Christmas Project

I had my Dad's name for Christmas this year. My dad is kind of hard to get a gift for because he isn't into "things" very much. He is content with what he has and never wishes for more gadgets or gizmos. If you ask him what he wants for Christmas, it has always been "socks or ties." I have noticed, though, that he does appreciate homemade gifts and he does love his family. So this is what I came up with. I drew cartoons of each member of my family - parents and siblings. This was quite a feat I tried my best to delegate to my more accomplished and artistic siblings, but to no avail, it ended up in my lap. I embroidered 8 blocks representing each family member doing something that they enjoy.

Wyn is playing volleyball
Shan'l is playing the guitar
Mattie Rae with her motorcycle and helmet
Dad golfing
Mom holding a chicken
Me holding a pedigree chart
Bradin singing on stage
and Braxton painting

The middle block says "Families are like quilts, pieced together with memories, bound together with love." The colorful blocks were put together in a log-cabin style with fabrics and colors that would match my parents' bedroom or living room. I was pretty pleased with the way it turned out, and my dad seemed to appreciate it. I didn't count how long it took me, although each embroidered block took about an hour. It's been worth it to hear my family say, "That is Dad's smile!" or "That looks just like Mom!" or "That's just like Mattie's hair!"

Christmas Memory

Although Christmastime was always full of wonderful traditions, memories, and feelings, there is one Christmas in particular that always stands out in my mind.

I was thirteen. My father was the bishop of our Ward at the time and had been unemployed for quite a few months already when Christmas was approaching. I could see that my parents were worried about how they would provide a Christmas for 6 children on such a limited budget. I wished I could help in some way.

I had a paper route at the time and realized that I had the only completely discretionary income in my family at the time. I figured if I went without lunch and saved my lunch money and used my paper route money for 2 months, I could probably save enough to secretly provide some gifts for my family members. I don’t think I enjoyed my paper route so much than I did in those next wintery weeks. There was a lot of planning to do, and I took those quiet cold mornings to plan my secret mission. I had to think of 8 gifts that were personal and desired, but secret wishes so that no one else would have already provided them. How was I to purchase the gifts in secret without a driver’s license? Where would I hide the gifts? How could I write the tags without anyone recognizing my handwriting?

I gradually found solutions to all my obstacles and went ahead with my plan. I recruited a close friend of mine to hide the gifts at her house until I got a place cleaned out in the drawer under my bed for them. She had beautiful handwriting, so I had her write the tags that went along with my gifts. I would walk home from school so that I could stop by her house for our secret business meetings- never lasting too long as to peak my mom’s suspicion.

In December, my parents sat us down to prepare us for a humble Christmas as we were short on money. As we all listened respectfully, I looked at my siblings’ faces and tried my best to hide the fluttering in my heart as I knew something they didn’t.

It was really neat to watch the windows of heaven open in our family’s behalf that Christmas. We were the subject of many service projects and acts of selfless giving. So much so, that my parents began to feel uncomfortable receiving so much while knowing there were so many others in our Ward that were in greater need. We were able to take some of what we received and re-distribute it to those that we knew were also struggling. What a neat experience to be able to receive such acts of love AND be able to return it all in the same year.

Christmas Eve was here. I was prepared. I had kept my secret and my plan had flowed smoothly. All I had to do was wait till the right moment to deliver my secret Santa gifts. I was so excited I just couldn’t sleep. I laid awake in my bed listening for the slightest sound. I had to make sure that everyone was asleep…even my parents. Then, I had to be sneaky enough as not to wake anyone as I moved my gifts from my secret hiding place to under the tree. The moment had arrived. I tip-toed to my door, turned the knob with such spy-skill there was no sound to be heard. Avoiding the creaky places in the floor, I made sure that the house was all at rest. Santa had already arrived. Perfect. I returned to my room to retrieve the gifts and delivered them under the tree in a random way.

Christmas morning was such a treat. As my siblings entered the living room, they all uttered “ooh’s” and “aw’s” that there seemed to be just as many gifts as there were every year. It was a miracle! Mom and Dad seemed to show the same surprise as they sleepily came up the stairs. We took turns, as tradition, opening our gifts so we can all see what everyone received and to enjoy their reaction. I don’t remember what I gave or what I got that year, but I do remember watching my parents’ looks of confusion whenever one of my “secret” gifts was opened. My mom would say “Who is that from?” “The tag says ‘Santa’.” was the reply. She’d look at my dad who would return a blank stare and the next child would start to open their gift. Her surprise seemed to grow with each secret gift. I could see my Mother dying to know who was responsible. She started looking to us for answers, as most of us were old enough to understand her situation. I had to use all of my Orton straight-face skill as I was loosing control of my giggles on the inside. Of course none of us knew, which made me secretly leap for joy a little higher with each gift as my mom grew more and more perplexed.

I kept my Christmas secret with me for probably 15 years until one Sunday we were reminiscing about that experience. After all that time, no one had figured out who was responsible, and so I shared my little secret that had given me so much joy over the years. I felt that year, Christmas was so magical and full of miracles, and I loved being a part of it. I feel like our family was so blessed that year because our father was the bishop and such a faithful servant of the Lord. I feel like I was blessed with increased love for my family members and awareness of their personal needs as I focused my thoughts on trying to fill those needs and make their Christmas a special one. I learned that year, that when you immerse yourself in the act of thoughtful, anonymous giving is when you feel the most magic, the most love, and the most happiness.

Family Vacation Memories

Most of our family vacations growing up seemed to revolve around family reunions or other family gatherings. I loved that about our vacations. We always got to see cousins or visit our Grandparents. We always tried to be frugal in our travels which meant homemade meals, even on the go. Mom always packed our big blue cooler full of sandwich fixings and fresh fruit and carrot sticks for our travel snacks. Dad was always concerned with making good time, so we only ever made stops for gas and the occasional flashing red and blue lights. You learned early to use preventative maintenance for your bladder. You went to the bathroom ever time we stopped, even if you didn't have to go cuz Dad wouldn't stop again until we needed gas. Today I have super-human bladder abilities, and I attribute it to our family vacations.

Some of our favorite past times during travel was Alphabet game, where we silently (looking back, I'm sure this was Mom's suggestions. Sneaky.) tried to find the letters of the alphabet in order from A-Z on road signs, trucks, and licence plates. Madd libs, where you would fill in the blanks with random nouns, adjectives, and verbs and then read the silly story out loud. Sometimes we would sing silly songs like "Horsey, Horsey", and I remember Wyn teaching us "Hagdelina Magdelina" one time. Most of the time I couldn't sleep in the car due to excitement, and enjoyed staying up late to keep the driver company while everyone else slept. Both Mom and Dad would occasionally let us "drive". We could sit in the middle on the blue cooler and steer with the car in cruise control. This was a special treat because we were never old enough to drive legally so it was very exciting.

There were several times we would be driving on icy roads in a blizzard, or on a mountain road with a steep drop off where I would get so frightened I thought for sure we would die. My imagination would get going with all the "what if's" till I would be close to tears. Then I'd peel my gaze from the impending doom and look up and see that Dad was driving. He never looked worried or distressed. I remember coaxing my emotions away from fear and back to peace as I told myself that Dad loves us and would never let anything bad happen to us. Everything will be alright while Dad is driving. It always was. We never fell of any cliffs or slid head on into a semi truck as my imagination told me would happen.

I have found that throughout my life this principle has held true. Dad has always lead us to safety. He loves us and protects us from harm and danger. His calm demeanor helps to bring peace to all he comes in contact with. And if you take enough road trips with him, you may be able to break some records when it comes to bladder control!

Christmas Traditions

My friend, Melissa Fossat, has a Christmas ornament exchange every year at the beginning of December. This year she had us each share a tradition, a memory, or a feeling about Christmas. As I listened to many of my good friends share their Christmas traditions or ideas for new ones, I started formulating in my head ways I could impliment some of their wonderful ideas. Some I was able to try out this year, and others will have to wait, but I thought I'd share...in case I forget all my great ideas next Christmas.

A Stocking for Jesus
2 Mondays before Christmas, our family home evening focused on the Christlike Attributes section of "Preach my Gospel". We identified each attribute and the definition and tried to think of a real life example they could relate to. Then we played a little matching game to match the word with the definition.
The next week, we learned a song my cousins wrote called "God's Christmas Gift". In the chorus it says "Jesus Christ gave His life; God planned it from the start. Each day I live, each gift I give will show my thankful heart."
We talked about how although it's important to DO the right things, it's more important to BECOME like Christ.
We each did the Christlike Attribute Activity in "Preach my Gospel" and used the results to help us choose an attribute we'd like to work on in 2009 to be our gift to Christ. We wrote down our goal on 2 little Christmas cards and placed one in a white stocking for Jesus and the other for us to keep as a reminder of out goal.
Next Christmas when we pull out the decorations, we'll also pull the cards out of the stocking and see how we did on becoming more Christlike.

Shepherd's Picnic
Rick got this idea from the Ensign and it was a hit.
Christmas Eve night, we laid out an old blanket on the living room floor, I made a shepherd's had out of fabric scraps for each of my kids. Rick set the mood by inviting imagination, setting the stage and bringing out little smokeys, cheese and crackers for our shephers's meal. As we enjoyed our little snack he read from the Bible the passage about how the angel appeared to the shepherds in the field. When we were done, we had family prayer and sent them to bed.
The kids loved it and I thought it brought the focus back on Christ and set a perfect mood for Christmas Eve night.

Christmas Quilt
Amberlyn told me of this beautiful tradition she has started with her children. She pulls out a Christmas quilt she has made on December first. Each day the quilt moves to the bed of a different child. Maybe one that has been especially good that day. That night the family gathers around the bed where the Christmas quilt lays and they read a Christmas story. That child gets to sleep with the quilt that night. Each day throughout December the quilt moves to a different bed.

I thought this would work perfectly with our Shepherd's picnic tradition if maybe I nix the BBQ sauce on the little smokeys next year. I'd like to make a new one each year until I have enough for each of my children. When they get married, I'll give them a Christmas quilt to carry on the tradition in their own family.

Family Thanksgiving Show 2008

Last year after Thanksgiving we went over to the small care center near my parents' house and sang some Christmas songs for them. We thought it was a wonderful way to start out our holiday season, and so we returned again this year. It looks like this may become a wonderful Thanksgiving tradition. My sister, Shan'l, organized the program this year and did a wonderful job. We had jokes, dancing, poems, trumpets, pianos, and singing! This year I was smart enough to bring my camera. Here are a few tidbits from our program...

My mother and her daughters singing "I love you Truly"- barbershop style. This was a song my Grandpa Bruce sang with his Barbershop quartet, the Pendle-tone Tutors.

Rayna, Jaeda, and their 2 cousins dancing to "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer". Pretty good for only learning it an hour before.

Jaeda and Megan reciting their Apple Tree poem they learned at their reading school.

The whole lot of us singing "Silent Night."

Home School Report

I have been having a great time during our first 2 weeks of homeschooling. Ian's opinion of it changes depending on the subject we are currently working on. He loves our science, music, art, and spelling. Here are some pictures and samples of his work from this week.

Science


Before: One science assignment the whole first term. Although he did the assignment, he lost it and thus got a big goose egg on his report card for Science. Ian said that when they would run out of time, Science would get "bumped". Ian was wishing for more science experiments and experiences. He didn't enjoy just talking about science all the time.




Now: Ian gets to do a science experiment every day. He loves it and almost always comes up with more questions or other experiments we could do. "I wonder what would happen if we..." is a common phrase I'm noticing at the end of our science experiments. I love to see him excited about learning and discovering! In these pictures he is doing an experiment that illustrates solvents and solutes (Dissolving). He had 4 different solvents and tried 3 different solutes in each one to see what dissolved and what didn't.


Art


Before: Art scheduled once a week. Ian said that they would color pages or make really cool things that would find their way in his desk and then disappear. I never saw any of his artwork. :(

Now: Ian is learning Art concepts, being exposed to famous art pieces and artists, and creating on his own pieces of art. This picture was his first assignment - a self portrait. He has also drawn a "still life" and today he made an abstract drawing of a landscape. He has learned about the types of art: painting, sculpture, and architecture, and is learning now about how to identify representational, abstract and nonrepresentational artwork.













Jaeda loves to participate with Ian, of course. I try to include her as much as I can. She also drew a self-portrait as well. I know you can't see too well, but she gave herself white hair, which is very appropriate, and even included her "naked parts" in purple. I guess I should have explained to her that this wasn't a figure drawing class.


Composition


Before: Rick and I have been disappointed in Ian's journal entries at school for the last few years. He just doesn't seem to take any writing assignment very seriously. Most of his journal included one or two silly nonsense sentences each day. Many days the same silly sentences. "My cheeseball is named Bob". Now imagine this scrawled across a notebook page and a helter-skelter angle in bigger than kindergarten handwriting that is barely legible. For a kid that has so many words running through his brain at any given waking moment, we just felt this was laziness.


Now: Writing still has been like pulling teeth until today. We had a breakthrough with is Composition lesson on Prewriting: Using your Senses. He was to go outside and write his observations using all of his senses. This is what he came inside with. I about cried.

My sister, Jaeda sits by my side. It is starting to drizzle rain and it is
chilly outside. I smell the air. I smell roses - roses? In the fall? Wait, rose and pumpkin. Not just rose. It is getting colder and colder by the second, cold enough to snow. Jaeda keeps saying, "Big B little b, Buh, buh, buh." I love the outdoors.

The next part was to make observations using only one sense:

I see the mountains, I see the clouds. I see this book. I crawl off
the back steps and onto the cement. I turn around. I see Jaeda my
sister. The bright sun shines in my eyes through the thick clouds.
looking like they're going to snow any minute. Jaeda sits by me on the
cement singing.

Next he was to choose one object and write his observations about that.



I see a tree, a leafless tree indeed. I walk over, close to the small willow and stop. A cold air speeds by. It moves the leafless red and brown branches. I shiver and walk on. I slip off the weed and step in the mud. I grab a branch, hoping to feel the texture, but I slip again and brake the branch. A strong, cold wind whips by, making me shiver. I start to walk away, but first stop to look at the majestic willow. I move on.


He was so energized by this activity that he is now planning on writing a book. He took this pre-writing about the tree and expanded on it already. It's the perfect beginning for a book. I am so proud of him. I love to see him gain confidence, to learn life lessons from the fables we are reading, to see him succeed and be a part of those "a-ha!" moments

Choose a Side

Today in LA there were protesters outside of the temple - singling out the church and the prophet for their support of Proposition 8. The leaders of this group plan to raise money to overthrow Prop. 8. Donors will have the option to donate in honor of President Monson. When they do, he will get a letter each time that shows their disgust at what the church has done to support traditional marriage. Looks like we get to have a taste of the protest right here in SLC at Temple Square tomorrow.

In light of these news articles, here is a quote from Ezra Taft Benson to ponder:

As a prophet reveals the truth it divides the people. The honest in heart heed his words, but the unrighteous either ignore the prophet or fight him. When the prophet points out the sins of the world, the worldly either want to close the mouth of the prophet, or else act as if the prophet didn't exist, rather than repent of their sins. Popularity is never a test of truth. Many a prophet has been killed or cast out. As we come closer to the Lord's second coming, you can expect that as the people of the world become more wicked, the prophet will be less popular with them.

I feel that Proposition 8 was the first of many very hard issues that we will be faced with. Living in Utah, as I watched the news, I was amazed at how many "faithful" members of the LDS church were publicly opposing the prophet and his counsel because they had a family member who was gay and didn't want to see them get hurt. I was in awe. I have listened to other members say that they don't agree, and until the prophet says that he's received revelation about it, that they will continue to disagree. Wha???

My brother pointed me to this scripture that I've never quite understood till now:

Matthew 10:27-40:

"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but
a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father and the
daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or
mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more
than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth
after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he
that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. He that receiveth you receiveth
me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me."

While watching the events unfold I kept thinking: Sifting. Wheat and tares. 10 Virgins. We know that the parable of the 10 virgins is a parable about the members of Christ's church. There will be a great many who won't be prepared for the wedding.

I think this sifting will continue. I know the prophet will continue to speak for the Lord. I feel the opposition will get stronger and it will get harder and harder to stay on the fence. Everyone will have to choose a side. What are we willing to sacrifice to be worthy of the Lord?

Who's on the Lord's side, who? Now is the time to show.

Halloween 2008

Here are my Halloween girls. Ian took off to trick or treat with friends before I even knew he had his costume on. SO...we just get pics of the girls.

Jaeda dressed up as a Bee. I love this costume. She wanted make-up, so I got out the black cake eyeliner and drew some designs on her face. She was feeling so beautiful after we topped it off with lipstick and eyeshadow. Rayna watched covetously as I applied Jaeda's make-up.

Rayna found out she couldn't take her "weapons" to school, so she dressed up as a ballerina for school, and returned to her original costume for the evening festivities. After watching Jaeda's beautification session, she asked for make-up, too. So I let her lead me as to what kind of make-up a cow-girl wears. No make-up for Brynlee, but she was such a good sport as we dressed her up as a pea-pod. She kept hugging the top pea and her little bare feet were twirling around and around with delight as she watched the kids run from door to door.

I have to admit, it was a lot of fun dolling up my little dollies. It also brought back memories of my own childhood Halloweens watching my mother spit into her own black cake eyeliner and swirl it around with a miniature brush in anticipation of using my face as her artist's canvas. Make-up has to be the funnest part of Halloween for girls. I know it was for me, so I tried to make it fun for my girls, too. I even talked Rayna into a beauty mark on her upper cheek. She was confused at first, but by the end of the night was saying how she was going to be so careful so the beauty mark wouldn't get rubbed off because she loved it.

My parents and Mattie Rae stopped by to bring their own Halloween treats for my kids and also to deliver some mini pies from my Grandmother. They are always so thoughtful, and it is such a treat to have visitors. They even came with us as we trick or treated!

Presidential Candidate Calculator

I thought this was an interesting tool. You mark whether you support different political issues and how strongly you feel about them. At the end, you push a button and it shows what presidential candidate you most agree with. I was happy to see that I matched right up with who I had planned to vote for. Check it out!

http://www.vajoe.com/candidate_calculator.html

Pumpkin Carving

Jaeda was so excited. She kept running around saying "Happy Ha-wo-ween!" to no one in particular.

This is the only photo we have with all of us at the same time. We really need a new family picture now that we have Brynlee.

Let the games begin!

Mattie is wrapping the "Mummies" for dinner.

3-year-olds have to taste EVERYTHING. Although, she wasn't the only one. All three kids must have been hungry. They were all eating the meat of the pumpkin here and there.

Rayna explaining her design idea to the carving artist.

Adding the faces after the mummies were cooked.

What a fun little Halloween dinner!

Once again, my sister Mattie Rae has saved my children from the ill fate of having a party-pooping mother. Mattie Rae invited herself over to carve pumpkins, provided us with a festive kid-friendly dinner, and then my parents showed up with a Family Home Evening lesson complete with Halloween doughnuts and cider. We had a wonderful day. Thanks Mattie Rae!

Flashback Friday - Childhood Gems of the Past

When Ian got the show and tell bucket for his kindergarten class the instructions said to put in three things that are special to you and be prepared to explain why they are special.
Ian announced "I found my first special thing!" I looked in the bucket and saw his Book of Mormon. I then asked him why it was special. "Because if we read the book of Mormon every day, God will give us blessings."
October 2005 (age 6)

Rayna: There's one way not to become an adult...It's not to eat your vegetables.
October 23, 2005 (age 4)

Rayna: When I was in heaven I wore swallowing clothes, just like Jesus."
March 18, 2006 (age 4)

Rayna: (in a rage at bedtime) SLEEPING IS BORING! (I couldn't stop laughing. It is very true. Did she expect resting to be like visiting the circus?)
March 22, 2006 (age 4)

Me: Ian, do you know what a literary club is?
Ian: I don't know. Maybe it's a club where people get together to pick up litter.
May 10, 2006 (age 6)

Rayna: Dad, when you say "prairie dog" it makes me feel like I want to say a prayer.
July 23, 2006 (age 4)

Rayna: I know some swear words.
Me: Like what?
Rayna: The "F" word (brief pause in which I try to remain calm with beads of sweat bursting from my forehead)...you know, the other word for toots.
May 13, 2007 (age 5)

Education

I asked my kids some questions yesterday to get a feel for their perspective on their academic education.

Me: Do you feel like you are learning anything new or interesting in school? If so, then what?

Rayna: Not very much

Ian: No much. Just art is OK.

Me: What would you like to learn about?

Rayna: How to make butter

Ian: How atoms form

Me: Name 3 things you'd like to be when you grow up and tell me why you think each job is cool.

Ian: An inventor. You get to make stuff. A lego designer. You get to create new lego sets. An obedient man so I don't get kicked out of my job.

Rayna: An artist because you get to paint. A dancer because you get to dance. A mother because you get to have babies.

This little survey sparked some really good conversation and I learned a lot from my kids. Ian sure had a lot to say about how he wished his education could be. So much that I didn't have time to get the same depth from Rayna. I'll have to ask her some more questions when she gets home from school today.

Princess Brynlee

Jaeda loves Brynlee. She is always trying to include her in her play. Rayna brought home some princess jewelry from a birthday party she went to and Jaeda dressed Brynlee up like a princess. Brynlee is such a good sport and lets Jaeda treat her like a doll. Here is Brynlee with her beautician, Jaeda.

August 23, 2008

Jedi Costume

Here is Ian's new Jedi costume I made yesterday. I made the robe and "tunic" yesterday and Ian is tickled. He had a lot of fun during our photo shoot. I'd like to set up a backdrop and take some more professional photos of him in his costume. Maybe later. I got the pattern idea from here. It was way easy. I finished it all in one day. No pattern, no sewing skills needed. Although, if I were to do it again I'd change a few things. Hopefully this Jedi robe will last a few more years. The last one I made doesn't even hit his knees anymore.

Horrible!

Ian: Mom, wanna hear something horrible?

(brief silence in which I don't respond)

Ian: Do you know there are some kids that are so bad that Santa doesn't even visit their house? The parents know their kids are bad and that Santa won't come, but they buy their kids presents anyway and then LIE to their kids and say it's from Santa! Isn't that STUPID?

Me: Where did you hear this?

Ian: I just figured it out myself. There's poor families that get expensive toys and bad kids that get toys still and...

Jaeda's Sacrament Water

Scene: Sitting in Sacrament Meeting with Jaeda on my lap, Rayna at my side. The water is being passed.

Me: Jaeda, do you know what the water reminds us of?

Jaeda: No

Me: It reminds us of Jesus and that he died for us.

Jaeda: Jesus died?

Me: Yes, He died on the cross so we can live with Heavenly Father again someday.

Jaeda: A cross?

Rayna: Yeah. It looks like a "T"

Jaeda: I can't see those guys

Me: I can't either, but I can feel their love for me.

Rayna: I feel them sometimes when I pray.

Jaeda: (Pondering for a moment, then looking at her hand, she raises it in front of her face) I feel them in my HAND!

Ear Flap Hat

I got my crafty-ness out again for General Conference, and this is a hat I made for Rayna. Jaeda is modeling it, and I am making a pink one like this for her, but it isn't finished yet. I made 2 others previously, but it wasn't till the 3rd try that it worked out like I wanted. I followed the pattern the first time and it was way too big. So I tried again and then the ear flaps weren't in the right place. So 3rd time's a charm. I think it's darling and they work up quickly, so I plan on making one for each of my kids.

Distracted by Current Events

I'm sorry I've neglected my blog lately, but I have been so distracted by current events that by the time I've researched the crazy things that are happening, my free time for the computer is up. So, my sister suggested that I put together a few blurbs about what I've been learning about lately. So here you go - just a few:

Current Event #1: Obama's Truth Squad:
Members of Missouri Law enforcement are members of Obama's Truth Squad to make sure that only the truth is spoken of Obama and his campaign. Wouldn't this serve to intimidate people out of speaking their political views regarding the presidential campaign? Is this very American to have law enforcement officers pay a visit to your home if your personal opinion isn't "right"? Doesn't this violate our free speech rights? Don't we have a right to accuse someone of something and not be arrested for it? Sounds more like Nazi Germany to me.




Current Event #2: Army Combat Unit to Deploy within U.S.

For the first time since the Civil War we will have US Military troops on active duty within the homeland. Here are some excerpts from the article from the Army Times:

The 3rd Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team has spent 35 of the last 60 months in Iraq patrolling in full battle rattle, helping restore essential services and escorting supply convoys.
Now they’re training for the same mission — with a twist — at home.
Beginning Oct. 1 for 12 months, the 1st BCT will be under the day-to-day control of U.S. Army North, the Army service component of Northern Command, as an on-call federal response force for natural or man-made emergencies and disasters, including terrorist attacks.

After 1st BCT finishes its dwell-time mission, expectations are that another, as yet unnamed, active-duty brigade will take over and that the mission will be a permanent one.

...In the meantime, they’ll learn new skills, use some of the ones they
acquired in the war zone and more than likely will not be shot at while doing
any of it. They may be called upon to help with civil unrest and crowd
control or to deal with potentially horrific scenarios such as massive poisoning and chaos in response to a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or high-yield explosive, or CBRNE, attack.

The 1st BCT’s soldiers also will learn how to use “the first ever nonlethal package that the Army has fielded,” 1st BCT commander Col. Roger Cloutier said, referring to crowd and traffic control equipment and nonlethal weapons designed to subdue unruly or dangerous individuals without killing them.
The package includes equipment to stand up a hasty road block; spike strips for slowing, stopping or controlling traffic; shields and batons; and, beanbag bullets.
Tthe force will be known for the next year as a CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force, or CCMRF (pronounced “sea-smurf”).

“I don’t know what America’s overall plan is — I just know that 24 hours a day, seven days a week, there are soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines
that are standing by to come and help if they’re called,” Cloutier
said.

So we'll be having troops "patrolling in full battle rattle" in our cities in the U.S. Does that sound very American? The only other time we've needed the help of the Army was during Hurricane Katrina. In our nation's history, we have never had such civil unrest or natural or man-made disasters that our local law enforcement or other private emergency responders weren't able to handle. What does our Federal Government forsee that might warrant the need of a permanent brigade stationed in the US?



Current event #3: Despite Most Americans Against Bailout Plan, Bailout Passes.

What happened to the voice of the people? Isn't it the job of our Representatives to represent us? I heard a clip from a speech Nancy Pelosi (I've been looking all morning for the media clip for you, but I can't find it) was giving regarding the bailout saying that she received tens of thousands of emails and letters about the bailout with about 90% of them against the bailout. But the people just don't understand the importance of this bill, so she went ahead and voted FOR it. So do members of our Congress and Legislature deem themselves smarter than the rest of Americans? That sounds like a big problem to me. I'm not trying to pick on Pelosi in particular, but I wonder how many others heard the voice of the people they are being paid to represent and went ahead and did what they wanted anyway. If our politicians are going to treat us like the "little people", it sound like it's time to boot some people out of office.

Flashback Friday: My Best Friend's Wedding

Sarah Raymer has been my best friend since 3rd grade. We grew up together and made so many silly memories. She married her high school sweetheart, Joel Steveson, in January of 1999. Rick and I travelled up to Washington in my beloved Honda CRX for her wedding in the Seattle Temple. It was a beautiful wedding with a lavish reception. I don't think I had or have since been to such a fancy occaision. We stayed in Puyallup with Heather and Don Kamer - more friends of mine I grew up with. Rick and I had only been married 8 months and it was fun to take him back to my old stomping grounds even if it was during the wettest season of all.

This was the last picture we have of us as just a couple before we began our journey as parents. The week after we returned from our trip we discovered we were pregnant with Ian! Don't we look young?

Happy Constitution Day!

It's the day we celebrate our wonderful Constitution! Like I've mentioned in a previous post, I am currently reading and studying our Constitution for the first time in my life. My eyes are beginning to open and I'm beginning to see our country in a new light because of it. I'm a bit bothered by the fact that I can't recall a single lesson on the Constitution in all of my schooling years. I don't want it to be that way for my kids. So, this Constitution day, my kids will have a little Constitution Day lesson. No, I'm not as amazing as you may have thought. I found some awesome online grade-appropriate lessons at the k12 website. Check it out. You may even learn something - I did!

I would think our country would celebrate such an anniversary more openly. How many of you were aware it was Constitution day? What a wonderful, inspired document that has served as the skeleton to our current government. It is what has allowed America to be so prosperous, so blessed.

Here are some things I'm pondering on this Constitution day:

In an election year especially, I would think that Presidential Candidates would want to at least appear the most patriotic as one who wants to represent our great nation. Upon inspection, I found that only 3 of the 13 political party Presidential Candidates even recognized today as Constitution day on their campaign websites. Note that none of the 3 were members of our 2 major political parties.

America's first President, George Washington did not belong to a political party. He believed they did not best serve the people's interests. Most of America's founding fathers were opposed to political parties, and wanted none of them in the U.S - Wikipedia

A quote for Joseph Smith in regards to the question of whether to vote for the “Whig” candidate or the “Democratic” candidate in the election of 1844, and his unwillingness to vote for either, the Prophet Joseph Smith stated:

“….we shall have the satisfaction of knowing that we have acted conscientiously, and have used our best judgment. And if we have to throw away our votes, we had better do so upon a worthy rather than an unworthy individual who might make use of the weapon we put in his hand to destroy us.”- Times and Seasons, Nauvoo, IV, 441

D&C 109:14 ...all those who shall worship in this house may be taught words of wisdom out of the best books, and that they may seek learning even by study, and also by faith...

I know that in the past I have assumed similar political opinions based on what my parents thought, or what people I admire thought, or from the information that I heard on the news. I have never really done much of my own research on politics, government, or even early American history as it applies to the governemnt until recently. I find the more I study the actual documents, the lives of the founding fathers, and American history, the more I feel my eyes opening. Although there are many that do study and learn and even voice their opinions, I find that the majority of us are more comfortable staying out of politics. We listen to the news a bit and then we'll show up at the polls on Election Day and feel we've done our part. I am thankful that through my research, I've gained a greater sense of patriotism, stronger, more educated opinions, and a greater desire to study the Book of Mormon and what it teaches us about government.

Joys of Joyschool

Jaeda is participating in a neighborhood Joyschool this year. It has been such a lifesaver as she had been so bored and sad since the big kids went to school. She feels so big and important knowing she has school, too. There are 5 other kids in her little class, and we rotate homes/teachers each week. All the Moms of these kids are just top notch and I'm so excited for Jaeda to make some good friends and for me to have an excuse to visit with some of my favorite people more often!

Today Joyschool was at our house. The kids were so cute, I just had to take some pictures. As the children arrived I had some fun children's music playing. These 4 kids wanted to dance to the music and ran in circles around the other 2 boys sitting in the middle playing with legos.

We read the 3 Little Bears, learned about the letter C, made a house out of triangles, and learned that we are all Children of God which makes us Princes and Princesses! So we decorated crowns and got to wear them for the rest of class. The kids loved their crowns and so we turned the music back on so they could dance and pretend with their crowns. Here is a picture of all our little Royals. We are missing Weston, because he had to leave early and missed the crown activity.

Jaeda and I are excited for this year's Joyschool and are so thankful for Priscilla for organizing it. I think it is gonna be a great year!

Brynlee Laughs

This video was taken on September 8th, 2008. Brynlee has been such a happy baby. So quick to give anyone a smile that will look at her, but she is so hard to get a laugh out of. It seems the kids are much better at pulling that kind of exuberance from her little belly. Jaeda has been the best at getting Brynlee to laugh. From the other room, I still have a hard time telling if it is distress, or laughter. I love to see my kids playing together.

Kick against the Pricks

It's been 2 and 1/2 years now, since my returned-missionary brother decided to embrace a different lifestyle than he was raised with. This decision created a lot of hurt not only for him, but for his family as well. It's been very interesting to watch his journey. My brother is intellectual and smart and is all about honesty. Being raised in a faithful LDS home, he has had to reconcile his choices with himself to turn his new views into the real truth and his upbringing as narrow and limited lie. He doesn't go to church anymore, doesn't wear his temple garment, and has classified himself as "agnostic" on his MySpace profile. Although it is hard for me to see his choices and hear his new belief system, I realize they are his and I have abandoned the futile attempt to convince him otherwise.

What I still cannot understand is why people who end up leaving the Church can't just leave. It's like they have to prove to the world that they are right and the Church is wrong. It's not just my brother. I have noticed this over and over again. I would think that if you didn't believe the church was true, or that the Prophet was not a spokesperson for the Lord, or even that there was a Lord at all - why would you work so hard to DISprove it? I would think that if you didn't believe it, you'd just leave it and find another community to support your beliefs. If we are wrong, misguided, and brainwashed, why would you care? Why would you keep tabs on the latest publication and public announcements and teachings? Although I don't believe in Catholicism, I don't publish a newspaper article about why they are wrong, make a stink about Scientology, or even Satan worship. Even though I don't agree or understand, I don't mock Muslims or FLDS for their different lifestyle or standards.

I would just think that if someone didn't believe in the church that they would just leave and leave it be. Why do people hold on just enough to argue, to mock, to publish our sacred ordinances, to speak ill of the leaders we love. Is it like that with any religion or am I just sensitive to attacks of my own beliefs? Don't I have a right to worship how, where, or what I may? I don't try to preach to my brother. He knows what I believe and he's taken another road. That's fine. He wants us to support him in his new life. Why is it so hard to give the same to those he left? Why do those who's faith is shattered feel the need to destroy the faith of those that are happy believing?

Although, I know why, it still chaps my hide.

Childhood Gems: Jaeda's feet

Noticing Jaeda chewing on her toenails...

Rick: Jaeda. Don't do that. It's yucky.
Jaeda: Dad! Don't say that!
Rick: What do you want me to say?
Jaeda: It's YUMMY!

Flashback Friday - 2006 Corn Harvest

In light of the season, I found this video we put together of our 2006 Family Corn Harvest.

Ezra Taft Benson, Secretary of Agriculture

I wish I could have seen what kind of discussion happened in the debate after President Benson's testimony, but I didn't see this debate (Edit: I looked for the full version of the debate, and couldn't find it. My conclusion is that someone put together clips of the debates along witht he audio to spark some thought. I still find it moving). I find the comment about "being fed Socialism a little at a time" especially interesting after our Federal Government has just taken over Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, essentially now running our Mortgage system. What about the part about weakening our economy until we fall like over ripe fruit into the hands of Communism? Our economy is hurting. Are we that desperate? Do we have a choice?

Being uncomfortable with both of the major Presidential Candidates this year, I have for the first time ever begun to study our Constitution. Never in my public education was I ever taught it, or encouraged to read it. I'm finding that our government is a lot bigger than our founding fathers intended it to be - stretching it's fingers into every part of our lives. Many of the government programs are good and bring relief to those in need. But it is what America was meant to be?

In our Stake Conference on Sunday Ann M. Dibb (2nd Counselor in the General YW Presidency) gave a wonderful parable about homemade rolls. She described how she volunteered to make homemade rolls for a Young Women activity. She started 5 hours ahead of time to begin the rolls. At the activity, the young women "oohed" and "aahed" at the warm "light as air" rolls and exclaimed how they were the best they had ever eaten!

Sister Dibb explained why she wanted to make these rolls for them. First of all, because she loved the girls and wanted them to taste the REAL thing. We are so used to counterfeit things in our lives. If we've never tasted the REAL thing, how would we know to reject that which is counterfeit? If stale, store-bought rolls are what you think rolls are, then why would you spit it out demanding warm "light as air" rolls if you've never tasted them? Does it change what is real?

With my recent thoughts and studies being upon our country and the Constitution, I started to wonder if what I have known of "freedom" is merely a stale, store-bought version of what it could be... or used to be. Our government is providing for the poor, providing for our retirement, providing health care to anyone regardless of ability to pay, telling us to wear seat belts, requiring us to own auto insurance, requiring a licence and permit to hunt even on our own land, and in some neighborhoods laws even dictate the color you can paint your house.

I'm not sure what I'll do come Election day. Some may say "Well? Vote for the lesser of the 2 evils". But doesn't that mean you are still voting for evil? I really believe that we live in a promised land and the Lord has promised to continue to bless us as long as the majority chooses righteousness. I think we will be held accountable for our vote. I will vote for whoever I feel will lead our country in righteousness and preserve the Constitution regardless of whether I feel they have any chance at winning. At least I've done my part. What will the rest of America do?

P.S. Oh, and why does John McCain look like he can hardly hold his words in every time the camera is on him? Did any one else notice that? I'm trying to see if I can find another clip that shows the candidates' comments.

Corn Harvest

As a little girl, I remember visiting my Grandparents' house in Fruitland, Idaho for a special yearly event. My Mother's parents lived on several acres out in the country along a highway in a big white house. They had a pasture with cows bordered with a white fence. They had a chicken coop that was abandoned that I loved to explore, although always afraid I'd find a forgotten egg that had turned rotten (but never did). There was a big two story barn with a huge pile of hay where I remember my Grandpa teaching me to feed and milk cows. Attatched to the barn there was a workshop that had tools neatly haning on the walls. I never knew so many tools existed! There was a pile of old logs that had been there so long they had petrified into stone. I loved to study the patterns in the rocks and was fascinated that such a change could occur. There were wild cats and kittens always around to stalk, catch and cuddle. There were horses to ride, raspberries to pick, tetherball to play, places to explore, cousins to play with and old clothes to dress up in.


But this visit was for a special purpose. It was September and it was time to harvest the corn! My grandpa would disappear into the rows of corn only to emerge later with a wheelbarrow full with ears of corn. He'd wheel it to the shady spot by the house and dump it in a pile in the middle of the circle that was made by my Aunts and Uncles and cousins. We would then husk the corn amid cheerful visiting and laughter. There was always someone snacking on a fresh ear of corn. The golden cobs of yumminess would then be taken inside to the kitchen where Grandma (in her ruffled apron) and the lucky older cousins were blanching the corn. From there, the kernels would be cut off the cob and put in baggies for freezing. Although I always wished I was old enough to help with the blanching and cutting, the next part was always my favorite of all. After the cobs had been scraped clean of all the juicy sweet corn, Grandma would let me take the cobs out to feed to the cows. Those cows looked forward to the Corn Harvest just as much as I did. I still remember the rough dry feeling of a cow tongue as it grazed my hand in search for her treat.


Such beautiful memories. I am so grateful that my Grandpa's love for gardening and CORN was passed on to my mother. She has a large garden, and the corn always seems to be the highlight of our summers. This year she had the best corn crop she's had in years, and today was our corn harvest. I look forward to it every year. We gathered together today to carry on the tradition of the corn harvest. It was so fun to see the kids enjoying it as well. They were all very helpful and played so well together after their work was done. We had fresh homemade bread and raspberry jam for lunch with as much corn as we wanted! I hope that they have fond memories of their experiences in their Grandma's garden as I did in my Grandpa's garden.

Bargain Shopper 55

My last record for grocery savings was 54% on one shopping trip. Last night I broke my record and saved 55% on my grocery trip. You may add this up and feel I am mistaken, but I also got a $7 off your next shopping trip coupon at checkout which is a pretty darn good deal. I'm thinking of going back in a couple of days with the onlnine coupons I didn't get a chance to print off for the same sale and using my $7 off coupon as well.

Childhood Gems

It's Sunday morning and I just finished fixing Jaeda's hair for church. She hops down and says: "Can I watch a movie?" I remind her that it is the Sabbath and so it needs to be about Jesus or the scriptures. She leaves and comes back a minute later with a video in hand

"I want to watch Naked King Noah!"

Alarmed, I look at the video she is holding. "Do you mean Abinidi and WICKED King Noah?"

Cowgirls on Horseback

If you remember, my sister Mattie Rae organized a horseback riding lesson for me for my birthday. Thursday was the day. I dressed in my new cowgirl outfit for the occasion and met my Mom, Mattie Rae and my niece Madison (Shan'l couldn't come so Madison took her place). We went to the farm where we got the harnesses and some grain. Mom was in charge of carrying the grain bucket. She asked our "teacher" who was actually her neighbor Brother Murdock what it was. He said "grain". She sticks her hand in there and stirs it around and feels it. (This is very typical of my Mother. She likes to experience everything with all her senses. She has to touch and taste everything new. I am the complete opposite. I'm content with just looking. I have no desire to touch or taste anything I'm not familiar with. I am always giving her a hard time about this.) Teasingly, I asked her if she was going to taste it, too. She said "Yeah." But not believing her, I turned away. When I glance back at her she's spitting out the hull and says "Wheat". Alarmed, I said "Mom, what if it is medicated?" She replies "Well, it wouldn't be the first time I've had animal medicine. You know Absorbine?" My mom was raised on a dairy farm and consequently her dad used some of the same medications for his family. Absorbine is an antiseptic used on animals and they later made another version called Absorbine Jr. that I remember getting treated with as a child as well. Doesn't mean I'm going to eat horse food.

So then we go out to the pasture to catch our horses. Brother Murdock puts leading harnesses on the ones we will use and hands us each a horse. The one he handed to me was white with black speckles named Bonnie. I noticed that Bonnie only had one eye and asked him about it out of curiosity. He said that she got her eye poked by a wire on a fence and they had to remove her eye. I am very intimidated by horses and so was extra nervous knowing my horse might be more skittish because of her vision impairment. But he assured me she was a good horse and hadn't ever done anything wrong. And she did prove to be a wonderful horse. Just in case you are curious, I've included a photo to satisfy your curiosity. It's not every day you see a one-eye'd horse. And now we know why we have glass eyes. It's kind of unnerving to see an empty eye socket.

We loaded them up in the trailer and took them to another field where we would saddle them and ride them. First, he had us brush them down. He said that if their back is dirty where the saddle goes it can cause irritation. I think it also helps the horse and rider get to know each other a bit better. I know it helped me feel more comfortable.

Then he put saddles on them and had me lead Bonnie around a bit with her saddle on. Then we got on our horses and went out into the field. Brother Murdock rode with us at first and answered any questions we had and then went back when we felt comfortable. We rode round for probably another 1/2 hour. It was a lot of fun. It was fun to see my Mom in that setting. She was so comfortable. Madison did great, too. I was terrified of horses at her age but she loves animals and has had some riding lessons and was giving us some pointers as we went. Our horses pretty much liked to stay together so if one started running, unless we protested, the rest would start running, too. Bro. Murdock also has a herd of cattle that graze up Hobble Creek. These horses have been used for cattle round ups for years and years. The horse my Mom rode was also used in a rodeo years ago. They are ridden several times a week and they were the best behaved horses I've ever been around. It sure made the riding experience a pleasant one.






When we were finished we brought them back and Bro. Murdock took the saddles off. We brushed them again and put the horses away. Bro. Murdock gets out his lasso and a bucket and shows us how to rope the bucket. Then he gives Madison a try and she does a great job. She's a natural. Then Mom goes and has trouble and ends up lassoing herself a few times. She gives up and Mattie Rae gives it a go. She had the same trouble as Mom and I start to get nervous thinking it's harder than it looks. Bro Murdock demonstrates again and then it's my turn. See video below.

Yee Haw! I'm a cowgirl! I'm one step closer to my goal of riding in a cattle round-up someday!