A Moment of Fame...

Tanner was asked to be an escort by the

Sophomore Homecoming Queen.

"I could get very use to this."

Evenings ends here. 28 more days until he's 16.

My Love is Not Fleeting

And when the leaves of fall are scattered by the winds.

Vanity of vanities, for beauty soon ends.

The tree gives up its hair, its beauty now lies bare.

Branches once a home, empty nests now lie there.

Winter always has its way, brief though it may be.

Spring is waiting in the wings to give life to the barren tree.
George J. Carroll

Happy Birthday Becky and Ben!

Go ahead, party without me.

You guys look great!

Have fun, but know I wish I could be there.

Hope your cakes are just delish!

Take a bite or two just for me,

and don't forget the wish!

Love you!

Hope for Today and Tomorrow

"Hope is not knowledge, but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promise to us. It is confidence that if we live according to God’s laws and the words of His prophets now, we will receive desired blessings in the future. It is believing and expecting that our prayers will be answered. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance.
In the language of the gospel, this hope is sure, unwavering, and active. It is a hope glorifying God through good works. With hope comes joy and happiness. With hope, we can 'have patience, and bear . . . [our] afflictions.'" Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2008 General Conference

Cousins

I love cousins. Cousin love is something different than sibling love, or friend love.

It's a special bond that is always there, no matter how long it has been since you've been together. Tanner's cousin Derek helped fill a big gap from leaving friends in Texas, going to Philmont with scouts he didn't know, and transitioning to Ohio where he'd know no one. Thank goodness for cousins.

Art Class

I love the school system here, I think they try hard to do what's best for the student. I have to admit I think my children were a little behind in English coming from the Texas school system. But, one thing that has bothered me is there are no art classes provided for younger students. A parent has to volunteer (once every two weeks) to teach the class if the children are to be exposed to the arts. So, I taught a class. We made the festive fall scarecrow in Cooper's class. It was fun, it was crafty, I'll be going back.

Friday Night Fun!

I never would have thought I would enjoy going to a Greek Orthodox Festival.

I loved looking at all their artwork, mostly their iconic variety.

I wouldn't consider myself a huge fan of lamb, but in the right setting it is very appealing.

But mostly, it was about being able to enjoy a different culture with somebody I love.

Two thumbs up for date nights ;-)

Hats Off to Mom

Mom calls yesterday morning, and asks if I've registered to vote. Not yet. "You better go today, most states' registration for voting ends today." Okay, Mom. Mom called back in the afternoon wondering if I had registered to vote. Not yet. At 4:40 p.m. I remembered the admonition of my mother. In a panic, I'm running to turn on the computer, google register to vote in Ohio, and find out you turn in a form (which I have to go to the library to print) either at a school, city hall, post office, or library...all of which close at 5 p.m. I did it. I made it. I would have been very sad if I had lost the privilege to vote. What other mother would have known this date?

Chip Off the Old (really quite young) Block

Mother has been suggesting to me that I post on Craig's list looking for firewood no longer wanted or needed. I thought of telling her no one on the Appalachian side of Ohio uses Craig's list, never mind email or blogs, but just said, "Great idea, Mom. It worked for Aaron, it will work for me." Today, while walking the dog with my buddies, we happened upon men cutting a tree down, and they asked me if I wanted some wood. "Are you kidding?" And they delivered. In Elder L. Tom Perry's words, now I have "FUEL."

I Choose to be Happy!

We thought you would enjoy the beautiful fall sights we see while walking around our neighborhood. People can be so creative! I'm glad that even midst economic depression, communities such as mine are trying to be happy and enjoy the beauty nature is providing - which is free!