"If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things"

Every week we hold what is called Family Home Evening, usually on Monday nights. We have a lesson on a variety of subjects, sing songs, maybe have an activity or play games, or study the scriptures, and go over our calendar. Tonight Daria gave an inspiring lesson on the proper uses of media (in all its forms) and technology.

I was impressed with her preparation. She reminded us that we are really blessed to have the media and technology advances that we do but must remember that we should use them wisely. Since media can be a powerful influence, to choose media that uplifts us and helps  improve relationships. She commented that she noticed since most of her friends now have Facebook (she does not, she really isn't interested in it yet), they don't communicate with her as often anymore. Balance in all things is the key.

She asked each of us to draw the form of media/technology that we spend the most time with. Then we were to make a personal goal on how we would use that item more wisely - maybe with the amount of time we spend or what we are doing on it. We cut out our drawings and placed them where we would see it at least three times a day. We have one month to work on this goal. At the end of the month we will discuss our experiences.
Daria drew an iPod touch that looks like the real thing. On the face it looked like the "notes" app, where she wrote a verse about making good choices. Ken drew his truck (to represent his truck radio), I drew my computer, and Dustin drew the iPad or Kindle to represent video games. I think the lesson was worth it.

On another note, Daria had the opportunity to take the SAT in January through the Duke Talent program (this is only to give them an idea of how they rank compared to college bound seniors) and she also made it into the National Junior Honor Society. She will be inducted on April 19.

Dustin builds with Legos more than ever. With each new creation I'm more and more impressed. His last large scale creation turned out to be a B-17 bomber from WWII. He built this out of his own stash of Legos (which he can never have enough of - and we are always looking for more) and his pure imagination. It underwent a few upgrades since the first design but the B-17 sports 10 crew members, waist guns, top and bottom turrets, engines, and front gunner. The letter "H" (as opposed to a "C") on the tail is my favorite.  He was so excited about his creation that we brought it up to show the WWII veterans during Spring Break. They were impressed, especially the B-17 veterans. I don't know how he does it. I can only organize Legos into colors and categories.

Ken is chomping at the bit to use one of his new tools on a woodworking project. He and some buddies attended a national woodworking show that was held here recently.

I had an interesting experience yesterday. Actually I've had two significant experiences in the past few weeks. The first was the experience of a lifetime to fly on a B-17 with WWII veterans. I'm going to save that for its own post because it was so super amazing.

Back to yesterday where I found myself speaking to three college classes at the invitation of a History Professor and WWII veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor Dave Hughes. I still can't really believe it and am writing it down so I can process the whole experience.  Eighty-eight year old Dave (who I know very well) has been going to this college for the past 9 years as a guest speaker. This  year he and the professor thought I should come along. I brought along my military tribute video that each of you watched last Memorial Day. I've remastered and streamlined the video and added new information - it is a ton better. These history classes have just completed the section on WWII, thus the reason Dave is speaking. Professor Watson used my video to open each class with. To my surprise, all three times, at the close of the video, Professor Watson who was visibly emotional had tears in his eyes.  His father served in WWII, and I knew that he and I had the same feeling about the importance of learning history. I was invited to speak after the video and then again after Dave's presentation. Just so you know, Dave is much more enjoyable to listen too. Never mind that he survived Pearl Harbor, his ship was attached to some of the most famous ships: the Enterprise, the Hornet, and the Wasp - earned six battle stars including Midway, and was sunk by torpedoes just a year after Pearl Harbor was bombed. Dave himself floated in the water off of the Guadal Canal for 12 hours before being rescued. He jokingly says that he and ten others formed a circle in the water and sang songs the whole time. Two of the men sang every song off key and that must have scared the sharks away! Dave is a hoot to listen to and can keep you laughing even during a lecture on a horrible war. I am not that captivating, but I was invited so I would do my best. Actually I really don't have a problem speaking in public, at least on a subject I'm comfortable with. What made me feel out of place was that I was surrounded by a Professor with a PhD who obviously knows history, a WWII veteran who was there and a room full of college students who are earning their degrees. I can't claim any of that, no PhD, no military service, no college, no degree - so it felt odd that "I" was the one speaking to "them." I do however have a passion for history, and I do know enough about the veterans I've interviewed and apparently my photography and work was enough to amount to something. Enough that Professor Watson said he'd like to see me back again.

On my drive that morning I thought about what I might initially say. I knew vaguely what the Professor wanted me to speak on. I know that for most people history can be a bore. It's good teachers like this  man who try to bring it to life for their students. I  won't go over everything I said but I will mention two things that I hoped the students would take away from that class. One was my experience with a man I worked for in High School, a Vietnam Veteran. I interviewed him for an extra credit project. It was then that I remember thinking "These stories need to be told." That is one reason why I do what I do. Secondly I told them and I write it here because I believe it whole heartedly. That is, that no matter what classes they  have to take, no matter what their degree is in or what they do with their lives, the most important class  or classes they will ever take, will be history. Whether you like history or not, it is so important to learn it and know it. When we know our history, our nation's history and the history of the world, it effects everything we do, how we vote, what type of citizen we believe we should be, what type of parents or worker or what we do for others. I truly believe that. People can know history and have different opinions. They have taken what they have learned and it has helped them make educated decisions about what they believe. If we don't understand history we are bound to repeat it and when we do know history we know what we can do to make things better. It was amazing to look out at this class, no doubt some will one day be our leaders, doctors, engineers, etc. and they shook their heads in agreement. I was humbled to have been there, it really was an honor and opportunity that I will never forget.   

correction

Uhm, lest  anyone thinks we are teaching our Cubs strange things, they actually learned about Astronomy NOT Astrology, thanks to Bro. Frazier who worked at NASA for 20 years and his personal experiences with the Hubble telescope. I guess spell check doesn't catch similar words with different definitions. Oh well!

Back to Gilwell ...... part 1

Just for the record ... I love Scouting! I've secretly loved it before I even had a Cub Scout aged boy. For years I've admired the program from a distance, watching and attending Eagle Court of Honors at church. Maybe it's because it reminds me of all the outdoor things I did as a child, maybe it's because it provides so many opportunities to learn and grow. Most likely it is because of the well rounded amazing leaders and men these boys become because of it. It is with no surprise that when I had a boy the thought crossed my mind that I might get to serve in Cub Scouts. When I was called in 2009 to serve as a Den Leader for the Wolves and Bears I was excited, regardless of the fact that I had no clue what I was doing. Still, I was excited. I've learned a lot in Cubs, but there are two things that stand out in my mind. First, when you have a loud, curious, silly, 8 or 9 year old boy with more energy than should be allowed for one human being, and can't sit still for 8 seconds, you may think something is wrong with them, unless of course they join Cub Scouts. Then you realize they are all loud, curious, silly, and can't sit still. Quite normal for that age. Second, I love how stinkin' fun it is.

I PROMISE TO DO MY BEST

I'm still serving in Cub Scouts, now as a Webelos Den Leader Assistant. I was worried that they would release me when the Bishop called me to another calling. I was sad to think I was done with Cubs. Fortunately the Bishop gave me the option of staying in Cubs along with the RS calling. Thankfully they don't conflict. I could go on and on about what a blast the past almost 3 years have been ...                                                                      

TO DO MY DUTY TO GOD

We've held pinewood derbies, space derbies, rain gutter regatta's, and pushmobil races. We've built things, grown plants, and planted trees. We've picked up trash, lifted fingerprints and made caster footprints. We've done genealogy, provided service, learned math, science, and letter writing, and cleaned up land. We've spent fun filled days at Scout Fair, attended Arrow of Light Ceremonies, Cub Camps, and celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Scouting with 25,000 other Scouters at SHACjam. We've laid wreaths on veterans graves, talked to Gold Star parents whose children were killed in action, presented plays at nursing homes, played wheelchair basketball, shot marshmallow shooters & slingshots, learned about geology, geography, maps, compasses, astronomy, nutrition and even disability awareness. The boys have done presentations, learned to lead their den, learned the history of the American flag, how to fold it, post it and retire it. They've earned their citizenship badges and music and art belt loops. They've built book ends, tool boxes, chalk boards, a box, and stools with coping saws. They've tied knots, played sports, cooked food, made snacks, made menus and even cooked for their family for a week. We've shot arrows and bb guns, stood with over 100 other Cub Scouts as they blow air into their plastic lunch bag and pop them all at once, we've listened to farts, burps, and giggles. We've earned our whittling chip, 100th Anniversary Patch, Leave No Trace and World Conservation awards. We've had relays, exercises, learned about safe swimming , bicycle safety and bike repairs, We've played chess, marbles and handfuls of silly games, and underwent a transformation with uniform inspections. We've handed out beads and more beads for our Den doodles, stamped leather, and even painted glass ornaments. We've sang songs, and presented silly skits and crazy den yells. We've learned to save, budget and spend money, protect wildlife, safety, CPR, first aid, and saying "NO" to drugs,  tall tales and good manners (this one hasn't sunk in yet). Through it all we've learned about and practiced faith and an understanding of our duty to God and our Country and our families.

AND MY COUNTRY

Needless to say it's been a lot of fun. While it can be exhausting at times, Melanie (the other den leader and friend of mine) and I have had a blast. It seems that once you serve in Cub Scouting you start seeing everything in a Cub Scout kind of way. Maybe it's a lesson, story, craft, activity, item in the sports or grocery store or even something at school that triggers the "Hey! we should use that for Cub Scouts." The ideas are endless.

                                                     TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE

Most of all, I am thankful my son has had the opportunity to learn so many things that sitting at a desk, on a computer or playing a video game just can't provide to the same extent, and I'm thankful I've had the opportunity to do it alongside him.


Ultimately Scouting is about "Life Long Learning."  My list of activities the boys accomplished above is not really about the badges, belt loops and pins, but providing opportunities for boys to learn and grow for the rest o their lives. Melanie and I tried to lead by example and felt that we could work alongside the boys to make goals, obtain them and earn awards too.  Over the past few years we've both earned ribbons on our 100th Anniversary patches, our Den Leader Award, Adult Religious Knot and the On My Honor Award. We've attended training's, Roundtables, University of Scouting, and Little Philmont's.  Our family also participated in the Cub Scout Family program earning two patches. The key to success in Scouting is really a trained leader.  I'm not saying these things to "toot our own horn," but only to express that it was a lot easier to be a den leader and a lot more fun to earn things with the boys.


So this leads me to the main reason I'm writing this. For the sake of not sounding like a "Lifer" (you know, one of those Scout leaders who stays in Scouting until they are old and grey) I'll cut right to the subject of my post, which is that in 2011 I finally completed and earned my Woodbadge award. What is Gilwell? and What is Woodbadge?  well I will explain it ........ in my next post titled "Back to Gilwell part 2."

Pages

Pages of my life ..

Over the past year or more I've noticed that my blogging has diminished. Much has had to do with just having a busy life and lack of time to sit down and write. However I realized that there was something else keeping me from blogging more often. It kind of snuck up on me and I didn't even realize it at first. What did I come to realize? I realized that I started to worry. I worried that my writing was too long, subjects too boring or disagreeable, or too many posts filling up e-mail boxes. I worried about sharing experiences about my faith and religion for fear of offending any who might have different beliefs, I worried about grammatical errors. That's when I realized I had become side tracked from the reason I started a blog in the first place and after all it is my blog, why should I worry? The challenge lies in that I want to blog and have become tired of fear, maybe it's fear of rejection, who knows. What I do know is that if it's long, or boring, or laden with mistakes or experiences that others might not find interesting, that is ok. I do have a lot to say, and thus have a lot to write. Hopefully it's worth the read compared to the millions of articles that people read on the Internet each day by complete strangers. Either way, I realized I can blog and the reader can decide if they want to read it or skip it. So just for the record I am reminding myself why I started blogging.

1. Keep a record of my thoughts, experiences, and window into my life and the life of my family.
2. Keep family and friends up to date on what is going on in our lives.
3. Share photos and videos of our family.
4. Ultimately Blurb my blog (that's printing my blog in a book for our family to keep forever)

Christmas Spirit

It has been a great Christmas season. The Monday after Thanksgiving our Christmas tree was up, decorations out, Christmas candle scents burning. We had Christmas music playing everywhere we went, all day long, in the house, in the car. We've enjoyed Christmas parties, Christmas band concerts, Christmas stories read as a family and in church, receiving Christmas cards and Christmas goodies from family, friends and neighbors, Daria playing piano on Christmas day in sacrament at church, and we've enjoyed delivering our own Christmas goodies (homemade kolache's compliments of Ken.)

We had a super sweet dose of the Christmas spirit that I've been dying to write about but dared not too for fear of spoiling the Christmas surprise. First I have to relate three backstories to help you understand the magnitude of something cool that happened in our home.

Backstory 1: Let me start by saying that the biggest challenge Ken and I have with parenting right now is the level and consistency that our kids fight with each other. I think that is our only complaint. I've tried more ways to tackle this than I care to admit, and have read more parenting books than I've wanted to, all to no avail. It's like some twisted form of sibling rivalry that makes us feel like we are the only parents who've ever dealt with this although we know it plays out in millions of other homes with children. Besides wanting our children to learn healthy mature ways of handling conflict, we of course hope that they can learn to love each other which seems almost impossible at times.

Backstory 2: By far the biggest challenge Daria has had this year is the very real pressure of feeling like the only pre-teen who does NOT own a cell phone, iPod, iPad or any other coveted techno gadget that a kid can own. This subject has been discussed almost on an exhausting daily basis ..... actually more like complaints from Daria and discussion from "we the parents."

Backstory 3: Four years ago we started a family tradition where the kids must make something for each other for Christmas. The first year Dustin made Daria some bookends, the next a jewelry box, then a Holy Ghost box (there's a story behind that). Daria first made Dustin a t-shirt that said "Number 1 Brother," then for the past two years she sewed him some pajama bottoms, which she planned on doing this year as well because he looks forward to getting a new pair.

                

handmade presents of Christmas' past

Back to the Christmas spirit. In early November as the kids began planning their annual homemade Christmas gift, Dustin came to me and asked, "Mom, can you help me find ways to earn money because I want to buy Daria an iPod touch?"

I had to pause because our tradition is that they "make" something for each other, which requires time and sacrifice and a lot of thought. At the same time I realized if you have a 9 year old who selflessly wants to earn money to purchase something for their sibling it's probably a pretty good  time to capitalize on that moment.

I said, "Well, that sounds like a good idea Dustin, you realize that an iPod touch costs about $197.00?" (at this point I tried to think of options quickly, such as paying half , but I waited to see what he had to say.)

Dustin said, "I know, she really wants one and I want to buy it for her."

So there it was, underneath all of the fighting he still cared enough about his sister to get something he knew she really wanted. The deal was set, we would help him find odd jobs, and he would do the work, and earn the whole thing.

I am humbled and proud to say he stuck with it and earned every single cent. I mean really, I do not think for a moment at 9 or 10 years old I would have ever thought about earning money for a gift for my siblings especially not $200.00. He worked for three full days at Grandpa H's house,  burning, grinding corn, pulling down old shingles, wood, and rusted poles down from an old shed, and feeding the cows. He's mowed lawns, cleaned garages, organized junk drawers for a friend of mine, and cleaned and organized items for me. Only a few times did he question his goal. Once, when he told me he wasn't sure if he wanted to buy her the iPod because he feared that she would always be on the iPod and wouldn't play Lego's with him anymore. Big concerns for a almost 10 year old. This actually made me realize that everything was really about his sister, he either wants to make her happy or play with her. I wished she could understand that. The second time was when he had just earned over a hundred dollars and was tabulating his tithing. By this point he realized how hard money was to earn. He complained that this was too hard, he didn't feel like he would be able to earn it all, and since it was so hard he realized he might want the iPod for himself. We discussed commitment and follow through, which in the end he did. He was so excited for Christmas day to come. Daria's gift would be the last to be opened. I encouraged him to write a little note to accompany the iPod. He explained that he worked hard for this and wanted her to enjoy it but hoped she would still take the time to play with him. After reading that and opening the gift I thought she was going to cry. She was really moved by it. Dustin was pleased with her excitement, and Ken and I enjoyed a peaceful moment with the kids and realization that Dustin probably had shared more of the Christmas Spirit than all of us combined.

Ken used this very same grinder when he was a boy. His dad had purchased it used. They just don't make things to last like they used to.

Dustin workin' hard



Maybe it's hard to believe they will actually be close and love each other as adults because we are just in the thick of things right now, but this Christmas gave me a glimpse that maybe, just maybe, things will turn out alright. If anything Dustin will always remember the lessons he learned through hard work and sacrifice and Daria will always remember what her brother did for her. Since then Daria has mentioned two other friends who got an iPod touch for Christmas, "Yes," I said, "but I'll bet their siblings didn't work for it." We both smiled.

 

Dustin's new jammie bottoms

A rare photo of a hug between brother and sister

Preparing for the Future

I am beginning the stage of motherhood where thoughts like "Have I taught my children all of the important things I want them to know before they are out on their own?" and "Uh, oh, I've only got a  handful of years to teach them all of the thing things I want them to know before they are out on their own?"

We are definitely NOT in the little "toddler/kid" stage anymore, and honestly that realization comes with a pinch of sadness to my heart strings. There is something magical about the younger years of your children's lives. Life was full of exciting new adventures every day when even a sink full of dish soap bubbles and food dye in it can be hours of a fun learning memory making experience. The next trip to the park was the most important event on one's mind. I miss the snuggles and ever constant bubbly childhood joy. Then again, every stage has its place and Daria and Dustin are quickly growing up into a super neat  young woman and young man. I am sure that there will be plenty of exciting new adventures, the playing field is just a bit different, doable and necessary.

When the children were younger most of the "teaching" moments surrounded around safety issues, cleaning up, sharing, and taking care of yourself. As a mother I'm keenly aware that now, every day provides teaching moments, often more detailed and more important as to the effect of ones character.

One of the skills I want Daria to know before she grows up is sewing. She can actually sew somewhat. She has made Dustin pajama bottoms for Christmas the past two years, sewn a apron and a few pillows. But that's not the sewing I want her to know. I'm thinking more on the lines of being able to mend and alter her own clothes, make a blanket, or curtains or even quilt. To many this might seem very old fashioned but I'm hear to tell you that old fashioned or not people sink a lot of money into clothing, altering, and decorating. To add to the dilemma, shopping for modest clothes for a teenage girl is all but impossible with a selection of dresses that look more like a shirt or something a wife would wear to bed. If you can't find what you want to wear then learn to make it. This one skill alone I believe, has a lot of benefits, from learning resourcefulness, frugality, realizing that you don't have to settle for what the manufacturer's provide, and ultimately could be useful time spent when there is "nothing" to do.

Daria wants to re-decorate her room. Most kids like to do this. Most parents go right out and purchase all the new odds and ends, sheets, bedspread, paint, wall hangings, pillows, lamps, clocks, trash can, bulletin boards, etc.  ....... But here is where for our family, I felt that a "teaching" moment was at hand. Sure I suppose I could go out and buy everything and instantly Daria could have this new and improved room ... OR .... she could learn to earn some of it, make some of it and paint the rest, which will require some effort and patience in a world of instant gratification. Part of that will be learning to quilt. Initially this idea was not well received. We actually resurrected the same conversation we had 6 years ago when Daria wanted a new comforter. Instead of sinking money in to some cheap frilly comforter that would last a year or two, I paid my friend to sew a quilt ... a quilt that Daria loves and can take with her when she moves out. This quilt will last 50 years or more! Notice I "paid" a friend. Well, not only will Daria be learning to quilt, I will be learning too. Another added benefit as we can do something together. Still, Daria was not really sold on the idea and rumbled off all sorts of cry cry sob sob reasons why she doesn't want to learn to quilt. Mostly it came down to the fact that she wants to use my sewing machine which is super nice, and not my old clunky one. So I set the issue aside for a while and wouldn't you know something amazing happened.

At church Daria works on what is called the "Personal Progress" program in Young Woman's. It's a pretty big deal and can take 4-6 years to complete. There are 8 values (faith, divine nature, individual worth, knowledge, choice & accountability, good works, integrity, and virtue). They complete 6 experiences in each value and then they have to complete a 10 hour project in each value. Daria loves working on her personal progress. One of the value experiences/project ideas was to learn a new skill that you could use in your future home. All of the sudden she was super excited to learn to quilt and decided that making her own quilt would be her 10 hour project (I'm sure it will be more than 10 hours). It's always better when people decide to do things themselves instead of being forced.

I really think this will be a good experience for her. Accomplishing a task such as sewing a quilt is huge. On black Friday weekend we set off to our favorite material store. Daria picked out a pattern, and the materials she will use for her quilt, which is also going to be the colors of her room. Those materials are pictured above. I think they look fantastic, can't wait to see the finished product both in the quilt and the girl!

Belated Halloween

I had worked so hard on our original Halloween post that I completely forgot to upload the photo of me and Ken.

So here you go. Ken the doctor and Karie who hasn't been blond for over 20 years. Needless to say when I walked out of my room Dustin looked at me, made some sort of "ewe gross" face and shook his head. Kat on the other hand seemed to think my new dew looked pretty cool so I'm sticking with Kat's reaction, NOT Dustin's. I have to admit it does make me look a bit like an Amazon woman but the wig added some new flair to the Renaissance dress I made several years ago.

We were invited to a costume party, which ended up to be a spectacular time. The host dressed up in an Afro with a 1970's body disco jump suit and the hostess dressed up as Farrah Faucet. That was by far the best costumes I've ever seen and I laughed so hard that my cheeks hurt! Only Andy and Sharee could have pulled that one off.