This post is number three in a six part series of love letters to my children.
Dear Bat Baby, otherwise known as Amy,
It's probably not good to start out by making you mad, but I couldn't resist. Bat Baby was such a great nickname, even if you don't like it. You don't remember Grandpa Kevin holding you up high and flying you around the house, while singing "Bat Baby", his own little ditty. You loved it!
Ok, so, let's get down to this love letter here. Amy, you are my special child for so many reasons. You were my first daughter. I wanted my first baby to be a girl, but he was a boy. So, then I wanted a girl second. . . .BOY. Of course, I then wanted a girl. And I got one! I was soooooooooooo excited! I couldn't wait to dress you up. . hee hee heee.
Amy you were born during a unique time for our family. When I was 7 months pregnant I moved with your brothers from Maryland to Utah, leaving Dad behind to finish law school. I was due the week of his graduation and we wanted to come back to Utah, so we had to come early. It was really hard to be separated. Luckily, we were living with my parents, so it wasn't too lonely. Daddy flew back the day after his last class. He could only stay for one week, then he had to go back for the graduation ceremony. Usually, we wouldn't spend the money for an extra trip like that, but we didn't want Daddy to miss your birth. You were due May 18th and graduation was on the 21st. Daddy flew back May 13th during the day. I went into labor the next day and after 15 hours of wimpy contractions my water broke. You entered the world 45 minutes later, my first baby born "my way". This was my first delivery where I was assertive with the care providers. It helped that I was able to use a midwife. You should have seen everyone scramble when I declared that I was about to push out the baby and that I would be delivering on my hands and knees, so "GET READY!" When you were born your face was black and blue because you had been facing the wrong way and it got bruised. But, you were okay. You started life as my biggest baby- 8 lbs. 8 ounces, and weighed 10 pounds at your two week checkup. While labor wasn't hard with you, afterwards a piece of the placenta remained inside of me, discovered days later when my uterus started to contract constantly. It took about 24 hours to get the attention of the midwifes, despite repeated phone calls. I had to get some powerful medicine to cause more contractions to get that out. But, then I was fine.
You were an easy baby in many ways. You nursed for 5 minutes at each feeding. 5 minutes. Total. about 2.5 minutes per side. I couldn't make you nurse more and you gained a lot of weight, so I was just grateful. You had the good fortune of spending your babyhood living in your grandparents house with two parents, two grandparents, and two teenage aunts who adored you. This was great for us, since you ended up deciding to only like 5 people. Me. Dad. Grandma Dellory. Katy. and Uncle Eric. For a long time, these were the only people that you really liked. We were all relieved when you decided to accept the other loving relatives in your life.
I did some things differently with you.
You never had a bottle.
You learned how to eat with a spoon without making a mess by the time you were 12 months old. You really wanted to and Grandma told me to give you that spoon. So, I did. You could eat a bowl of cereal with milk in it and not spill. You were a good eater, which was so nice after two picky boys.
One of my favorite baby memories of you is doing your hair. You didn't have very much, but I was determined, so instead of pig tails, you had pig sticks. If you look in photos, they are barely discernible. You were a good sport about that. Eventually your hair grew in. Now you have enough hair for three people.
Amy, you have always loved to learn. You are a smart cookie. You love reading books. Sometimes it's like looking back in time at myself. You love girly things, but you are also very practical.
When you were about two you started speaking in big long sentences, and you've never stopped. It's so fun to be your mom. I often get remarks about your answers at church. People are stunned by your knowledge and insight. I also frequently hear compliments about your singing voice- the voice of an angel. I'm so pleased that you choose to share this talent.
Amy, you are a go getter and a hard worker. You are kind and compassionate. You have your moments, or your snits as we call them, but you always come back and apologize for being cranky. You know what is right and you want to do it. You have always believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are such a great example to all of your siblings and friends.
My daughter, I have watched you now for 11+ years. I have loved seeing you grow. I feel so blessed to have been your Activity Days leader for the last three years. I know you are anxious to turn 12 and join the Young Women's program. And I know that you will embrace it and love it. That's just the kind of person that you are. What other kid would ask the bishop 6 months ahead of time if she can get her temple recommend for baptisms the minute she turns 12 so she can go perform baptisms for the dead on her actual birthday? That's cool.
You are smart. You are beautiful. You are a daughter of God and you know it. You are good and kind, motivated to achieve, but you would never knock down another person in your quest to better yourself. When my cousin came to live with us this year, you graciously gave up your beautiful room that you had all to yourself for 6 years. You did not complain. You agreed to share with Clara. When that became hard, after a struggle, you decided to take positive steps. When told you could ask for only 3 things for Christmas, two of your wishes were for a white noise machine and a curtain for your bunk bed to give you a little privacy. I know it's hard to have your bedroom be a passageway between other rooms. You have been so gracious about this, and it has made it easier for everyone.
That's the kind of person you are. Amy, I'm so blessed to be your Mom. I could write pages and pages of stories about you serving others. Even though I am your parent, you are a strength to me. I love you my first daughter!
Love,
Mom
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Great Teaching
Last summer I went to Education Week with my friend Janice. Yes, Janice, you made it into the blog again. That's what you get for hanging out with me so much! I attended a series of classed called "Great Teaching." It was geared at Seminary teachers for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Seminary is an optional class offered to youth from 9th-12th grade. In Utah, and possibly other places with a high concentration of LDS members, it is taught by professionals. Otherwise it is taught by faithful members, willing to sacrifice sleep and time to teach the scriptures to the youth. This class was taught by Scott Knecht who is a Regional Seminary Instructor with many years of experience. I learned a lot from spending a few hours under his tutelage.
Because of my personality style( a 4 from Dressing Your Truth, a Red/Blue from colors, or a type A) I really want to share what I learned. It changed my teaching in a way that is simple but profound.
I've always enjoyed teaching and have some natural ability. Or call it talent. Or maybe it's a combination of talent and a 4 year degree focused on becoming an educator. Anyway, one of the most important things for any teacher to understand is that the teacher is always a student as well. Learning doesn't end. There isn't a moment when you have arrived at the pinnacle of knowledge- you don't ever really graduate from learning.
So, I was really excited to learn how to be a better teacher. By the way, I currently have a calling as a Relief Society teacher in my ward, which means that I teach the adult women who aren't serving in the auxiliaries for the Young Women( 12-18 year old girls), Primary (3-12 year old kids), or nursery ( 18 months to 3 year old kids). We usually have between 15 and 30 women in attendance. I teach once every other month. In many wards, instructors teach once a month. I like how my ward works.
Ok, so back to what I learned.
The instructor started out by telling us he wasn't going to use any technology that we wouldn't have easily available to us. He used a chalkboard and the scriptures. I was hooked from that moment.
Obviously I cannot use one blog entry to go into great detail about what Brother Knecht taught over several hours. I do need to add that I also attended a class on family scripture study. It was taught by two seminary teachers who helped develop the new curriculum. The teachings from both of these classes went hand in hand, but because Great Teaching focused on being the teacher, I'm going to write about that right now, but I really learned the same concepts in both classes.
In no particular order, following are the FOUR concepts that really stuck with me:
1. Teach from the inside out, not from the outside in.
Sometimes we are afraid to use the sources provided to us to teach a lesson. I'm talking about the manual and the scriptures. These contain the content that we are supposed to cover. Sometimes, the first time I read a lesson, I have a moment where I think," How am I supposed to teach this?" The lessons contain one generic teaching tip at the end, but no other guidance. And I admit, I have often been guilty of using the technique of teaching from the outside in for most of my gospel teaching past (except for my last two lessons).
Teaching from the outside in means bringing in outside sources or thoughts to make a point and then supporting them with the scriptures and the lesson manual.
Example: - Reading a quote or story you found on facebook or in an interesting book by a really inspiring individual about charity. Then, sharing the scripture from the lesson about charity. This is using a scripture to support the first quote. It's really easy to do. I didn't understand the power that was lost by downplaying the primary sources we should be teaching from. We do not need to be afraid to teach from the materials given. We do not even need to bring in outside sources. It's ok to have some supporting information, but only if the supporting stories and quotes are used to support the scriptures/lesson and not the reverse.
Teaching from the inside out means to share the lesson material, one small part at a time, and then support it with discussion, stories, and testimonies. I was initially afraid to use this method, thinking the class would just stare at me. But, it worked. It is more complicated then simply reading the lesson out loud and asking the questions in the back. If you do this, it will be a boring lesson. FACT. So, you need to do a few more things. Keep reading. I promise this will be worth your time if you try these ideas.
2. Do not ask for answers. Give the answers right up front. Ask for responses. Try to ask questions that open up the conversation rather than shut it down.
Ask questions that are thoughtful, not devil's advocate thoughtful, but truly thought provoking. Ask questions that allow people to gain a deeper understanding of gospel principles being taught and to share their testimonies of these principles. Asking for answers looks like this:
Where should you aim for getting married? (temple)
How old do you have to be to go on a mission? (18,19)
When was Joseph Smith born? (1805)
Asking questions that have a definite answer sets people up for failure. It makes the class uncomfortable. It is the job of the teacher to GIVE THE ANSWERS before asking questions. And remember that people need time to process questions. It's great to go ahead and put your questions up on the board at the beginning of the class. Give the class time to think about it. The longer, the better.
Here's an example of questions that invite responses:
Ex: We all want to get married in the temple so we can be sealed with our families forever. Does anyone have an experience you would like to share about preparing for your own temple marriage? How does having a temple marriage strengthen you personally compared to a civil marriage? How have you taught your children the importance of a temple marriage? What do you do in your own home?
Take time before the lesson to think of great questions. Ponder and pray to make sure you have picked the right ones. You only need a few great questions for a 30-45 minute class. Great questions invite conversation and testimony. This leads up to the next point.
3. The teacher is not really the teacher. The teacher is the architect of the lesson. The true teacher of the Gospel is the Holy Ghost.
The goal of every lesson needs to be to invite the Holy Ghost so the class members can feel the Spirit and be edified. How do you invite the HG into the lesson?
-Every lesson is about the Savior, even if you think it isn't. Remember that.
-Teach the doctrine. Keep it simple. Don't try to embellish the lesson, rather try to explore it as a class.
-Follow these four steps. 1. present the doctrine. 2. strive to understand what it means. This can be accomplished by cross referencing, pondering, discussion, quotes from conference or prophets. . .whatever it takes to truly understand what is being taught. 3. tell/invite others to tell stories that support the doctrine. 4. Bear testimony (yours or a class member)
4. Help the class members feel comfortable, safe, and valued.
-I talked a little bit about this before with the types of questions you ask. Ask questions that invite discussion and personal sharing rather than questions that set people up to be right or wrong. This can be a hard change to make, but if you think about it, when somebody answers the question "What should you do when you need guidance?"with "Read your scriptures." we don't feel the spirit. It's boring. Everyone already knows the "answer."
But, if the teacher said," (Reads a scripture)We are taught in the scriptures that when we need guidance we can turn to the scriptures for answers. Would anyone like to share a story from your life of when you needed guidance and you turned to the scriptures and got an answer?"
Those stories will be personal testimonies of the principle "If you need guidance, you can find answers in the scriptures" and the Holy Ghost will testify to all who are willing to feel it that it is true.
-Some people do not like to talk in class. Changing the questions you ask and how you ask them might not be enough for them to want to talk. One way to help them participate is to occasionally invite class members to share with their neighbor or a small group. Never cold call on a person who is not comfortable talking. You could ask them earlier in the week so they can be prepared and also have a chance to say yes or no privately. Some people do want to talk, but feel shy. Pay attention to the class members. Watch for body language indicating that someone really wants to share. Someone playing with their hair or ear or looking intently at you might be a sign that they are thinking about something they want to share. You can carefully invite these students to share. Look at the person and say something like" Do you have a comment to share?" Or just point at them with a question in your eyes? If the response is a no, accept that without any further prodding.
-Most importantly, make sure the class members feel like they are important. When I taught last Sunday I put a quote up on the board. It was something Brother Knecht said "Great teaching is a great conversation with students that leads to great learning." Without the students, there is no lesson. You are not teaching "your" lesson. You are teaching the gospel to people. I told my class that there was one of me and 30 of them, so they had 30 times the responsibility to make sure the class was great. And it was great because a lot of people shared their ideas and testimonies. As a teacher, make conscious choices to let your students know that you value their thoughts. Go beyond a simple "thank you" at times. Maintain eye contact. Do not look at your lesson or the clock while someone is sharing. Validate their comments by summarizing what they said. If someone says something you loved, tell them. If you felt the spirit very strongly, say so. If you are going to use an idea yourself, admit it. If you never thought of something that way, share that. One great idea Brother Knecht uses sparingly is when someone makes a comment that just really is what the lesson is all about and brings the Spirit so strongly, that touches everyone, he will say,"I think you were here to make that comment today in this class." Whatever you say, be genuine. However you say it, if it is heartfelt, the class members will really know that you value them as equal participants in the lesson.
So, that's it. 4 things.
1.Teach from the inside out, not from the outside in.
2.Do not ask for answers. Ask for responses. Ask great questions that open up the conversation rather than close it down.
3.Make sure to invite the true teacher to the lesson- the Holy Ghost.
4.Help the class members feel safe, comfortable, and valued.
I didn't have oodles of time to prepare for my last two lessons, but I used my time to study the lesson, to think of good questions, and to make sure I was presenting the material from the inside out.
Based on the responses I got and also on the feelings I felt, I know that by using these techniques we were able to invite the Holy Ghost to teach us the things we needed to learn. Participation was high and the feeling in the room was of acceptance, love, and sisterhood. The ideas are simple, but they really work. They don't require anything fancy, although it's fine to have videos, music, handouts, visuals, cookies. . . you get the picture. These are all good, but they aren't necessary. They aren't vital. The Spirit is vital. The Gospel is vital. Conversation is vital. And safety is vital.
Because of my personality style( a 4 from Dressing Your Truth, a Red/Blue from colors, or a type A) I really want to share what I learned. It changed my teaching in a way that is simple but profound.
I've always enjoyed teaching and have some natural ability. Or call it talent. Or maybe it's a combination of talent and a 4 year degree focused on becoming an educator. Anyway, one of the most important things for any teacher to understand is that the teacher is always a student as well. Learning doesn't end. There isn't a moment when you have arrived at the pinnacle of knowledge- you don't ever really graduate from learning.
So, I was really excited to learn how to be a better teacher. By the way, I currently have a calling as a Relief Society teacher in my ward, which means that I teach the adult women who aren't serving in the auxiliaries for the Young Women( 12-18 year old girls), Primary (3-12 year old kids), or nursery ( 18 months to 3 year old kids). We usually have between 15 and 30 women in attendance. I teach once every other month. In many wards, instructors teach once a month. I like how my ward works.
Ok, so back to what I learned.
The instructor started out by telling us he wasn't going to use any technology that we wouldn't have easily available to us. He used a chalkboard and the scriptures. I was hooked from that moment.
Obviously I cannot use one blog entry to go into great detail about what Brother Knecht taught over several hours. I do need to add that I also attended a class on family scripture study. It was taught by two seminary teachers who helped develop the new curriculum. The teachings from both of these classes went hand in hand, but because Great Teaching focused on being the teacher, I'm going to write about that right now, but I really learned the same concepts in both classes.
In no particular order, following are the FOUR concepts that really stuck with me:
1. Teach from the inside out, not from the outside in.
Sometimes we are afraid to use the sources provided to us to teach a lesson. I'm talking about the manual and the scriptures. These contain the content that we are supposed to cover. Sometimes, the first time I read a lesson, I have a moment where I think," How am I supposed to teach this?" The lessons contain one generic teaching tip at the end, but no other guidance. And I admit, I have often been guilty of using the technique of teaching from the outside in for most of my gospel teaching past (except for my last two lessons).
Teaching from the outside in means bringing in outside sources or thoughts to make a point and then supporting them with the scriptures and the lesson manual.
Example: - Reading a quote or story you found on facebook or in an interesting book by a really inspiring individual about charity. Then, sharing the scripture from the lesson about charity. This is using a scripture to support the first quote. It's really easy to do. I didn't understand the power that was lost by downplaying the primary sources we should be teaching from. We do not need to be afraid to teach from the materials given. We do not even need to bring in outside sources. It's ok to have some supporting information, but only if the supporting stories and quotes are used to support the scriptures/lesson and not the reverse.
Teaching from the inside out means to share the lesson material, one small part at a time, and then support it with discussion, stories, and testimonies. I was initially afraid to use this method, thinking the class would just stare at me. But, it worked. It is more complicated then simply reading the lesson out loud and asking the questions in the back. If you do this, it will be a boring lesson. FACT. So, you need to do a few more things. Keep reading. I promise this will be worth your time if you try these ideas.
2. Do not ask for answers. Give the answers right up front. Ask for responses. Try to ask questions that open up the conversation rather than shut it down.
Ask questions that are thoughtful, not devil's advocate thoughtful, but truly thought provoking. Ask questions that allow people to gain a deeper understanding of gospel principles being taught and to share their testimonies of these principles. Asking for answers looks like this:
Where should you aim for getting married? (temple)
How old do you have to be to go on a mission? (18,19)
When was Joseph Smith born? (1805)
Asking questions that have a definite answer sets people up for failure. It makes the class uncomfortable. It is the job of the teacher to GIVE THE ANSWERS before asking questions. And remember that people need time to process questions. It's great to go ahead and put your questions up on the board at the beginning of the class. Give the class time to think about it. The longer, the better.
Here's an example of questions that invite responses:
Ex: We all want to get married in the temple so we can be sealed with our families forever. Does anyone have an experience you would like to share about preparing for your own temple marriage? How does having a temple marriage strengthen you personally compared to a civil marriage? How have you taught your children the importance of a temple marriage? What do you do in your own home?
Take time before the lesson to think of great questions. Ponder and pray to make sure you have picked the right ones. You only need a few great questions for a 30-45 minute class. Great questions invite conversation and testimony. This leads up to the next point.
3. The teacher is not really the teacher. The teacher is the architect of the lesson. The true teacher of the Gospel is the Holy Ghost.
The goal of every lesson needs to be to invite the Holy Ghost so the class members can feel the Spirit and be edified. How do you invite the HG into the lesson?
-Every lesson is about the Savior, even if you think it isn't. Remember that.
-Teach the doctrine. Keep it simple. Don't try to embellish the lesson, rather try to explore it as a class.
-Follow these four steps. 1. present the doctrine. 2. strive to understand what it means. This can be accomplished by cross referencing, pondering, discussion, quotes from conference or prophets. . .whatever it takes to truly understand what is being taught. 3. tell/invite others to tell stories that support the doctrine. 4. Bear testimony (yours or a class member)
4. Help the class members feel comfortable, safe, and valued.
-I talked a little bit about this before with the types of questions you ask. Ask questions that invite discussion and personal sharing rather than questions that set people up to be right or wrong. This can be a hard change to make, but if you think about it, when somebody answers the question "What should you do when you need guidance?"with "Read your scriptures." we don't feel the spirit. It's boring. Everyone already knows the "answer."
But, if the teacher said," (Reads a scripture)We are taught in the scriptures that when we need guidance we can turn to the scriptures for answers. Would anyone like to share a story from your life of when you needed guidance and you turned to the scriptures and got an answer?"
Those stories will be personal testimonies of the principle "If you need guidance, you can find answers in the scriptures" and the Holy Ghost will testify to all who are willing to feel it that it is true.
-Some people do not like to talk in class. Changing the questions you ask and how you ask them might not be enough for them to want to talk. One way to help them participate is to occasionally invite class members to share with their neighbor or a small group. Never cold call on a person who is not comfortable talking. You could ask them earlier in the week so they can be prepared and also have a chance to say yes or no privately. Some people do want to talk, but feel shy. Pay attention to the class members. Watch for body language indicating that someone really wants to share. Someone playing with their hair or ear or looking intently at you might be a sign that they are thinking about something they want to share. You can carefully invite these students to share. Look at the person and say something like" Do you have a comment to share?" Or just point at them with a question in your eyes? If the response is a no, accept that without any further prodding.
-Most importantly, make sure the class members feel like they are important. When I taught last Sunday I put a quote up on the board. It was something Brother Knecht said "Great teaching is a great conversation with students that leads to great learning." Without the students, there is no lesson. You are not teaching "your" lesson. You are teaching the gospel to people. I told my class that there was one of me and 30 of them, so they had 30 times the responsibility to make sure the class was great. And it was great because a lot of people shared their ideas and testimonies. As a teacher, make conscious choices to let your students know that you value their thoughts. Go beyond a simple "thank you" at times. Maintain eye contact. Do not look at your lesson or the clock while someone is sharing. Validate their comments by summarizing what they said. If someone says something you loved, tell them. If you felt the spirit very strongly, say so. If you are going to use an idea yourself, admit it. If you never thought of something that way, share that. One great idea Brother Knecht uses sparingly is when someone makes a comment that just really is what the lesson is all about and brings the Spirit so strongly, that touches everyone, he will say,"I think you were here to make that comment today in this class." Whatever you say, be genuine. However you say it, if it is heartfelt, the class members will really know that you value them as equal participants in the lesson.
So, that's it. 4 things.
1.Teach from the inside out, not from the outside in.
2.Do not ask for answers. Ask for responses. Ask great questions that open up the conversation rather than close it down.
3.Make sure to invite the true teacher to the lesson- the Holy Ghost.
4.Help the class members feel safe, comfortable, and valued.
That's all.
Based on the responses I got and also on the feelings I felt, I know that by using these techniques we were able to invite the Holy Ghost to teach us the things we needed to learn. Participation was high and the feeling in the room was of acceptance, love, and sisterhood. The ideas are simple, but they really work. They don't require anything fancy, although it's fine to have videos, music, handouts, visuals, cookies. . . you get the picture. These are all good, but they aren't necessary. They aren't vital. The Spirit is vital. The Gospel is vital. Conversation is vital. And safety is vital.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Dear Rooster
So, it's been a while since I started my 6 part series of open love letters to my children. Now that I have 5 minutes to breathe, I thought it was time for installment number 2.
Dear Reuben,
As my first born child you hold a special place in my heart. It stinks for the other kids, but it's great for you! I was practically a child myself when I first became a mother. I married at 19, and acting in faith and a desire for a large family, we did not wait to start our family. After 5 months of marriage, your father and I found out that you were on the way. We were thrilled!
Extreme happiness soon morphed into severe nausea and vomiting, made worse by my early schedule and intense class load. I was in a program at BYU for Elementary Education majors. It was a cohort program, or a group of students put together for all their classes. We went out to elementary schools and observed/helped 2 days a week. Then we had class all day long for the other 3 days, usually on site in a portable classroom on the elementary school grounds, so we could go inside and see the techniques demonstrated. I will never forget professor Brad Wilcox. He was a great teacher. I slept through most of his classes that semester. He knew I was sleeping. He let me use the couch in the room. I got an A. I did actually earn that A.
In order to have more time to be with my first baby, from the moment I learned I was expecting, I accelerated my education. During Spring/Summer term I took 21 credits. You were due the beginning of October, so I only took one class that semester, a 3 credit class that was taught once a week in the evening for 3 hours straight.
The blessed expected due date came, and passed. Argh! It was so hard to wait! We drove from Provo to Kearns to spend Conference weekend with my parents. My brother in law Dave tried to "gong" you out. Apparently, that worked. I went into labor at midnight that night.
After 3.5 hours of labor, and I mean 3.5 hours total from the first moment that I knew you were coming, you were born at 3:33 AM. You have continued to be an intense person.
We brought you home on my 21st birthday.
The first thing we noticed was your elf bump and your alert eyes. You were taking it all in and making mental baby notes.
Reuben, you were a difficult baby, but also full of joy. You insisted on being held, nursing for 12 hours a day, and sleeping with Mom and Dad. Once we gave into your desires, things went pretty smoothly. You got your first two teeth at 5 months and walked at 8.5 months. You decided crawling was for other babies. By 9 months you were talking. Up was your first word, and you never stopped after that one.
Because you were my first, I could go on and on about your babyhood. There are so many memories. You are the lucky kid who actually has a baby book. And pictures that got printed. But, I don't want to write a book, just a letter.
While there have been times we wanted to pull our hair out( remember 4th grade homework sessions), for the most part you have been a really great big brother. Every time I brought a new sibling home, you were excited. You love babies and little kids and they usually love you back. You show a tenderness and patience with them that is not typical of 16 year old boys.
Before you were 2 you started to sing and you have developed that talent( you are welcome for the lessons) as you grow. We still expect you to find a wife based on your lovely polished voice.
Seriously.
Reuben, you are funny and smart. You go to school, church, and even early morning seminary without prodding or complaint. And that is impressive since complaining is one of your specialties. I know that you are already a stellar young man and that you will be an amazing grown man, a faithful missionary and a devoted husband and father when the time comes.
As I have watched you grow the last few years, currently at 5'10" and still growing, watched your feet and hands get bigger than your dad's, watched you excel in areas at school that we can't really understand, I get a glimpse of who you will be in a few short years.
In 2 years and 6 months, you will graduate from High School and be eligible to leave on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Some people like to worry for you because you are a picky eater. They think it's going to be a problem for you. I know that it won't. I know that either 1.You will go to France and live on bread and cheese or 2. Heavenly Father will make you equal to the food set before you.
I am not worried though. I'm not worried about the food or the mission, college, or girls. I'm okay with you not wanting to date yet. I'm okay with you being a cautious driver. I'm fine with you liking the class Chemistry more than the romantic chemistry. I've only got a short time left with you and I'm not really eager to give my little boy up to another girl, not yet. But, when you are ready, I'd be happy to help you with date ideas. :).
To my firstborn, lover of muffins, the child with the most nicknames- Rooboo, Rooster, Rooberry, Roobaroni, Roobunny, Roobird, Ruby, Wooooooben, (I'll stop there), I want you to know that no matter what choices you make or how messy your room is, no matter how kind or snotty your behavior, no matter your hairstyle( which I like), your wardrobe( eh), or your strange and random vocabulary blurts, I will always love you the same today and tomorrow as I loved you with the wide eyed magical wonder of the moment when I first held you.
Love,
Mom
Dear Reuben,
As my first born child you hold a special place in my heart. It stinks for the other kids, but it's great for you! I was practically a child myself when I first became a mother. I married at 19, and acting in faith and a desire for a large family, we did not wait to start our family. After 5 months of marriage, your father and I found out that you were on the way. We were thrilled!
Extreme happiness soon morphed into severe nausea and vomiting, made worse by my early schedule and intense class load. I was in a program at BYU for Elementary Education majors. It was a cohort program, or a group of students put together for all their classes. We went out to elementary schools and observed/helped 2 days a week. Then we had class all day long for the other 3 days, usually on site in a portable classroom on the elementary school grounds, so we could go inside and see the techniques demonstrated. I will never forget professor Brad Wilcox. He was a great teacher. I slept through most of his classes that semester. He knew I was sleeping. He let me use the couch in the room. I got an A. I did actually earn that A.
In order to have more time to be with my first baby, from the moment I learned I was expecting, I accelerated my education. During Spring/Summer term I took 21 credits. You were due the beginning of October, so I only took one class that semester, a 3 credit class that was taught once a week in the evening for 3 hours straight.
The blessed expected due date came, and passed. Argh! It was so hard to wait! We drove from Provo to Kearns to spend Conference weekend with my parents. My brother in law Dave tried to "gong" you out. Apparently, that worked. I went into labor at midnight that night.
After 3.5 hours of labor, and I mean 3.5 hours total from the first moment that I knew you were coming, you were born at 3:33 AM. You have continued to be an intense person.
We brought you home on my 21st birthday.
The first thing we noticed was your elf bump and your alert eyes. You were taking it all in and making mental baby notes.
Reuben, you were a difficult baby, but also full of joy. You insisted on being held, nursing for 12 hours a day, and sleeping with Mom and Dad. Once we gave into your desires, things went pretty smoothly. You got your first two teeth at 5 months and walked at 8.5 months. You decided crawling was for other babies. By 9 months you were talking. Up was your first word, and you never stopped after that one.
Because you were my first, I could go on and on about your babyhood. There are so many memories. You are the lucky kid who actually has a baby book. And pictures that got printed. But, I don't want to write a book, just a letter.
While there have been times we wanted to pull our hair out( remember 4th grade homework sessions), for the most part you have been a really great big brother. Every time I brought a new sibling home, you were excited. You love babies and little kids and they usually love you back. You show a tenderness and patience with them that is not typical of 16 year old boys.
Before you were 2 you started to sing and you have developed that talent( you are welcome for the lessons) as you grow. We still expect you to find a wife based on your lovely polished voice.
Seriously.
Reuben, you are funny and smart. You go to school, church, and even early morning seminary without prodding or complaint. And that is impressive since complaining is one of your specialties. I know that you are already a stellar young man and that you will be an amazing grown man, a faithful missionary and a devoted husband and father when the time comes.
As I have watched you grow the last few years, currently at 5'10" and still growing, watched your feet and hands get bigger than your dad's, watched you excel in areas at school that we can't really understand, I get a glimpse of who you will be in a few short years.
In 2 years and 6 months, you will graduate from High School and be eligible to leave on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Some people like to worry for you because you are a picky eater. They think it's going to be a problem for you. I know that it won't. I know that either 1.You will go to France and live on bread and cheese or 2. Heavenly Father will make you equal to the food set before you.
I am not worried though. I'm not worried about the food or the mission, college, or girls. I'm okay with you not wanting to date yet. I'm okay with you being a cautious driver. I'm fine with you liking the class Chemistry more than the romantic chemistry. I've only got a short time left with you and I'm not really eager to give my little boy up to another girl, not yet. But, when you are ready, I'd be happy to help you with date ideas. :).
To my firstborn, lover of muffins, the child with the most nicknames- Rooboo, Rooster, Rooberry, Roobaroni, Roobunny, Roobird, Ruby, Wooooooben, (I'll stop there), I want you to know that no matter what choices you make or how messy your room is, no matter how kind or snotty your behavior, no matter your hairstyle( which I like), your wardrobe( eh), or your strange and random vocabulary blurts, I will always love you the same today and tomorrow as I loved you with the wide eyed magical wonder of the moment when I first held you.
Love,
Mom
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Chintzy Gifts
chintz·y
ˈCHin(t)sē/
adjective
- 1.BRITISHof, like, or decorated with chintz."brighten the room with fresh paint and chintzy fabrics"
- 2.informalcheap and of poor quality.
Recently, it came to my attention that, some people feel that my husband and I give, well, chintzy gifts. I'm going to be completely honest with you. This hurts.
I want to say, "It's the thought that counts." I guess it doesn't count with everyone.
I'm going to be straight with you. I have 37 nieces and nephews, two parents, two inlaws, 7 siblings with 6 spouses, and 3 siblings siblings with two spouses on my hubby's side. And with 6 kids of my own, we get a lot of birthday party invites! We live on one income and our kids currently qualify for Chip and reduced lunch. We've had two very modest vacations in the last 7 years. They weren't glitzy, that's for sure. We don't go to first run movies(EVER), we don't eat out at tipping restaurants, we don't buy our own children expensive gifts. We do choose to spend money on things that matter to us, such as soccer, voice, and dance lessons. Our kids have enough to eat and clothes to wear. They are warm and loved, but we don't have an abundance of money floating around. I can pinch a penny with the best of them. And gift giving is one area, of many, where I am often able to use my skills.
Maybe sometimes it doesn't work out. Maybe people can tell. Sometimes I buy a less expensive gift at full price just because I think it is something that will be appreciated, like a $5 hand crank Ikea flashlight for a little kid or bathtub color tabs. Yep. These are cheap gifts. I don't think they qualify as chintzy, but maybe I'm just plain wrong.
I don't know. I've tried really hard to give gifts that are worth more than what I can afford. I accomplish this by shopping great sales, giving things that are inexpensive but heart felt, and making homemade presents.
When I spend my time making something, I feel like that adds value to a gift. I'm not going to defend myself with details of all of the great gifts I've ever given. No, I have a much better plan, more entertaining for you too.
So, what can I say? It hurts a great deal to find out through the grapevine that we have this reputation. But, if that's how people feel, I thought I'd better focus on my talents. In honor of chintzy gift giving, I have created a list to help me and you with future holiday gift giving.
TRULY CHINTZY GIFTS
Dear Beloved Friend or Relative,
Instead of agonizing for months over what to get you for Christmas this year, knowing that you will think me chintzy ANYWAY, I've created a list of everything I plan to give you for the next 20 years. Please feel free to give me your input about the order in which you would like to receive these amazing presents.
1. A Box of checks from my checking account, all voided. Use them however you can.
2. Empty shampoo bottles from the last 5 years. You can use them for water storage.
3. A do it yourself Compost Kit, aka, a bag of rotten kitchen scraps.
4. A scrapbooked page of me! I know, right? The best part is in the picture I will be doing an activity that YOU have always wanted to do.
5.A tshirt( from DI of course) good for a discount at a Mexican restaurant, in another State.
6. A new chapstick made from the dregs of all of my old chapsticks. You know those parts you can't get out? I have my ways.
7. 1/2 of a twix bar. I wouldn't want you to get fat.
8. A year's supply of all of the coupons that I got in the mail last year.
9. A special selection of my favorite girl scout badges, carefully mounted on the back of a cereal box.
10. 25 year old bubblegum. It's got to be a collector's item by now. You're welcome!
11. Your least favorite movie( a VHS from DI again, where else?). I just know if you watch it over and over again you are going to learn to love it!
12. A 2 liter of opened orange soda. I changed my mind about drinking it when I read about what they put in that stuff, but I'm sure you'll be fine.
13. A coupon for the FALL FRUIT OF THE MONTH CLUB. In other words, you are granted access to my apple trees. Make sure to pick them all.
14.Movie tickets I won over the radio. They are only good for tomorrow. I hope you're available!
15. Water that a dolphin swam in.
16. A rock collection starter kit. I got a few rocks from my neighbor's
yard to get you started.
yard to get you started.
17. A sand collection start kit. Collecting is so much fun. This recycled baggie has your first specimen from the Great Salt Lake.
18. A newspaper hat, custom fit just for you.
19. A bag of peach pits, apricot pits, and plum pits. If you plant them now, in 10 years you'll never go hungry.
20. All of my notes from college. It's going to hard to part with these, but I love you enough to give them to you.
To my beloved readers,
I could surely use more good chintzy ideas if I am going to keep my reputation strong. Please take a minute and leave your ideas in my comments, section. Thanks!
And,oh, I can't resist
21. A "free" subscription to my blog. I know, this one is pretty special.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Dear Midget,
4 years, 5 months, and 17 days ago I gave birth to a baby who surprised us all when she arrived with a full head of hair that appeared to be professionally highlighted. For the first year of her life, I wrote monthly blog posts about her progress in babyhood. Then, I stopped. I haven't blogged much lately, so I thought maybe I'd highlight each one of my kids in separate blog posts over time. How much time? I don't know. That just depends on when the urge to write strikes. I'm going to write them in letter form, written to the child.
Dear Midget,
Before you were born, your Dad and I had a really hard time deciding what to name you . We both have very different ideas of what constitutes an excellent name. He was pulling for names from his childhood- Brittany, Whitley, Felicity. . . while I wanted something like Leah, Melanie, or Miriam. Eventually, the next great war was prevented when we agreed on Emmeline Adelle. And then you were born. And Emmeline fit you perfectly. But, so did LemonLime, Emmelion, and Midget. You are little, at least almost all of you is little, except for your cheeks. You recently pointed out to someone that your cheeks is what makes you so cute, "because they are soooo SQUISHY!" complete with a demonstration. Who can blame you for saying this when people comment on your cheeks everywhere we go? They are pretty cute. You are just an adorable little package of cuteness. It's true. You know it, but you are so cute that it isn't even annoying.
You experience everything in life with a sense of wonder. Somehow you make your eyes sparkle when you are excited. Really. They sparkle. I've asked you how you do it, but you don't know anymore than I do.
You are funny. Every single day you say something that makes me laugh. If it is really funny, you usually tell me not to laugh. And I do try not to laugh. But, your vocabulary is so advanced for a little girl who looks like she is 3 years old, it's just hard to keep a straight face when you say things like," Audrey hurt my feelings and I'm just very sensitive." "That was exhausting" "When can we go to the orthodontist again?" "Doctor Gummy is my pediatrician." and a gazillion other things.
You are learning how to read, mostly 3 letter words, but you tried out "dentist" on your own a couple of weeks ago. You had your first checkup this fall and acted like it was no big deal. You got your kindergarten shots, knowing they would hurt, but deciding it was worth it to avoid the illnesses they protect against.
You ask me when we are going to read scriptures next and cry if you don't get a turn "reading" . With just a few practices you memorized your scripture for the Primary Program yesterday, "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Emmeline, you are wise beyond your years. Already you have asked me to help you when you have your first baby, to help you through the labor pains. You have picked a husband and ordered a carriage with hearts on the wheels. You think about when you grow up and move out. More than anything, at only 4 years old, you desire to grow up and be a wife and mother. You have many interests and many talents, but you understand that nothing is more important than family.
Midget, you are a delight to be around. I always thought I would celebrate when my last child went to school, but instead, I have put it off. I didn't send you off to preschool. I taught at your preschool. I'm not ready for you to go to Kindergarten in 10 months. I am not going to have a party. I am going to be sad. You are the best little buddy a Mom could ever want. You love to go with me to teach piano lessons in Orem, to clean Grandma's house, to buy groceries, to perform PTA service, to visit teach, to weed or harvest in the garden, to visit the chiropractor, or to pick Audrey up from school. It doesn't matter where I'm going; you want to come with me. I never need a break from you. I hope that never changes.
I hope that when you grow up and go off to college that you want to come home to see your Mommy. I hope you still want to talk to me, to be with me, even if what I am doing is kind of boring. I hope that you get a chance to fill your brilliant mind with light and knowledge, experiences and increased love. And most of all, I hope that one day you get to be a mommy too, and then you will understand exactly how much I love you.
Don't grow up too fast Midget.
Love,
Mommy
Dear Midget,
Before you were born, your Dad and I had a really hard time deciding what to name you . We both have very different ideas of what constitutes an excellent name. He was pulling for names from his childhood- Brittany, Whitley, Felicity. . . while I wanted something like Leah, Melanie, or Miriam. Eventually, the next great war was prevented when we agreed on Emmeline Adelle. And then you were born. And Emmeline fit you perfectly. But, so did LemonLime, Emmelion, and Midget. You are little, at least almost all of you is little, except for your cheeks. You recently pointed out to someone that your cheeks is what makes you so cute, "because they are soooo SQUISHY!" complete with a demonstration. Who can blame you for saying this when people comment on your cheeks everywhere we go? They are pretty cute. You are just an adorable little package of cuteness. It's true. You know it, but you are so cute that it isn't even annoying.
You experience everything in life with a sense of wonder. Somehow you make your eyes sparkle when you are excited. Really. They sparkle. I've asked you how you do it, but you don't know anymore than I do.
You are funny. Every single day you say something that makes me laugh. If it is really funny, you usually tell me not to laugh. And I do try not to laugh. But, your vocabulary is so advanced for a little girl who looks like she is 3 years old, it's just hard to keep a straight face when you say things like," Audrey hurt my feelings and I'm just very sensitive." "That was exhausting" "When can we go to the orthodontist again?" "Doctor Gummy is my pediatrician." and a gazillion other things.
You are learning how to read, mostly 3 letter words, but you tried out "dentist" on your own a couple of weeks ago. You had your first checkup this fall and acted like it was no big deal. You got your kindergarten shots, knowing they would hurt, but deciding it was worth it to avoid the illnesses they protect against.
You ask me when we are going to read scriptures next and cry if you don't get a turn "reading" . With just a few practices you memorized your scripture for the Primary Program yesterday, "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Emmeline, you are wise beyond your years. Already you have asked me to help you when you have your first baby, to help you through the labor pains. You have picked a husband and ordered a carriage with hearts on the wheels. You think about when you grow up and move out. More than anything, at only 4 years old, you desire to grow up and be a wife and mother. You have many interests and many talents, but you understand that nothing is more important than family.
Midget, you are a delight to be around. I always thought I would celebrate when my last child went to school, but instead, I have put it off. I didn't send you off to preschool. I taught at your preschool. I'm not ready for you to go to Kindergarten in 10 months. I am not going to have a party. I am going to be sad. You are the best little buddy a Mom could ever want. You love to go with me to teach piano lessons in Orem, to clean Grandma's house, to buy groceries, to perform PTA service, to visit teach, to weed or harvest in the garden, to visit the chiropractor, or to pick Audrey up from school. It doesn't matter where I'm going; you want to come with me. I never need a break from you. I hope that never changes.
I hope that when you grow up and go off to college that you want to come home to see your Mommy. I hope you still want to talk to me, to be with me, even if what I am doing is kind of boring. I hope that you get a chance to fill your brilliant mind with light and knowledge, experiences and increased love. And most of all, I hope that one day you get to be a mommy too, and then you will understand exactly how much I love you.
Don't grow up too fast Midget.
Love,
Mommy
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Timpanogas
At the beginning of the summer, I started taking hikes with my friend Janice Snow. We tried to go once a week, but it didn't always work out. We slowly built up the distances until a few weeks ago when we hiked to Desolation Lake, a total of 10 miles round trip. The goal, besides the awesomeness of hiking, was to train for Timpanogas.
Technically, you don't have to train to hike Timp. You can just go, spur of the moment. But, that isn't a very good idea. 18 years ago, just after starting my second year of BYU, an apartment of boys came over to visit my apartment of girls. It was late at night. They asked if we wanted to hike Mt. Timpanogas the next day.
YES! (I think what I thought was, "What's that? Hmm, sounds fun. And these boys are so cute!")
It took us until around midnight to pack some food and prepare our bags. I think we slept for a couple of hours, or tried to anyway. I remember leaving around 3 or 4 in the morning. I can't remember which one. We drove in the quiet dark and arrived at the parking lot. The thing I remember most about that hike is actually the beginning. I had never seen the stars like that. The sky was suddenly more white that black. I was looking at a massive bowl of glowing cookies and cream ice cream. I still feel in awe of the Universe when I remember that sky.
I don't remember hiking in the dark, but obviously we did, for a couple of hours at least. What I do remember is that I was not prepared. I was tired. I had on really awful tennis shoes. They had NO tread on them, due to being 3 or 4 years old. I think I was wearing blue jeans, a tshirt, and a sweatshirt, and probably a hat. I remember enjoying the hike, and also fearing for my life several times when I slipped. I know that I am a dramatic person, but I am being completely honest when I tell you that slipping on that hike can be deadly. I truly almost slid off the mountain every time I fell. It was scary.
What I don't remember is if we went to the peak or stopped at the Saddle. I think we stopped at the saddle, which is still a ways from the true peak, but it is on the ridge and the view is breathtaking. What I do remember is that the entire trip took something like 11 hours of hiking. I got back and somehow was transported to my grandmother's house. I found her couch and didn't get up until someone took me back to my apartment. I could not move. To this day, other than after surgery, I cannot remember feeling so exhausted. I had met my physical limit.
So, of course I wanted to go again at almost 37 years old, you know, to see if I could do it.
This time, being older and wise, I prepared much more carefully. I wore good shoes and exercise clothing that didn't restrict my movements. I applied bug spray. I carried sunscreen the whole way, but kind of forgot to put it on. So, I'm sunburned. I guess I didn't want to be completely perfect just yet. I brought 3 large water bottles, toilet paper, ziploc bags, a trash bag, food, a first aid kit, a hat, and a friend that I trusted would help me get up to the top. She prepared just as carefully. We also brought some scriptures to memorize, written on note cards. They were randomly selected Scripture Mastery from the Book of Mormon.
The first one that we worked on became somewhat of our theme. Helaman 5:12
"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the son of God, that ye must build your foundation, that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwinds, yea, when all his hail and mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the foundation upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, whereon if men build they cannot fall."
I thought about this scripture for most of the hike. I thought about the storms that the devil sends forth, the temptations, the trials, and the troubles. We talked about what exactly it would mean to be caught up in one of those storms and their intense power. Satan is real. His temptations are real. They are as real as the mountain we were climbing. The danger of the devil is as easy to fall into as it is to slip on some sand. At least 50% of the hike to Timpanogas peak is extremely dangerous. One fall to the wrong side, and, well, that's it for you. Parts of the path are very easy to walk on, then suddenly become covered in unstable rocks of all sizes. There are portions where you must climb with both hands grabbing hold of rocks, hoping they don't slide. There is a part where you cross a field of rocks and boulders, pretty much a rockslide meadow, not knowing which way to go, just looking for the next cairn built by someone who knew the way. As soon as you cross that, the steep climb to the Saddle begins. This was probably the most dangerous part of the hike. It was steep and sandy. Handholds were too far apart. We grasped anything we could, often just spreading our fingers and scrambling in the dirt. And then came the solid stone of the mountain. From the Saddle to the peak, the ground was pure stone. Our feet could land firmly and not slip. But it was still treacherous. One wrong step, and the drop would be immense and deadly. But, the view was breathtaking. There was no way we were stopping before we reached the highest peak.
We kept climbing. Very slowly. Very carefully. We wanted to make it home to our kiddos. After nearly 8 hours, we reached the summit. At that point, I still felt pretty good. Janice was excited to be at the top, but had been feeling unwell for the entire hike. She pushed through like a champ. Just before reaching the top, we stopped to rest and I bowed my head and prayed, probably closer to God in real physical distance than I've ever been. I asked Him for safety. I asked Him to give Janice the strength to make it the rest of the way, to bless us for our preparation, and especially to make our feet sure for the trip down. The thought of going down what we had just come up was rather sobering. I really really wanted to make it home unscathed.
After enjoying the top for a while, we started our trip down. It was 3:33. We had started up around 7:30 a.m. I didn't think it would take too long to get down. Silly Becky.
After we made it down to the Saddle, we skied down the sandy slope by sitting on our feet. Seriously. It was the only safe way to get down. It was just impossible to find stable footing. We just slipped right on down. Then we crossed back over the rock field. I slipped once and grabbed Janice's backpack. It saved me. Luckily, we both stayed upright. I thanked her for saving my life and apologized for trying to take her down with me.
From that point on, it was pretty smooth hiking. But, it was long. Different sites list different times and distances. We certainly could have gone faster and taken less breaks, but were weren't there to race people. We were there to experience it and hoped not to damage ourselves too badly while doing it. It took us just under 5 hours to get back to my car. The last 30 minutes were in the dark. We could just barely make out our feet by the moonlight, our feet that were practically running at this point, with no conscious effort on our parts. After a bit, we had to force ourselves to slow down because we kept stubbing out toes. We were exhausted. We had reached the point where we knew that our spirits were stronger than our bodies and our spiritual strength was going to get us down.
And it did. When there is no choice but to keep on going, you keep on going. All summer long we have been telling ourselves, "I can do hard things." It's just just about physical and it's not just about spiritual. It's really about the combination of both of them, the team, the control of the soul.
Technically, you don't have to train to hike Timp. You can just go, spur of the moment. But, that isn't a very good idea. 18 years ago, just after starting my second year of BYU, an apartment of boys came over to visit my apartment of girls. It was late at night. They asked if we wanted to hike Mt. Timpanogas the next day.
YES! (I think what I thought was, "What's that? Hmm, sounds fun. And these boys are so cute!")
It took us until around midnight to pack some food and prepare our bags. I think we slept for a couple of hours, or tried to anyway. I remember leaving around 3 or 4 in the morning. I can't remember which one. We drove in the quiet dark and arrived at the parking lot. The thing I remember most about that hike is actually the beginning. I had never seen the stars like that. The sky was suddenly more white that black. I was looking at a massive bowl of glowing cookies and cream ice cream. I still feel in awe of the Universe when I remember that sky.
I don't remember hiking in the dark, but obviously we did, for a couple of hours at least. What I do remember is that I was not prepared. I was tired. I had on really awful tennis shoes. They had NO tread on them, due to being 3 or 4 years old. I think I was wearing blue jeans, a tshirt, and a sweatshirt, and probably a hat. I remember enjoying the hike, and also fearing for my life several times when I slipped. I know that I am a dramatic person, but I am being completely honest when I tell you that slipping on that hike can be deadly. I truly almost slid off the mountain every time I fell. It was scary.
What I don't remember is if we went to the peak or stopped at the Saddle. I think we stopped at the saddle, which is still a ways from the true peak, but it is on the ridge and the view is breathtaking. What I do remember is that the entire trip took something like 11 hours of hiking. I got back and somehow was transported to my grandmother's house. I found her couch and didn't get up until someone took me back to my apartment. I could not move. To this day, other than after surgery, I cannot remember feeling so exhausted. I had met my physical limit.
So, of course I wanted to go again at almost 37 years old, you know, to see if I could do it.
This time, being older and wise, I prepared much more carefully. I wore good shoes and exercise clothing that didn't restrict my movements. I applied bug spray. I carried sunscreen the whole way, but kind of forgot to put it on. So, I'm sunburned. I guess I didn't want to be completely perfect just yet. I brought 3 large water bottles, toilet paper, ziploc bags, a trash bag, food, a first aid kit, a hat, and a friend that I trusted would help me get up to the top. She prepared just as carefully. We also brought some scriptures to memorize, written on note cards. They were randomly selected Scripture Mastery from the Book of Mormon.
The first one that we worked on became somewhat of our theme. Helaman 5:12
"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the son of God, that ye must build your foundation, that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwinds, yea, when all his hail and mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the foundation upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, whereon if men build they cannot fall."
I thought about this scripture for most of the hike. I thought about the storms that the devil sends forth, the temptations, the trials, and the troubles. We talked about what exactly it would mean to be caught up in one of those storms and their intense power. Satan is real. His temptations are real. They are as real as the mountain we were climbing. The danger of the devil is as easy to fall into as it is to slip on some sand. At least 50% of the hike to Timpanogas peak is extremely dangerous. One fall to the wrong side, and, well, that's it for you. Parts of the path are very easy to walk on, then suddenly become covered in unstable rocks of all sizes. There are portions where you must climb with both hands grabbing hold of rocks, hoping they don't slide. There is a part where you cross a field of rocks and boulders, pretty much a rockslide meadow, not knowing which way to go, just looking for the next cairn built by someone who knew the way. As soon as you cross that, the steep climb to the Saddle begins. This was probably the most dangerous part of the hike. It was steep and sandy. Handholds were too far apart. We grasped anything we could, often just spreading our fingers and scrambling in the dirt. And then came the solid stone of the mountain. From the Saddle to the peak, the ground was pure stone. Our feet could land firmly and not slip. But it was still treacherous. One wrong step, and the drop would be immense and deadly. But, the view was breathtaking. There was no way we were stopping before we reached the highest peak.
We kept climbing. Very slowly. Very carefully. We wanted to make it home to our kiddos. After nearly 8 hours, we reached the summit. At that point, I still felt pretty good. Janice was excited to be at the top, but had been feeling unwell for the entire hike. She pushed through like a champ. Just before reaching the top, we stopped to rest and I bowed my head and prayed, probably closer to God in real physical distance than I've ever been. I asked Him for safety. I asked Him to give Janice the strength to make it the rest of the way, to bless us for our preparation, and especially to make our feet sure for the trip down. The thought of going down what we had just come up was rather sobering. I really really wanted to make it home unscathed.
After enjoying the top for a while, we started our trip down. It was 3:33. We had started up around 7:30 a.m. I didn't think it would take too long to get down. Silly Becky.
After we made it down to the Saddle, we skied down the sandy slope by sitting on our feet. Seriously. It was the only safe way to get down. It was just impossible to find stable footing. We just slipped right on down. Then we crossed back over the rock field. I slipped once and grabbed Janice's backpack. It saved me. Luckily, we both stayed upright. I thanked her for saving my life and apologized for trying to take her down with me.
From that point on, it was pretty smooth hiking. But, it was long. Different sites list different times and distances. We certainly could have gone faster and taken less breaks, but were weren't there to race people. We were there to experience it and hoped not to damage ourselves too badly while doing it. It took us just under 5 hours to get back to my car. The last 30 minutes were in the dark. We could just barely make out our feet by the moonlight, our feet that were practically running at this point, with no conscious effort on our parts. After a bit, we had to force ourselves to slow down because we kept stubbing out toes. We were exhausted. We had reached the point where we knew that our spirits were stronger than our bodies and our spiritual strength was going to get us down.
And it did. When there is no choice but to keep on going, you keep on going. All summer long we have been telling ourselves, "I can do hard things." It's just just about physical and it's not just about spiritual. It's really about the combination of both of them, the team, the control of the soul.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Education Week 2014
Last week I ran away from home with my friend Janice. And that sentence right there pretty much sums up the whole week spent at BYU attending Education Week. Since people thought we were college students, we decided to act like them.
IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!!
Janice says we have to go back every year until we die. Now that this is in writing I consider it to be not only a verbal contract, but also a written contract, and I shall hold her to it.
Mu ha ha ha ha!
Ok, so as not to bore you all straight to an early death, I am going to condense my thoughts about Education Week into list form:
1. It was awesome.
2. I ate BYU ice cream almost every day, including for breakfast on the way home.
3. The Skyroom Restaurant Buffet is truly excellent. We enjoyed Greek cuisine on the day we dined there.
http://dining.byu.edu/skyroom//
4. The Cannon Center Cafeteria is also truly excellent. It's worth the money to eat there when you visit the Y. Come hungry.
5. Being mistaken for a college student never stops feeling fantastic. Definite natural high.
6. Chin people is still fun when you are 36.
7. Hiking the Y at night is thrilling and the tarantula we saw on the trail, both coming up and going down, was pretty scary.
8. I was finally motivated to write a bucket list. Included on my list is a serious desire to have a decent role in a play. I just know I have it in me. Janice agrees after hearing my various improvised renditions of "Mary Had a Little Lamb."
9. Seeing "Meet the Mormons" first public screening felt pretty special. You should go see it when it comes to theaters on 10/10/14.
10. I learned why I am a pig. Now I am obsessed with "landing", a concept I learned about in an organization class. If you are not a pig, you do this naturally. If you are a pig, the extreme condensed version has to do with finishing tasks completely so that the time you spend in disorder/chaos is reduced.
11. I learned great teaching methods and a new scripture study style that we are trying to use with our family now. If you are interested, this is explained in the new Book of Mormon Seminary Home Study Student Manual, located at LDS.org and in the Gospel Library on mobile devices. The concept of looking for principles in the scriptures and then applying them to our lives is simple and exactly what my family needs to help my kids develop their own testimonies of the teachings of Jesus Christ.
12. I kind of wish I could go back to college.
13. I sang in the DeJong theatre and received a standing ovation. Truly. So did everyone else in that class.
14. Apparently, according to one instructor, everyone in the world loves me, some people have just forgotten it.
15. The cheapest meal to be had on BYU campus is a kids meal at the Creamery on 9th. You don't have to be a kid. I asked. For $4.10 I had a cheeseburger, a decent serving of seasoned fries, a small drink, and an ice cream cone.
http://dining.byu.edu/creamery//
16. Y shaped donuts are cooler than other donuts. At least, my kids thought so when I brought them home as souvenirs.
http://bandbcasper6.blogspot.com/2012/01/donuts.html
17. Running to the temple is hard. It's uphill.
18. I look adorable when I do my neck exercises. I'm currently in chiropractic treatment at Oasis Wellness in Taylorsville. The Pettibon method is awesome and it's a lot of work, and I'm rocking it! Check out their facebook page.
19. I went for fun. I didn't think I would learn anything that would instantly change my life. I was wrong.
20. I was close enough to smell costumes worn in movies by Angelica Houston, Johnny Depp, Amy Adams, and many other famous people. The Museum of Art has a free movie costume exhibit thru December 6th. It's worth going!
http://moa.byu.edu/cut-costume-and-the-cinema/
21. The newly renovated Bean Museum is also worth visiting. And it is also free! Parking is free at BYU for visitors and it is right next to the Museum of Art.
http://mlbean.byu.edu/
22. And finally, in summary, I would like to repeat statement #1. It was awesome! It was the least expensive, most fun, BESTEST vacation I have had in my entire adult life. Yes, I'm serious.
IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!!
Janice says we have to go back every year until we die. Now that this is in writing I consider it to be not only a verbal contract, but also a written contract, and I shall hold her to it.
Mu ha ha ha ha!
Ok, so as not to bore you all straight to an early death, I am going to condense my thoughts about Education Week into list form:
1. It was awesome.
2. I ate BYU ice cream almost every day, including for breakfast on the way home.
3. The Skyroom Restaurant Buffet is truly excellent. We enjoyed Greek cuisine on the day we dined there.
http://dining.byu.edu/skyroom//
4. The Cannon Center Cafeteria is also truly excellent. It's worth the money to eat there when you visit the Y. Come hungry.
5. Being mistaken for a college student never stops feeling fantastic. Definite natural high.
6. Chin people is still fun when you are 36.
7. Hiking the Y at night is thrilling and the tarantula we saw on the trail, both coming up and going down, was pretty scary.
8. I was finally motivated to write a bucket list. Included on my list is a serious desire to have a decent role in a play. I just know I have it in me. Janice agrees after hearing my various improvised renditions of "Mary Had a Little Lamb."
9. Seeing "Meet the Mormons" first public screening felt pretty special. You should go see it when it comes to theaters on 10/10/14.
10. I learned why I am a pig. Now I am obsessed with "landing", a concept I learned about in an organization class. If you are not a pig, you do this naturally. If you are a pig, the extreme condensed version has to do with finishing tasks completely so that the time you spend in disorder/chaos is reduced.
11. I learned great teaching methods and a new scripture study style that we are trying to use with our family now. If you are interested, this is explained in the new Book of Mormon Seminary Home Study Student Manual, located at LDS.org and in the Gospel Library on mobile devices. The concept of looking for principles in the scriptures and then applying them to our lives is simple and exactly what my family needs to help my kids develop their own testimonies of the teachings of Jesus Christ.
12. I kind of wish I could go back to college.
13. I sang in the DeJong theatre and received a standing ovation. Truly. So did everyone else in that class.
14. Apparently, according to one instructor, everyone in the world loves me, some people have just forgotten it.
15. The cheapest meal to be had on BYU campus is a kids meal at the Creamery on 9th. You don't have to be a kid. I asked. For $4.10 I had a cheeseburger, a decent serving of seasoned fries, a small drink, and an ice cream cone.
http://dining.byu.edu/creamery//
16. Y shaped donuts are cooler than other donuts. At least, my kids thought so when I brought them home as souvenirs.
http://bandbcasper6.blogspot.com/2012/01/donuts.html
17. Running to the temple is hard. It's uphill.
18. I look adorable when I do my neck exercises. I'm currently in chiropractic treatment at Oasis Wellness in Taylorsville. The Pettibon method is awesome and it's a lot of work, and I'm rocking it! Check out their facebook page.
19. I went for fun. I didn't think I would learn anything that would instantly change my life. I was wrong.
20. I was close enough to smell costumes worn in movies by Angelica Houston, Johnny Depp, Amy Adams, and many other famous people. The Museum of Art has a free movie costume exhibit thru December 6th. It's worth going!
http://moa.byu.edu/cut-costume-and-the-cinema/
21. The newly renovated Bean Museum is also worth visiting. And it is also free! Parking is free at BYU for visitors and it is right next to the Museum of Art.
http://mlbean.byu.edu/
22. And finally, in summary, I would like to repeat statement #1. It was awesome! It was the least expensive, most fun, BESTEST vacation I have had in my entire adult life. Yes, I'm serious.
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