Last weekend, the family bustled into the car off on an adventure. We were looking for 40 horse cave. An attempt to capture a memory from Craig's past.
The cave is up in the Narrows, up a steep mountain covered in shale.
After decades, the memory of where the cave was had grown dim.
I told him that whether we found the cave or not, we would have an adventure.
Josh turned into a billy goat and blazed his own trail.
I pushed down my panic and tried to keep track of the 11 year old that kept vanishing up different ravines.
I hiked across the shale covered mountain, around big rocks that Craig was sure was hiding the cave that held 40 horses long ago.
How in the wide world did horses get up this I wondered. How was this any kind of an effective hiding place. It took way too long to access it and it would leave a clear trail.
I had panicy visions of our family falling to our deaths and no one finding us until spring. (That was clearly on the verge of hysteria that needed to be tapped firmly down.)
The shale was more than ankle deep. In fact the shale breached my shoe and slid inside. Boaz had shale in his shoes also.
I told Craig that this was my one and only time trying to find that cave. (Later my good friend told me that if I could read the Old Testament, I couldn't let a simple hike beat me. I'm not sure how that made any sense, but I did agree to go again.)
Needless to say, we did not find the cave. But I did make it up to the sheer cliff. I did not fall to my death. I did make it up and then back down again.
Yesterday we tried again. This time we took along Craig's brother Brad. He didn't move away, he has fished every hole in these hills. And he did know where the cave was.
Yea!
He warned me that there was a lot of shale on this hike. NOT! Not even close. My shoes did not sink in up to my ankles. I did not slide down each step to my starting place or lower. I did not have to take huge steps to make it a normal distance up the mountain. I fact, I could see dirt under the loose shale. There was vegetation to stabilize the path. There WAS a path.
The path was littered with spice containers for BBQs. Teenagers had hauled kegs up this path.
It was a big cave, filled with spray painted names and other trivia.
Josh was back to his mountain goat ways.
This time I remembered my camera. But I haven't loaded them to the computer. I'll post a few later.
But we found the cave.
A memory was recovered and memories were made in with the next generation.
Success!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Meet the Howell's
Halloween Hair
Our friends have an annual Halloween Bash. Our group was Gilligan's Island.
I needed big hair for Mrs. Howell.
So I did my first attempt at back combing -- or ratting.
I'm really not sure how I went from the witchie mess to the up-do.
I wonder . . .
. . . why a child that will wear three pairs of socks, two shirts and two pairs of pants in one day will not want to change his underwear every day.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Repair men
How is it that when the repair man comes, the thing that is broken doesn't act broken?
Our garage door is acting up. It's an automatic door. It won't close all the way. It gets stuck not even half way down and then goes back up. I have not parked my car in the garage for a week. It makes the garage basically useless.
So today the garage door guy (who just happens to be our neighbor) came to see what was going on.
The first time we tried to open the door, it opened slick as a whistle. I was so frustrated. He opened and closed it several times.
I tried to explain what it had been doing.
I pointed to the track where the door would get stuck.
He said it was just a sensitivity issue.
I pointed to the sensors at the base of the track. The sensor at the right has a lens that has condensation. The light that should be green was yellow.
He was not impressed.
I went to close the door and it went not even one panel before it went back up.
"That is what it does." I pointed.
He said that it was the logic board. and had me try and close the door again.
Not even half way.
I was so relieved. It was acting up when somebody who knew what he was doing was there.
He will bring a new logic board tomorrow.
Hopefully I can park my car in the garage again. No more scraping windows. Just in time for colder weather.
Our garage door is acting up. It's an automatic door. It won't close all the way. It gets stuck not even half way down and then goes back up. I have not parked my car in the garage for a week. It makes the garage basically useless.
So today the garage door guy (who just happens to be our neighbor) came to see what was going on.
The first time we tried to open the door, it opened slick as a whistle. I was so frustrated. He opened and closed it several times.
I tried to explain what it had been doing.
I pointed to the track where the door would get stuck.
He said it was just a sensitivity issue.
I pointed to the sensors at the base of the track. The sensor at the right has a lens that has condensation. The light that should be green was yellow.
He was not impressed.
I went to close the door and it went not even one panel before it went back up.
"That is what it does." I pointed.
He said that it was the logic board. and had me try and close the door again.
Not even half way.
I was so relieved. It was acting up when somebody who knew what he was doing was there.
He will bring a new logic board tomorrow.
Hopefully I can park my car in the garage again. No more scraping windows. Just in time for colder weather.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Falling in love with the scriptures
I assigned myself this topic for lesson today. We had our Souper Saturday. We did a roll making class, and crafts. That might be normal super Saturday fare, but we decided to shake it up a bit and offer three classes. The ladies could choose two. I'm a bit sad I missed the other classes -- Joy in Womanhood and Recognizing the Holy Ghost.
I was asked to write my class down for a friend that has a blog. So after a partial clean up, I am at home to see if I can remember what I said twice today. :)
I have been thinking about this topic for two months. I decided to ask my husband about it, I like to get his opinion on things sometimes. He went in a totally different direction than I was thinking. And the more I thought about it, the more I knew he was right. So I will give a brief overview of what I was thinking to begin with and then share some of his thoughts with my new direction.
When we read scriptures, it is good to know:
Who - is "talking" and who is being addressed
Where - they are
What - is being said and what is going on.
Knowing these things is helpful to keep track of the story.
My husband got me thinking about the Why. And then I went to the General Relief Society Broadcast and listened to President Uchtdorf. One on his 5 'forget nots' was forget not the why. And I knew that was what I needed to focus on.
Why do we read the scriptures? (This a discussion part. Feel free to add items to the list.)
It reminded me of my life. When I was a Merrie Miss in the Primary, we were encouraged to memorize the Articles of Faith. There was a scripture to memorize for each Article. The scripture that I remember from then is Amos 3:7 "For surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
When I was senior in high school, someone I loved and trusted tried to destroy my testimony. This person had wandered from the Church and has lost their testimony. I spent a long night afraid that what I had believed all my life might be wrong. I was too afraid to pray. But my whole being was focused on this question. I believe this can be a form of prayer. I don't think I slept that night. When the dawn broke the scripture I had memorized six years earlier rang through my soul, and I knew that prophets spoke directly with God. That experience and answer are the bed rock of my testimony. When I am in turmoil, I can "cast [my] mind upon the night that [I] cried unto [him] in [my] heart, that [I] might know concerning the truth. . ." And I testify that he "[spoke] peace to [my] mind concerning the matter." (see D&C 6:22 - 23).
That scripture was definitely my friend that night, and in all my troubles since. Knowing that, I am a bit ashamed that I have not continued in my efforts to memorize scriptures. Elder Scott has encouraged me to begin again.
We are blessed to have the scriptures in our homes. It has not always been so. Elder Christofferson related the story of William Tyndale in his address in April 2010. He determined to translate the Bible into English. He had to hide in Germany to work on his translation. He was eventually found and imprisoned for 18 months in a dark, damp cell. Then he was executed. The prophets who wrote the scriptures were at times killed for their testimonies. The brave Reformers often were killed for their efforts to bring the scriptures to the common man. Today we are the beneficiaries of these brave and true men. We often have multiple copies of the scriptures in our homes.
So now the question is How do we read them.
The first time I read the Old Testament, I had just received my mission call. I wondered how I could be a missionary if I had not read the scriptures. So, in an attempt to be obedient, I read the Old Testament. For many years, I considered it as checked off my to do list.
Then I decided to read it again. The second time, I read it with the Institute Manual. These manuals are prepared by the Church education department. They offer testimonies and stories of modern prophets, explanations of ancient culture and vocabulary and insights to ancient geography.
I have found the more I read the Old Testament, the more I love it. And that can be said of every standard work.
I picked one of my favorite verses from four of the standard works to share.
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path."
Proverbs 3:5 - 6
Just before His arrest and death, Jesus told his apostles: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth , give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27
After Moroni had been alone for a long time. He had already written what he thought was his last words in the book that would bear his father's name. He included two of his fathers personal letters. The entire world that he knew had fallen into wickedness. Mormon described briefly the depravity of the Lamanites and the worse state of the Nephites. He said, ". . . I cannot recommend them unto God lest he should smite me. But behold, my son, I recommend thee unto God, and I trust in Christ that thou wilt be saved." In that evil time, a righteous father raised a righteous son.
Moroni 9: 21 - 22
Our lives are filled with things to do. Sometimes we get so overwhelmed that we feel like we are running in circles. Jesus told Joseph Smith, ". . . Stop, and stand still until I command thee, and I will provide means whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which I have commanded thee." We need to make time where we can be still and quiet so we can hear Him.
D&C 5: 34
The scriptures are a gift - from a God that loves us.
They are an invitation - for us to follow Him.
They are a map - for us to know the way.
They are love notes - from our Father who wants us to return to Him.
Let us open them, and read them, and love them.
I was asked to write my class down for a friend that has a blog. So after a partial clean up, I am at home to see if I can remember what I said twice today. :)
I have been thinking about this topic for two months. I decided to ask my husband about it, I like to get his opinion on things sometimes. He went in a totally different direction than I was thinking. And the more I thought about it, the more I knew he was right. So I will give a brief overview of what I was thinking to begin with and then share some of his thoughts with my new direction.
When we read scriptures, it is good to know:
Who - is "talking" and who is being addressed
Where - they are
What - is being said and what is going on.
Knowing these things is helpful to keep track of the story.
My husband got me thinking about the Why. And then I went to the General Relief Society Broadcast and listened to President Uchtdorf. One on his 5 'forget nots' was forget not the why. And I knew that was what I needed to focus on.
Why do we read the scriptures? (This a discussion part. Feel free to add items to the list.)
- It is a commandment.
- To learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus.
- To invite the Holy Ghost into our day.
- Our homes are more peaceful when we do read
- To be an example to our children.
- To find answers.
- When we need comfort.
- "They are readily available.
- Inspired communication from the Holy Ghost - Pure Truth.
- Foundation of truth.
- Pondering a passage of scripture can be a key to unlock revelation.
- Calm an agitated soul.
- Heal emotional challenges.
- Accelerate physical healing -- I did not know this one.
- Blessed with an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord.
- Blessed with a greater resolve to obey.
- Blessed with a stronger testimony.
- Greater happiness, peace and attainment in this life."
It reminded me of my life. When I was a Merrie Miss in the Primary, we were encouraged to memorize the Articles of Faith. There was a scripture to memorize for each Article. The scripture that I remember from then is Amos 3:7 "For surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
When I was senior in high school, someone I loved and trusted tried to destroy my testimony. This person had wandered from the Church and has lost their testimony. I spent a long night afraid that what I had believed all my life might be wrong. I was too afraid to pray. But my whole being was focused on this question. I believe this can be a form of prayer. I don't think I slept that night. When the dawn broke the scripture I had memorized six years earlier rang through my soul, and I knew that prophets spoke directly with God. That experience and answer are the bed rock of my testimony. When I am in turmoil, I can "cast [my] mind upon the night that [I] cried unto [him] in [my] heart, that [I] might know concerning the truth. . ." And I testify that he "[spoke] peace to [my] mind concerning the matter." (see D&C 6:22 - 23).
That scripture was definitely my friend that night, and in all my troubles since. Knowing that, I am a bit ashamed that I have not continued in my efforts to memorize scriptures. Elder Scott has encouraged me to begin again.
We are blessed to have the scriptures in our homes. It has not always been so. Elder Christofferson related the story of William Tyndale in his address in April 2010. He determined to translate the Bible into English. He had to hide in Germany to work on his translation. He was eventually found and imprisoned for 18 months in a dark, damp cell. Then he was executed. The prophets who wrote the scriptures were at times killed for their testimonies. The brave Reformers often were killed for their efforts to bring the scriptures to the common man. Today we are the beneficiaries of these brave and true men. We often have multiple copies of the scriptures in our homes.
So now the question is How do we read them.
The first time I read the Old Testament, I had just received my mission call. I wondered how I could be a missionary if I had not read the scriptures. So, in an attempt to be obedient, I read the Old Testament. For many years, I considered it as checked off my to do list.
Then I decided to read it again. The second time, I read it with the Institute Manual. These manuals are prepared by the Church education department. They offer testimonies and stories of modern prophets, explanations of ancient culture and vocabulary and insights to ancient geography.
I have found the more I read the Old Testament, the more I love it. And that can be said of every standard work.
I picked one of my favorite verses from four of the standard works to share.
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path."
Proverbs 3:5 - 6
Just before His arrest and death, Jesus told his apostles: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth , give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27
After Moroni had been alone for a long time. He had already written what he thought was his last words in the book that would bear his father's name. He included two of his fathers personal letters. The entire world that he knew had fallen into wickedness. Mormon described briefly the depravity of the Lamanites and the worse state of the Nephites. He said, ". . . I cannot recommend them unto God lest he should smite me. But behold, my son, I recommend thee unto God, and I trust in Christ that thou wilt be saved." In that evil time, a righteous father raised a righteous son.
Moroni 9: 21 - 22
Our lives are filled with things to do. Sometimes we get so overwhelmed that we feel like we are running in circles. Jesus told Joseph Smith, ". . . Stop, and stand still until I command thee, and I will provide means whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which I have commanded thee." We need to make time where we can be still and quiet so we can hear Him.
D&C 5: 34
The scriptures are a gift - from a God that loves us.
They are an invitation - for us to follow Him.
They are a map - for us to know the way.
They are love notes - from our Father who wants us to return to Him.
Let us open them, and read them, and love them.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
The cake.
We counted. 88 candles. The combined ages of Willa and Brenda.
When they were blown out, we worried about the fire detector. :)
A fun weekend of staying up late playing cards, laughing,watching movies and eating good food.
A little girl time.
The boys went golfing. Willa, Deb, Brenda and I did our toes. Mine are the blue without the toe ring. Willa is the other blue. Deb is in the black pants. Brenda is the other pink.A day with the sisters is wonderful. :)
Happy birthday to Brenda and Willa.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
I am excited.
I have been lonely around the house.
The kids are in school.
Craig is working.
I do have things to do, but the still, quiet is driving me nuts.
I put in an application about a month ago to work in the schools. I had one interview right off. I was excited, but worried about the schedule. It would conflict with my own kids' needs.
I had a call for a full time job. I didn't want a full time job, so no interview was scheduled. I had about given up hope.
But today, I had an interview. The job doesn't conflict with my kids' bus routes, and I will need to practice my Spanish again.
It is just about 4 hours a day, that works out to 19.5 hours a week. I can still be home during the afternoon and work on the house and projects.
I will be getting a paycheck. Admittedly, not a big one, but still a little bit of money.
I am excited!
The kids are in school.
Craig is working.
I do have things to do, but the still, quiet is driving me nuts.
I put in an application about a month ago to work in the schools. I had one interview right off. I was excited, but worried about the schedule. It would conflict with my own kids' needs.
I had a call for a full time job. I didn't want a full time job, so no interview was scheduled. I had about given up hope.
But today, I had an interview. The job doesn't conflict with my kids' bus routes, and I will need to practice my Spanish again.
It is just about 4 hours a day, that works out to 19.5 hours a week. I can still be home during the afternoon and work on the house and projects.
I will be getting a paycheck. Admittedly, not a big one, but still a little bit of money.
I am excited!
Monday, October 3, 2011
First Weekend in October
I grew up in Utah. Just south of Provo.
My two older sisters each had a chance to attend General Conference as part of a choir.
I have never attended a live session.
Until yesterday.
We got tickets for the Sunday Morning session.
Saturday we loaded up and found Conference on a radio station. We changed stations three times during our three hour drive.
Saturday afternoon, we were at Craig's sister's house. The boys played with a huge bin of Lego's during the session. I like that idea and plan to incorporate it in our family's tradition.
Craig and Zach attended the Priesthood session and we stayed home and watched movies. Next October, Josh will be attending his first Priesthood session. He is excited to turn 12 and graduate from Primary. :)
We got up early and headed into Salt Lake. Our tickets said to be in our seats by 9:00 am. Craig wanted at least 30 minutes to park and get to the Conference Center. He dropped us off in a sea of humanity. I bubbled with happiness as I guided my boys through the throng. I was a bit nervous about the presence of protesters. I only noticed two, and they were both understated. I'm not sure my boys noticed them.
I was amazed at the throngs outside looking for tickets. I felt a bit guilty that I had tickets and they didn't, and I guarded my tickets carefully. We encountered an army of helpers, stationed at every possible turn, greeting us with smiles and ready to help us find our designated area.
Our tickets directed us to the second group of seats in the balcony. We were early (Craig was in charge) and we found plenty of seats to choose from. They boys went down close to the front of our section and we headed in. We were close to the middle. I stood up and looked back up the section, waiting for Craig.
While we were there, we saw a couple from our ward. He had been one of Josh's Webelos adviser's. Boaz saw a boy from his school. I thought how amazing to see somebody that we knew in that mass of people. As I was searching faces, looking for Craig, I noticed one particular face, more than 10 rows up. I waited a bit trying to make sure that I knew him. He stood up and made his way to somebody he knew. And I was sure. I told the boys to stay put and I made my way to the row where he was visiting. I was still looking for Craig and wasn't watching when he was finished with his conversation. He excused himself and tried to get back to his family, and I turned and said hello, that I was in his way on purpose. He was my old bishop from Gresham OR. We hadn't seen each other in about 8 years. He asked about Craig and took me up so I could say hi to his wife. We visited and caught up on the past 8 years. Their two daughters are in college now. They were happy to hear about our boys. And then Craig was there, smiling and happy to see old friends.
I am amazed to think that we saw people we knew. Craig spotted another family from Gresham that we knew. And our old Stake President was sitting in the row behind us.
The Tabernacle Choir was practicing and I was absolutely delighted to be where I was.
I started to pick out members of the Quorum of the Twelve that were already seated, and then we watched and listened to Music and the Spoken Word.
We stood as the First Presidency entered and the Sunday morning session started.
I was touched during President Eyring's talk. His obvious emotions triggered mine, and I went digging for the Kleenexes, grateful that I had remembered them.
Sister Dalton's talk inspired me. I know I am the mother of boys, but I am a daughter.
Elder Hale's talk was sweet, and I was surprised he was so frail.
And we loved President Monson's talk. My boys thought he was funny. Craig and I were talking the day before about how far the world's morality had dropped, just in our life time. Not even that, but just in the time since we were in high school. I know I need to work on recognizing and following promptings.
Josh had a conference activity book. And he was busy with it during the meeting. Josh took notes on President Monson, "very, very, very, very, very funny", President Eyring "very funny, emotional, good talk", Elder Ballard, "Mormon is a nickname, we are Christians", Elder Hales "Good talk, His peace and rest will be yours"
His Conference ABC's
Apostles
Bishop
Choir
Deciples (disciples)
Elder
Faith
Henry B Eyring
Incredible
Jesus
Kind
Love
Monson
Neil L Anderson
Organ
Packer
Quentin
Russel
Scott
Thomas
Uchtdorf
Valiant
Wise
Xiting (exciting)
Youth
and I will add
Zion
I loved President Uchtdorf's talk. I loved Elder Scott's talk. (I need it to help me get ready for an assignment for Souper Saturday. I thought of my good friend Anaise during President Packer's talk and thought I should not fear. I am excited to go back and read Elder Bednar's talk and Elder Cook's talk.
Actually, I am excited to go back and read all the talks!
I am excited about the new temple announcements.
I love General Conference.
My two older sisters each had a chance to attend General Conference as part of a choir.
I have never attended a live session.
Until yesterday.
We got tickets for the Sunday Morning session.
Saturday we loaded up and found Conference on a radio station. We changed stations three times during our three hour drive.
Saturday afternoon, we were at Craig's sister's house. The boys played with a huge bin of Lego's during the session. I like that idea and plan to incorporate it in our family's tradition.
Craig and Zach attended the Priesthood session and we stayed home and watched movies. Next October, Josh will be attending his first Priesthood session. He is excited to turn 12 and graduate from Primary. :)
We got up early and headed into Salt Lake. Our tickets said to be in our seats by 9:00 am. Craig wanted at least 30 minutes to park and get to the Conference Center. He dropped us off in a sea of humanity. I bubbled with happiness as I guided my boys through the throng. I was a bit nervous about the presence of protesters. I only noticed two, and they were both understated. I'm not sure my boys noticed them.
I was amazed at the throngs outside looking for tickets. I felt a bit guilty that I had tickets and they didn't, and I guarded my tickets carefully. We encountered an army of helpers, stationed at every possible turn, greeting us with smiles and ready to help us find our designated area.
Our tickets directed us to the second group of seats in the balcony. We were early (Craig was in charge) and we found plenty of seats to choose from. They boys went down close to the front of our section and we headed in. We were close to the middle. I stood up and looked back up the section, waiting for Craig.
While we were there, we saw a couple from our ward. He had been one of Josh's Webelos adviser's. Boaz saw a boy from his school. I thought how amazing to see somebody that we knew in that mass of people. As I was searching faces, looking for Craig, I noticed one particular face, more than 10 rows up. I waited a bit trying to make sure that I knew him. He stood up and made his way to somebody he knew. And I was sure. I told the boys to stay put and I made my way to the row where he was visiting. I was still looking for Craig and wasn't watching when he was finished with his conversation. He excused himself and tried to get back to his family, and I turned and said hello, that I was in his way on purpose. He was my old bishop from Gresham OR. We hadn't seen each other in about 8 years. He asked about Craig and took me up so I could say hi to his wife. We visited and caught up on the past 8 years. Their two daughters are in college now. They were happy to hear about our boys. And then Craig was there, smiling and happy to see old friends.
I am amazed to think that we saw people we knew. Craig spotted another family from Gresham that we knew. And our old Stake President was sitting in the row behind us.
The Tabernacle Choir was practicing and I was absolutely delighted to be where I was.
I started to pick out members of the Quorum of the Twelve that were already seated, and then we watched and listened to Music and the Spoken Word.
We stood as the First Presidency entered and the Sunday morning session started.
I was touched during President Eyring's talk. His obvious emotions triggered mine, and I went digging for the Kleenexes, grateful that I had remembered them.
Sister Dalton's talk inspired me. I know I am the mother of boys, but I am a daughter.
Elder Hale's talk was sweet, and I was surprised he was so frail.
And we loved President Monson's talk. My boys thought he was funny. Craig and I were talking the day before about how far the world's morality had dropped, just in our life time. Not even that, but just in the time since we were in high school. I know I need to work on recognizing and following promptings.
Josh had a conference activity book. And he was busy with it during the meeting. Josh took notes on President Monson, "very, very, very, very, very funny", President Eyring "very funny, emotional, good talk", Elder Ballard, "Mormon is a nickname, we are Christians", Elder Hales "Good talk, His peace and rest will be yours"
His Conference ABC's
Apostles
Bishop
Choir
Deciples (disciples)
Elder
Faith
Henry B Eyring
Incredible
Jesus
Kind
Love
Monson
Neil L Anderson
Organ
Packer
Quentin
Russel
Scott
Thomas
Uchtdorf
Valiant
Wise
Xiting (exciting)
Youth
and I will add
Zion
I loved President Uchtdorf's talk. I loved Elder Scott's talk. (I need it to help me get ready for an assignment for Souper Saturday. I thought of my good friend Anaise during President Packer's talk and thought I should not fear. I am excited to go back and read Elder Bednar's talk and Elder Cook's talk.
Actually, I am excited to go back and read all the talks!
I am excited about the new temple announcements.
I love General Conference.
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