Gratitude for my kids

Hi kids
I found a scripture in Thessalonians the other day that sums up what I feel for my children. I just wanted to share it with you. If your spouses don't read my blog, will you show it to them because it applies to them too. It reads;
Thessalonians 1:2-4

2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God our Father.

4 Knowing, brethern (children) beloved, your election of God.

We love you all and are so grateful for your faith and service in his church. We hope you all enjoy the temple dedication today. Keep going to the temple often. There is great protection for you and your children there.

Love ya
Mom and Dad

I'm taking a class and we are studying poetry and these are two that I really liked.
Here's one for my girls...

Metaphor
by Sylvia Plath

I'm a riddle in nine syllables,
An elephant, a ponderous house,
A melon strolling on two tendrils.
O red fruit, ivory, fine timbers!
This loaf's big with its yeasty rising.
Money's new-minted in this fat purse.
I'm a means, a stage, a cow in calf.
I've eaten a bag of green apples,
Boarded the train there's no getting off.

The title has 9 letters, it's 9 lines long
each line is a metaphor about how it feels to be pregnant
and each line has 9 sylables.

And if you read it from the bottom line to the top
it perfectly describes how you feel during the stages of pregnancy.
Fun huh?

And this one for the boys...


Advice to My Son
by J. Peter Meinke(b.1932)

The trick is, to live your days
as if each one may be your last
(for they go fast,
and young men lose their lives
in strange and unimaginable ways)
but at the same time,
plan long range
(for they go slow;
if you survive the shattered windshield
and the bursting shell
you will arrive
at our approximation
here below of heaven or hell).

To be specific,
between the peony and the rose
plant squash and spinach, turnips and tomatoes;
beauty is nectar
and nectar, in a desert,
saves–but the stomach craves stronger sustaenance
than the honied vine.
Therefore, marry a pretty girl
after seeing her mother;
Show your soul to one man,
work with another;
and always serve bread with your wine.
But son, always serve wine.

To me it means Live in the here and now and enjoy it,
but plan for the future.

Fun at Lake Powell

Lance was the driver that gave them some air!

This post doesn't need words.

Golden moments

When we got home from our trip, the boys had gone to California for a little r&r without kids. They left Kyle with Michelle and we took him when we got home It was fun to have him long enough for him to feel comfortable with us. Here are some pictures. At the Federkeils

Can you believe that hair? He has more hair than Grandpa and I combined!

Don't let the goldilocks fool you---He's all boy. He loves to rough house and play ball (his favorite is golf)He loved playing in the pool and swimming with the big boys. He showed Grandpa how good he was at swinging and sliding with no hands. He was so good at naps! One in the am and another in the pm and then to bed at 8:30. That's the kind of kid every mother dreams of.

He was so glad to see his dad and mom. When they got back they gave him a proper Birthday. We went to the park and roasted hot dogs played at the park.

Then we had cake and ice cream and presents with the Federkeils in the evening.

We went up north on the 18th for the Brown reunion and we sqeezed in the Oquirhh Mountain Temple Open House. I was trying to make it work so everyone could be in the temple together but Gabe couldn't go at the last minute and Claire got sick that morning so only the Bentley boys got to go. It was a great experience though. Definately a Golden moment!

tripping to Nauvoo, reunions, kids, and temples

We've had a busy month with family reunions, trips and college classes. (BYU independent study literature class is kicking my can.) The 27th of June we left with Amy, Aaron and kids for a 3000 mile road trip. We went to a very cool Lomax Miller reunion in Nebraska. He my Grandpa Daniel Wright's mom's dad. It was at a Baptist summer camp and we had a great time getting to know some great, friendly people. Patty and Mac got to go to part of it too. In three years they are planning to do it again only maybe in Oregon.

After the reunion we headed for Omaha, Nebraska or Winter Quarters. We saw the Kanesville tabernacle where Brigham Young was ordained the prophet. I don't think I realized how far across the United States the saints actually got before they started on the wagon trains. And they still had a long ways to go. We also went to the Winter Quarter's temple and visitor center.

The next day we headed to Nauvoo. We stayed at a cabin just two miles south of Nauvoo which was a perfect place for the kids to play and yell and run. Randy showed them how to skip rocks and I got to do one of the things on my "bucket list"; we caught fireflys! They were so cool and we tried to bring some home for the Federkeils but they died before they reached Utah.

We enjoyed our time in Nauvoo. We got to do a session in the Nauvoo temple. We loved the plays they did during the days. The homes were not very handicap accessible or child friendly so we split up for part of the time. Randy and I checked out some of the homes and businesses and the Bentleys went in search of a candy store for Levi. We found some great information on family members in the Lands and Records office. We went on an oxcart ride and saw where the saints crossed the Nauvoo river. Our ancestor Zachariah Hardy helped ferry people across. On Feb 11 1846 there was a terrible snow storm and he was found dead on his ferry the next morning. On Feb 14, the Mississippi froze over and they were able to cross on the ice. That's one of the few times in history that it ever froze. We went to the Old Nauvoo cemetery and his name is on the list of people who died in Nauvoo but they don't know exactly where he was buried so there isn't a stone for him.

It is a beautiful city and it broke my heart to think of them leaving their homes. Their time

in Nauvoo was relativly peaceful and when they left it was partially because they had to, but also because they wanted to follow the Prophet.

The last day in Illinois we went to Carthage jail. I don't know what you can say about Nauvoo. It leaves me speechless. To say I am thankful seems so insignificant in comparison to the sacrifice made there. I am so grateful for Joseph Smith. The Lord used a young man with a willing heart to establish his church. The whole time I was in Nauvoo I tried to wrap my mind around the mob mentality that culminated at Carthage and I just couldn't do it. It just must have been the influence of Satan in the hearts of man.

After Carthage we packed up and headed back on I-70. We went to the Far West temple site, Adam ondi Ahman and Independence Missouri. There is a feeling through out that part of the country that something is coming. It will be interesting to see the prophecies play out. I hope it will be in my lifetime.

What do you do in the Summertime?

Oh what do in the summer time when all the world is green,

Do you swim in a pool to keep yourself cool or swing in a tree up high?

Is that what you do? So do I...

Michelle and I have been going in the mornings (6:30 am) to swim laps but it's been a little nippy. I spend the rest of the day trying to get warm. But I am so proud of myself because when I first started I struggled to swim a whole lap and the other day I swam 20 consecutive american crawl and 12 more laps alternating different strokes!

It's been such a cool summer that I have loved it so far. My yard looks good and my garden is pretty. The deer seem to enjoy it too. Unfortunately they love my strawberries, but I have had a few raspberries and peas. I think my blackberries are going to come on while we are gone. One day Randy came home for lunch and there was a deer on our front porch getting a drink. I wonder if my ponds make it too much of a suitable habitat.

Today is Father's day and I just want my boys, (Aaron and Gabe too. They are my boys now too) to know how much I admire the kind of father's they are. You all seem so good at it , like it comes naturally to you. You treat your kids with respect and you give them such good examples to follow. Of course you have your father as the best example. If you live your life like he has you will have happy, emotionally healthy kids who love the Lord and want to choose the right.

We leave for the Miller reunion and Nauvoo this Thursday. I'm so excited.

Disciple Preparation Center

I started my first class on my Bachelor's degree this week! It's just an introductory class so I learn how to do the online thing but one of the first things we did was to read a talk by Elder Bednar. (He's a close second favorite, next to Pres. Eyring) He compares the church colleges to the MTC but calls it a Disciple Preparation Center and says our homes should become DPCs too.
MTCs have these characteristics 1. People stay there for relatively short times, 2. the nature of instruction is focused and intense, 3. There are distinctive requirements for demeanor and dress 4 most are located near a temple. A disciple is a follower who learns of and from our Saviour and lives according to his teachings. A preparation center is a place to be made ready to allow their influence to flow out to the world. What a perfect description of what our homes should and can be. I went to Amy and Aaron's ward last sunday and he talked about what we can do to become stronger disciples of Christ. He talked about the health challenge that Amy sent us and changed it to be a spiritual challenge. The things he challenge us to do are.

1. Read scriptures daily (set a personal goal about how long)
2. Keep the commandments (pick one that you need to improve)
3. Take time each day to ponder.
4. Provide service every day.
5. No gossiping, back biting, evil speaking (My friend Linda Alderman's test is: Is it Kind? Is is True? Is it necessary?)
6. Meaningful personal prayer twice a day (or family prayer if that is what you need to practice)
7. Go to the temple at least once a month (for those who are close it could be more than that)
8. One on one family time (weekly date with wife and one on one time with kids)

Anyone want to join me in this spiritual challenge? I will prepare a record chart to track progress and we will go to the Oquirrh Mtn temple open house at the end.

Looooong Memorial Day Weekend

So we went up north for Memorial Day Weekend cause it was a long weekend and Randy's nephew Weston Lamplugh was getting married. We spent time with the kids and we were just passing the Lehi exit on our way home when Amy called and said they were taking Gage up to Primary Children's hospital to have his shunt fixed. Could I stay and help with the kids? I called a substitute for school and went out to their home and they left about 10 minutes later. They had an appointment to do it the week after school was out because they thought it was infected. He had a couple of sores by the shunt line, one behind his ear and one on his chest, but the one by his ear started bleeding so the Dr said they might as well just get it done. I stayed with Claire, Levi and Judd and on Wednesday we went up to the hospital for a visit and I stayed with Gage cause Claire and Judd were scheduled for surgery to put tubes in their tear ducts on Thursday. The Dr came in Thursday morning and said they couldn't find any infection so they might as well put the shunt inside his head and send him home. So Amy and Aaron had three kids surgeries in one day. The little ones were done about 9:00 so they all came up to PCH and I took the three youngest ones back home and Gage had his second surgery about 1:00. He ended up with 62 stitches! He's one tough cookie. He came home the next day and acted like nothing had happened. Kelly came up to an Efusion Mtg so I went home with him and Randy came and got me from Cedar on Sunday.

Happy Birthday Kelly

Happy Birthday Kelly! We are so glad you are part of our family. You add a spark of that we would all miss. We love your spiritual nature, Your kindness and thoughfullness. We love how you love deeply. We love your desire to serve the Lord and his children. We love how fun you are with all the nieces and nephews. We love you!!!

Okay so that was last night at 11:00. Today in the light of day I would really like you to tell me what the Spirit taught you at conference. It's so interesting to me that we all physically hear the same words at conference but through the spirit we all hear different things. The thing that came through the strongest to me was that we live in perilous times but there are things we can and must do to survive joyfully. The first is the big three from Pres. Monson.
Study Diligently,
Pray Fervently
Live Righteously.

Then the next was to go to the temple often because of the protection it provides for us and our children. I hope you who are close go. I know it is hard to arrange with babies, but I'm convinced it is one thing in this crazy world that will protect our children from the evil around us.

I love you all and we are so grateful that you have chosen to come unto Christ. You are diligent disciples and I learn from your examples. Thank you.

American Idol

So I just have to tell you, I'm an Adam Lambert fan. I think he is the most interesting, compelling contestant that I have seen on Idol. I want to hear who you all think is going to win.

I got a letter today from Holly. They are planning a Brown reunion on Fri. & Sat July 17&18. That's all the info they gave me so just save the date and more will be coming. Maybe a birthday party for Megan!

For those who don't know, the Salt Lake 1/2 marathon that Nikki, Lance and Neal are running in is April 18. I'm proud of you guys. You set a goal and went for it. I just found out that Terry did a 50 mile run a couple of weeks ago. I can't even imagine that.

NCAA tourny results

Only Neal and Megan got more pts yesterday. Megan moved up to 56 pts. Neal wins with 82 and if Michigan wins he will end with 92 pts. Levi is 2nd with 80 and I ended up with 74. Better luck next year. This is Neals third win so he retains the trophy. Neal's prize is an all expense paid trip to visit his parents in Kanab. Not really, it's $25 and second prize for Levi is $5. Congrats

Levi is the man with 80 pts and Ucon and NC left but he has Louisville and Pittsburgh winning the semis.
Gabe is next with 76 but he also has Ucon and NC but Wake Forest and Pittsburgh so he's out

Neal and I are tied with 74. I have MS and Ucon with Ucon winning, taking it all. Neal has MS and NC with Michigan state taking it.

Kelly is next with 73. He only has Ucon left in the final four (not the win)

Michelle has 72 with NC in the four but not the final win.

Amy has 71 with only Michigan State still in.

Lance is ready to come on (not) with 69. He has Ucon and Nova but WF winning the final.

63 is what Aaron and Randy have (Obviously he didn't help Levi with his picks) They both have
NC but not winning.

Kelli, Nikki and Megan finish it off with 61, 59, and 48. Nikki and Megan both have NC and Kelli has Ucon but none of them picked them to win. (you better check my math! I might be cheating :} )

We sure Love you all !!!

And Levi takes the lead!!
70 Levi
68 Kelly
67 Michelle
66 Gabe, Amy
64 Neal, Cheryl
59 Lance
58 Aaron, Randy
56 Kelli
54 Nikki
43 Megan

March 27

Gabe has some competition. Amy picked every one right in the second round except WF.
54 Gabe and Amy
52 Levi is close on their heals
50 Kelli girl (if she wins does she get the trophy?)
49 Michelle and Cheryl
47 Kelly boy
46 Randy, Aaron and Neal
45 Nikki
41 Lance
37 Megan

Neal said I was doing the points wrong so here are the revised pts for today's results.

42 Gabe
40 Amy
38 Levi, Kelli girl
37 Nikki, Michelle
36 Neal
35 Cheryl,Kelly boy
33 Lance
32 Aaron, Randy
29 Megan

3-20-2009 Day two of March Madness. Here are the Brown Bash results.
Gabe Federkeil!!! 116 Woo hoo for Gabe!
Kelli (girl Kelli), Levi, Amy 112 (Amy's and Levi's are different)
Michelle, Nikki, Megan, Lance, Cheryl 110
Neal 108
Boy Kelly 106
Dad, Aaron 104

It's a day of mourning for Wake Forest fans :(

Here's the standings for the first 16 games.
Drum roll please......

Nikki 94 pts
Gabe 92
Cheryl and Megan 90
Neal, Levi, Amy, Aaron, Michelle 88
Lance, Randy 86

It's March Madness!!

We have a famly tradition to fill in the NCAA brackets and have a friendly contest for an undetermined prize and a really great trophy that travels to the winner's home for the year to sit in a very prominent spot to be admired by all who enter.
I will keep you updated daily on who is ahead. {Maybe daily ;) }

We had a great President's day weekend with our Northern kids. We went up to Amy and Aaron's on Friday and had our traditional Wingers dinner. Lance and Nikki came over and we visited and played together. Then on Saturday we went out to Tooele and had a Valentine's date with Neal and Megan. We went to church with them and had a great discussion on Einstein's theories on light and how our bodies actually become more light when we follow "the Light of Christ". Neal had just read Einstein's biography so it was an interesting discussion. Then we all went to Sunday dinner at Amy and Aarons. Thanks!! It was delicious!! We played a little wii sing put the kids to bed (well some of them) and we all took the color test and the love language test. Some how we started talking about parenting and different parenting styles and the kid's perceptions about our parenting styles. Ity's important to talk about parenting, to decide what works and what doesn't so you will be better parents than the last generation. Good Luck!!!