Unfortunately the pictures just don't do this sunset justice. The colors were so vibrant and beautiful! It was gorgeous!
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Too many trees!
That is not something I often say. However in trying to get a good picture of one of the most beautiful sunsets ever, I said it. So here are a couple of pictures of the sunset behind a bunch of trees...
Unfortunately the pictures just don't do this sunset justice. The colors were so vibrant and beautiful! It was gorgeous!
Unfortunately the pictures just don't do this sunset justice. The colors were so vibrant and beautiful! It was gorgeous!
Prayers
I was out of the country when Katrina hit - I didn't even hear about it until days later. (We were camping and didn't have any communication with the "outside world".) At first when I heard about Katrina, I thought "Oh, another hurricane hit." But when I saw how bad it was I quickly realized what everyone else already knew - this was not just another hurricane. It has been terribly sad to see so many people's lives lost, so many people displaced, so many families seperated. And everyone has been affected. Even those of us who are not there and have no direct ties have been changed in a way.
Now with Rita coming and actually being here to watch it I have mixed feelings. Part of me is glad that I was gone when Katrina hit, I missed this horrible part before the storm hits - wondering where it will go, how strong will it be, who will get hit the hardest, will everyone be okay? But as Rita gets closer and closer to land, I find myself following her more and more closely as well. I can't help but watch. I am truly concerned for all the people who lie in her path.
My good friend has a daughter and grandchildren who are there and will try to evacuate tomorrow. The problem is that so many others are trying to evacuate too, they may end up turning around and facing the storm at home instead of risking the chance of being stuck on a highway with only their car for protection. My friend is worried sick over them.
Some of the bloggers whose blogs I read regularly are there too. I have never met them, but I feel like I know them and I am afraid for them.
It is a horrible feeling when there is nothing to do but wait and watch as peoples lives are threatened. The only thing I can think of to do right now is pray. There will be a time to send blankets, to donate to the relief efforts, to give blood even. For now the best thing I can do is pray. I'm guessing that it's the best that most of you can do too. So please do.
Say a prayer for those you know, say a prayer for those you don't. Pray for the emergency personnel, the relief workers, the government officials. Pray that the storm will weaken, pray it will turn away from those who are most vulnerable.
It may seem like such a small thing, how can it possibly make a difference? But I know that it can. So, let's pray!
Now with Rita coming and actually being here to watch it I have mixed feelings. Part of me is glad that I was gone when Katrina hit, I missed this horrible part before the storm hits - wondering where it will go, how strong will it be, who will get hit the hardest, will everyone be okay? But as Rita gets closer and closer to land, I find myself following her more and more closely as well. I can't help but watch. I am truly concerned for all the people who lie in her path.
My good friend has a daughter and grandchildren who are there and will try to evacuate tomorrow. The problem is that so many others are trying to evacuate too, they may end up turning around and facing the storm at home instead of risking the chance of being stuck on a highway with only their car for protection. My friend is worried sick over them.
Some of the bloggers whose blogs I read regularly are there too. I have never met them, but I feel like I know them and I am afraid for them.
It is a horrible feeling when there is nothing to do but wait and watch as peoples lives are threatened. The only thing I can think of to do right now is pray. There will be a time to send blankets, to donate to the relief efforts, to give blood even. For now the best thing I can do is pray. I'm guessing that it's the best that most of you can do too. So please do.
Say a prayer for those you know, say a prayer for those you don't. Pray for the emergency personnel, the relief workers, the government officials. Pray that the storm will weaken, pray it will turn away from those who are most vulnerable.
It may seem like such a small thing, how can it possibly make a difference? But I know that it can. So, let's pray!
Good Dog
I am watching a 4 year old today while her mom is on a field trip with the 5th graders. We are about one hour into the day with about 4 more to go. Without Cadi here, there isn't much to entertain little J. So, Simon is the lucky one...
"Look Simon, it's your favorite..."
"Would you like an egg with that?"
I have to admit, it is rather cute. And Simon looks so pathetic (But then, he always looks pathetic.) that this is just so classic!
"Look Simon, it's your favorite..."
"Would you like an egg with that?"
I have to admit, it is rather cute. And Simon looks so pathetic (But then, he always looks pathetic.) that this is just so classic!
Bragging Rights
Look people, I have one kid and she is beautiful, funny, clever, and a great student! And that means, I'm gonna brag from time to time.
Acadia is doing great in class! I have a couple of samples of her journaling that she has brought home. They do journaling everyday (I think). I love seeing how she is progressing. And these two are some of the best I've seen so far.
Translation for "gaf" = Giraffe. (They assign each bus an animal so it is easier for the kids to remember which bus to get on.)
Simin = Simon, but you already figured that out, didn't you? Isn't the picture of Simon darling though? I LOVE it!
I know she isn't ahead in her writing, she is pretty average, but it is still fun to see her develop! I'm very glad that she has gotten another great teacher. She is excited about learning and that is a very good thing.
Acadia is doing great in class! I have a couple of samples of her journaling that she has brought home. They do journaling everyday (I think). I love seeing how she is progressing. And these two are some of the best I've seen so far.
Translation for "gaf" = Giraffe. (They assign each bus an animal so it is easier for the kids to remember which bus to get on.)
Simin = Simon, but you already figured that out, didn't you? Isn't the picture of Simon darling though? I LOVE it!
I know she isn't ahead in her writing, she is pretty average, but it is still fun to see her develop! I'm very glad that she has gotten another great teacher. She is excited about learning and that is a very good thing.
Monday, September 19, 2005
The Promise
As you may recall, I have taken the challenge to read the Book of Mormon in 99 days. The youth in our ward have taken this challenge as well and we are now less than 2 weeks away from our trip to Salt Lake City to attend General Conference. We are all very excited!
In one of our recent meetings with the youth, one of the leaders, Brother W. told the youth how they can know if President Hinckley is a true prophet or not. He brought to their attention the article he had in the August Ensign where he challenged the entire church to read or reread the Book of Mormon by the end of this year. Brother W. told us that at the end of the article, President Hinckley makes a promise. He promises that if we read the Book of Mormon three things will happen. But Brother W. didn't tell us what those three things were, he wanted us to go look it up ourselves. But he said that if we want to know whether or not President Hinckley really is a true prophet of God all we needed to do was read the Book of Mormon and see if those three things really do happen.
Matt 7:20 "Wherefore by their fruits, ye shall know them."
Today while I was searching something else, I remembered Brother W.'s promise about President Hinckley's promise. I looked up the article and this is what it says:
"Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God."
As I read that, I became overwhelmed with the Spirit. I know that this is true. As I have read, especially during this challenge, I have seen these things happen in my life and in my home. I have never been more sure than I am right now that The Book of Mormon is indeed another Testament of Jesus Christ, it is scripture written for our day by propets of God hundreds of years ago. I know that Gordon B. Hinckley is a living prophet of God today. When he speaks, it is the message that Heavenly Father would give if He were speaking to us directly. (D&C 1:38 "...whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.")
I am so excited to be going to Salt Lake City for General Conference! I can't wait to sit in the same room as the prophet as he speaks to the entire world the words that the Savior wants us to hear! I can't wait to hear what that message will be!
If you want to know if President Hinckley is a true prophet or if you just want to strengthen your testimony about it, take the challenge. Read the Book of Mormon and see if you don't feel an "added measure of the Spirit of the Lord" in your lives, "a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God."
In one of our recent meetings with the youth, one of the leaders, Brother W. told the youth how they can know if President Hinckley is a true prophet or not. He brought to their attention the article he had in the August Ensign where he challenged the entire church to read or reread the Book of Mormon by the end of this year. Brother W. told us that at the end of the article, President Hinckley makes a promise. He promises that if we read the Book of Mormon three things will happen. But Brother W. didn't tell us what those three things were, he wanted us to go look it up ourselves. But he said that if we want to know whether or not President Hinckley really is a true prophet of God all we needed to do was read the Book of Mormon and see if those three things really do happen.
Matt 7:20 "Wherefore by their fruits, ye shall know them."
Today while I was searching something else, I remembered Brother W.'s promise about President Hinckley's promise. I looked up the article and this is what it says:
"Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God."
As I read that, I became overwhelmed with the Spirit. I know that this is true. As I have read, especially during this challenge, I have seen these things happen in my life and in my home. I have never been more sure than I am right now that The Book of Mormon is indeed another Testament of Jesus Christ, it is scripture written for our day by propets of God hundreds of years ago. I know that Gordon B. Hinckley is a living prophet of God today. When he speaks, it is the message that Heavenly Father would give if He were speaking to us directly. (D&C 1:38 "...whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.")
I am so excited to be going to Salt Lake City for General Conference! I can't wait to sit in the same room as the prophet as he speaks to the entire world the words that the Savior wants us to hear! I can't wait to hear what that message will be!
If you want to know if President Hinckley is a true prophet or if you just want to strengthen your testimony about it, take the challenge. Read the Book of Mormon and see if you don't feel an "added measure of the Spirit of the Lord" in your lives, "a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God."
And My Dog, Spot!
I was baffled last week when I noticed Simon had developed green spots on his fur. Yes, green. I looked around and didn't see anything on the floor or walls. Finally I caught him laying in Acadia's playroom... where she keeps all her markers... "Right" (Kronk style.)
Saturday, September 17, 2005
My Fantasy Date
People always ask, "What is your dream date?" (Well, they don't really ask me that often, I'm just saying in general.) And I don't know about you, but I don't have any one "dream date". It would depend on the night (or day), the mood I'm in, the mood Ryan's in (assuming that he's the one I'm on the date with, lol - I crack myself up... oh yeah...), stuff like that.
I mean, I love amusement parks - that is an awesome date! I also love the ocean - that is an awesome date! I love watching LOTR - that is an awesome date! Do you get what I'm saying?
So, tonight I had an awesome date! But this wasn't a "dream date", this was a total "fantasy date". And that particular fantasy would be... The Lord of the Rings!!!
Ryan and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary a little early by getting all dressed up (I wore my lovely, floor length gown.) and enjoying two wonderful hours at the Lord of the Rings Symphony. Oh. My. Goodness. I love the soundtracks - you all know that already. But hearing it done live with the choirs, and soloists, and images, and lights, and the amazing orchestra! LOVED IT!!! The soundtracks will never be quite good enough after tonight.
The youth choir was awesome - they had kids as young as second graders!!! That is just one year older than Acadia! One of the soloists was a 13 year old boy - and he did really well! I liked the main soloist alot - she has a powerful voice. I prefer Annie Lennox for "Into the West", but other than that this soloist did great! The only other part that I felt was completely outdone by the original was Aragorn's song in "Return of the King". Yeah, Viggo is the man with that part.
They had images that aren't found on the DVDs or anywhere else as far as I know. They were pretty and helped depict the part of the storyline that the music was from. The lighting was cool. There were themes. Whenever there was music from the shire or about the hobbits, it was green. If it was about elves, it was blue. Mordor, wars, the balrog, etc were all red. It would make the whole room that color. It was neat.
The music is just gorgeous! It always has been - in the movie, in the soundtracks - but live, man you just cannot beat that. It filled the room. At times it was so loud! But at times, it was like a whisper. It just penetrated you. *sigh*
Costumes were welcome. I saw a hobbit and someone in a hooded cloak. Ryan saw an elf. The people behind us saw Wormtongue. I have decided next time I am going to wear a really nice dress (but not a costume) but add my elf ears and my Evenstar necklace. hehehe I wish I had thought to do that tonight! Oh well, like I said... next time... I hope it will be here next year too!
I have pictures to share. The hall that the symphony plays at is beautiful! The lighting was hard to work with and the last picture was taken by an usher - it's a little blurry - sorry!
I mean, I love amusement parks - that is an awesome date! I also love the ocean - that is an awesome date! I love watching LOTR - that is an awesome date! Do you get what I'm saying?
So, tonight I had an awesome date! But this wasn't a "dream date", this was a total "fantasy date". And that particular fantasy would be... The Lord of the Rings!!!
Ryan and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary a little early by getting all dressed up (I wore my lovely, floor length gown.) and enjoying two wonderful hours at the Lord of the Rings Symphony. Oh. My. Goodness. I love the soundtracks - you all know that already. But hearing it done live with the choirs, and soloists, and images, and lights, and the amazing orchestra! LOVED IT!!! The soundtracks will never be quite good enough after tonight.
The youth choir was awesome - they had kids as young as second graders!!! That is just one year older than Acadia! One of the soloists was a 13 year old boy - and he did really well! I liked the main soloist alot - she has a powerful voice. I prefer Annie Lennox for "Into the West", but other than that this soloist did great! The only other part that I felt was completely outdone by the original was Aragorn's song in "Return of the King". Yeah, Viggo is the man with that part.
They had images that aren't found on the DVDs or anywhere else as far as I know. They were pretty and helped depict the part of the storyline that the music was from. The lighting was cool. There were themes. Whenever there was music from the shire or about the hobbits, it was green. If it was about elves, it was blue. Mordor, wars, the balrog, etc were all red. It would make the whole room that color. It was neat.
The music is just gorgeous! It always has been - in the movie, in the soundtracks - but live, man you just cannot beat that. It filled the room. At times it was so loud! But at times, it was like a whisper. It just penetrated you. *sigh*
Costumes were welcome. I saw a hobbit and someone in a hooded cloak. Ryan saw an elf. The people behind us saw Wormtongue. I have decided next time I am going to wear a really nice dress (but not a costume) but add my elf ears and my Evenstar necklace. hehehe I wish I had thought to do that tonight! Oh well, like I said... next time... I hope it will be here next year too!
I have pictures to share. The hall that the symphony plays at is beautiful! The lighting was hard to work with and the last picture was taken by an usher - it's a little blurry - sorry!
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