Nike Cross Nationals

Very kind family members took the younger kids so Tom and I could go to Portland to Caleb's race.  We had a great time and were so glad to be at the very exciting race. It was an amazing trip!

Tom and I waiting for our elevator  to head to the race.  In addition to AFXC, our shirts say "Our kids run this town".  Literally, they do;  at over 2,000 miles a year, they run every where in this city and much of the neighboring two.  

The race was held at Portland Meadows....a horse race track.

Apparently there were torrential rains in Portland the week before the race.  The course was the muddiest it had ever been in the history of this race.  It made it a tricky race for the runners, but also for the spectators.  Galoshes were not on the packing list so I did not have any along. :(  At first we tried to avoid getting too much mud on our shoes.  After we were unsuccessful with that, we just tried to avoid the puddles.  It wasn't long until anything was fair game and we just ignored our wet, muddy and cold feet.  After the race was over we walked through a clean-ish puddle to swish off as much mud as possible so the hotel would let us back in and so we didn't get the rental car too muddy. 

During the pre-race hype, Tom and I wondered how American Fork could even compete in such a tough playing ground--the top 22 teams in the nation and so many stand-out runners, not to mention the very muddy and wet conditions.  Our hopes were not high especially as they announced each team and read their credentials.  We figured that it was just cool to be there.

Runners lined up for the start---this is about the only green they ran on the whole race.

Since we were at Nike and everything was high-tech, everyone had chips on their shoes so we had the luxury of knowing how the teams were doing during the race.  At the first mile, American Fork was in first place by quite a bit! We were ecstatic! At each check point AF had the lead even though the gap narrowed.   (For my records: entire video here. If you are interested in the muddiness of the race, watch from about 2:50-5:00 mins.)

First score readings on the Jumbotron.  Lincroft has been ranked 1st the whole season;  Arcadia, 2nd the whole season; American Fork moved to 3rd in the national rankings mid-season.

I'm not sure what is going on with my camera, but this is the team scores at the last check point.  AF is 123; Arcadia is 154.

Caleb actually had quite a bit of video coverage.  Here he is on the Jumbotron.  He was fairly easy to spot because he wore tube socks on his arms for warmth.  I guess AF did that last year at nationals and he wanted to do it even though the rest of the team opted out (he has was smeared with olive oil for warmth.)

One of AF runners--Tyler Bell--running through the deepest puddle on the course.

During the race the commentators discussed their biggest surprises of the day---that American Fork boys team could be competitors in this caliber of a race.  Their surprise came from the fact that we are from a state with only 2.8 million people while the other real competitors in this race are typically from New York and California.  They also mentioned that while American Fork was a good team, they just didn't think they had the depth other teams had.

Unfortunately, though, the way the scores lined up, American Fork ended with a 2nd place title instead of 1st-- even though AF had the first five runners in before any other team. There were no regrets, really, but it was just such a close, close race that it is worth recording that they almost won! (Arcadia beat them by just 14 points.)   All in all, it was great just to be there and see them do so well.  The goal for the beginning of the year was to get on the podium at nationals---and they not only did that, but almost won it!  Very cool for them.

On a personal note, I am thankful for Coach Mostert for teaching the boys to be great sports regardless of the race results.  The whole team is upbeat and kind about everyone they race against. But beyond that, the coach does not allow the boys to 'talk smack' (his words) about their competitors.  If I ever talk about other teams to Caleb in even a slightly competitive tone, he calls me on it.  I have to say that definitely isn't true of other teams.  We heard some negative comments from another Utah team about AF and you can tell they don't hold themselves to that standard.  I'm thankful AF does.

Also, Caleb is always the first to reach out in congratulations and encouragement to the other teams.  This picture is on the award stand just after they announced that Arcadia had won it. The way they handled the 1st/2nd announcement was a bit of a let down for AF, but Caleb was the first to reach out to them to congratulate them.  This is from a video, so not the best, but is really telling to one of Caleb's great traits and the coach's encouragement to keep it friendly.

In addition to the free trip from Nike, Caleb came home with $640 of free gear (2 pairs of shoes, back pack, quite a bit of running gear and a coat).  All athletes who attended the race received the same package.  He is working to return next year--and much of it will be on him as he is one of the team captain's this year. He's got to influence the others to want it as much as him to work hard enough to get there.  I hope they do!

It's been fun to see little tidbits from around town and in the paper about their accomplishment.  

(We're a bit biased, but we thought AF should have placed higher than #10 in this article. . . )

Cross Country Regionals

American Fork XC team went to Mesa the week before Thanksgiving for the Regionals meet (Utah, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico's top teams).  With time off for Thanksgiving, Tom didn't feel like he wanted to take the weekend before off as well, so I twisted my Mom's arm to go with me (not really, she was very willing!).  I couldn't have done it without her!  We stayed at my sister's and it was nice to have a place to stay.

The team had a great day--everyone of them running personal records.  It was an awesome race and I'm so glad I could be there.  Caleb came in 20th of 280 runners (but came in 12th in for the team scores).  It was such an exciting day.  He has worked very hard to put himself in this position.  We are pleased with his discipline.

After the race, the team gathered around to coach's phone to compare results to their previous records.
(For Coach Mostert, it's all about stats--he is the Stats teacher at the HS)  After the race he quickly
added  up (in his head) the team's course time to project whether they had won or not. 

Caleb receiving his T-shirt for being in the top 20.  I should know who this
Olympian is, but I do not.

They were the number one team in the South West region!  Now they go to Portland for Nationals--
an all expense paid trip by Nike!  

The team won with a score of 36, the 2nd place team was 163. (You want the lowest score--you total the points by the placement of your first 5 runners, so if you get first, your team gets 1 point; if you place 20th, 20 is added to your team's score.)  So awesome to see all of their hard work pay off!

The girls were intrigued by the cactuses. 

The favorite part of the races for the girls---snack time!  We were thankful for perfect weather.

Elder Thompson, the Missionary

After we dropped Cache off at the MTC (June 27) I was reading the book 'Pete the Cat' to Tessa and Greta. (If you haven't heard it, or seen it, check out the links.) I suddenly had the idea to make a spin off of that book for Cache for Christmas. Well, busy-ness settled in and I didn't start right away. Then about mid September I started feeling spiritual impressions that it was something that I really needed to do. So I slowly got to work---but I do have 4 other children, I am the Primary President (and it is the busiest time of the year for Primary) and we were well into the Cross Country season--so it was really slow. Also, I am definitely (and obviously) not an artist so that made things really (really, really) slow. 

During much of the process I kept telling myself that I didn't have any business doing it. And I really didn't, except that I couldn't deny the heavenly help I was receiving and the impressions to finish that I continued to have. I was constantly given ideas for elements and layouts and how to accomplish the illustrations. So I kept plugging away.  Bit by bit.  Then while driving home one day I heard a snippet from a BYU devotional. The speaker said something to the effect of "Be grateful for what you have and do not focus on what you lack." I decided that I needed to apply that to my book project. After that, I let the verbalization of my artistic weaknesses be put to rest and I dug in and worked without complaint. I found it amazing how much more quickly it came together after that. All in all, the completion of this book is truly a miracle in many ways.  There are quite a few things in the book that bug me, but honestly I can't complain because of all of the help I received and the way I was expanded.  I also had so help from my family to take care of much of my home management duties so I could work on it. It was a family effort. I'm so thankful for the whole, very challenging, process. I grew a lot during it!

All of that said, I'm thankful it is finished and I can move on to other things.

-----------------------------

In my opinion, one of the best thing about this book is all of the elements that references things Cache likes, has done or things he'll relate to.  I definitely know the source for the idea to implement those elements!  It makes the book endearing, made it lots of fun to make and fun to read.   I hope it all makes him laugh.   

Another thing I did was alternate the use of water color and paper pieced people.  All of the pages that he is saying he loves his mission, he is paper pieced.  Those pages are also representative of 'outputs' he's done.  So I used that platform for his expressions of him loving his mission (except the final one, but what I used was fitting, I thought). 

Back cover

The man behind the red door is from Killer Bunnies, which references The Princess Bride (both of which he likes a lot).  The windows in the house are from a publication at BYU with stories he wrote.  The bushes are his 1st grade report card, the window in the car is Y mountain and the license plate says 'Boy Scouts of America'.  

Notice the gold door house--a roof from Preach My Gospel, front windows with the scriptures, side windows with his mission call letter.  The bus driver is his mission president, BYU Presdient, Cecil O. Samuelson is a passenger, the route name is a friend's name, the license plate is President Monson's signature scanned from his mission call and the ad on the bus is the oral surgeon who took the twig out of his cheek from a bike accident when he was 12.  

I will eventually get all of the book posted here on my blog (it will probably be a long time though) but if you want to see the rest of the book, I can send you an invitation to my book online.  You can either email me for a request or leave a comment with your email address so I can send you an invite.

Hurricane Sandy

We watched Hurricane Sandy with great interest because Cache is serving right where it was predicted to hit the hardest.  However, it took a different path and left his area of residence practically unscathed (a few trees limbs down).  So while he avoided that peril, he did go without power for 5-6 days (not sure of the exact number).  Since getting gas has been a challenge, they hadn't been able to leave their immediate area to go be on the front lines serving.  Between having to stay in their apartment from Sunday to Wednesday and lack of work after I think he was a bit frustrated. (During that time, his companion ate some cashews hidden in some pesto so Cache had to administer the epi pen. That was probably a tall order for him as he was the one the Jr. High called me about for blacking out in biology during a movie and the one who didn't stay vertical for the required missionary TB testing and shots.  Missions are character builders all around!)

According to Google's crisis map for Sandy, this was the only gas station opened near his area for a week. 

We didn't hear from him again this week :( so I'm not sure what this past week has been like for him but I pieced together from his mission president's weekly letter that he has been able to get out this week and work on clean up.  I'm thankful for that--what a great opportunity for him.  And in the mean time, I hang on again to get news.

Two things I know from this:  1) Watching images on CNN and Weather.com is no way for a missionary mom to spend her time!  They always show the worst when there are other areas that are faring better and I knew the mission president went to every precaution to make sure all missionaries were safe.  So I could have gotten by with only watching 2-3 updates on Sandy instead of what I did and saved myself a whole lot of emotion (I can't say fear was really what I was feeling, because I knew he would be all right, but it was very gripping and consuming for me to watch).  2)  This is the place Cache should be right now.  I'm confident he was put there for his own personal growth and to help and reach certain people.  I'm thankful for that comforting knowledge.

New Glasses for Tess

Ellen recommended plastic frames for Tessa this time around because of gymnastics (she just has to wear a strap while at the gym).  While these were not my favorite of the 3 choices she had (yes, only 3 because of her small size. . . ) it really is a no brainer she picked these because these have purple and pink and jewels and stars.  Does it get any better???  The ones I liked best were brown, even though other colors could be ordered.  But I knew well enough to not even try to have that conversation with her (see her kindergarten post).  She is pleased as punch with her new look.  And I like it too.

This picture cracks me up!

In other Tessa news, she read a book called Shoe La La.  She promptly got her shoes, some jewels and a glue gun and went to work.  This picture is after she wore them once and a few jewels had fallen off.  The jewels on the heel crack me up--she says they didn't bother her at all! (??)  She's such a funny girl!

One final thing:  Last week in FHE, Tom asked what happens to people who die without gospel ordinances.  Tessa quickly answered.  "They go in the index."  That might not be funny to many, but we laughed quite a bit.  Since she has witnessed a fair amount of indexing, that is exactly what she thinks happens.  We'll have to address that a little more to make sure she understands the whole process.

Halloween

Last February Tessa announced that she wanted to be a CTR ring for Halloween.  I wrote it on the calendar so we didn't forget.  I knew it would be an easy costume to throw together and I knew it would prevent the rounds she would go in deciding what she should be. She loved it and got lots and lots of comments about it.  And it couldn't have been easier--a CTR shield left over from Primary with an embroidery hoop glued to it.  I Velcro-ed a headband to it and stretched the headband around her middle.  Easy-peasy! 

Greta has a long history of loving bunnies so a costume decision was easy for her.  I was all over that especially since I've been captive to a huge project and needed something very low key. (Hopefully sharing of that will come very soon--an end is in sight!!!)

They wanted to make thank you notes again this year to give to candy-givers.  I love that they think to do this on their own.  The top left pumpkin is 'wearing sun glasses and saying 'Thank Yooooooo'.  We had fun doing glitter even though we accidentally dumped out an entire container and made a huge glittery mess all over the kitchen!

These girlies are fun!

Cross Country

The cross country season this year has been a little down (literally) and a little up for Caleb. He started off the year with a great race at Grass Relays. The varsity race is a relay with each runner running a two mile leg.  They have hay bales to jump over, including a gauntlet near the end of each mile.   This year Caleb ran the time trial fast enough to be one of the 5 runners in the relay for AF.   He ran the 2nd leg. AF's first man had given him a five second lead and Caleb grew it to seventeen so that was pretty impressive.  AF ended up winning by about 50 seconds.  (This is the only meet this season I remembered my camera--what is happening to me???).  This picture shows the lead Caleb had at the "gauntlet" (from behind--he's in the white with black shorts)  and then one mile later at the gauntlet (from the front).  You can see how close the Davis guy was to Caleb on the first lap and then in the 2nd picture you can't see him around the bend--see the yellow arrow (nor was he in the picture at all after Caleb finished the gauntlet, but that picture didn't turn out well).  

We left that day with hopes for a great season.  The next race, he was a scoring runner (top 5 runners in the team) but after that he just couldn't manage to score.  While he still ran well enough to stay on varsity (top 7 runners) he really wanted to be a scoring runner.  He was pushing himself hard in practice and keeping the pace, but when races came, he couldn't finish like he'd like.  At this point we started addressing diet and nutritional needs.  We put him on a good (but expensive) supplement.  He reported feeling better, but his racing did not improve much.  Then at one race when he was about 100 meters from the finish he lost muscular control.  He said he could barely make himself run. I didn't see it, but those who did said it was a visible change.  Some how he pushed through to the finish then collapsed.   I made an appointment right away (since something similar happened last year).  We went the rounds:  EKG, blood work and X-Rays.  Everything came back normal.  We were thankful for that, but then you have to wonder what else could be causing it.  One night in my prayers an answer came.  The words were "Don't mistake this for what it really is."  I knew what that meant.  I have been praying for months for Caleb to be able to have experiences to learn how to navigate with the spirit and know what Heavenly direction feels like and sounds like.  This was it.  It was something Caleb wanted and cared about enough and thus would be very willing to put in the effort.  He joined me in working towards that.  I know he made some progress, but honestly, being a teen in these days must be incredibly hard--so many distractions in so many areas--phones, music, tweets, texts, etc (and we don't even do Facebook at our house--gasp).  Satan definitely knows what he is doing. My words to him were along the lines of  "Caleb, Heavenly Father knows what you need to do to race well.  He will tell you, but it will likely be at a critical moment and if you have prepared, you will be in position to receive an answer." So we worked towards that.  By the next race, he was able to score again and also qualify to run in the State meet.  While his racing did improve, he couldn't verbalize or pinpoint the Heavenly help.

Then a tender mercy happened.  The day before the State meet I was up in the wee morning working on a project for Christmas for Cache.  I heard someone get up at 5:15 but then I didn't hear any more.  At 5:30 when Caleb usually gets up there was enough noise to convince me someone was really up.  A bit later he came down and asked me if I knew where his phone was.  It was on my dresser when I got up so I didn't know.  Tom had been asleep and didn't know where it was.  We concluded that Caleb must have slept walked--the noise at 5:15, got his phone and put it some where.  He wasn't entirely convinced, but that was the only thing we could figure.  

The next day was the state meet.  He raced extremely well--probably his best of the season.  He was a scoring runner and came in 11th overall.  One article we read stated that because of the talent in the 5A race that being in the top 10 would be quite an accomplishment and given his inconsistent season, coming in 11th was outstanding.  I know he wishes he could have made All State (top 10), but I'm very very happy with his performance.  

Now for the rest of the story on the tender mercy.  When he came home from the state meet, he suddenly had his phone.  Where was it?  In his back pack.  He doesn't remember putting it there.  But he said, "From now on, I'm going to go two days before every race without my phone.  It distracts me from the concentration I need to perform well. "  And the mom in me cheers louder for that outcome than the actual race.  He's learning that the divine help waiting for him can only come when he is prepared and he can't fully prepare without unplugging.  What a wonderful tender mercy that he could learn that for himself!  I know there is more for him to learn and we will keep working, but I'm so thankful for a portion of my prayers being answered.

Caleb's Birthday Etc.

I just found this in my draft folder.  Time to get it published as Caleb's birthday was October 6th.

 (I'm changing the publication date so it will be in the right spot even though it really is being finished up in November).

"Mom, you've got to take a cool birthday picture."

Cache sent a few gifts, we are guessing they are things leftover in his apartment.  One was a birthday book for  March 23 (horoscope, numerology etc.) and this lovely tie.  Caleb was very excited to be remembered by Cache and is planning on wearing the tie--to what occasion is still being determined.

Caleb turned 17 yesterday.  (how?)  And now, after the announcement yesterday, that means that in exactly 1 year he could serve a mission, except for the fact that he will not have graduated from high school yet.  Blows my mind.

Anyway, I've had a few things to post about him lately that just haven't happened so I'm going to lump them all together in one post.  The agenda:  birthday, indexing and cross country.

Caleb is such an amiable kid (much of the time; he's a teen after all) and his sisters had wrapped up some presents for him, which consisted of pictures they had made and a few of their 'boy' toys they were regifting. He was very cute with them and made them feel special for what they did.  He also got underwear again this year (at his request) and even opened it while his friend was here.  No embarrassment from him--happy and jovial.  We love his easy going fun personality.

He wanted Philly Cheesesteaks for his birthday meal, then who does he invite over?  His vegetarian friend.  Had I known Sam was coming I would have put something else on, but he came when we were close to finishing the meal and so he just ate pickles and chips, then had cake with us.

Caleb wanted a red velvet cake with caramel, cream and butterfingers.  I forgot to buy candles so he had the leftovers I had in my candle basket.  Didn't matter--he just loves this cake.

Our stake president (see him on page 55 of October 2012 Ensign) promised the youth in our stake if they would index they would have extra help beyond the veil.  Since Tom has a testimony of indexing, he decided to dangle a carrot to help that along.  As soon as Caleb heard his mountain bike would be fixed for a certain number of names indexed, he jumped right on it.  In a short time he has nearly doubled what he had done.  I find it amazing how much happier he is when he's indexing daily.

Now a bit on Cross Country.  Right now AFXC boys team is ranked #3 in the nation.  Do you know what kind of training is required to achieve that?  I only know in the form of how much I send him out to run and then hear a little about the different kinds of work outs they do. I also know if the form of keeping him fed.  (It's A LOT!).  I have a chart on my fridge recording miles run.  Since Memorial Day he's ran over 1,400 miles(November tally; not October tally).  In those miles he runs a hard hill they call Grinder (weekly in the summer; not as much in the season).  They do speed workouts, capillary runs (70 minute runs at a fast pace), endurance training and much more.  All in all, it is very good as he is learning discipline and very hard work.

Tidbits

From letters to Cache worth recording in a searchable format:

Tessa has had to use your plate every meal instead of hers.

Tessa is happy that you are on the top bunk---just like her. However, I'm guessing that you don't love the top bunk as much as she does!

Chandler has been working on his Sandwich Shop jingle. He's thinking to 'borrow' the end of Rhodes Bake and Serve Rolls song. If he doesn't use that, he'll use Les Olsen Company's. Either way, it should land him right in court!

Caleb's latest new recipe is adding a little fruity drink mix to his hot cocoa for a nice chocolate-orange flavor.  I don't anticipate trying it for myself any time soon.

Yesterday an entire pitcher of Kool-Aid fell out of the fridge onto the floor. Some thought the tragedy was in the lost Kool-Aid. Others thought it was in the mess to clean up. It really was neither, but it was something to fill 15 minutes of yesterday.

Greta is no longer saying every evening prayer.

It was great to get your hand-written letter.  Chandler got the mail and I think the whole neighborhood heard him announce it---it wasn't hard, though, as the whole neighborhood was out and he was quite loud.  He was so so so excited and kept saying "It's so good to see his handwriting again".  He has asked multiple times this week when we would hear from you and when we would know where you have been assigned.  So you made his week (and the rest of ours too!).

Chandler went to the golf course on Thursday.  When we picked him up he was playing some putting/chipping game with a one legged guy.  Chan was the one who asked him for a game.  He seems to make a friend every time he golfs.  He has ordered new clubs and they should be arriving this week, which has caused him to not sleep really well.

I took Chan to the golf course for a round of golf.  His new clubs helped him beat his old score by 2 strokes.  He was disappointed though because he thought he could knock off 7 or 8.

A couple of Greta funnies:  Today I said to the girls "Would you like to go across the street with me and meet our new neighbors?"  Greta said, "Will they eat me?"  Today for lunch we had some salad.  She asked us to pass her the coupons (croutons). 

According to Chandler he had the sighting of a life time.  As we pulled onto the freeway heading to Sally's he yelled "YES!  I saw it!"  Apparently his book "Encyclopedia of Immaturity" it has 3 things to see in your lifetime:  a car with a clown and balloons in it, a very large plastic dinosaur and the Oscar Meyer Weiner mobile.  He saw the latter.  Not sure how rare that is, but he can check that off his list.

Tess taught Greta how to climb the fence.  I'm amazed she can even do it, and I might not believe it had I not witnessed the fact that the girls were in the front and then suddenly in the back.  Those girls sure have an agenda!

Chandler was telling me about Mrs. Bates, the science teacher.  He said that she informed the class that she did NOT have a sense of humor, but then proceeded to give the kids a homework assignment using comics.  Chandler was not comfortable with the irony of that.  

 Tessa gave the lesson in FHE.  She put up pictures of tea, a pipe and cigarettes and told us they were bad us.  We asked why.  She said, "Because they aren't good for your body and they make you fat."  After a few more tidbits she closed with her testimony:  "I know this church is true and I know Chandler will do okay to pass the sacrament."  

Caleb went to mission prep tonight and came home very happy.  They cooked and then ate.  They made pasta, enchiladas, pancakes, eggs and some sort of doughnut.  And since there were only 6 people there, they got a lot to eat! Eating always makes him happy.  

Greta is back at saying every evening meal prayer.

As I was getting ready to leave for PTC at the JH last week I changed out of my frumpy plain t-shirt into something a little nicer. Goes to show how little I wear stuff like that because Greta asked me if I was going to go get married.

How to Write a Primary Program

This year as I was writing the Primary Program I felt inspired to keep notes of my process in case it might help someone.  I know that this is late information for someone this year, but perhaps someone, somewhere, sometime may need this.  (And it just might be me next year!)

There are many, many ways to write a program and I'm the first one to tell you that the first source for help is  always Heaven, but I also think that it is beneficial to see how others do things, glean what works for you and get to work.  So after writing 5 programs, here is the process I've found easiest for me.

1. Pray for the guidance of the spirit. I find it helpful to pray vocally and specifically. I pray to know what will touch the congregation, but more importantly what will make a lasting impression for the children.

2. Listen to all of the music to be used for the program. Pay attention for impressions of how the music makes you feel and what direction you want to take. The music will be what makes the program most meaningful.

3. Put the songs in order that you would like them to be presented and if it hasn't already been decided, decide how each song should be presented. (for example, will you use sign language, have a solo part, have a musical instrument, have a single class sing one verse or chorus, have a descant etc. We do this early in the year with the music leaders so they have a say in the presentation and can work on it all year.)

4. Write notes next to the songs (may evolve into possible parts, but don't worry about that at this point) as to how they correlate with the yearly theme. So if the year topic is I Know the Scriptures Are True, you will write how each song connects with that theme.

5. Add scriptures that you want to use. You may want a scripture to go with every song, you may not. Choose your scriptures and add them to your written text.

6. Look at how many children you have in your Primary and decide how many written parts you will need. (In our Primary we assign some children musical parts. If they are singing a special number with their class, that is their part.)

7. Find areas where younger children can give shorter parts and assign those first. For example you can assign Sunbeam teacher to say “We follow the prophet by: “ Then each child can generate his or her own way to follow the prophet. (A visit to the Sunbeam class one Sunday is the easiest way to accomplish that.)

8. Start filling in parts by section (between each song) making the parts lead up to your previously written point of how that song fits within the yearly them. I find it easiest to assign certain classes to each section so I know how many parts to generate in each section and how long to make them (age appropriate). Use the Sharing Time outline text for parts (weekly themes etc.)

9. Leave a large number of the parts open ended so children can share personal experiences (use previously given talks in Primary or other things to help you decide who may have experiences to fit your desired direction). Because I like to have all of the text pre-approved by the bishopric, I always get those written out before submitting to the program. The way I've found the most successful is by letting the child know their assigned topic then making an appointment with them to interview them. I've done this at church, but also at their homes. During the interview I ask questions to help them tell their experience and bring out the points I want made for that section. I then use the notes to write the text myself that way I control length and the direction the part goes.

10. I also find it helpful to fill out a tentative seating chart as I write the program. Writing the program is hard, but I find working things out logistically of where everyone will be, how things will flow etc. is quite painful. So if I do it as I go along, it is much easier and not so much of an after thought so it flows better.

11. Write it and then leave it for a few days. More inspiration will come. Tweak and edit as needed.  I like to have my editing process span a few weeks to a month if possible.

Don't be intimidated! Writing the program is a wonderful experience because you get to be an instrument for the Lord. Relax and rely on the impressions you receive.  

Notes

{And just like that, I can suddenly post on Blogger again! Yay!}

I'm just wanting to record a few things so that I have them in a searchable format for my future use.

From my notes from Elder Maynes's talk at our Regional Conference last week:

Who am I?  This is a question many ask.  We often define ourselves by our occupations, hobbies, families or social status.

But as Children of God, our relationship with Him is what should define us.

Knowing who we are spiritually affects our every act.

We are commanded to REMEMBER.  Remembering is a celestial attribute.  The scriptures are replete with counsel to remember.

The Lord remembers us so we should remember Him.

One of the most important responsibilities of the Holy Ghost is to bring all things to our remembrance 

Anyone or anything that causes us to forget who we are is a Korihor in our lives.

Remember who we are and act accordingly.

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Elder Bednar was at my sister's stake conference this past weekend.  I asked her to send me a little of what he said.  Here is her email.  All very profound.  I fall short.

Elder Bednar told us of something that has been on his mind lately.  It was something that Elder Maxwell had said to him once.  Something about the "character of Christ."  So E. Bednar has been thinking about what that means.  He has found that even in the moments when Christ was in the most anquish, he turned outward.  The temptations that Satan presented to him were invitations to think of himself and Christ refused.  When on the cross, He was thinking of those around him.  When in the Garden of Gethsemane and Peter cut off the ear of the solider, Christ had compassion on him despite what he must have been going through.  Elder Bednar challenged us to look outward and not in.  He used Cookie Monster as an example of a "Me, me me," character.  His question to us was, "What way are you facing?  Out or in?"  

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Then something I ran across this morning in my studying.  Powerful thought.  (Read the rest of the awesome talk here; I highly recommend.)

O my beloved hearers, what a world it would be if a million families in this church were to be on their knees . . .every night and morning! And what a world it would be if nearly a hundred million families in this great land and other hundreds in other lands were praying for their sons and daughters twice daily. And what a world this would be if a billion families through the world were in home evenings and church activity and were on their physical knees pouring out their souls for their children, their families, their leaders, their governments!

This kind of family life could bring us back toward the translation experience of righteous Enoch. The millennium would be ushered in. Enoch was asked questions about himself; he answered, among other things, “… my father taught me in all the ways of God.” (Moses 6:41.) And Enoch walked with God and he was not, for God took him.  (Spencer W. Kimball 1973)

Finally

Blogger and I have not been getting along lately.  For some reason, I cannot post anything on my computer.  So I'm having to get sneaky with it(which is WAY more work) and email myself all of my posts and pictures and upload them at some coinciding time that I can sit down long enough to do it and Tom's laptop is available (which is near never except at unpleasant hours such as now).  So here's some very old news and a few more recent items (yay for finally getting a little bit of our history recorded).

Kindergarten

Excerpts from my letters to Cache about Tessa and Kindergarten:

Tessa had her kindergarten testing this week.  It was done by Mrs. Crockett, a new teacher at the school, who Tessa fell in LOVE with.  After we got home, she would not stop talking about her.  Two days later when K class lists were posted, we found out she had Mrs. Walker.  She came home and flung herself on the bed and sobbed.  Unbeknownst to her, I had already made a phone call to Mrs. Crandall, the principal (while at the school & Tess was talking to Christine) because I had requested to not have Mrs. Walker.  So 15 minutes later when Mrs. Crandall called me back saying Tessa was moved to Mrs. Crockett's class, Tess was ecstatic, and has been bouncing off the walls ever since.  The only caveat is that it is the 12:40-3:30 time slot, which doesn't work well with our family schedule.  But I accepted it because Mrs. Walker and Tessa likely would not get along at all.

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While at the Children's Museum on Monday I got a message from Peggy Crandall saying she could move Tessa to the 9:15 time slot, but her teacher would be Mrs. Reid.  I didn't know Mrs. Reid, but I had heard really great things about her so I called back and made the switch.  All around, it was the best decision for Tessa--she does much better in the morning and it works so better for our family schedule. But Tess wasn't very excited about changing out of Mrs. Crockett's.  Down right mad might be better terms for it.  We talked and talked and came up with what seemed like a million reasons she should be happy about the move. By night time, I finally found one she liked.  Suddenly she was mostly okay to have Mrs. Reid.  So on the 1st day when we were writing a card to put on Mrs. Reid's gift, she wanted to write the only thing she liked about Mrs. Reid:  "Dear Mrs. Reid, I like you because your class is by the playground.  Love Tessa" Unbeknownst to her, I wrote something a little more appropriate, but later, Dad, not being informed on the matter, read the card out loud to her:  "Dear Mrs. Reid, I'm excited to be in your class.  I think you'll be a fun teacher.  Love Tessa."  The aftermath was not pretty, but somehow she managed to get to school and be okay with Mrs. Reid. A few days into it, I think she is coming around to like Mrs. Reid okay.  They do get to earn pebbles in a jar to have Fun Fridays, after all.  (Oh the drama!!) Don't let the smiles fool you. She was excited about kindergarten, but MAD about Mrs. Reid.

Yes, the back pack is hilarious, but don't worry,  it is just full of tissues and paper towels for the classroom supply.

Greta was SO sad after Tess went into school.  She wouldn't cry, but you could tell she wanted to let the flood gates open and sob.  She was so so sad.  So instead of going home and making a treat to serve at my teacher meeting that night, we went to Deseret Book and read books and ate ice cream.  She really needed that.  (I just served rootbeer floats for my treat that night instead of homemade peach pie.)  Since then, Greta has done really well.  She is so easy to have around ---she helps me with what I'm doing or colors or eats up the preschool that we do. 

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Kindergarten follow up:  I've asked Tess on and off if she loves Mrs. Reid and kindergarten.  She says she does, but she hasn't been very convincing.  In a few conversations, things like "Mrs. Crockett's class gets to paint and we don't so, I still want Mrs. Crockett," have come up.  Another time she said that she wants Mrs. Crockett because her class gets to stay at school all day.  (A little 5 year old misconception.)  While fairly content with Mrs. Reid, she still has been harboring resentment that she can't be in Mrs. Crockett's.  One day while rehashing it once again, I said to her, "Tessa, there are a lot of good teachers in every grade, but you can only have one each year.  You've got to be happy with what you've got and have fun anyway."  It took some talking along those lines before she seemed a bit more accepting of the situation.  She has started making pictures for Mrs. Reid and we've had a little less talk about Mrs. Crockett. But I think it has more to do with the fact that she finally got to be the line leader than anything else!  It is so hard to switch gears in that little mind!

Missionary Wall

My sister in law has a missionary wall where she hangs pictures and letters from her son.  I loved the idea because it helps keep the younger kids involved with big brother.  I started making plans for mine long before Cache even left, but then I started sensing  how private he wanted to keep his mission and decided I should not even work on it until after he was gone.  And since one thing leads to another and projects such as these do not take top priority over children and their needs, it took me until Labor Day to get it finished and hung.  I'm so glad I finally got it done because there has been much more talk about Cache amongst the kids.  And I love seeing his cute face everyday when coming down the hall.  

As with my typical (boring) decorating style, I got frames from DI and refurbished.  I decided to be a little brave and do them each a different color; I put color streaks in all three and elements on them to tie them together. I'm happy with how it turned out.

The scripture is the last part of the scripture he chose for his missionary plaque that hangs at church.  

The temple and scripture pictures came from lds.org then I sent them to Costco for printing then cut it to fit my frames.  

And as part of our family missionary work, we are indexing and arbitrating, so I decided to include that.  Tom is the biggest indexer, but the others of us contribute some also. 

 I'm asked all the time how he is doing.  He seems quite good, but I read in between the lines a lot.  I know he is very concerned with sending emails he hasn't had time to edit (his words:  edited for content and delivery), but that is exactly what missionary life is throwing at him, and so I don't get a long newsy letters.  I will just have to hear details when he gets home and savor what he sends, because I'm sure there are those who write even less.

Since his emails are not lengthy and he doesn't always get all of our questions answered, I decided to send him a Pop Quiz.  I knew he wouldn't have much time to write so I made all of the questions either yes/no or very short answer.  To my wonderful surprise, I got it back (!) and with a few extra notes as explanation on the back.  I think I might get away with sending a pop quiz once a quarter or so!