technology...

I love technology. (Even though I am severely technologically challenged) I can barely turn on my computer. Yet, I have 3 e-mail accounts (I only use one) ,a Facebook account, a Twitter that I rarely update, 4 Yahoo groups, and a Flickr account. I guess you could say that I am 'accountable' for the time I spend on the computer!?

I started out, a long time ago, in a city far away, with just one, simple e-mail account. It was a way to keep in touch with those far away, and since I'm lousy at writing letters it seemed like a good solution. Besides, I'm into instant gratification, and letters take W-A-Y too long to get where they're going! And then you have to wait and wonder if anyone is EVER going to write back!

Now, I play scrabble with my friends, do genealogy, write letters, create fabulous Eagle Scout Project books (think: scrapbooking), e-mail friends far and near, check school schedules, blog, organize pictures, shop for Christmas and birthday gifts, and most recently.....chat.

I'd never 'chatted' before with one of my friends, when, just the other day, I was on the computer checking my Facebook (wow, I either sound really dorky, or really cool, I can't tell which!) when up popped a message from a friend far away. She happened to be on the computer at a ridiculously early hour as well (no doubt trying to get in some computer time before the kids took over for the day, like me) We hadn't talked in months, and we spend about 10 minutes just 'chatting' and catching up. It was so nice. Then our respective children needed attention, so we said goodbye and signed off.

I think I might like this new-fangled computer thing. It sure beats the pony-express.

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom Not My Own....

Don't wish me happiness-I don't expect to be happy it's gotten beyond that, somehow. Wish me courage and strength and a sense of humor-I will need them all.
--Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Let's just say things have been tough around here lately.

Baby Shower Blues......

I went to a Baby Shower a week or so ago. I feel like I need to say something about baby showers, but I don't want to hurt any feelings, so let me just start by saying a great time was had by all.

What I'm wondering is......what happened to the days of gathering in someone's home, playing silly games, having cake and punch, and just visiting with one another? This shower was held at a restaurant. It seems to be a growing trend. At least in my ward (read: congregation) I have been to at least three baby showers, one birthday party, and one going away party that have been held at restaurants. While they are fun, they tend to be expensive. Mary came with me to the latest shower, so I ended up paying for two dinners instead of just one. With tip, it ended up costing $36. That, plus the cost of a gift, and we're looking at some serious budget concerns.

I understand that it's inconvenient to have 25-30 people in your home, and maybe that's why people are choosing to do it this way. Or maybe it's the headache of organizing, planning, set-up, and clean-up. Either way, I think I'll pass on the next 'outing'. I'll still get a gift for the mom-to-be, birthday boy, or friend that's moving far away.....but I think I'll just deliver it in person.

My Big Brother.....

This is a picture of my brother, Renn, and his wife, Deanne. He has just been called to serve as a Mission President. Basically, this means that he and his wife will spend three years being in charge of a particular region of the world and the LDS missionaries that serve in that region. He has no idea where he will be serving, only that it will be an English speaking mission. That really leaves the field wide open. He could end up somewhere in the USA, Canada, Europe, or on some remote island in the middle of the Pacific. They find out where they will be going sometime in February and they leave to serve sometime in July.

Having grown up with Renn, it's sometimes hard to reconcile the boy he was with the man he has become. I have to say, he lived life a little on the wild side when he was a teenager. (not as much as my brother, Paul, did, mind you, but let's just say he's probably got some stories to tell!) All in all, though, he turned out to be a pretty awesome guy. I don't know that I've ever told him, but I'm proud of who he is, the man he has become, and I'm glad that I am lucky enough to call him my brother.

Way to go, Renn. I hope that you and Deanne find true joy in service, grow closer to our Heavenly Father, and have a grand adventure!

The Inauguration....Loved it and Loathed it

Okay, I wrote Wednesday's post before the inauguration. So here is an update....

I loved.....
--Aretha....she was a nice touch, and she certainly made the song her own.
--Opening prayer...l-o-n-g winded, but nice.
--Yo-Yo Ma and others....very cool!
--I also loved the energy of those gathered there. It truly was history in the making, even though I didn't vote for the guy.
--Watching his daughters. Those two are way cute. I hope they come away from this experience unscathed.
--Okay....I'll say it....I even enjoyed his speech. I love that he wrote it himself, didn't use notes, and his delivery was great. I may not have voted for him, and I definitely don't agree with a LOT of his ideas/policies, but he is a dynamic speaker. I just hope he can deliver.

I Loathed:

--Closing prayer...anytime someone takes the stand to give a prayer and has notes?? you know you are in trouble. It was way too self-serving to be considered a real prayer.


All in all, I still think we're in for an interesting ride. He has high hopes, but I am fairly cynical by nature. I'm not sure he knows what he's really up against. He's young, and ambitious, but also naive and inexperienced. I am encouraged that he considers himself to be a Christian and believes in the power of prayer. I know that I will be praying for God to guide his choices and actions. I hope that you do the same.

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom Not My Own......

"Over the last 15 months, we've traveled to every corner of the United States. I've now been in 57 states? I think one left to go. "
--Barack Obama

How does that saying go?? Out of the frying pan and into the fire? This is going to be a long 4 years!

Really??!!

Have you ever been trying to get your house ready for company and you end up stuffing things in a bedroom because "nobody will be going in there anyway"? (ummm......me neither, but I've heard of people doing it!)

When I was small, my mother would tell me to make my bed, clean my room, wash behind my ears. I never understood any of this, since I was the only one who would be in my bed or in my room, and no one ever looked behind my ears to see if they were clean (except for my mother!)

Now that I am older, I have a better understanding of why to do those things. I feel more at peace when my bed is made, my room is clean and neat, and I know that there's nothing growing behind my ears.

As an adult, I am a big proponent of clean. I love clean. (you'll notice I didn't say I love TO clean, just that I love clean!) I love to relax in a freshly cleaned room. I love to be able to walk across a child's bedroom to tuck them in without endangering my life by stepping on legos, blocks, and hot wheels. But I think that some people go overboard with it. Some people spend their entire lives cleaning and forget to spend time living. I am NOT one of them. My home has that 'lived in' look. We definitely do more 'living' than cleaning.

Now.....back to that "room" that no one is ever going to see. No one. Not company. Not family. Not me. Not you. Okay, maybe the medical examiner when I'm dead. My point is......is it really neccessary to clean my colon???? There are all kinds of advertisements today for products to help you have a clean colon. WHAT!!?? First of all....how do you know that it's not clean? My colon may very well be sparkling clean for all you know! Second....if you do decide to clean your colon, how will you know that it worked? When I clean a bathroom mirror, I can see the results. Not so with colon cleanser. Third....if I let you get away with making me think I need to clean my colon.....where will the madness stop? Will the next product on the market be 'sparkling spleen'?

Let's not get carried away here, people.

Arranged Marriages.......

When I was young my mother took me to see 'Fiddler on the Roof'. I loved the movie. I still do. I loved how the father, Tevye, had conversations with God as he went about his daily chores. I loved how the family was (mostly) happy, even though they had nothing and were dirt poor. I loved how the daughters rebelled against the tradition of arranged marriages and made their own choices about who they would love/marry/spend their life with.

Now that I am grown I see things a little differently. I still love the relationship between Tevye and his Heavenly Father. I, too, have conversations with God as I go about my day. I am, however, rethinking the rebellious daughters and the merits of arranged marriage.

I've come to the conclusion that there is something to be said for arranged marriages. I mean really, think about it. How much perspective can hormone-ravaged young people have? Can't we, as older and wiser adults, see further into the future and better predict the outcome of a certain match? Young people see only themselves and a Disney-esque future of "happily ever after". We (older and wiser) see families, extended families, support systems, future speed bumps and roadblocks. We have perspective!!

Yes, arranged marriages are the way to go. Having 4 children (okay, fine....young adults) of marrying age I can see that my work is cut out for me. I can easily see who might (or more importantly...might NOT) be a good match for my kids. (No, Mary, I don't have anyone picked out for you) I base these choices on maturity, reliability, perceived compatibility, family background and yes, attractiveness. (after all, who wants ugly grandchildren!)

I haven't yet figured out how to get my kids to go along with this plan....I raised them all to think for themselves. In retrospect, that may be my downfall. I can sympathize with Tevye and his strong-willed daughters.

Wish me luck!!

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom Not My Own.....

"We want you to be ready with your personal storehouses filled with at least a year's supply. You don't argue why it cannot be done; you just plan to organize and get it done."

---Spencer W. Kimball (Aug. 1976)

Just in case you don't have a new year's resolution yet......

Pictures of the Savior.....

I copied this post from my-best-friend-I've-never-met, at Crazyland. She said that I could score a free copy of one of these pics and I believed her, but the offer ends at NOON TODAY (not sure which time zone) I was told to copy and paste, I did, but the pics didn't come out. You'll have to go to Crazyland to see the original post, but here is what I was able to copy:


"I wanted to share these beautiful pictures and what the artist has to say about each one of them! Everyone can win a FREE signed 8x10 print of your choice (out of the three prints shown), by copying and posting to your blog or website this whole post! After you post, then send an e-mail to David (contact@bowman-art.com) with your website or blog address telling him you posted it and that you read about this offer on my blog. Also send him your name and mailing address and he will send your signed 8x10 print of your choice.

David Bowman: has had a passion for art ever since he could pick up a pencil. He loves creating images of the Savior that inspire and uplift. Along with his Christian fine art, David has also written and illustrated a series of scripture storybooks for children titled "Who's Your Hero". Check out his website at www.bowman-art.com to see more of his precious art.

"Innocence"The Savior tells us we need to become as little children to inherit the kingdom of God. I've often wondered what it is about little children Jesus loves most, and I think its their innocence. They are clean slates, seeing the world and others through untarnished eyes. Their hearts are pure, without the baggage of cynicism and self-doubt. In this piece, I've tried to imagine how a child would act upon meeting the Master for the first time. Without reservation or inhibition, I think he would simply want to play with Him. He would be at complete ease, allowing his pure little heart to soak in the love and laughter of His pure, infinite heart. Its no wonder Christ delights in these little ones and sets them up to be our examples.

"Security"One of the greatest human needs is a sense of security. In all aspects of life, we naturally gravitate towards anything that makes us feel safe. In this piece, I wanted to convey a sense of complete peace and calm like only the Savior can provide. It's a security that allows us to rest assured, without fear or worry, when we put ourselves trustingly in His arms. Little children have that inherent kind of trust in their parents, so it's fitting that the man and girl who modeled for "Security" are actually father and daughter. They generatedthe exact feel I was looking for.

"My Child"This piece conveys an intimate, up-close-and-personal feeling of the Savior's love. Notice how all the lines draw your attention and point towards Jesus' face in the center. I chose the name "My Child" because the only thing that could compare (even remotely) to Christ's compassion for us is the love of a parent for his/her child. This image is also intended to put things in perspective. Above all, we are God's children first. He allows us the privilege of experiencing parenthood for ourselves and we are entrusted to be the mothers and fathers of His children here on earth."

Be sure to check this out, these are beautiful pictures of the Savior. I can't decide which one I want!!

Government Bailouts....

All I can say is: Thank goodness for Govenment Bailouts!!

You heard me...Thank goodness!!

In case you live under a rock, let me help you out. There is a crisis situation in America. It may very well be the first big challenge of the Obama administration, though most likely it will be blamed on Bush. We know that this crisis is coming. The airwaves have been full of chatter about it. It may even be considered a 'RED' on the threat level advisory system. We even have a date that this crisis will unfold: February 17, 2009.

That's right. February 17, 2009. Only 43 days until it hits. It will be a Tuesday. Where will you be? Have you made your evacuation plans? Is your fallout shelter ready? Don't wait until it's too late to prepare....

On that fateful day......television will make the switch from analog to digital!!!

Those of you with cable or satellite tv will be okay. Don't panic. But make sure that you have room in your home for those unfortunates who fail to prepare. According to a news story today (really, a NEWS STORY?? This deserves NEWS coverage??), more that 8 million people (possibly up to 50 million) have not yet prepared for 'the switch'. And they are woefully unprepared for the impending doom.

Thankfully, the govenment is prepared. They have set aside $1.34 BILLION (plus another $160 million for administrative costs) to send out Converter Box Coupons to the millions of Americans who would otherwise have to choose one of the following options: shell out the $40 themselves, sign up for cable/satellite, or, heaven forbid.....DO WITHOUT TELEVISION!!! But even the govenment is starting to panic as the fateful date draws near.....it seems that the $1.34 BILLION might not be enough. They may need another $330 MILLION to assure that everyone is taken care of.

I don't know about you, but I don't remember anything in the Constitution about our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of a good television picture. Why is the govenment involved in this at all? Why not put those government (read: Taxpayer) dollars to work elsewhere.....like into the education system perhaps. But no, we must make sure that every American has a clear digital picture when they turn on their television.

So, in case you get left out in the cold, don't say I didn't warn you.....just dust off those old board games, puzzles, and cards and get ready for some good old fashioned family time.

Who knows, you may even find time to read a book!

A New Year........

I love the first day of a 'New Year'.

The days and months that will follow are still filled with possibilities and potential. I have not yet made any major parenting mistakes. I have yet to put my foot in my mouth. I haven't hurt anyone's feelings or neglected my church callings. The new year is still pristine and perfect, like new fallen snow.

I love to sit at the dawn of a new year and ponder. What changes will this new year bring? What adventures await? Surely there will be disappointments and sorrow. Those are to be expected. But just as sure will be the pure unadulterated moments of joy, love and happiness.

I try not to expect too much of a new year. I have expectations, to be sure, but I don't want to pressure the new year to be something it cannot ever be. As President Hinckley once said: "Do not set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve..."

So, what might some of our adventures be for this new year?

A move to Macon? Another Eagle Scout? Weddings? Funerals? New Callings? New friends?

Only time will tell. I only hope that I will have the strength to meet the challenges that come my way and that I will appreciate and recognize the blessings (they sometimes come in disguise, you know.) I hope that I can stay the course and help my children to do the same. I hope that I can renew aquaintances and deepen friendships. That I can hold tight to those people who uplift me, and let go of those who drag me down.

So.....to one and all.....happy new year, happy ponderings, happy comings and happy goings, happy days, happy nights.............and mostof all........happy life.