We went to Church in Portsmouth today with my mom. Imagine our surprise when we walked into the chapel and saw Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles sitting on the stand. He happened to be visiting New England with his wife on vacation. We had good sacrament meeting speakers who talked about the importance of learning, especially spiritual learning. Elder Oaks finished up the meeting with an impromptu talk, something I'm sure is asked to do all the time. It was a great talk, continuing with the subject of learning, etc.
One thing that he said that really hit me was about receiving answers to prayer. He said that we are unlikely to get an answer to prayer unless we pray "with real intent" or "with full purpose of heart"--meaning that we pray being committed to act on the answer we receive, regardless of what the answer may be. He gave the example of someone who reads the Book of Mormon and follows the promise in Moroni 10:4-5: ask with real intent whether the things that you have read are true, and the truth will be made known unto you. Unless you are willing to act on the answer that you receive (that the Book of Mormon is true, that you are willing to be baptised, and change your life according to the truth you have received) you may not receive any answer because you have not sincerely asked with real intent.
Our lesson in Sunday School was about being "converted unto the Lord" - another great lesson. We had a lot of good conversation. I even participated with a few comments though I was visiting and didn't know anyone outside of my own family.
I am so glad that I went to church today. The messages were great, and I got to shake the hand of an apostle (and his wife). I'm glad that I didn't skip out on church even though I'm on vacation. I am sorry that I will be traveling next Sunday and won't be able to attend my meetings. I really do feel like something is missing on those days that I am unable to attend church.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Trip to Maine - Intro
I was doing pretty well this summer keeping up with my blog. Then July came with its many activities. I went to Youth Conference with the youth from church the second weekend of July. Then a few days later (Wednesday, July 16) the boys and I flew to New England for a family reunion. The day after I get back I will be going to Girls Camp. So, be patient with me while attempt to blog here and there as I get the chance.
The boys were great on the plane. Todd talked non-stop. There was so much to see and talk about. Here the boys pose (Ryan is trying out a new posed smile) in the plane.
Even though we got in to Boston rather late-much past their bedtime-they were still excited and happy, and we had very little whining. They both eventually fell asleep in the rental car on the way to my parents' house. I was a little nervous about driving through Boston and finding my destination. My motto when I arrived was, "Getting lost is not the same thing as taking a few wrong turns." As you can guess, I did take a few wrong turns, but at no time did I lose a sense of where I was and where I was going. I merely took the scenic route, and it didn't even take me that much longer-I would guess no more than a half hour.
My parents live on an island right on the border between Maine and New Hampshire in an old Victorian home which they are in the process of remodeling. (I'll post more about the house later.) I had forgotten so much about New England. I lived in Massachusetts when I was in elementary school, but I haven't been back to visit in about twenty years. I enjoy driving by and seeing all of the old homes--so many beautiful Victorian homes. I still haven't figured out where I am going most of the time, and I would much rather be the passenger so I could check them out a little better. Regardless, I have still managed to do enough rubber-necking to realize that I would really like more time to do a walking tour, or maybe a leisurely Sunday drive. Hmmm, tomorrow's Sunday....
Because my parents are in the process are completely remodeling the house, we find that we are working in smaller quarters as far as preparing and eating meals are concerned. I haven't even been motivated to make any of my yummy breakfasts yet. For now I have been fine with cold cereal each morning. We had a nice breakfast this morning with some of the cousins. It will be interesting to see how meals go when we have more of the aunts and uncles at the table together. It is possible that we could have a family meal with twenty-one people together. Fortunately, my mom is already working on more seating arrangements to accommodate us all.
I was thinking about making some sarcastic remark about how we also had to fend for ourselves as far as sleeping arrangements go, but that is neither fair nor accurate. The truth is, I just thought this photo was so cute I had to include it. I am comfortably secured with a roomy bedroom to share with only Todd and Ryan. But some of us (like two-year-old Afton) are happy to take a nap wherever they happen to crash.
My parents' house is right on the water. There is so much difference in the tides here compared with the Gulf Coast. This first picture was taken of the house from a little boat which my dad rented for the week. It was taken close to high tide.
This next picture was taken of the house from a little island that you can walk to at low tide.
The boys, especially Todd, think this is the coolest thing. Todd had been wanting to walk to the island for a while, but we had missed the low tide in the mornings because it had been too early. We had missed the low tide in the evenings because we had been out and about doing other activities. They were finally able to walk to the island last night. We had just come home and I looked out the window and saw the path exposed. I called out to the boys, "Put your shoes on. We're going for a walk." We didn't get to stay long because the tide was coming in an I felt a little nervous about getting stuck. This morning the same thing happened. As soon as we woke up I told the boys to get their shoes on and we walked out there. It was about an hour past low tide, and I could already tell that the water was getting higher, so we didn't get to stay but a few minutes again. Next week the low tide should be a little later in the morning, which will be perfect for a longer adventure.
I couldn't believe how many (dead/empty) mussel shells there were on this low tide pathway. To be honest, it kind of creeped me out walking over them. I went over the first time in my flip flops, which wasn't a good idea. This morning I put on tennis shoes and that was a little better. I know it's just psychological. I told my mom that the sound and feel beneath my shoes gave me the heebie-jeebies and she thought that was really strange. So, I guess it's a personal problem. No one else seems to be bothered by it.
Todd and Ryan have also had a great time playing by the shore with their cousins at any tide. This is taken from the shore towards the little island close to high tide. There is a naval base in the background where they service submarines. Brett thinks it's kind of strange to have this as part of your waterfront view, but it has really been fun spending time at the shore. There are so many interesting things to see between the cranes, lobster boats, bridges, etc.
The favorite activity for the boy cousins by far has been throwing rocks into the water. I'm not sure what the fascination is in this activity, but the boys have had a great time doing it. I hope that by the time we leave Grandma Donna doesn't notice a big difference in her shoreline.
The boys were great on the plane. Todd talked non-stop. There was so much to see and talk about. Here the boys pose (Ryan is trying out a new posed smile) in the plane.
Even though we got in to Boston rather late-much past their bedtime-they were still excited and happy, and we had very little whining. They both eventually fell asleep in the rental car on the way to my parents' house. I was a little nervous about driving through Boston and finding my destination. My motto when I arrived was, "Getting lost is not the same thing as taking a few wrong turns." As you can guess, I did take a few wrong turns, but at no time did I lose a sense of where I was and where I was going. I merely took the scenic route, and it didn't even take me that much longer-I would guess no more than a half hour.
My parents live on an island right on the border between Maine and New Hampshire in an old Victorian home which they are in the process of remodeling. (I'll post more about the house later.) I had forgotten so much about New England. I lived in Massachusetts when I was in elementary school, but I haven't been back to visit in about twenty years. I enjoy driving by and seeing all of the old homes--so many beautiful Victorian homes. I still haven't figured out where I am going most of the time, and I would much rather be the passenger so I could check them out a little better. Regardless, I have still managed to do enough rubber-necking to realize that I would really like more time to do a walking tour, or maybe a leisurely Sunday drive. Hmmm, tomorrow's Sunday....
Because my parents are in the process are completely remodeling the house, we find that we are working in smaller quarters as far as preparing and eating meals are concerned. I haven't even been motivated to make any of my yummy breakfasts yet. For now I have been fine with cold cereal each morning. We had a nice breakfast this morning with some of the cousins. It will be interesting to see how meals go when we have more of the aunts and uncles at the table together. It is possible that we could have a family meal with twenty-one people together. Fortunately, my mom is already working on more seating arrangements to accommodate us all.
I was thinking about making some sarcastic remark about how we also had to fend for ourselves as far as sleeping arrangements go, but that is neither fair nor accurate. The truth is, I just thought this photo was so cute I had to include it. I am comfortably secured with a roomy bedroom to share with only Todd and Ryan. But some of us (like two-year-old Afton) are happy to take a nap wherever they happen to crash.My parents' house is right on the water. There is so much difference in the tides here compared with the Gulf Coast. This first picture was taken of the house from a little boat which my dad rented for the week. It was taken close to high tide.
This next picture was taken of the house from a little island that you can walk to at low tide.The boys, especially Todd, think this is the coolest thing. Todd had been wanting to walk to the island for a while, but we had missed the low tide in the mornings because it had been too early. We had missed the low tide in the evenings because we had been out and about doing other activities. They were finally able to walk to the island last night. We had just come home and I looked out the window and saw the path exposed. I called out to the boys, "Put your shoes on. We're going for a walk." We didn't get to stay long because the tide was coming in an I felt a little nervous about getting stuck. This morning the same thing happened. As soon as we woke up I told the boys to get their shoes on and we walked out there. It was about an hour past low tide, and I could already tell that the water was getting higher, so we didn't get to stay but a few minutes again. Next week the low tide should be a little later in the morning, which will be perfect for a longer adventure.I couldn't believe how many (dead/empty) mussel shells there were on this low tide pathway. To be honest, it kind of creeped me out walking over them. I went over the first time in my flip flops, which wasn't a good idea. This morning I put on tennis shoes and that was a little better. I know it's just psychological. I told my mom that the sound and feel beneath my shoes gave me the heebie-jeebies and she thought that was really strange. So, I guess it's a personal problem. No one else seems to be bothered by it.
Todd and Ryan have also had a great time playing by the shore with their cousins at any tide. This is taken from the shore towards the little island close to high tide. There is a naval base in the background where they service submarines. Brett thinks it's kind of strange to have this as part of your waterfront view, but it has really been fun spending time at the shore. There are so many interesting things to see between the cranes, lobster boats, bridges, etc.
The favorite activity for the boy cousins by far has been throwing rocks into the water. I'm not sure what the fascination is in this activity, but the boys have had a great time doing it. I hope that by the time we leave Grandma Donna doesn't notice a big difference in her shoreline.Their cousins had already started a collection of shells, crab parts, rocks, and other things that they have found on the shore. Todd and Ryan have enjoyed adding to it.
I mentioned that my dad rented a boat for the week. It is a little boat which he rented from the Navy for a great deal. For being such a small boat, it can hold quite a few little kids. I have been able to go with them once and look forward to another longer cruise next week.
Todd wanted me to take this picture with two of the three big bridges near my my parents' house. The bridge in the foreground is a drawbridge, something which Todd thinks is very cool.
This photo, also taken at the request of Todd is of the third big bridge here-also a drawbridge. The boys were able to watch this one in action yesterday and I think we will be taking a walk to see it in action again. It was a big hit.
The boys thought picture of the cormorant hanging out on the buoy was funny and asked me to include it.
Todd, Emily, and I enjoyed a nice little walk over to a memorial park with this sculpture as you enter Maine.
In this photo, taken from the park you can see the little bridge in the foreground going to the island where my parents live, and the drawbridge in the back taking you off the island.
I'd like to consider this post my teaser. Basically, we're in Maine. We're having a fun time staying at my parents' house. The boys are having a great time playing with their cousins. And I look forward to enjoying more activities in the area. We have hit a Maine beach already as well as eaten lobster, and I hope to post about this and more in the near future.
I am so grateful that I have this opportunity (and others) to see and experience parts of this great nation. It is amazing how many differences there can be in the land, the beaches and waterways, the architecture, the streets, the history, and more. I am happy where I live, but I am glad that I am also able to see and recognize the beauty and the advantages of other regions as well. I still have a week here, but already I can feel that my time is short, and I look forward to more visits to New England in the future.
P.S. Sorry about the poor quality in some of these photos. I'm not sure what the problem is, but I probably won't attempt to correct it at this point.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
European Chocolate
I am very proud of my high school alma mater and its choral department. This year the Niceville Singers traveled to Italy (why didn't I get to go anywhere cool like that?!?) for 10 days. A good friend of mine was able to travel with them as a chaperone. Two of her sons were singers in this fantastic choir. Another chaperone was able to film them and posted a few videos to YouTube.
Here is a sampling of some of their performances:
Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal (I was able to perform this song with the Phyllis Merritt Singers - a fun song to sing.)
Daniel, Servant of the Lord (Even doing an impromptu concert, this group sounds great.)
Break Break Break (a song with great clapping in the song)
Wishing and Hoping (a just-for-fun song)
The choral director Mike Dye (who was also my director many years ago) kept a log of their activities. I have browsed through some of it, but still haven't finished reading about all they did. I got a pretty good account including lots of photos of the trip from my friend Beth. I would still like to read through Mr. Dye's notes when I get a chance.
I have been able to go to many of Niceville's chorus concerts with Beth. She is moving out of state this summer, and I will miss going to the concerts with her this year.
Beth has always been so generous to our family. She brought back some little presents for the boys, a beautiful Italian scarf for me, and lots of chocolate which she shared with all of us. I love European milk chocolate. I think it's funny that the chocolate meant for the little kids (like the Kinder chocolate) is some of the stuff that I like the most. I can't handle that dark chocolate, 70% cacao. Beth brought back some of the Kinder Surprise eggs, which I had heard about from Elke but had never seen. The boys were excited to open their eggs and see what the surprise was.
Can you believe that this is what was in Ryan's egg? All the way from Italy!
Beth about died when she saw it. I thought is was pretty funny. Sad, but funny.
Here is a sampling of some of their performances:
Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal (I was able to perform this song with the Phyllis Merritt Singers - a fun song to sing.)
Daniel, Servant of the Lord (Even doing an impromptu concert, this group sounds great.)
Break Break Break (a song with great clapping in the song)
Wishing and Hoping (a just-for-fun song)
The choral director Mike Dye (who was also my director many years ago) kept a log of their activities. I have browsed through some of it, but still haven't finished reading about all they did. I got a pretty good account including lots of photos of the trip from my friend Beth. I would still like to read through Mr. Dye's notes when I get a chance.
I have been able to go to many of Niceville's chorus concerts with Beth. She is moving out of state this summer, and I will miss going to the concerts with her this year.
Beth has always been so generous to our family. She brought back some little presents for the boys, a beautiful Italian scarf for me, and lots of chocolate which she shared with all of us. I love European milk chocolate. I think it's funny that the chocolate meant for the little kids (like the Kinder chocolate) is some of the stuff that I like the most. I can't handle that dark chocolate, 70% cacao. Beth brought back some of the Kinder Surprise eggs, which I had heard about from Elke but had never seen. The boys were excited to open their eggs and see what the surprise was.
Can you believe that this is what was in Ryan's egg? All the way from Italy!
Beth about died when she saw it. I thought is was pretty funny. Sad, but funny.
Raising a Reader
I am so proud to announce that Todd read his first book, Today I Will Fly! by Mo Willems last week, on the Fourth of July to be exact. I had read a review of this book in a parenting magazine and it sounded funny for the boys. It wasn't until I got it from the library and looked through it that I considered that it might be easy enough for Todd to try to read. Todd has been trying to sound words out more and more. I had meant to work on reading with him this summer, but the time has flown by so quickly.
I was resting and reading a book in bed when Todd woke up from his required Fourth of July nap early. He came onto the bed with me and I thought, "Why not? Let's give it a try." Obviously, Todd needed some help. And there were times when Todd wanted to give us because he said, "It's too hard. I can't read it." But I made him stick it out and when we finished he was able to say that he read the whole book. I am looking forward to going back to the library and getting some more books that might be appropriate for him to try reading on his own. I can see that we will have some frustrating times as we learn to read together, but I am so excited for him and so pleased with his desire to learn and his ability to pick up on reading so quickly.
I was resting and reading a book in bed when Todd woke up from his required Fourth of July nap early. He came onto the bed with me and I thought, "Why not? Let's give it a try." Obviously, Todd needed some help. And there were times when Todd wanted to give us because he said, "It's too hard. I can't read it." But I made him stick it out and when we finished he was able to say that he read the whole book. I am looking forward to going back to the library and getting some more books that might be appropriate for him to try reading on his own. I can see that we will have some frustrating times as we learn to read together, but I am so excited for him and so pleased with his desire to learn and his ability to pick up on reading so quickly.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Birthday Toys
The two best gift-givers I know are my friend Anne and my mom. They have a knack for picking out things that will be fun and a hit with me and/or my family. Last month I celebrated my birthday and my mom sent a box (or two) to me. When the second box was delivered to the house the boys were excited about what might be inside. I had told them that it was a birthday present for me, but still Ryan said, "Maybe there will be toys inside!" I told him that I didn't think so.
To my surprise and to their delight . . . their were toys inside! The first thing we saw when we opened it up was Horton. I started collecting Dr. Seuss books when I was in high school and my mom has added to my collection since then. Ryan was immediately drawn to Horton. In fact, this photo was originally going to be of "Hop on Pop" and Horton only, but Ryan said he wanted to sit by Horton for the picture.
There were also some Dr. Seuss board books inside which the boys grabbed up and started looking at. I had to leave to go to an overnight camp meeting that evening, and I was so pleased to hear that Brett had even read a few of the books to the boys while I was away.
We had recently read "Hop on Pop" and this gift inspired us to read "Horton Hatches The Egg" together. The boys thought it was very funny.
Another book that was included in my birthday box was Deep in the Swamp by Donna M. Bateman. It is a children's book about the animals in the Okefenokee Swamp, so it is very close to home. The boys enjoyed the story, the counting, and Todd especially enjoyed the more detailed descriptions of the animals in the back of the book after the story. I was so impressed with the book that I checked to see if our library had a copy. I was going to recommend it to them, but being the good library that it is, I wasn't too surprised to find out that they did carry it already.
While on the subject of books I'll mention another one that the boys and I have started reading together, Old Mother West Wind by Thornton W. Burgess. My grandmother read us these stories when we were younger. She gave me a copy of this book some time ago and I had never gotten around to reading them. It has more words per page compared with the books that I typically read to Todd and Ryan, and I wasn't sure how well they would sit through the book. I was pleasantly surprised by how much they enjoyed the stories. I was afraid that they might not understand how the wind could be a character in a story, but after we talked about it a little bit they picked up on that idea very quickly and thought it was funny. I have enjoyed reading the stories about the characters I remember from long ago: the Laughing Brook, the Smiling Pond, Grandfather Frog, Jerry Muskrat, Little Joe Otter, and even Peter Rabbit. We had recently read some of Beatrix Potter's Tales of Peter Rabbit and others, and Ryan was surprised to find Peter Rabbit in Old Mother West Wind's stories as well.
Thanks for the great presents, Mom. I appreciate that I was able to share so many of them with my family.
To my surprise and to their delight . . . their were toys inside! The first thing we saw when we opened it up was Horton. I started collecting Dr. Seuss books when I was in high school and my mom has added to my collection since then. Ryan was immediately drawn to Horton. In fact, this photo was originally going to be of "Hop on Pop" and Horton only, but Ryan said he wanted to sit by Horton for the picture.
There were also some Dr. Seuss board books inside which the boys grabbed up and started looking at. I had to leave to go to an overnight camp meeting that evening, and I was so pleased to hear that Brett had even read a few of the books to the boys while I was away.
We had recently read "Hop on Pop" and this gift inspired us to read "Horton Hatches The Egg" together. The boys thought it was very funny.
Another book that was included in my birthday box was Deep in the Swamp by Donna M. Bateman. It is a children's book about the animals in the Okefenokee Swamp, so it is very close to home. The boys enjoyed the story, the counting, and Todd especially enjoyed the more detailed descriptions of the animals in the back of the book after the story. I was so impressed with the book that I checked to see if our library had a copy. I was going to recommend it to them, but being the good library that it is, I wasn't too surprised to find out that they did carry it already.
While on the subject of books I'll mention another one that the boys and I have started reading together, Old Mother West Wind by Thornton W. Burgess. My grandmother read us these stories when we were younger. She gave me a copy of this book some time ago and I had never gotten around to reading them. It has more words per page compared with the books that I typically read to Todd and Ryan, and I wasn't sure how well they would sit through the book. I was pleasantly surprised by how much they enjoyed the stories. I was afraid that they might not understand how the wind could be a character in a story, but after we talked about it a little bit they picked up on that idea very quickly and thought it was funny. I have enjoyed reading the stories about the characters I remember from long ago: the Laughing Brook, the Smiling Pond, Grandfather Frog, Jerry Muskrat, Little Joe Otter, and even Peter Rabbit. We had recently read some of Beatrix Potter's Tales of Peter Rabbit and others, and Ryan was surprised to find Peter Rabbit in Old Mother West Wind's stories as well.
Thanks for the great presents, Mom. I appreciate that I was able to share so many of them with my family.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Catch the Reading Bug
Our library launched their summer reading program a few weeks ago called "Catch the Reading Bug." I took the boys to the open house and picked up their reading chart, a Taco Bell summer reading card, as well as an Incentive Game. This worksheet has 9 different activities for the boys to complete, after which they will earn a prize. I did some of the activities with them. Here are two of the activities we did together.
"Write a poem about a bug."
I Found These Bugs by Todd
I found a orange and black and red bug.
I don't know what its name is.
I like little ladybugs.
They are so cute.
They are so small I can't even tell what kind of bug it is.
One day I found a spider.
It popped right out of the grass.
Disappearance of a Chrysalis a haiku by Rebecca
Sad day in garden
Caterpillar eats the leaves
Makes him big and fat
Happy day comes now
Makes a chrysalis on stem
Must wait two long weeks
Sad day in garden
Chrysalis no longer here
Too soon to emerge
Winds may have blown it
Animals may have eaten
No beauty to see
I admit that I have no talent in poetry. My poem may not be much better than Todd's, but can you feel the pathos in it? I had been looking forward to watching a beautiful butterfly emerge from its chrysalis. But in less than a week it went missing. I still don't know what happened to it. To make matters worse, this is what I found the very next day in exactly the same spot where the chrysalis should have been.
Since that day I have seen quite a few black swallowtail butterflies around--perhaps they are the siblings of our lost one. I got a good close-up of one that came into our porch.
"Write a poem about a bug."
I Found These Bugs by Todd
I found a orange and black and red bug.
I don't know what its name is.
I like little ladybugs.
They are so cute.
They are so small I can't even tell what kind of bug it is.
One day I found a spider.
It popped right out of the grass.
Disappearance of a Chrysalis a haiku by Rebecca
Sad day in garden
Caterpillar eats the leaves
Makes him big and fat
Happy day comes now
Makes a chrysalis on stem
Must wait two long weeks
Sad day in garden
Chrysalis no longer here
Too soon to emerge
Winds may have blown it
Animals may have eaten
No beauty to see
I admit that I have no talent in poetry. My poem may not be much better than Todd's, but can you feel the pathos in it? I had been looking forward to watching a beautiful butterfly emerge from its chrysalis. But in less than a week it went missing. I still don't know what happened to it. To make matters worse, this is what I found the very next day in exactly the same spot where the chrysalis should have been.
Since that day I have seen quite a few black swallowtail butterflies around--perhaps they are the siblings of our lost one. I got a good close-up of one that came into our porch. The next activity we all did together was to "Write a short story (100 words or less) that begins with 'When I got home, my pet tarantula was missing.'"
"My Pet Spider" by Ryan
When I got home, my pet tarantula was missing. I looked for my pet spider. I looked for him under the clouds. Now I looked for him under the plants. I looked for him under a chair. I saw him. I took him and put him back in the dirt. And then he never came out.
"My Pet Tarantula Was Missing" by Todd
When I got home, my pet tarantula was missing. First, I looked in the bedroom, and I looked under the bed. There was just a terrarium. I looked in the terrarium again. Then I looked in the kitchen. He was not there! Then I looked back in my terrarium. He was hiding under the dirt.
"Tarry Wants a Bath?" by Rebecca
When I got home, my pet tarantula was missing. How did Tarry get out? What will happen if the dogs find him first? Will they eat him? Will they pounce on him and hurt him? I better find him before they do! I looked everywhere, and finally found him in the bathtub. I don't really think that Tarry wants a bath, but maybe he's trying to tell me that his terrarium needs to be cleaned. I guess I know what I'll be doing today, and it won't be bathing my spider!
I hope that you have enjoyed our creative efforts. Feel free to share your own versions of the above activities: Write a poem about a bug or Write a short story that begins with "When I got home, my pet tarantula was missing."
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