Sunday Happenings

It was a great day at church. In primary the kids learned all about prophets. I guess they did quite well at a prophet matching game from what their teachers said. Meanwhile, we talked about Elder Wirthlin's last conference talk about laughing about life, realizing blessings, attitudes in trials, etc. It was a great to go over this talk because it is one of my favorites. After church I took the kids on a walk. I made them bundle up in their coats and put a blanket over their legs while they rode in the wagon. They have decided to play this new game lately where they pull the blanket over their heads the whole time we are walking. We use this blue blanket, so they look like a blue camel's back. They are just these two little humps cruising around behind me in the Radio Flyer wagon. They asked me for some real keys lately, so I found them both some useless old keys and key chains. When they weren't riding in the wagon, they were fighting the bushes with their keys and pretending they were getting the "bad guys." Apparently I must have been reading to them about "Don Quixote" without knowing it. It sounds an awful lot like him fighting windmills and thinking they were dragons or whatever.

• Today the kids were pretty good in church, but were a little too loud. I had to keep asking them to "shhhhh" because they weren't listening. Just before someone was actually going to say the sacrament prayer, T said, "DAD, STOP SAYING SHHH, SHHHH, SHHH, SHHH ALL THE TIME, IT IS SO ANNOYING!" I am sure everyone heard because it was dead quiet for the prayer.


• I was talking to the kids tonight about how blessed we are. I was telling them that there are lots of people that do not have a warm house to live in, cars to drive, toys to play with, clothes to wear, or even food to eat. T responded, "oh, that would stink!" A then said, that their "mommy gave some money to a man that didn't have anything to eat, but he did have a house in hell." Needless to say I was quite surprised by this response and had to keep from laughing. I explained that I was sure the person doesn't live in hell because that is only where Satan lives. I also told her that we probably should not use that word because it is not a very good one. She said, "okay, then I don't need to talk about where the man lives then."

Body Worlds 3/Madagascar 2

Yesterday afternoon I went with a friend to the Body Worlds 3 exhibit. I have never really heard of Body Worlds 1 & 2, but I am sure they happened somewhere. The exhibit really was incredible. I could not believe all that they were able to show. It is amazing how complex the human body is. It still amazes me that a woman's body can develop this infinitely complex person in only 9 months. I am so sure this is all from evolution! Normally I just respectfully disagree with people, but in this case I have to say "what a load of crap!" Going to that kind of an exhibit only strengthens my belief in a supreme being. In my mind, there is no way that all the different necessary systems just came together. Now that I've jumped back off my soap box, it really was amazing. Many people I have talked to thought they would get too queasy at the exhibit and so they don't want to go. Here is the deal. If you get sick when the advertisements come on, it is not a good idea to go. If you are generally fine with them, I would chance it. You will probably find it worth your time and money. It is quite the experience. Here is the website theleonardo.org for people wondering what on earth Body Worlds 3 even is.

Today while I was winterizing the boat :( , the kids wanted to ride their bikes. I know it is probably pretty funny to watch a kid ride their bike with a heavy winter coat on, but that is what they wanted to do. Later, this evening I decided to take the kids to Madagascar 2. I really liked it and thought it was a great movie. The kids really enjoyed it, and I laughed plenty. What more can you ask from a kids show? The penguins and the king are definitely my favorite in both of these movies. After the movie was over, I asked the kids what their favorite parts were (I am not giving any of the movie away). T said his favorite part was when the lion and the zebra said they were sorry and were friends again. A said she was just glad when all the animals were together. I was blushing because I was so proud, we rode the whole way home in complete bliss, and............it only took 2 minutes in the house before T was pestering A, and A was hitting T. As I was saying, I was so proud of them, and that car ride home was complete bliss.

• In the lunch prayer today, T blessed our clothes. I was thinking that was a great idea. Why didn't I think of that? Bless their clothes to grow as they grow, always be in style, never wear out, and get short or long sleeves depending on the weather.
• A pretended to give me a million dollars. I asked her what I was supposed to do with a million dollars. She said, buy yourself a new fancy truck..........or......even a BALL! Yeah, that is about the same price range.
• T knows how to get the most out of our shampoo. When he is in the shower and he notices the bottle is about half empty, he fills the rest with water. I kept wondering how my shampoo was getting so watered down. I kept trying to figure out how on earth water could be getting in there. T proudly explained how he made some more shampoo this morning (he showed me the bubbles and everything) when I was helping him out of the shower.

The Mall

I already just posted something a couple of hours ago, but I can't help sharing. I don't know if I really have more weird experiences than everyone I know, or if it is how I look at them. Either way, here is another one. I have to first explain that I have not been in a mall (other than maybe a quick photo shoot for the kids) in at least 3 years. It is just not my cup of tea, and I almost never have a reason to go there. Tonight the kids were doing something with their Mom and I was left to my own devices until they returned (never a good thing). I could not make too many plans because I needed to be available at their return. I went to the mall to see if I could find a present I had been looking for. So, I am walking and since no one can miss me, every kiosk person wants to stop me. Some of them are creative and say, "can I ask you a question?" Just so you know, if you are asked this in the future, the answer is, NO! I didn't want to be rude, so I said sure. The lady asks me if I believe in magic. I say, "not really." Before I know it, she grabs my hand and starts polishing my thumb nail to a high gloss luster. She then says, "now do you believe in magic?" I responded that while it was impressive and all, I still don't really believe in magic. She retorts, that is because I haven't told you the price. All I could think is, "unless you are paying me to buy your product, I am not going to believe in magic." So, I had to sternly tell her "not today" (don't worry, lots of practice with the kids) a few times before my shiny thumb nail and I were set free. I think I am in the clear when I almost instantly get stopped by another kiosk person. I kid you not, she says, "how would you like to improve the look of your face?" I was sooooo close to asking her if she was indeed the magician the other girl had been talking about. I laughingly told her that, "we all have our challenges, and if God thinks I need to have a face like this, I will cheerfully deal with it." She then responds, "well, it could be so much better." Is this girl captain obvious or what? I am walking through a mall by MYSELF on a Friday night! Don't you think I know that? Eventually, with all the politeness I could possibly muster, I got out of there. I don't know if that was how she was trained to approach people, or if that is just a special talent she was blessed with. Perhaps if things don't work out at the mall, she could get a job as a counselor helping people who may be struggling with their self-esteem. Let's just say that I walked very close to the walls for the rest of my sojourn at the mall, and stayed away from the middle. Come to think of it, three years may have been a little premature to be walking around the mall....

Doctors/Patients

MEETING WITH THE DOCTOR
Earlier this week I went to the doctor. I knew that I was sick with about the only thing I ever get sick with, strep throat. I am the king of strep throat. I have had it six times in one winter, but I am hoping to break that record this year. So far I have had it three times since August. So, I went to the Instacare. I went in and had all the normal vitals checked. Everything was perfectly normal except the reading for oxygen in my blood, it was 91 out of 100. I have learned plenty about this reading in my work over the years. While this is not a great level, it is not horrible either. It could very easily be explained away by someone being sick. I then met with the doctor. I described my cold like symptoms and even told her that it is probably strep throat as that is the only thing I ever get sick with. She instantly zeroed in on the low oxygen level. She called for a chest x-ray and a few blood tests, despite my protests. They turned up nothing. She said, "well, let's just wish for the best, it seems like a virus." I said, "Do you think I could get an antibiotic?" I know that antibiotics will not help a virus, but I was quite sure it was not a virus, but a bacterial infection, like..........STREP THROAT! She told me "no, antibiotics do not help viruses." I said, "do you think we could do a strep test then?" She said, "that's fine, but it is just a waste of time." She did a strep test in a very upset sort of way. I mean how dare I question the doctor? What do I know? It is only the body I have lived in my whole life. She came back and said, "wow, you really know your body, we didn't even have to wait the regular length of time, and it was totally positive." Oh my goodness! How surprising! I NEVER saw that coming! She was suddenly my friend again. Overall, I really am grateful that she was willing to go above and beyond, as many doctors won't. If I would have had something serious going on, it would have all been worth it. In the end I am thankful she was so concerned about my health..........that is, until I get the bill from the radiologist.

FUN WITH A PATIENT
Every time I am leaving a patients' home before a holiday, I will say a phrase such as, "HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING!" Most patients appreciate it, I think, and respond in a similar fashion. On Wednesday, one patient wasn't nearly as appreciative. I could only guess that she might be a certain religion. In a very stern, upset manner she said, "You really should be careful who you say things to, not everyone celebrates these holidays, so it can be very offensive!" I was not willing to apologize because I was not truly sorry. I politely said, "okay, thank you, that is good to know." I mean if someone wished me a Happy Hanukkah, I would not get upset, I would just say, "thank you." Doesn't mean I celebrate it. As I was about to leave the next patients' home, I remembered what the last lady had said. It took me ALMOST an eighth of a second to say, "HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING!" Maybe that last lady would not have been so crabby if she were willing to celebrate a holiday in which we GIVE THANKS! I know, just another one of my crazzzy theories. Also, if she is indeed a member of the faith I think she is, I am pretty sure they have some pretty big limits on the amount of medical care they will receive. It sort of makes me wonder what I was doing there in the first place.

Thanksgiving Day

The kids are spending Thanksgiving this year with their Mom. Other than missing them and wishing they were with me, this has to be one of the best Thanksgiving Days I can remember. I went to the gym this morning (they were open until 2PM) and worked out for a couple of hours. Afterwards, I sort of ditched out on my family for quite a few hours. I did eventually meet up with all of them and it was great to eat, laugh, and just spend time with them. I have wanted to do something for several years, and since I didn't have the kids, figured this was the year to do it. It was such an amazing experience and one I hope to repeat in the future. I have gained a whole new perspective on the words "blessed," "thankful," "fortunate," and "love" (as in seeing all as your brother or sister). I am so blessed in every way, and I am so thankful. I was telling a friend how odd I think it is (in a joking way), that we show how thankful we are by having a smorgasbord of food and pigging out. As I then explained, everyone knows that Thanksgiving is not REALLY about the food, the food is just an excuse. It is about getting together with those we love and care about. It is about enjoying each other's company. It is a special time in which we stop all the hustling that the world requires to re-center ourselves on what is truly important. The concept of this Holiday is so great. We stop for a time to realize our blessings and to spend time with loved ones. I think the pilgrims and Indians were truly inspired.

What is Thankful? From Where does it Come?

Thankful is not complaining about the food that has been placed before us.

Instead it is in realizing that we have food to eat. That the food we have been given gives us the nutrition we need, and allows us to accomplish all that we must do.

Thankful does not come from wanting a bigger home.
Instead, thankfulness comes in realizing that no matter how humble, we have a roof over our heads. We have shelter from the heat and cold. We have a place for our family to gather and be safe from the storms.

Thankful does not come from grudgingly going to work.
Instead, it comes in our gratitude for our employment and employer. It comes from being grateful to put the skills we have been blessed with to good use. A thankful person can see the challenges facing so many today and be grateful that they are not in that situation.

Thankful is not wishing we had enough money for what we want.
Instead it is in being grateful that we have enough money for what we need. It is in realizing that if we have all that we need and then two pennies more, we are indeed rich. It comes from remembering that far too many in the world would love to have their needs met.

Thankful is not whining about all the problems in our country.
Instead it is in knowing we have a voice and we have freedom. It comes in knowing that freedom is not always free. It comes from gratitude for the men and women who have fought and died for us to maintain our freedom through all generations. It comes in being able to stand up when we do not agree. It comes in knowing that each individual can make a difference. Most of all, it comes from knowing that while far from perfect, we still live in the greatest country in the world.

Thankful does not come from getting upset when our children misbehave.
Instead it is realizing that we have the blessing of being the most important people in the life of a child. It comes from knowing we have the ability to shape them into something great. We can be a light and an example that can shine in them and through generations to come.

Thankful does not come from wanting what others have.
Instead, thankful comes from wanting what we have. It comes from taking time to realize our blessings and realizing all we have been given. It comes in realizing these gifts and knowing that the Lord blessed us each individually with what we really need most. We can never be thankful by focusing on the blessings of others, for then we will have no time left to see our own blessings.

A thankful person does not say, “I am thankful, but….”
A thankful person shows the ways in which they are thankful. They are not looking for gaps in their blessings. They do not see the glass half empty, but see how full the glass is. To a thankful person, it goes way beyond whether the glass is half full or half empty. They not only see the glass half full, but can also see a space where more blessings are yet to come. This then makes them watchful and aware as individual blessings happen in their life.

Thankful does not come from looking down upon all we have been blessed with.
Thankfulness comes from looking up towards the Heavens in gratitude of all we have been given. It comes in knowing that we have a loving, caring Heavenly Father who knows us. It comes in realizing that he knows what is best for us, and is always mindful of our wants, desires, and especially our needs. Someone who is truly thankful even appreciates the challenges, hard times, and struggles. Thankful comes from realizing that the hard times only strengthen us. They also give us remembrance to help us to be more thankful for the good times. Thankful comes in taking all he gives unto us with a grateful heart. Finally, thankful comes in turning our hearts back to Him and always seeking His will.

I Am Not "Normal"

I know most of you are thinking......"GEE, YOU THINK!" Like you are in special ed and need me to explain something you already know. Instead of sharing all the ways in which you already know I am not normal, I will share a new one with you. When I do homework, I can't have it be completely quiet in the house. Most often I will sit on the couch, usually using my computer and I will have the TV on. I don't even pay attention to what is on, until something disturbing comes on and I think it might be a good idea to change the channel. So, me doing homework and not wanting it totally quiet already qualifies as "not normal." Let me go a step further, however. I was sitting there doing homework and Rachel Ray (I think that is her name) or somebody was on. Not a typical show I would watch if I ever had the chance. Suddenly I sort of heard that there were these women spending $12,000-18,000 on ONE outfit! Let me just say that both my truck and my car TOGETHER are not worth that. Many people's home furnishings are not worth that. That is like paying $1.4 Million for a car (.....the Bugatti Veyron, which even a car nut like me could never do,.........although I wouldn't mind driving it a few times). The deal was, they were going to force them to be frugal. I went back to what I was doing. They came out a little later, and guess what the "FRUGAL" price tag was for ONE outfit. $250 bucks. Who on earth is thinking that is frugal? Yep, definitely disturbing enough to change the channel....... You really want to be frugal?.......well do ya? It is called Target! If you really have a burning need to feel the frugality, head on over to the local D.I.! I just figure that it is like them saying, "okay, so the Bugatti was pretty expensive, so I traded it in for a nice, cheap, practical, Cadillac Escalade........with all the options. I guess I have never thought $250 was ever practical for ONE outfit. My suits MIGHT have cost that much. Granted, I am not the guy everyone comes to for fashion ideas (after all, I am straight), but I don't think I have many outfits that cost even $25. Especially when you consider I can mix and match. I have even gone shopping for women's dresses before (before everyone races each other to the comments section, NO, they weren't for me). I seem to have been able to find plenty of decent ones that do not even touch that realm. So, there you have it, another way in which I am not normal. I just wanted to help to firm up any case someone may be building against me. Let's leave trying to figure out why I always chew ice for another time. I am sure you have your theories.........I know, I know, it is a protein deficiency........ :)

The Kangaroo Zoo

I have been promising the kids forever that I would take them to "The Kangaroo Zoo." Tonight before taking them to their Mom's house, I decided to surprise them by going there. I only told them we had to go to their Mom's, but without telling them went to the Kangaroo Zoo first. They asked why we were stopping and wanted to know where we were. I told them to hurry and get out, that we just had an errand to run before going to their Mom's house. They about wet their pants when we walked in and they saw what it was. It is a huge indoor place that has all the blow-up slides, bounce houses, etc. you could imagine. As you can see from the pictures, these are not tiny little slides either. We stayed there for 2 or 3 hours. As a parent there are not many things more awesome then watching your kids grin ear to ear as they have the time of their life. My favorite part happened in the videos at the bottom. A blurry picture that shows just how tall the slides really are.
A jumping and playing at the bottom of one of the slides
The kids are at the top, just waiting to go down.

T is getting eaten by a huge crocodile...thing.

Video 1: This is what happens when you go too far

Video 2: This is what then happens when you have twins

Hilarious

I don't know why, but I think these Sonic commercials are hilarious. My very favorite one is not on YouTube yet, but rest assured, when it is I will post it on here as well.

This one is a great one too.

Maybe this explains what REALLY happened on my last blind date!

Stake Conference

Today we had Stake Conference and got a new Stake Presidency. It was a really good meeting. The kids were VERY well behaved the whole time, especially considering that it is like two Sacrament Meetings right in a row. One of the speakers shared a really cool quote, I am totally going to mess it up, but it goes something like this:

"Everything you possess when you die will then belong to someone else, everything that you are will stay with you forever."

I thought that was a great quote, and a great reminder for me to work at what I would like to become. I guess it just puts so many things in to perspective. In my mind it is like everyone either chooses to be a slave, or chooses to be a master. If you focus on acquiring as many things as possible, you become a slave to working and paying for those things. If you focus on your beliefs, your family, friends, people, and worthwhile goals, you really become the master of your own destiny.

The other thing they talked about was praying not for what we want, but praying to understand and follow the will of the Lord. It is not like I have never heard that before. Sometimes in life, however, I think we just think we know what is best, and what we need. I learn over and over again (through the school of hard knocks) that what is best does not ever come by telling the Lord what we need, but by listening to him tell us what we need.

• Usually part of our Sunday dinner includes some sort of meat. It could be roast beef, steak, chicken, fish, ham, etc. We usually rotate through them again and again. Today it was just time for steak to come up again. At dinner A asked if we were having steak just because it was "Stake Conference." It is so funny how kids perceive things. They have finally understood the whole ward thing, and now they are slowly learning what a Stake is.
• Tonight T was saying the bedtime prayer. He always offers very thoughtful, sincere prayers. One of the things he was thankful for was that "all of the numbers come in the right order, like 1..2..3..4........10." I thought it was really cute. It just shows just how sincere a child's prayer really is.
• A was saying the dinner prayer today. She also has started to offer some sincere prayers. One of the things she said was, "we are so thankful that Jesus is going to come in eight years." I just wanted to let everyone know so they could prepare and mark their calendars!