our holidays so far

On Thursday December 17th there was an ugly sweater and tie contest at the High School. Eric came in second place...Glen got there too late for the judging, but I think he cudda been a contenda.

My parents came into town and on Tuesday the 22nd we all had cornish game hens at my in-laws' house. Hannah and Eric performed "Silent Night" for us. And then it was time for Grandma Perazzo's pajama party.

Grandma and Grandpa Perazzo give us money for clothes each year. Then each child "opens" the gifts in front of Grandma and Grandpa so that they can see what they bought the kids! Whoever's turn it is to open their gifts gets to wear the Santa hat. Here Alex is having a turn.

Here Ryan is having his turn.

 

Next we have me on Christmas morning hiding the pickle that Eric made many years ago in school (see the white outside the window???). Whoever finds the pickle gets to be the first to open a gift. This year Eric won.

This picture was taken Christmas morn just to prove we did have a White Christmas.

Here's Glen (and Ryan) opening one of his gifts.

Here's my mom (and Alex) opening windchimes.

 Here's my dad and his new dog (since Dec 1st)-a 7 year old bichon frise named Cricket.

 

We Wii bowled--my Dad and Glen challenged my mom and me...and they got creamed :) and here is Glen in action...not the best picture, but it sure is nice to be able to bowl bare-footed. It was pretty fun.

 

 Here is Eric with 2 friends. I just have to include this because they crack me up. Left to right we have Alex, Kevin, Eric, and Joe. Alex is obviously playing the DS. What are Kevin, Eric, and Joe doing? They were nearing the end of a 24 hour comic-book-creating marathon. They stayed up all night. I think they had fun, though they were very tired when it came time to quit. Can't wait to see Eric's book.

So that is our holiday up to now. It's been wonderful so far.

winter wonderland

What a great week we had. It started snowing Sunday afternoon and we wound up having school canceled for Monday and Tuesday...and since Glen is a teacher, he was home as well. We didn't have to go anywhere. Glorious. Monday was my birthday and it was perfect. I didn't get the peace and quiet I was originally anticipating, but it was so nice to have everyone close by.

On Wednesday I got to stay home as well. I don't like the cold, but I LOVE taking walks when the snow covers everything and all is hushed except for the crunching of the snow under your feet. I got to take such a walk on Wednesday (and I think I'm going to go again right after I post this). Here are some pictures showing the beauty of our area.

Hot tubs are great when it's snowing...though I have more sense than Glen, Alex, Ryan, and cousin Brent who hop out of the spa, run and/or roll around in the snow and then hop back in to the hot tub. Here Brent is climbing back in and Ryan is about to...silly boys. Sorry you can't see it too well...it was dark!

 The picture underneath is of the treats we had made...we were originally going to go Christmas caroling, an annual tradition with Glen's family. That got postponed due to the weather, so we had a counter full of treats.

Now we have me bundled up for my walk (it was less than 10º outside)...

...down Perazzo Lane...

And here is the corner of our front yard looking very wintery:

Alex as Tiny Tim and Hannah's birthday and a photo of Eric, too

Alex got the chance to be Tiny Tim in Glen's beginning theatre's class production of "A Christmas Carol." While I am not totally pleased with some of the liberties the playwrights take with the story, I think the kids did a fabulous job. It was so fun to see Alex on stage. He has had other minor roles, but I don't know that he's had more than one line to say before.

Here is Alex during the curtain call...really too dark to see him properly, but he was a cutie on stage. In case you are wondering what he is doing...he's still eat a dinner roll from the Cratchett's table.

Alex's cousin Becky played the Ghost of Christmas Past and she did such a great job too...her lines flowed smoothly and she looked so relaxed and comfortable on stage. It really was fun to watch.

Good job Alex and Becky!

On December 1st, Hannah turned 14. She got a long distance phone call from her friend, Jamee, who just moved to Hawaii, just as we were getting ready to sing "Happy Birthday to You." So, of course, she stayed on the phone, made her wish, blew out her candles...and left the room and continued talking while the rest of us began to eat her cake.

Happy Birthday Hannah!

I didn't post a photo of Eric on his birthday, so I'm doing so now. I just love the expression on his face as he contemplates which present he will open first.

Blessings

I really don't want to start listing my blessings...this post would never end.

My greatest blessings are the gospel of Jesus Christ and my family and friends. There are many other blessings I have that are wonderful and I appreciate them (roof over our head, health, employment...), but they wouldn't mean the same without the church and the people in my life. It really comes down to God and people.

Yesterday I was blessed to be able to talk to my sister, my parents...and I was surprised to find out my brother Kyle was also at my sister's and I got to talk with him! That was a big deal because I rarely get to talk to him and ever more rarely do I get to see him...it's been years since I've seen him. Even more years since I've seen my brother Scott (Glen hasn't even met him yet and we'll be celebrating our 21st anniversary this January). So, it was really neat...and as soon as Kyle said he had a facebook account, I just knew I had to give in and get one too. So, I'm looking forward to keeping up with him.

Yesterday we were blessed to spend the day with most of Glen's family over at his sister's house. Food galore, games, football, visiting, more food...it was wonderful.

Today I was blessed to be able to attend (I think) my first ever experience with black Friday. Glen and I didn't set our alarms, but when I woke up, I woke Glen up and we were at Walmart by 6 am and on our way home by 7am. We got each other MP3 players for $29 (instead of $45) leaving only 1 left on the shelf, got the last card table with 4 chairs set for $24 (our current one has only one chair left to go with it), and bought electric blankets for everybody. The crowd wasn't too bad and was in a good mood, and when we got home the only one who was up and even knew we had left was Alex.

I got Andrew's Christmas packages in the mail today. My sister-in-law gave me the idea to make Andrew a stocking from an old, small church shirt that's too small for Alex now. I sewed a piece of felt to the back. Eric helped me make a name tag (OK, he did everything but hit the print button)...too bad our printer wouldn't print black but only gray, but I still really like it. Santa's gonna put stuff like deodorant, dental floss, toothbrush, breath mints, a chocolate orange, hand warmers, etc. Nothing too exciting.

Part of his package included gingerbread cookies... the traditional men as well as the Angel Moroni... what else would you send a missionary? (though I doubt any Moronis will still have their trumpets attached by the time Andrew gets his box!)

I sent frosting and decorations. He won't be here for our traditional gingerbread house making, so decorating cookies will just have to do.

He was just transferred to Sioux City, Iowa and has already been snowed on there. He seems to be doing very well and, though we miss him, are very happy that he is where he is this holiday season.

My folks, Eric, Alex, and Eric

My parents came on Thursday and left on Saturday as they were just passing through on their way to spend Thanksgiving with my sister and her family. They will spend Christmas here.

While they were here, they got to celebrate Eric's 18th birthday with us! They also got to see him...and Hannah...perform in "Annie" that night...the "penultimate" night of the play, as Eric put it in his bio.

Now, my parents occasionally pass through and get to see one of Glen's productions. Mom has seen more than dad as she's here more often. I don't know how many they've really seen, but my dad doesn't like musicals...and he's had to watch several.

He actually really liked "Annie!" He says it's the best production of Glen's he's seen. I kind of laugh and joke that they hear more from Eric when he's on stage than they have in "real" life. I'm so glad they got to see the performance and that they liked it so much.

I must admit...I don't dislike it as much as I used to...I might even say I like it. When I woke up this morning "It's a Hard Knock Life" was running through my head for a few hours (briefly spelled by "Tomorrow")...including the visual of seeing Hannah thumping her pail on the stage.

And can I just say how glad I am that Annie is over? Will I get to see more of my family? Maybe a little bit. But next up is "A Christmas Carol." Alex is going to play Tiny Tim! I can't wait to see that! Mark your calendars...December 3-5.

And Eric. Wow. An adult. Wow. Unreal. Mind boggling. Wow.

Eric and Hannah

Well, I saw the musical "Annie" last night. Hannah plays an orphan with a bad attitude named "Duffy." Eric has 3 roles...the best being President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Can I just say that my kids are so talented? I don't like "Annie" (never have), but it was sure fun watching my kids...and everyone else's. What a talented bunch of kids. It was fantastic.

And can I also just say what a great set-builder my husband is? Some of the set design is just amazing.

Great job everyone!

Now, back to Eric. We won't mention his self-written bio in the playbill (or even Hannah's for that matter) but I will mention I just got his ACT scores...

...let me explain.

So, he takes the ACT and then afterwards finds out he was taking it as if it were the SAT. On the SAT you are penalized for wrong answers. On the ACT you are not and are encouraged to guess. Eric only answered the questions he "knew for sure." We didn't know how that would translate into a score (and especially since we were wondering if his Aspergers would rear its head and he would be "thrown off his game" by noise or other disturbances while testing), so he is signed up to take the ACT in December, just in case he did poorly the first time around.

Well, besides math (which he hasn't had lately as he filled all his graduation requirements early on in his high school career), he did really well! I'm so excited. For those who don't remember, a 36 is the highest you can get.

Composite score was a 28.
English was a 33. (18 is considered college ready)
Math was a 21. (22 is college ready)
Reading was a 31. (21 is college ready)
Science was a 28. (24 is college ready)

On the Writing part he only made a 7 out of 12. That made his combined English/writing score a 29. He is such an excellent writer (his English teacher has told us several times over the past 2 years that Eric's work has brought tears to his eyes it's so good) that I wonder what happened there.

So, I'm quite happy. Way to go Eric!

sigh of relief

My sigh of relief is actually 3 sighs...

Thursday was our Primary Sacrament Meeting Program practice. Now that that's over with it feels like the work is done. Tomorrow we just get to enjoy the children singing and giving their parts (of course our pianist and chorister aren't ready to breathe a sigh relief yet, but I am).

Then on Friday I bought a new fridge and Glen brought it home and it is in place and in use. No more frozen milk or half-thawed things in the freezer.

Then this morning I went to Reno bright and early, took my "Nevada School Law" test and was able to only be 15 minutes late to my 10 am Stake Auxiliary Training Meeting at church (I thought I was going to miss the meeting all together). They let us start the test as soon as we were seated, so I was done before the 9 am "start" time. It was a great blessing, because I had really felt bad about missing my stake meeting. Now, if I can just manage to not have caught whatever germ was making the lady right next to me hack and sniffle through the test, I'll be really happy.

The funny thing was, I bumped into my sister-in-law at the test...we didn't know the other was taking the test. I feel pretty good about the test. I seemed to know a lot of the answers...of course there were also a couple that when I read the question I was happy because I knew the case and thought I wouldn't have a problem answering the question...and then when I read my choices, none of them fit what I knew about the law or lawsuit in question. Won't have the results for a few weeks.

Which brings up my Praxis test. I took it over 2 months ago and still haven't received my results, but when I went on the Nevada Teachers' Licensure site, it lists my Praxis provisional as being taken care of in September, so I must have passed!

If I passed this test this morning, all the provisionals on my subbing license have been taken care of and I won't have to worry about any of that again. That'll be nice.

recipes from Intervention

Had friends over last night as it was my turn to host "Intervention." As always, I had a wonderful time. Thought maybe I'd share links to some of the recipes I used for last night's treats.

Brazilian Lemonade does not use lemons, but limes. It needs to be used immediately as I am told it gets bitter if it sits too long.


Mock Chili Rellenos for the crock pot was also on the menu. Next time I would add more chilis as it seemed to be the weakest flavor of all...or perhaps I shouldn't have thrown out the seeds.

Then there's Jennifer's favorites: Frosting Truffles

Aunt Trina's Pumpkin Bread/Muffin Recipe   This recipe came from 100daystoChristmas, a website countdown that gets you prepared for the holidays. The muffins are very moist. By the way, when the recipe calls for 1 can of pumpkin, they mean 1 small (15 oz) can.

I also served toffee using a recipe I've had for years...and I can't find it online, so I'll have to type it here.

TOFFEE

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter         1 cup brown sugar
1 cup pecans, chopped        1 cup  chocolate chips

Bring the butter and brown sugar to a boil over medium heat and boil for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Pour over 1 cup of chopped pecans that have been sprinkled into the bottom of a buttered 9 x 9 glass pan. Then sprinkle the top with 1 cup chocolate chips (I prefer milk chocolate to semi-sweet) and let melt for a few minutes. Spread melted chocolate evenly over the top and place in the fridge until the chocolate loses its glossy appearance. Let come to room temperature and break into irregular shaped pieces.


I also served a layered dip, but I can't find the recipe online. Since it's from a cookbook and I don't want to break any copywrite laws (can anyone fill me in on that???), I will just give the general instructions.

LAYERED ARTICHOKE DIP has alternating layers of a cream cheese and ranch dip packet mix and an artichoke and roasted red pepper mix. Serve with crackers.

I also served the old stand-by of fruit and dip.

FRUIT DIP

Mix 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese with 1 cup of packed brown sugar until the sugar dissolves. Serve with fruit (apples, bananas, grapes...) .

my washer died this morning

We've had our washer for 19 1/2 years, so I can't say I was totally surprised that it died. I put in an extra-large load. It filled with water, and then nothing happened. Luckily it was a cold water load, so no hot water was wasted. The last time that happened (which was a couple of years ago, I believe) the repairman said that if it died again that we should just buy a new one.

I was surprised the washer went before the fridge (also 19 1/2 years old), because the fridge has been acting up. The temperature controls are very touchy...trying to find the happy medium between frozen milk or warm milk. We also had it fixed a few years ago and that repairman also said that the next time it died, to get a new fridge. So, I'm planning on getting it replaced before it totally dies so as not to cause a major inconvenience. Maybe by the end of the week, even. Since I am having Intervention at my house on Friday, it would be really nice to have it by then, but we'll see.

Of course, the appliance that I have been waiting for years to die still seems to be going strong: our oven (which is only 17 1/2).

I "splurged" and bought the front loading washer and dryer. I just hope they are as wonderful as everyone says. I think my favorite feature just might be that it tells you how many minutes are left until the load is finished. Oh, and the dryer has a drying rack for shoes and things that need to lie flat when they are dried. I have already used this feature today.

On the one hand, I hate dipping into our savings. On the other hand, I am so glad we don't have to go into debt to buy new appliances.

blessings

Well, my dad turned 77 last Wednesday while he and mom were traveling. They got home on Friday night and by Saturday night he was in great pain and had my mom take him to the hospital. Turns out he had an obstructed bowel.

Monday night the update from Mom was that Dad was only a little bit better and they were still on a "wait and see" pattern to find out if he needed surgery. By Tuesday night he was home!

He still has to see his regular doctor so they can figure out why he had that problem. It's been 8 1/2 years since he had colon cancer surgery, so maybe it's just adhesions.

A few thoughts keep running through my mind: what a difference a day makes, what a miracle modern medicine can be, and how blessed we are that he is still with us and is home from the hospital and not in pain.

Dad, I'm glad you had such a great trip and that you'll be the one to show me your pictures and tell me about it. Love you Dad!

Happy Birthday Dad!

My Dad is 77 today. I decided that to honor him, I would post pictures of him enjoying his hobby of photography. The 2 pictures I've posted are when Deni, Dad, and I went to Crescent City California while Deni and I were visiting our parents this past July.

He has taken some really great pictures. Check out his link to the right to see some of his photos. He and Mom are off in Lewis and Clark territory right now (Columbia River area) and I hope he brings back some great photos to share.

Happy Birthday Dad. I love you.

guess who'll be driving!

Yesterday Ryan turned 15 1/2. He also got his learner's permit. I would think I'd be more apprehensive than I am...maybe the first time he drives with the family in the car it will hit me.

Andrew did not get his permit right away. Didn't get his license till he was 18. Eric still doesn't have his permit. Doesn't want one. Ryan has been counting the days for his 1/2 birthday.

Letting Andrew drive was one of the scariest things I've ever done. I'm not looking forward going through that again. Yet, I'm excited that Ryan is excited...

We went to General Conference

Glen and I had our 20th anniversary over 8 months ago...but since General Conference is not in January but in April and October, and since Glen is too busy in April to go anywhere and it's less likely to snow in October than in April, we chose October Conference as our way to celebrate 20 years together.

Glen took Friday off from school and we drove to Salt Lake City, spent a few hours in the Family History Library (very disappointing...we didn't find anything), and then drove to Farmington to spend the night at Glen's sister Teresa's...only she wasn't there as she became a grandma again on the 30th (congratulations Jessica and Nathan!) and she was in Logan.

Our brother-in-law, Matt, took great care of us. On Friday night, we got to watch most of the BYU-Utah State game (way to go Cougars! 35-17 in case you didn't know). On Saturday morning, Matt even cooked us breakfast (blueberry pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs). We then drove back to Salt Lake because we had tickets for the 10 am session of General Conference.

We arrived at our seats (balcony section) an hour early, happy that we didn't have to contend with any anti-Mormon protesters outside. We got to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir practice. Very cool.

I was amazed at how quiet 20,000 people could be. It was really wonderful to be there...I've been a member of the church for over 34 years now and this was my first time attending Conference live...it was only Glen's second time (his first time was when he "stood me up" for our first date back in April 1988--we had arranged to go out for the first time and he had to call and cancel because he was going up to Conference with our singles ward...I had to work that weekend and couldn't go to General Conference).

My 2 favorite talks were from Elder David A. Bednar (becoming more diligent and concerned within our homes) and Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (love is the hallmark of a disciple of Christ), but the other talks were fabulous as well.

We did not have to contend with any protesters leaving, either; however, there was a man preaching on the corner (I didn't listen so I don't know what he was saying) with a sign that said something about the church of the devil.

We hit the Family History Library for Glen to make a few photocopies while we were waiting for traffic to clear out, and then headed home. We were able to catch the afternoon session of conference on the radio. I think I loved it even more than the morning session. Elder Dallin H. Oaks' talk on how eternal laws are not superseded by God's love was phenomenal. Can't wait to read it again when it's available.

I also loved how Elder Tad R. Callister compared Peter to Joseph Smith...and how we can focus on a few weaknesses or see the real picture.

After listening to Conference, we caught the UNR-UNLV game. Way to go Wolfpack! (63-28 in case you missed that game)

We made it home in time for Glen to catch the last 15 minutes of Priesthood.

For Sunday's sessions, I think Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's will be the talk most discussed. What a powerful testimony! Once again, I can't wait to read it again...and again.

All of the talks were so edifying...it really is such a blessing to have living prophets who guide us. How grateful I am to have found the gospel...and how grateful I am for modern technology that allows us such quick access to the words of our church leaders.

Great weekend.

Andrew's First Baptism

Andrew has been in the mission field almost 2 1/2 months and just had his first convert baptism this past weekend. I thought his letter was so great that I want to share part of it with you (fyi-Elder Jergensen is Andrew's companion):

Dear family,
    Erik Harmon was baptized on September 26th, 2009 and received the gift of the Holy Ghost on September 27th, 2009.  That was my first convert baptism!  A baptism is really energizing, it makes you realize that your work has finally paid off.  I didn't do anything personally except be in the circle where Erik received the Gift of the Holy Ghost, but that doesn't matter.  At all.

    Erik has a really strong testimony.  He bore it twice, once at the baptismal service after he was baptized, and again in church after he received the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  He says that he was unsure about the truthfulness of the church.  There were two things he looked at, the aspect of the church he could see without faith, and then with faith.  He said that the things the church did were great and everyone lived what they believed, unlike a ton of other churches he's seen.  It was only after he went to Nauvoo and to Carthage Jail that he gained his testimony of Joseph Smith, that he really was a true prophet of God and that this really was the true church that Jesus Christ and God established on the earth.  Erik said he knew the church was true by the power of the Holy Ghost, and he said he wanted the responsibility, the blessings, and everything that the church had to offer.  He is a great man and now, a really solid member.
     
Now for something fun from Andrew's email:

By the way, Jeremy Oborn ( my BYU roommate) is Elder Jergensen's friend from High School.  I knew that both Jeremy Oborn and Elder Jergensen went to Logan, but it never really clicked that they might have known each other until Elder Jergensen looked though my directory and said, "Dude, Oborn was in your ward?  That's crazy!  He was my best friend back in High School.  We hung out all the time at school."  To which my response was, "Yeah, I know him, he was my roommate!  We lived in the same room for a year.  You were friends with him?"  It's a small world.  Even smaller if you're LDS.
 

"Annie" and my talented kids

Workshops for the Jr High and High School's combined cast for the musical "Annie" were Monday and Tuesday. Tryouts were Wednesday. Callbacks were Thursday...Hannah was 1 of 8 called back for the roll of Annie and Eric was 1 of 4 called back for Daddy Warbucks. Glen said they had 100 tryout, so that's pretty good that they made it to call backs.

Even though Eric was willing to shave his head, they gave the roll to another. Should I pretend to be sad? I guess I am a little bit. But Eric gets to be President Roosevelt and another character.

Jamee Wohle, one of Hannah's friends, will be Annie. Hannah will be "Duffy," who's an orphan. I envisioned Hannah wanting to cut and perm her beautiful red hair for the roll of Annie...so glad she won't as I can't picture that!

Any talent in singing and acting and the desire to be on the stage must come from Glen (though if they can inherit some things from my sister that's a possibility, too), because they certainly didn't get it from me.

Way to go kids!!!

Garden report

OK, I knew radishes grown here would be bitter. Glen and Alex planted some anyway...and they were definitely bitter. That didn't stop Glen from eating some anyway. (of course, I don't like them even when they aren't bitter)
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Another disappointment was the cucumbers. We grew one plant...and it's produce was also too bitter to eat.
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The watermelon was a mix. One we picked too soon and it had no flavor. The other 2 have been pretty good. We've also had a couple canteloupe and they were very sweet. I think there's a honeydew out there still waiting to be picked.
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We are sure enjoying our tomatoes and zucchini. Banana peppers were good, too.
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The pea harvest was extremely poor...maybe a cup total, but then again we didn't have too many plants to start with.
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Still have to harvest the winter squash and my eggplant and red bell peppers.
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Anyway, thanks Glen and Alex for putting our garden in!!!

my daughter...should I strangle her or hug her?

If you go down 2 posts you will see that there are 2 back-to-school photos now whereas a few hours ago, there was only one...I just realized Hannah added the one where she is giving a crazy face. Did she think I wouldn't notice???

The funny thing is that when I posted the original photo, I signed out of my blog account because I was afraid that when Hannah saw it she would delete the photo altogether.

I cannot figure her out sometimes.

The "blessing" of bad genes

I blame my Dad's side of the family. I'm told that's the side I take after, so that's where I'm pointing my finger.

I had a check-up at the end of July and my cholesterol is back up. It was 244. I've had it as high as 289 before, but then I was able to keep it down around 205...but now it's creeping back up. So the doctor asked if I wanted to try to get it down by myself again (without prescribed drugs) and I said I sure did.

Not going on meds is a BIG motivating factor for me (hence the "blessing" of bad genes). In the past 5 weeks I have not been dieting to lose weight, but I have been walking almost every day and I have adapted my diet (who knew I could survive on so little cheese?). As of this morning, I am down 12 pounds!

In February I had posted about my weight. I was at 172 then, but by my doctor's visit I was up to 180...so I'm now at 168. Which is very thrilling. (I try not to think of where I could be now if I hadn't gained all those pounds at the end of winter...I could be at 160...trying not to think about that...I'm happy at 168...as long as I keep losing...)

I have to say Glen is losing weight too. And since we were both dropping pounds so rapidly I really worried that our scale was broken and that I really wasn't losing any weight. I had Glen double-check his weight with the scale at school and it looks like our scale is probably not broken. What a relief.

So, my genes lead me to a disposition to high cholesterol...and staying off meds motivates me to eat right in a way that wanting to lose weight doesn't...and so I'm doing better. Hence, my bad genes have been a blessing!

So, thanks Dad, for passing your genes along to me!

I'll find out in a few months if any of this is affecting my cholesterol levels...sure hope so.

Back-to-School

Ready for school 25 August 2009

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Tuesday everyone went back to school...including me. I actually had a sub job that day which included one of Ryan's classes. I think the day went well for all of us, though Hannah asked if she had to go back to school the next day. I asked if something went wrong. No, it's just school she said.

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 Eric is taking: English 4, Performance Choir, French 4, Guitar (thanks Kathy for the guitar loan!), Theatre 4, Hand Built Ceramics, and American Government.

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Ryan got to change his schedule a bit and he's really happy. He now has: PE, English 2, Modern Chemistry, Pre-calculus (as one of only 4 sophomores in there, he's a bit proud), French 2, Health, and Art I.

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Hannah has: Science 8, PE, Strings, English 8, US History, Algebra II, and she's a teacher's aide to an English teacher.

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Alex is in 3rd grade.

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Glen has: Theatre I, Theatre 2-3-4, Stage Craft I (set building), Stage Craft 2-3, and 2 World History classes.

I will have whatever I can find...mainly subbing at the high school and while there, avoiding PE, ag mechanics (those boys just don't listen to me), and construction. I prefer math, science, and foriegn languages (notice none of my husband's classes are listed here...).

I was math and science last Tuesday, though of course nothing was taught and tomorrow I am science. Good way to start the year.

(* sometimes the blog won't let me leave a space in between paragraphs and it drives me crazy...so I've added the asterisks to create the space I want)

Last installment of Ed Week notes (2008)

Last year I typed up the "good stuff" from Ed Week (and some of you saw it then) only I didn't put in the names of the presenters. If you wish to know that info, just tell me and I can easily look it up for you. Here is the last installment of Ed Week gems:

Elder Oaks--Don't be the first to pick up new technology, but don't be the last to let go of the old.

You must treat your spouse in such a way that the thought of separation is agony to him/her.

Some of Daryl Hoole's rules:

Clean as you go, wipe as you work, pick up as you pass, put it away rather than put it down, look back as you leave.
Develop a system rather than conduct a search, for you will be doing one or the other.
Do today's work today-#1 work is relationships.
Be prepared as there's no substitute for preparation-we knew yesterday that we'd be hungry today.
In order to keep the Sabbath day holy, keep Saturdays hopping. On Sunday do the Lord's work, not your own.

A true principle carried to extreme is no longer a true principle.

Lord's law of time management: the Sabbath. Lord's law of financial management: tithing.

Elder Oaks--Revelation comes most often when we are on the move.
--Preparation is the prerequisite to teaching by the Spirit.

(When working on a lesson) ask: is there somebody else's talents I should be developing (instead of my own)?

We may be able to "get by" when we wing it (teaching a lesson), but getting by isn't really our goal.

In talking about scripture study, President Ezra Taft Benson said, "Yesterdays meal is not enough to sustain today's needs."

If you are too busy to cook healthy food for your family, maybe you are too busy.

Awareness of the best in us helps us grow much more than analysis of the worst in us ever can. That which we focus on expands in our lives for better of for worse.

The gospel is designed to get us back to Him right now--we should be happy every day.

Excessive guilt for things you cannot control is inappropriate. Guilt for things you can control is appropriate.

We aren't held accountable for having a weakness, only for succumbing to one.

Using the devil's methods to do God's work is the worst way to do God's work.

God loves us more than the greatest mother loves the most lovable child.

Many who sin are only seeking to satisfy righteous longings through wicked practices.

When we are in bondage to sin, we are driven by our bodies rather than guided by our spirit.

Peter Drucker (famous management guru)--"Allow more time than what the task will take." That is a secret to less stress.

In children, sleep deprivation mimics ADHD, depression, learning disabilities and the like. It makes them appear dumber than they are. They don't necessarily feel sleepy.

If there are problems, first ask, "Is this child exhausted?" Chances are they are. Sleep deprivation is something to worry about.

The Father turning judgments away from us, because of the Son, can occur for us on a weekly basis as we partake of the sacrament.

When your spirit has become the master of your body, then you have become like the Lord.

Scott Marsh's Top 10 financial websites:
SIOU (surprisingly insightful, objective, and user-friendly) Websites--all sites are FREE
1. ScottMarsh.com --info on tons of research BYU students are working on in financial matters
2. mint.com --an online financial tracking system (Time magazine listed it as on of 50 best sites in 2008)
3. finance.cch.com --commerce clearing house -hundreds of financial calculators
4. pricegrabber.com --helps you to comparison shop
5. consumersearch.com --product ratings (like Consumer Reports)
6. usa.gov --has links to all government agencies
7. privacyrights.com --make sure info reported about you is correct
8. investmentnews.com --website for advisors...you can access morningstar reports for free from here
9. eBay.com --if nothing else, you can use it for researching the value of items
10. nlm.nih.gov --national library of medicine-has suggestions on managing your health care expenses.

And there you have it. This posting marathon has come to an end. Hope you found something worth the time it took to find it!

notes from 2007's Ed Week

If I had gone to Ed Week, I probably would have arrived home a little while ago. I'm so glad I wasn't cramped up in the car today.

Here are the good parts of 2007:

Paul R. Warner

I must realize that my personality limitations do not make me a bad person.

A healthy person leans to their strengths, an unhealthy leans to their weaknesses.

Harold B. Lee--some leaders are called to test and some are called to lead.

Richard Neitzel Holzapfel

He is no fool which gives up that which he cannot keep. (we will all die, so give our lives to the Lord)

Brad R. Wilcox

There is repentance. But just as real as the atonement is, is the pain that accompanies repentance.

Sex is like an apple--before we are married it belongs to God. When we marry, He gives it to us. If we use it outside of marriage, we are stealing.

Having an entrance requirement to the temple doesn't make it a secret...then every university is a secret cult since they have entrance requirements)

See the temple as an ark--our salvation depends upon it.

Scott C. Marsh

Read Alma 32-35 like it's a $500 book on how to receive prosperity.

Steven C. Harper

To consecrate does not necessarily mean to give away, but to sanctify, to devote service to God.

If we are ignorant of the truth, it is easy to believe false doctrine.

I'm to make the most of myself so that my offering is more.

Robert L. Millet

Elder Dallin H. Oaks--The judgment is an acknowledgment of the final effects of our acts and thoughts--what we have become.

Don't judge--don't attribute motivation to others.

If we become conscious of our own righteousness, we are giving ourselves our own reward.

Elder Richard G. Scott

Use consistently and this will be of most benefit:

Throughout the remainder of my life, I will seek to learn by what I hear, see, and feel. I will write down the important things I learn and will do them.

We labor to recognize the Spirit. If it were ours just for the asking, we would become weak.

Easy things never produce much beneficial fruit.

We will never be prompted to do something we cannot do--it may be difficult, but we can do it.

Satan distracts us with acceptable things to keep us from the essential. Give the cream of your efforts to the essential.

Forced obedience yields no enduring fruit. Entreat, prompt, encourage--it's how They deal with us.

Pres. Spencer W. Kimball--A testimony is not an exhortation; a testimony is not a sermon (none of you are there to exhort the rest); it is not a travelogue. You are there to bear your own witness....We'd like to know how you feel.... Just tell how you feel inside. That is the testimony. The moment you begin preaching to others, your testimony has ended. Just tell us how you feel, what your mind and heart and every fiber of your body tells you.

Alonzo L. Gaskill

Elder Neal A. Maxwell--Eden was not an ideal place. One couldn't walk by faith--it was pointless.

The scriptures (revelation) are the seed bed of revelation (more scripture). As you reflect again and again, the Spirit works on you.

The better the heart and the better the mind, the better the revelation. Puny preparation precedes puny revelation.

The spirit of revelation likes ordinances--baptism, sacrament, temple--so, participate in those so it increases your opportunities for revelation.

You get what you have prepared yourself to receive.

Not to write down your personal revelations is to lose them and treat them lightly.

Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley--Don't be a pickle-sucker.

Don't go near the forbidden tree if you don't want to eat from it.

Sin is not wishing to become like God but wishing to be your own god.

Marianna E. Richardson

Alfred Edersheim--Trials are God's veiled angels.
--What we call disappointments are not, only God's appointments.
--The only profitable study of scripture: to realize their application.

Steven A. Tersigni

As we acquire His Spirit, we acquire His attributes...which is a better way to do it rather than having a goal to work on an attribute/month.

How many people even ask-Father, what would you have me do that I'm not currently doing?

Joseph F. McConkie

We don't gain exaltation by mastery of laws. Law is not God's partner, but His servant.

If you reject light, you must accept darkness in its place. There is no neutral ground in eternal things.

Kevin R. Miller

Remember telling is not teaching and told is not taught.

Mark D. Ogletree

Ezra Taft Benson--Much of the rock music is purposely designed to push immorality.

Randall Wright--If you fight any battle, fight the music one.
--It seems very strange that we place dead-bolt locks on our doors to prevent evil people from entering into our sacred homes and then we turn around and invite the same type of people in through television programming.
--Most success in life is found just by showing up and sticking to the task at hand.

The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.

When a Nephi stands up to pressure, there is always a Sam that will follow.

Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley--Open your homes to the friends of your children. If you find they have big appetites, close your eyes and let them eat. Make your children's friends your friend.

Brother Lynn D. Johnson

Bruce Williams--I always celebrate when something bad happens If something good happens, there's no need to celebrate as something good has already happened.

People are the happiest when they are involved in a challenging, stretching activity that they can handle (too much leisure does not bring happiness...or too much stress).

We've made it to Ed Week 2006

OK, this makes 6 down with 2 more to go.

A. Lynn Scoresby

Yale President said we are drowning in a sea of information but starving for knowledge.

We don't have a testimony because of activities at church, but they give a chance to build relationships that lead to testimony.

A sin is a sin because it hurts people.

S. Michael Wilcox

If the Savior asks or invites, the assumption must be: "I can do it."

Sometimes it seems like we are asked to do impossible things: reject and resist every temptation; overcome addiction; change our character, personality, thought patterns; master a talent; fulfill an unwanted calling; forgive the unforgivable; trust a God who allows incredible suffering and cruelty; consecrate all you have; let go prejudices, biases, hatreds; work ethically in a dog-eat-dog world.

If He asks me, He's going to help me.

Sometimes the grace that God gives us is just the ability to try again--not remove the problem.

The real you is you at your best, not at your worst, and that is how God sees us and how we should see each other.

Sometimes we try to walk on water that God never wanted us to. Don't walk on the wrong sea.

Michael W. Allred

Whether or not they had a personal spiritual experience is what kept youth from being delinquent--not FHE, etc, but we have FHE, etc, in hopes they will have a spiritual experience.

Elder Scott--I am now much less moved to help people with the things that I have learned. Rather I am powerfully motivated to share with them how the lessons were learned.

Scriptures should be our original source. Read and ponder more what the Lord said and less what others have said about what the Lord has said. (Ezra Taft Benson?)

Randall A. Wright

Jesus' strongest rebuke was to those who buried their talents.

There never was a revelation without a question first.

The piece of advice given by Harold B. Lee to Marion G. Romney when Pres. Romney was called to be an assistant to the Twelve--If you are to be successful as a General Authority, I will give you one piece of advice: Go to bed early and get up early.

It takes more discipline to go to bed early than to get up early.

Advertisers use target marketing...placing ads when the desired demographic will be watched. BMWs and Mercedes are advertised at 5 am and Yugos at midnight.

Joseph F. McConkie

The issue isn't whether God loves you--that's a given. The issue is whether He trusts you or not.

Missionaries that are released are now agents unto themselves. Can they continue to grow as when an instrument?

Jack S. Marshall

Pres. Howard W. Hunter--Despair, doom, and gloom are not acceptable for LDS...there is no excuse for pessimism and despair...things have been worse and they will always get better...sounds like we all ought to go and eat a big plate of worms.

We are not called in this life to be successful in all things but faithful in all things.

When we do inappropriate things, He doesn't go--"Oh, golly, perhaps the Celestial Kingdom is too high for you. Maybe your goal should be the Terrestrial Kingdom."

He doesn't give up on us. He doesn't grow weary.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell-We hold people hostage whom God long ago had forgiven.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions...but so is the road to heaven.

We ask for faith, not infallibility.

James L. Carroll

For added computer safety--have a credit card with a low limit on it. Use it for your e-commerce business and don't let the company raise your limit.

William J. Vincent

Remember when exercising: When in doubt, "under do it." You don't want to dread exercise because it's hard. No pain, no gain is not true. You don't want to sweat profusely, but just a little bit.

At least 1/3 of cancers are from poor diet and physical inactivity.

The greatest risk of exercise is not doing it.

Gary L. McCallister

Art (including music) develops the brain for abstract thinking (science does not). Education in the arts is more that about the arts. Art grows the brain and allows for better thinking in math and science.

There are 3 things you can do that work to develop the brain and mind of young people: music, computers, and legos.

More than any other activity, music prepares the brain for higher thought.

Kurt W. Mortensen

Burying your emotions is like changing your outer clothes every day but not your underwear--you look OK from the outside but eventually you can't hide the stench.

Being resentful (holding a grudge) is like drinking poison and hoping it will hurt your enemy.

Stephen G. Aldana

70% of all deaths are due to lifestyle choices: tobacco, lack of physical exercise, and poor diet are the 3 main causes.

notes from Ed Week 2004

Ed J. Pinegar

"Quality" time doesn't count unless there's been enough "quantity" time.

Your perception is reality to you--whether it's true or not.

Pres. Spencer W. Kimball--If you leave a good girl and a good boy alone long enough, they will sin.

John A. Castagna

Credit Card-a means of buying something you don't need at a price you can't afford, with money you don't have.

If you rescue a damsel in distress, remember all you get is a distressed damsel.

Patrick D. Degn

Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley--It is not enough to be good. Be good for something.

D. Kelly Odgen

The Lord does not reveal Himself to blabbermouths (so we keep some things to ourselves)

The endowment, which was given by revelation, is best understood by revelation.

Mary Jane Woodger

Elder Richard G. Scott--To reach a goal you have never before attained, you must do things you have never before done.

Sacrifice is what leads to our calling and election being made sure.

We often make the wrong offering as Cain did.

Elder Russell M. Nelson--Our highest sense of sacrifice is achieved as we make ourselves more sacred or holy.

Albert Einstein--Insanity is to keep doing what we have done and expect a different result.

Elder Boyd K. Packer--You have your agency, and inspiration does not--perhaps cannot--flow unless you ask for it, or someone asks for you.

Worry is a form of atheism.

Steven T Linford

Bruce C. Hafen--Worry not that you become well-known, but that you are worth knowing.

R. Colleen Harrison

An addiction takes the place of God. An addiction is an addiction is an addiction, no matter what it is (to work, food, pornography...)

Recovery--not just get over our addiction, but to recover our relationship with God and Christ.

Elder L. Tom Perry--If we increase our dependence on anything or anyone except the Lord, we will find an immediate decrease in our freedom to act.

Randy L. Bott

We can generally do that which we wish to do.

We withdraw ourselves from the Spirit not vice versa. He stays on the strait and narrow path and we leave the path.

President George Q. Cannon--If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect.

Howard W. Hunter?--Permit me to suggest that we stop criticizing our wives. It weakens our love for them and kills theirs for us.

Richard K. Scott

Maturing is learning to be "other" oriented. Marriage is the master class in overcoming selfishness.

Justification: an event/ordinance/pronounced free from sin
Sanctification: a process/change of heart/free from the effects of sin

Elder Neal A. Maxwell--Develop charity. Yes, we need the essential ordinances, but we also need the essential attribute.

William Tynsdale--Tribulation is a gift to God's special friends. (Tynsdale translated the Bible into English and suffered great tribulation for it)

S. Michael Wilcox

C. S. Lewis--I think if God forgives us then we must forgive ourselves. Otherwise, it's like setting ourselves up as a higher tribunal than Him.

Ronald E. Bartholomew

Isaiah 5:20 woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil.... Has Satan convinced you that the Lord's solutions won't work for you (and world's solutions will)?

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday. I tried calling, but it seems she's out having fun. Way to go, mom!

Love you tons!!!

2003 Ed Week notes

Are you ready for some more??? Hope so.

Stephen R. Covey

We practice mercy. Let God deal with justice.

The church teaches principles. The Holy Ghost teaches practices.

Eric G. Stephan

Elder Hales--take everything we would like to do and then find a personal concern--what's bugging us at work or at church. Take 3 or 4 things and then decide what would make a significant difference. Then relax and do it.

Stop and ask yourself 2 questions:
1-Why am I doing this? As in why--what's the value? I--why me instead of someone else? this--instead of that? We do many things we shouldn't.
2-Why am I doing it this way?

Don't leave your energy in the gym. Work out to be invigorated, not weary.

To reach perfection a man must develop equally compassion and wisdom. Then he will neither be a good-hearted fool or a hard-hearted scholar.

Most things don't happen because there is no plan to make them happen.

Elder Russell M. Ballard

Seek the constantly for guidance from the Holy Ghost to know what to do and say and what not to do and not to say. (topic was parenting)

Dennis B. Deaton

Persuasive, patient, and long-suffering--those are God's chief ways of acting.

Benjamin J. Knowlton

Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley--I would suggest that we stop seeking out storms of life and enjoy sunlight....There is good all around us-- if we will only look for it.

E. Dale Baron

Satan wants us to be satisfied with anything short of exaltation.

Praying about every little thing for inspiration opens us to false spirits. Don't seek personal revelation on everything.

Emotions and spirit are closely linked and might mistake an emotional response for a spiritual one.

John L. Lund

God has called Jesus to save His children.
God has called me to love His children.

Terrance D. Olson

Living responsibly is better than accepting consequences.

The guilty take the truth to be hard but also always construe righteousness to be self-righteousness.

We can live in two ways. 1-to love people and use things or 2-to love things and use people

Positive peer pressure is actually friendship. Negative peer pressure is when others undermine your best interests. It is when your friends behave like enemies.

K. Douglas Bassett

If Satan can't get us to sin, he will fill our lives with clutter.

Elder Henry B. Eyring--The still, small voice is so quiet that you won't hear it when you are noisy inside.

There are things that are not sin in and of themselves, but they drive away the Spirit: anxiety, stress, fear of failure or unknown, depression.

You can answer all the temple recommend questions correctly and still not have the Spirit.

We will not be judged in comparison, but with the energy we were given.

This life is a long-distance race, so why are we always sprinting.

Too many of us want to get to heaven on a feather bed. You have to pick up a cross.

Jesus could not have calmed the sea is he had not been calm himself.

Chris and Kory J. Wright

Agency and the Law of the Harvest teach us we have a choice--jungle or farm.

Hugh Nibley--Every day there's a choice between light or dark, life or death. They go separate ways so there is no mixing.

The Lord cares about our finances. Do we include Him in our plans?

Thomas L. Tyler

We are feeling the Spirit's influence when we want to be good, do good, and be faithful.

As we respond to the Spirit's gentle touch, its effect upon us is to do the right thing for the right reasons, to be humble, and to be righteous in our assessment of things.

The usual pattern of inspiration is to place clear thoughts in our minds accompanied by feelings of rightness, peace, and assurance in the heart.

Debbie Bowen

Be clean enough to be healthy, but dirty enough to be happy.

Patricia H. Sprinkle--Never us a cannon when a water pistol will do.

It's easier to keep up than to catch up.

Learning to enjoy what we have to do leads to fulfillment.

A child's performance is proportionate to a parent's persistence.

James Jones

Lucifer's way is control--but it's impossible to control kids. Father's way is learning through choices and consequences.

When you try to control, you get mad because you can't. You fall into Satan's trap.

If you have no needs, you have no motivation.

Lynn D. Johnson

If you shift your awareness to the positive emotions, you feel happier.

Anger makes you lose about 30 points on your IQ. Don't make any decisions when you are angry.

What we think literally shapes our brain--like a muscle.

When you don't blame people for things they actually try harder.

S. Michael Wilcox

Naaman the Leper (dipped in river 7 times to become clean)...what if he quit at the 6th dip? Don't be a 6-dip Mormon!

R. Colleen Harrison

Journal-writing is not about exact details but about lesson's learned.

S. Dee Barrett

Don't send your children off to school full of contention because then they are open to Satan.

D. Kelly Ogden

People who are humble don't think less of themselves but think of themselves less.

Brian M. Hauglid

Whatever the Lord commands is right.

Clyde J. Williams

The Holy Ghost doesn't prompt us to be sarcastic or to make cutting remarks.

James D. MacArthur

The telestial road is smoother. The celestial road is bumpier.

Ed Week 2002

Especially since I will have so many long posts this week, I hope if this is too long for you to read in one sitting that you will come back a time or two or three until you get to read all the quotes. I really feel that these words are inspiring, uplifting and encouraging...with just a little bit of a kick in the pants added.

And just a note as to how pathetic I am...I picked out which classes I would have attended if I had been in Provo today. Man, are they good choices.
1st class-Nephi, the Tree, and the Lost World of the Ancient Hebrews
2-Pierced Bread and Blood: How the Ancient and Modern Ordinances Testify of Christ
3-Devotional by Elder Boyd K. Packer
4-New Guidelines in Food Storage-Simple Planning and Purchasing Ideas
5-Making Sense of Music from the Baroque Era-Fugues, French Overtures, and Oratorios
6-Seeing the Light-Megasavants, the Veil, Bright Recollection, and Other Fascinations Involving the Brain
7-Parenting Like the Prophets: A Review of Statements on Parenting from the Presidents of the Church
8-dinner
9-The Infinite Atonement-An Old Testament Perspective
10-Models of the Messiah-We Three Kings: Mosiah I, Benjamin, Mosiah II.

It kind of cracks me up...it really shows my varied interests. Wow, it would have been a great day.

Thoughts from Ed Week 2002

MICHAEL L. BALLAM

A lot of our challenges can be changed with our choices.

Pres. Howard W. Hunter--We must know Christ better than we know Him; we must remember Him more often than we remember Him; we must serve Him more valiantly than we serve Him. Then we will drink water springing up unto eternal life and will eat the bread of life.

C. S. Lewis--We must try to feel about our enemy as we feel about ourselves--to wish that he were not bad, to hope that he may be cured, in fact, to wish his good. That is what is meant in the Bible by loving him: wishing his good, not feeling fond of him or saying he is nice when he is not.

ELDER L. TOM PERRY

Accept the challenge of change.

DENNIS B. DEATON

Sometimes we get so involved in our own strength that we don't look to see what service we can be.

Woody Allen--What I'd like is a blessing that's not in disguise.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell--It is up to us. God will facilitate, but He will not force.

Righteousness = obedience. Good = obedience.

DAVID A. CHRISTENSEN

If a child rebels, you are not a failure. The Lord knew you would have a rebellious child and He knows what He's doing.

He knows you're going to foul up and He's taken that into consideration.

Don't "what if" or you'll go crazy. He's prepared a way for the salvation of that child--just take care of yourself. Foul up--repent--foul up--repent--do the best you can--repent. Let God do His work and don't stress.

Do your best and the Lord will compensate. He loves your children more than you do.

KAREN POOL and SUSAN ELIASON

Our minds don't work when we focus on our limits.

TODD L. PEARSON

Satan makes us think we can be all things to all people.

BRENT L. TOP

Taking up the cross means a joyful sacrifice of one's life in living, not dying.

Conviction comes from what you know. Conversion is characterized by what you do. Consecration is what you are.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell--Some give of their time yet without of themselves, being present without giving of their presents, going through the superficial motions of membership instead of the deep emotions of consecrated discipleship.

Conversion does not equal testimony.
Faithful does not equal dutiful.

Are vs. Do
reverent vs. being quiet
virtuous vs. refraining from immoral thoughts

MERRILEE BOYACK

If you had died and your husband was looking for another wife, would he pick you?

Treat him to the level of his divine nature. Heavenly Father treats us the same way--He doesn't criticize us but relentlessly treats us as if we were more.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell--Brethren, marry someone who is your better in some respects; and sisters, do likewise, so that your eternal partnership is one of compensating competencies.

TED L. EARL and ED J. PINEGAR

Boyd K. Packer--Too much guilt is a tool of Satan.

Guilt unto repentance is of the Lord. Guilt after repentance is of Satan.

Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley--As far as I'm concerned, whether it's a commandment or counsel, that which the Lord counsels becomes a commandment to Gordon B. Hinckley. I hope it does to you.

S. MICHAEL WILCOX

C. S. Lewis--I believe in Christianity and in Christ as I believe in the rising sun--not just because I see it, but because with it, I see everything else more clearly.

Life is a battle--the scriptures are the sword.
Life is a dark place--the scriptures are a lamp.
Life is a wilderness journey--the scriptures are a liahona, a compass.

Read your scriptures as if you were going to teach them the next day.

Every time 2 young men decide to serve a mission, God can open a whole city. ---ok as a returned sister missionary do I take umbrage at that statement?...only a tiny bit

GARY L. POLL

The atonement doesn't cover giving up--but it covers everything else.

We need to be diligent in keeping the commandments. We think of it as a sprint and it may be a marathon. God says when it's over.

There are two kinds of people who came to the earth: those who need the atonement and He who atoned.

STEPHEN E. LAMB

Pres. Harold B. Lee--Don't allow the [marriage] ceremony to terminate the days of courtship.

JOHN L. LUND

Men don't feel appreciated for what they do. They only feel resented for what they don't do. Sincere admiration and appreciation are the fuels that motivate men.

KEVIN R. MILLER

Elder Dallin H. Oaks--The safety and happiness we are promised lies in keeping the commandments and not in discounting them or multiplying them. It may be as dangerous to exceed orthodoxy as it is to fall short of it.

Sin springs from deep and unmet needs, so be in touch with your needs.

The more we say "yes" the more we will be blessed is false. Only the Spirit can tell you the mix you are supposed to have. (class was on balancing your life)

STANLEY A. JOHNSON

Justification comes from obedience. Sanctification comes from the Spirit (after a lifetime of obedience).

Elder Boyd K. Packer--Some are tested by poor health, some by a body that is deformed or homely. Others are tested by handsome and healthy bodies; some by the passion of youth; others by the erosions of age. Some suffer disappointment in marriage, family problems; others live in poverty and obscurity. Some (perhaps this is the hardest test) find ease and luxury. All are part of the test, and there is more equality in this testing than sometimes we suspect.

Trying makes us better. The problem isn't in failing; the problem is in not trying.

MARK D. OGLETREE

Stephen R. Covey--Probably the greatest model of parenting is the missionary. How are investigators brought into the church? By love, bearing testimony...