Sunday, September 25, 2011
She Doesn't Bite
Charlie didn't make it!
Well sad news this week. We found Charie (the red mama hen) in her favorite bush, dead. We are not at all sure why or how, but she certainly was stiff and not breathing. I imagine, if she were a cat, that she exhausted her nine lives. We are sad to see her go. She was an extremely intelligent hen, always came when we called, very social and constantly escaped the confines of the pen by flying over. She enjoyed the larger spaces of the yard. We will certainly miss Charlie.
Thank Goodness for Grandmas!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Haiku, anyone?
I am always amazed at the teaching opportunities that don't seem to have an impact, only to discover that they did. The reward was just delayed.
This week the girls checked out a book about Hello Kitty, to my dismay. However I was pleasently suprised to find that the book was written in haikus. We read the book, discussed haikus and I challenged the children to attempt to write a haiku. No one took me up on the challenge.
Until today.
Xander started counting syllables and revving his creative juices to write two complete haikus, all on his own.
Often the reward comes, after the wait.
This week the girls checked out a book about Hello Kitty, to my dismay. However I was pleasently suprised to find that the book was written in haikus. We read the book, discussed haikus and I challenged the children to attempt to write a haiku. No one took me up on the challenge.
Until today.
Xander started counting syllables and revving his creative juices to write two complete haikus, all on his own.
Often the reward comes, after the wait.
Missing Dog!
I'm not sure how much Yorkies cost, I just know I don't want to replace a missing one.
For 10 days now, Bebe (a mini-Yorkie) has become a part of our family. We haven't permenately adopted a dog (although I would consider it), we are just taking care of Bebe for two weeks.
Bebe has adopted Stan and I, Xander and Niko; she follows us around, underfoot at all times. She is not quite so sure of the girls. She runs from them, who constantly carry her around the house, dress her up, drag her on her leash, and squeeze her with the biggest hugs you have ever seen. (Note: Please see the baby chick story from a few weeks ago.)
Well today was like no other, Bebe was carried to and fro, babied, and adored. After making and early dinner, I asked, "Where's Bebe?" and no one knew. Frightened, I was sure that Bebe had finally escaped the girls, walked through the gate into the front yard and wandered to a neighbors. Even more frightening was that an unusual storm had just come through the vegas valley, rain pounding the pavement and flooding the streets; a sure sign that Bebe probably wasn't just out in the street.
After searching the house, we set out to the street. The girl's and I walked the neighborhood calling and the boys rode bikes around the outside of the neighborhood, squeeking her favorite toy and calling as well. With not encouragement and no sign of Bebe, we expanded the search to the next neighborhood over. And still no sign of the dog.
Anna was of course in tears, and was telling me all about her last moments with Bebe, " Mom, I had her in the laundry basket and then she got out and went in the front yard. I went and got her and brought her back inside..." As we walked inside, I thought we should look in the laundry basket again. On our way to the said basket, Ella popped up, "Oh, she's ober here." And Ella ran to the black furniture which usually holds some workout equipment, opened the door. There was Bebe. Awoken from a silent nap.
Of course I was thrilled at the prospect of NOT having to report the loss to Bebe's owner (a sad occurance, for sure), and even more thrilled at saving the cost of attempting to replace an adorable little creature.
For 10 days now, Bebe (a mini-Yorkie) has become a part of our family. We haven't permenately adopted a dog (although I would consider it), we are just taking care of Bebe for two weeks.
Bebe has adopted Stan and I, Xander and Niko; she follows us around, underfoot at all times. She is not quite so sure of the girls. She runs from them, who constantly carry her around the house, dress her up, drag her on her leash, and squeeze her with the biggest hugs you have ever seen. (Note: Please see the baby chick story from a few weeks ago.)
Well today was like no other, Bebe was carried to and fro, babied, and adored. After making and early dinner, I asked, "Where's Bebe?" and no one knew. Frightened, I was sure that Bebe had finally escaped the girls, walked through the gate into the front yard and wandered to a neighbors. Even more frightening was that an unusual storm had just come through the vegas valley, rain pounding the pavement and flooding the streets; a sure sign that Bebe probably wasn't just out in the street.
After searching the house, we set out to the street. The girl's and I walked the neighborhood calling and the boys rode bikes around the outside of the neighborhood, squeeking her favorite toy and calling as well. With not encouragement and no sign of Bebe, we expanded the search to the next neighborhood over. And still no sign of the dog.
Anna was of course in tears, and was telling me all about her last moments with Bebe, " Mom, I had her in the laundry basket and then she got out and went in the front yard. I went and got her and brought her back inside..." As we walked inside, I thought we should look in the laundry basket again. On our way to the said basket, Ella popped up, "Oh, she's ober here." And Ella ran to the black furniture which usually holds some workout equipment, opened the door. There was Bebe. Awoken from a silent nap.
Of course I was thrilled at the prospect of NOT having to report the loss to Bebe's owner (a sad occurance, for sure), and even more thrilled at saving the cost of attempting to replace an adorable little creature.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Knight in Shining Armor
Lady Ella (Catherine DeBourg).
Ella can be found at all times dressed to the hilt with hats and tutus and high heals! Dancing around the room.
Crazy Pickle!
Studious Anna.
Here is our Anna, actually standing still for one second to get her picture snapped.
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!
Anna is constantly on the run, and never slows down! In fact, just this morning we asked Anna to settle down and unload the dishwasher. Ella was helping and frustrated that Anna was not. Ella cursed, with hands on her hips, "Anna, would you just focus for a minute and unload the dishwasher."
Aparently, this phrase has been said before by some in the family.
Daredevil Xanda Manda!
In all truth, Niko was the first to brave the cliffs. And then we all followed his courageous lead.
Cliff jumping is probably top on the list of things to do in St. George, UT this summer. The boys took to cliff jumping like fish to water.
Roman Looking Quite Proud of Himself.
I realize this is another bad picture with bad lighting, however, Roman was so proud of himself as he climbed the stairs for the first time. he know he had accomplished quite a feat.
May we all have successes like this in our daily lives and be just as proud.
Ella in her Learning Cap
Sleeping in the Closet
I believe since Anna was a baby, we put her in our closet (which is a walk-in and almost the size of a bedroom anyway). And ever since then it has been extremely convenient to put our babies in the closet play pen until they are old enough to sleep in a regular bed.
For Niko, I believe he slept in a twin size bed at nine months. Anna was a little older and actually started sharing a bed with Grandma, who at the time lived with us to run our small business. Ella moved in to a bed at about a year. And Roman... well, we'll see when he moved into a bed.
Xander and Niko are thrilled to have Roman "move-in" with them. They even have new, matching bed spreads for the occasion. And Roman will get the party started
WHOOO Needs Sleep?
You can't be HOOOT'N with owls if you expect to SOAR with the Eagles.
A lesson well taught from the pulpit today. I appreciate the man who shared this wise proverb.
Camping near Penguitch Lake, Utah
My idea of camping is "roughing it," I mean really roughing it. Just a sleeping bag and tent, some food that can be cooked over the campfire with no clean up, no shower, just babywipes (what a luxury), and lots of bugs.
My families' (ie. Grandma Smith and Stan's) idea of camping includes towing a trailer full of all the luxuries you have at home, a full kitchen serving up at least three 4-course meals a day, a shower (which never got set up- thank goodness), and sleeping pads or 4 inch foam for every person including all the children.
So this year we went camping (Stan and Grandma's type) and we brought the house with us.
I guess I should be thankful we got to make a campfire at all.
Zeus is in the House- July 2011
This week Xander (or Zander as he likes to spell it) attended an Ancient Greek & Art History class at the St. George UT Art Museum.
The week was full of fun (and learning) and ancient Greek crafts. To start the week off Xander (now known as just "The Great") created and opened a pandora's box. The story goes that Pandora was the first woman who lived on the earth. She was given a gift by each Greek God.She opened the box and let many evils into the world. As she closed the box there was a small voice that said, "Don't close the box. Please let me out." She let HOPE out of the box. And that is why we have HOPE in the world today.
The week was full of fun (and learning) and ancient Greek crafts. To start the week off Xander (now known as just "The Great") created and opened a pandora's box. The story goes that Pandora was the first woman who lived on the earth. She was given a gift by each Greek God.She opened the box and let many evils into the world. As she closed the box there was a small voice that said, "Don't close the box. Please let me out." She let HOPE out of the box. And that is why we have HOPE in the world today.
The boys & their toys
Just another day at school, right?
Of course. These boys are constructing, following instructions, improvising and being creative when a piece is missing, focussing, displaying, I could go on and on. Aren't legos just a classic toy. You can create and recreate. Come up with something different every time.
Uncle Aaron Just Makes Stuff Up
Often, we don't say what we think. Maybe because we think we might hurt another's feelings or because we just aren't bold enough to say it. Maybe we think we might not be able to support our own belief in a convincing manner.
I admire my son, Niko- age 7, because he actually says what he believes and is getting plenty of practice justifying his beliefs and even sometimes apologizing, when appropriate.
Uncle Aaron is an entimologist (a fancy way of saying a bug lover and collector) by hobby. He collects, studies, pins and displays thousands of butterflies, beetles and other insects. He has traveled North and Central America with this hobby and is quite knowledgeable about insects, usually calling one by its scientific name, like Furdelese or Papilionidae, Chalcosoma caucasus. His young son, Easton - age 6, also loves to learn about insects. Like father, like son.
During a recent camping trip, Easton was consantly saying, Niko, my dad says this is a xxxx, or Niko, my dad calls this xxxx. I know what that is called, its a xxx, my dad told me. Niko had just about enough. He directly and LOUDLY said, "Easton, your dad doesn't know what these bugs are called, he just makes things up!"
Enough said. Uncle Aaron just makes things up!
I admire my son, Niko- age 7, because he actually says what he believes and is getting plenty of practice justifying his beliefs and even sometimes apologizing, when appropriate.
Uncle Aaron is an entimologist (a fancy way of saying a bug lover and collector) by hobby. He collects, studies, pins and displays thousands of butterflies, beetles and other insects. He has traveled North and Central America with this hobby and is quite knowledgeable about insects, usually calling one by its scientific name, like Furdelese or Papilionidae, Chalcosoma caucasus. His young son, Easton - age 6, also loves to learn about insects. Like father, like son.
During a recent camping trip, Easton was consantly saying, Niko, my dad says this is a xxxx, or Niko, my dad calls this xxxx. I know what that is called, its a xxx, my dad told me. Niko had just about enough. He directly and LOUDLY said, "Easton, your dad doesn't know what these bugs are called, he just makes things up!"
Enough said. Uncle Aaron just makes things up!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Roman Descends Mt. Everest for the First Time!
A terrible quality video, but proof of Roman's decent after climbing a large stairway. He is just getting around scooting, but was so excited to climb the stairs on his own. He is obviously athletic. His beaming face was amazing, he was so excited about his accomplishment. Even at 8 months old, a child has a real sense of esteem after working hard to overcome an obstacle.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
A New Civil Religion
From a talk given 19 July 1992 at a Pioneer Day fireside at Weber State University, Ogden, Utah.
A New Civil Religion
from lds.org by Jame E. Faust Oct. 1992
http://lds.org/ensign/1992/10/a-new-civil-religion?lang=eng
We memorialize this weekend those valiant pioneers who settled Utah and the surrounding areas. They were a people persecuted and driven out of what was then the United States because of their religious beliefs. They came seeking to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own conscience.
Almost three centuries before, in a like manner, God-fearing believers, most notable of which were the Pilgrims, left Europe with its state religions and came to America to seek freedom of worship. As a consequence of this, the deepest taproots of the U.S. and Utah in the past have lain in the very essence of our humanity—our faith in God. Some of our coins still contain the phrase “In God We Trust.” Our pledge of allegiance states that we are “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
The recent controversy in Utah and the nation regarding the constitutionality of certain public prayers casts a serious cloud over the reality and meaning of the sacred in our society.
There seems to be developing a new civil religion. The civil religion I refer to is a secular religion. It has no moral absolutes. It is nondenominational. It is nontheistic. It is politically focused. It is antagonistic to religion. It rejects the historic religious traditions of America. It feels strange. If this trend continues, nonbelief will be more honored than belief. While all beliefs must be protected, are atheism, agnosticism, cynicism, and moral relativism to be more safeguarded and valued than Christianity, Judaism, and the tenets of Islam, which hold that there is a Supreme Being and that mortals are accountable to him? If so, this would, in my opinion, place America in great moral jeopardy.
For those who believe in God, this new civil religion fosters some of the same concerns as the state religions that prompted our forefathers to escape to the New World. Nonbelief is becoming more sponsored in the body politic than belief. History teaches well the lesson that there must be a unity in some moral absolutes in all societies for them to endure and progress. Indeed, without a national morality they disintegrate. In Proverbs, we are reminded that “righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Prov. 14:34.) The long history and tradition of America, which had its roots in petitions for divine guidance, is being challenged.
The new civil religion is different from that envisioned by Benjamin Franklin, who seems to have first used the term “civil religion.” (M. Marty, Pilgrims in Their Own Land, 1984, pp. 155–66.) Franklin’s “civil religion,” as I understand it, was envisioned to replace the state religions of Europe, with their forced taxation and oppression. Franklin no doubt envisioned that this vacuum would be filled with a patriotism reflected by national symbolism, pride, ethics, values, and purpose. His eloquent statement concerning divine intervention in the Constitutional Convention clearly indicated he was not opposed to religiosity.
Free Exercise Clause
The new civil religion isn’t really a religion as you and I would use that term to describe a faith or a church or a synagogue of people that worship Almighty God and espouse a code of moral conduct. This new civil religion teaches a sectarian philosophy that is hostile to traditional religion. It has its own orthodoxy. It could even end up in an ironic violation of the U.S. Constitution that says that there shall be no religious basis for office. (Article IV, U.S. Constitution.) Will irreligion become a test for office? May I share with you several examples that illustrate this?
Every American has been taught that the “freedom of religion” is the “first freedom” guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. The First Amendment to the Constitution recognizes the “free exercise of religion” as the preeminent position among constitutional rights as intended by the Founding Fathers.
Most Americans are unaware, however, that two years ago this most fundamental right was substantially eroded. For decades, whenever government tried to pass a law that interfered with any right guaranteed under the Constitution, the law was given careful scrutiny by the courts. Government was required to show that first, it had a “compelling governmental interest” that justified the interference with a constitutional right, and second, that this “compelling governmental interest” could not be achieved through some other, less intrusive means. This strict scrutiny of law was applied even to rights that have been created by the courts, though they are not specifically found in the Constitution—such as the right to privacy, which is the basis for the legalization of abortion.
In the case of Oregon Employment Division v. Smith (110 Supreme Ct., 1595, 1990), however, this strict scrutiny and the burden on government to demonstrate a “compelling interest” was abandoned in cases involving the free exercise of religion. According to the court, religious exclusions to public policy are “a luxury we can no longer afford.”
As a result, any government (federal, state, or local) can now pass any law that infringes upon individual religious liberty as long as the law applies generally to everyone.
Establishment Clause
The civil secular religion also teaches that the establishment clause of the First Amendment—companion to the “free exercise” clause—should be applied to prevent religious organizations from working cooperatively with the government to bring about worthwhile public policy. There are many laudatory public purposes, such as education, literacy, public health, welfare, and assistance to the poor where charitable institutions, including churches, can and should work with government assistance programs for the public good.
There are numerous examples, however, where governments have tried to provide accommodation to religious institutions which provide public service through tax incentives, grants of educational materials, or other commodities—only to be challenged in court for fostering religion in violation of the establishment clause.
I have chosen to emphasize this subject because the twin religious clauses of the Bill of Rights—“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion nor prohibit the free exercise thereof” (First Amendment, U. S. Constitution)—are golden threads which in the past have permitted those who believe in God to publicly affirm that there is a higher power that “rules in the affairs of men.” These religious clauses have fostered the creative impulses and the vitality of religion in an open heterogeneous society. They have freed this country from the terrible religious violence that has existed in Europe over the centuries and from which our forefathers in this country sought to escape. One author described these religious clauses in the Constitution as “the Articles of Peace.” (Father J. Murray, We Hold These Truths, 1960, p. 45.)
The establishment and free exercise clauses should be read together to harmonize the importance of religious liberty with freedom from government regulation. Rather, today in our nation the establishment clause is being used to restrict religious institutions from playing a role in civic issues, and the free exercise clause denies to individuals their religious liberty. It does not accord the equivalent to what the Constitution accords to secularism—the new civil religion.
One basic difference between Franklin’s concept of a civil religion and the new secular religion is that the new secular religion rejects in large measure the basic concept of Anglo-Saxon-American jurisprudence. Our traditional jurisprudence has held that God is the source of all of our basic rights, and that the principal function of government is only to secure those rights for its citizenry. May I quote from the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; … that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men.”
In contrast, the new civil religion I speak of finds its source of rights by invoking the power of the state. It seems to have little purpose, few common values for morality except self-interest. Most recently that power was invoked by the Supreme Court in a case known in legal circles as Lee v. Weisman. This is the case that resulted in the Supreme Court’s banning ceremonial prayer at public school exercises. Commenting on the case, Edwin Yoder, distinguished columnist for the Washington Post, observed that “the decision is more than a natural extension of the original school prayer decision of 1962. It more closely resembles a promotion of secularity in the public forum—a result which some of the framers of the First Amendment establishment clause probably did not so much as dream of.”
Yoder further states: “Religion has a legitimate public ceremonial and community function which may be stunted by such decisions. It is far from clear why children, even of tender years, need to be protected from religion, even on special ceremonial occasions.” There are natural safeguards in a God-fearing people that promote respect for law and order, decency, and public civility. That restraining influence is the belief that the citizenry will be accountable to their Creator for their conduct under a high moral law. This respect for and adherence to moral law transcends the constraints of the civil and criminal codes. In a people who are not God-fearing, however, these characteristics are notably absent.
When recently viewing residents of Los Angeles lawlessly looting business establishments and happily carrying out stolen goods, when viewing the daily television fare, and when confronted with the overwhelming social ills of this country, we can hardly say that our citizenry have been overexposed to moral teachings. One of the responsibilities of government under their police powers is to protect the health, safety, and morals of the citizenry. Our governments have not succeeded well in this duty of protecting morals, especially to the coming generation.
The new civil religion is, in my opinion, coming dangerously close to become a de facto state religion of secularism. Litigation—and the fear of litigation—have made school boards and local governments reluctant to publicly defend moral principles. As a consequence, fewer public institutions are willing to take the stand in defense of moral values.
With the public religion now turning increasingly toward the secular, I wonder how this nation will preserve its values. In my view, there is a substantial governmental interest within the limits of the religious clauses of the Constitution in public prayer and expressions of all faiths which acknowledge the existence of deity. Such prayer and expressions accommodate the abiding values shared by a great majority of our citizenry. They give meaning to a transcendent spiritual reality and idealism which, in the past at least, were quite firmly held by the people of our society. The very essence of our concern for human welfare and alleviation of human suffering lies in our spiritual feelings and expressions.
So now we find ourselves in a situation where, unlike the Pilgrims, the Mormon pioneers, and others, there is nowhere to go to escape a new civil de facto secular state religion that continually limits public religious expression and fosters instead the secular values and expressions. How do we preserve the essence of our humanity?
Surely we must begin in our homes. We must teach our children and grandchildren.
The moral teachings of all our churches must have an honored place in our society. The general decline in the moral fabric of the citizenry places a greater responsibility on homes and churches to teach values—morality, decency, respect for others, patriotism, and honoring and sustaining the law.
We can exercise our right, with all other citizens, to vote for men and women who reflect our own values. We can also express our views as all other citizens have a right to do in the legislative process of both the state and the nation. With all others, we can claim our rights of free expression. We can petition for the redress of grievances.
We must hold to our beliefs and do what we can, for there is no desert to flee to in order to have full freedom. There is no place across the waters for the Pilgrims.
A New Civil Religion
from lds.org by Jame E. Faust Oct. 1992
http://lds.org/ensign/1992/10/a-new-civil-religion?lang=eng
We memorialize this weekend those valiant pioneers who settled Utah and the surrounding areas. They were a people persecuted and driven out of what was then the United States because of their religious beliefs. They came seeking to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own conscience.
Almost three centuries before, in a like manner, God-fearing believers, most notable of which were the Pilgrims, left Europe with its state religions and came to America to seek freedom of worship. As a consequence of this, the deepest taproots of the U.S. and Utah in the past have lain in the very essence of our humanity—our faith in God. Some of our coins still contain the phrase “In God We Trust.” Our pledge of allegiance states that we are “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
The recent controversy in Utah and the nation regarding the constitutionality of certain public prayers casts a serious cloud over the reality and meaning of the sacred in our society.
There seems to be developing a new civil religion. The civil religion I refer to is a secular religion. It has no moral absolutes. It is nondenominational. It is nontheistic. It is politically focused. It is antagonistic to religion. It rejects the historic religious traditions of America. It feels strange. If this trend continues, nonbelief will be more honored than belief. While all beliefs must be protected, are atheism, agnosticism, cynicism, and moral relativism to be more safeguarded and valued than Christianity, Judaism, and the tenets of Islam, which hold that there is a Supreme Being and that mortals are accountable to him? If so, this would, in my opinion, place America in great moral jeopardy.
For those who believe in God, this new civil religion fosters some of the same concerns as the state religions that prompted our forefathers to escape to the New World. Nonbelief is becoming more sponsored in the body politic than belief. History teaches well the lesson that there must be a unity in some moral absolutes in all societies for them to endure and progress. Indeed, without a national morality they disintegrate. In Proverbs, we are reminded that “righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Prov. 14:34.) The long history and tradition of America, which had its roots in petitions for divine guidance, is being challenged.
The new civil religion is different from that envisioned by Benjamin Franklin, who seems to have first used the term “civil religion.” (M. Marty, Pilgrims in Their Own Land, 1984, pp. 155–66.) Franklin’s “civil religion,” as I understand it, was envisioned to replace the state religions of Europe, with their forced taxation and oppression. Franklin no doubt envisioned that this vacuum would be filled with a patriotism reflected by national symbolism, pride, ethics, values, and purpose. His eloquent statement concerning divine intervention in the Constitutional Convention clearly indicated he was not opposed to religiosity.
Free Exercise Clause
The new civil religion isn’t really a religion as you and I would use that term to describe a faith or a church or a synagogue of people that worship Almighty God and espouse a code of moral conduct. This new civil religion teaches a sectarian philosophy that is hostile to traditional religion. It has its own orthodoxy. It could even end up in an ironic violation of the U.S. Constitution that says that there shall be no religious basis for office. (Article IV, U.S. Constitution.) Will irreligion become a test for office? May I share with you several examples that illustrate this?
Every American has been taught that the “freedom of religion” is the “first freedom” guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. The First Amendment to the Constitution recognizes the “free exercise of religion” as the preeminent position among constitutional rights as intended by the Founding Fathers.
Most Americans are unaware, however, that two years ago this most fundamental right was substantially eroded. For decades, whenever government tried to pass a law that interfered with any right guaranteed under the Constitution, the law was given careful scrutiny by the courts. Government was required to show that first, it had a “compelling governmental interest” that justified the interference with a constitutional right, and second, that this “compelling governmental interest” could not be achieved through some other, less intrusive means. This strict scrutiny of law was applied even to rights that have been created by the courts, though they are not specifically found in the Constitution—such as the right to privacy, which is the basis for the legalization of abortion.
In the case of Oregon Employment Division v. Smith (110 Supreme Ct., 1595, 1990), however, this strict scrutiny and the burden on government to demonstrate a “compelling interest” was abandoned in cases involving the free exercise of religion. According to the court, religious exclusions to public policy are “a luxury we can no longer afford.”
As a result, any government (federal, state, or local) can now pass any law that infringes upon individual religious liberty as long as the law applies generally to everyone.
Establishment Clause
The civil secular religion also teaches that the establishment clause of the First Amendment—companion to the “free exercise” clause—should be applied to prevent religious organizations from working cooperatively with the government to bring about worthwhile public policy. There are many laudatory public purposes, such as education, literacy, public health, welfare, and assistance to the poor where charitable institutions, including churches, can and should work with government assistance programs for the public good.
There are numerous examples, however, where governments have tried to provide accommodation to religious institutions which provide public service through tax incentives, grants of educational materials, or other commodities—only to be challenged in court for fostering religion in violation of the establishment clause.
I have chosen to emphasize this subject because the twin religious clauses of the Bill of Rights—“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion nor prohibit the free exercise thereof” (First Amendment, U. S. Constitution)—are golden threads which in the past have permitted those who believe in God to publicly affirm that there is a higher power that “rules in the affairs of men.” These religious clauses have fostered the creative impulses and the vitality of religion in an open heterogeneous society. They have freed this country from the terrible religious violence that has existed in Europe over the centuries and from which our forefathers in this country sought to escape. One author described these religious clauses in the Constitution as “the Articles of Peace.” (Father J. Murray, We Hold These Truths, 1960, p. 45.)
The establishment and free exercise clauses should be read together to harmonize the importance of religious liberty with freedom from government regulation. Rather, today in our nation the establishment clause is being used to restrict religious institutions from playing a role in civic issues, and the free exercise clause denies to individuals their religious liberty. It does not accord the equivalent to what the Constitution accords to secularism—the new civil religion.
One basic difference between Franklin’s concept of a civil religion and the new secular religion is that the new secular religion rejects in large measure the basic concept of Anglo-Saxon-American jurisprudence. Our traditional jurisprudence has held that God is the source of all of our basic rights, and that the principal function of government is only to secure those rights for its citizenry. May I quote from the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; … that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men.”
In contrast, the new civil religion I speak of finds its source of rights by invoking the power of the state. It seems to have little purpose, few common values for morality except self-interest. Most recently that power was invoked by the Supreme Court in a case known in legal circles as Lee v. Weisman. This is the case that resulted in the Supreme Court’s banning ceremonial prayer at public school exercises. Commenting on the case, Edwin Yoder, distinguished columnist for the Washington Post, observed that “the decision is more than a natural extension of the original school prayer decision of 1962. It more closely resembles a promotion of secularity in the public forum—a result which some of the framers of the First Amendment establishment clause probably did not so much as dream of.”
Yoder further states: “Religion has a legitimate public ceremonial and community function which may be stunted by such decisions. It is far from clear why children, even of tender years, need to be protected from religion, even on special ceremonial occasions.” There are natural safeguards in a God-fearing people that promote respect for law and order, decency, and public civility. That restraining influence is the belief that the citizenry will be accountable to their Creator for their conduct under a high moral law. This respect for and adherence to moral law transcends the constraints of the civil and criminal codes. In a people who are not God-fearing, however, these characteristics are notably absent.
When recently viewing residents of Los Angeles lawlessly looting business establishments and happily carrying out stolen goods, when viewing the daily television fare, and when confronted with the overwhelming social ills of this country, we can hardly say that our citizenry have been overexposed to moral teachings. One of the responsibilities of government under their police powers is to protect the health, safety, and morals of the citizenry. Our governments have not succeeded well in this duty of protecting morals, especially to the coming generation.
The new civil religion is, in my opinion, coming dangerously close to become a de facto state religion of secularism. Litigation—and the fear of litigation—have made school boards and local governments reluctant to publicly defend moral principles. As a consequence, fewer public institutions are willing to take the stand in defense of moral values.
With the public religion now turning increasingly toward the secular, I wonder how this nation will preserve its values. In my view, there is a substantial governmental interest within the limits of the religious clauses of the Constitution in public prayer and expressions of all faiths which acknowledge the existence of deity. Such prayer and expressions accommodate the abiding values shared by a great majority of our citizenry. They give meaning to a transcendent spiritual reality and idealism which, in the past at least, were quite firmly held by the people of our society. The very essence of our concern for human welfare and alleviation of human suffering lies in our spiritual feelings and expressions.
So now we find ourselves in a situation where, unlike the Pilgrims, the Mormon pioneers, and others, there is nowhere to go to escape a new civil de facto secular state religion that continually limits public religious expression and fosters instead the secular values and expressions. How do we preserve the essence of our humanity?
Surely we must begin in our homes. We must teach our children and grandchildren.
The moral teachings of all our churches must have an honored place in our society. The general decline in the moral fabric of the citizenry places a greater responsibility on homes and churches to teach values—morality, decency, respect for others, patriotism, and honoring and sustaining the law.
We can exercise our right, with all other citizens, to vote for men and women who reflect our own values. We can also express our views as all other citizens have a right to do in the legislative process of both the state and the nation. With all others, we can claim our rights of free expression. We can petition for the redress of grievances.
We must hold to our beliefs and do what we can, for there is no desert to flee to in order to have full freedom. There is no place across the waters for the Pilgrims.
The Gov't Works on a Ship?
So while at dinner on Saturday Night at Bucca Di Beppo, we (Stan, Xander, Niko, and I) were discussing where our allegiences lie/ who we are responsible to, how we should sacrifice for our God, country, marriages, family, self... you know, kind of like the Boy Scout moto. We talked about being self reliant so we have the means to sacrifice for others, and of course we discussed being reliant on the Go'vt doesn't help our country and how the gov't is going overboard giving out welfare and "free" everything.
To which Xander responded, "I didn't know our gov't works on a ship." Witty boy, witty boy, much like his Grandpa Terrance Olson.
To which Xander responded, "I didn't know our gov't works on a ship." Witty boy, witty boy, much like his Grandpa Terrance Olson.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Because of Winn-Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo
A book every family should read. From the first sentence and the first paragraph, every reader is captured until the very end. (At least I was, and I am sure Xander and Niko were too!)Chilren and all readers can learn how desperately lonely many people feel, and how each of us can help to brighten each others' days.
It's the simple things that can bring us happiness, our relationships and how we care for each other can really make all the difference for a happy life or a miserable life.
DiCamillo uses simple, descriptive words to create a world worth visiting; where, because of Winn-Dixie, hearts are opened, lives are touched and families are strengthened.
I Love You the Purplest, by Barbara M. Joose
If you ever worry about sibling rivalry, for yourself or among your children, this book is for you.
A wise mother of two competitive young boys
kindly answers the luring question, "Who did the best?" She gently applies love to each son reassuring him of his individuality.
The watercolor pictures beautifully display the tender relationship of this mother and her boys working and playing together in nature.
A happy book reminding the reader of days past, where life was much simpler, and family relationships maintained the importance that has been forgotton.
A wise mother of two competitive young boys
kindly answers the luring question, "Who did the best?" She gently applies love to each son reassuring him of his individuality.The watercolor pictures beautifully display the tender relationship of this mother and her boys working and playing together in nature.
A happy book reminding the reader of days past, where life was much simpler, and family relationships maintained the importance that has been forgotton.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Lester Fizz: Bubblegum Artist
What an enjoyable children's book, definately a classic! Clever, witty, repetative, laughable & of course educational.
Here's what you can teach from this book:
--Introduce artists like Degas, Matisse, Picasso, Davinci, Frida, Dorthea Lange, Georgia Okeefe, Saurat... and many more
--Experience "illiteration" first hand
--Discuss personal talents & working hard to accomplish something
--Teach what to look for in art and how to get those creative juices flowing: What do you see; what don't you see; what to you want to see?
Six for Six: We are Grandparents
While I know there are actually only five chicks in this picture, our hen Charlie, does infact have six chicks. The sixth is also yellow. Only one blackie. Stan discovered the faint peeps on Tuesday morning last, where 4 eggs had hatched. Within the next two hours the last two eggs hatched and all six fertilized eggs were successfully born. Now the waiting begins. How many of the chicks will be roosters and how many will be hens. We won't know for about 4-6 months. I sure hope they are all hens so we can keep them.What better way to learn science than to live it. How lucky we are to witness where eggs come from and where chickens come from, for that matter.
Brother Against Brother
This summer the boys took a trip back east to visit with Grandma Betty Yandell, Aunt Bonnie and cousin Cody. The visited American Civil War historical sites and experienced reenactments.Xander and Niko visited the grounds of the Battle of Shilo. Niko dons the Yankee uniform and Xander, the Confederate uniform. Brother against brother.
Roman Travis Olson: 7 months
If he isn't the cutest baby, I don't know who is!
Roman has been the love of the family these last few months. I get to be his favorite, which is a blessing and a curse. Roman will be perfectly content until he sees or hears me...then he screams for me because only I can make him happy.
Roman LOVES food. I am sure he is one of my earliest eaters. His stomach is quite sensitive (he spits up ALL the time) and so I don't eat dairy very often, whic seems to lessen the spit up. He scoots all around and gets anywhere he wants to go.
Family Work
Family
work is so important!
David O. McKay said, “Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to work is a blessing, that love of work is success” (quoted by Franklin D. Richards, “The Gospel of Work,” Improvement Era, Dec. 1969, 101).
You can't say I'm not a slave driver. Ella is a gleaming example of loving to work. Since toddlerhood, she has been an organizer and cleaner. And today she is just pooped!
work is so important!David O. McKay said, “Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to work is a blessing, that love of work is success” (quoted by Franklin D. Richards, “The Gospel of Work,” Improvement Era, Dec. 1969, 101).
You can't say I'm not a slave driver. Ella is a gleaming example of loving to work. Since toddlerhood, she has been an organizer and cleaner. And today she is just pooped!
A story by Xander, 2011
Here is a story that Xander wrote for a scouting assignment. It is his first draft, and I think it's pretty good considering...A Frightening Tale by Xander Olson
As a homeshooling mom, I worry about "keeping up with the Jones" in an academic sense, even though leadership education is my long term goal and my educational philosophy with my children... nevertheless it's too easy to compare myself (and my children) to others anyway.So here is a writting Xander put together as a first draft, for a scouting writting assignment. I thought he did pretty well. And he even enjoyed himself.
While I am sure we are not "keeping up" I am proud of his effort and accomplishment.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Real Life Science
We have 4 hens in our backyard (well in a makeshift pen). We had been given about 6 fertilized eggs by a friend several weeks back and one of our hens named Charlie took immediately to sitting on them. They take approximately 21 days to hatch (which was roughly Friday), but one by one we'd find an egg separated from the others Charlie was sitting on. Each was the one that Charlie discarded knowing (somehow) that a chicken was not developing. Each time we'd crack open the discarded egg to see if a chicken had been developing, but there were never any signs of a chicken. Just a bad egg. We were down to one final egg and found it discarded this morning (unfortunately). We figured the eggs either weren't fertilized or something else happened to them. So we figured this would be the case with this final egg too, but to our amazement this little egg had a fully formed baby chicken inside when I cracked it open. It had obviously been discarded because it was already dead. What's amazing is that it had taken the entire space of the egg (and it's a wonder these little creatures can even maneuver to peck their way out). So, no little chicken, but we were close. We'll have to try again.
The Egg Drop Experiment
Xander (9 years old) had a Cub Scout Day Camp last week which culminated in Friday night's Egg Drop event / family picnic / Ella's B-day dinner. Basically each Cub Scout gets to "protect" an egg within certain criteria and then it is dropped from an 80' crane to see if it cracks. Xander was successful in protecting his egg last year, but his egg didn't survive this year. This year he put his egg inside a balloon and then stuffed newspaper around the egg inside the balloon. Then he saran wrapped the egg, stuffed it into a "Mr. Potato Head" toy, attached a parachute and voila... a protected egg. Or not so much (as it turned out)!!! At least it was fun seeing Mr. Potato Head parachuting from 80'!!!
Ella's 3rd Birthday
Ella's birthday was this past week (Friday, April 29th). She is now 3 years (stubbornly) old!!! Grandpa & Grandma Olson sent her some new outfuts and her stubbornness shown threw immediately. I asked her if she wanted to try on a few of these items and she immediately said, "NO!!!" She always has to be in charge, so she decided what she wanted to wear (and when she decided to wear it), which was a blue outfit with bows and polka dots. Her wearing this outfit is a big deal... she usually (at least for the last 4 weeks) only wears one of two skirts and a multi-colored or pink stripped shirt. We have to pry them off to wash them every night (lucky for her I am doing plenty of laundry these days).
Discipline, Education or Both?
Choosing to homeschool our children is always an adventure. Stan and I especially feel the need to allow our children to be children and then expect that as young adults they will act the part; responsible, interested, and engaged (and not like most "teen-agers" we know)... because our children will have truly had a childhood and be ready for the responsibilites young adulthood.
With that brief philisophical introduction, we don't compel daily practice writing, the children write as needed and it may not be comparable to children their age at this point. Having said this...
Xander and Niko got into trouble this week by climbing into the neighbors yard. This neighbor is extremely kind...but they have 3 pitbuls in the back yard... needless to say, even though the dogs LOVE the kids... at any point they could become frightened and harm the kids... and then the dogs would need to be put down (killed). Both consequences would of course be detrimental.
Knowing that they were in BIG trouble, the boys offered many options of punishment, banishment to their room, cleaning all the bathrooms in the house, mopping the whole house (about 2000 sf of marble flooring)... you get the idea. But I thought they should have an opportunity to practice writing. A punishment they gladly accepted with no complaint. Xander wrote, "I will not go into the neighbors backyard" twenty-five times, Niko, ten times, and then the finale was writing a letter to the neighbor apologizing for the trespass and delivering it in person. After nearly 2.5 hours of writing, gigling and more writing, the task was complete... or so we thought.
Stan, in his infinite wisdom, confirmed with the boys that they personally delivered the letter, and mentioned that he would speak with our neighbor the next day.... suddenly Xander paused, "had to get something from the garage" and left the room quick as lightening. We of course knew that the letter had been detoured on the way to the neighbors.
In the end, the letter was hand delivered, the apology was given and the childrens' handwriting is much improved. (You wouldn't believe how much improved... all in one sitting. Now that's what I call home education.)
With that brief philisophical introduction, we don't compel daily practice writing, the children write as needed and it may not be comparable to children their age at this point. Having said this...
Xander and Niko got into trouble this week by climbing into the neighbors yard. This neighbor is extremely kind...but they have 3 pitbuls in the back yard... needless to say, even though the dogs LOVE the kids... at any point they could become frightened and harm the kids... and then the dogs would need to be put down (killed). Both consequences would of course be detrimental.
Knowing that they were in BIG trouble, the boys offered many options of punishment, banishment to their room, cleaning all the bathrooms in the house, mopping the whole house (about 2000 sf of marble flooring)... you get the idea. But I thought they should have an opportunity to practice writing. A punishment they gladly accepted with no complaint. Xander wrote, "I will not go into the neighbors backyard" twenty-five times, Niko, ten times, and then the finale was writing a letter to the neighbor apologizing for the trespass and delivering it in person. After nearly 2.5 hours of writing, gigling and more writing, the task was complete... or so we thought.
Stan, in his infinite wisdom, confirmed with the boys that they personally delivered the letter, and mentioned that he would speak with our neighbor the next day.... suddenly Xander paused, "had to get something from the garage" and left the room quick as lightening. We of course knew that the letter had been detoured on the way to the neighbors.
In the end, the letter was hand delivered, the apology was given and the childrens' handwriting is much improved. (You wouldn't believe how much improved... all in one sitting. Now that's what I call home education.)
Sunday, December 28, 2008
A Violent Christmas and a Bloody New Year to You Too!!!!!!!!
As you can see Santa brought havoc and destruction to our household this Christmas. But, with proper use of the "force", we'll hopefully manage without too much bloodshed.Xander and Niko were given a lazer tag game - so, they can hone their battle skills without actually killing each other. They have their fists, rocks, and stones to perform the the actual killings.
Boys will most definitely be boys!!!!!!!!
And what would lazer tag be without Jedi Knight robes (thanks to G-Ma Olson) and light sabers (not savers)? As you can see from the pic, Niko is a very wise and well-trained Padowan. Let's just hope he doesn't turn out to be a Sith Lord. I wouldn't put it past him though - as he's a devil disquised as an angel.
Christmas Ornament Tradition
This is Ella, caught in the act...The act of what you may ask? Destroying another computer mouse....
Ella, even at 6 months old, is terribly attracted to technology.... and has already broken two computer mouses.
What in the world does this have to do with Christmas ornaments? Well... that very mouse is going to be her ornament to remind us of this year. We've actually attempted to find a "technology" ornament at the local department stores... but were unsuccessful... and why spend money on a perfectly good, non-working mouse when we happen to already have one.
P.S. Niko has received an Angel this year... we were actually looking for a devil because he is often a little devil disquised as an Angel. For example, when I ask him to do a chore or help out, he asks, "Mom, are you going to check?" What a coniver!"
Xander has received a soccer ball, which is obviously becuase he plays soccer, loves soccer, can't wait to play again, and seems pretty decent at playing.
Ann got a "DIVA" ornament. I'm going to have to look up the actual definition of DIVA... but for her she LOVES pink, nail polish, dressing up, matching her clothes and makeup! She is all girl... which is really interesting because I have no time for fashion or nail polish and I'm lucky to get makeup on a few times a week.
December 17th! A day to remember!
I know I should be posting cute pictures of my children playing in the snow... but that happened the next day and I wasn't sure the snow would last that long in Las Vegas!
For the record it took us two hours to get from Dream Dinners to our house...normally an 11-15 minute adventure.
We go a solid 10+inches in our yard on December 17th! This is the back yard (obviously). The kids played all day on the 18th. Happy Birthday Xander!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
To Party or Not to Party...
This is really a question at our house.
This year Xander turns 7. And he really wanted a birthday party with his friends. I attempted to dissuade him from the party... or maybe it could be a party but that each friend would bring a gift which we would donate to a needy family or orphanage, or that he could invite one or two friends to go golfing or something.
So after many, many, many conversations... Xander convinced us that he could have a friends party, and that he would plan it.
His first iteration was a list of twenty some-odd friends (pretty good for a homeschooler)... and some amazing (and very expensive) activities... race car driving, bowling, golfing, soccer game, basketball game, egg relay race, pie eating contest, treasure hunt... and a few more I am sure I have forgotten...
When reality struck (after a conversation with me, mom) we paired the list down to 13 kids and some low-budget indoor & outdoor games.
When the day of the party arrived (the morning after the ward Christmas dinner party we were in charge of, where we fed 230 people, without any help except one person on our committee, ... it was basically like catering a huge party, except we didn't get paid... kind of like working at Dream Dinners... Wait a minute... It was just like working at Dream Dinners... we never get paid... at least at the ward party we get reimbursed... Okay back to Xander's Party), all 13 came bounding in with the energy of 13 tornadoes in the small space of our first floor. (Of course the day was 40 degrees and windy, so any hope of outdoor activities was crushed.)
Stan, Grandma Smith and I, entertained these wound up kids with several party games like Balloon Popping Challenge, Simon Says, Whip Cream Eating Contest, Snowman Making Contest, Snow Fights, and a Rock'n Dance Off! What a day!
The only consolation of the morning was that Anna was entertained by Grandpa Smith over breakfast at Uncle Chris's house.
When we asked Xander about the success of his party, compared to several of his friends' recent parties he said, "I think they had fun because there was a lot of screaming & yelling, which they don't do at other people's houses."
Why can't I have a quite party like that?
This year Xander turns 7. And he really wanted a birthday party with his friends. I attempted to dissuade him from the party... or maybe it could be a party but that each friend would bring a gift which we would donate to a needy family or orphanage, or that he could invite one or two friends to go golfing or something.
So after many, many, many conversations... Xander convinced us that he could have a friends party, and that he would plan it.
His first iteration was a list of twenty some-odd friends (pretty good for a homeschooler)... and some amazing (and very expensive) activities... race car driving, bowling, golfing, soccer game, basketball game, egg relay race, pie eating contest, treasure hunt... and a few more I am sure I have forgotten...
When reality struck (after a conversation with me, mom) we paired the list down to 13 kids and some low-budget indoor & outdoor games.
When the day of the party arrived (the morning after the ward Christmas dinner party we were in charge of, where we fed 230 people, without any help except one person on our committee, ... it was basically like catering a huge party, except we didn't get paid... kind of like working at Dream Dinners... Wait a minute... It was just like working at Dream Dinners... we never get paid... at least at the ward party we get reimbursed... Okay back to Xander's Party), all 13 came bounding in with the energy of 13 tornadoes in the small space of our first floor. (Of course the day was 40 degrees and windy, so any hope of outdoor activities was crushed.)
Stan, Grandma Smith and I, entertained these wound up kids with several party games like Balloon Popping Challenge, Simon Says, Whip Cream Eating Contest, Snowman Making Contest, Snow Fights, and a Rock'n Dance Off! What a day!
The only consolation of the morning was that Anna was entertained by Grandpa Smith over breakfast at Uncle Chris's house.
When we asked Xander about the success of his party, compared to several of his friends' recent parties he said, "I think they had fun because there was a lot of screaming & yelling, which they don't do at other people's houses."
Why can't I have a quite party like that?
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thanksgiving 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
All I want for Christmas is my TWO FRONT TEETH!
Recently Xander has lost his two front teeth... which brings many challanges as he is learning to read & spell.
Xander is trying to say his "th" sounds but it never quite works.
On another relevant topic: The tooth fairy at our house never quite has it together. I am not sure that he/she has ever been ontime and Xander usually has to wait a day or two before the prize is given. But better late than never, as the saying goes.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
HandiCappers BEWARE!
So, Xander & Niko found a wheel chair in the desert... WATCH OUT!
They love screaming down the street, as fast as the bents wheels will allow. Even with the brake (that actually works), it takes a good 30 feet for the contraption to stop. Now I understand the meaning of "Break neck speed!"
They love screaming down the street, as fast as the bents wheels will allow. Even with the brake (that actually works), it takes a good 30 feet for the contraption to stop. Now I understand the meaning of "Break neck speed!"
Monday, September 15, 2008
Ella - Hmmm, with no nickname yet!
In our family, as in most I'm sure, our kids always have some nickname. A demonstration of love, in fact, the more nicknames you have the more loved you may be. So what about Ella?
Anna has: Annabella, BelaRus, Rus, SwissMiss
Niklas has: Niko, Piko, Pickle, PicodeGayo, NikoSuave
Alexander has: Xander, Xandoff, XanderMander, Commander Xander, Xanadoo
Stan has always been Stan the Man, StanO, Babe
And Me? Aim, Amaherst, Amers, Mom, Stupid (the last are lovingly from the kids)
So far, Ella is just Ella; Her actual name is Elizabeth but we have always affectionately called her Ella... I am sure we will.
(Stan just commented, "Her name can be EllaRus, because she is not a "B" like Anna") Hmmm... I think not!
Soccer Season Here We Come!
It's soccer season! A first for us! I am of the philosophy that children should be children as long as they can... at our house this means they get to play in the desert across the street, making swords & guns out of rocks & sticks; and finding burried treasure in the mounds of dirt left from the construction work.
So finally in his seventh year soccer life for Alexander begins & he's a star! I thought he may be frightfully shy like he is in primary sharing time when they call on him; but to my surprise he LOVES soccer. It's just as if he's playing in the yard with all his friends. He has even scored 2 goals in his two games! Ronaldinho watch out!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
A Hunting We Will Go!
It has been a long time Smith Family tradition to go hunting every August...There have actually been very few deer caught (I'm told you don't catch deer but you shoot them), but the tradition continues nontheless.
I have many childhood memories playing in the woods & hunting with my dad.
So this year Stan (although not a hunter) decided to attend & take Xander along for the annual deer hunt. Grandpa Travis & Uncle Aaron led the hunt. Luckily, Xander wasn't lost in the woods (we were actually more worried about Stan), and everyone made it home safely.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Schools Back In!
With summer winding down & all the neighborhood kids boarding the school bus, we officially started school again. Although the summer break was short (a mere three weeks off the Olson Family School) I have been pleasantly surprised that Alexander remembered his reading skills & number placement in Math (its surprising how similar seventy & seventeen sound when you are six years old), and Perpetual Motion in D Major on violin (a song we have been practicing for most of the summer... well the entire summer).Nikls & Anna are not quite as enthusiastic, when I offered (and began) to read a story to them, they decided they would much rather play with kinects.
For now school consists mostly of scripture study, reading (a lot of reading), math, violin, history (my favorite) and soccer (Xander's favorite). While learning can be a blast, Xander seems particularily motivated by soccer. And I have been found to threaten missing soccer practice if the more important things (to me) aren't complete. This motivation works best when it comes to practicing violin.
Our timeline comes in handy no matter what we learn about. I'm not sure if Xander gets it... but as time goes by I am sure he will.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Fourth of July Fun!
Fourth of July was a blast! We enjoyed the cooler weather of Utah & the Highland Hidden Oaks neighborhood parade & breakfast. Niko, siblings & cousins were celebraties in the annual parade. This year Alexander mustered up his courage to participate in the races & tug-o-war. For the evening celebration we enjoyed a bbq at the Olson's. Fireworks were certainly a highlight for the kids.
The fish? You are wondering? This was a brook trout that Xander was determined to catch! He followed this trout for over an hour in a nearby dried up snow run-off wash (does that even make sense?). The threw rocks, boulders, sticks... and finally the fish was worn out & Xander was able to catch it. He brought it home, killed it & ate it. I think he really liked it. And it was surprisingly tastey.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
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