Today I had the opportunity to teach our Young Women. The topic for the day was finding joy. It was a combination of lessons five and six since we had a combined lesson with the Young Men last week. It was a great topic to think about, but one with too much to present in only 20 minutes. I worry about our Young Women who seem to be unhappy so much of the time. Supposedly it is a teenage thing, but it just doesn't have to be! Our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy and joyful. He has given us so many blessings to be joyful about: our families, our talents, the beauty of the earth, our friends, the peaceful feelings of the Holy Ghost and so much more!
I've walked through the halls of the schools where our Young Women attend every day and it can be very depressing, especially considering how many of the adults that they must spend so much time with really don't like to be bothered, let alone want to help or care about them. Those in ninth through twelfth grade at least have the opportunity to attend Seminary, a place where they can find refuge from the depressing classrooms where they must be every day. How could school become a place where our children would want to be? I wonder if I could help facilitate these changes?
One of the resources that was part of the lesson was the talk given by President Hinckley at the 2007 General Young Womens Meeting. I was able to download it and play it in his voice for them. He promised them if they would (1) Pray (2) Study (3) Pay a full tithing (4) Attend church meetings (especially Sacrament meeting) they would have a fulfilling life full of joy and happiness. I'm not sure if they understood the full intensity of what they heard, that a prophet of God promised them a fulfilling life of happiness if they did just these four things.
It was difficult for me to keep from crying at the sound of President Hinckley's voice. He always encouraged us to try a little harder. It seemed a little easier knowing that he was always praying for us.
How grateful I am that we had President Gordon B. Hinckley as a prophet for so many years. I am very grateful to know that even though he is no longer with us that we still have the guidance of a prophet on earth, specifically President Thomas S. Monsen. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me. How I hope and pray that our Young Women will also know this truth.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Get Fit
For years "get fit" has been my motto and often my password (thought up to motivate me...), so October 6th I finally started going to Martial Arts World with Thomas. Of course I was also motivated by guilt that I had promised him last spring that we would start going after baseball season had concluded. He had to wait for Scott's wedding and receptions to be over, then for me to recover from that lovely tonsillectomy...finally his patience wore out and he used the youngest child guilt on his old Mom. I had so much fun I was hooked at the first class. It soon became apparent that being one of the very oldest at the school, I needed to get clearance from my family physician, my cardiologist, my knee surgeon, and in the process I met up with a wellness physician. All told me to go for it. Roy had told me years ago that I should just work through the pain. This time I did and have found that my knees are now much stronger. But those first few times, when I couldn't even keep up with the basics in class, I knew that I had neglected this mortal body way too long!
The Gym was Lonely
Even though Dennis and I would arrive and leave from the gym together, I didn't see him much while we were there. I'd take a book, or a podcast with me, but it isn't the same as having people to work out with. Occasionally I'd splash into a water aerobics class, but none of the classes at the gym fit into my schedule. Now I usually go to class with at least one of my children, and I have the bonus of having a bunch of new friends that encourage me to do my best and work hard. I thought it would take years to get to a point where I was comfortable with exercise again, but surprisingly I found that the martial arts not only didn't make me sore like other exercise, I became stronger noticeably quickly. I have muscles!
Yellow is My Favorite Color
December 12th Thomas and I took our white belt test and passed. The next week we received our yellow belts. It felt like a huge accomplishment for me, especially since it seems to take me about 47 times to finally learn something and about 47 more times before I actually get it right. By that time I also was able to complete every exercise. During the white belt test we did 160 pick axe kicks and I did every one! (and didn't pass out, black out, or die in the process!) Dennis came that night. Not sure how much he laughed at me, but told me that he thought I should become a black belt. Me, a black belt? That was the first time I thought about it. The first time that I thought that maybe it was possible. A few weeks later we had our first black belt celebration for three students at the school. It was that night that I decided for myself that yes, I would like to become a black belt. One of the instructors told me that it would take about two years, but considering the fact that those three young students took four or five years, I think it'll take a little longer. Maybe I can earn my black belt before I'm 50.
The Reactions I Get
I think one of the most fun things is the reaction that I get when people learn that I study the martial arts. Every Monday I have the opportunity to visit different elementary schools. When I visit a K-3 classroom, I teach a lesson on exercise. The main goal of the lesson is to demonstrate to the teacher ways to use the enhanced classroom equipment which includes a ceiling mounted projector and sound system. Through the use of podcasts, energizer Power Points, music and brainstorming with Inspiration, we talk about how to become happy and healthy. I ask each student what they like to do for exercise. I haven't had one mention martial arts in the process, so that's what I share that I like to do. Then most of the class tell me that they are or have taken some form of martial arts classes. They think it's cool that their visiting teacher does, too.
When I teach 4-6 grade classes, I teach a lesson entitled "Safety on the Information Highway." We talk about the student computer use agreement and the "rules of the road." To bring home the reality of who they might meet on the Internet we play a game where each student writes three statements about themselves: two are true and one is a fib. I start out and tell them: 1. I've been to all fifty states. 2. I have been in a Hollywood movie. 3. I take karate classes. I have stumped every class so far! They just can't believe that I take karate classes or that I've actually been to all fifty states. So if this teacher that is standing right in front of them can trick them, whose to say that they aren't being tricked by the person they meet on the Internet?
The most classic response is the one from one of my neighbors. He was asking me how my heart was doing and I told him that it was much better now that I was exercising. He asked what I have been doing. When I told him martial arts he quickly moved away and made a funny comment about how he was now going to have to be more careful around me. Very funny!
Benefits
Besides becoming more healthy, I've noticed a few other benefits:
The Gym was Lonely
Even though Dennis and I would arrive and leave from the gym together, I didn't see him much while we were there. I'd take a book, or a podcast with me, but it isn't the same as having people to work out with. Occasionally I'd splash into a water aerobics class, but none of the classes at the gym fit into my schedule. Now I usually go to class with at least one of my children, and I have the bonus of having a bunch of new friends that encourage me to do my best and work hard. I thought it would take years to get to a point where I was comfortable with exercise again, but surprisingly I found that the martial arts not only didn't make me sore like other exercise, I became stronger noticeably quickly. I have muscles!
Yellow is My Favorite Color
December 12th Thomas and I took our white belt test and passed. The next week we received our yellow belts. It felt like a huge accomplishment for me, especially since it seems to take me about 47 times to finally learn something and about 47 more times before I actually get it right. By that time I also was able to complete every exercise. During the white belt test we did 160 pick axe kicks and I did every one! (and didn't pass out, black out, or die in the process!) Dennis came that night. Not sure how much he laughed at me, but told me that he thought I should become a black belt. Me, a black belt? That was the first time I thought about it. The first time that I thought that maybe it was possible. A few weeks later we had our first black belt celebration for three students at the school. It was that night that I decided for myself that yes, I would like to become a black belt. One of the instructors told me that it would take about two years, but considering the fact that those three young students took four or five years, I think it'll take a little longer. Maybe I can earn my black belt before I'm 50.
The Reactions I Get
I think one of the most fun things is the reaction that I get when people learn that I study the martial arts. Every Monday I have the opportunity to visit different elementary schools. When I visit a K-3 classroom, I teach a lesson on exercise. The main goal of the lesson is to demonstrate to the teacher ways to use the enhanced classroom equipment which includes a ceiling mounted projector and sound system. Through the use of podcasts, energizer Power Points, music and brainstorming with Inspiration, we talk about how to become happy and healthy. I ask each student what they like to do for exercise. I haven't had one mention martial arts in the process, so that's what I share that I like to do. Then most of the class tell me that they are or have taken some form of martial arts classes. They think it's cool that their visiting teacher does, too.
When I teach 4-6 grade classes, I teach a lesson entitled "Safety on the Information Highway." We talk about the student computer use agreement and the "rules of the road." To bring home the reality of who they might meet on the Internet we play a game where each student writes three statements about themselves: two are true and one is a fib. I start out and tell them: 1. I've been to all fifty states. 2. I have been in a Hollywood movie. 3. I take karate classes. I have stumped every class so far! They just can't believe that I take karate classes or that I've actually been to all fifty states. So if this teacher that is standing right in front of them can trick them, whose to say that they aren't being tricked by the person they meet on the Internet?
The most classic response is the one from one of my neighbors. He was asking me how my heart was doing and I told him that it was much better now that I was exercising. He asked what I have been doing. When I told him martial arts he quickly moved away and made a funny comment about how he was now going to have to be more careful around me. Very funny!
Benefits
Besides becoming more healthy, I've noticed a few other benefits:
- More laughter
- Sleep better
- Cleaner (gotta take a bath after those workouts!)
- More energy
- Confidence
- Keep up better with the laundry (gotta wash the clothes that get all sweaty!)
- More motivated to be less lazy
- More respect for myself
- More respect for others
- More respect from others
- Motivation to reach other goals
- Confidence to take on whatever I need to (like three teens!)
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Thicker Than Water
This summer I had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with my Uncle Milton and Aunt Thelma in Pennsylvania. I went a few days earlier than I needed to be there, just to have some time with them. I wasn't sure exactly what might be able to do, but one of my dreams was fulfilled when we visited the area of New Jersey where the Hoffmires had lived in the 1700s. It was a great experience to see the church where their babies had been christened and their daughters had married, especially being with someone else who was as interested about such things as I am. I learned a lot about my family this summer. Those living and those who have gone on before.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Striving to Move Forward
It happened again. This week there was a question that I was pondering, not certain with whom to discuss the topic. I usually remember such things during that quiet time between arriving at church and the beginning of Sacrament meeting. I didn't think much about it until I noted that our bishop was one of our speakers today. Sure enough he addressed my concern as clearly as if we had been in a personal interview. I suppose his remarks also answered the questions of others present at the meeting, but I know that he was inspired to also answer my prayers.
His remarks talked about how we can evaluate where we are and where we need to go in order to keep moving forward in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love how our bishop knows his flock. He assured us that if we would work to internalize what we believe and know to be true that we will see our own progress.
Bishop challenged us to Make God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost so real in our lives that we couldn't imagine life without them.
He told us there were three things we could do to expedite this process:
I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a joy to know that my Heavenly Father loves me.
His remarks talked about how we can evaluate where we are and where we need to go in order to keep moving forward in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love how our bishop knows his flock. He assured us that if we would work to internalize what we believe and know to be true that we will see our own progress.
Bishop challenged us to Make God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost so real in our lives that we couldn't imagine life without them.
He told us there were three things we could do to expedite this process:
- Study: Know your religion.
- Service: Don't wait to be asked. Be kind. Attend the temple.
- Prayer: Talk to our Heavenly Father and ask for insight and help to refine ourselves and overcome weaknesses.
I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a joy to know that my Heavenly Father loves me.
The Yellow Pad Method of Getting Things Done
A few years ago when my only occupation was genealogy research, I came up with an organization method that worked well for getting the task done. I used yellow pads to keep a research log and notes and tucked the information that I found in the back of the pad for safe keeping. The yellow pages were useful to help me find my notes among the other papers that research has a tendency to collect.
Eventually the yellow pads invaded other parts of my life. They were very useful to keep lists, take notes and such. I keep one with an errands list. Tucked in the back of the pad are the necessary receipts, coupons and such needed to run said errands.
After reading Getting Things Done by David Allen I tried to use the electronic method. It works for my son, but since I don't have an iPhone and don't always have connection on my iPod touch, I just didn't find that it worked well for me. Keeping the paper files diligently labeled with my Brother's labeler has been very successful for me though. My computer case has a pocket designed for keeping files, so it's handy for keeping project files close at hand. But the day to day stuff wasn't happening as efficiently as I had hoped. One day I grabbed a yellow pad. On the left I noted my appointments for a certain time of day. On the right I made of list of the other things that needed to be done. As people talked to me about their needs I made a third list at the bottom of the page. It worked just as well as when I used the method for researching...I was prepared for my appointments, got things done in a sensible method and felt like I wasn't putting out fires all day. When I would run into someone who needed something, I could take a quick look at my list and see how it fit, made myself a note, and the day went much better. I've done this for about a week and have found other benefits. I prefer carrying it to my planner . It only has paper, not important cards, receipts, and identification. When I need to take notes, I'm set. It's yellow, so when I set it down, I can find it easily, especially when I'm working at another person's desk. At the end of the day I have all of the information and notes that I need to complete my paperwork. I love when I've finished everything on a page. I rip it off the pad and joyfully throw it away. Notes that need to be filed away quickly find their place in my file system.
Who would have thought that I could actually find order in this busy life!
Eventually the yellow pads invaded other parts of my life. They were very useful to keep lists, take notes and such. I keep one with an errands list. Tucked in the back of the pad are the necessary receipts, coupons and such needed to run said errands.
After reading Getting Things Done by David Allen I tried to use the electronic method. It works for my son, but since I don't have an iPhone and don't always have connection on my iPod touch, I just didn't find that it worked well for me. Keeping the paper files diligently labeled with my Brother's labeler has been very successful for me though. My computer case has a pocket designed for keeping files, so it's handy for keeping project files close at hand. But the day to day stuff wasn't happening as efficiently as I had hoped. One day I grabbed a yellow pad. On the left I noted my appointments for a certain time of day. On the right I made of list of the other things that needed to be done. As people talked to me about their needs I made a third list at the bottom of the page. It worked just as well as when I used the method for researching...I was prepared for my appointments, got things done in a sensible method and felt like I wasn't putting out fires all day. When I would run into someone who needed something, I could take a quick look at my list and see how it fit, made myself a note, and the day went much better. I've done this for about a week and have found other benefits. I prefer carrying it to my planner . It only has paper, not important cards, receipts, and identification. When I need to take notes, I'm set. It's yellow, so when I set it down, I can find it easily, especially when I'm working at another person's desk. At the end of the day I have all of the information and notes that I need to complete my paperwork. I love when I've finished everything on a page. I rip it off the pad and joyfully throw it away. Notes that need to be filed away quickly find their place in my file system.
Who would have thought that I could actually find order in this busy life!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
So That's What It Looks Like!
It was July 11th, 2006. That was the day that Wasatch Junior High suffered a devastating fire and that was also the last day that I remember seeing my laundry room floor. The reason that I remember the exact date is that Wasatch Junior High just recently reopened for the new school year. The day of the fire Rob called me and I was on the ladder painting the laundry room. So that day, I know that I could see the floor. Since then, it seems as though there were always piles of laundry. Recently it seemed that I had to climb a mountain of dirty clothes, just to get to the washer. But persistence has paid off. Keeping the washing machine full and running every chance possible, I finally found it--the laundry room floor! Tonight after making sure that everyone was busy getting homework done, I found a good Hallmark channel movie and started folding. I also matched the socks. Once kids had homework completed they were attracted to the tv. Then during the commercials the clean, folded laundry was put away. Now to tackle the very large pile of ironing!
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Getting Things Done
A few days before the reception, I found a book on the kitchen table entitled, Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. I thought it was left there for me by my Dad, always trying to find ways to settle down his rather type A daughter. (Although I hope I've mellowed and been downgraded to an A- in recent years.) Nope, it wasn't my Dad's doing. It was actually a book that Scott was reading. He had told me about his way of getting things done and here was the book.
Somehow I found the time to read some of it that weekend and then took it with me when we went to Zion National Park for a few days. Here were the missing pieces to my getting organized dilemma that Covey and others hadn't been able to solve. This is productivity for a modern age. Organization for geeks.
So I bought a labeller and a huge box of file folders and began the quest to get my life in order. Yes, I'm still a paper/pencil type person, although much of my life is electronic. That's why this art works for me. I've been sleeping a bit better since, now that I have a way to capture all of those things that I want to, have to, and need to get done.
My office is still a little overwhelming, but now that I have a plan I know that it'll get done.
Oh, and I'd better buy my own copy of the book, so Scott can have his back!
Somehow I found the time to read some of it that weekend and then took it with me when we went to Zion National Park for a few days. Here were the missing pieces to my getting organized dilemma that Covey and others hadn't been able to solve. This is productivity for a modern age. Organization for geeks.
So I bought a labeller and a huge box of file folders and began the quest to get my life in order. Yes, I'm still a paper/pencil type person, although much of my life is electronic. That's why this art works for me. I've been sleeping a bit better since, now that I have a way to capture all of those things that I want to, have to, and need to get done.
My office is still a little overwhelming, but now that I have a plan I know that it'll get done.
Oh, and I'd better buy my own copy of the book, so Scott can have his back!
Friday, July 25, 2008
The Celebration is Over (but the best is to come!)
March, April, May and June we planned. Then June 23rd I flew to Pennsylvania where Dennis joined me on June 26th. It was June 27th when we joined Michaela at the Manhattan Temple. It was an incredible day! I've wanted to visit that temple since the Cathcarts were missionaries there. Not only is it beautiful, but the spirit was awesome! After a short vacation in Washington, D.C., Dennis and I joined the Layton family with Scott and Michaela for their wedding day, July 2nd, at the Washington, D.C. temple. That was another incredible day!
The very next day we celebrated with a lovely catered dinner in New Jersey at the Layton's home. It was a wonderful evening, too! The food was wonderful. Michaela has a terrific family that we have come to love. The Laytons also have great friends who added much to the festivities.
After a few more days visiting family in Pennsylvania, Dennis and I flew home to get ready for the Utah reception on July 19th. Family flew in and came to visit from all over. It was another fun evening that included family, friends, music, food, dancing and lots of hugs and kisses. How glorious it is to celebrate the beginning of an eternal relationship between two very wonderful children of God!
Family has gone home. The house is quiet again. But the deep love still abides knowing that our family has one more beautiful member. Love you, Michaela!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Another Wedding!
We're so excited around here. Seems that when we go out of town our children get engaged. Oh well, that's fine with me. She's a wonderful girl that we're looking forward to having as a part of our family.
Yippee!
Yippee!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Our Prophet Has Died
Tonight President Gordon B. Hinckley died at home with his family at the age of 97. It's really not a surprise, especially at his age, but still shocking news. He kept going until Friday when he didn't go into work. I am joyful that he is now with his eternal sweetheart, but how I'll miss him!
When President Hinckley became the 15th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints our family consisted of seven children. So much has happened! Just a week after our youngest was born, President Hinckley spoke at the Salt Lake Boy Scouts of America Scout-A-Rama at the Utah State Fair Park. One of the scouters that I worked with, Tom, knew how things would go that morning, so he led the children and I to a place where we would see President Hinckley as he climbed into the car when he left. It was exciting, overwhelming, to be just a few feet from the prophet of God! He waved at us.
Our family was present at the Sunday morning conference when President Hinckley received the message that the U.S. had bombed Afghanistan. He was very sad that other means could not resolve the issues of the day. We all left that conference session very solemn.
I have loved how we have been invited via satellite to so many temple dedications over the years from Palmyra, Nauvoo, Winter's Quarters, and Bountiful. These experiences helped us to share spiritual moments with our family. Recently he attended our stake conference and many others via satellite. In fact, when I miss him, all I need to do is visit lds.org and click on the archives and will find many videos of his conference and other addresses.
I have also loved his sweet encouragement to "work a little harder and 'be' a little better." His guidance has helped me to keep focused on what is most important in life, living the gospel and caring for my family.
It has been President Hinckley who has let us know that even though the world is in turmoil around us we will find peace in the gospel.
In his honor the youth of the Church are dressing up for school tomorrow. I plan to do the same. I also plan to work a little harder and be a little better each an every day. How grateful I am for a prophet!
When President Hinckley became the 15th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints our family consisted of seven children. So much has happened! Just a week after our youngest was born, President Hinckley spoke at the Salt Lake Boy Scouts of America Scout-A-Rama at the Utah State Fair Park. One of the scouters that I worked with, Tom, knew how things would go that morning, so he led the children and I to a place where we would see President Hinckley as he climbed into the car when he left. It was exciting, overwhelming, to be just a few feet from the prophet of God! He waved at us.
Our family was present at the Sunday morning conference when President Hinckley received the message that the U.S. had bombed Afghanistan. He was very sad that other means could not resolve the issues of the day. We all left that conference session very solemn.
I have loved how we have been invited via satellite to so many temple dedications over the years from Palmyra, Nauvoo, Winter's Quarters, and Bountiful. These experiences helped us to share spiritual moments with our family. Recently he attended our stake conference and many others via satellite. In fact, when I miss him, all I need to do is visit lds.org and click on the archives and will find many videos of his conference and other addresses.
I have also loved his sweet encouragement to "work a little harder and 'be' a little better." His guidance has helped me to keep focused on what is most important in life, living the gospel and caring for my family.
It has been President Hinckley who has let us know that even though the world is in turmoil around us we will find peace in the gospel.
In his honor the youth of the Church are dressing up for school tomorrow. I plan to do the same. I also plan to work a little harder and be a little better each an every day. How grateful I am for a prophet!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
An Important Day
It wasn't until I was seated in room A410 in the Harris Fine Arts Center that I understood what I was privileged in witnessing. Before me was my daughter auditioning for the violin studio of the School of Music of Brigham Young University. When it hit me what might happen as a result of that moment, I was overcome with emotion and had to fight to keep from weeping. I often cry when she plays because it is so beautiful, but in a flash at that moment, I saw her life from the time she was that happy baby, to an energetic toddler, to a curious student and a young woman. In my mind, I saw her as a young girl who took up the violin to express so many things she found deep inside. She started lessons much later than some of our other children as our family was quite overwhelmed financially when she was little. I wasn't available to oversee her practicing, as I had her older brothers and sisters, but she didn't need me. She was always quite diligent to practice on her own. In fact, even after getting home late from a long, busy day, she is known to spend time with her violin before she settles down to sleep.
Although she was nervous she did quite well playing the pieces that she had memorized and sharing with the two professors the answers to their questions. So many years and so many hours of practice coming to fruition right before my eyes.
We won't know for a few weeks the results of those ten minutes, but I do know that she belongs at Brigham Young University.
Although she was nervous she did quite well playing the pieces that she had memorized and sharing with the two professors the answers to their questions. So many years and so many hours of practice coming to fruition right before my eyes.
We won't know for a few weeks the results of those ten minutes, but I do know that she belongs at Brigham Young University.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
They Might Not Need Me
This is the handout for Young Women Book 2, lesson 41 about Optimism, a poem by Emily Dickinson. It is a scraplift of wagsmom's "Raising Confident Girls." I used the GottaPixel October Kit, "Autumn Harvest." Thought I'd start putting these things on the web to share. E-mail me, if you'd like the full version for printing.
I'm rather new to digital scrapbooking having only put together a few pages of my own. Creating handouts seemed to be one way to practice and create some nice things. I've also used this skill to create invitations. You can see most of my work at my online gallery.
Enjoy!
I'm rather new to digital scrapbooking having only put together a few pages of my own. Creating handouts seemed to be one way to practice and create some nice things. I've also used this skill to create invitations. You can see most of my work at my online gallery.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Happy New (School) Year!
After much anticipation, the new school year is upon us. Of course after the first week, we have a long weekend. I'm not sure about the reasoning behind this, but I am enjoying some time to accomplish a few projects that were not accomplished over the busy summer.
One project that I actually finished was fixing a sprinkler turned water fountain that I discovered Sunday morning. It has likely been broken all summer, but I hadn't seen the great height to which it had obtained. It was completely watering down the Grand Am that we keep parked on the street. Unfortunately some grass was not being watered, so may likely be dead, but we'll see.
I completed two batches of indexing for Family Search Indexing. Unfortunately the server was down, so I wasn't able to turn in the second batch. (Later...got it submitted!)
Today is the first day of the new semester at BYU. So off to school goes son number two. He's the last one to get started. Daughter number two began her first semester at Salt Lake Community College on the 22nd of August. Number one son and his wife began their semester at Weber State on August 27th, the same day the rest of us began school in Granite School District. It's Em's senior year at Cottonwood High School. She's even at school today, when school isn't in session practicing Volleyball and meeting with the Seminary Council. Chris just began his sophomore year at CHS. Kathy is the only family member at Bonneville Junior High, but she has lots of friends, so it's going well. Tom has one more year of elementary school. Sixth grade is awesome though. It's a great start to another great year!
One project that I actually finished was fixing a sprinkler turned water fountain that I discovered Sunday morning. It has likely been broken all summer, but I hadn't seen the great height to which it had obtained. It was completely watering down the Grand Am that we keep parked on the street. Unfortunately some grass was not being watered, so may likely be dead, but we'll see.
I completed two batches of indexing for Family Search Indexing. Unfortunately the server was down, so I wasn't able to turn in the second batch. (Later...got it submitted!)
Today is the first day of the new semester at BYU. So off to school goes son number two. He's the last one to get started. Daughter number two began her first semester at Salt Lake Community College on the 22nd of August. Number one son and his wife began their semester at Weber State on August 27th, the same day the rest of us began school in Granite School District. It's Em's senior year at Cottonwood High School. She's even at school today, when school isn't in session practicing Volleyball and meeting with the Seminary Council. Chris just began his sophomore year at CHS. Kathy is the only family member at Bonneville Junior High, but she has lots of friends, so it's going well. Tom has one more year of elementary school. Sixth grade is awesome though. It's a great start to another great year!
Monday, August 06, 2007
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Losing Again!
Until ten years ago I had a terrible problem...I couldn't gain weight. Of course no one had any sympathy for me. They thought I was lucky. We'll that's over and I'm starting again to lose what I never should have gained. Who would have thought that so many pounds would sneak up on me?
When I look in the mirror, all seems okay, but when I see myself in pictures, or especially in video, I know that I need to get very serious. I've lost before. I know that I can do it. I'm just not sure why I have to do this again.
Anyway, I've found a fun tool to help me track my progress.
Let's watch it go down as I prepare for our next adventure!
Thanks in advance for the support!
When I look in the mirror, all seems okay, but when I see myself in pictures, or especially in video, I know that I need to get very serious. I've lost before. I know that I can do it. I'm just not sure why I have to do this again.
Anyway, I've found a fun tool to help me track my progress.
Let's watch it go down as I prepare for our next adventure!
Thanks in advance for the support!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Flashback to the Future
Today was my son’s twenty second birthday. We haven’t celebrated together since his nineteenth birthday, so it was fun. We had friends and family for a barbeque and video games. What a great time! The original plan was to have a barbeque at a local park, but when attempting to pack everything up to go, I recommended that we stay home for the barbeque and go to the park after we eat, but we never made it to the park. We had a lot of fun!
What just seemed strange was that the songs that they were playing were those from my teenage years, such as “Carry On My Wayward Son” by Kansas, “Freebird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd and others. I knew all of the words. When I realized what I was singing I had a crazy flashback to the days when I was young, single and such, just like my son. What if at that time someone had said, “Many years from now your children will gather and have a great time playing this music on play guitars….”? What will their children do when they are teenagers?
I love the connection that we have through music. We enjoy many of the same songs, styles of music and performance of music, whether it be concerts, like the one we have tomorrow at the Gateway of the Granite Junior Youth Symphony where I have a son playing the trombone and a daughter the string bass, or like the fun we’re having tonight being Guitar Heroes playing the great rock songs of the ‘70s, or any of the other times that music brings us so much joy. We sing, we play, and we love to be together. We are truly blessed to be a family.
What just seemed strange was that the songs that they were playing were those from my teenage years, such as “Carry On My Wayward Son” by Kansas, “Freebird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd and others. I knew all of the words. When I realized what I was singing I had a crazy flashback to the days when I was young, single and such, just like my son. What if at that time someone had said, “Many years from now your children will gather and have a great time playing this music on play guitars….”? What will their children do when they are teenagers?
I love the connection that we have through music. We enjoy many of the same songs, styles of music and performance of music, whether it be concerts, like the one we have tomorrow at the Gateway of the Granite Junior Youth Symphony where I have a son playing the trombone and a daughter the string bass, or like the fun we’re having tonight being Guitar Heroes playing the great rock songs of the ‘70s, or any of the other times that music brings us so much joy. We sing, we play, and we love to be together. We are truly blessed to be a family.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Savage Chickens in Utah!
It's been awhile since I had a chicken laugh. I found this one and wanted to share: http://www.savagechickens.com/blog/2007/03/one-day-in-utah.html
I wonder if we'll run into the chickens on our southern Utah vacation?
Just gotta love the chickens!
I wonder if we'll run into the chickens on our southern Utah vacation?
Just gotta love the chickens!
Home Office Makeover
After help from the daughter who thought about becoming a professional organizer my home office was starting to become more functional. Unfortunately, when I originally put the furniture, book shelves and such in the office, I set it up so my desk was facing the east wall. That would be okay, except I found that I needed more workspace, so I put up another table. But the only place the table could go, was on my right. I need my workspace on my left. It was my daughter who came up with the new arrangement that would change the desk/tables to allow work space on the left. We were going to move it after I finished all of my organizing homework. I did most of the homework. I sorted through everything, but then I had a deadline. I had to create two portfolios and in doing so, left a wake of papers and projects all over. I was sad that I had piled things up again, so my first project of the summer was to get my office functioning again. I really needed to get things set up right, so I could work more effectively, so I moved stuff around. Now the desk is on the west wall and I have plenty of workspace on the left. It even allowed for more room because I could move the printer out of the main work area. This also allows for more functionality of the bookshelves. I use an antique dresser for storage and made a place to keep the video camera powered up. I think I'll also keep the iPod there, too, so it's always ready to go. Even the children like the new arrangement.
One of the projects I've completed is to add SnapShots to this blog and my family history website. It's a fun tool that gives the user a peek at the where the link will take them, before they click. Here, check it out: http://genealogy.annriding.com. Now off to add more fun goodies to the website!
One of the projects I've completed is to add SnapShots to this blog and my family history website. It's a fun tool that gives the user a peek at the where the link will take them, before they click. Here, check it out: http://genealogy.annriding.com. Now off to add more fun goodies to the website!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Successful Update
As mentioned in my last post, I attempted to update my genealogy website, but "totally muffed it." Since it really didn't have that much on it, other than my database (that I hadn't updated for a few months) and a handful of photos, I decided to rebuild the entire thing from the ground up. Shouldn't be too hard. It went together quite easily the first time I put it together. Hah! Even though I was meticulous about following the instructions, there were a few things that I still didn't have quite right, so it took three tries, but I finally did it--I updated my TNG to 6.1. This was important since there were some security flaws in the previous version. (Why can't folks just leave others websites alone?)
Since I run this site with a documented database, it doesn't contain all of my research. Although I have rebuilt my genealogy database more than once, I felt the need to start a file entitled, "One last time," in reference to starting from scratch one last time. I wanted to have a totally clean database that was completely documented. One that represents my abilities. In the past I had determined that I would need to rely on some others research to ever pull together the information on the families to which I am related. I've decided to be even more particular before adding anyone else's research to my own. Fortunately Legacy, the genealogy software that I use, allows me to document any download that I add, so if I determine to add another database to my own, I'll know exactly where I obtained the information.
Once I got the site back online, I took the time to tweak a little bit of the homepage. I created the main photo when my graphic creation skills were a little less developed, so I recreated the file so the photo was no longer feathered. I think the shadow looks better this way. Now I'd like to try a few other templates and upload photos and the other goodies for which I decided to create a website for my genealogy research.
Today I also talked to two of my cousins. It was great to become reconnected. There are a few leads for research that I'd like to follow, too. I've never quite had the courage to call complete strangers about genealogy, but there are folks out there that I think are relatives and might know more about our family. I know that many researchers call and even visit such contacts, so I'd like to try it out, too. E-mailing has been a great way, but there are many people who are not connected to the Internet, so that's one research method I'd like to try this summer.
Since I run this site with a documented database, it doesn't contain all of my research. Although I have rebuilt my genealogy database more than once, I felt the need to start a file entitled, "One last time," in reference to starting from scratch one last time. I wanted to have a totally clean database that was completely documented. One that represents my abilities. In the past I had determined that I would need to rely on some others research to ever pull together the information on the families to which I am related. I've decided to be even more particular before adding anyone else's research to my own. Fortunately Legacy, the genealogy software that I use, allows me to document any download that I add, so if I determine to add another database to my own, I'll know exactly where I obtained the information.
Once I got the site back online, I took the time to tweak a little bit of the homepage. I created the main photo when my graphic creation skills were a little less developed, so I recreated the file so the photo was no longer feathered. I think the shadow looks better this way. Now I'd like to try a few other templates and upload photos and the other goodies for which I decided to create a website for my genealogy research.
Today I also talked to two of my cousins. It was great to become reconnected. There are a few leads for research that I'd like to follow, too. I've never quite had the courage to call complete strangers about genealogy, but there are folks out there that I think are relatives and might know more about our family. I know that many researchers call and even visit such contacts, so I'd like to try it out, too. E-mailing has been a great way, but there are many people who are not connected to the Internet, so that's one research method I'd like to try this summer.
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