DH and the girls were out of school this week...unfortunately they all got colds and spent the latter half of the week feeling puny, sniffly, sneezy, cough-y, and tired. So much fun at our house! I, on the other hand, still had to work and put in a few late nights at the office.
B's first soccer practice for the spring season was this week. We are all hoping for a great season. She is on the same team as her friend Jenny, whose Dad is one of the coaches. Soccer practice really wore B out on Tuesday...she said she's very out of shape. LOL
A is starting private saxophone lessons today. We have a professional musician in our ward at church who plays several instruments. He was trying to put a ward band together -- it went really well at first and the band played at the ward Christmas party and did a great job -- but since then, only him, A, me, and one other guy have shown up for weekly rehearsals. So we decided to put the band on hold and he offered to give Alyssa free lessons. She's SO bored with band class at school...we're hoping this will be fun for her. Today is also registration for the spring softball season, so we need to get that taken care of.
It has been rainy a lot over the past week but we really need the rain so I can't complain...although the overcast skies do get really dreary. Today the sun is shining so maybe our yard will dry out!
I've been working on organizing our Spring Break trip to SeaWorld. It will be a short trip (about 3 days) but it should be fun. I think I've got everything figured out, but I need to make the hotel reservations. SeaWorld is opening a new water park on March 1 so we're going to include that in our visit. I'm excited about it!
I'm going to be in school (for work) for the next two weeks. The campus is only about 10 minutes from home, but it looks like I'll be going in to the office most days when class is over......things are really crazy busy at work right now.
I'm still keeping an eye on the political situation...the Democratic race is getting more interesting by the day. It will be interesting to see how that plays out. I was surprised and disappointed that Romney came out in support of McCain so quickly -- I didn't expect that to happen until after McCain officially won the nomination. I'm trying to figure out why Romney did it...I have a few thoughts.
I still feel very strongly that I cannot vote for McCain. I have always voted along straight party lines, but am really wondering what to do this year. No, I will not vote for Hillary or Obama, but I also do not feel that I can support McCain. I haven't seen/heard of any great independent candidates, and since Romney through his support to McCain, I can't do a write-in vote for Romney. What to do?
I think this is the year of voting against...not voting for. The conservative Republicans will vote for McCain -- not because they support McCain or even really want him as president, but because they are voting AGAINST the Democrats. Many Democrats and independents will vote for whoever the Democratic candidate is because they are voting AGAINST Bush, and therefore against any Republican. I really think the Democrats will win because the anti-Bush/anti-war sentiment is so strong.
And the primary voting...good grief people...I cannot understand people who vote for Hillary on the sole grounds that she is a woman...for Obama on the sole grounds that he is African-American...and even among those of my own religion, those who voted for Romney on the sole grounds that he is Mormon. Granted, knowing that Romney is a Mormon gives me a good undertanding of his values, but Sen. Harry Reid (D) is a Mormon and there is no way on earth that I would ever vote for that man.
As for those voting for Hillary because she's a woman and Obama because he's African-American, I just have one thing to say. What sense is there in voting for a candidate because of something that is genetic, over which they have absolutely no control? Please. Take time to research the issues, their positions, their experience, etc.....and make an informed choice based on something other than genetics!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day to all! A went to her first school dance tonight. I think she had a great time with her friends. I chaperoned...and don't care to ever do that again. I only knew one of the songs they played and it was SO loud -- not just the music, but the never-ending squealing and screaming of some of those kids. Yikes! And can I just say that I am so grateful that my daughter dresses modestly and doesn't give us a hard time about it? She looked beautiful and didn't have to worry at all about her dress falling down, body parts poking out that shouldn't be poking out, super short skirts that showed what's underneath if she wasn't careful, etc., etc., etc.
Here are a couple of pictures of my sweet A, and the corsage her friend (yes, just a friend) B gave her.
In other news, DH's basketball team lost their game tonight, which means his basketball season is over. I know they wanted to do better in the regional tournament than they did, so they're disappointed.
B got to spend Valentine's Day evening with Grandma, Papa, Erin, Thomas, and Nicholas. I hope they all had fun together. The girls are now out of school tomorrow and the following week, which will be a nice break for them. I wish I was off work! I could use the break!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Missing in Action...
Yes, we're still here. It has been an interesting week and a half...busy, as always. But up until Super Tuesday this week, I really didn't have anything to say. (You can pick your jaws up off the floor now!) Trust me, I have a lot to say about Super Tuesday, the fallout from Super Tuesday, and the upcoming election, but I'm still working on composing that post.
A did really well in the Regional Science Fair -- she got a first place ribbon and won two other awards, including a $50 cash award. Being the overachiever, ultra-competitive person she is, she was very disappointed that her project wasn't selected to go to the State competition. But she still did a great job on her project and we're really proud of her. We got some pictures of her with her project and I need to post those. This week is the Valentine Dance at her school and she's really excited to be going with a group of friends. I'll be chaperoning the dance (fun for me...). We found her a really cute dress that needed only minor alterations and little sweater/shrug to make it fit and be modest, and it looks great on her. It's hard to believe she's really growing up so quickly...
B's school had an Art Extravaganza this week, and all of the students had artwork on display. B's grade level did pottery pieces. B's piece is lovely. I'll post a picture of it when they let the kids bring their art home from school. She's been reading everything she can get her hands on lately! It's hard to believe that just a little over a year ago we literally had to force her to read...now we almost have to force her to stop! LOL
DH's basketball season is almost over. His freshman team ended with the best record in the school district and the varsity season is also almost over. Another week, maybe two, and he'll be done. Just about a month, though, until A's rec league softball season starts and DH will be helping to coach her team. And B's spring soccer season starts soon, too. Busy, busy, busy.
It's an amazingly gorgeous 67+ degrees outside today, with a light breeze. It's hard to believe it's February! Of course, the dead grass is a giveaway that it's still winter, but as I was running errands this morning I saw some blooming Japanese Magnolias (love those trees!) and a few paperwhites...so it shouldn't be long before spring arrives.
A did really well in the Regional Science Fair -- she got a first place ribbon and won two other awards, including a $50 cash award. Being the overachiever, ultra-competitive person she is, she was very disappointed that her project wasn't selected to go to the State competition. But she still did a great job on her project and we're really proud of her. We got some pictures of her with her project and I need to post those. This week is the Valentine Dance at her school and she's really excited to be going with a group of friends. I'll be chaperoning the dance (fun for me...). We found her a really cute dress that needed only minor alterations and little sweater/shrug to make it fit and be modest, and it looks great on her. It's hard to believe she's really growing up so quickly...
B's school had an Art Extravaganza this week, and all of the students had artwork on display. B's grade level did pottery pieces. B's piece is lovely. I'll post a picture of it when they let the kids bring their art home from school. She's been reading everything she can get her hands on lately! It's hard to believe that just a little over a year ago we literally had to force her to read...now we almost have to force her to stop! LOL
DH's basketball season is almost over. His freshman team ended with the best record in the school district and the varsity season is also almost over. Another week, maybe two, and he'll be done. Just about a month, though, until A's rec league softball season starts and DH will be helping to coach her team. And B's spring soccer season starts soon, too. Busy, busy, busy.
It's an amazingly gorgeous 67+ degrees outside today, with a light breeze. It's hard to believe it's February! Of course, the dead grass is a giveaway that it's still winter, but as I was running errands this morning I saw some blooming Japanese Magnolias (love those trees!) and a few paperwhites...so it shouldn't be long before spring arrives.
Monday, January 28, 2008
We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet
President Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, passed away last night (http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/beloved-church-president-gordon-b-hinckley-dies-at-97). He was 97 years old.
President Hinckley lived a long, full life and spent nearly all of it in service to Heavenly Father. He had been the prophet since 1995, and is the only prophet my girls have ever known. His leadership, love and compassion, and sense of humor endeared him to many, members and non-members alike. He was responsible for building so many temples, including the Anchorage, Alaska temple, which I must admit is my favorite (because we got to see it being built from the ground up!). I still remember how excited and thrilled we were in Anchorage when it was announced that we would be getting a temple. I remember President Hinckley coming to Anchorage for a regional conference. I was singing in the choir and was able to see him very clearly. We were so excited to have the prophet in Alaska!
In recent years President Hinckley had given us the "Six Be's" (later expanded to include more)...be prayerful, be grateful, be humble, be smart, be clean, be true. Wise counsel, indeed. More recently, he counseled us to get out of debt, establish financial reserves, and continue working on food storage. I have felt a strong, compelling need lately to work on those things and am glad that I am following his counsel.
While he will be greatly missed, it is comforting to know that he is now reunited with his sweet wife, Marjorie, who he loved so much. It was always touching to hear him talk about her. It was obvious that they loved each other very deeply. If more marriages had just a small amount of that type of love, divorce rates would drop drastically and families would be much happier.
It is also comforting to know that this is the Lord's church and He will not leave us without a leader. I am thankful for the established pattern of succession and the knowledge that the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are all called of God and will, until such time as the new prophet is set apart, continue to lead the church in the way God would have it led. Last Sunday in church, our ward choir sang "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet"...what sweet and strange significance that hymn holds in my heart today. I am so thankful for the priesthood, for the knowledge that I have that God continues to lead us through our prophet, just as in biblical times.
Yesterday we had stake conference, and it was a broadcast from Salt Lake City. President Monson spoke and was not at all himself...his remarks seemed a bit rambling, more reminiscent than he usually is, and he seemed quite preoccupied. He kept looking at the clock. I wonder now if he knew President Hinckley's time was short and wanted to be at his side and with the Hinckley family. Each prophet has had a distinct focus (or two or three), and I wonder what President Monson's focus will be. One comment made by President Monson in his remarks yesterday really caught my attention -- he said we should take advantage of opportunities to share our testimonies, including in internet blogs. (I was impressed that President Monson even know what an internet blog was, LOL!)
President Hinckley will be missed, and I am sad that he has passed away. But there is comfort in knowing that he is with his wife, and is happy. And, knowing how active and busy he was, even at 97 years old (he had a full schedule in his office last week!), I imagine he is already busy at work where is now!
President Hinckley lived a long, full life and spent nearly all of it in service to Heavenly Father. He had been the prophet since 1995, and is the only prophet my girls have ever known. His leadership, love and compassion, and sense of humor endeared him to many, members and non-members alike. He was responsible for building so many temples, including the Anchorage, Alaska temple, which I must admit is my favorite (because we got to see it being built from the ground up!). I still remember how excited and thrilled we were in Anchorage when it was announced that we would be getting a temple. I remember President Hinckley coming to Anchorage for a regional conference. I was singing in the choir and was able to see him very clearly. We were so excited to have the prophet in Alaska!
In recent years President Hinckley had given us the "Six Be's" (later expanded to include more)...be prayerful, be grateful, be humble, be smart, be clean, be true. Wise counsel, indeed. More recently, he counseled us to get out of debt, establish financial reserves, and continue working on food storage. I have felt a strong, compelling need lately to work on those things and am glad that I am following his counsel.
While he will be greatly missed, it is comforting to know that he is now reunited with his sweet wife, Marjorie, who he loved so much. It was always touching to hear him talk about her. It was obvious that they loved each other very deeply. If more marriages had just a small amount of that type of love, divorce rates would drop drastically and families would be much happier.
It is also comforting to know that this is the Lord's church and He will not leave us without a leader. I am thankful for the established pattern of succession and the knowledge that the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are all called of God and will, until such time as the new prophet is set apart, continue to lead the church in the way God would have it led. Last Sunday in church, our ward choir sang "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet"...what sweet and strange significance that hymn holds in my heart today. I am so thankful for the priesthood, for the knowledge that I have that God continues to lead us through our prophet, just as in biblical times.
Yesterday we had stake conference, and it was a broadcast from Salt Lake City. President Monson spoke and was not at all himself...his remarks seemed a bit rambling, more reminiscent than he usually is, and he seemed quite preoccupied. He kept looking at the clock. I wonder now if he knew President Hinckley's time was short and wanted to be at his side and with the Hinckley family. Each prophet has had a distinct focus (or two or three), and I wonder what President Monson's focus will be. One comment made by President Monson in his remarks yesterday really caught my attention -- he said we should take advantage of opportunities to share our testimonies, including in internet blogs. (I was impressed that President Monson even know what an internet blog was, LOL!)
President Hinckley will be missed, and I am sad that he has passed away. But there is comfort in knowing that he is with his wife, and is happy. And, knowing how active and busy he was, even at 97 years old (he had a full schedule in his office last week!), I imagine he is already busy at work where is now!
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Ireland Presentation and Science Fair
B's presentation on Ireland went really well. The teachers had set up tables in the lunchroom and each student displayed their "travel rug" (see picture below) and any other items they had brought. As students, parents, and other teachers came through, the kids told them about their country and showed off their displays. B did a really great job. Papa taught her to say "Hello Little People" (a greeting to the fairies who live under Fairy Bridge on the Isle of Mann) so B tried really hard to say that correctly. So cute! A couple of pics...
Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of A's science fair project, but I will take some when we go to the judging. This week the kids turned in their projects and then next week (or the week after) the projects will all be displayed at the local Museum of Aviation and the kids will present their projects to the judges. A has been working really hard this week on her presentation, as well as helping some other kids who haven't quite finished their displays. I'm sure she'll do really well. Her display looks great and her presentation is really good. I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes!
DH's basketball team is doing really well...their record is 6-2, with four games left to play. The varsity team isn't doing as well. Soccer and softball will be starting soon...I just signed B up for spring soccer today and A's spring softball registration is coming up quickly. Always something going on!
Tonight I have a friend coming over to help me clean out and reorganize my scrapbooking room. I'm excited...she and I haven't been able to spend much time together in ages and I'm looking forward to it. She's so fun! This weekend is stake conference for church so that will keep us busy...always lots of meetings to go to.
It's been a quiet week.
Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of A's science fair project, but I will take some when we go to the judging. This week the kids turned in their projects and then next week (or the week after) the projects will all be displayed at the local Museum of Aviation and the kids will present their projects to the judges. A has been working really hard this week on her presentation, as well as helping some other kids who haven't quite finished their displays. I'm sure she'll do really well. Her display looks great and her presentation is really good. I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes!
DH's basketball team is doing really well...their record is 6-2, with four games left to play. The varsity team isn't doing as well. Soccer and softball will be starting soon...I just signed B up for spring soccer today and A's spring softball registration is coming up quickly. Always something going on!
Tonight I have a friend coming over to help me clean out and reorganize my scrapbooking room. I'm excited...she and I haven't been able to spend much time together in ages and I'm looking forward to it. She's so fun! This weekend is stake conference for church so that will keep us busy...always lots of meetings to go to.
It's been a quiet week.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Yes, I'm Still Here
Wow...over a week since I updated. I really haven't had anything to say (ok, you can stop laughing now) and there hasn't been much going on.
A's science fair project is being turned in today. She spent much of the 3-day weekend working on her display and getting everything done. It turned out so well -- she did a great job. Her color scheme this year is hot pink with black and white (zebra stripes) and it looks great. She worked so hard on it! We're really proud of her. She's decided that she wants to sing a solo in the school play (she has the leading role in the play) so we'll be working hard on that.
B is getting ready to do her presentation on Ireland for her gifted class tomorrow. I couldn't find her anything to wear (supposed to wear something that represents the country, but Ireland doesn't have a traditional dress/costume)...so I decided to be brave (and crazy) and made her a skirt and vest. I'm actually happy with how they turned out and she loves them. Now A wants me to make some skirts for her. It will probably be easier to make skirts for her than trying to find stuff in the stores that fit her without needing alternations and are long enough (wishful thinking). I'll be at B's school tomorrow morning to see her presentation. She is excited about it. It's so wonderful that both girls love school and that it comes so naturally and easily to them.
M spent most of yesterday working on one of our cars. Unfortunately it's an older car so it's hard to find parts for it. We love the car dearly (our little RX-7) but more and more things seem to be going wrong with it lately, even though we don't drive it much.
I got two quick scrapbook layouts done yesterday. It felt good to be creative, even if they were just quick and easy portrait layouts. One of my friends is coming over this weekend to help me work on cleaning out and reorganizing my scrapbooking room...I want to repaint it (the yellow just isn't working for me, and neither is the wallpaper border) and really make it a cozy place to work. I have missed scrapbooking so much and want to get back to it this year.
So no deep thoughts from me today...but a quick update letting you know that we're still here and doing well!
A's science fair project is being turned in today. She spent much of the 3-day weekend working on her display and getting everything done. It turned out so well -- she did a great job. Her color scheme this year is hot pink with black and white (zebra stripes) and it looks great. She worked so hard on it! We're really proud of her. She's decided that she wants to sing a solo in the school play (she has the leading role in the play) so we'll be working hard on that.
B is getting ready to do her presentation on Ireland for her gifted class tomorrow. I couldn't find her anything to wear (supposed to wear something that represents the country, but Ireland doesn't have a traditional dress/costume)...so I decided to be brave (and crazy) and made her a skirt and vest. I'm actually happy with how they turned out and she loves them. Now A wants me to make some skirts for her. It will probably be easier to make skirts for her than trying to find stuff in the stores that fit her without needing alternations and are long enough (wishful thinking). I'll be at B's school tomorrow morning to see her presentation. She is excited about it. It's so wonderful that both girls love school and that it comes so naturally and easily to them.
M spent most of yesterday working on one of our cars. Unfortunately it's an older car so it's hard to find parts for it. We love the car dearly (our little RX-7) but more and more things seem to be going wrong with it lately, even though we don't drive it much.
I got two quick scrapbook layouts done yesterday. It felt good to be creative, even if they were just quick and easy portrait layouts. One of my friends is coming over this weekend to help me work on cleaning out and reorganizing my scrapbooking room...I want to repaint it (the yellow just isn't working for me, and neither is the wallpaper border) and really make it a cozy place to work. I have missed scrapbooking so much and want to get back to it this year.
So no deep thoughts from me today...but a quick update letting you know that we're still here and doing well!
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Weekend in Review
I love sleeping in on the weekends. It's so refreshing! This weekend was fairly uneventful. A and DH spent almost all day Saturday working on the experimentation phase of A's science fair project. It was a very time-intensive project. Who would have guessed that it would take so long to precisely measure about 400 pieces of duct tape, tape tissues securely to a wooden frame, test their tensile strength using an air compressor, then remove the tissue and start over? Wow. It really did take most of the day. But A got lots of great data and will be able to write her experimentation results paper this week. I believe the next big step will be to create her display board and work on her presentation.
A and B both got their report cards last week and both did very, very well. School comes so easily for both of them and they continue to learn and excel in their classes. I'm so glad they enjoy school (for the most part) and that they haven't had to struggle in any of their classes. Spanish is probably A's most challenging class, but she still does very well in it.
I continued my quest to concur clutter this weekend and organized another kitchen cupboard, pulling out a lot of stuff to donate. A worked on organizing the spice cupboard in the kitchen and it looks so much better. The girls have managed to keep their rooms clean and organized for an entire week, and even remembered to make their beds most mornings. I think this is a record! I have been making small inroads into conquering the clutter in my bedroom so maybe there is hope for us yet.
We went to see "Seussical" at one of the local high schools this weekend. The cast did a really great job -- I was impressed with how talented some of those kids are. We had a good time.
And I got a haircut this weekend...I was ready for a change and the girls had been encouraging me to be brave and really make a big change. I felt ready for it, so I did it. My hair is now back to its natural color (maybe a bit darker but it will fade some over the next few weeks) and is shorter. The cut is much more sleek (I really need to learn how to be effective with a straightening iron!). I think DH is still a bit shocked. The girls love it -- I do, too. But it does take some getting used to, when we're all so used to me being blonde. I think I really stunned some people at church with the new look (and at work, LOL!). I think change is good!
A and B both got their report cards last week and both did very, very well. School comes so easily for both of them and they continue to learn and excel in their classes. I'm so glad they enjoy school (for the most part) and that they haven't had to struggle in any of their classes. Spanish is probably A's most challenging class, but she still does very well in it.
I continued my quest to concur clutter this weekend and organized another kitchen cupboard, pulling out a lot of stuff to donate. A worked on organizing the spice cupboard in the kitchen and it looks so much better. The girls have managed to keep their rooms clean and organized for an entire week, and even remembered to make their beds most mornings. I think this is a record! I have been making small inroads into conquering the clutter in my bedroom so maybe there is hope for us yet.
We went to see "Seussical" at one of the local high schools this weekend. The cast did a really great job -- I was impressed with how talented some of those kids are. We had a good time.
And I got a haircut this weekend...I was ready for a change and the girls had been encouraging me to be brave and really make a big change. I felt ready for it, so I did it. My hair is now back to its natural color (maybe a bit darker but it will fade some over the next few weeks) and is shorter. The cut is much more sleek (I really need to learn how to be effective with a straightening iron!). I think DH is still a bit shocked. The girls love it -- I do, too. But it does take some getting used to, when we're all so used to me being blonde. I think I really stunned some people at church with the new look (and at work, LOL!). I think change is good!
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