The Man Who Knew Too Little: September 2008

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Deep Thoughts, Shallow Brain Part 12

As I laid my head to rest, in a weary dream one night,
I was taken to a place, that seemed familiar to my sight.

I could not place where I was, though I know I’d seen pictures before,
just a great sense of déjà vu, as I began to walk and to explore.

I saw myself, in that hazing dream, walking all around,
looking all through the trees, and then looking to the ground.

Why couldn’t I think where I was? the place my dream had brought me,
I knew this place in my head, but could only place it, to a small degree.

I felt so alone and lost, not knowing where I was displaced,
or for what purpose my mind decided, I had to come here with such haste.

Then like lightening piercing the night, it suddenly became so clear,
I was brought to sacred ground, a place for the world to revere.

How could I not see it clearly before, the pure grown olive tree,
I was being shown a hallowed place, the Garden of Gethsemane.

I instantly knew why I’d come, to witness the act meek and mild,
as our Savior knelt before our Father, with the submissiveness of a child.

A lump in my throat, my heart skipping beats, tears forming right at the brim,
my eyes darted all this way and that, as I frantically began searching for Him.

Off in the distance, He came into my sight, just as He started to kneel,
As He began to pray, I could scarcely grasp, the pain that He would soon feel.

I watched as He talked to our Father above, asking to remove the cup,
purely seeking out our Father’s will, at the sacrifice He would lift up.

I painfully watched Him take on all I have done, and all that I’d ever endure,
My breath became ragged as I watched His pain, His sacrifice of love so pure.

As my eyes could no longer contain my tears, and they started to run down my face,
He began to sweat sweet drops of blood, a testament of his loving grace.

One so perfect taking it all, as to the Father, He would plead,
So that we may turn to Him, and from our sin be freed.

I felt so much sorrow and cried as He bled, and felt that horrible strain,
to give all His brothers that great gift, and be there through all of our pain.

The eternal sacrifice seemed so long, the blood now from every pore,
a gateway unlocked, a pathway now clear, the greatest gift forever more.

Just when I thought it would never end, His blood the ground did engrave,
He magnificently, yet wearily rose, from the sacrifice that He gave.

He saw me in the distance, and with amazing strength, stumbled to my side,
He looked in my eyes, He opened my heart, and showed a love that’s unwilling to hide.

His arms wrapped round me, I instantly sobbed, the moment I felt His touch,
my lack of understanding growing, how could He love me this much?

He held me forever, then with one last glance, quietly turned now away,
I could only ponder in my heart, the love He had shown us this day.

The garden soon faded, dawn was now breaking, I felt my body awake,
I immediately thought of His crucifixion, how much could my Brother take?

I felt overwhelmed and silently wept, at all He was willing to give,
as I think of His love as He lay down His life, so that we could all live.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Primary Program Sunday

Today the kids participated in their first ever Primary Program. They sang in Sacrament Meeting for the first time last Mother's Day, however, this was their first actual program with parts and everything. They sang the following songs: "I Am a Child of God," "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus," "I Love to See the Temple," "Called to Serve," "When Jesus Christ was Baptized," "If the Savior Stood Beside Me," "We Thank Thee, O God for a Prophet," and "Home." I am not quite so sure it was in that order. It ended up being amazing, even though it started out a little rough. T threw a fit right before they were to go up to the stand. I had to take him out and calm him down. He seemed to be calm and settled down enough, and so I had him walk reverently up to the stand to be with all the other kids. A did her part first. She said, "Jesus Christ is our Savior and He will come again." T then said his part, "We can be like Jesus." At the very end he started to cry and ran to his Primary teacher. I went up to the stand and picked him up and walked out with him. I am sure many people thought it was stage fright, however, it wasn't. Most people do not know, but T is hypoglycemic. We have suspected it for a long time and a doctor recently confirmed it. I took him out, got him some crackers for a few minutes and then he told me he wanted to go back up. Someone later told me that they couldn't believe I "was so cruel as to send my scared child back up to the stage," but that I made the right decision. They were somewhat surprised when I told them what was actually going on. Anyone who really knows the kids knows that neither one of them are shy, unless they are just being silly. He reverently walked back up there and sang his little heart out. They both sang so well and I was amazed at how well they knew the songs. I have practiced with them only a little, and then played the songs on my MP3 player whenever we were in the car. They both sang so loud that many times you could hear them over all the other kids. At the very end A was asked to give a solo, She just sang the phrase, "I Am A Child of God" followed by a pianist playing those same keys on the piano and then an organist following suit. They did great, especially considering it was their first time. They also did some of the funny stuff. A kept somewhat twirling around while holding her dress, they both could not resist waving to me on numerous occasions, and when I gave them both a smile and thumbs up, they gave it right back. They both did so well and I am so proud of them. They are such great kids.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Miniature Golfing

Tonight we decided to paint the town! We went to Chili's for dinner and then we went miniature golfing. It was so fun. We ALL had a great time!

This is only his left hand casual putt. Watch out Tiger Woods!

I don't think that A actually hit the ball in there, but I did turn around for a minute, so who knows? I promise that when I do her hair in pigtails, all of the hair that is shown hanging is not like that at the beginning of the day.

As we were leaving, the kids were "wishing on dandelions." It is an unusual practice, I still think I struggle with the whole concept, as much as I've tried.

Holy Crap! I've Been Tagged!

I thought since I am a guy, that I was immune to being "tagged." I guess not! That's the last time I am going to read anyone else's blog. :) Whatever, I will play along.

A is for age: 29

B is for burger of choice: Train Burger

C is for the name of the person/company that you wrote your last check to: Tithing

D is for your dog's name: The only dog in our house is named Kent

E is for essential item you use every day: Toilet Paper

F is for favorite TV show: You mean people above the age of 18 get to watch that thing?

G is for favorite game: UMMMM......Hopscotch

H is for the name of your high school: I don't get that specific on the blog.

I is for instruments you play: Kazoo

J is for favorite juice: Jamba Juice

K is for whose bum you'd like to kick: Who is volunteering to have my size 15 foot kick theirs?

L is for last restaurant at which you ate: Chili's

N is for number of piercings: Wouldn't you like to know? Just kidding, that is how rumors get started!

O is for overnight hospital stays: I spent plenty of overnights when the kids were first born, but I have never stayed overnight for myself. Knock on wood.

P is for people you were with today: I don't get specific unless someone has a more common name. However, you can bet I was with T & A.

Q is for what you do with your quiet time: Never had any. I don't feel like stabbing my brain with a fork. But other than that, I drive around for work.

R is for biggest regret: I don't focus on my past and look for regrets. They sort of don't exist in my world. I learn from mistakes and move on. I like to focus on the good things that I can do, or that can happen in my future.

S is for last store you shopped at: Shopko (funny, I almost never go there, just really convenient today.)

T is for time you woke up today and the time you went to bed last night: Woke up at 7AM, went to bed at 3:30AM.

U is for what you consider unique about yourself: I like long walks on the beach, candlelight dinners, and romance novels?

V is for vegetable you love: Tomatoes I guess

X is for x-rays you've had: Dental, Chest, Neck, Back, Shoulder, Collar Bone, Arm, Foot.

Y is for yummy food you ate today: Fajita Quesadillas

Z is for your favorite zoo animal: Python, but only if it has a dead rabbit in its enclosure.

I choose to tag........NO ONE!

Friday, September 26, 2008

Park, Primary Practice, Playing

Earlier today we went to the park. We stayed there for an hour or two and the kids had a fun time on the slides. A little while later we went to the church so the kids could practice the Primary Program that they are doing this Sunday. They were really cute and excited to say their parts into the big microphone. All the people decided that A is going to do a solo portion of "I Am A Child of God." They both sang their little hearts out with T even furrowing his eye brows pretty hard sometimes to sing loudly. After, we came home and played for a little bit before dinner. We ate dinner and then went on our seemingly steady routine as of late. We rode bikes and made sure to stop by and play with our neighbor's friendly dog Millie. It was a fun day.

This is Millie, our fun little dog (that we play with).

T loves to play tug o' war with Millie. They are pretty evenly matched most of the time. It is hilarious to watch. Millie will run at T at a million miles/hour when he is dangling the rope. It always whips T around in a circle. He just laughs and eggs Millie on the whole time. A loves to just throw the ball to Millie and have her run after it.

This is a picture from yesterday at the zoo. The kids loved sitting on this elephant's trunk. They liked waiting for its fake sneeze where it would spray water out its trunk.

Here is A on the bronze hippo. Reminds you a little bit of the golden calf from the bible doesn't it? No worries, no one was worshipping it.

The kids both love knock, knock jokes. Especially ones that do not make any sense. Tonight T made up one. He asked A "knock, knock.......chicken............chicken pot pie, are you going to eat me?" They both always burst out laughing at their little jokes.
This morning as we were getting dressed A said she knew what the weather was going to be. I asked, "you do?" She said, "yes, it is going to be rainy..........OR it is going to be sunny." I am thinking that is almost as good as the forecasts that I watch on TV.
A was teasing me today. I said to her, "What you talkin' bout Willis?" She repeated back, "What you talkin' bout wit-less?" It is amazing that in such a short lifespan they have already been able to burn me time and time again without even knowing they are doing it. Who told her I have no wit anyway?

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Planes, Preschool, and the Zoo

Today started with us waking up somewhat early to take my Mom to the airport to catch a flight. I then drove quickly down to get the kids to preschool on time. I was not going to drive back and forth, so I went running while the kids went to their preschool class. They learned all about apples today (I am sure A was in heaven), and watched the movie Johnny Appleseed. After preschool, we came home and had lunch. We then went to the zoo. We bought a pass earlier this Summer and have not used it nearly enough (only once). The kids loved the zoo. It is actually sort of nice having that pass because I found we can just drop in and then leave whenever. The last time we went the Tiger was out of its area because they were cleaning his area or something, but this time it was there. The kids were so excited. We stayed there until dinner time. The kids said their favorite animals to see were the snakes and the tiger. We also were lucky enough to get a close up view of a leopard eating some sort of animal. We saw a tortoise the size of a love seat (A keeps wanting a turtle, maybe that would be the one for us) and we always love seeing the giraffes. Here are some of the pictures below.

We came around the corner and without notice see this lying in the python's cage. I was really nervous what the kids would think and how it might affect them. T thought it was "cool." A said, "oh what a cute fluffy bunny." I don't know if A knew that the bunny was not going to ever get up and hop again. Regardless of what she thought, I am starting to think that their comments would make us look like the Adam's Family if someone were listening.

This sign was nicely displayed in succession AFTER you already see what is pictured above. Nice placement zoo keepers!

Here is a picture of the leopard eating his meal. I am thinking Thursdays might be big meal days at the zoo. What, do they starve the animals on Saturday when more people are around?

T chose to ride the tiger on the carousel today.

A chose to ride the cute little panda bear on her carousel ride today.

While we were at the zoo today there were many places that said we had to leave the wagon outside. One of them was the place that housed the great white crocodile. I told the kids that we had to park the wagon. T responded, "Dad, just sneak it in there, no one will know!" I am thinking that a big red wagon would be harder to sneak in a building with narrow walkways, then say someone sneaking a candy bar into a movie theater in their pocket.
In the BEE Movie there is a part where the human thinks she is dreaming. So, she stabs her hand with a fork to wake up. The Bee says, "Umm......That was a little weird." Ever since we watched the BEE Movie with the Jones, the kids have been saying that phrase to everything. I have even joined in sometimes when there really is something weird. The kids think it is way funnier when I say it, but they pretty much laugh whenever anyone says that phrase.
While we were driving home from preschool the kids asked me if Johnny Appleseed lives at Disneyland. I told them I didn't think so. They then asked who does live there. I told them as many Disney characters as I could think of. One of which was Aladdin. T said, "what? they even let a street rat live there?!!!" He then burst out laughing, which of course made A and I laugh as well.
We pretty much got to choose our place on the train at the zoo today. The kids chose the very first row of seats right next to the engine. All I could smell was exhaust. I have never felt like I was closer to being asphyxiated in my entire life. I kept trying to get the kids to move, but they wouldn't. I really could swear there was something wrong with that engine. Once the ride was going we would get bursts of fresh air. After the ride I asked them if they had fun. T said, "yeah Dad, that was so awesome, we got to sit right by the engine, and I even got to smell the coal the whole time!" All I could think of, is what a special treat that was for all of us! Incidentally, I guarantee that train does not run on coal.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Wednesday

I have not been able to title many posts "Wednesday", because I do not normally have the kids on Wednesday, so I was excited that today I can. Today we went to the Circus festivities at the Children's Museum. The kids had a great time. They had all kinds of balloons, juggling, popcorn, magic tricks, face painting, etc. They were so cute. They even had their first taste of cotton candy. I know you are all probably thinking how deprived they must be, that they had to wait until age 4 to have cotton candy. Oh well, I guess it wasn't one of my biggest goals when I set out to be a parent. A lot of my theories about parenthood went out the window when I actually became a parent anyway. It wasn't until they were eating it that I realized that they had never had it before. I even had to ask them if they had eaten it before, they both said no.

Tonight we went on a bike ride and then again went over to play fetch with our neighbor's dog Millie. The kids absolutely love her. It is pretty sweet too, because this neighbor loves it when people come and play with her dog. She told us we can come anytime we want, to just let ourselves in the gate. So, it is like having all the benefits of owning a dog, without any of the drawbacks of owning a dog. It was a fun day. I love having the kids this much, it is so fun to be with them.

This was how my cute kids shared their cotton candy today.

We have these little foam things that stick to shower and tub walls when they are wet. T really wanted me to take a picture of his artwork after his shower this morning.

This morning, T asked how tall he was. I told him that he was 41". He said, "Whoa that is so tall, I must be growing so fast!" He then went on to say, "Look my legs are even longer than my arms now!" I told him that was so neat and that it comes from eating healthy foods and getting lots of sleep at night. In my head I was thinking, "I sure hope your legs are longer than your arms. You would look pretty silly with these stubby little legs as your knuckles on your hands scrape the ground as you walk."
We were driving in the car and T told me, "that I was their big, fat Daddy." A then told T, "Daddy is not fat." T responded, "yes he is!" This polite arguing went on for a while, until A sternly said, "T, daddy is NOT fat! He just has hairy arms and legs!"
I told T that he couldn't watch anymore TV after their hour of TV time was up today. He then found Grandma and kept pleading with her. Phrases such as, "Come on Grandma, it is okay!" over and over. He even told her, "we don't even have to tell my dad!" All I could think when my Mom told me that was, Oh no! It has already begun.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Sunday/Monday

The last couple of days, the kids and I have not done a ton of stuff. Sunday morning I picked them up from their Grandma, then we hurried to church. We made it for their individual class time in Primary and for Sacrament Meeting. They were given these little paper feet that they colored. They said, "I can be an example by walking the way Jesus does." Both of A's feet had pink toe nails, it was really cute. T decided to just color the feet a ton of different colors, but leave the toenails blank. I am glad they understand that difference. Their cousins then came over and so we had another huge Sunday dinner in the backyard. They love it when their cousins come over and really enjoy playing with them. All of the younger ones made kites out of construction paper. They were more like sails than kites though.

Today we have spent a lot of time riding bikes through the neighborhood. We have been cleaning and all the normal fun stuff as well. We played with our neighbors dog Millie tonight and the kids loved throwing the ball to her. They decided that she was pretty fast, so they decided to race her. Let's just say that unlike the bike race that I previously posted, neither of them won this time. It was really cute to see them though. It was a fun day. We look forward to doing some fun things this week since I have them and do not have work, only school.

Tonight before dinner I was loading the dishwasher. A was really cute and wanted to help me clean everything. She stood on her stool and moved the scrubber all over this big pot. It was really fun to talk with her while she did it. She only ended up helping me for about 10 minutes. Dinner was then ready and we ate. Just before we said the prayer, A said, "I am so glad I finally get some time to relax after all the chores I have been doing." It was so funny.
Tonight the kids took turns going to the bathroom before bed. T went first. A then immediately went in there and said, UGGGH!, T, why can you never put the seat down after you go potty!" T then said, "you never lift up the seat for me A." I know you are not supposed to choose sides as a parent. After so many years, I actually always put the seat down, but I have to admit I was siding with T on this one a little.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Deep Thoughts, Shallow Brain, Part 11

The kids are spending a little bit of time with their Mom this weekend. I am really fortunate because starting tomorrow, I get to spend 9 days straight with them. Normally I would be writing about all the stuff that they said or that we have been doing. That is not so easy when they are not with me. So, I guess my brain decided to fill the void by producing a bunch of (not very good) poems. Here is my latest one.

Tonight I went back home, to visit with my Father,
His time He freely gives me, it never seems I’m a bother.

I feel of His love, the moment I walk into His place,
knowing of His great joy, without even beholding His face.

I sit there and wonder, why I do not visit more,
and feel the great feelings, that I’ve always felt before.

He just seems glad to see me, as we talk in our own way,
I love to listen to Him, and He loves to hear what I say.

Even with all my brothers, and sisters all around,
He has time for all of us, His love, it does abound.

What an unmatchable feeling, He always seems aware,
I can talk to Him about anything, and feel His great care.

Never has there been a visit, where I do not feel such peace,
When the world seems so difficult, it’s where I go for release.

As He listens to me, His support, He always lends,
Although He is my Father, He's the best of all my friends.

The short visit is soon over, the time has now come to go,
I am grateful for my Father, and the love that He doth show.

As I leave, I hear Him, “Thanks for visiting me this day,”
“PLEASE come around often, PLEASE do not stay away."

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Deep Thoughts, Shallow Brain, Part 10

What causes someone to give a warm smile?
a simple little gesture that can last for a mile

What changes a heart to do something nice?
loving actions your unable, to buy at any price

What makes people show someone they care?
comfort that helps you, know that they’re there

What drives a loved one, to take time to be near?
to wrap their arms around you, to show you they’re here.

What helps someone put the selfish away?
to respond to someone else’s needs for a day

What would move someone to give of their time?
to help you ascend mountains you couldn’t climb

What must someone think, when they sacrifice so great?
To stop, and to lift from you, a remarkable weight

What causes them to act? some may inquire,
to respond to another with love and desire.

To stop for a minute to see all as their brother,
to apply the sweet phrase “love one another.”

A sweet gentle prompting, from up above,
from one who gave the ultimate, sacrifice of love.

So let us look, for opportunities right in our way,
let us all seek out those, we can serve today.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Everybody Wins

Today the kids wanted to race on their bikes, and wanted me to video it with my camera. If you listen closely to them at the end, you will hear how everybody is a winner at our house! We went to Target today and bought some new training wheels for A's bike. She hit a curb really hard with the original ones, and they were so cheap they just fell apart. She now has some sweet black racing wheels to go with her all princess bike.

Just in the last couple of days T has started to sing in the shower. He will not do it if he thinks anybody is in the bathroom, but if he is sure he is by himself, he sings. What does he sing? Mostly Primary songs, but a few little ones that he must have made up himself. I think it is so cute and hilarious that this little guy likes to sing in the shower.
I was using the bathroom when T came barging in. I said, "hey bud you need to go out and give me some privacy please." He responded, "Dad, I am not here to look at your pee-pee, I just need you to help me with something."
A really wanted an apple today. She really loves to eat them. Unfortunately she had eaten many of them over the weekend and we did not have any left. I offered her a peach, a nectarine, some cantaloupe or a banana. I then tried to offer her cherry tomatoes or sugar snap peas. She was not interested and decided if she could not have an apple, she was not hungry. A tiny bit later I saw her drawing something. I asked her what she was drawing. She said, "an apple, since I can't have one to eat, I want to at least have a picture of one!"

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Busy Day, A Day of Rest

Saturday I finally got the part for the window on the car and finished that up. T helped me the whole time. When we put the new motor and regulator in I would start the bolts and then let him use the ratchet to tighten the bolts. He was in heaven. He told everyone how he fixed his window. We also had some family over to watch the BYU football game. It is a common Saturday occurrence during football season. Next, I got my haircut. For those of you wondering, no, crazy haircut girl was not working. DARN! Although I did have quite the experience. The girl asked me if I was married. She then asked if I had kids. I answered both questions honestly. She then went on to tell me that she did not want kids herself. She was fine with just her cat. She had been engaged twice, but she broke it off because both fiances wanted kids and she was not about to throw her life away. She went on to say that, really, marriage is just a piece of paper anyway. You can have the exact same life and not be married, so why bother. I am really beginning to wonder whether I should find a new place to have my hair cut. I mean is it the chemicals that they breath in there, or is it just part of new employee orientation? Anyway, I would go to a different place, but I think too much of that stuff is funny. As long as they don't butcher my hair, I think I will keep going so I can hear all of their wonderful insights into the world. In the night we went to a ward activity. We went to a ward member's home and had an outside movie night with everyone. We all brought our blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows and watched Bedknobs and Broomsticks under the stars. We had treats as well as Hot Chocolate. Once my kids settled down I think they were some of the only ones who watched the movie. I laid in between them and they ended up falling asleep. It was a lot of fun and really nice of the people in the ward to host it.

Today, we went to church as usual. Part of the lesson in the kids' primary class was about animals. They each got a small stuffed animal, and a pencil and little ring which said "I Am a Child of God". They even had a visit from their Primary teachers dog, Sophie. They were so excited and sure love to learn. We are so lucky to have such a good Primary teacher that takes so much time and care into preparing the lessons for them. The kids were good in Sacrament Meeting as well, we are just still working on whispering. After church some cousins came over and played for a while. We went on our normal walk, but the kids both seemed to have melt-downs because they both wanted to pull the wagon. It all ended well though with them taking turns and having fun with a couple of their cousins on the walk.

So I have hesitated a lot to put this one up on the blog because of its embarrassing nature, but I finally decided, what the heck. The kids and I were driving some where the other day. They are somewhat crazy in the car a lot of the time (particularly when we drive long distances). I had a tiny bit of flatulence shall we say, and said, "excuse me." The kids must not have heard me over their playing. A finally sniffed and said, "oh my goodness, what is that smell?!!" Since we were in a more rural area by some cows, T said, "A, it is just all those cows, silly!" A responded, "T, no cow smells that bad!" I was laughing so hard. I mean I have heard people say the phrase, "nothing human could have done that," but apparently I was worse than an animal with 4 stomachs. The stuff they say (even at my expense) cracks me up.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Yardwork, Car Repairs, and Fun

Here are the good friends just after the movie ended. T & A told me one day last week that these are their future spouses. One of the Jones is not pictured, because he had already fallen asleep during the show.

Yesterday the kids and I did a whole bunch of yard work. They kept looking for leaves to rake while I mowed the lawns. It was so funny. They ended up jumping in a pile of leaves about the size of a basketball (that is about all the leaves they could find), but they had fun. I then spent most of the day tearing apart one of the back doors on the car to fix a broken window motor and regulator (the window would not even stay up). I ended up having to stop, however, because no one in town had the part. I am getting it tomorrow though. As I was tearing apart the door to fix everything T & A decided that they wanted to use my tools too. T actually took all the screws out of his bubble-blowing lawn mower and then when they started use my open-ended wrenches on their bikes, I put a halt to it. They both love my tools (T in particular) and they love to see how things work. I was having a lot more fun watching them, than working on my own project. In the night the Jones invited us over to have a movie night with them. We had popcorn, brownies, and drinks, and watched The Bee Movie. T & A had so much fun playing and spending time with them. We haven't played with them forever and it was nice for our families to hang out again, like we used to back in the day. We all had a great time it is something we will have to do more often.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Deep Thoughts, Shallow Brain, Part 9

SEPTEMBER 11, 2008

Seven years ago today, as two twins were standing tall,
an evil band of terrorists came, and caused these giants to fall.

We can all remember our place, as the news shook us to the core,
thinking of the savage attack, the likes of which we’d never seen before.

Now that time has passed, do will still remember that day,
or have we gone on with our lives, wanting it to go away?

The innocent victims trapped within, praying to soon be free,
the heroes filled with a sense of hope, as they struggle to clear the debris.

We certainly saw the worst of times, as we watched the news unfold,
the sadness that filled each of our hearts, as the horrible story was told.

Family, a friend, loved ones too, all trapped in that awful state,
hoping that someone would rescue them, all they could do was wait.

Another scene we saw that day, heroes sacrifice all,
to put someone above themselves, and nobly answer the call.

A new direction from this tragedy, as we held each other close,
vowing to stand so strong together, at the loss we all oppose.

Though we did all we could, most lives were changed forever,
“We will never forget” become our cry, and we made it our endeavor.

And yet it seems there are so many, who’ve forgotten that fateful time,
they refuse to think of those days, and remember that horrible crime.

For others the pain is just too much, for any one person to bear,
the loved one lost, lives so changed, the complete and utter despair.

When those within prayed for help, there was one who healed the pain,
He calmed their hearts and strengthened them; their cries were not in vain.

When the rescuers here were called to task, the job was just too much,
His glorious hand reached within, He healed them with His touch.

He quietly told them this life was done, and gently carried them high,
unto the peaceful place above, as each body took its last sigh.

Yet while He saved and healed the hearts, of the victims of this rubble,
their loved one’s hearts were missing someone, a horrible, empty bubble.

Since that time He’s called out to them, “Look to me for I am here.”
“I seek to strengthen and comfort you; I hold your heart so dear.”

If we hear His voice and answer the call, He helps us understand,
He pulls us from the depths of despair, and takes us by the hand.

Do we have to wait for disaster, to answer His gentle plea?
For He has ALWAYS, called out to us, not just in tragedy.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Deep Thoughts, Shallow Brain, Part 8

Lots of things in life could easily make one frown,
rough times in particular, can bring anybody down.

The world hits hard, one has to be tough,
sometimes we feel we’ve just had enough.

Things seem so divided, the contention is great,
many people at odds, no matter the debate.

There is the constant pressure, of all that we must do,
the heaviness of the tasks, can certainly make us blue.

Here we've reached the point, at which we simply must stop,
stop thinking of the things, which put us over the top.

We must turn to see the ways, that show us we’ve been blessed,
to focus on the good things, to steer clear of all the rest.

Things can always happen, we're unable to control all,
will it cause us to stumble, or will it cause us to fall?

We can find deep within, a strength beyond our own,
to help us rise above, to a place we’ve never known.

Do ALL you can do, then let the chips fall where they may,
clear out the negative things, let happiness rule the day.

It only takes a little bit, just twenty-two muscles to smile,
much less than thirty-seven, if you frown all the while.

Make the right decision, make your twenty-two muscles show,
you could change someone else’s day, and infect those you may know.

So, when the world is caving in, and you’re barely holding on,
look for ways to bring a smile, and you’ll see the brighter dawn.

Find all the great you can in life, decide not to be depressed,
look for ways to make a smile, count the ways you’ve been blessed!

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Church and Cake

The last couple of weeks, the kids have been on time to Primary, so they have been able to get their sticker (something that I cannot always say happens, it seems we ALWAYS manage to be like 3 minutes late). T had a hard time in Primary today. He seems to be struggling with all of the changes and things in life. They are both going to playgroup therapy to help them with all that they are feeling. It is sad to see them have to deal with so much. They are good kids and they are strong, I am sure with a little help they will be okay. The other thing that really caused him some heart ache is that their normal teacher was not there today. Therefore, he did not want to go to his class. When he finally calmed down enough to go I think he really enjoyed it. Their lesson was on showing love to others. The teachers had cut out little hearts that they would raise if the teacher gave an example of showing love. If it was not an example of showing love, they would keep them down. It was really neat and I think they had fun with it. They also got to pay their tithing today. T loves to give my tithing to the Bishop, but this is always so much more special to them. I sat with each one of them and helped them write their names and fill the envelope. They couldn't wait for Sacrament to be over to run and give their tithing to the Bishop. It is really neat to see their constant desire to do good. After church we went on a much earlier walk. Later, during our normal walk time, we went to my nephew's birthday party with cake and ice cream. They hadn't played with those cousins for a little while, so it was really fun for them. It was a fun, although somewhat busy Sunday.

The kids were being pretty wild as we were driving home from the lake yesterday. I had to tell T to stop pestering A and that both of them needed to calm down. T said, "Dad, I was only teasing." I then told them that there is a big difference between pestering and teasing. A then piped up and said, "Dad there really is not a lot of difference between pestering and teasing." The more I thought about it, she was right. I figured out the difference. The actions on T's part could be completely the same in both instances. What is the difference? If it is teasing, then A is laughing at whatever T is doing. If it is pestering, then A is screaming at whatever T is doing.
Today my brother was tickling T. T said, "will you stop tickling me already, you have your own grand kids to tickle." My brother said, "I don't have any grand kids." T responded, "what do you think your own kids are."
T has suddenly learned to rhyme, and he loves doing it. This morning, he said, "Fee Fi Fo Fum, I want to chew some GUM!" I started laughing, but A was laughing really hard. She thinks her brother is hilarious (SOMETIMES). I asked him if he learned that somewhere, but no, apparently he just made it up. When I quizzed him on it a tiny bit, A confirmed that he was telling the truth.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

A Day on the Lake

We headed up to the lake at about 8AM this morning for a fun time. We had intended to stay until maybe 2PM, but ended up being there until about 6PM. Hey, if everyone is having a good time, why stop a good thing right? I invited some friends that I have had since before high school. We had a lot of fun. Everyone was especially so sweet and nice to T and A. We finally got some pictures of T water skiing with me. He has been doing this since he was 2 1/2 years old. It was awesome. He was on cloud nine as we got back in the boat and he bragged about what a good water skier he is. We also got a new rope made especially for wake boarding (it is more of a cable than a rope). I was really skeptical, I mean a rope is a rope right? Nope. The first time I flew through the air (really that is like the Spruce Goose flying), I realized this gave me a lot more control and A LOT more hang time. It was all really great except for the part where I crashed so hard on my face that I felt like I should go back and search for my eyelids. After boating we went to Park City and had dinner at Cafe Rio. So, what started out as a quick morning trip that was supposed to bring us back home by 2PM, ended up being a fun filled day that brought us home at 8PM instead. I just got done showering the kids and putting them to bed, unloading the boat, and ironing all the clothes for church. Who says that work comes first, then comes play? Okay, I am only kidding, I try to teach the kids that all the time and try to live it myself. Anyway, it was a fun day and may be our last boating day this season. :(

T and I skiing together. The best water skier ever! Notice he just hangs there, he doesn't actually touch the skis. I hold him tight under his arms and with his legs by my knees.

Even the best water skier ever needs a rest sometimes. I don't think a time has gone by this season where both of the kids did not fall asleep on the boat. I cannot even believe they are able to sleep, but they seem comfy.

I showed A how to pretend to be a walrus with her Twizzlers today.

This is my buddy (if you look close you can see his foot in the air) as I was in the process of knocking him off the tube.

We could never go to the lake without having some time with T and A in the tube. A likes to go slow and smooth, T would prefer to go fast and bumpy. It is a little hard to accommodate both at the same time.

I LOVE this picture of T and I coming out of the water. Not only is his face priceless, but it almost looks like he suddenly got a larger body since you can barely even tell I am holding him.

Friday, September 5, 2008

A Mowin' and A Washin'

The kids love to help vacuum. They really do a pretty good job too, maybe I should open a detail shop with them as my assistants. In this case I am not breaking any child labor laws. They are merely cleaning up their own mess. I mean, I don't ever sit in the back seat.

This morning like so many other Friday mornings, we mowed the lawns and then washed the car on the lawn. We probably haven't washed the car for two weeks or so, therefore, it was especially filthy. The kids love to help so much, especially with cleaning the car. They are such good kids and great little helpers. Below are some of the funny things that the kids have said today and in the recent past.

A little while back we bought T a remote control helicopter. I had to keep telling the kids to be gentle with it since most of it is only made out of styrofoam. I heard A later tell her cousin to "be careful with the helicopter because it is made out of stylaphone."
While T was helping me clean the car he asked me how old it is. I told him it was eight years old. They attended one of their cousin's baptisms last week. So, T said, "when is our car going to get baptized?" I explained that only people who choose to, get baptized, and things like cars don't. He said, "Dad I am sure our car would like to get baptized, why don't you just drive it down to the church and baptize it." While his first statement was said seriously, his last statement was said jokingly.
After we got done washing the car, the kids were sort of arguing over who got to use the squeegee and who got to use the chamois first. A told T that, "it was her turn to use the sammy to dry the car first!"
I told the kids that the car was probably so happy that we were giving it a bath. A asked why. I told her that if we were dirty like the car was we would really want to have a shower or bath too. Also, I told her that it had been so long since we have washed it. A said, "Well Dad, if I am ever this dirty, don't use that car wash brush thing on me, okay?" This was followed quickly by T saying, "the car does not even have a mouth, so how do you know what it thinks?"

Monday, September 1, 2008

The Monkeys go to Jungle Jim's

While T loved the bumper cars, A found them somewhat frustrating. T seemed to really pick up the whole steering wheel=movement thing quickly, A did not like it. She did, however, understand me as I yelled "turn the wheel right", or "turn the wheel left". The first time T was really aggressive. He slammed every car he could. The rest of the rounds I think he started to just enjoy the open road and the freedom that comes with being able to drive. He would just steer clear of any wreckage unless his sister or cousins needed a bump to break free.

Here is T and one of his cousins driving simultaneously on the Jeep safari.

Here is A and her other cousin on the planes. A was fine with making it go high as long as they quickly came back down. She did not seem to like cruising at an altitude of 6'4". Funny, I sort of like cruising around at that altitude........until I hit my head on something.

Here is A with her very first Fun Dip!

T's Fun Dip gave him the blue tongue blues.

Last night my two nephews had a sleep over while their parents went away. It was really fun for all the kids. However, in order to keep all the kids from tearing apart the house, we decided to take them all to Jungle Jim's and let them tear apart their stuff instead. It was actually a really fun rainy-day place to go. They have a small roller coaster, motorized swings, bumper cars, a huge play area, a little jeep safari, arcade games, and little airplanes. The kids had a great time. They also won enough tickets that they were all able to get their own Fun Dip treat. I think this is the first Fun Dip that my kids have ever had, but they seemed to like it a lot. As an adult Fun Dips look strangely disgusting, but I remember loving those things as a kid. It is weird how being one of those old grown-ups changes you! I guess I will go eat some broccoli, take all my medicine, soak my dentures, and open a new package of Depends before I head off to bed tonight.

T was getting tickled by Grandma this morning, and was having a hard time breaking free. I was just watching and smiling. T saw me looking at him and said, "uh...Dad, a little help here!"
We have been working a lot on privacy with the kids lately. So, when T started changing his clothes right in the family room, I reminded him he needed to go to his room or the bathroom. He said, "oh, right, I don't need anyone staring at my naked bum!"

the first FIVE years