and I can hardly wait! We are taking the kids back up to Hailey, Idaho over the 4th of July. I said last year that I could hardly wait to get back up there and that's exactly where we are headed in a matter of days. I am so excited. It feels like forever that we planned this trip and it is finally coming up ever so quickly. The best part of it all, other than getting out of this miserable heat, is I get to meet my new niece, Mylie. She was born 2 months ago and I haven't seen her in person yet. Pictures are great, don't get me wrong. But the new little baby in your arms is so much better.
We are going to stop and see Adam's family on the way back down, which is going to be a nice visit too. I plan on seeing a few friends of mine from my old job, go to lunch with them, and a friend of mine, Leanne, who has had some pretty horrendous things happen in the last little bit. It will definitely be good to catch up with all of them again. Good times await!
Here's the dilemma though. Our flight leaves at 6 am, which I am okay with. However, it also means in order to get the kids up and out of the house to catch the flight, we have leave the house by 3:45. That makes it up for me at 2:15 to get myself ready, kids up and ready and the out the door. Should I even bother going to bed? Do I take a monster nap the day before and then just stay up all night. Or, do I go to bed at like 8 pm, get up around midnight, go to the gym (yes, it's open 24 hours), come home and finish getting ready, get the kids up and head out? I don't know what to do???!!! (If I go to the gym then I'll definitely be awake and ready to go. This way by the time the plane is ready to take off, I'll be ready to say goodnight and catch a little bit of sleep on the plane -- hopefully.)
I'll figure it out one way or the other, just debating what to do, what to do, what to do. What would you do?
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Final-ly
Well, what's done is done. Today I took my final exam for the psychology class I was taking. I did really well on the homework assignments; I don't think I'll be able to say the same thing about the final exam. Although, I could've elected to not even take the final and still passed the class. I would' passed with a C (75%), but it's still passing. I decided to take the final and go for the all illusive A in the class. I hope I get an A, but don't know how well I did on the final exam.
Get this, the final exam was posted on the internet by the instructor. It had to be taken in person at a testing center. When I got to the testing center, no notes, materials or other things could be taken into the exam. So why post the final exam on the internet if you won't allow those things to be taken into the exam? One of the questions was to compare my answer in the 3rd part of the test with an assignment that was submitted 3 MONTHS AGO!!! I'm suppose to remember what I wrote in an assignment three months ago, when I can't even remember what I need to get at Target?! Whatever, I'm over it. The thought process of the instructor just doesn't seem to go well together. So, here's to hoping I pulled out at least a B in the class, and hopefully an A.
Next stop.....CHEMISTRY! Whoa! It's a good thing my brother, who got a PhD in Chemistry, only lives about 2 miles down the road from me. Whew. I'll definitely be using that tutor as often as I can, trust me. Wish me luck!
Get this, the final exam was posted on the internet by the instructor. It had to be taken in person at a testing center. When I got to the testing center, no notes, materials or other things could be taken into the exam. So why post the final exam on the internet if you won't allow those things to be taken into the exam? One of the questions was to compare my answer in the 3rd part of the test with an assignment that was submitted 3 MONTHS AGO!!! I'm suppose to remember what I wrote in an assignment three months ago, when I can't even remember what I need to get at Target?! Whatever, I'm over it. The thought process of the instructor just doesn't seem to go well together. So, here's to hoping I pulled out at least a B in the class, and hopefully an A.
Next stop.....CHEMISTRY! Whoa! It's a good thing my brother, who got a PhD in Chemistry, only lives about 2 miles down the road from me. Whew. I'll definitely be using that tutor as often as I can, trust me. Wish me luck!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Take That! You Green, Lefty, Liberal, Tree Huggers!
Paying too much at the pump?! Aren't we all. I came across this article which should make you feel so much better (I'm being sarcastic). It's kind of a long article, but worth the read.
_____________________________________
HERITAGE FOUNDATIONMay 15, 2008
Time to Repeal the Ethanol Mandate by Ben Lieberman and Nick Loris
WebMemo #1925
Though intended to help consumers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the ethanol mandate has done just the opposite, contributing to high food and gas prices with little environmental benefit. Representative Jeff Flake (R–AZ) has introduced H.R. 5911, the Remove Incentives for Producing Ethanol Act of 2008, which would eliminate the mandate and other benefits for ethanol, and other measures may soon be introduced.
A return to a free market for ethanol would be a welcome step. Congress should eliminate the ethanol mandate, ethanol-related tax breaks, and protectionist tariffs that keep out potentially cheaper foreign supplies.
A Growing Mandate
Renewable fuels, and particularly corn-ethanol, have long enjoyed preferential treatment from the federal government. This includes a tax credit worth $0.51 per gallon. In addition, tariffs discourage imports of ethanol, including potentially cheaper sugar cane–based ethanol from Brazil.
Yet the ethanol industry still wanted more, and Congress, concerned about high gas prices, global warming, and domestic energy production, enacted a mandate. The 2005 energy bill contained the first-ever requirement that renewable fuels be mixed into the gasoline supply. The 2007 energy bill increased the mandate substantially. The U.S is now committed to using 9 billion gallons in 2008, rising to 36 billion by 2022.
Ethanol and Fuel Costs
With pump prices rising to record levels, consumers are not seeing the promised benefits from ethanol use. Proponents of the mandate insist that without ethanol, prices would be even higher, but this is not likely.
The logistical and regulatory costs of mixing ethanol into the fuel supply raise the cost of driving beyond the level imposed by plain gasoline usage. Unlike gasoline, ethanol cannot be shipped via pipelines and must be transported via rail, barge, or truck. Ethanol use also complicates compliance with some Environmental Protection Agency regulations for gasoline, especially those designed to fight summer smog. Most significantly, as the American Automobile Association and others have pointed out, ethanol use lowers fuel economy.
Ethanol and Food Costs
Diverting corn from food to fuel use has raised food prices. At a little over $2 per bushel when the 2005 energy law was signed, the price of corn has surged above $5 per bushel, primarily because a quarter of the crop is now used to produce energy. A host of corn-related foods, such as corn-fed meat and dairy, have seen sharp price increases. Farmers, realizing the benefits to be derived from producing corn, are switching from soybeans and wheat, reducing the supply and contributing to the price rise.
For corn farmers, the mandate has exceeded their wildest dreams, but for consumers, it has been an expensive hit—higher costs to drive to the supermarket and higher prices once you're there. A recent study from Purdue University puts the added food cost from the renewable mandate at $15 billion in 2007—about $130 per household. The impact thus far in 2008 is even higher.
The effects of America's ethanol policy, as well as similar food-for-fuel policies in Europe, are felt globally. Several United Nations and anti-hunger organizations have weighed in heavily against current policies. World Bank President Robert Zoellick has acknowledged that "biofuels is no doubt a significant contributor" to high food costs, adding that "it is clearly the case that programs in Europe and the United States that have increased biofuel production have contributed to the added demand for food." There has been food-related rioting in several developing nations. Although a number of factors have led to this, biofuels mandates are undeniably a contributor and exacerbate any other pressures on food prices.
Repealing the ethanol mandate would have an immediate effect on food prices. A study conducted by the International Food Policy Research Institute found that placing a moratorium on biofuels in 2008 would decrease corn prices by 20 percent and wheat prices 10 percent by 2009–2010. The faster Congress acts, the quicker consumers will see a drop in food prices.
Ethanol and the Environment
Ethanol was promoted in part for its claimed environmental benefits: lower pollution and reduced greenhouse gas emissions relative to gasoline. That is why the growing chorus of environmentalist criticism of the mandate is particularly noteworthy.
Many environmental organizations have raised concerns about the increased inputs of energy, pesticides, and fertilizer needed to grow more corn. The same is true for the stress on water supplies, especially now that corn production is being expanded in locales where rainfall is insufficient and irrigation is needed. Even land that is now protected under federal conservation programs may soon be cleared for corn.
In addition, the facilities that turn corn into ethanol create emissions issues of their own. The goal of the ethanol mandate was to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but after taking into account the carbon dioxide emitted from ethanol production, the reduction in emissions is modest. These effects on the land, air, and water have already raised serious concerns, and we are only one-quarter of the way toward the eventual 36 billion-gallon target. Clearly, the food and fuel impacts cannot be justified by environmental benefits.
Even worse is the turnabout on the major environmental issue of the day: climate change. Proponents of ethanol and other biofuels claimed that they are responsible for lower carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions than the gasoline they displace, but several recent studies challenge this assertion and argue that biofuels increase such emissions. Oxfam, an international aid organization, argues that "large-scale growth in biofuels demand has pushed up food prices and so far there is little evidence that it is reducing overall carbon emissions."
Conclusion
Policymakers are rightly beginning to reconsider whether biofuels are worth the cost. Ethanol policy has contributed to a rise in energy and food costs, both domestically and internationally. Moreover, ethanol has damaged—not protected—the environment.
The anti-consumer and environmental impact can only get worse. Even many long-time critics of ethanol mandates did not expect serious problems to arise this soon. We are only one-quarter of the way toward the 36 billion-gallon mandate. More corn will have to be devoted to ethanol production—up to 15 billion gallons annually—and then the rest of the mandate will have to be met through fuels like cellulosic ethanol that currently are even more expensive.
It should be noted that there is little to no downside risk in repealing the ethanol mandate, as well as the generous tax credits and protectionist tariffs that also tilt the playing field in favor of corn ethanol use. To the extent that there is a valid economic case for fuel ethanol, it will continue to be used even in the absence of government dictates and incentives.
The lesson seems clear: The consequences of the ethanol mandate have had detrimental effects on both the economy and the environment. Congress should take a hard, honest look at America's ethanol policy, and the mandate should be repealed, along with the tax breaks and protectionist tariffs.
_____________________________________
So now that you have read the article, I challenge each of you to write your Congressmen and Senators to tell them you want drilling in ANWAR, the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Florida, and in the 4 Corners area. Ask them why do we allow Venezuela, China, and Russia to drill in the Gulf for oil, but we can't even take advantage of our own natural resources. Did you know that we have about 160 trillion barrels of oil in the continental 48 states? That is enough oil to power 60 million cars for 60 years. Why can't we build more refineries? Ask your left leaning, green, liberal, tree hugger friends. What a joke!!!
_____________________________________
HERITAGE FOUNDATIONMay 15, 2008
Time to Repeal the Ethanol Mandate by Ben Lieberman and Nick Loris
WebMemo #1925
Though intended to help consumers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the ethanol mandate has done just the opposite, contributing to high food and gas prices with little environmental benefit. Representative Jeff Flake (R–AZ) has introduced H.R. 5911, the Remove Incentives for Producing Ethanol Act of 2008, which would eliminate the mandate and other benefits for ethanol, and other measures may soon be introduced.
A return to a free market for ethanol would be a welcome step. Congress should eliminate the ethanol mandate, ethanol-related tax breaks, and protectionist tariffs that keep out potentially cheaper foreign supplies.
A Growing Mandate
Renewable fuels, and particularly corn-ethanol, have long enjoyed preferential treatment from the federal government. This includes a tax credit worth $0.51 per gallon. In addition, tariffs discourage imports of ethanol, including potentially cheaper sugar cane–based ethanol from Brazil.
Yet the ethanol industry still wanted more, and Congress, concerned about high gas prices, global warming, and domestic energy production, enacted a mandate. The 2005 energy bill contained the first-ever requirement that renewable fuels be mixed into the gasoline supply. The 2007 energy bill increased the mandate substantially. The U.S is now committed to using 9 billion gallons in 2008, rising to 36 billion by 2022.
Ethanol and Fuel Costs
With pump prices rising to record levels, consumers are not seeing the promised benefits from ethanol use. Proponents of the mandate insist that without ethanol, prices would be even higher, but this is not likely.
The logistical and regulatory costs of mixing ethanol into the fuel supply raise the cost of driving beyond the level imposed by plain gasoline usage. Unlike gasoline, ethanol cannot be shipped via pipelines and must be transported via rail, barge, or truck. Ethanol use also complicates compliance with some Environmental Protection Agency regulations for gasoline, especially those designed to fight summer smog. Most significantly, as the American Automobile Association and others have pointed out, ethanol use lowers fuel economy.
Ethanol and Food Costs
Diverting corn from food to fuel use has raised food prices. At a little over $2 per bushel when the 2005 energy law was signed, the price of corn has surged above $5 per bushel, primarily because a quarter of the crop is now used to produce energy. A host of corn-related foods, such as corn-fed meat and dairy, have seen sharp price increases. Farmers, realizing the benefits to be derived from producing corn, are switching from soybeans and wheat, reducing the supply and contributing to the price rise.
For corn farmers, the mandate has exceeded their wildest dreams, but for consumers, it has been an expensive hit—higher costs to drive to the supermarket and higher prices once you're there. A recent study from Purdue University puts the added food cost from the renewable mandate at $15 billion in 2007—about $130 per household. The impact thus far in 2008 is even higher.
The effects of America's ethanol policy, as well as similar food-for-fuel policies in Europe, are felt globally. Several United Nations and anti-hunger organizations have weighed in heavily against current policies. World Bank President Robert Zoellick has acknowledged that "biofuels is no doubt a significant contributor" to high food costs, adding that "it is clearly the case that programs in Europe and the United States that have increased biofuel production have contributed to the added demand for food." There has been food-related rioting in several developing nations. Although a number of factors have led to this, biofuels mandates are undeniably a contributor and exacerbate any other pressures on food prices.
Repealing the ethanol mandate would have an immediate effect on food prices. A study conducted by the International Food Policy Research Institute found that placing a moratorium on biofuels in 2008 would decrease corn prices by 20 percent and wheat prices 10 percent by 2009–2010. The faster Congress acts, the quicker consumers will see a drop in food prices.
Ethanol and the Environment
Ethanol was promoted in part for its claimed environmental benefits: lower pollution and reduced greenhouse gas emissions relative to gasoline. That is why the growing chorus of environmentalist criticism of the mandate is particularly noteworthy.
Many environmental organizations have raised concerns about the increased inputs of energy, pesticides, and fertilizer needed to grow more corn. The same is true for the stress on water supplies, especially now that corn production is being expanded in locales where rainfall is insufficient and irrigation is needed. Even land that is now protected under federal conservation programs may soon be cleared for corn.
In addition, the facilities that turn corn into ethanol create emissions issues of their own. The goal of the ethanol mandate was to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but after taking into account the carbon dioxide emitted from ethanol production, the reduction in emissions is modest. These effects on the land, air, and water have already raised serious concerns, and we are only one-quarter of the way toward the eventual 36 billion-gallon target. Clearly, the food and fuel impacts cannot be justified by environmental benefits.
Even worse is the turnabout on the major environmental issue of the day: climate change. Proponents of ethanol and other biofuels claimed that they are responsible for lower carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions than the gasoline they displace, but several recent studies challenge this assertion and argue that biofuels increase such emissions. Oxfam, an international aid organization, argues that "large-scale growth in biofuels demand has pushed up food prices and so far there is little evidence that it is reducing overall carbon emissions."
Conclusion
Policymakers are rightly beginning to reconsider whether biofuels are worth the cost. Ethanol policy has contributed to a rise in energy and food costs, both domestically and internationally. Moreover, ethanol has damaged—not protected—the environment.
The anti-consumer and environmental impact can only get worse. Even many long-time critics of ethanol mandates did not expect serious problems to arise this soon. We are only one-quarter of the way toward the 36 billion-gallon mandate. More corn will have to be devoted to ethanol production—up to 15 billion gallons annually—and then the rest of the mandate will have to be met through fuels like cellulosic ethanol that currently are even more expensive.
It should be noted that there is little to no downside risk in repealing the ethanol mandate, as well as the generous tax credits and protectionist tariffs that also tilt the playing field in favor of corn ethanol use. To the extent that there is a valid economic case for fuel ethanol, it will continue to be used even in the absence of government dictates and incentives.
The lesson seems clear: The consequences of the ethanol mandate have had detrimental effects on both the economy and the environment. Congress should take a hard, honest look at America's ethanol policy, and the mandate should be repealed, along with the tax breaks and protectionist tariffs.
_____________________________________
So now that you have read the article, I challenge each of you to write your Congressmen and Senators to tell them you want drilling in ANWAR, the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Florida, and in the 4 Corners area. Ask them why do we allow Venezuela, China, and Russia to drill in the Gulf for oil, but we can't even take advantage of our own natural resources. Did you know that we have about 160 trillion barrels of oil in the continental 48 states? That is enough oil to power 60 million cars for 60 years. Why can't we build more refineries? Ask your left leaning, green, liberal, tree hugger friends. What a joke!!!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Spanglish
For those of you who either speak Spanish or who are vaguely familiar with the language, you know that one of the rules of the language is the noun goes before the adjective. For example, in English one would say "green chili." In Spanish, it would be "chili verde."
When we are in the car and happen to drive by the fire station, Owen will say, "Mom, (jibber, jabber, jibber, jabber) truck up." Translation, "Mom that's where I climbed up on the truck." I (or Adam) will ask him if it was fun. Owen responds, "(jibber, jabber) truck fun!" Translation, "It was fun to climb on the truck." I can't quite figure out why he gets these and other phrases reversed. Owen will say "please yes" instead of "yes please." (Hey maybe I should just quit complaining and be happy he's at least using good manners, huh?!) The therapist, nor myself, is concerned about this, but both of us do find it interesting that he is doing this.
I don't mind if Owen wants to be bilingual, but can't he master the English language and the rules of that one first, before moving on to the second language?
When we are in the car and happen to drive by the fire station, Owen will say, "Mom, (jibber, jabber, jibber, jabber) truck up." Translation, "Mom that's where I climbed up on the truck." I (or Adam) will ask him if it was fun. Owen responds, "(jibber, jabber) truck fun!" Translation, "It was fun to climb on the truck." I can't quite figure out why he gets these and other phrases reversed. Owen will say "please yes" instead of "yes please." (Hey maybe I should just quit complaining and be happy he's at least using good manners, huh?!) The therapist, nor myself, is concerned about this, but both of us do find it interesting that he is doing this.
I don't mind if Owen wants to be bilingual, but can't he master the English language and the rules of that one first, before moving on to the second language?
50 Plus and Counting!
Owen has hit a critical milestone in his speech....he (FINALLY) has 50 words! Actually, he has more like 60-65 words now. Plus, he is starting to use more and more 2 and 3 word phrases. Today, when his therapist was here, she was reading to him one of his favorite, if not his absolute favorite, book. Owen loves to sit on her lap while she reads him a story. While reading him the story, she would say a word and ask him to repeat it. He did that with 4 words he had never even tried...day, happy, boots, and jump. Again, simple words, I realize. But, when your kid is behind in any area of growth, even the smallest accomplishments are huge. For him (and us) this is huge! We are so proud of him and hope that he will keep going down this road.
Way to go Onie B!
Way to go Onie B!
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Pay Off
Owen is thoroughly enjoying his swimming lessons. His favorite part of the lesson is to climb out of the pool and jump back in. The instructor is teaching proper arm movement for strokes, kicking their legs, and how to place their hand to "dive."
Since Saturday was so blasted hot, Adam and Owen went swimming in the morning (after some of his yard chores were done). Our family went as a whole later that day along with our friends. In the morning, I snapped these pictures of Owen climbing out and then "diving" back in. He is even getting much better at blowing his bubbles.
Climbing out of the pool (with very little help from Dad)
Getting ready to "dive" in.
Owen is "diving" into the pool.
Whatta splash!
Blowing bubbles
It's a hoot. He loves swimming and cries every time we have to get him out of the water. I don't think he's part fish, but he very well could be. By the way, Caroline is doing FABULOUS in her second round of swimming lessons too. She's having a grand ole time.
Since Saturday was so blasted hot, Adam and Owen went swimming in the morning (after some of his yard chores were done). Our family went as a whole later that day along with our friends. In the morning, I snapped these pictures of Owen climbing out and then "diving" back in. He is even getting much better at blowing his bubbles.
Climbing out of the pool (with very little help from Dad)
Getting ready to "dive" in.
Owen is "diving" into the pool.
Whatta splash!
Blowing bubblesIt's a hoot. He loves swimming and cries every time we have to get him out of the water. I don't think he's part fish, but he very well could be. By the way, Caroline is doing FABULOUS in her second round of swimming lessons too. She's having a grand ole time.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Fire Station Adventure Fun
Last week some of the girls in our ward, along with the kids of course, got together and took a tour of our local fire station. Owen and Caroline were among the group of kids that went and boy did they have a wonderful time! Like a complete idiot, I forgot my camera (this was the same day that Jenny dropped off all of the toys so I was a little bit distracted - see previous post). Thanks so much to Shelley who saved the day and remembered her camera. She was so very kind to snap some pictures and e-mail them to me. Without these, I would have nothing of the day.
Now, whenever we drive by the fire station, which is every single day, some times multiple times a day, Owen is quick to remind me that is where he climbed up on the truck. When I say we went on a tour, I mean we got the whole tour. We saw almost every nook and cranny of the station house. They were even nice enough to let the kids - and moms - go down the slide that they use when there is a call. This tour also included the grand finale of seeing the ladder truck. The fire fighter opened up the truck and all of the compartments and let the kids look, touch, and climb all over it. The only thing they couldn't do was push any of the buttons or touch the computer. The kids had a blast and I can't wait to do it again maybe when Caroline is a little bit older.
Now, whenever we drive by the fire station, which is every single day, some times multiple times a day, Owen is quick to remind me that is where he climbed up on the truck. When I say we went on a tour, I mean we got the whole tour. We saw almost every nook and cranny of the station house. They were even nice enough to let the kids - and moms - go down the slide that they use when there is a call. This tour also included the grand finale of seeing the ladder truck. The fire fighter opened up the truck and all of the compartments and let the kids look, touch, and climb all over it. The only thing they couldn't do was push any of the buttons or touch the computer. The kids had a blast and I can't wait to do it again maybe when Caroline is a little bit older.
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Ring, Ring....Home Depot Calling
My sister, Jenny, was helping her son clean out his room and get rid of some old toys that he no longer plays with, but are still in really good shape. My children are now the beneficiaries of those toys. (Thanks Jenny!) One of those toys is an Electronic Workbench from Home Depot. It comes complete with a phone that rings and a voice on the other end of the phone answers in a whole variety of ways, hammer, screw driver, screws, nails, construction hat and the all important safety goggles. While Jenny was still here, I wanted to show her the tutu I made for Caroline (with my friend's help). I slipped on the tutu and Caroline slipped on the construction hat. I really don't think there is going to be much that slows this girl down.
Caroline decided she just wasn't going to be left out of playing with the new toys, but especially the workbench. She plays with the workbench just as much as Owen and they fight constantly over the phone. (Go figure huh?). The other day, Caroline came walking out of Owen's room, where this new toy definitely belongs, with the safety goggles and started throwing one of her many tantrums because she couldn't get the goggles on her head. After I helped her get them on, I couldn't resist snapping these pictures.....
How can I - or anyone for that matter - expect to take this girl seriously when she looks like this? I mean c'mon, would you take her seriously? I love my Biggi!
Caroline decided she just wasn't going to be left out of playing with the new toys, but especially the workbench. She plays with the workbench just as much as Owen and they fight constantly over the phone. (Go figure huh?). The other day, Caroline came walking out of Owen's room, where this new toy definitely belongs, with the safety goggles and started throwing one of her many tantrums because she couldn't get the goggles on her head. After I helped her get them on, I couldn't resist snapping these pictures.....
How can I - or anyone for that matter - expect to take this girl seriously when she looks like this? I mean c'mon, would you take her seriously? I love my Biggi!
Monday, June 09, 2008
My Spiritual Maestro
Sundays are such a struggle for me. I often wonder why we go to church since it seems like we get nothing out of it. Adam and I lose the weekly wrestling match with Caroline and inevitably end up taking her out into the foyer starting with Sacrament Meeting and ending there during the 3rd hour. Sunday School is a joke as only one of us gets to pay attention and R.S.? Well forget that. I teach the 3rd Sunday, which I love, so Adam gets Caroline that day and we try to alternate who gets the wrestling match. Yesterday was my lucky day. I think it will go without saying that I ended up in the hall. (Why can't kids go into nursery at 15 months rather than 18? By 18 months they're too attached and don't want to go. At 15 months you can't keep them busy long enough. Would someone please write President Monson and tell him to change this.)
With that being said, yesterday at church Owen was sitting on Adam's lap during the hymns. As Owen watched the conductor, I happened to glance over and found him conducting the music and congregation all on his own. It was so cute to see him conducting. He has a lot of wonderful musical talent on both sides of the family (even though I inherited none of it) and I am hoping those genes got passed on to him.
After I saw this my heart soared with pride. I knew at that very instant that we were in the right place and for the right reasons. Owen is learning the importance of music in his life and what better music to teach him than the hymns that sing praise to the Lord. He may not be able to sing the songs, but the Spirit is what is touching his heart. Owen asks for songs at nap time and bedtime that are sung in nursery each week. One of his favorites is Book of Mormon Stories. He knows the hand movements to that song. He is learning about the Gospel. I am humbled that such a small amount of time each week can have this kind of an impact on a young child.
Recently, when we have said our family prayers or the blessing on the food, Owen has been mumbling right along with those words. If we mention Caroline, Owen, Adam or myself, you will hear Owen mumbling and then say "E", or "me" or "Dadda" or "Mommy" or any other word that he can say that he hears during the prayer. He is learning how to commune with his Father in Heaven. Although we cannot understand what he is saying, there is no doubt that Heavenly Father understands every single word being uttered by his tiny voice.
These simple and precious things to me have brought about a new perspective. I think I can understand a billionth of a smidgen of what Heavenly Father must feel when we are learning something that is benefiting our eternal life. When a concept is grasped even though complete understanding is not, I am sure Heavenly Father is beaming with pride and joy for one of his children. This is how I felt yesterday at church and each and every time I hear Owen uttering the simple words of a prayer.
The responsibility of teaching our children all things spiritual and temporal has always overwhelmed me. But, when I see a simple concept like prayer being grasped, it is making it all worth the hard work, effort, frustration, tears of joy and frustration.
With that being said, yesterday at church Owen was sitting on Adam's lap during the hymns. As Owen watched the conductor, I happened to glance over and found him conducting the music and congregation all on his own. It was so cute to see him conducting. He has a lot of wonderful musical talent on both sides of the family (even though I inherited none of it) and I am hoping those genes got passed on to him.
After I saw this my heart soared with pride. I knew at that very instant that we were in the right place and for the right reasons. Owen is learning the importance of music in his life and what better music to teach him than the hymns that sing praise to the Lord. He may not be able to sing the songs, but the Spirit is what is touching his heart. Owen asks for songs at nap time and bedtime that are sung in nursery each week. One of his favorites is Book of Mormon Stories. He knows the hand movements to that song. He is learning about the Gospel. I am humbled that such a small amount of time each week can have this kind of an impact on a young child.
Recently, when we have said our family prayers or the blessing on the food, Owen has been mumbling right along with those words. If we mention Caroline, Owen, Adam or myself, you will hear Owen mumbling and then say "E", or "me" or "Dadda" or "Mommy" or any other word that he can say that he hears during the prayer. He is learning how to commune with his Father in Heaven. Although we cannot understand what he is saying, there is no doubt that Heavenly Father understands every single word being uttered by his tiny voice.
These simple and precious things to me have brought about a new perspective. I think I can understand a billionth of a smidgen of what Heavenly Father must feel when we are learning something that is benefiting our eternal life. When a concept is grasped even though complete understanding is not, I am sure Heavenly Father is beaming with pride and joy for one of his children. This is how I felt yesterday at church and each and every time I hear Owen uttering the simple words of a prayer.
The responsibility of teaching our children all things spiritual and temporal has always overwhelmed me. But, when I see a simple concept like prayer being grasped, it is making it all worth the hard work, effort, frustration, tears of joy and frustration.
Round 2
Last Wednesday it was really windy and the pool water was super chilly. A friend of mine who was in the class before me told me that it was the first time during the 2 week lesson period her daughter actually asked to get out of the pool. Great! Caroline I thought for sure was going to scream and holler worse than ever before. Instead, she LOVED it! Excuse me? How come on the worst weather day during the 2 week session she actually enjoys the pool? I've tried to figure it out, but nothing is making any sense with her. What else is new?
Thursday morning it was time to sign Owen up for lessons and I got him in his class. I decided since Wednesday night went so well that I was going to sign Caroline up for a second session - round 2. I got her into the class right after Owen's class. Although I fully intend to do 2 sessions with Owen, I'm hopefull 2 sessions for Caroline will be just as useful. She may scream and cry, but she did that the first round and those at the pool should be use to it by now. Let's hope anyway.
Thursday night was the last night of the first session of Caroline's swimming lessons. This time the weather was beautiful and the pool water was warm. Caroline LOVED it even more than the night before. I was so greatful that she didn't scream and cry at least 2 nights of the lessons. Friday night we took the kids in the pool once Adam was done with work. They both were LOVING it. Owen cried when it was time to get out and Caroline wasn't too thrilled about getting out either. I think the lessons might start to pay off.
Tonight is the first night for both of them for this round of lessons. I have grand expectations - make that illusions - for both of them. I am also optimistic that we won't have screaming crying kids at the pool.
Wish me luck!
Thursday morning it was time to sign Owen up for lessons and I got him in his class. I decided since Wednesday night went so well that I was going to sign Caroline up for a second session - round 2. I got her into the class right after Owen's class. Although I fully intend to do 2 sessions with Owen, I'm hopefull 2 sessions for Caroline will be just as useful. She may scream and cry, but she did that the first round and those at the pool should be use to it by now. Let's hope anyway.
Thursday night was the last night of the first session of Caroline's swimming lessons. This time the weather was beautiful and the pool water was warm. Caroline LOVED it even more than the night before. I was so greatful that she didn't scream and cry at least 2 nights of the lessons. Friday night we took the kids in the pool once Adam was done with work. They both were LOVING it. Owen cried when it was time to get out and Caroline wasn't too thrilled about getting out either. I think the lessons might start to pay off.
Tonight is the first night for both of them for this round of lessons. I have grand expectations - make that illusions - for both of them. I am also optimistic that we won't have screaming crying kids at the pool.
Wish me luck!
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