A glimpse from the past, blessing the present

This past fall the children and I volunteered at the American west Heritage center. For those of you that aren't aware, it is a living farm replicating the year 1917 and the other part 1875. We were able to learn and teach the school groups various farm skills by reenacting history. The kids learned and demonstrated how to milk a cow and what the importance of the barn was. How to harvest and preserve apples, corn, jam, drying and canning in preparation for winter. We had a blast! There is a sense of peace there. And I think the combination of people donating their time and talent in an educational environment, away from the busyness of the world and using what the Lord gave us is a perfect invitation to the spirit. Seriously, the spirit was strong and there was peace there. It reminded me of the temple in that people are dressed alike, no rich or poor or separation of class, working to teach basic skills of conserving what we have been given. I felt totally in my element there. Okay, not just me, the children too looked forward to our Thursday afternoons and relished their learning environment. The workers around took the time to mentor my children and teach them. And all of them grew to love the kids. And it was so fun to dress up! Justin kept on telling me, "mom you look so pretty in your farm dress." I just had to laugh. I certainly didn't feel pretty, but practical. It was indeed more comfortable than modern cloths I might add. Somehow I felt more feminine. I had time to ponder about life, how chaotic it has become. And how wonderful life can be just being simple. Like the scriptures tell us, "through small and simple things, great things are brought to past." We adored our time there and will sign up for the pioneer site next spring to witness weaving, sheep shearing, baby animals arriving and again teaching the basics from the year 1875.

whisperings

 

Today was a busy day, not unlike many others. I had a meal prepared for dinner when a whispering came to me to give a widow Trevor and I home teach some of it. My first thought was, "Oh, it's not that nice of a meal, perhaps another night." I do have to say in my defense, that it was more like a thought and I often think of the people I have been entrusted with their care. So much to the point I can easily wear myself out doing too much. So I am really trying to simplify life and offer my best self to my children. But then it whispered again "take sister Bradshaw a meal." It is not uncommon, I take a meal to her once a month, but I followed through with the prompting and set a plate up for her. Upon arriving I learned she had just had surgery and was in need of a meal....How grateful I was, that during my chaotic day and shortcomings of even being worthy/available for the spirit to prompt me, I received a tender mercy and the spirit was patiently persistent with my nauiveness. To be in tune with the spirit is all I could want in this life. I need its guidance daily with the heavy responsibilities that are mine. This inspires me to live my best for the constant companionship of the spirit's whisperings.

Lost in Love

I first of all want to give all the credit to an old class mate of mine that took these great shots-Jayme. With her permission from her website I had to post these. Have you ever loved someone so much that everything around you seems to disappear but them when you are together? It is so fun to be lost in love. I love the mystery that surrounds love, it makes you want to be in on their secret- It would be so fun to capture shots like this with Trevor.

Turkey!

Turkey was so different. I wasn't sure what to expect being in a Muslim country. I made sure I was very modest and kept quiet to get a feel for what was appropriate as a woman in this country. I soon learned, that while there was still traditionally dressed Muslim women it is a very modern Muslim country with many cultures. I still felt careful as to trust anyone here. We learned there is a rug mophia here, okay, that is my interpretation of their conspiracy to get you to buy rugs. From the private tour guide to the taxi guy-they work with those that own the rug markets to trap tourists into buying their expensive rugs. We were in a room full of these guys-just the four of us and my poor mother-in-law was the focus of these men. As kind as they were we felt very unsafe and we were trying to figure out how to get out of there. Thank heavens for a dramatic Chinese lady shouting "where is the cheap stuff? You said this was cheap in here?" That she was a distraction and we bailed out of there. But we had fun seeing the Haga Sophia and the Blue Mosk. They have gorgeous tile work and it was neat to see that. I do have to say, the spirit is not present in there at all. Just an Erie feeling. We had fun at the Grand Bizarre and to realize that has probably been the center for trade for thousands of years is pretty amazing. It was fun to buy stuff here where it is a lot cheaper and to Haggle. Trevor did the Haggling. He just offered them 1/8 the price and made them come down to what he wanted them to sell it for. So really he didn't haggle but I like his style. We loved the Turkish Delight. Mildly sweet jellies. We bought some in bulk and learned it is rather addicting. So I wanted to buy my kids a box of it and when we brought it home for them to taste it was way sweeter than the recipe we had in Turkey. So we missed it. We stopped to have lunch and had a Turkish gyro. They put marinated meat on a Kabob and it rotates to stay warm. They slice it off and serve it with vegetables and warm soft pitas. Trevor still talks about how good the food is and gave me a challenge to mimick it here.
Ephesus was neat. It is amazing to stand somewhere and realize that is where Paul preached the gospel. To see history brings it to life. It was amazing to have been in Mother Mary's home. We just feel so privileged to have had this chance to go to these countries and to see such historical sights. It was a lot of fun spending time with Steven and Cindy and make memories. We will be forever grateful that we had this once in a lifetime chance.

GREECE!

I loved Greece, Mykonos the little island most. Everything was stark white with blue accents. We pulled up to port and saw the village and it is exactly what you would expect from a Greek island. Small, white and blue. I loved this is the same way I loved the french village-Eze. They were both narrow alleys, rock (Mykonos was painted white)They were small scale,quaint and clean. We had breakfast there and I enjoyed an omelet Greek style-of course excellent. Greece and Spain have the best fresh squeezed orange juice-to die for! Anyway, it was fun to walk around the little village and enjoy the shops and friendly natives. Things here were not as expensive as other places. This was one of my favorite places on the trip because it was so unique. Athens was another big European city. And all cities in Europe are about the same. It was cool to see the ancient ruins on the top of the hill though. It was amazing to experience this piece of the world (okay, the entire trip for that matter) but to see this history and relate to the stories of history we read about was incredible. It was really hot, the hottest day and we were against slippery white stone and so, me without sun glasses it was difficult to stay up their too long. But what a blessing it was to be there. We came down and sat at a cafe to order lunch, I decided I don't like Greek lamb Kabobs. Of course I didn't know it was lamb. But there vegetables and fresh Pitas were great. I regret I didn't have something I like in Greece except that egg omelet because the food is famous for its flavor and spices. Greece was amazing! We had so much fun and built so many memories. Next up is Turkey!

All of Italy

We literally went all over Italy. We loved Italy. The people were friendlier, warmer and treated you better than a tourist. The men seemed to have a custom of respect for women and insisted that women were first in everything from ordering and receiving food, to purchasing. Italy was wonderful. There was so much history to see, of course the architecture was fabulous and rich with history. I loved all the statues, especially when you could find one dressed. If I ever had a lot of money I would put beautiful, dressed statues in my garden. The food was great, no matter where we went and it was fun to see the distinct look of the Italians. Our journey began in Florence, which was our least favorite place in Italy. Perhaps it was because it was our only guided tour day. But we saw some neat burial places like, Leonardo Divinci and Galileo. The leaning tower of Pisa was cool to see and experience as well.
The next place we went was the Island of Capri. It was beautiful and quaint. They are known for their lemons and they were about the size of a small football. A lot of celebrities come here and so you see a lot of designer shops and know that it is pointless to buy anything. However, I did buy myself and my girls a music box that is inlaid wood, a dying art that the island has been famous for. It was just beautiful and picturesque.
Rome, while most people do it in 5 days, we did it in 5 hours. Way too fast and I regret we didn't have more time there. It is packed with history and magnificence. We didn't get to see all of the Vatican. There were too many people and the Pope was having Sunday service-reverent I know. We did get to hear him pray and hear the choir though, which was an experience. But as my mother in law says, it is the church of all churches. So we regret we didn't see all of it, but what we did was impressive. I loved the Trevy fountains and Trevor loved the Colosseum. Everywhere you look there are fountains and structures that are apart of history, yet they have included them into their current building structures. So neat and ancient compare to what we find in America with our newer history.
The last place we were actually at was in Venice. We loved Venice and wanted more time there. The uniqueness of the water ways and the beauty all around had such a different kind of charm-a kind of romance. There were mask shops everywhere and the more you looked around the more confused you got. But with the patience of my father-in-law, I was able to bring home 6 of them for our kids. It was so beautiful and overwhelming, that I am still taking it in. I am so thankful to have had the chance to see the bigger things of Italy and experience it. It is something I have always wanted to do and we had such a blast. We will always be grateful that we had this once in a lifetime chance.

Spain, France and Monte Carlo

Trevor and I had such a blast. We saw so many neat things that it was literally overwhelming. We are so blessed to have been able to take this opportunity. Because we saw so much I will divide the slide shows up according to the countries we were in. So the first one is Spain, France and Monte Carlo. Spain had unique markets. I am sure you can find these things where ever you go, but in all the countries we were in we didn't see another market like it. Aside from the produce, we didn't like the food too well. It was neat to be in Barcelona-Columbus' home. And Europe is always fun for the archetecture/churches. It is neat to just sit back and take it in.
Monte Carlo was overwhelming because you could feel the money that circulates there. It seems everyone owns a yacht with their own personal crew and we didn't shop there, why bother with the prices. But it was fun to see the palace museum with Napoleon artifacts and All the archetecture and gardens.
We took a cab up into Eze France. Eze is a 14th century village still in use! It was the quaintest thing I have ever seen, and the pictures I have just don't do it justice. Rock pathways, buildings and walls are in great shape with wrought iron widows, hinges, gates and door knockers. They have made use of all the old inns, shops and such and continued using them for the same thing-shops, cafes and hotel inns.It was so cool. I thought it was a perfect day. I even got to try out my rough french, all though the people were rude and ignored me all except one lady of whom I bought post cards from. I had fun conversing with her and it was neat to be in a french speaking country. We are so thankful to have been there and miss these places already. That is all for now. Stay tuned for Italy, Greece and Turkey

Tribute to a boy's best friend, Andre the giant.

Just a few days ago we got the news that our dog tragically wounded himself and our neighbor had to put him out while we were in Europe. I never understood how people could mourn over a dog, it's just a dog I thought, not a person. But I was quite wrong. Dog's are special members of the family with so much to teach. Aside from the unconditional love he was my children's good friend. Especially Justin who felt like he lost a brother. Justin spent hours playing with Andre, and I think the two had a unique relationship only known to dogs and boys. We adopted Andre a year and a half ago and I think I knew he wouldn't be with us too long because he was older and so I hesitated bonding with him, hoping to save myself from hurting too much when he did go. I was expecting to one day hold him in my arms as he died from old age, but instead he died alone, away from his family to an excruciating brutal death. It's interesting, while I tried to save myself from the hurt of loosing an animal by not giving him my whole heart, I still hurt, perhaps even more for not giving him my all. What a great lesson to apply with our relationships with people. Saints Bernards are a special breed, a magnificant gentle giants with an innate need to watch over, protect and save-thus known as the Saint. So what is a dog anyway? What exactly did God have in mind when he created them? As Trevor and I broke the news to our children and sobs and questions filled the room, I asked these questions myself. To a child, and some people their dog is their world. I found in offering comfort to our children who cried they would never see him again the conviction that we will was stronger than ever. I refuse to believe that animals cease to exsist. And all that I know of God and his deep love for his children, testifies to me that we will see our pets again. Animals are a mere prepatory gateway for the bigger questions and trials that come when losing the people we love. And I know We will miss his kisses, hugs and snoring. We will miss his giant bear like, impressive body. We will miss his need to love us and be with us. We will miss cuddling up to his giant body and having him wrap his arm around us. While we are grateful he shared his life with us and for all he taught us, he will be sorely missed.

Need tools!

I couldn't resist posting this woman cartoon. I have often said it would be nice if mothers grew arms with each children to help with the multitasking. Often times I am a couple hands to short. I must confess the other day I expressed my frustration to Trevor, (telling him not to take it personal, I just needed to vent. I realize his job is overwhelming too.)I find it difficult to do my job a few arms short, let alone a few tools short. How can I mow the lawn without a lawn mower, till the garden without a tiller, weedwack without a weedwacker, water the garden, newly planted trees and flowers without a hose; Prune my fruit trees without a tree pruner; water my lawn without the irriagtion water turned on!?! It makes it very difficult to take care of things around here with out the means to do it. Our riding lawn mower has been in the shop for the last month. Our tiller broke down and gave out, our hose has busted so many holes that it has no pressure out of the opening so that I can water, plus it can't reach to the other side of the yard to water my fruit trees and grapes. I had a dear neighbor lady (70 years old) come over and ask if we had been sick while trudging through our knee high grass. "No, we haven't been sick." I reply "I have noticed your lawn could use a mowing and would you be okay if I mowed it for you?" "You are not going to mow my lawn, I should be mowing your lawn if I had the mower to do it" I answered. But she refused after I explained the white trash look and brought over her riding lawn mower and I insisted she let me borrow it instead of her doing it and then she ran home to grab her push mower. Our grass is high again and a neighbor asked how much we were charging for hay? I told him just to bring his horses on over and we could hook each other up! Why does everything seem to break at the same time?

Love sac?-Come on!

Okay, I am an owner of a love sac-I didn't say a proud owner cause I am not. It is one of those things that we will look back on in 20 years and laugh at having ever had one. It was given to my husband cause it's a guy thing. But let's face it-They're ugly, practically useless, big and in the way. As I remodeled my family room and it no longer fits in there I have tried to convince my husband to let it go. But to no avail. He just wont part with it even though I know deep down he knows I am right. So what is with the attachment? Really? It is now out of my newly remodeled/decorated family room and placed into our hallway. Just sitting there like an ancient dinosaur dropping. And the only way to get around it is to climb it. So as I climb it images of Julie Andrews come to my mind and I hear "climb every Mountain" in the distance. Really, Trevor-let it go...

Great credo!

I had to borrow this from a friend's blog (thanks Sarah) It fits perfectly with how I feel and what I believe in and what I want to pass on to my children.


“I don’t want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.

I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk’s lawn. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor’s children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone’s garden. I want to be there with children’s sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.

I want the Lord to know I was really here and that

I really lived.”
- Marjorie Peay Hinckley

Alexis and her trip!

Alexis had the time of her life on this fantastic opportunity. She truly has come back changed. Out of the 2000 pictures taken, it was hard to choose and I have more I would like to post but I need to get them from my inlaws. Some of the highlights of the trip were:
1.)everything was different, beautiful, fragrant with flowers and HOT and HUMID.
2.)Everywhere she went she was stared at and talked about because of her hair, skin and eye color. Even the monkey had to jump on her lap and touch her hair and look her over!
3.) She got to see some neat historical sights in Cambodia and Thailand and even try out her french skills with some french people.
4.) They were picked up by a limo and driven to a fancy hotel-top notch. Alexis got a video of the room and gardens. She felt like a celebrity.
5.)She overcame her fear of swimming through the mentoring of her dear Grandpa.
6.) She got to play, ride, sit on and feed the elephants. Her favorite was the baby elephant. So cute.
7.)She enjoyed seeing the ocean for the first time on Phuket beach. I will have to include some great pictures the in-laws have when I get them.
8.)she did some service on that floating city full of poverty. She took school supplies to the orphanage and children there. My in-laws have great shots of her distributing those things.
9.) She got to see a piece of the world and therefor has come back changed-mature-grateful.
10.) Most of the little kids went around without bottoms. They didn't have diapers and this took getting used to.
11.) She got to see the hill tribes people and long neck Karrens-a fading people. There are three myths why they wear the rings
a.) to protect the women from tigers that would grab them by the neck while the men were hunting.
b.)To protect them from invading tribes that would steal the women.
c.) their men think it is attractive.
But perhaps they keep it because it is a way of living; drawing in tourists.
12.)she has a greater education. And maybe has been spoiled. She has tasted the wonder of travel and loves it. Her grandparents said she was 99% perfect on that tough trip of traveling, time change, long flights (24 hours) and different food.
Way to go Alexis. We missed you while you were gone, but are so grateful for this experience and the better person it has sparked within you. We are so thankful for grandparents with the means and desire to bless you with this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzCWSnHxc4M

click to watch fry street in action.

Fry Street Quartet?

Lucky,blessed- Heaven answers a mother's prayer. I remember last Spring I knew I would be losing yet another violin teacher for my daughters due to them moving. I knew there were only students left to teach. Sometimes as a mother you have intuition for your children on what would be best. Don't get me wrong the teachers they had previously were fantastic. But there comes a point when the training needs to advance. As a mother you feel that and it is very strong. I knew for a long time that Russell would be good for the girls and I had my eye on him. But I am not a musician, and have a little known name in this political, who knows who world. Yet I was brave and had Nonie (the teacher moving) ask him and he said he was too busy. Then during last years spring concert I saw him in the front row and I said a little prayer that if he was meant to be their teacher he would. Well, he came up to me afterwards and said, "I would like to work something out." Who doesn't want to take from him, but he is very selective-he has to be. He has been a fabulous mix with his once a month master classes and Diane Austin who studied with Dr. Suzuki in Japan while he was alive. It was a blessing she took me last minute as well.

If that is not fortunate enough. I have been stuck with the same dilema with my cellist. There are only student teachers-and hers, Rosalie is moving. And I suppose I have been spoiled and know the difference now between a seasoned teacher and a student. So I aimed for the moon, sent it with a prayer and asked Anne Francis if she would take Jessica. This talented lady is in high demand with a two year waiting list. But She will take her now!! I had written her about Jessica and her unusual interest in music. She will play for hours, give up a movie to go play her cello. Make comments about the music in the movies and say "I want my music to be so beautiful it makes people cry." She spends most the time at Grandma's and Grandpa's playing and composing on the piano. She reminds me of the August Rush boy. Always thinking of music. (Are you reading this Carrie, it's a good thing it didn't work out with her, because it is so fun to have a cellist. Although I am sorry for all you went through as her violin teacher.) So we had a lesson with Anne and she will take her!! I feel so blessed. That me, just some Ericksen is working with World reknown people to assist my daughters.

Need a good laugh?

I thought this was a classic-Have a good weekend.

I lost but I gained

Today I have conquered a fear. One I have put off for too long. I had a tooth implant done. Not fun minor surgery but at least I don't have to ever worry about that tooth again. If it was a back molar I would have had it pulled, but it wasn't so an implant was in order. However, it will be nice to chew on both sides of the mouth without pain after 2 years. I do have to say that having babies does indeed take a toll on your body. Since I have had them I have lost 2 teeth now (my one back molar is missing)lost skin tone, especially around the stomach,lost half of my hair, grown stretch marks, have a bent tail bone (at least it didn't break), lost my figure and last but not least lost breast quality and quantity. But In the process I have gained six beautiful children and I would do it all over again.

Looking at the Bright side of things

Since we haven't had "Dad" around the house much with his two jobs during this employment transition I have had plenty of time to think of the good things while he is gone. While this has been hard on our family, especially me I can either wallow in it or conquer it. I choose to conquer. So I will list those things that I have come to look on the bright side with.
1.) I learned how to use a snow blower this winter.
2.) I do all the yard work on nearly an acre of garden/yard-believe me, you can tell
3.) I planned and planted the garden
4.) I learned how to fix the tiller
5.) Done home repairs
6.) ALMOST caught up on all 6 baby books
7.) read a lot of books and learned a lot
8.) Learning french
9.) I plan 3 healthy meals a day (made from scratch)
and pack Trevor a lunch and dinner.
10) Learned more about computers
11) Learned how to be more economical so Trevor's work
is not waisted by unwise spending.
12) Learning patience as the days are long and I feel
tired and cranky with the children I have to be
patient as dad is not here to take over and relieve.
13) Our love is growing stronger as we are both sacrificing
and working together to achieve this goal.
14) Time is precious. Because he misses 300 days a year out
of the 365 we have so little of it together that we make
the most of it.
15) My children are learning that when dad isn't here I need
their help even more. Cooperation takes place.
16) My children are learning the value of an early education.
If dad had done this years ago we wouldn't be doing
it now amidst family life.
17) As I am away from family and almost isolated, my children
have become my sanctuary and my little friends.
18) I love to be busy, because of this I invest large amounts
of time into them.
19) We value life more. As we have lived this less quality of
family life because of too much work we are apt to make
good decisions that support quality family life.
20) At least I have Saturday night and Sunday with him. My heart
goes out to all those that have lost a spouse.

"It does a man no good to be free until he has learned how to live"

I finished this book with the kids a couple of weeks ago and I have had one of the lessons in it on my mind since. Amos Fortune was a Negro slave in the early
1700's. He was fortunate enough to have been bought by a Quaker gentleman who educated him, took care of him and later gave him his freedom. But Amos was adamant that "it does a man no good to be free until he has learned how to live." So he learned to work leather and became the best in the trade for miles. He earned enough money to buy a wife whom he loved and then she died a year later. So he earned enough money to buy another woman her freedom, she too died a year later. But he had peace in knowing they had at least one year of freedom and that they had died free. A few years later he saw another woman (Violet) and her small child. He asked the "owner" how much they would both be and saved for them. They started their life together and saved for more tools, a horse and made a makeshift home.(I think we cannot imagine how hard freedom life was for a Negro back then.) A good man was even kind enough to let them use an acre of land for free. But the time came that they wanted a real home and so they both worked hard and saved money in the iron kettle to earn a home and to buy a piece of land. When he almost had enough money he noticed a widow who was desperate and quite pathetic with her children. Compassion overcame him and he made up his mind to buy her and her children a home. Violet (his wife) knew what he was thinking and took the money and hid it. The next morning when he went to get the money to do his good deed it wasn't there. Violet argued with him that she wouldn't tell him where it was until he agreed to build them their home and quit "saving" everyone. She went on to saying, "There's a fire that burns fast the more fuel goes on it and that's shiftlessness. She is a shiftless woman and money is just so much fuel to her fire. With all the help the town gave her she never made herself any better. Her children are getting older. they're the ones to help her and help themselves too. You'll do more for them all by giving work to the boys than by giving money to Lois." (This was so powerful to me) He was upset, she was upset. They didn't speak for three days. Finally, he went to a mountain to pray, determined not to come back until he got an answer of what he should do. After some time he realized, Looking from the height made him look back over his own life. He saw, with a sudden start of realization, that just as he had come a far way up the mountain to gain its crest, so had he traveled a far way through the years to gain the point at which he stood. he still had his strength, or a good portion of it. And he had his trade. But that was all. His freedom was assured as well as that of his wife and child. Yet he owned no land, nothing they could call theirs if the chariot of death came for him soon. He thought about his family and what would happen to them when he was no longer there to care for them. He thought, Amos Fortune-a man who was landless save for the kindness of a parson-thought what a good thing it must be to own a few acres of land. To bring it to bear. To leave it better than when they came to one's hand. For land was the wealth of this new country. To have land was to have an iron kettle with money always in it. How powerful is that? My problem is that I would be just like Amos and think of other before myself. But to help yourself first...That is the key. In the words of the Master himself,"Physician, heal thyself." Just a few epiphanies of mine.

From Little girl to Young Woman

So...Alexis flew off on the other side of the world today. Not a big deal right? Well, I think my little girl is growing up and this journey of hers will only cement that reality. I feel as if I have said good bye to a my little girl and in exchange what I will get when she comes back is a young lady. She will grow up so much from this trip. A fact I have tried to hide from. How fast time flies. One moment you are holding their chubby little hands and looking into those deep and trusting eyes; and the next minute you are letting go of those hands while those eyes look on. One can only hope that you have taught them well and that those eyes will not wonder too far. Of course now more than ever I need to be the woman worthy of inspiring her. And more than often I feel unequal to the task. So now is the time where my knees will be knelt upon, that I may be guided in how to assist her through her journey into Young Womanhood.

"Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even
though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to
develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and griefs which
we endure help us in our marching onward."

Henry Ford

"One of the Least of these"

I made a hasty decision the other day. Perhaps it was because of my current studies with Alexis. In my mind suffering and poverty are very fresh. I feel like I have been to Cambodia and seen the suffering that I want to end. But I took a cousin some groceries and hand me downs that my children grew out of. I have been around her children a few times and seen their faces. There is a grave look in the eyes, something that expresses poverty. Her husband had some finances cut and I knew they were struggling. Upon arriving to their home She had prepared her children a potato for dinner. No, not a baked potato with all the wonderful toppings, a simple, baked potato. To accompany this potato was some watered down powder milk from her food storage. There was a time when this same cousin drove miles to my home to bring me a meal when my first son was born. The meal consisted of 6 homeade wheat rolls, 6 small baked potatoes and two oranges. In her humble way she was giving me her best, no doubt her widow's mite. When I purchased some groceries and invited my children to donate they did so and it became a family service project. An array of produce, bacon, eggs, diary products,sausage, pepperoni, two chickens and bags of whole grains (oats, wheat, and beans)filled our car. For a small moment I had the opportunity to be a miracle giver and see the light in the children's eyes and they recieved some things I am sure they rarely get, possibly never had.
Classic literature has a way of changing you. That is the entire point of reading a classic-it changes your character filling you with ambition to change and better the world around you. Maybe I can't help those Cambodians I read stories about with Alexis but I can help someone in my small corner of the world and in a small way Peace fills me.

To Be Human Is To Feel

As I have been studying things with Alexis before she goes I am amazed at the inhumanity that goes on in the world around us, most of which we don't know of. This book, When Broken Glass Floats, is about the killing fields that took place just 30 years ago in Cambodia. It is hauntingly similar to Hitler's madness just 35 years prior. It is a real tear jerker and a humbler. No matter how hard our circumstances, someone has got it harder. We have much to be thankful for and little do we American's know just how blessed we are. Even under the most dire circumstances, We have it so good. Why do these things happen? Just how does Satan get a hold of these people to commit such horror without feeling? It's as if they have surrendered their humanity and in so doing given up any feelings of mercy that come with it. It is amazing to me that even someone under those circumstances fights to survive. Why? Do they not know of the better after life and our Savior's amazing grace? How is that even though misery consumes them they have the will to live? Perhaps our spirits deep down know of the great privledge it is to be alive and live with a body, no matter the cost. Because to be human is to feel. We have been given much and how do we reach out to help those suffering and stop such Evil?Two things come into my mind. Spread the gospel and that light will follow and educate.

Let's Be Brave

This is one of my most favorite poems. We all experience sorrow in life. It is natural. But I find in this poem a reminder and it centers me.

Let's Be Brave

Let's be brave when the laughter dies
And the tears come into our troubled eyes,
Let's cling to the faith and the old belief
When the skies grow gray with the clouds of grief,
Let's bear the sorrow and hurt and pain
And wait till the laughter comes again.
Let's be brave when the trials come
And our hearts are sad and our lips are dumb,
Let's strengthen ourselves in the times of test
By whispering softly that God knows best;
Let us still believe, though we cannot know,
We shall learn sometimes it is better so.
Let's be brave when the joy departs,
Till peace shall come to our troubled hearts,
For the tears must fall and the rain come down
And each brow be pressed to the thorny crown;
Yet after the dark shall the sun arise,
So let's be brave when the laughter dies.
By Edgar A. Guest

And the Judges pick is.....

JESSICA!!!
During ASTA festival several children (usually around 200 ) that play the string instruments come and compete before judges and only a dozen or so are selected to play at an honors recital. It is a great opportunity to see how you are doing and have someone evaluate you. I was disappointed that because Alexis and MaKayla's teacher is in a different county than Cache I couldn't get anyone to call me back to figure out how to register them for it. In the past their teachers have been in Cache Valley and so registration was a snap. Formerly they have had the privlege of being selected however. So anyway, That left our little Jessica and we were gratefully honored. She played well tonight for the honors recital. Way to go little Jessica(the cellist)!

Orient-here she comes!

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Our oldest has the opportunity to go anywhere in the world with grandma and grandpa. She chose the orient-specifically Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and China. She doesn't know she is going yet, but I am thrilled for her and wish I could experience it with her. I am so grateful for the insightful grandparents she has that want to mentor her and are a part of her life. We really are blessed to have loving and caring grandparents on both sides. While I recognize this is a rare opportunity I am so thankful she can take it. Does anyone know any classic literature on culture or history she can read up on before she goes?

A Curious Woman

I recently purchased this book from Tasha Tudor. I am mainly interested in her art. She has the ability to capture the frolicking nature of children and simplicity of the past. I personally would love to be an artist and illustrate children's books. Her work is among my favorites. I think she would have been an interesting person to know. She retired to an early victorian lifestyle in her country cottage assuming all the early settlement tasks of baking, farming, milking, gardening and going so far as to always wear a dress of the period. She once said of women, "Why do women want to dress like men when they're fortunate enough to be women? Why lose our femininity, which is one of our greatest charms? We get much more accomplished by being charming than we would by flaunting around in pants and smoking. I am very fond of men. I think they're wonderful creatures. I love them dearly. But I don't want to look like one. When women gave up their long skirts, they made a grave error. Things half seen are so much more mysterious and delightful. Remember the term "a neatly turned ankle"? Think of the trill that gentlemen used to get if they caught even a glimpse of one. Now women go around in their union suits. And what a multitude of sins you could cover up with a long skirt if you had piano legs." She prefered life simple and lived it to it's fullest adapting Henry David Thoreau's credo for her own, "If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."
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While I enjoy all the modern convieniences, I can't help but think we loose something when we don't get back to the simplicity of life and things. For fun her family invented a religion called stillwater inspired by the Shakers. They had a big celebration on Midsummer's Eve. The entire point is to live without stress so in their devotionals and worship They would sit on the front porch in a rocker and listen to the liquid song of the hermit thrush that they might enjoy life more. She thought people were so jeezled up that they needed to take the time to just mediate and be still. There is so much wisdom in this. Hasn't our dear prophet asked us to simplify and set priorities. Life doesn't have to be about chauffering kids and the more we are home the more I feel peace and actually have the time to accomplish the things I need to.

My Newest Hero

I recently have had an unquenchable desire to study our founding fathers. Currently I don't know where this information I am obtaining will come in handy but I am enjoying the journey. I have not always been a history buff and was once counted among those who say,"history is in the past, why study it-who cares?" But as a homeschooler I understand the critical need of having a classical, well rounded education and that me leading the way is the only chance they have in developing a leadership education for themselves. As you can tell from my book shelf most of what is on there are books centered around the early American history. One must ask, "what makes this country so great anyway, how is it different?" How we went from being common farmers to claiming victory over the worlds strongest empire and eventually walking on the moon followed by becoming the most powerful/rich nation on earth in less than 200 years, is inconceivable. How George Washington, a simple farm boy with a meager education became captain, without pay and setting aside his personal desires and wishes led an army of starving, ragged, unpaid, illequipted farmers for 8 years to victory of a nation who dominated the world and never lost a war as of yet is nothing short of a miracle. The British had 2 million trained militia and America only a quarter of a million rusty and rugged farmers willing to fight for liberty. British wealth was 1000 times greater than America's; how did we win? Perhaps George Washington can account best, "We have...abundant reason to thank Providence for its many favorable interposition's in our behalf. It has at times been my only dependence, for all other resources seemed to have failed us. I was but the humble agent of favoring Heaven, whose benign interference was so often manifested in our behalf, and to whom the praise of victory alone is due." He went on to becoming the first president, against his own wishes. He opened the letter and tried to read it, but stumbled badly. he paused, then pulled from his pocket a pair of new spectacles, which only his closest aides had ever seen him wear. he fumbled to put them on, but seemed to have difficulty. Finally, he said simply, "Gentlemen, you must pardon me. I have grown gray in your service and now find myself growing blind." He also lost his teeth due to the harsh conditions and starvation he surrendered to during the war. Finally his hearing began to fail him. Truly this man was a grand example of liber and public virtue. In 1778 it didn't matter that he could not read or write well. He was trustworthy and of sound judgement and that is what mattered. That is what should matter. Anyone can get an education, but without character what are we? The more character an individual has the more he is capable of. In conclusion, I answer why we must study our history...It is who we are, it is our heritage and our inheritance. We must continue the greatness that our founding fathers possessed. As George Washington said, " Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness." Our freedoms/happiness depend upon our education. I have learned so much from this book about him and it is my goal to adapt the good qualities he possessd. I cannot fathom how somebody so good existed. How do we become that virtuous? He is one I hope to meet and converse with.