We realized that since October is basically the best month for wife's birthdays, great smells, fun colors, awesome weather and such, we should make like the Germans and celebrate October.
Sooooo, we know the Germans aren't really celebrating October, but since we don't slowly poison our livers, we figured we would only adopt the name.
With the children's suggestions in full force, we created the following checklist and are almost completely finished with...
____ White-chocolate caramel-covered apples. (Check)
____ Dark-chocolate pecan-covered apples. (Check)
____ Read a horror book together as a family (Dracula's guest & other tales was this year's-check)
____ Eat candy corn (We better do this one again)
____ Drink Wassail (Check)
____ Tell Scary stories by firelight
____ Watch the Shrek, Toy Story, and Monster's V. Aliens Halloween specials (Yes, there is no great pumpkin Charlie Brown-Check)
____ Play "Worst-case-Scenario" (Check)
____ Watch all of General Conference with snacks, hors d'ouevres, and a big ol' puzzle (Check)
____ Carve themed pumpkins
____ Go Trick-or-treating
____ Have a Psych Halloween Marathon: Scary Sherry (Season 1), Who Ya Gonna Call (1), Shawn (and Gus) of the Dead (2), Ghosts (3), The Yang Trilogy (3,4,5), Let's Get Hairy (4), The Devil's in the Details... and the Upstairs Bedroom (4), Not Even Close... Encounters (5), In Plain Fright (5), {and finishing off with the fourth, third, and second best Psych episodes ever} Heeeeere's Lassie (6), Tuesday the 17th (3), and This Episode Sucks (6). [The Polarizing Express is our favorite episode of all. Go Burton! Go Burton!] (Chizidy-chiz-eck)
____ Drink butterscotch beer (butterscotch cream soda) while watching Harry Potter (Check)
____ Corn Maze
____ Celebrate Melissa's birthday on the wrong day (Check)
____ Host a costume party (everyone come dressed as movers!)
Sunday, October 20, 2013
An Open Apology
Yesterday as David and I walked out of the temple we noticed a young(er) couple getting their photos taken. The bright white dress was offset perfectly by a deep royal purple. Gorgeous.
David and I slowed our pace and looked at the dresses and ties as we walked by.
I turned and looked at him, he was looking at me, we nodded, and we both knew what the other was thinking. We looked down.
"Our wedding colors--"
"--What were we thinking..."
"They were horrible!"
"Could they have been any worse?"
"Well, our original "us" song was just as bad..."
"True."
So here it is, just throwing it out there. To my bridesmaids, sisters, niece, parents, and anyone else who wore silver and periwinkle for our wedding: WE. ARE. SO. SORRY.
If it were possible to travel back in time, we would have chosen a deep royal/navy blue that you might have worn again, or at least not burned the photos of. When children see the pictures and ask, "What's wrong with those colors?" You know it was bad.
I wish I would have thought about wedding planning before I got engaged.
Bonus: The first time I attempted to upload the photo, the computer responded, "Uploaded file must be a photo or video." Even a computer can recognize the horror.
David and I slowed our pace and looked at the dresses and ties as we walked by.
I turned and looked at him, he was looking at me, we nodded, and we both knew what the other was thinking. We looked down.
"Our wedding colors--"
"--What were we thinking..."
"They were horrible!"
"Could they have been any worse?"
"Well, our original "us" song was just as bad..."
"True."
So here it is, just throwing it out there. To my bridesmaids, sisters, niece, parents, and anyone else who wore silver and periwinkle for our wedding: WE. ARE. SO. SORRY.
If it were possible to travel back in time, we would have chosen a deep royal/navy blue that you might have worn again, or at least not burned the photos of. When children see the pictures and ask, "What's wrong with those colors?" You know it was bad.
I wish I would have thought about wedding planning before I got engaged.
Bonus: The first time I attempted to upload the photo, the computer responded, "Uploaded file must be a photo or video." Even a computer can recognize the horror.
Monday, October 14, 2013
De-classified
So, over the last few years David has only been able to share some minor details about the projects he has worked on. Over the last few months he received permission to share more, but now the work he and the others in the little group of online seminary writers can discuss most of what their work has resulted in. They are still holding back on some details, but those should come out in the next twenty to fifty years. Here is the big reveal from the Church News website:
With enrollment numbers higher than they have ever been in the 101 years of seminary, more young people around the world are attending seminary than ever before.
"We have heard from a number of seminary teachers that the [missionary age eligibility] announcement changed the conversation of their seminary classes," said Chad Webb, administrator of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion. "There is an increased urgency and seminary has become more relevant and important to a lot of students. They know they are preparing to do something, they are not just attending class. It has helped them in their engagement level, their interest level and their willingness to participate."
Advances in technology have opened the doors to students who in the past may not have had an opportunity to participate in seminary. Previously, there have been three ways for students to enroll in seminary — released-time, daily seminary (often referred to as "early morning" seminary) and home study.
"With all the advances in technology in independent study courses as well as online courses everywhere, we began to have conversations about if there would be a more effective way to help young people in these kinds of situations have a better experience," said Kelly Haws, an administrator who oversees online seminary. "So we began thinking about ways more students might be able to participate in seminary."
The online seminary option is has been approved as an option for home study seminary students who have access to the technology needed to do online seminary. As of now, the program is available in English-speaking areas with a plan to implement it in many other languages in the future in phases. It is not available for students who have the option to do released-time or daily seminary.
"The curriculum we have for online seminary is very well written," Brother Haws said. "It is different than independent study courses. It is quite different than just posting home study materials. This online class is interactive and is housed on a platform that facilitates teachers and students sharing with each other."
Although the online seminary class has a similar look to home study seminary, it is different for many reasons. Students can no longer set out a large block of time each week to get all of the week's assignments done in one day. Instead, the online class members complete their online work four days each week — at a time convenient to the student — and participate together in a "class" once a week.
"When students log on, they will have a personal experience waiting for them," said Brother Haws. "The class begins with them singing a hymn and having a word of prayer."
Rather than just answering questions on a worksheet and turning it in for credit, students are led in a study of the scriptures and are able to answer questions, express feelings and share their testimonies through feedback to their teachers. They are able to have a daily seminary experience from home, while still interacting with other students and their teacher. An online lesson usually lasts between 30-45 minutes. Teachers and students are not necessarily online at the same time, but they are checking in with each other and giving daily feedback. Just as a daily seminary teacher would physically meet with a class in other areas, teachers are able to "meet" with their students through online communication.
"It's not an independent study class," said Brother Haws. "If you've had independent study classes in school you know that they are kind of a do-the-work-at-your-own-pace when you can grab a block of time to do it. Online seminary is not intended to be an independent study course. It is designed to be an online course, a daily course."
One day a week students meet with their class — either physically in the same location or, if that is not possible, as a group through an online platform that allows multiple students to video conference together.
This gives the students the classroom experience and teachers the opportunity to interact face-to-face with their students. For many this medium is very beneficial — giving shy or outgoing students an equal opportunity to participate and be heard, as well as giving students time to reflect and thoughtfully respond.
For instructors, preparation and class time might look a little different for an online seminary class but the time and effort required are comparable to that of a daily seminary instructor, Brother Webb said. Rather than a few hours of preparation and in class, teachers spend their time participating in the lesson, reading comments and responding to their students.
"They know that many of their students will walk right out of seminary and in to the mission field," Brother Webb said. "Seminary is, in many ways, a large part of their preparation"
Face-to-face seminary classes are preferred, so online seminary is not intended to replace released-time or daily seminary classes. Because there are still some areas around the world that are so spread out geographically, home study and online seminary — where technology allows — are options for those students. The stake president in local areas can work with the Seminaries and Institutes of Religion coordinators in their area to decide which type of seminary classes would best meet the needs of their students.
"For online seminary, we have a little more than 250 classes primarily offered in the U.S., Canada, England and Australia," Brother Haws said. "We have a total of about 320 teachers and presently 3,200 students."
Although online seminary is not an option for everyone, it is one way many students are able to strengthen their testimonies and understanding as they participate in gospel learning. "Whether they are in released-time, daily or online seminary, the purpose or objective of having the class is the same," said Brother Webb. "We hope for them to come to love the Lord and follow Him as His disciples."
Online seminary: Another way for students to learn and grow in the gospel
Another way for students to learn and grow in the gospel
With enrollment numbers higher than they have ever been in the 101 years of seminary, more young people around the world are attending seminary than ever before.
"We have heard from a number of seminary teachers that the [missionary age eligibility] announcement changed the conversation of their seminary classes," said Chad Webb, administrator of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion. "There is an increased urgency and seminary has become more relevant and important to a lot of students. They know they are preparing to do something, they are not just attending class. It has helped them in their engagement level, their interest level and their willingness to participate."
Advances in technology have opened the doors to students who in the past may not have had an opportunity to participate in seminary. Previously, there have been three ways for students to enroll in seminary — released-time, daily seminary (often referred to as "early morning" seminary) and home study.
"With all the advances in technology in independent study courses as well as online courses everywhere, we began to have conversations about if there would be a more effective way to help young people in these kinds of situations have a better experience," said Kelly Haws, an administrator who oversees online seminary. "So we began thinking about ways more students might be able to participate in seminary."
The online seminary option is has been approved as an option for home study seminary students who have access to the technology needed to do online seminary. As of now, the program is available in English-speaking areas with a plan to implement it in many other languages in the future in phases. It is not available for students who have the option to do released-time or daily seminary.
"The curriculum we have for online seminary is very well written," Brother Haws said. "It is different than independent study courses. It is quite different than just posting home study materials. This online class is interactive and is housed on a platform that facilitates teachers and students sharing with each other."
Although the online seminary class has a similar look to home study seminary, it is different for many reasons. Students can no longer set out a large block of time each week to get all of the week's assignments done in one day. Instead, the online class members complete their online work four days each week — at a time convenient to the student — and participate together in a "class" once a week.
"When students log on, they will have a personal experience waiting for them," said Brother Haws. "The class begins with them singing a hymn and having a word of prayer."
Rather than just answering questions on a worksheet and turning it in for credit, students are led in a study of the scriptures and are able to answer questions, express feelings and share their testimonies through feedback to their teachers. They are able to have a daily seminary experience from home, while still interacting with other students and their teacher. An online lesson usually lasts between 30-45 minutes. Teachers and students are not necessarily online at the same time, but they are checking in with each other and giving daily feedback. Just as a daily seminary teacher would physically meet with a class in other areas, teachers are able to "meet" with their students through online communication.
"It's not an independent study class," said Brother Haws. "If you've had independent study classes in school you know that they are kind of a do-the-work-at-your-own-pace when you can grab a block of time to do it. Online seminary is not intended to be an independent study course. It is designed to be an online course, a daily course."
One day a week students meet with their class — either physically in the same location or, if that is not possible, as a group through an online platform that allows multiple students to video conference together.
This gives the students the classroom experience and teachers the opportunity to interact face-to-face with their students. For many this medium is very beneficial — giving shy or outgoing students an equal opportunity to participate and be heard, as well as giving students time to reflect and thoughtfully respond.
For instructors, preparation and class time might look a little different for an online seminary class but the time and effort required are comparable to that of a daily seminary instructor, Brother Webb said. Rather than a few hours of preparation and in class, teachers spend their time participating in the lesson, reading comments and responding to their students.
IRI
Many students are befitting from the Church's
online seminary classes available this year. Students in areas where it
is often difficult to get together with other students and teachers are
participating in an online classroom that includes discussion, questions
and interaction with others.
"They know that many of their students will walk right out of seminary and in to the mission field," Brother Webb said. "Seminary is, in many ways, a large part of their preparation"
Face-to-face seminary classes are preferred, so online seminary is not intended to replace released-time or daily seminary classes. Because there are still some areas around the world that are so spread out geographically, home study and online seminary — where technology allows — are options for those students. The stake president in local areas can work with the Seminaries and Institutes of Religion coordinators in their area to decide which type of seminary classes would best meet the needs of their students.
IRI
"For online seminary, we have a little more than 250 classes primarily offered in the U.S., Canada, England and Australia," Brother Haws said. "We have a total of about 320 teachers and presently 3,200 students."
IRI
Many students are befitting from the Church's
online seminary classes available this year. Students in areas where it
is often difficult to get together with other students and teachers are
participating in an online classroom that includes discussion, questions
and interaction with others.
Although online seminary is not an option for everyone, it is one way many students are able to strengthen their testimonies and understanding as they participate in gospel learning. "Whether they are in released-time, daily or online seminary, the purpose or objective of having the class is the same," said Brother Webb. "We hope for them to come to love the Lord and follow Him as His disciples."
IRI
Students are able to have a daily seminary experience in their homes through online seminary.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Per Diem
This week David went to the Rocky Mountain Modern Language Association Conference as one of the presenters.
He flew in with his friend Chris, also a PhD student at USU, Wednesday evening. (Mt. Hood)
Oops! He convinced Enterprise to up their rental to Camaro Convertible.
Then they went to Podnah's pit, where he enjoyed the best blue chees brisket salad he has tasted (Tex Cobb).
Then they drove to Vancouver for the conference.
The next morning he presented.
And answered questions.
Then he and the others in his cohort ate at the Portland Grill on the 30th floor of a Skyscraper in the center of Portland. He loved the cheese platter appetizer and the crab vinaigrette salad. The Filet Mignon was fine. But the waiter took away his sourdough when he said to leave it, which hurt his tip.
Don't mess with the sourdough.
The next evening they ate at a Peruvian restaurant. This was his first experience with Peruvian food by his memory. Salsas came with bread. The first was a peanut salsa. The second, a mango/starfruit/pepper salsa, and the verde salsa included some new peppers he never tried before.
Yet again, he ordered the large cheese appetizer. This one came with starfruit and a Peruvian popcorn that pops within the kernal. He snuck some of these through airport security so we could try them.
His lamb was fine, but the fried yukon potatoes were "the most amazing tater tots in the world."
His dessert (Canutos de Quinoa Y Maraguya) included his first edible flower, which was "amazing and fragrant."
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Mr. Big Sniffer
"Mom, something in my room smells like mint," Ami complained.
"It's just the peppermint oil from the foot massage, the fan is blowing it into your room."
"No, seriously, my room smells like mint."
I walked into the hall to see Tim making breakfast in the kitchen. "I need Mr. Big Sniffer to find out where the mint smell is coming from."
Tim paused, realizing that both he and his father got the bloodhound noses from the genepool. He turned around, saw me looking at him...
...he circled his head to the side, down, and then up looking to the other side. His hands balled into fists and came to his hips as his legs moved shoulder length apart, completing the 1940's comic book pose. He flashed a momentary monster grin, but quickly stifled it, realizing that was un-superhero-like. He blew the air in his lungs out of his mouth, and inhaled a massive scenting breath.
He started walking around the house tracking the smell. Final diagonsis: Ami's sniffer is broke, the coconut oil is the primary source of the smell, even though it was mixed with peppermint, she should be smelling both.
"It's just the peppermint oil from the foot massage, the fan is blowing it into your room."
"No, seriously, my room smells like mint."
I walked into the hall to see Tim making breakfast in the kitchen. "I need Mr. Big Sniffer to find out where the mint smell is coming from."
Tim paused, realizing that both he and his father got the bloodhound noses from the genepool. He turned around, saw me looking at him...
...he circled his head to the side, down, and then up looking to the other side. His hands balled into fists and came to his hips as his legs moved shoulder length apart, completing the 1940's comic book pose. He flashed a momentary monster grin, but quickly stifled it, realizing that was un-superhero-like. He blew the air in his lungs out of his mouth, and inhaled a massive scenting breath.
He started walking around the house tracking the smell. Final diagonsis: Ami's sniffer is broke, the coconut oil is the primary source of the smell, even though it was mixed with peppermint, she should be smelling both.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Bryce Canyon / Tuacahn Vacation
For our summer vacation, we went to Bryce Canyon National Park, then
down to Saint George to see "Mary Poppins" and "Mulan" at the Tuacahn
Amphitheater. We could not have asked for better company, better views,
and better weather. The Stoners and one of our mature nieces joined
us.
We arrived Monday and set up camp. Our campsites were large with excellent trees for climbing and playing. We made sandwiches, and invited a Dutch family over for dutch-oven brownies. They had never heard of a dutch oven.
On Tuesday we hiked Queen's garden / Navajo loop. Susanna - unlike last year - wanted to be carried almost the entire time. After a nap, we went to the evening astronomy program and went outside to look through high-powered telescopes at stars, the milky way, and Saturn. It gets very dark in the park, allowing for amazing star gazing.
On Wednesday we went to Rainbow point and hiked the briscone loop. Gorgeous views and great fun continued.
On Thursday we headed through Zion's national park on the way to Saint George, just so one of the kids could get car sick and puke on her cousin. After recovering, we cleaned up, got pizza, went swimming and crashed.
Relaxing Friday with time at the pool, our favorite Thai/Sushi resturant "Benja's" and Mary Poppins. The performance was great, the story is - as you know - the biggest problem.
Saturday we packed up, visited the temple and Brigham Young's winter home, and then were blown away by "Mulan;" it was an absolute riot with amazing singing and comedy.
Three of us made it through the week healthy, the others crashed as we drove home. Great time, great kids, great company.
Lots of fun.
We arrived Monday and set up camp. Our campsites were large with excellent trees for climbing and playing. We made sandwiches, and invited a Dutch family over for dutch-oven brownies. They had never heard of a dutch oven.
On Tuesday we hiked Queen's garden / Navajo loop. Susanna - unlike last year - wanted to be carried almost the entire time. After a nap, we went to the evening astronomy program and went outside to look through high-powered telescopes at stars, the milky way, and Saturn. It gets very dark in the park, allowing for amazing star gazing.
On Wednesday we went to Rainbow point and hiked the briscone loop. Gorgeous views and great fun continued.
On Thursday we headed through Zion's national park on the way to Saint George, just so one of the kids could get car sick and puke on her cousin. After recovering, we cleaned up, got pizza, went swimming and crashed.
Relaxing Friday with time at the pool, our favorite Thai/Sushi resturant "Benja's" and Mary Poppins. The performance was great, the story is - as you know - the biggest problem.
Saturday we packed up, visited the temple and Brigham Young's winter home, and then were blown away by "Mulan;" it was an absolute riot with amazing singing and comedy.
Three of us made it through the week healthy, the others crashed as we drove home. Great time, great kids, great company.
Geared up
Above the rim
Lunch snack
Vogue
At the bottom of the "canyon" (Bryce canyon is inappropriately named)
Love the deep blue sky - no photoshop here
Getting carried for hours is exhausting
The kids loved dead trees. They pointed out every one and wanted pictures. ???
Don't step back
Selfee
Shameless Gatorade plug
Cheetos fingers on the cooler...
Tim learns how to grill steak. Guess who's missing arm hairs?
Chipmunk stalking
Who needs monkey bars?
Ami's favorite part is meeting the cast
Cast poses were awesome. Recognize Mushu? (David LaMarr)
Same guy who we saw as Sabastian! He made both shows awesome!
More great cast photos.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Drive-in
The activity days leaders planned a father-daughter drive-in. Maggie made a "Harley Daviddaughter" side car and we enjoyed a well-planned, fun evening! Movies, games, and popcorn.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
From Reward To Extortion In 2 Weeks Flat.
David really likes his sunglasses. They are polarized, fit, and safety-glass spec.
On Friday, they went missing from the top of his dresser.
Two weeks ago, the family started an "offer a reward if you lose something important" option. If someone lost something important, they would offer a $0.50 reward to the finder. Since then, Tim paid Ami for finding his Leatherman. Maggie paid Tim for finding her iPod.
Susanna wanted to get paid.
After looking around carefully and asking all Saturday if anyone had seen or touched his glasses, David finally offered a reward for finding them.
Susanna perked up. "Money for sum-gwasses?"
"Uh-huh."
"YES! YES! YES! YES! I gewt yur gwasses Dad!" She gleefully screamed. She then ran to a drawer in our room, pulled out an old glasses case, and pulled the glasses out of the case.
What is more disturbing? Extortion, or that she realized that by hiding them in our room in a glasses case, she could not get consequences for taking them.
"Tay was put away Dad." She said with a smile and an outstretched hand.
First time he ever paid up for extortion.
And it was done by a 3 year old.
On Friday, they went missing from the top of his dresser.
Two weeks ago, the family started an "offer a reward if you lose something important" option. If someone lost something important, they would offer a $0.50 reward to the finder. Since then, Tim paid Ami for finding his Leatherman. Maggie paid Tim for finding her iPod.
Susanna wanted to get paid.
After looking around carefully and asking all Saturday if anyone had seen or touched his glasses, David finally offered a reward for finding them.
Susanna perked up. "Money for sum-gwasses?"
"Uh-huh."
"YES! YES! YES! YES! I gewt yur gwasses Dad!" She gleefully screamed. She then ran to a drawer in our room, pulled out an old glasses case, and pulled the glasses out of the case.
What is more disturbing? Extortion, or that she realized that by hiding them in our room in a glasses case, she could not get consequences for taking them.
"Tay was put away Dad." She said with a smile and an outstretched hand.
First time he ever paid up for extortion.
And it was done by a 3 year old.