We finally broke down and got a new computer after putting it off for months. I feel very happy to sit down and be able to open programs without fearing I'll crash everything. However, I still can't install our webcam because the install CD is stuck in our dead computer. Also, I've been wasting time again just reading through blogs, reading current events and adding books to Goodreads. I feel like whenever I sit down at the computer I should be doing something else at the same time or I'm not using my time well. (It is also more difficult to multi-task w/ housework and childcare while sitting on my butt.) I guess I'm just saying "Hi, we're alive!" (Though we may not all be this weekend if I'm still a single parent.)
I do have pics that I'd like to post, but I'm too lazy to install another program onto the computer. Sorry, I stayed up til midnight doing our taxes and I don't burn midnight oil as well as some. I guess you're getting some rambling from me for now.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Happy Birthday
Mr. David Adam is now a one year old. Can life really go by so quickly? The vivid memory of the doctors holding up a very big baby and asking where he had been hiding is still fresh. For a moment I wondered if this really was my baby and then I desperately wanted to hold him. He really didn't want to open his eyes much during his first week of life and he was already showing his calm demeanor.
He is now double the size he was at birth and is average in weight and a little taller than most. Everyone comments on his sweet disposition; he is usually happy with anyone holding him and he loves to crawl exploring new places. He is getting more comfortable with the concept of walking, but he panics if you let go of his hands! He is our rhythm boy, tapping on hands, pans and more. We love his big blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair. The consensus now is that he looks more like Natalie and I than the other three family members. We are so happy to have him in our family!
Sunday, February 03, 2008
So many tributes to one person
I have been pleased by how many people have shared a little of their memories and tributes of President Hinckley's life and how he has personally influenced them. I don't have anything profound to write even though I have enjoyed reading what others have written. My sister Shan wrote a nice bit on her blog www.serendipiwhat.blogspot.com/ that I enjoyed reading and the video was touching to hear his voice one last time. I think that is something I will miss the most; hearing his voice share such wisdom and witt.
My memories of President Hinckley as a prophet began while I was in my later teens so he influenced those formative years. I remember having a class with one of his granddaughters my freshman year of college, and thinking, she's really nice, but I would never have guessed that her grandpa is the prophet. She was quiet about it though (I found out from her last name and from something she said, not from her ever telling us).
When President Hinckley dedicated the temple in Bismarck, I remember thinking it was fascinating that he liked to eat hard boiled eggs for breakfast. I wondered if I'd be able to live into my nineties if I always ate a breakfast like that. I was also fascinated that they always had children go up to help mortar the cornerstone. I had been helping take care of Melanie and Suzie quite a bit during all of the events so I don't remember getting to shake President Hinckley's hand, but I remember feeling the excitement of standing in the same room as the Prophet. His dedication prayer was so personal and he talked about the lost tribes doing work in that very temple. Heavenly Father had a great deal of trust in him to inspire an eighty-nine year old man to plan for more than one hundred temples to cover the earth within a few years. He was so energetic, loving and faithful. I am grateful for the lessons he has taught us and for his influence in so many lives. I also feel very blessed to know that he is happy and continuing to share his goodness with others who have also passed on.
My memories of President Hinckley as a prophet began while I was in my later teens so he influenced those formative years. I remember having a class with one of his granddaughters my freshman year of college, and thinking, she's really nice, but I would never have guessed that her grandpa is the prophet. She was quiet about it though (I found out from her last name and from something she said, not from her ever telling us).
When President Hinckley dedicated the temple in Bismarck, I remember thinking it was fascinating that he liked to eat hard boiled eggs for breakfast. I wondered if I'd be able to live into my nineties if I always ate a breakfast like that. I was also fascinated that they always had children go up to help mortar the cornerstone. I had been helping take care of Melanie and Suzie quite a bit during all of the events so I don't remember getting to shake President Hinckley's hand, but I remember feeling the excitement of standing in the same room as the Prophet. His dedication prayer was so personal and he talked about the lost tribes doing work in that very temple. Heavenly Father had a great deal of trust in him to inspire an eighty-nine year old man to plan for more than one hundred temples to cover the earth within a few years. He was so energetic, loving and faithful. I am grateful for the lessons he has taught us and for his influence in so many lives. I also feel very blessed to know that he is happy and continuing to share his goodness with others who have also passed on.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Don't read if you don't want to hear my personal ranting about politics
I've been having discussions lately with a few friends and family members, and I've continued to research and listen to various Presidential candidates information. This has caused me to ponder the future of our country more than usual, and to realize that I'm very nervous about the outcome if most of those candidates end up as President. Because Huckabee and Guiliani and Edwards no longer seem to be as strong or have stopped running (and Ron Paul seems more extreme, less experienced and unlikely to gain enough recognition), I have been focusing my research on how the main four stand on "the economy, stupid." (Sorry if you don't know the background behind that quote).
Clinton and McCain both seem to have plans in mind that would continue tax cuts, perhaps help middle America and somehow stimulate the economy. However, I wonder if they would implement anything more than this, and how much the economy would really be helped, or whether any of this would be a long-term solution. I hear people say there needs to be a change in Washington, but how can either of these people really represent change? They both have a history of bills and Bills that point to some policies and MORALS that I don't agree with. I have plenty of thoughts on their take on many other issues, but I don't want to take forever. They have both shown me that they care more about their own lobbyists than American values.
Obama scares me even more with his talk of doing away with "useless" tax breaks for the middle class and giving more government welfare to those who are struggling. I too care about the poor and those who have no income, but I don't think instituting more government handouts that create lifetime dependents is the answer. Everyone who is able can learn the value of contributing to society, and help should be available in other ways for those who need it, not just from the government. The economy will be negatively affected with his ideas, and with his background, he doesn't have the best understanding to implement changes.
Which leads me to the only candidate that I feel can lead this country with a voice that still speaks for America's moral citizens, whether they are liberal, moderate or conservative. The person who feels that fiscal responsbility needs to come from someone who has actual experience from the real world in both small and big business on an international level. Mitt Romney may be running on the Republican ticket because many of his policies and ideals align more closely with conservatives, but as a semi-moderate voter I choose Mitt first because I trust his CHARACTER and his experience. He has improved and even turned around everything he has been a part of, and he has the executive experience necessary to lead. Massachusetts got out of debt and got better healthcare during his Governance; the 2002 Olympics were saved; he pulled Bain & Co. out of trouble, etc. He cares about people and about doing the best he knows (which is a great deal) and he knows how to gather in teams from every perspective that work together to get it done.
I've come to this conclusion: We have a chance this year to vote for someone who's got it figured out. Have you heard or read his "Faith in America" speech? Have you read his economic stimulus plan? Have you seen any of the debates? I'm just so shocked that there still seem to be sooo many people that have not been doing their homework before they vote. Even the "liberal media" keep pointing out some of his abilities and positive qualities. I just want people to make the most educated choice possible, and I'm seeing friends going with an initial assessment and sticking with a choice without really even knowing what their candidate will stand for. Sorry for posting on the web, but this is my little journal spot so I'll write what I want. :)
-Emily
Clinton and McCain both seem to have plans in mind that would continue tax cuts, perhaps help middle America and somehow stimulate the economy. However, I wonder if they would implement anything more than this, and how much the economy would really be helped, or whether any of this would be a long-term solution. I hear people say there needs to be a change in Washington, but how can either of these people really represent change? They both have a history of bills and Bills that point to some policies and MORALS that I don't agree with. I have plenty of thoughts on their take on many other issues, but I don't want to take forever. They have both shown me that they care more about their own lobbyists than American values.
Obama scares me even more with his talk of doing away with "useless" tax breaks for the middle class and giving more government welfare to those who are struggling. I too care about the poor and those who have no income, but I don't think instituting more government handouts that create lifetime dependents is the answer. Everyone who is able can learn the value of contributing to society, and help should be available in other ways for those who need it, not just from the government. The economy will be negatively affected with his ideas, and with his background, he doesn't have the best understanding to implement changes.
Which leads me to the only candidate that I feel can lead this country with a voice that still speaks for America's moral citizens, whether they are liberal, moderate or conservative. The person who feels that fiscal responsbility needs to come from someone who has actual experience from the real world in both small and big business on an international level. Mitt Romney may be running on the Republican ticket because many of his policies and ideals align more closely with conservatives, but as a semi-moderate voter I choose Mitt first because I trust his CHARACTER and his experience. He has improved and even turned around everything he has been a part of, and he has the executive experience necessary to lead. Massachusetts got out of debt and got better healthcare during his Governance; the 2002 Olympics were saved; he pulled Bain & Co. out of trouble, etc. He cares about people and about doing the best he knows (which is a great deal) and he knows how to gather in teams from every perspective that work together to get it done.
I've come to this conclusion: We have a chance this year to vote for someone who's got it figured out. Have you heard or read his "Faith in America" speech? Have you read his economic stimulus plan? Have you seen any of the debates? I'm just so shocked that there still seem to be sooo many people that have not been doing their homework before they vote. Even the "liberal media" keep pointing out some of his abilities and positive qualities. I just want people to make the most educated choice possible, and I'm seeing friends going with an initial assessment and sticking with a choice without really even knowing what their candidate will stand for. Sorry for posting on the web, but this is my little journal spot so I'll write what I want. :)
-Emily
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