Coolness

I have a tendency to worry that my children's current behavior is a foreshadowing of things to come.

For example, Matthew has become obsessed with being cool. He informed me that he is not cute but cool. My four year old also informed me that his super power is that you can not wipe his cool off. I know this is adorable, but instead of just enjoying the moment I become stressed of how this will play out when he is in middle school.

Hence, the following conversation which occurred after he asked me again if he was cool.

Me: Matthew, it is more important to do the right thing and follow Jesus than it is to be cool.

Matthew: Why?

Me: Because we love Jesus and want to be like him.

Matthew: Well, I think Jesus is cool.

Maybe I worry too much.

Follow the Prophet

Rudolph

Away in a manger

Christmas Poem

Occasionally, all the world stops on a single thought

and the hush of quiet softens our hearts

so that we can see and hear and feel what it means

to give instead of take, to wish instead of hate.

And maybe for a moment, collectively remember

how to forgive and forget and how to love one another.

-Joseph Metzger

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Four is great

Now that he is four, Matthew is all grown up. Just ask him. Apparently, not only can four year olds play soccer (which he has been waiting for) they can also carry heavy objects by themselves. They also don't have to hold your hand when crossing the street. Or sit in a car seat. As a parent you are pretty much useless once your child hits four.

The day after his fourth birthday we pulled out the scriptures to read. Generally, when it is Matthew's turn to read I point to the words say them and then he repeats them. But on this day, when I started to read, he put up his hand and said, "I don't need help."

And then he sat there and stared at the words for a while. Finally he looked up at me and said, "Well, maybe a little help."

Good to know I still have some value, even if he is four.

Thanksgiving Things

There are certain things that are forever tied into holidays. They become a part of the celebration and excitement of the day. For me Candy Corn will forever be associated with Thanksgiving.

Growing up, there would be candy corn at your place setting on the Thanksgiving table. Before the blessing and subsequent feasting, we would go around and name a blessing for each of the candies. If there was a small group it was 7 and if it was a large group only 3.

And then there is the song. How can a family that has it's own birthday song, not have a Thanksgiving song? I realized that my boys didn't know this song and I felt as if I had betrayed my heritage. But never fear, that will be rectified this year. And for all those future generations that follow me, here is part of your legacy.

Cartloads of Pumpkins as yellow as gold

Onions in silvery strings

Shining red apples

And clusters of grapes

Nuts and a host of good things

Chickens

And turkeys

And fat little pigs

All this is what Thanksgiving brings

I just have one questions for my dearly departed great great ancestor who made this song a tradition. Since when are pumpkins yellow? This has puzzled me since I was little.

I am grateful for all of you my friends. You have enriched my life and made me a better person. Happy Thanksgiving.

Wordless Wednesday

Springfield Children's Choir

Nicholas and Holden are singing with the Springfield Children's Choir. They LOVE it. They come home from rehearsal all excited and practicing their new songs. These are pictures from their first performance. The Choir sang at a fundraiser.

Check out the handsome boy three from the right.

The choir went over to the fundraiser on a bus. Is their a cuter face in the universe?

There is my Holden.

One of the things the boys really like is that a lot of their friends sing with them. In this group are Bronson, Gavin, Aalyia, and Roci.

The wise decision

A few months back, Joe and I had to decide whether or not to keep our leased Toyota Camry. After some thought and a realistic look at our budget, we decided not to keep it. We turned it in and got a small Geo Prism that doesn't have a payment. It was the wisest thing we've done in a long time. Not only do we not have a car payment, but our car insurance went way down as well. I really should be so proud of us and happy with this decision.

I've always seen myself as someone not really concerned about what others think. That's why I've been surprised at how people's reaction has effected me. We've heard everything from, "So, this is what you drive now?" or "Is this your car?" I really liked having a nice car.

And in the automotive world this is a step down. The Camry drove so smooth and quiet. There was a lot more room in the back seat for the boys. And it was just so pretty. (Do I sound like a commercial?)

The more time goes by and I am removed from my beloved Camry, I become more and more content with the wisdom that we have shown. But, if your in the market for a new car, check out the Camrys.

Wordless Wednesday

One of Joe's Paintings

Wordless Wednesday