Sticky Kisses

Well, as David put it - the arm of flesh was again lengthened in another ceremony of pomp and circumstance - we still enjoy the opportunity to reflect on the accomplishment of graduation. Dad and Sherry Hoffman were able to make the trip up which was awesome. We ate a fun dinner at Los Hermanos. Thanks to all those who provided moral support and prayers as David did this. The highlights were when #2 and I ran into Elder L. Tom Perry in the parking lot and got to have a quick discussion and when David got to shake his hand, have a quick discussion on a conference talk, and get congratulated by him. Here are some of the pictures from the day. (1) Us with Elder Cecil O. Samuelson and his wife. (dumb "professional" cameramen) (2) David with his chair and the dean of the department, Legrand Richards (grandson of... duh). (3) Us.

He is already itching to get back into the classroom... maybe it will pass. S&I denied his request to attend Stanford for the 09-10 year for a Doctorate. Not that it is needed, he can fill any position in S&I now with his current degree, with the only exception of Ivy League type institutes. To teach at those, one must have an Ivy League (or similar level) doctorate or the students do not respect the instructor enough to come and strains relations with the institution itself. (That's what we've been told). It therefore does not make sense - because of the time away from family and money spent - to get a Doctorate unless it would be to further his career at such a school. (Bonus! I like him at home :) ). So, he's continuing his learning addiction without the formal education structure for a while.

We found out how to upload links to a smattering of our favorite songs. You can silence it at the bottom of the site, or you can listen and enjoy. The player allows you to pick songs you want to hear, you do not have to just listen to the one playing! They are now organized by genre so you can pick a style you enjoy and listen for a while. Enjoy everything from #1's favorites "peanut butter and jelly" and "Defying Gravity", to David's favorite modern classical pianist - Christopher O'Riley. If you leave the site open there is about 4 hours of our music selections.

David is coaching #1's soccer team - the Wildcats! The first practice went very well! We are looking forward to the first game later this week.

Today I tried to help Melissa with #1's schooling. That... was... painful... Today's workbook lesson was "the same and opposite". We were trying to help #1 understand the subject. After some massive failings on examples, we got to this part of the conversation.

"What is the same as glad?"
"Sad"
"No, that is a rhyme, not the same. Let's try this again. I am a boy. Who else is the same, a boy? [as I look at #2].
"Some of my boyfriends are boys."
"What the crap?!? Boyfriends...?!? Wait one second - Some of...?!?"

[At this point Melissa is crying from laughing]

Then #2 pops in and says,
"I'm taller than you."
And #1 says,
"Actually, I'm five years old, so you are not."

Crap, crap, crap.

I can't take this - I'm gone...

We got a new family portrait. It will be available for download at the bottom of the page for a week or two. Character-atures are available via the Simpsons movie webpage.

A little while ago, we had family home evening on the Word of Wisdom. At the conclusion of the lesson David went to Smith's and we played the "what's okay" and "what we don't put in our bodies" game while picking out a treat. We taught #1 how to look on beverage containers to see if things we do not drink (Alcohol, Tea leaves, coffee beans, harmful drugs) are in the drink. She became very good at it. We had to put a stop to the game as we got to the checkout and the burly tattooed biker in front of us was carrying a case of beer and the mother behind us had enough unacceptable liquid to fill a bathtub... it's not nice to point kids!

In a slightly related story, on Tuesday, one of our friends told us a story about how he was able to finally kick a habit he had for years and how much better he felt about it. While drinking an interesting beverage, #1 looked at him, squinted her eyes, and cocked her head to the side. He said that the Spirit slapped him, and he went cold turkey on the spot. Sweet.

Stage 3 of the playroom is in full construction mode, with mudding, taping, and dreams of sugarswearing fairies dancing in our heads. We are improving with time at our effectiveness.

Props to Lisa and Jennifer for jumping in on the reading train. In other news, what graduate degree would not be complete without some painful stupid horror story to strike fear into the hearts of future attendees? BYU informed me that I would not be able to graduate unless I paid them about 600 bucks. When we got to the bottom of the pile of... laundry, we learned that I was being charged for their secretarial error. But I should have known that because it was an eight-point-font footnote at the bottom of the 300 page graduate handbook, which they told us we didn't really need to read... After two appeals they cut the charge in half. Ye-ha. Another thing to tack on to the list of lessons learned from this degree: you can always pay for other's mistakes.

A friend of ours (props to Whitney) introduced us to a site called "Good reads" where you can track the books you have read, want to read, then rate and write reviews. It is a blast. A great way for children to see what and when you read books and how you felt about them. Also a sweet site to keep track of what your friends are reading and find other good reads. (Steve and Lisa I think would particularly like it.) It is going to take some time to update from the spreadsheet, but I've got the collection started. For those who want to join and sign David up as a friend, please contact me.
Love to see what you like! Beware, reading is addictive. Feed the children first.

CBS informed me this morning that my March Madness bracket took 70th place in the world for their bracket challenge. I looked at the site, and it looks as if I would have taken Davidson to the sweet 16, I could be 10,000 dollars richer right now. Should have started with a prayer. So close! For now, I will be content with a record that will stand unbroken (smack talk) in the family for generations to come. 7 of 8 elite eight, and all of the final four, two, and champion. 48 total correct picks. Proof that doing diligent match-up analysis based on guard play, depth of scoring, and rebounding pays off (particularly when a monstrous amount of luck is involved). Now clap and watch me do a jig...

Elder Ballard's comments were mostly directed to us young mothers but he also addressed parts of his talk to children. I decided to share his prophetic counsel with #1 and #2. After listening, pausing the play back, and discussing it, I began to put the computer away. #2 stopped me and said, "Can we listen to Elder Bowzer again?" Ballard...Bowzer...I can see how the confusion may have happened. #2 was calling President Monson "President Monster" just a short time ago. One at a time, #2 will know all 15!
What did #1 and #2 learn from Elder Ballard? Clean up your toys when you're done playing with them. Give your mother a big hug and say 'I love you'. When you're older you can make your own bed. Do other chores all by yourself without being asked. Say thank you after good meals and when she reads stories to you. They began doing as directed even before their breakfast was finished!

General Conference is always a wonderful time to get answers to questions. Day 1 was no exception. Aside from the personal revelation family members received, some particular talks stood out. Elder Scott's discussion on abuse is another masterwork for the ages. Elder Nelson's discussion made quite an impress on Melissa - but she just forgot what she liked about it. Our first liked the ties (that was what she drew as she played conference bingo) and our boy liked jumping on the trampoline... and siblings. Oh wait, she just remembered (checked her notes!) she liked... stuff.

Betty, the illustrious trophy for the Hoffman March madness trophy is not moving from my office, one could say she is getting dusty. Thanks to all those who participated this year, it was the closest of any year yet. Usually only Steve and I have a chance to win it after the first couple rounds, but this year the competition was intense (though Steve and I still ended up in the lead). See you all next year for the same fun and intensity! What think ye of a point redistribution?