement Days). This is the first training meeting that I have been to, specifically for Activity Days. It was really nice to have so much attention focused on this calling. In the past it has felt like Activity Days was a "second thought" kind of a program and I was left pretty much to my own devices. I do pretty good on my own but service is much more enjoyable when you do it with others.
Our Stake Primary Presidency recently changed and the new group has really committed to providing more support for us leaders. This training is just the beginning. They put together a helpful records binder (although I do all my record keeping on the computer) and have set up a blog where all the leaders in the stake can share their ideas. I am also thrilled because they announced that they are going to be putting on a summer day camp for the girls.
It is so exciting to be able to feel connected with the Stake and know that we will all be supporting each other. I also can't wait to see what the leaders in the other wards are doing.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Pencil Report
Several weeks ago Kira did a project on Inventors and their Inventions. Her assignment was to pick an invention she liked, and wanted to learn more about and then do a report on it.
Of all the inventions I thought she might choose, I never dreamed she would pick the pencil. When I asked her why she wanted to study about that, she said that she really likes pencils because they are so useful. "After all mom, if I didn't have a pencil it would be a lot harder for me to draw and write stories". Those are two of her favorite things to do. Leave it to her not to take the pencil for granted!
One of the men she learned about was named Nicholas Jacques Conte. He patented the modern process for making pencils. The only picture we could find was this one with a band around his eye. Kira came up with several imaginative reason why he might have lost his eye (for her family's pleasure only) and she just had to pose for a picture with them wearing matching bands.
Of all the inventions I thought she might choose, I never dreamed she would pick the pencil. When I asked her why she wanted to study about that, she said that she really likes pencils because they are so useful. "After all mom, if I didn't have a pencil it would be a lot harder for me to draw and write stories". Those are two of her favorite things to do. Leave it to her not to take the pencil for granted!
Here is the poster that she created to go along with her oral presentation.
One of the men she learned about was named Nicholas Jacques Conte. He patented the modern process for making pencils. The only picture we could find was this one with a band around his eye. Kira came up with several imaginative reason why he might have lost his eye (for her family's pleasure only) and she just had to pose for a picture with them wearing matching bands.
Let's Play Ball
This is one happy kid!
A couple of weeks ago Michael figured out how to play ball. It is the cutest thing. If you roll the ball towards him he can hit it back to you. He gets so excited!
It was kind of tricky trying to get pictures of it but after several attempts I got a good bunch of them. I couldn't decide which ones I liked best so I decided to post several of them.
A couple of weeks ago Michael figured out how to play ball. It is the cutest thing. If you roll the ball towards him he can hit it back to you. He gets so excited!
It was kind of tricky trying to get pictures of it but after several attempts I got a good bunch of them. I couldn't decide which ones I liked best so I decided to post several of them.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
A Love Note for Robin's Friends
Despite the provocative title, this is not a creative way for me to hit on several married women en masse. Just bear with me.
It's not too often that I make the time to post. Amidst all the demands and pressures of life, it seems that I forget to make time for the important things, more often than I remember. A hundred other things dance, whine, beg or shriek for attention, and my skill at being distracted is as legendary as my ability to rationalize my way to a little leisure.
Robin is the same way, except that she doesn't get distracted (much) or rationalize (ever); she is legitimately doing the very best she knows how to do each and every hour of the day. This is one of the many reasons I married her, and it still humbles me to see.
Now, she'll be the first to tell you that a lot of things fall through the cracks, and that she never goes to bed without the feeling that she's left something undone. I will be the first to tell you, if you haven't noticed it on your own, that she's too hard on herself. She's carries a load I would find both foreign and insupportable, and she rarely puts it down.
So how does she do it?
If you're reading this post, then you are part of the reason.
Your posts and comments are a genuine source of strength, inspiration and pleasure for Robin. Of course, sometimes, they're also a bit intimidating, because you all are an impressive lot. But that too serves its purpose, and we shake our heads in amazement as you slip past problems or obstacles that keep tripping us up, encouraging us to try again. These snapshots of your lives help Robin (and I) to feel more connected, less distant, and better equipped to keep a much-needed perspective.
Thank you. You're a support to the woman I love, and so I love you for it. I know that each of you are just being who you are, and that makes the gift of your friendship all the better.
It's not too often that I make the time to post. Amidst all the demands and pressures of life, it seems that I forget to make time for the important things, more often than I remember. A hundred other things dance, whine, beg or shriek for attention, and my skill at being distracted is as legendary as my ability to rationalize my way to a little leisure.
Robin is the same way, except that she doesn't get distracted (much) or rationalize (ever); she is legitimately doing the very best she knows how to do each and every hour of the day. This is one of the many reasons I married her, and it still humbles me to see.
Now, she'll be the first to tell you that a lot of things fall through the cracks, and that she never goes to bed without the feeling that she's left something undone. I will be the first to tell you, if you haven't noticed it on your own, that she's too hard on herself. She's carries a load I would find both foreign and insupportable, and she rarely puts it down.
So how does she do it?
If you're reading this post, then you are part of the reason.
Your posts and comments are a genuine source of strength, inspiration and pleasure for Robin. Of course, sometimes, they're also a bit intimidating, because you all are an impressive lot. But that too serves its purpose, and we shake our heads in amazement as you slip past problems or obstacles that keep tripping us up, encouraging us to try again. These snapshots of your lives help Robin (and I) to feel more connected, less distant, and better equipped to keep a much-needed perspective.
Thank you. You're a support to the woman I love, and so I love you for it. I know that each of you are just being who you are, and that makes the gift of your friendship all the better.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Unusually Busy? Only Slightly.
Here was my day.
3:30-4:00 am- Nurse Michael (he's been sick so that is way I'm nursing him before 5)
4:00-4:15 am- Try to go back to sleep. Give up.
4:15-4:50 am- Make weekly menu and grocery list. Get dressed for gym.
5:00-6:00 am- Go to gym and run 3.9 miles. Cool down and stretch.
6:00-7:00 am- Go grocery shopping
7:00-8:30 am- Shower (my favorite part of the day). Get myself, Michael, and Briona ready for the day.
9:00-10:00 am- Visit Little Green Apple (a preschool we are checking out for Briona).
10:00-11:30 am- Teach 1st Grade Math at PHA
12:00-1:15 pm- Take Michael to the Doctors and find out he has a double ear infection.
1:30-1:45 pm- Run to Fred Myers to buy razors for Daniel's electric razor.
1:50-3:00 pm- Eye exam for me. (I haven't had my eyes checked since I was 12. They dilated my eyes and then everything was fuzzy for the next 2 hours)
3:00-4:00 pm- Deal with the fuzzy vision and ensuing head ache-and- Try to reassure my kids that they are the most important part of my day.
4:00-5:30 pm- Take my Mom to Fred Myers so she can go shopping for several things she had on her shopping list, and fill Michael's prescription.
5:30-6:15 pm- Make dinner and feed the kids.
6:30-9:00 pm- Go to Enrichment.
9:00-9:30 pm- Nurse Michael and get him in bed.
So I wonder why, after a day like that, I still beat myself up for not getting the house cleaned. I also see that homework didn't get completed, chores didn't get accomplished, and my children felt neglected. How I wish I could do it all. If I was only a "SUPER" mom.
Some days I think we are all too hard on ourselves.
3:30-4:00 am- Nurse Michael (he's been sick so that is way I'm nursing him before 5)
4:00-4:15 am- Try to go back to sleep. Give up.
4:15-4:50 am- Make weekly menu and grocery list. Get dressed for gym.
5:00-6:00 am- Go to gym and run 3.9 miles. Cool down and stretch.
6:00-7:00 am- Go grocery shopping
7:00-8:30 am- Shower (my favorite part of the day). Get myself, Michael, and Briona ready for the day.
9:00-10:00 am- Visit Little Green Apple (a preschool we are checking out for Briona).
10:00-11:30 am- Teach 1st Grade Math at PHA
12:00-1:15 pm- Take Michael to the Doctors and find out he has a double ear infection.
1:30-1:45 pm- Run to Fred Myers to buy razors for Daniel's electric razor.
1:50-3:00 pm- Eye exam for me. (I haven't had my eyes checked since I was 12. They dilated my eyes and then everything was fuzzy for the next 2 hours)
3:00-4:00 pm- Deal with the fuzzy vision and ensuing head ache-and- Try to reassure my kids that they are the most important part of my day.
4:00-5:30 pm- Take my Mom to Fred Myers so she can go shopping for several things she had on her shopping list, and fill Michael's prescription.
5:30-6:15 pm- Make dinner and feed the kids.
6:30-9:00 pm- Go to Enrichment.
9:00-9:30 pm- Nurse Michael and get him in bed.
So I wonder why, after a day like that, I still beat myself up for not getting the house cleaned. I also see that homework didn't get completed, chores didn't get accomplished, and my children felt neglected. How I wish I could do it all. If I was only a "SUPER" mom.
Some days I think we are all too hard on ourselves.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Ice Skating
For family night we spent the evening improving our talents. As you can see Michael and I are missing from the ice. We spent the evening improving our cheering skills.
Don't they look great out there? This picture was taken at the end of the night. Everyone was still smiling (well, I guess what I should call the look on Daniel's face more of a grimace. By this time his back was killing him. He never let on to the kids though. Isn't he the best dad?!)
Briona thought skating was a blast! This was her 1st time on the ice. She took one spill but got back up again and smiled the rest of the night.
Kira was really concentrating in this picture. She was focusing on improving her speed.
Christopher and Kira talk shop while taking a break on the side of the rink.
Look at my proud kiddos!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Picture Update
Over the next several days I am going to be posting some pictures that are from the last few months. Daniel switched our operating system over to Linux and we have had some problems getting everything up and running. One of the things affected was my ability to download pictures. I think we have ironed out most of the kinks now.
I will just put the dates the pictures were taken inside the post.
I will just put the dates the pictures were taken inside the post.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Darth, What's up with your hands?
Notice anything odd about these pictures? Besides the fact that Darth Vader is wearing lime green footie pajamas?
The kids had a blast with Christopher's old Darth Vader helmet the other night. They spent half the night wearing it backwards. They would walk around backwards talking to everyone in Darth's voice. The reason these pictures look "off" is because the kids are sitting backwards in the chair. So what looks like their chests are actually their backs, and so forth. That is why their thumbs are on the wrong side of their hands.
It was a hoot!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Dreaming of Disneyland
Last year I promised the kids that this year we would take them to Disneyland. Since such promise was made, the kids think about it all the time. Now it's my turn.
I'm really excited about going. I've never been before and it's someplace I have always wanted to visit. I have high expectations for this particular vacation. Because of that, I'm anxious about the plans. I'm nervous that because I don't have any experience, I will miss lots of details and spend more money than I need to.
Do you guys have any pointers for me?
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