Baily turned 6 years old last Thursday! She was really excited about it, and reminded us every day for about two weeks how many days were left until her birthday. We had some kids from the neighborhood and the ward over to play in the kid pool, run through Baily’s new sprinkler (that shoots balls out the top), and have cake and ice-cream. I came home for a couple hours at lunch time to watch the party and enjoy all the kids. It was a lot of fun. It was so good to watch Baily enjoying the water with her friends. Amy and I often worry about how she sometimes would rather spend her time doing things with grownups rather than kids her age. She did really well though this time and we didn’t even have to encourage her to go out and play. We sure do love our Baily and her wonderful smile. She’s the one kid we can rely on to not “burn the house down” when we turn our heads for five minutes. She is always so willing to go with me when I help people move or when we thin peaches out at the Church orchard. She likes to be where the action is. Baily is also very tender hearted and it doesn’t take much discipline to make her feel really sorry for something she did wrong. Baily likes to sit and listen as Amy and I read a book and likes to be a part of our conversations, asking lots of questions to make sure we involve her in it. I hope we can always have a close relationship with our Baily.
Saturday sure was busy. I woke up early to go to the temple, came back and had breakfast, helped Amy stain our fence, worked in the garden a little, fixed a couple of sprinklers, fixed a flat tire on my bike, went on a family bike ride, attended a birthday party for Garret Pancheri’s daughter, made cookies, helped with meals, and took care of all kinds of fatherly duties like diapers, rocking babies, disciplining, and providing snacks. It always feels good at the end of a day where I’ve gotten a lot done, but I also go to bed wishing I had a little more quiet time to spend with Amy.
On Sunday Amy was released from her calling as Sunday school teacher of the Priest and Laurel aged youth. It was hard for her to be released because she felt so close to those youth and felt like they were doing so well together. She is now responsible for Achievement Day girls, and with some time I know she will learn to love this calling just as much. She certainly puts a lot of effort into her responsibilities. We had an extremely unique sacrament meeting. A ceiling light fell from the chapel ceiling and dangled from its wires a short distance in front of us. We sang hymn #21, while the organist played hymn #22 and very few people even noticed. The conductor struggled through the song trying to stay on beat, but it looked like she was struggling to figure out what was wrong with the timing and placement of the wording. These two occurrences were representative of how the rest of the meetings went. The words of Alma come to mind: “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” Certainly the power of the Spirit comes more readily when sincerity, simplicity, and directness are used.
My good friend Ryan McBride and his wife Rose just got back from the Peace Corps in Morocco. It was so good to speak with him again this past week. He just got a job in Boulder Colorado where they’ll be living for at least a couple of years. I often wish that the good friends Amy and I have made over the years could all live close by, rather than being spread out all over the nation. I have recently been feeling a strong desire to have my family close too. Again, I look forward to the time when distance no longer prevents us from seeing each other and being a part of each other’s lives.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Rafting, Tending, 5 Minute Sit, & The Brothers
It was a busy weekend. We weeded, watched our neighbor’s 3 children, I took the scouts to do yard work for a couple people in the ward, I drove up to Emmett and went rafting with Gary and his bishopric in his raft, played games with the 7 kids, talked to my Dad for his birthday, prepared lessons for Sunday, attended all my Sunday meetings, and got to relax a little and do some reading Sunday afternoon. Rafting was definitely a highlight! It was so nice to be up in the mountains. It reminded me how much I enjoyed growing up so close to mountains. The rafting was wonderful and no one fell out (unless aided by others in the raft). Gary and I decided we’ll have no problem making a couple runs for the reunion. Still, we felt we needed to make sure we get enough practice. We’re going to try to get some more practice in the next couple weekends.
Well, I’ve decided to stick with the 5 minute sit! Yesterday was wonderful. I only had to leave sacrament meeting one time with Lily, and she only started screaming during the closing hymn, so it wasn’t so bad. Grant didn’t have to go out at all! The oldest two were almost perfect (well, not quite, but they did do great!). Grant even made it through Sunday school. I just hope this continues. It was sooooooo nice to be able to enjoy church rather than endure it.
Amy and I finished a novel this week that was set in the pre-existence. The book helped us talk about what it might have been like and also helped us see things a little differently. When we finished, we sat for a long time and talked about how our understanding of what happened in the pre-existence helps us to place the trials and heartaches of this life in an eternal perspective. We both discussed how we knew that difficulties and trials would face us and we still chose to follow the Father’s plan to come to earth. We talked about the different levels of commitment God’s children had in the pre-existence and speculated what our commitment level might have been. I felt that we both must have pledged our dedication. It seems that we probably perceived our impending discouragements as somewhat trivial in the context of the Plan. We might have been extremely disappointed in ourselves had we been able to see the sins we would commit, because we could see how those sins offered no lasting benefit. Finally, we decided that it didn’t matter so much if we didn’t have the strongest commitment in the pre-existence if we chose to act on the knowledge we have now. We recalled that the trials of life are not only for testing how committed we are, but they also are to help us strengthen our dedication, whether it was strong before or not. Certainly, God cares about each of his children and wants them to return to Him. This life is designed for that purpose. As Amy and I watched some neighbor’s children this weekend, for a couple days, I held the baby, and thought about how I wished I could help her understand the Plan of Happiness she had just recently forgotten. Still, I’m sure the Lord will provide reminders throughout each of our lives of life’s purpose. I feel a great responsibility to share that purpose.
Well, I’ve decided to stick with the 5 minute sit! Yesterday was wonderful. I only had to leave sacrament meeting one time with Lily, and she only started screaming during the closing hymn, so it wasn’t so bad. Grant didn’t have to go out at all! The oldest two were almost perfect (well, not quite, but they did do great!). Grant even made it through Sunday school. I just hope this continues. It was sooooooo nice to be able to enjoy church rather than endure it.
Amy and I finished a novel this week that was set in the pre-existence. The book helped us talk about what it might have been like and also helped us see things a little differently. When we finished, we sat for a long time and talked about how our understanding of what happened in the pre-existence helps us to place the trials and heartaches of this life in an eternal perspective. We both discussed how we knew that difficulties and trials would face us and we still chose to follow the Father’s plan to come to earth. We talked about the different levels of commitment God’s children had in the pre-existence and speculated what our commitment level might have been. I felt that we both must have pledged our dedication. It seems that we probably perceived our impending discouragements as somewhat trivial in the context of the Plan. We might have been extremely disappointed in ourselves had we been able to see the sins we would commit, because we could see how those sins offered no lasting benefit. Finally, we decided that it didn’t matter so much if we didn’t have the strongest commitment in the pre-existence if we chose to act on the knowledge we have now. We recalled that the trials of life are not only for testing how committed we are, but they also are to help us strengthen our dedication, whether it was strong before or not. Certainly, God cares about each of his children and wants them to return to Him. This life is designed for that purpose. As Amy and I watched some neighbor’s children this weekend, for a couple days, I held the baby, and thought about how I wished I could help her understand the Plan of Happiness she had just recently forgotten. Still, I’m sure the Lord will provide reminders throughout each of our lives of life’s purpose. I feel a great responsibility to share that purpose.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Catch Up
Unfortunately, it’s been far too long since I last wrote. Baily is out of school for the summer. She and Bethy are about to finish swim lessons at the Nampa Rec Center - from what I hear, they are both doing really well. The only major concern there is that Amy has to take all four kids to the Rec Center by herself and it doesn’t always go as smooth as she’d like. Bethy has no fear of anything dangerous (including knives, heights, and water) and oblivious to rules, her clone sister Lily just a step behind her, and Grant who likes letting everyone know he’s not happy sitting next to the pool while his sisters play – it can be pretty lively. Amy’s really looking forward to it being done.
The last few months, our family has made a concerted effort to be more active. For mother’s day this year, I gave Amy (and I guess the whole family) a trailer that goes behind my bike and can carry Grant and Lily. Bethy got a new bike for her birthday and Baily is now a pro at no-training-wheels riding. We have really enjoyed going on bike-rides as a family and sometimes joining up with the Dittrichs for a ride (they also have a bike trailer). I started riding my bike to work a couple of times a week about 2 ½ months ago, but unfortunately that didn’t last long because I got a sinus infection and a terrible cough and after 2 months of terrible coughing and two visits to the doctor, I’m finally starting to feel better. However, sickness hasn’t kept Amy from dragging me out of bed at 6:00 a.m. to exercise. We decided we’d try to motivate each other to get up and do some work out videos, although, Amy has mostly been the motivator. I never thought I could do work out videos because I was embarrassed that they’re mainly designed for women. I now have a new respect for them – I’m not going to say any more about it!
A little over a month ago, we went to Eastern Idaho to go to the Bryan’s church meetings. Josh spoke in sacrament meeting since he would be leaving on his mission to the Caribbean Islands. In some ways, I felt like Josh was my younger brother and I was so happy he made the decision to go (especially with so many of his friends not going and since he is a little older than the typical age). It was so good to see everyone (we had quite a few people turn up from the Bryan side). Josh bore a sincere humble testimony and I was so pleased with his commitment. On Saturday night we went out and rode in Uncle Mikes sand rail at the St. Anthony sand dunes. We all had a great time. I also loved being with Grandma and Grandpa Rasmussen. We stayed at their house and I loved just talking with them and having the girls be around them. They are such great people.
A couple weeks later, we went down to Utah to visit Ammon and Liz for the Memorial Day weekend (Kid’s Day). We had a great visit with them and just were able to relax and talk. Monday morning, Dad, Mom, Dawn, Ray, and Travis and Erin’s family came and we had our traditional trip to the super market for cereal. We played games all morning and just enjoyed being together. Amy and I have felt, once again, how blessed we are in the relationships we have with family and friends. I personally feel so thankful to have such a close relationship with my brother and his wife. And even though our family is mostly a good distance away, the Lord has really blessed us with such wonderful friends up here as well. Elder Eyering once said in a missionary broadcast that our true friends are those that in conversation with them the gospel is brought up naturally. While Amy and I don’t have a big group of friends, we have been blessed with a few “true friends,” including several members of our family. I am so grateful for that.
Life at home has been a little dramatic. It almost seems like the kids are battling for attention again. I thought that need for so much attention would diminish after they got used to Grant being around, but maybe the addition makes them feel like they have to compete more. I sure do have a lot to learn about being a father – unfortunately, I have to practice on “live” kids. How does God do it with all the children he has!? I’ve been a little frustrated with the way my family behaves at church, so we’ve been doing a “5 minute sit” every night for the past week and a half. The entire family has to sit on the couch for five minutes without wiggling, talking, or even touching each other. The girls actually have done really well in the practice runs (okay, except for Lily who screams the entire time as I hold her) However, despite their good behavior in practice they put on a major dramatic performance during sacrament meeting on Sunday. Several times, Amy and I were both outside of the church with the two youngest screamers, while praying that our two oldest would not be climbing on to the chapel podium squealing into the microphone when we returned. We finally had to strap Lily into her car seat while Amy held the baby next to her so I could return to check on the other two. I’m going to give the “5 minute sit” a little more time to show results before I start rethinking a strategy.
A couple days ago I learned from Dawn that Ray got his clearance to be sealed to her in the temple. They will be sealed in the Manti Temple on August 15, 2008. I am so pleased for her. The Lord has truly blessed our family.
The last few months, our family has made a concerted effort to be more active. For mother’s day this year, I gave Amy (and I guess the whole family) a trailer that goes behind my bike and can carry Grant and Lily. Bethy got a new bike for her birthday and Baily is now a pro at no-training-wheels riding. We have really enjoyed going on bike-rides as a family and sometimes joining up with the Dittrichs for a ride (they also have a bike trailer). I started riding my bike to work a couple of times a week about 2 ½ months ago, but unfortunately that didn’t last long because I got a sinus infection and a terrible cough and after 2 months of terrible coughing and two visits to the doctor, I’m finally starting to feel better. However, sickness hasn’t kept Amy from dragging me out of bed at 6:00 a.m. to exercise. We decided we’d try to motivate each other to get up and do some work out videos, although, Amy has mostly been the motivator. I never thought I could do work out videos because I was embarrassed that they’re mainly designed for women. I now have a new respect for them – I’m not going to say any more about it!
A little over a month ago, we went to Eastern Idaho to go to the Bryan’s church meetings. Josh spoke in sacrament meeting since he would be leaving on his mission to the Caribbean Islands. In some ways, I felt like Josh was my younger brother and I was so happy he made the decision to go (especially with so many of his friends not going and since he is a little older than the typical age). It was so good to see everyone (we had quite a few people turn up from the Bryan side). Josh bore a sincere humble testimony and I was so pleased with his commitment. On Saturday night we went out and rode in Uncle Mikes sand rail at the St. Anthony sand dunes. We all had a great time. I also loved being with Grandma and Grandpa Rasmussen. We stayed at their house and I loved just talking with them and having the girls be around them. They are such great people.
A couple weeks later, we went down to Utah to visit Ammon and Liz for the Memorial Day weekend (Kid’s Day). We had a great visit with them and just were able to relax and talk. Monday morning, Dad, Mom, Dawn, Ray, and Travis and Erin’s family came and we had our traditional trip to the super market for cereal. We played games all morning and just enjoyed being together. Amy and I have felt, once again, how blessed we are in the relationships we have with family and friends. I personally feel so thankful to have such a close relationship with my brother and his wife. And even though our family is mostly a good distance away, the Lord has really blessed us with such wonderful friends up here as well. Elder Eyering once said in a missionary broadcast that our true friends are those that in conversation with them the gospel is brought up naturally. While Amy and I don’t have a big group of friends, we have been blessed with a few “true friends,” including several members of our family. I am so grateful for that.
Life at home has been a little dramatic. It almost seems like the kids are battling for attention again. I thought that need for so much attention would diminish after they got used to Grant being around, but maybe the addition makes them feel like they have to compete more. I sure do have a lot to learn about being a father – unfortunately, I have to practice on “live” kids. How does God do it with all the children he has!? I’ve been a little frustrated with the way my family behaves at church, so we’ve been doing a “5 minute sit” every night for the past week and a half. The entire family has to sit on the couch for five minutes without wiggling, talking, or even touching each other. The girls actually have done really well in the practice runs (okay, except for Lily who screams the entire time as I hold her) However, despite their good behavior in practice they put on a major dramatic performance during sacrament meeting on Sunday. Several times, Amy and I were both outside of the church with the two youngest screamers, while praying that our two oldest would not be climbing on to the chapel podium squealing into the microphone when we returned. We finally had to strap Lily into her car seat while Amy held the baby next to her so I could return to check on the other two. I’m going to give the “5 minute sit” a little more time to show results before I start rethinking a strategy.
A couple days ago I learned from Dawn that Ray got his clearance to be sealed to her in the temple. They will be sealed in the Manti Temple on August 15, 2008. I am so pleased for her. The Lord has truly blessed our family.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Baby Grant
So, with the new job and a baby being born I have had a very difficult time finding time for writing down anything. Grant Ryan Ashby was born January 25th, 2008, was 7lbs even, and 20 inches long. I will attach several pictures. I have felt for a while that the birthing process was a scary and somewhat gross event. Maybe this feeling was intensified during Lily’s birth. The placenta began separating from the uterus wall before Lily was born and so it was a very bloody and scary situation. I remember feeling so helpless and not knowing why there was so much blood and not knowing why everyone was running around in emergency mode. Well, Grant’s birth was quite the opposite. Dr. Hodges was so calm and so patient. He just continued to talk to us the entire time. Grant’s face was pointed down and Dr. Hodges patiently worked on him until he finally turned around (thankfully even without forceps). After Amy pushed a little and got his head just barely out, Dr. Hodges coached me as I delivered the baby and then Amy reached down and pulled him completely out. It was a very moving and spiritual experience for me, unlike any of the others. I was so thankful to him for being so calm and patient. He commented that it was one of the best births he had been a part of. April and Shane Dittrich had there new boy, Collin, born the day before Grant. They were just a few doors down from us in the hospital and it was fun to hang out with them for a couple days without any of our girls. They are such good people and we sure do love them.
Well, Grant is doing pretty well now. All the kids have been sick for several weeks now and we had to take the two youngest to get anti-biotics. Grant’s doing a little better now that he’s been on medicine. Still, Amy gets very little sleep at night and we’re finding that Grant is somewhat of a screamer. We borrowed a bouncer from Shane and April Dittrich yesterday. It vibrates and plays music and I’m hoping it will help. I think it’s been difficult for Amy to have a screaming baby, to not get enough sleep, and to have three girls that are acting up because of the lack of attention they’re getting. Bethy got up in the night for three nights straight, pulled down her pull-up, and wet on the floor. I didn’t know what to do. Things are going okay now that we are rewarding her for every time she goes in the toilet in the night, but I didn’t enjoy paying for the carpet to be cleaned. That Bethy is costing me a fortune.
Maybe things would calm down a little if I didn’t keep adding to the chaos. I’ve talked to several realtors this past week and I think we are going to try to sell our home. Amy really wants to stay in the ward (probably move to the Meadows), but I’m not sure we can afford it. The critical thing is that we live in a 1200 square foot house with four children and it is pretty cramped. This is the worst housing market in 25 years, so I’m not real optimistic about selling, but we’ll see what happens.
Work is going well. I feel like I’m able to be creative and somewhat of a student. I study approaches to economic development and planning and then try to implement those ideas. It’s actually quite fun. Add to all of this, my calling with the young men and life is extremely busy, but very fulfilling and very good. I love being alive at such a wonderful period of the world’s history.
Well, Grant is doing pretty well now. All the kids have been sick for several weeks now and we had to take the two youngest to get anti-biotics. Grant’s doing a little better now that he’s been on medicine. Still, Amy gets very little sleep at night and we’re finding that Grant is somewhat of a screamer. We borrowed a bouncer from Shane and April Dittrich yesterday. It vibrates and plays music and I’m hoping it will help. I think it’s been difficult for Amy to have a screaming baby, to not get enough sleep, and to have three girls that are acting up because of the lack of attention they’re getting. Bethy got up in the night for three nights straight, pulled down her pull-up, and wet on the floor. I didn’t know what to do. Things are going okay now that we are rewarding her for every time she goes in the toilet in the night, but I didn’t enjoy paying for the carpet to be cleaned. That Bethy is costing me a fortune.
Maybe things would calm down a little if I didn’t keep adding to the chaos. I’ve talked to several realtors this past week and I think we are going to try to sell our home. Amy really wants to stay in the ward (probably move to the Meadows), but I’m not sure we can afford it. The critical thing is that we live in a 1200 square foot house with four children and it is pretty cramped. This is the worst housing market in 25 years, so I’m not real optimistic about selling, but we’ll see what happens.
Work is going well. I feel like I’m able to be creative and somewhat of a student. I study approaches to economic development and planning and then try to implement those ideas. It’s actually quite fun. Add to all of this, my calling with the young men and life is extremely busy, but very fulfilling and very good. I love being alive at such a wonderful period of the world’s history.
Friday, January 11, 2008
New Job and Snow
We have had a ton of snow this past week! But oh how nice it has been to just have to travel a couple of miles to work. Even with the snow I've been coming home for lunch and it averages about 7 to 8 minutes to make the drive.
While I am very new to my job and am not sure about the specifics of what I will be doing, generally I believe it will be a great experience for me. Already, it is challenging me and introducing me to knew ideas.
Last week Amy went to her doctor's appointment and the doctor was really surprised that the baby looked ready to come out any time now. He expected it to come before her next appointment and we tried to prepare for it the best we could the rest of the week. The baby still hasn't come yet. We went in yesterday to have Doc. Hodges start Amy into labor, he was concerned about her being so far away from the hospital. However, when we got there, they were running behind and we waited an hour before we got to see the nurse and then Doc. Hodges poked his head in the room and apologized, saying that he had two deliveries occurring right then that he had to be to and couldn't start Amy this week. So, we spent about 20 seconds checking the baby's heart beat and left to pick up our kids in Emmett - we thought they would have to stay with Angie for a couple days. We got back home just in time for me to go to mutual/scouts. I was a little dissappointed to not have it happen, since we had made so many arrangements. Oh well, maybe he'll come on his own, or they'll try to start Amy again at her appointment next week. I just hope we make it! I don't want Amy to have the same experience as Denise and Ed (who had their baby on the way to the hospital).
While I am very new to my job and am not sure about the specifics of what I will be doing, generally I believe it will be a great experience for me. Already, it is challenging me and introducing me to knew ideas.
Last week Amy went to her doctor's appointment and the doctor was really surprised that the baby looked ready to come out any time now. He expected it to come before her next appointment and we tried to prepare for it the best we could the rest of the week. The baby still hasn't come yet. We went in yesterday to have Doc. Hodges start Amy into labor, he was concerned about her being so far away from the hospital. However, when we got there, they were running behind and we waited an hour before we got to see the nurse and then Doc. Hodges poked his head in the room and apologized, saying that he had two deliveries occurring right then that he had to be to and couldn't start Amy this week. So, we spent about 20 seconds checking the baby's heart beat and left to pick up our kids in Emmett - we thought they would have to stay with Angie for a couple days. We got back home just in time for me to go to mutual/scouts. I was a little dissappointed to not have it happen, since we had made so many arrangements. Oh well, maybe he'll come on his own, or they'll try to start Amy again at her appointment next week. I just hope we make it! I don't want Amy to have the same experience as Denise and Ed (who had their baby on the way to the hospital).
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Christmas & Graduation
I will have to add some pictures at the end of this post when I figure out how to download pictures from my new camera. I'm sure it's not difficult, but I just haven't taken the time to do it yet.
Thursday Jeannine and Treasa came up for my graduation. They left really early because of a storm coming in. By the time my parents left, they were hit really hard with the snow, but just took the drive really slow and ended up staying at Dave and Nola's house that night. By the time Ammon got off work and then picked up Liz, the storm was worse. They had to turn around after only making it to Springville after over an hour of driving. A little later, they tried again, but ended up turning around after a short distance. The next morning they left early and turned around once more. Finally, they pushed on through and made it up to Boise after the graduation and lunch, but in time to help me fix my dryer (which I needed a rivett gun for) and then go to our family Christmas party. Now that's dedication!!!
It's nice to have graduation over with. The graduation provided a closure to this adventure. I was disappointed with the ceremony itself though. The chair of the Idaho State Board of Education spoke, but he just rambled on and on and didn't make a lot of sense. He even made several blatant grammatical flaws in his speech. It was a little embarrassing to think that he represents the state's educational program. The student speaker wasn't much better. He spoke about himself the entire time with little reference to how his experience could benefit others. In contrast, President Kustra's speech was good and we had some wonderful music played by the Marine Corps bagpipe band, voice by a police quartet and a musical number by a student playing a viola. I'm not sure it has hit me entirely that I no longer will have homework to do.
Nola, Dave, Denise and her two children came out to Angie's Friday night and we played the gift exchange game. Also, Uncle Dave played Santa and we all enjoyed just being together and eating good foods. All of my siblings and parents pitched in to buy me a graduation gift. They gave me the Sierra Designs Bedouin 6 (six man tent with a tub floor, two vestibules, lots of pockets, and sturdy poles). I'm really excited about it! I've been wanting to get a family tent now for quite a while, but I didn't want to have to buy a cheap one at Wal-Mart, even though I couldn't justify spending much. This new tent is a really nice tent that should last us a really long time and protect us from the elements. I set up the Bedouin in Angie's back yard the next morning and showed it off to everyone. Not having a tent has kept me from taking my family camping for a long time now. I remember taking Baily camping for the first time when she was just really small. We went to Milk Creak in Eastern Idaho and we loved it. We haven't done much since, due to the size of our family. I can't wait to go this spring when it's warm enough to take the new baby!
Christmas was wonderful. My parents and Dawn came out on Sunday and stayed until Wednesday. Christmas eve we made cookies and caroled to neighbors and friends. We then came home and opened our pajamas. All the girls loved their pajamas and got into them right away. Even Amy changed into her new warm pajamas. While I read the Christmas story from Luke 2, the girls (with Some help from the adults) acted it out. Baily was Mary, Bethy was Joseph, Grandpa and Lily were shepherds, and Dawn was the Angel (with Amy and Mom as the heavenly hosts backup and later as wise men). A sweet feeling was in our home that night as we spoke of the baby Jesus and the important role he would play in our lives. When we finally got the kids to sleep, we wrapped the last presents, filled the stockings, and placed everything under the tree. It was so fun to see how excited all the adults were. I started wondering whether the girls were more excited than the adults. I guess we all depend on each other for the Christmas spirit.
With our bellies full of "virgin" wassail, we went to bed with our girls on the floor at out feet. Christmas morning we had our traditional turnovers and hot cocoa. While everyone else finished, I opened our camera up and began taking pictures. You'll see from the pictures some of the things that the kids got, but I need to tell a quick story about Lily. Lily opened her present from Grandma and Grandpa, and when she saw that it was a doll she shook with excitement and squealed. The doll was attached to a box and by the time an adult extracted it, we could see how realistic the doll looked. When the doll was handed to Lily she continued to squeal, but stumbled backward, her face taking on a look of fear. Later, when Bethy was rocking her new doll, Lily sat in her rocking chair and rocked too. She was fine for a second when someone placed her doll in her hands, but when she realized what she was holding, she immediately dropped it as if it was burning her hands and began squealing again. I think it's just going to take a little time to get used to it. We all got a good laugh out of it. Again, we really enjoyed seeing the girls interact with Dad, Mom, and Dawn. It was good for us and I believe it was good for them too. There seems to be a special joy that comes when you make a child happy.
Well, my family is all gone now and it makes me wish we all lived closer than we do. Brenda and her family are so far away and it's hard to not have them here. After spending time with my family, I often long for more time with them and more frequent gatherings. I think that heaven must be wonderful because relationships with family and friends will not be hindered by distance.
Thursday Jeannine and Treasa came up for my graduation. They left really early because of a storm coming in. By the time my parents left, they were hit really hard with the snow, but just took the drive really slow and ended up staying at Dave and Nola's house that night. By the time Ammon got off work and then picked up Liz, the storm was worse. They had to turn around after only making it to Springville after over an hour of driving. A little later, they tried again, but ended up turning around after a short distance. The next morning they left early and turned around once more. Finally, they pushed on through and made it up to Boise after the graduation and lunch, but in time to help me fix my dryer (which I needed a rivett gun for) and then go to our family Christmas party. Now that's dedication!!!
It's nice to have graduation over with. The graduation provided a closure to this adventure. I was disappointed with the ceremony itself though. The chair of the Idaho State Board of Education spoke, but he just rambled on and on and didn't make a lot of sense. He even made several blatant grammatical flaws in his speech. It was a little embarrassing to think that he represents the state's educational program. The student speaker wasn't much better. He spoke about himself the entire time with little reference to how his experience could benefit others. In contrast, President Kustra's speech was good and we had some wonderful music played by the Marine Corps bagpipe band, voice by a police quartet and a musical number by a student playing a viola. I'm not sure it has hit me entirely that I no longer will have homework to do.
Nola, Dave, Denise and her two children came out to Angie's Friday night and we played the gift exchange game. Also, Uncle Dave played Santa and we all enjoyed just being together and eating good foods. All of my siblings and parents pitched in to buy me a graduation gift. They gave me the Sierra Designs Bedouin 6 (six man tent with a tub floor, two vestibules, lots of pockets, and sturdy poles). I'm really excited about it! I've been wanting to get a family tent now for quite a while, but I didn't want to have to buy a cheap one at Wal-Mart, even though I couldn't justify spending much. This new tent is a really nice tent that should last us a really long time and protect us from the elements. I set up the Bedouin in Angie's back yard the next morning and showed it off to everyone. Not having a tent has kept me from taking my family camping for a long time now. I remember taking Baily camping for the first time when she was just really small. We went to Milk Creak in Eastern Idaho and we loved it. We haven't done much since, due to the size of our family. I can't wait to go this spring when it's warm enough to take the new baby!
Christmas was wonderful. My parents and Dawn came out on Sunday and stayed until Wednesday. Christmas eve we made cookies and caroled to neighbors and friends. We then came home and opened our pajamas. All the girls loved their pajamas and got into them right away. Even Amy changed into her new warm pajamas. While I read the Christmas story from Luke 2, the girls (with Some help from the adults) acted it out. Baily was Mary, Bethy was Joseph, Grandpa and Lily were shepherds, and Dawn was the Angel (with Amy and Mom as the heavenly hosts backup and later as wise men). A sweet feeling was in our home that night as we spoke of the baby Jesus and the important role he would play in our lives. When we finally got the kids to sleep, we wrapped the last presents, filled the stockings, and placed everything under the tree. It was so fun to see how excited all the adults were. I started wondering whether the girls were more excited than the adults. I guess we all depend on each other for the Christmas spirit.
With our bellies full of "virgin" wassail, we went to bed with our girls on the floor at out feet. Christmas morning we had our traditional turnovers and hot cocoa. While everyone else finished, I opened our camera up and began taking pictures. You'll see from the pictures some of the things that the kids got, but I need to tell a quick story about Lily. Lily opened her present from Grandma and Grandpa, and when she saw that it was a doll she shook with excitement and squealed. The doll was attached to a box and by the time an adult extracted it, we could see how realistic the doll looked. When the doll was handed to Lily she continued to squeal, but stumbled backward, her face taking on a look of fear. Later, when Bethy was rocking her new doll, Lily sat in her rocking chair and rocked too. She was fine for a second when someone placed her doll in her hands, but when she realized what she was holding, she immediately dropped it as if it was burning her hands and began squealing again. I think it's just going to take a little time to get used to it. We all got a good laugh out of it. Again, we really enjoyed seeing the girls interact with Dad, Mom, and Dawn. It was good for us and I believe it was good for them too. There seems to be a special joy that comes when you make a child happy.
Well, my family is all gone now and it makes me wish we all lived closer than we do. Brenda and her family are so far away and it's hard to not have them here. After spending time with my family, I often long for more time with them and more frequent gatherings. I think that heaven must be wonderful because relationships with family and friends will not be hindered by distance.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The Adventures of Being Parents
This has been an eventful couple of days. Amy has been really busy trying to finish up a Christmas gift she has been working on all year. It's amazing how much time she spends each year on these gifts. I'm not sure many people understand the time and money she puts into it, but she feels like this is her way of showing her love.
So, for another gift, Monday, Amy went to a consignment store in Boise. While she was looking around, Baily began playing with a porcelain sink on a porcelain pedestal. Amy was later told it was valued at $500. I'm not sure that was realistic, but I'll bet you can guess what was about to happen. Of course the sink was knocked off the pedestal and both were broken beyond repair. Amy felt terrible and the store employee said that if this happened at Home Depot she would have to pay for it, but that as long as she kept shopping at their store, she wouldn't have to. Well, then she felt pressured to get something and after not being able to find what she was looking for, she purchased something expensive in its place.
That same day, Baily vacuumed up Lily's pants and I spent the evening trying to fix that. Also, our dryer started scraping and put black marks on three loads of laundry before we realized. While I worked on the vacuum, Baily and Bethy went into our bathroom and took turns pouring full glasses of water on eachothers bare feet. By the time I found them, the entire floor was a half inch deep in water and the carpet by the doorway was soaked. Tuesday wasn't much better. After deciding we had spent too much on presents this year, Amy returned an item meant for me, placed the money in her purse, and soon realized that Lily had pulled all the money out and had dropped it somewhere in the store. After an extensive search, she relented that someone must have picked it up already.
I had a hard time controlling my feelings through all of this. I thought of my own father being so calm and not overreacting when he was told about cars being wrecked, things being lost, or his tools being left out in the rain. While I could always tell he was dissappointed and he took time to provide a lecture on behavior, rarely did he raise his voice, and most often when it was an accident, he didn't blame anyone at all. Well, I tried to respond the same way throughout these two days, but when I found the two girls flooding our bathroom, I have to admit I was angry. This wasn't an accident, and we'd warned them about doing this before. I stuck them both in the corner for 10 minutes (longer than they had ever spent) and I gave them a loud lecture too. I had them clean up the house the rest of the evening, although any messes they cleaned were actually messes they had made. Maybe some of their behavior is related to the season. While it's a wonderful time of year, it is a lot of stimulation and sugar for energetic little children.
Well, today is a new day, and although I still have to finish fixing our dryer and do a hundred other things to prepare for my family coming this weekend, I'm hopeful things will go a little better. These times sure help me appreciate life when it doesn't include all these adventures.
So, for another gift, Monday, Amy went to a consignment store in Boise. While she was looking around, Baily began playing with a porcelain sink on a porcelain pedestal. Amy was later told it was valued at $500. I'm not sure that was realistic, but I'll bet you can guess what was about to happen. Of course the sink was knocked off the pedestal and both were broken beyond repair. Amy felt terrible and the store employee said that if this happened at Home Depot she would have to pay for it, but that as long as she kept shopping at their store, she wouldn't have to. Well, then she felt pressured to get something and after not being able to find what she was looking for, she purchased something expensive in its place.
That same day, Baily vacuumed up Lily's pants and I spent the evening trying to fix that. Also, our dryer started scraping and put black marks on three loads of laundry before we realized. While I worked on the vacuum, Baily and Bethy went into our bathroom and took turns pouring full glasses of water on eachothers bare feet. By the time I found them, the entire floor was a half inch deep in water and the carpet by the doorway was soaked. Tuesday wasn't much better. After deciding we had spent too much on presents this year, Amy returned an item meant for me, placed the money in her purse, and soon realized that Lily had pulled all the money out and had dropped it somewhere in the store. After an extensive search, she relented that someone must have picked it up already.
I had a hard time controlling my feelings through all of this. I thought of my own father being so calm and not overreacting when he was told about cars being wrecked, things being lost, or his tools being left out in the rain. While I could always tell he was dissappointed and he took time to provide a lecture on behavior, rarely did he raise his voice, and most often when it was an accident, he didn't blame anyone at all. Well, I tried to respond the same way throughout these two days, but when I found the two girls flooding our bathroom, I have to admit I was angry. This wasn't an accident, and we'd warned them about doing this before. I stuck them both in the corner for 10 minutes (longer than they had ever spent) and I gave them a loud lecture too. I had them clean up the house the rest of the evening, although any messes they cleaned were actually messes they had made. Maybe some of their behavior is related to the season. While it's a wonderful time of year, it is a lot of stimulation and sugar for energetic little children.
Well, today is a new day, and although I still have to finish fixing our dryer and do a hundred other things to prepare for my family coming this weekend, I'm hopeful things will go a little better. These times sure help me appreciate life when it doesn't include all these adventures.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Pizza Hut and Carolling
Well, I got looking through the pictures I've been taking on my phone and noticed a couple I didn't add to the blog. A few weeks ago Baily had completed the reading requirements for the Pizza Hut "Book-it" program. At the same time, the girls finished filling their "jars" with beads. About a month ago, we were starting to notice the girls getting a little sloppy with their language. Nothing terrible, but just a lot of complaining and the word "no" being used too often. We decided to try an idea from the Dittrichs. Every time the girls say something nice, or do something without complaining, we let them place a bead in a jar. Baily and Bethy had both filled their jars with beads and the reward was a special date with mom and dad. So, we all went to pizza hut for dinner and then to the dollar theater for a kids movie. It was a lot of fun, and here are the pictures, which unfortunately didn't turn out too well. Still, it was a good memory and I'm glad we did it, because they had so much fun, and it was good to just relax a little during my busy schedule.
Well, Christmas and my graduation are fast approaching. I hate to have the Christmas season end. Every year it seems to go too fast. Part of the problem has always been that I am so focused on finishing a semester and preparing for finals, that I don't get to ponder and enjoy the season until after I'm done. Even then, I wonder about my grades and how well I did on my projects. Perhaps next year will be better now that I'm done with school. Still, it has been a wonderful season started out when we traveled to Ammon and Liz's house for Thanksgiving. This year, I have felt a special appreciation for the blessings the Lord has given me and my family. There are many families in our ward that have so little this year, and hurts me to think how they must be struggling. I look forward to carrying on the tradition established by my parents to take a turkey to a needy family. We are planning to make the delivery tonight and I'm sure the girls will be so excited.
Last night we went to Uncle Dave's and Aunt Nola's home for chili and then went on our annual Christmas caroling. We visit the same elderly families every year and it was fun to here my kids and Angie's kids recall visiting certain homes. Gary and Angie and their kids were there as well as Ed and Denise's family, Marie, Jessy, and Carolyn, and Uncle Dave and Aunt Nola. I had to leave early for a church meeting, but made it to the end of the caroling. Amy and I talked that night of how much we love our family and how good they all are. I love Christmas!!!
Well, Christmas and my graduation are fast approaching. I hate to have the Christmas season end. Every year it seems to go too fast. Part of the problem has always been that I am so focused on finishing a semester and preparing for finals, that I don't get to ponder and enjoy the season until after I'm done. Even then, I wonder about my grades and how well I did on my projects. Perhaps next year will be better now that I'm done with school. Still, it has been a wonderful season started out when we traveled to Ammon and Liz's house for Thanksgiving. This year, I have felt a special appreciation for the blessings the Lord has given me and my family. There are many families in our ward that have so little this year, and hurts me to think how they must be struggling. I look forward to carrying on the tradition established by my parents to take a turkey to a needy family. We are planning to make the delivery tonight and I'm sure the girls will be so excited.
Last night we went to Uncle Dave's and Aunt Nola's home for chili and then went on our annual Christmas caroling. We visit the same elderly families every year and it was fun to here my kids and Angie's kids recall visiting certain homes. Gary and Angie and their kids were there as well as Ed and Denise's family, Marie, Jessy, and Carolyn, and Uncle Dave and Aunt Nola. I had to leave early for a church meeting, but made it to the end of the caroling. Amy and I talked that night of how much we love our family and how good they all are. I love Christmas!!!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Life Changes
To say that I am experiencing some life changes is putting it mildly! Yesterday I turned in the last paper I will ever have to submit for my formal University Experience (I hope)! In some ways, life has passed by so quickly, but when I think about all the long hours up late or entire Saturdays spent working on homework, it feels like the end barely arrived in time to keep me from losing my sanity. I have to say, I have mixed emotions about this new change in my life. While I am excited to spend more time with my family, not having the constant worry of what reading or writing I need to do, still I will miss the formal process of education. I have gained so much and been able to challenge my views and get understanding. I enjoy being up to date, in detail, on what is going on in the country and in the world. I will miss the detailed analysis of life that only a formal education can provide, but I also believe this is the beginning of my personal education. I hope to be able to read good books and continue to challenge my own views.
Another change occurred a few days ago when I officially accepted a position as Planner II for the city of Nampa. To my surprise, my new boss will be my stake president, Norm Holm. Certainly the Lord watches out for me and my needs. No longer will I have to spend two hours of my day commuting to and from work. I will be able to come home for lunches and spend more time with my family. This position will challenge me and require me to use the knowledge and skills I have gained through my schooling. While the pay increase will be nice, one of the things I look forward to most, is the ability to associate with and learn from, good people like President Holm. The Lord knew I needed these things and somehow was able to provide them right at the close of my schooling. Recently I have thought a lot about the words found in Matthew 6:28-30 when the Master counsels his disciples going to share the gospel, “28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Even though I am not being sent out to foreign lands to spread the gospel, I also know that the Lord watches out for my physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. I am certain that He values my family, and even me, above the grasses of the fields and will continue to provide for our needs, in the timing and conditions that are best for us.
Amy is now less than two months from the due date for our first boy to come into the world – another change in our lives. While we are a little concerned about our living conditions and being able to fit everyone in to our little home, we are also grateful for the home we have. We hear so many others comment about growing out of their homes. Often they have larger homes than ours and less children. Perspective is an interesting thing. Amy and I have recently read several books set in the past. We have noted that families were generally larger, homes were smaller, and families had to get by with less. We have discussed how the wealth of this nation is not only a blessing, but a curse. By having so much, we forget to be grateful. Like the spoiled child, hording toys from other children, our focus turns to protecting the worldly possessions we’ve accumulated, rather than protecting our families from pride. I need to be better at not comparing my condition to others, but rather, I need to count the blessings that really matter, and not those that don’t.
Each night, this past week, I stayed at the school until late to work on homework. I hoped to be able to finish so I could go on a Young Men’s trip over the weekend. Bro. Pancheri’s family owns a cabin in Donnelly and we wanted to take the boys snow-shoeing. For several weeks we have been working on making snow shoes for this trip. I was able to go and We had a wonderful time. I had Shane Dittrich and the presidents of each quorum, speak about quorum unity and then I shared one of my favorite Christmas stories, recounted by Pres. Monson about church members in Malad, Idaho who helped a family in Canada with no money, food, or adequate clothing for Christmas. I spoke briefly about unity, not just for social needs, but for spiritual needs as well. There was a sweet spirit in the cabin and afterwards, Read Young shared a similar story of when his own family was helped for Christmas. I love this season! It seems to calm the world and encourage love.
We are looking forward to Christmas. Brenda and her family, unfortunately can’t come, but the rest of the family will be up for my graduation and Mom, Dad, and Dawn are staying for Christmas. Life is going really well and the Lord is blessing us.
Another change occurred a few days ago when I officially accepted a position as Planner II for the city of Nampa. To my surprise, my new boss will be my stake president, Norm Holm. Certainly the Lord watches out for me and my needs. No longer will I have to spend two hours of my day commuting to and from work. I will be able to come home for lunches and spend more time with my family. This position will challenge me and require me to use the knowledge and skills I have gained through my schooling. While the pay increase will be nice, one of the things I look forward to most, is the ability to associate with and learn from, good people like President Holm. The Lord knew I needed these things and somehow was able to provide them right at the close of my schooling. Recently I have thought a lot about the words found in Matthew 6:28-30 when the Master counsels his disciples going to share the gospel, “28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Even though I am not being sent out to foreign lands to spread the gospel, I also know that the Lord watches out for my physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. I am certain that He values my family, and even me, above the grasses of the fields and will continue to provide for our needs, in the timing and conditions that are best for us.
Amy is now less than two months from the due date for our first boy to come into the world – another change in our lives. While we are a little concerned about our living conditions and being able to fit everyone in to our little home, we are also grateful for the home we have. We hear so many others comment about growing out of their homes. Often they have larger homes than ours and less children. Perspective is an interesting thing. Amy and I have recently read several books set in the past. We have noted that families were generally larger, homes were smaller, and families had to get by with less. We have discussed how the wealth of this nation is not only a blessing, but a curse. By having so much, we forget to be grateful. Like the spoiled child, hording toys from other children, our focus turns to protecting the worldly possessions we’ve accumulated, rather than protecting our families from pride. I need to be better at not comparing my condition to others, but rather, I need to count the blessings that really matter, and not those that don’t.
Each night, this past week, I stayed at the school until late to work on homework. I hoped to be able to finish so I could go on a Young Men’s trip over the weekend. Bro. Pancheri’s family owns a cabin in Donnelly and we wanted to take the boys snow-shoeing. For several weeks we have been working on making snow shoes for this trip. I was able to go and We had a wonderful time. I had Shane Dittrich and the presidents of each quorum, speak about quorum unity and then I shared one of my favorite Christmas stories, recounted by Pres. Monson about church members in Malad, Idaho who helped a family in Canada with no money, food, or adequate clothing for Christmas. I spoke briefly about unity, not just for social needs, but for spiritual needs as well. There was a sweet spirit in the cabin and afterwards, Read Young shared a similar story of when his own family was helped for Christmas. I love this season! It seems to calm the world and encourage love.
We are looking forward to Christmas. Brenda and her family, unfortunately can’t come, but the rest of the family will be up for my graduation and Mom, Dad, and Dawn are staying for Christmas. Life is going really well and the Lord is blessing us.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Thanksgiving
Well, obviously the last two weeks have escaped me. Not only did we spend almost a full week down in Utah, but my schooling and work have both required a lot more attention than usual. I am submitting my final paper for my Assessment class this Monday, one of the two final papers for Nat. Resources/ Environmental Policy on Wednesday and then the final paper the following Wednesday. In the mean time, I'm also trying to finish all the reading for the classes. Work has also been extremely busy. It seems like my life runs in waves of not being busy to being extremely busy. There seems to be no in-between where it's just right and I don't feel like I need to complain. Unfortunately I'm still working on being content with what I have.
To me, this is a difficult task because I don't want to ever be so comfortable with my life that I become complacent and stop challenging myself, but I don't want to be so busy that things are overlooked. When I'm not busy, I get lazy and let some things slip in my life. However, while it is sometimes difficult to find time to do the small things when I'm busy, I've found that being busy sometimes forces me to schedule my time better and accomplish more. Maybe that's what the Lord meant when he said, "For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward." Maybe he's saying that those who are slothful are not wise, because they let the little things slip and don't progress like those who continue to challenge themselves. They receive no reward because they didn't ever go out and achieve it.
We have several people in our ward that have recently lost their jobs. At this thanksgiving time, I am grateful to have employment. I am thankful that money matters, but that it matters less than people. I am thankful for a God who forgives, loves, and challenges me. I am grateful for family, good friends, good books that test my perceptions, and history which helps me see my place in this world and helps me be grateful for and aware of my blessings.
Well, the holiday was wonderful. I don't know when I've been more pleased with a vacation. Tuesday night Amy and I traveled to Dawn's home and stayed there that night. We stayed up late talking to Dawn and were very tired when the girls woke up bright and early in the morning. After a great breakfast of crepes, we all got ready and went to the Church History Museum. We had a lot of fun in the museum, especially at the children's section, but the biggest hit by far was the escalator.
Lily made us go up and down several times before the attendants began questioning if we needed help. Next we went and walked around Temple Square and enjoyed the nativity scene and the cristus.
It was a wonderful time and we even found this interesting sign:
The girls also loved the waterfalls at the Conference Center:
We returned to Dawn's house where everyone but Dawn and Baily took naps. They went to a really cool park nearby Dawn's house while we slept. By the time we woke up, it was late and we left for Ammon and Liz's house for Dinner. The traffic was horrible and it took us over an hour and a half to drive what usually takes about 15-20 minutes! We enjoyed being with Ammon and Liz that night and were late to get to sleep again.
Thanksgiving morning Erin and Travis's family came, as well as my parents, and all the men went to go skeet shooting. We spent all morning shooting, talking, and enjoying the mountains. Dad decided to give me his 12 gauge shotgun for Christmas and I am so excited about it! Even if I don't use it very much, it still is something that belonged to him and helps me remember times we spent together. Everyone contributed to the meal that afternoon and Liz did a wonderful job at getting us all comfortable and fed. Even my cousin Kye and her two daughters came. Ammon borrowed a Nintendo Wii from a friend and we all played in groups of four - tennis, bowling and other games.
It was soo much fun and we we all had sore muscles the next day from leaping and diving in front of eachother at an imaginary tennis ball. The women did a craft that afternoon and we played with the kids, read stories and continued to snack on leftovers. We watched a wonderful movie: The Ultimate Gift and by that time, everyone had to leave. It was just about the most perfect day!
The following morning was black friday and since the girls didn't want to get up so early, Ammon and I got up at 4:30 and braved the madness. I got a digital camera for our family, something we've wanted to do for a long time. By the time we got back, the girls (Amy, Dawn, and Liz) wanted to go shopping and spent the next few hours fighting the crowds. Amy and I left for her parents where we had a special brunch and while the cousins played, the adults put together a puzzle and watched football. That night, we met my family again for Dinner at Red Robbin's, went to the mall to look around a little and then went to the Manheim Steamroller performance at the E-Center. It was a wonderful evening. During intermission they had young men march around a miniture village and pond, dressed as toy soldiers. We all got a kick out of two teenage girls who tried to get the soldiers to break out of their role and show some kind of emotion. Finally one of the girls kissed the soldier and then dashed off into the crowd. I returned home with Ammon that night so we could go paintballing in the morning and Amy stayed with our girls at her mom's. Amy was really generous to let me do all these things this vacation. I can't help but feel bad for leaving the responsibility of the children with her so much. But, she encouraged me to do these things because she knew we have wanted to do them for so long and haven't gotten around to them until now. I'll try to make it up to her when she goes to Oregon with April Dittrich this Saturday.
Saturday morning Ammon and I embraced the frigid temperature and went paintablling witha bunch of his buddies. It was so much fun and it made me wish I could do this with him more often. I sure do appreciate the relationship we have. He inspires me with his humble yet direct approach to life and to God. He and Liz have both become good friends to Amy and me. That afternoon, the women went shopping again and Ammon and I played the Wii with the girls. Dawn had to leave that afternoon and we just relaxed the rest of the evening. It was so nice to spend so much time with Dawn. It seems like we don't get to spend long periods of time with her usually, so this time was really nice. She has such a great attitude and is so optimistic. I love that about her. We left for home after church the next day. What a wonderful time we had. I sure do love all my family! I am so thankful for each of them.
I said I would post a picture of Amy choking down her brown protein drink, so here it is. This is a fake smile, in case you thought she's enjoying it.
Amy had one migraine yesterday, but that was the first in over a week and it's partly because she hadn't been diligent about drinking her protein drink and snacking regularly. I think we've figured out that she just has to be careful with her hypoglycemia and she will be fine.
To me, this is a difficult task because I don't want to ever be so comfortable with my life that I become complacent and stop challenging myself, but I don't want to be so busy that things are overlooked. When I'm not busy, I get lazy and let some things slip in my life. However, while it is sometimes difficult to find time to do the small things when I'm busy, I've found that being busy sometimes forces me to schedule my time better and accomplish more. Maybe that's what the Lord meant when he said, "For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward." Maybe he's saying that those who are slothful are not wise, because they let the little things slip and don't progress like those who continue to challenge themselves. They receive no reward because they didn't ever go out and achieve it.
We have several people in our ward that have recently lost their jobs. At this thanksgiving time, I am grateful to have employment. I am thankful that money matters, but that it matters less than people. I am thankful for a God who forgives, loves, and challenges me. I am grateful for family, good friends, good books that test my perceptions, and history which helps me see my place in this world and helps me be grateful for and aware of my blessings.
Well, the holiday was wonderful. I don't know when I've been more pleased with a vacation. Tuesday night Amy and I traveled to Dawn's home and stayed there that night. We stayed up late talking to Dawn and were very tired when the girls woke up bright and early in the morning. After a great breakfast of crepes, we all got ready and went to the Church History Museum. We had a lot of fun in the museum, especially at the children's section, but the biggest hit by far was the escalator.
Lily made us go up and down several times before the attendants began questioning if we needed help. Next we went and walked around Temple Square and enjoyed the nativity scene and the cristus.
It was a wonderful time and we even found this interesting sign:
The girls also loved the waterfalls at the Conference Center:
We returned to Dawn's house where everyone but Dawn and Baily took naps. They went to a really cool park nearby Dawn's house while we slept. By the time we woke up, it was late and we left for Ammon and Liz's house for Dinner. The traffic was horrible and it took us over an hour and a half to drive what usually takes about 15-20 minutes! We enjoyed being with Ammon and Liz that night and were late to get to sleep again.
Thanksgiving morning Erin and Travis's family came, as well as my parents, and all the men went to go skeet shooting. We spent all morning shooting, talking, and enjoying the mountains. Dad decided to give me his 12 gauge shotgun for Christmas and I am so excited about it! Even if I don't use it very much, it still is something that belonged to him and helps me remember times we spent together. Everyone contributed to the meal that afternoon and Liz did a wonderful job at getting us all comfortable and fed. Even my cousin Kye and her two daughters came. Ammon borrowed a Nintendo Wii from a friend and we all played in groups of four - tennis, bowling and other games.
It was soo much fun and we we all had sore muscles the next day from leaping and diving in front of eachother at an imaginary tennis ball. The women did a craft that afternoon and we played with the kids, read stories and continued to snack on leftovers. We watched a wonderful movie: The Ultimate Gift and by that time, everyone had to leave. It was just about the most perfect day!The following morning was black friday and since the girls didn't want to get up so early, Ammon and I got up at 4:30 and braved the madness. I got a digital camera for our family, something we've wanted to do for a long time. By the time we got back, the girls (Amy, Dawn, and Liz) wanted to go shopping and spent the next few hours fighting the crowds. Amy and I left for her parents where we had a special brunch and while the cousins played, the adults put together a puzzle and watched football. That night, we met my family again for Dinner at Red Robbin's, went to the mall to look around a little and then went to the Manheim Steamroller performance at the E-Center. It was a wonderful evening. During intermission they had young men march around a miniture village and pond, dressed as toy soldiers. We all got a kick out of two teenage girls who tried to get the soldiers to break out of their role and show some kind of emotion. Finally one of the girls kissed the soldier and then dashed off into the crowd. I returned home with Ammon that night so we could go paintballing in the morning and Amy stayed with our girls at her mom's. Amy was really generous to let me do all these things this vacation. I can't help but feel bad for leaving the responsibility of the children with her so much. But, she encouraged me to do these things because she knew we have wanted to do them for so long and haven't gotten around to them until now. I'll try to make it up to her when she goes to Oregon with April Dittrich this Saturday.
Saturday morning Ammon and I embraced the frigid temperature and went paintablling witha bunch of his buddies. It was so much fun and it made me wish I could do this with him more often. I sure do appreciate the relationship we have. He inspires me with his humble yet direct approach to life and to God. He and Liz have both become good friends to Amy and me. That afternoon, the women went shopping again and Ammon and I played the Wii with the girls. Dawn had to leave that afternoon and we just relaxed the rest of the evening. It was so nice to spend so much time with Dawn. It seems like we don't get to spend long periods of time with her usually, so this time was really nice. She has such a great attitude and is so optimistic. I love that about her. We left for home after church the next day. What a wonderful time we had. I sure do love all my family! I am so thankful for each of them.
I said I would post a picture of Amy choking down her brown protein drink, so here it is. This is a fake smile, in case you thought she's enjoying it.
Amy had one migraine yesterday, but that was the first in over a week and it's partly because she hadn't been diligent about drinking her protein drink and snacking regularly. I think we've figured out that she just has to be careful with her hypoglycemia and she will be fine.
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