So Toby and his team of pumpkin carving experts created this amazing creation entitled "Oh Vomit." I personally like the barfed candles.
cabbage and halloumi skewers
4 days ago
October 25, 2008
Winner! Young Living Pumpkin Carving Contest
So Toby and his team of pumpkin carving experts created this amazing creation entitled "Oh Vomit." I personally like the barfed candles.
September 1, 2008
Spider bites
Sundance had a large "mosquito" bite on his leg this week. I was somewhat alarmed because this very large "mosquito" bite created a very large welt that was red and hot. He insisted that it itched and hurt. I inspected the bite, hoping not to see a bulls eye pattern or the beginnings of flesh deterioration. However, if the words "spider" bite had escaped my lips, I am not sure if Sundance would ever go back outside. So, I monitored the bite, cleansed it and applied triple antibiotic like nobody's business. Thankfully, this insect bite is starting to clear up and no longer itches and hurts. Tim, our brother-in-law inspected the bite and declared it to probably be a hobo spider bite - noting that a black widow or recluse bite would be well on its way to putrescence. Ewe.
So, my next question was, where did the spider come from and are there more. So, a brilliant idea pops into my head on the way home from grandma's house. I told Sundance that he was bitten by a spider while he was either sleeping or playing. In order for spiders to not sleep with us in our beds, we need to make sure that our beds are made and free of wrinkles where the spiders can hide. Clothes also need to be put back in drawers, away from spiders so we don't end up wearing them. He listened closely and tonight he made sure there were no wrinkles in his bed.
I hope I did not scare him too much and I am looking forward to a more tidy room and made bed. This experience reminded me of something a sweet Taiwanese sister missionary told me when I first arrive to my apartment in Hawaii as a greenie. She told me to make sure that when I made my bed to tuck the sheets in all the way around. She said this way, the 7 inch long centipedes wouldn't crawl into bed with me. I always tucked...still do.
So, my next question was, where did the spider come from and are there more. So, a brilliant idea pops into my head on the way home from grandma's house. I told Sundance that he was bitten by a spider while he was either sleeping or playing. In order for spiders to not sleep with us in our beds, we need to make sure that our beds are made and free of wrinkles where the spiders can hide. Clothes also need to be put back in drawers, away from spiders so we don't end up wearing them. He listened closely and tonight he made sure there were no wrinkles in his bed.
I hope I did not scare him too much and I am looking forward to a more tidy room and made bed. This experience reminded me of something a sweet Taiwanese sister missionary told me when I first arrive to my apartment in Hawaii as a greenie. She told me to make sure that when I made my bed to tuck the sheets in all the way around. She said this way, the 7 inch long centipedes wouldn't crawl into bed with me. I always tucked...still do.
July 3, 2008
Attempted Adventure
Yesterday, my sister and I were feeling the need to be adventurous moms. We decided it would be so much fun to take all the children up to Deer Creek to play on the beach at the North shore. We loaded up blankets, towels, treats and various sand paraphernalia. Upon arrival we scouted out the best spot amidst the other beach revelers, unloaded our loot and descended upon the beach.
The water looks so nice and clear from the road. I know that each time I drive past Deer Creek I am somewhat envious of those who are frolicking in the cool, clear water. Our beach spot did not resemble this vision of cleanliness. Thankfully, the water level has gone up, however, this creates the problem of severe floaties lapping up on the beach, not to mention hidden water hazards lurking beneath.
The children were ecstatic that we were FINALLY out of the van and they hit the water at full tilt. Michelle and I were panic stricken as we saw how strongly the waves were washing upon the shore and at how quickly little bodies disappeared beneath the not so clear water. Two inches of visibility was about all our little water oasis offered that day. Needless to say, water play lasted for about five minutes and sand play ensued thereafter. We endured gale force winds and flying sand insects for about an hour and were glad to suggest that we go back HOME to play in the BACKYARD in the inflatable pool with crystal clear potable water. The kids were once again ecstatic about this proposition and were cheerful the entire way home. More cheerful perhaps because of the promise of brownies--who knows. Needless to say, we learned some valuable lessons such as more adults are indeed better at water outings and that we can still keep trying to be adventurous moms.
The water looks so nice and clear from the road. I know that each time I drive past Deer Creek I am somewhat envious of those who are frolicking in the cool, clear water. Our beach spot did not resemble this vision of cleanliness. Thankfully, the water level has gone up, however, this creates the problem of severe floaties lapping up on the beach, not to mention hidden water hazards lurking beneath.
The children were ecstatic that we were FINALLY out of the van and they hit the water at full tilt. Michelle and I were panic stricken as we saw how strongly the waves were washing upon the shore and at how quickly little bodies disappeared beneath the not so clear water. Two inches of visibility was about all our little water oasis offered that day. Needless to say, water play lasted for about five minutes and sand play ensued thereafter. We endured gale force winds and flying sand insects for about an hour and were glad to suggest that we go back HOME to play in the BACKYARD in the inflatable pool with crystal clear potable water. The kids were once again ecstatic about this proposition and were cheerful the entire way home. More cheerful perhaps because of the promise of brownies--who knows. Needless to say, we learned some valuable lessons such as more adults are indeed better at water outings and that we can still keep trying to be adventurous moms.
April 26, 2008
Talk on Tithing
Lael asked me if I would post my talk. Sure!
How many times a week do you hear people talking about investments? Investments in real estate, 401k’s, Annuitites, trust funds, the list goes on and on. While taking time to learn about and utilize the power of investment returns is a good thing, in General Conference, Elder Sheldon F. Child teaches that we should always include tithing and fast offerings in our investment portfolios as they are the best investments.
Brief History of Tithing
Anciently Abraham and Jacob obeyed the commandment to pay a tithe of one-tenth of their increase (see Hebrews 7:1–10; Genesis 28:20–22).
In modern times the Prophet Joseph Smith prayed, “O Lord, show unto thy servants how much thou requirest of the properties of thy people for a tithing” (D&C 119, section introduction). The Lord answered: “This shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people. And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever” (D&C 119:3–4).
The law of tithing is not only an Old Testament practice, but a commandment directly from the Savior to the people of our day (Dallin H. Oaks, “Tithing,” Ensign, May 1994, 33).
What it tithing?
A tithe is one-tenth of our increase. This means that we give one-tenth of all we earn before we pay for our own needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. If our increase is in the form of flocks, herds, or crops rather than money, we give one-tenth of those things (see Leviticus 27:30–32).
What is it used for?
Tithing is used by the Church for many purposes. Some of these are to:
1. Build, maintain, and operate temples, meetinghouses, and other buildings.
2. Provide operating funds for stakes, wards, and other units of the Church. (These units use the funds to carry out the ecclesiastical programs of the Church, which include teaching the gospel and recreation and social activities.)
3. Help the missionary program.
4. Educate young people in Church schools, seminaries, and institutes.
5. Print and distribute lesson materials.
6. Help in family history and temple work. (“Chapter 32: Tithes and Offerings,” Gospel Principles, 207).
Why do we do it?
President John Taylor gave us some reasons why we pay our tithing. He said, “If we have life, or health, or possessions; if we have children, and friends and homes, if we have the light of truth, the blessings of the everlasting gospel, the revelations of God, the holy priesthood, with all its blessings and government and rule, all these and every true enjoyment that we possess come from God. We do not always realize this, but it is nevertheless true that to God we are indebted for every good and perfect gift [see James 1:17]. He organized our bodies as they exist in all their perfection, symmetry and beauty. He is merciful and kind and benevolent towards all his creatures, and it is well for us to reflect upon these things sometimes, for we thus realize our dependence upon the Almighty.
God is our God in whom we put our trust; we have nothing ourselves to boast of. Have we wealth? Who gave it to us? The Lord. Have we property? Who put us in possession of it? The Lord. Our horses, cattle and sheep, our flocks, herds and possessions, are his gifts. The gold and the silver and the precious things of earth, and also the cattle upon a thousand hills, are his, and we are his, and in his hands, and all nations are in his hands, and he will do with us and with them as seemeth him good. And as a kind, wise Father, he will watch over their interests; and when the time of judgment comes, it will not be withheld. We ought always to remember that our strength is in God; we have nothing to boast of ourselves, we have no intelligence that God has not given unto us; we have nothing in life, or property, but what has been given unto us of the Lord. Everything we possess pertaining to time and eternity has been imparted to us by him. 7
We have been given commandments to help us prepare in every way to live in the presence of our Heavenly Father. He has given us a way to thank him for our blessings. Willingly paying tithes and offerings is one way we thank him. As we pay these offerings, we show the Savior that we love him and will obey his counsel: “And verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people” (D&C 64:23).
What is required of us?
I have come to understand that the main ingredient in paying tithing is Faith. When we pay our tithing we show our faithfulness to the Lord. It gives us the opportunity to prove the Lord herewith, “if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it”(Mal. 3:8–10). Paying tithing is something that everyone can do.
During the Great Depression, President Grant continued to remind the Saints that the payment of tithing would open the windows of heaven for blessings needed by the faithful. In that stressful period, some of our bishops observed that members who paid their tithing were able to support their families more effectively than those who did not. The tithe payers tended to keep their employment, enjoy good health, and be free from the most devastating effects of economic and spiritual depression (see Church News, 9 Dec. 1961, p. 16.
In 1936, at the height of the Great Depression in the United States, when people were struggling to make ends meet, Elder John A. Widtsoe admonished the Saints to pay their tithing because of the spiritual blessings they would receive. He said: “Obedience to the law of tithing . . . brings a deep, inward joy . . . that can be won in no other way. . . . The principles of truth become clearer. . . . Prayer becomes easier. . . . The spiritual sense is sharpened [and] . . . man becomes more like his Father in Heaven.”5
We are living in challenging economic times. However, if we look back over the past years, we find there have been, and will continue to be, times of relative prosperity and times of financial uncertainty. But regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves, if we first pay our obligation to the Lord and then use wisdom and good judgment, the Lord will help us manage the resources He has given us.
President Heber J. Grant stated, “I want to say to you, if you will be honest with the Lord, paying your tithing and keeping His commandments, He will not only bless you with the light and inspiration of His Holy Spirit, but you will be blessed in dollars and cents; you will be enabled to pay your debts, and the Lord will pour out temporal blessings upon you in great abundance.”4
The Lord said, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith … if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10).
Latter-day revelation tells of another blessing for those who tithe: “Verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming” (D&C 64:23).
The blessings we have been promised are both material and spiritual. If we give willingly, Heavenly Father will provide our daily needs for food, clothes, and shelter. He will also help us grow “in a knowledge of God, in a testimony, in the power to live the gospel and to inspire our families to do the same” (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, p. 58).
The Best Investment
How many times a week do you hear people talking about investments? Investments in real estate, 401k’s, Annuitites, trust funds, the list goes on and on. While taking time to learn about and utilize the power of investment returns is a good thing, in General Conference, Elder Sheldon F. Child teaches that we should always include tithing and fast offerings in our investment portfolios as they are the best investments.
Brief History of Tithing
Anciently Abraham and Jacob obeyed the commandment to pay a tithe of one-tenth of their increase (see Hebrews 7:1–10; Genesis 28:20–22).
In modern times the Prophet Joseph Smith prayed, “O Lord, show unto thy servants how much thou requirest of the properties of thy people for a tithing” (D&C 119, section introduction). The Lord answered: “This shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people. And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever” (D&C 119:3–4).
The law of tithing is not only an Old Testament practice, but a commandment directly from the Savior to the people of our day (Dallin H. Oaks, “Tithing,” Ensign, May 1994, 33).
What it tithing?
A tithe is one-tenth of our increase. This means that we give one-tenth of all we earn before we pay for our own needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. If our increase is in the form of flocks, herds, or crops rather than money, we give one-tenth of those things (see Leviticus 27:30–32).
What is it used for?
Tithing is used by the Church for many purposes. Some of these are to:
1. Build, maintain, and operate temples, meetinghouses, and other buildings.
2. Provide operating funds for stakes, wards, and other units of the Church. (These units use the funds to carry out the ecclesiastical programs of the Church, which include teaching the gospel and recreation and social activities.)
3. Help the missionary program.
4. Educate young people in Church schools, seminaries, and institutes.
5. Print and distribute lesson materials.
6. Help in family history and temple work. (“Chapter 32: Tithes and Offerings,” Gospel Principles, 207).
Why do we do it?
President John Taylor gave us some reasons why we pay our tithing. He said, “If we have life, or health, or possessions; if we have children, and friends and homes, if we have the light of truth, the blessings of the everlasting gospel, the revelations of God, the holy priesthood, with all its blessings and government and rule, all these and every true enjoyment that we possess come from God. We do not always realize this, but it is nevertheless true that to God we are indebted for every good and perfect gift [see James 1:17]. He organized our bodies as they exist in all their perfection, symmetry and beauty. He is merciful and kind and benevolent towards all his creatures, and it is well for us to reflect upon these things sometimes, for we thus realize our dependence upon the Almighty.
God is our God in whom we put our trust; we have nothing ourselves to boast of. Have we wealth? Who gave it to us? The Lord. Have we property? Who put us in possession of it? The Lord. Our horses, cattle and sheep, our flocks, herds and possessions, are his gifts. The gold and the silver and the precious things of earth, and also the cattle upon a thousand hills, are his, and we are his, and in his hands, and all nations are in his hands, and he will do with us and with them as seemeth him good. And as a kind, wise Father, he will watch over their interests; and when the time of judgment comes, it will not be withheld. We ought always to remember that our strength is in God; we have nothing to boast of ourselves, we have no intelligence that God has not given unto us; we have nothing in life, or property, but what has been given unto us of the Lord. Everything we possess pertaining to time and eternity has been imparted to us by him. 7
We have been given commandments to help us prepare in every way to live in the presence of our Heavenly Father. He has given us a way to thank him for our blessings. Willingly paying tithes and offerings is one way we thank him. As we pay these offerings, we show the Savior that we love him and will obey his counsel: “And verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people” (D&C 64:23).
What is required of us?
I have come to understand that the main ingredient in paying tithing is Faith. When we pay our tithing we show our faithfulness to the Lord. It gives us the opportunity to prove the Lord herewith, “if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it”(Mal. 3:8–10). Paying tithing is something that everyone can do.
During the Great Depression, President Grant continued to remind the Saints that the payment of tithing would open the windows of heaven for blessings needed by the faithful. In that stressful period, some of our bishops observed that members who paid their tithing were able to support their families more effectively than those who did not. The tithe payers tended to keep their employment, enjoy good health, and be free from the most devastating effects of economic and spiritual depression (see Church News, 9 Dec. 1961, p. 16.
In 1936, at the height of the Great Depression in the United States, when people were struggling to make ends meet, Elder John A. Widtsoe admonished the Saints to pay their tithing because of the spiritual blessings they would receive. He said: “Obedience to the law of tithing . . . brings a deep, inward joy . . . that can be won in no other way. . . . The principles of truth become clearer. . . . Prayer becomes easier. . . . The spiritual sense is sharpened [and] . . . man becomes more like his Father in Heaven.”5
We are living in challenging economic times. However, if we look back over the past years, we find there have been, and will continue to be, times of relative prosperity and times of financial uncertainty. But regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves, if we first pay our obligation to the Lord and then use wisdom and good judgment, the Lord will help us manage the resources He has given us.
President Heber J. Grant stated, “I want to say to you, if you will be honest with the Lord, paying your tithing and keeping His commandments, He will not only bless you with the light and inspiration of His Holy Spirit, but you will be blessed in dollars and cents; you will be enabled to pay your debts, and the Lord will pour out temporal blessings upon you in great abundance.”4
The Lord said, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith … if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10).
Latter-day revelation tells of another blessing for those who tithe: “Verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming” (D&C 64:23).
The blessings we have been promised are both material and spiritual. If we give willingly, Heavenly Father will provide our daily needs for food, clothes, and shelter. He will also help us grow “in a knowledge of God, in a testimony, in the power to live the gospel and to inspire our families to do the same” (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, p. 58).
April 20, 2008
Time to Breathe
Today was a busy Sunday for me and my family. Well, more for me than for the kids. I spoke in Sacrament meeting today and my topic was tithing. I was asked to speak about 3 weeks ago and the topic was to pick a conference talk that I really enjoyed. So, while watching conference, I was really trying to be in tune with the Spirit to choose the talk that needed to be shared with my ward. Elder Sheldon Child's talk really spoke to me and so tithing became my topic.
There is no way on this earth that I would have been able to write this talk without the help of the Spirit and for that I am truly grateful. I also taught the Relief Society lesson today about the restoration of the Priesthood and I certainly would not have been able to convey the lesson without the help of the Spirit. So, thank you Heavenly Father for looking out for me and for the rest of the people who would hear me speak. Thank you for the inspiration, the experiences, the challenges and everything that helped me with today's tasks.
My parents were troopers today also as they had the job of managing the children while I was on the stand. My firstborn kept himself busy with writing and drawing. My second born fell asleep on grandpa and my last, well, she was trying to get my attention and ended up out in the hallway with grandma. My mom said when I started to speak, Sage started looking all around for me in the hallway. She could hear my voice and was wondering where mom was. Needless to say, she got frustrated and I could hear her bawling out in the hall. After the meeting, my mom brought her back in and she was asleep, but she was sniffling like she had a hard cry. Oh my heartstrings!
I love my children and I cannot wait for Toby to come home and share his adventures in Paris.
There is no way on this earth that I would have been able to write this talk without the help of the Spirit and for that I am truly grateful. I also taught the Relief Society lesson today about the restoration of the Priesthood and I certainly would not have been able to convey the lesson without the help of the Spirit. So, thank you Heavenly Father for looking out for me and for the rest of the people who would hear me speak. Thank you for the inspiration, the experiences, the challenges and everything that helped me with today's tasks.
My parents were troopers today also as they had the job of managing the children while I was on the stand. My firstborn kept himself busy with writing and drawing. My second born fell asleep on grandpa and my last, well, she was trying to get my attention and ended up out in the hallway with grandma. My mom said when I started to speak, Sage started looking all around for me in the hallway. She could hear my voice and was wondering where mom was. Needless to say, she got frustrated and I could hear her bawling out in the hall. After the meeting, my mom brought her back in and she was asleep, but she was sniffling like she had a hard cry. Oh my heartstrings!
I love my children and I cannot wait for Toby to come home and share his adventures in Paris.
April 18, 2008
Single Parenting
This week I am learning what it is like to be a single parent. Well, I guess not exactly what it is like, since I do not have to earn a living, make arrangements for childcare, etc...So I experienced a watered down version of Single Parenting.
We have been blessed to have Toby working from home for the past couple of months. The children really enjoy being able to see dad upstairs in his office whenever they like - until the door gets locked due to multiple visits. No problem, it's fair. I mean, he is working and talking on the phone with a client with "dad, I gotta go poop" in the background is less than ideal.
So, my faithful, fair-skinned husband is in Paris right now with his father filming conferences about media censorship in China during the Olympics.
As the date of his departure got closer and closer, the feeling of uneasiness and dread got stronger and stronger. I have never been completely alone with the three children before and I was nervous. It is also Spring Break and I will have all three children all day. Also, all of our friends will be out of town so there will be no play dates. I have always had the assurance of relief, of a break, of being able to use the bathroom, of being able to talk to an adult. So, how are things going? Very well.
Definitely inspired ideas have flooded my mind. We have been busy and having fun. We went to a children's garden today and the kids got in some much needed running amok time with their cousins. We are planning a movie tomorrow and we have been working in the yard, going to the gym, riding bikes and trikes, watching TV, laughing at Mr. Bean and enjoying ice cream Thursdays.
Tomorrow I get to spearhead Bagel Saturday. The boys were worried that I would not know how to do it since I am usually still in bed when they leave with their father for this weekend ritual. I figure I know where the store is, I have money and can drive...I think the boys will take care of the rest.
We have been blessed to have Toby working from home for the past couple of months. The children really enjoy being able to see dad upstairs in his office whenever they like - until the door gets locked due to multiple visits. No problem, it's fair. I mean, he is working and talking on the phone with a client with "dad, I gotta go poop" in the background is less than ideal.
So, my faithful, fair-skinned husband is in Paris right now with his father filming conferences about media censorship in China during the Olympics.
As the date of his departure got closer and closer, the feeling of uneasiness and dread got stronger and stronger. I have never been completely alone with the three children before and I was nervous. It is also Spring Break and I will have all three children all day. Also, all of our friends will be out of town so there will be no play dates. I have always had the assurance of relief, of a break, of being able to use the bathroom, of being able to talk to an adult. So, how are things going? Very well.
Definitely inspired ideas have flooded my mind. We have been busy and having fun. We went to a children's garden today and the kids got in some much needed running amok time with their cousins. We are planning a movie tomorrow and we have been working in the yard, going to the gym, riding bikes and trikes, watching TV, laughing at Mr. Bean and enjoying ice cream Thursdays.
Tomorrow I get to spearhead Bagel Saturday. The boys were worried that I would not know how to do it since I am usually still in bed when they leave with their father for this weekend ritual. I figure I know where the store is, I have money and can drive...I think the boys will take care of the rest.
April 15, 2008
Dogs
I remember my mom telling me about their dog Sadie and her peculiar habits. She would saunter to each neighbor's house, show her big brown dog eyes and would receive a treat. We did not know how good her treats were until one neighbor confessed that when the BBQ'd, they always made a serving for Sadie. Her route was so specific, that she actually wore a path into the grass of our neighbors.
I think we should have recognized something was going on...dog food is still full, dog is getting really fat. Hmmm. Other memorable habits included rolling in dead animals. I am not sure what pleasure she derived from this disgusting ritual-maybe it was a status symbol. "Hey do you smell like 7-day raccoon? Snifffff. Yep. My hero."
It is with sadness I discovered that our beloved Zip cannot get enough of dead bird. I thought she smelled different yesterday and I kept smelling her odor every time she was within 20 feet of me. I could not understand what was causing the stink - was she in heat (nope, fixed), did she get sprayed by a cat...and then the evidence presented itself. Yep, dead bird. Gross, gross, gross. Tonight I washed her and after the cream rinse, she smelled like she just stepped out of a salon. I am afraid of letting the dog outside for fear of her finding something else to roll all over herself.
I think we should have recognized something was going on...dog food is still full, dog is getting really fat. Hmmm. Other memorable habits included rolling in dead animals. I am not sure what pleasure she derived from this disgusting ritual-maybe it was a status symbol. "Hey do you smell like 7-day raccoon? Snifffff. Yep. My hero."
It is with sadness I discovered that our beloved Zip cannot get enough of dead bird. I thought she smelled different yesterday and I kept smelling her odor every time she was within 20 feet of me. I could not understand what was causing the stink - was she in heat (nope, fixed), did she get sprayed by a cat...and then the evidence presented itself. Yep, dead bird. Gross, gross, gross. Tonight I washed her and after the cream rinse, she smelled like she just stepped out of a salon. I am afraid of letting the dog outside for fear of her finding something else to roll all over herself.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
