Today was the "Grand Opening" of Provo City Library's Summer Reading Program. Since their would be limited supplies of t-shirts we decided to get there right at 9:00 am. Well, we almost got there at 9:00 am but we were there in time to get each boy their own t-shirt and to sign them up for the summer reading program.
This year the program is a time-based, try to be consistent with daily reading, program. So you set your own goal for reading each day, Monday through Saturday, and keep track of it on your special reading program chart. If you reach your goal then you get special prizes through out the summer.
Michelle and I both signed up for the adult reading program. Their rules are much stricter. First, you don't get the t-shirt until you have read at least 3 books. Second, the books have to be at least 100 pages. Third, you have to complete a book review to prove that you read the book in the first place. The nice thing about the adult program is that each week that you do read a book you get entered into a drawing to win a weekly prize. If you complete your 3 books (or more) you get added into the grand prize drawing (for a Wii system).
I'm excited about the program but I just need to find time to read the books. Michelle seems pretty confident that she'll get her 3 books read and that she'll be able to help the boys get their programs done too.
May 30, 2009
Angels & Demons
Michelle and I finally got to go on a date! Sometimes it seems so tough to find someone who is willing to watch 4 charming little boys on a Friday or Saturday night. But when we do find someone with such charm and charisma we take full advantage of it. Tonight we went to see the new movie "Angels and Demons." I have read two of Dan Brown's books and I have enjoyed them. Angels and Demons was the first book I read and The Da Vinci Code was the second book. I loved The Davinci Code so I wanted to watch Angels and Demons as well.
The movie was a fairly good representation of the book. I'll admit, I haven't read the book in several years but the movie followed the book as I remember it (mostly). The story begins with the death of the Catholic Pope and the abduction of the 4 Preferiti (the Cardinals mostly likely to succeed as the next Pope). Robert Langdon, an American symbologist, is sought out to help decipher the cryptic message describing the sinister plot to kill the Cardinals and destroy the Catholic Church leadership.
Robert Langdon quickly flies to Rome and immediately begins to decipher the message and find the clues that lead him to the 4 churches where the Cardinals are executed. The path leads Robert Langdon to the killer and in a dramatic ending, Robert foils the plots and the church leaders are spared.
While the action was great the executions were gruesome. So I don't anticipate seeing this video in my personal collection. The symbol below was supposed to appear in the movie (in my opinion) but it didn't so I included it here. I think this symbol is just too cool too be left out.
The movie was a fairly good representation of the book. I'll admit, I haven't read the book in several years but the movie followed the book as I remember it (mostly). The story begins with the death of the Catholic Pope and the abduction of the 4 Preferiti (the Cardinals mostly likely to succeed as the next Pope). Robert Langdon, an American symbologist, is sought out to help decipher the cryptic message describing the sinister plot to kill the Cardinals and destroy the Catholic Church leadership.
Robert Langdon quickly flies to Rome and immediately begins to decipher the message and find the clues that lead him to the 4 churches where the Cardinals are executed. The path leads Robert Langdon to the killer and in a dramatic ending, Robert foils the plots and the church leaders are spared.
While the action was great the executions were gruesome. So I don't anticipate seeing this video in my personal collection. The symbol below was supposed to appear in the movie (in my opinion) but it didn't so I included it here. I think this symbol is just too cool too be left out.
May 29, 2009
David's Kindergarten Memories 2008-2009
David officially finished his last day of Kindergarten today and is proud to announce that he is now a 1st Grader. He has already met his teacher for next year, practiced eating lunch in the cafeteria and is preparing himself for a full day of school (instead of just a half-day). To celebrate the school had their "May Pole" Dance Festival this morning. Unfortunately, I wasn't the only eager parent there and so I was unable to get any quality pictures of his performance.
As a parting gift, Mrs. Porter gave David (and the other kids in class) a "My Kindergarten Memories" book that has pictures of them through out the school year at various activities and situations. It was a very nice thing for David's teacher to do. Before the book got destroyed we scanned in each page so we could keep it long-term. Below are the pictures in a slide show.
While David doesn't appear in this picture I am pleased to announce that Wasatch Elementary School raised our country's colors each morning with the national anthem and the pledge of allegiance.
As a parting gift, Mrs. Porter gave David (and the other kids in class) a "My Kindergarten Memories" book that has pictures of them through out the school year at various activities and situations. It was a very nice thing for David's teacher to do. Before the book got destroyed we scanned in each page so we could keep it long-term. Below are the pictures in a slide show.
While David doesn't appear in this picture I am pleased to announce that Wasatch Elementary School raised our country's colors each morning with the national anthem and the pledge of allegiance.
This picture was the only picture that actually turned out. Of course it is of the final pose of the dance.
I did manage to get about 30 seconds of the "Jell-O" dance. While it's not high quality it is fun to see these kids working hard to show what they have learned. David is in the very back of the group so you'll have to over-look at the great children in front of him.
May 27, 2009
SpiderWeb Marketing
I just stumbled across an amazing opportunity. It's called the SpiderWeb Marketing system. This system is a way to create "viral" marketing, getting people to tell people who tell people about you and your website, product (to sell), etc. The amazing part about it is that you can actually make money generating these leads for yourself!
I found this system while investigating ways to market and advertise on the Internet. After all, this economy hasn't been the greatest and the real estate market has made headlines with a lot of bad news. However, those of us still in the real estate game know that this is the best time to buy real estate in years. With falling prices and record low interest rates there may not be a better time to buy in your lifetime. So I'm trying to find as many buyers who would be interested in a home and recognize today's opportunity. In my search for better marketing methods I stumbled onto this SpiderWeb Marketing system that will market on autopilot!
As I researched this system a little more I found out that there is a business opportunity as well. Did I mention that the entire system is free with online tutorials to help you set up the marketing system? Amazing! Since there are 2 major opportunities here and since I just discovered this system I thought I would seek some feedback from you.
Please take a minute to check out my new marketing website and then let me know what you think. My website is http://kampspider.ws/. I appreciate your perspective and look forward to your comments.
I found this system while investigating ways to market and advertise on the Internet. After all, this economy hasn't been the greatest and the real estate market has made headlines with a lot of bad news. However, those of us still in the real estate game know that this is the best time to buy real estate in years. With falling prices and record low interest rates there may not be a better time to buy in your lifetime. So I'm trying to find as many buyers who would be interested in a home and recognize today's opportunity. In my search for better marketing methods I stumbled onto this SpiderWeb Marketing system that will market on autopilot!
As I researched this system a little more I found out that there is a business opportunity as well. Did I mention that the entire system is free with online tutorials to help you set up the marketing system? Amazing! Since there are 2 major opportunities here and since I just discovered this system I thought I would seek some feedback from you.
Please take a minute to check out my new marketing website and then let me know what you think. My website is http://kampspider.ws/. I appreciate your perspective and look forward to your comments.
Choosing Happiness
On Choosing Happiness. What's your choice? by Jeffrey Gitomer
After is a self-defeating word. It robs you of the present, and resigns you to wait without taking any action.
You convince yourself that life will be better after something: After you get a new job, after you get a better job, after you get more money, after you get out of debt, after the economy rebounds, after your stocks go back up, after you get that big order.
You convince yourself that life will be better after an event: After you get married, after you have a baby, after you get a new house, after you take a vacation, after you come back from vacation, after summer is over, or some other action-procrastinating “after.”
Are you frustrated that the kids aren't old enough, and believe you'll be more content after they’re in high school or out of high school? Are you frustrated that you have teenagers to deal with? You will certainly be happy after they’re out of that stage. Certainly you’ll be happier after they’re in college, or is it out of college?
You tell yourself that your life will be more complete when your spouse gets his or her act together, when you get a nicer car, a new house, a raise in pay, a new boss, or worse, after you retire.
The truth is, the fact is, the reality is, there's no better time to be happy than right now.
If not now, when? After the economy gets better?
You may not be able to wait that long.
Your life will always be filled with challenges, barriers, and disappointments. It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. Alfred Souza said, “For a long, long time it had seemed to me that I was about to begin real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.”
There is no way to happiness.
Happiness is the way.
There is no after to happiness
Happiness is now.
Here’s the answer: It’s inside your head FIRST and everyplace else second. Happiness is a treasure. Your (missed) opportunity is to treasure every moment that you have.
Stop waiting until you finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have kids, until after you quit smoking, until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get your new car or home, until your car or home is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until the first or the fifteenth, until your song comes on, until you've had a drink, until you've sobered up, until you win the lottery, or until the cows come home to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy.
And treasure the happiness of now more because you share it with someone special enough to invest your time in...
Happiness is:
Not a sale or a commission.
Not an economy or a budget.
Not a yes or a no.
Not a game winning hit or a last second touchdown.
Happiness is a way of life that is inside you at all times. It helps you get over the tough times, and helps you celebrate the special times.
Seems pretty simple to define on paper, but real difficult to manifest when the chips are down. My experience has taught me the difference between resign and resolve. You can resign yourself to what is, and hope or wait for a better day. Or you can resolve that you are a positive person who finds the good, the positive, the happiness, the smile, and especially the opportunity in everything.
Happiness is now, not a goal or a destination.
It’s not an after, it’s a before.
And it’s up to you. All you have to do is: decide.
After is a self-defeating word. It robs you of the present, and resigns you to wait without taking any action.
You convince yourself that life will be better after something: After you get a new job, after you get a better job, after you get more money, after you get out of debt, after the economy rebounds, after your stocks go back up, after you get that big order.
You convince yourself that life will be better after an event: After you get married, after you have a baby, after you get a new house, after you take a vacation, after you come back from vacation, after summer is over, or some other action-procrastinating “after.”
Are you frustrated that the kids aren't old enough, and believe you'll be more content after they’re in high school or out of high school? Are you frustrated that you have teenagers to deal with? You will certainly be happy after they’re out of that stage. Certainly you’ll be happier after they’re in college, or is it out of college?
You tell yourself that your life will be more complete when your spouse gets his or her act together, when you get a nicer car, a new house, a raise in pay, a new boss, or worse, after you retire.
The truth is, the fact is, the reality is, there's no better time to be happy than right now.
If not now, when? After the economy gets better?
You may not be able to wait that long.
Your life will always be filled with challenges, barriers, and disappointments. It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. Alfred Souza said, “For a long, long time it had seemed to me that I was about to begin real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.”
There is no way to happiness.
Happiness is the way.
There is no after to happiness
Happiness is now.
Here’s the answer: It’s inside your head FIRST and everyplace else second. Happiness is a treasure. Your (missed) opportunity is to treasure every moment that you have.
Stop waiting until you finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have kids, until after you quit smoking, until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get your new car or home, until your car or home is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until the first or the fifteenth, until your song comes on, until you've had a drink, until you've sobered up, until you win the lottery, or until the cows come home to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy.
And treasure the happiness of now more because you share it with someone special enough to invest your time in...
Happiness is:
Not a sale or a commission.
Not an economy or a budget.
Not a yes or a no.
Not a game winning hit or a last second touchdown.
Happiness is a way of life that is inside you at all times. It helps you get over the tough times, and helps you celebrate the special times.
Seems pretty simple to define on paper, but real difficult to manifest when the chips are down. My experience has taught me the difference between resign and resolve. You can resign yourself to what is, and hope or wait for a better day. Or you can resolve that you are a positive person who finds the good, the positive, the happiness, the smile, and especially the opportunity in everything.
Happiness is now, not a goal or a destination.
It’s not an after, it’s a before.
And it’s up to you. All you have to do is: decide.
May 26, 2009
David's Home Art Gallery
David has been hard at work this year in Kindergarten. Part of his schooling has been learning about and doing various art projects. We were able to view the artwork of the entire elementary school a few weeks ago. But obviously, with so many art projects only a few samples of the art work could be put on display for any student. So David's teacher sent his artwork home and suggested that we set up an "Art Gallery" to display his work. So here it is...
These art projects were inspired by some of the great artists but I couldn't tell you which artists. I just wanted to capture this great art before his exhibit is rotated into permanent storage.
Self Portrait (Crayon)
A mask
Self Portrait (cut and paste)
Santa Clause
Elephant
Playing Soccer
The Seasons (Spring)
The Seasons (Summer)
The Seasons (Fall)
The Seasons (Winter)
A maskSelf Portrait (cut and paste)Santa ClauseElephantPlaying SoccerThe Seasons (Spring)The Seasons (Summer)The Seasons (Fall)The Seasons (Winter)These art projects were inspired by some of the great artists but I couldn't tell you which artists. I just wanted to capture this great art before his exhibit is rotated into permanent storage.
I'm Not Sleeping...I'm Thinking
This morning I heard the pitter-patter of little feet but I was hoping to sleep all the way until my opportunity clock sounded. Since there wasn't any loud noises I wasn't too concerned and dozed back to sleep. That around 6:00 am. When I finally got out of bed at 6:30 am I found David lying on the couch with a couch cushion on his head. I commented, "you bed is more comfortable for sleeping than the couch," as I walked by. David, from under the cushion said, "I'm not sleeping Dad, I'm thinking." Well it's tough to argue with that logic, even at 6:30 in the morning.
Well, it wasn't to long after that when the rest of the family began waking up. So as I gathered the children together for scripture reading I discovered that David was deep in though. In fact, the thinking was so deep that he could not be roused for our family scripture reading and testimonies.
Well, it wasn't to long after that when the rest of the family began waking up. So as I gathered the children together for scripture reading I discovered that David was deep in though. In fact, the thinking was so deep that he could not be roused for our family scripture reading and testimonies.
May 25, 2009
FHE Around the Campfire
Tonight we had a quiet evening around the campfire. At least that was the idea when the logs were placed in the fire pit. But the boys don't really do "quiet" if they don't have to. So our FHE was all we could do to keep the boys focused for a few short minutes. I'm sure that the marshmallows/s'mores for treats after FHE helped to keep the boys attention.
Each boy was able to show Grandma Jones that they could say their own testimony. Then we recited "The Family: A Proclamation To The World" or at least the first half that we have memorized so far. We had a very short discussion about baptism (because David gets to give a talk in primary next week about baptism). And that was the length of their attention span. As soon as we said the closing prayer the boys were off to play.
David had a blast throwing the frisbee and playing soccer with Aunt Cheyenne. Aleky thought it was great to hack everyone to pieces with the foam swords. Michael and Donovan played with random toys, roasted lots of marshmallows and tried to jump into the soccer game. Finally they resorted to throwing frisbees over the fence so they would "have" to go get them from the neighbors yard.
In the end, the boys managed to stay up an extra hour playing and eating marshmallows. They loved it. Now that the kids are in bed it is finally time to relax!
Each boy was able to show Grandma Jones that they could say their own testimony. Then we recited "The Family: A Proclamation To The World" or at least the first half that we have memorized so far. We had a very short discussion about baptism (because David gets to give a talk in primary next week about baptism). And that was the length of their attention span. As soon as we said the closing prayer the boys were off to play.
David had a blast throwing the frisbee and playing soccer with Aunt Cheyenne. Aleky thought it was great to hack everyone to pieces with the foam swords. Michael and Donovan played with random toys, roasted lots of marshmallows and tried to jump into the soccer game. Finally they resorted to throwing frisbees over the fence so they would "have" to go get them from the neighbors yard.
In the end, the boys managed to stay up an extra hour playing and eating marshmallows. They loved it. Now that the kids are in bed it is finally time to relax!
May 24, 2009
A Battle of Wits
When you're the littest guy on the battle field there is only one thing you can do. You have to use your wits, be smarter than the other guys. The battle of wits has begun. It ends when...only one brother is standing.
Outnumbered 3 to 1, Aleky settles on a simple strategy to take out his brothers...
First, take out the easiest opponent. With one brother down the odds are a little more even...
A finally, VICTORY! He has successfully defeated his brothers. The battle of wits has ended.
Outnumbered 3 to 1, Aleky settles on a simple strategy to take out his brothers...
First, take out the easiest opponent. With one brother down the odds are a little more even...
A finally, VICTORY! He has successfully defeated his brothers. The battle of wits has ended.
Catching up on my blogging
Now that we have church in the afternoon (1:00-4:00 pm) we have time in the morning that we need to fill with Sunday activities. It seems to me that writing in my journal (a.k.a. blogging) would fall into the category of appropriate Sunday activities. So today I am catching up on my partially completed blog entries. We'll see just how far I make it. But with entries still dating back to the end of last year I've got to start somewhere...
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