Tuesday, November 30, 2010
No More Fears!
False Evidence Appearing Real. Zig Ziglar taught that this is what FEAR is. I thought that was pretty good. I think it goes well with some of what the scriptures teach - The Lord has not given us the spirit of fear but of faith; Perfect love casteth out all fear; If ye are prepared ye shall not fear. So, I have some work to do. I have had a rough few days because of fear. I have been miserable because of it. I don't have time to be miserable so I need to have a little more faith in the Lord and in myself. I realized earlier this evening that I was letting fear guide my decisions rather than walking by faith. So, I will take that to the Lord and pray for strength to have faith sufficient to overcome my fears.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Miracles, Gratitude, Snow, Fleas - wow! these are the themes of my life right now
Okay this is a big title. Lets get rolling.
Miracles - Heidi received and shared some excellent news today in regards to Paige. Everything came back clean on the Pathology report. When I read her text I was emotional and now that I write about it I am emotional. I have watched this woman of tremendous faith go forth with a challenge that would have completely overwhelmed me and she has been so strong. I am so happy for Heidi and for little Paige. Thank you for your prayers of faith on their behalf.
Gratitude - Upon receiving the news above I changed my FHE lesson on the fly and went back to President Monsons talk on Gratitude. We took a look at the part in the beginning when he spoke about the 10 lepers. Only one returned to give thanks to the Savior. As a family we have been praying daily for Paige and for Heidi. Tonight we talked about our gratitude to the Lord for blessing Paige to be made whole.
I am grateful for my wonderful children. Natalie, as bossy as she is with everyone in the home, has been a tremendous help. She does really well with the boys when she wants to and perhaps when they conform to her agenda. She does try hard and I am grateful for her. She is a good girl. I know that it is hard for her to have her mom so far away. She loves her mom and I am grateful for that. It is important for Natalie and it is important for Rachel. Natalie doesn't let her off the hook with church and that is good.
Jack told me tonight when I tucked him in bed that "you don't have anyone to cuddle with, that's okay, when Rachel comes you can stay home and cuddle". This little boy is so innocent. I hope I did not open a can of worms when I told him that wasn't going to happen and we were not married anymore. He asked "why?" Well, there is more to discuss on the matter I know but it was bed time and I really wasn't prepared for it. Anyhow, I love Jack. He has such a sensitive spirit and a love for just about everybody (I have to qualify that every time because of the old nursery leader that he struggled with and bit in the butt).
Andy is my little buddy. We only had 3 changes of clothes today. He decided he needed to play in the snow again while I was clearing stuff at the LBH and got completely soaked before school. He gets to a point where he is freezing and then tells me how much he hates the snow. He is my Florida boy for sure. He has never told me he hates the beach. No, no, he loves the beach. Anyway every time we drive to school I have to spell his name using words that we see a long the way. I can pull it off nearly every time but he likes to throw curve balls my way. Sorry pops, some days he does not want to be Anderson James Fontano. No, he has to be Walter just like Jack and will have nothing to do with James. Today it was Anderson James George Fontano that had to be spelled. George after Natty's turtle. He is a good boy. When I get him sleeping in his own bed I may love him even more. We're getting close.
Snow - we had a couple more inches last night so I did the rounds again this morning. It was great. Even snuck in an extra house. They were not home so I truly snuck it in. Love that. The LBH was still full of snow so I went to town there. Also cleared out some thick nasty scraped stuff in the road in order to open it up for customer parking along the curbs. That was actually a lot of work there and I did notice that I was starting to feel it in my arms. Hopefully we will be good for a couple of days.
Fleas - I was talking with dad today and he mentioned that I sounded a little down in my post from Saturday. This is "Housewife". That is a fair assessment, I was down. Just having one of those days when I didn't feel good enough. I went through a living hell for quite a while and when Rachel left I felt worthless. I had done everything I could to keep our marriage going and I failed. Actually I realized that it didn't matter what I did she had already left emotionally and spiritually and was trying to leave physically. Regardless, I looked at it as my failure, I was not good enough. As a result I suffer from some insecurities and I lack self confidence. So some days I struggle. Saturday was one of those days. I get scared because I am afraid of hitting my head like the flea in the jar. Go back and read my blog on fleas for more insight. Anyway, I am wrestling with a few things and it isn't easy. I have a hope in Christ though and I want to feel better. I know that He is mighty to save and the insecurities, doubts and fears can be overcome through Him. I just need to remember this.
Miracles - Heidi received and shared some excellent news today in regards to Paige. Everything came back clean on the Pathology report. When I read her text I was emotional and now that I write about it I am emotional. I have watched this woman of tremendous faith go forth with a challenge that would have completely overwhelmed me and she has been so strong. I am so happy for Heidi and for little Paige. Thank you for your prayers of faith on their behalf.
Gratitude - Upon receiving the news above I changed my FHE lesson on the fly and went back to President Monsons talk on Gratitude. We took a look at the part in the beginning when he spoke about the 10 lepers. Only one returned to give thanks to the Savior. As a family we have been praying daily for Paige and for Heidi. Tonight we talked about our gratitude to the Lord for blessing Paige to be made whole.
I am grateful for my wonderful children. Natalie, as bossy as she is with everyone in the home, has been a tremendous help. She does really well with the boys when she wants to and perhaps when they conform to her agenda. She does try hard and I am grateful for her. She is a good girl. I know that it is hard for her to have her mom so far away. She loves her mom and I am grateful for that. It is important for Natalie and it is important for Rachel. Natalie doesn't let her off the hook with church and that is good.
Jack told me tonight when I tucked him in bed that "you don't have anyone to cuddle with, that's okay, when Rachel comes you can stay home and cuddle". This little boy is so innocent. I hope I did not open a can of worms when I told him that wasn't going to happen and we were not married anymore. He asked "why?" Well, there is more to discuss on the matter I know but it was bed time and I really wasn't prepared for it. Anyhow, I love Jack. He has such a sensitive spirit and a love for just about everybody (I have to qualify that every time because of the old nursery leader that he struggled with and bit in the butt).
Andy is my little buddy. We only had 3 changes of clothes today. He decided he needed to play in the snow again while I was clearing stuff at the LBH and got completely soaked before school. He gets to a point where he is freezing and then tells me how much he hates the snow. He is my Florida boy for sure. He has never told me he hates the beach. No, no, he loves the beach. Anyway every time we drive to school I have to spell his name using words that we see a long the way. I can pull it off nearly every time but he likes to throw curve balls my way. Sorry pops, some days he does not want to be Anderson James Fontano. No, he has to be Walter just like Jack and will have nothing to do with James. Today it was Anderson James George Fontano that had to be spelled. George after Natty's turtle. He is a good boy. When I get him sleeping in his own bed I may love him even more. We're getting close.
Snow - we had a couple more inches last night so I did the rounds again this morning. It was great. Even snuck in an extra house. They were not home so I truly snuck it in. Love that. The LBH was still full of snow so I went to town there. Also cleared out some thick nasty scraped stuff in the road in order to open it up for customer parking along the curbs. That was actually a lot of work there and I did notice that I was starting to feel it in my arms. Hopefully we will be good for a couple of days.
Fleas - I was talking with dad today and he mentioned that I sounded a little down in my post from Saturday. This is "Housewife". That is a fair assessment, I was down. Just having one of those days when I didn't feel good enough. I went through a living hell for quite a while and when Rachel left I felt worthless. I had done everything I could to keep our marriage going and I failed. Actually I realized that it didn't matter what I did she had already left emotionally and spiritually and was trying to leave physically. Regardless, I looked at it as my failure, I was not good enough. As a result I suffer from some insecurities and I lack self confidence. So some days I struggle. Saturday was one of those days. I get scared because I am afraid of hitting my head like the flea in the jar. Go back and read my blog on fleas for more insight. Anyway, I am wrestling with a few things and it isn't easy. I have a hope in Christ though and I want to feel better. I know that He is mighty to save and the insecurities, doubts and fears can be overcome through Him. I just need to remember this.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Morgan
Woke up this morning to Jack and I told him to go look outside to see if it had snowed. Weather reports had said it was supposed to. It did not take Jack long to confirm the snow. He performed his duty of opening the living room curtains and proudly reported the falling snow. Well, you know I loved that news.
I waited until a little after 10 this morning to make my way outside. Jack came out and Natalie soon followed. Then Natalie went in and got Andy dressed and he joined the melee. Jack started working on the side walk with the metal shovel and I worked on the decorative driveway with the plastic one. Bro. Holyoak brought it to me and asked that we not use a metal one on the drive. No complaints by me as the plastic one is a much nicer shovel. Ken drove up to his house then he came out and started shoveling. We chatted for a bit and he told me about his snow blower that isn't working. I mentioned Walts old snow blower being in the back shed and he told me to go get it and use it. I hadn't talked to Bro. Holyoak about using it, he probably doesn't remember it being there but I went ahead and grabbed it. Wow, the thing worked like a champ. I finished out drive, finished Kens drive, did the sidewalk all the way down and around the corner, did the walk in front of Zola's, went across the street and cleared the other widow Zola's driveway, cleared her neighbor (the old guy in the ward that apparently told the PEC he didn't need any help at his place) and then hit Antonio's next to him. It was great.
You have time to think when you are shoveling snow or removing it anyway. I do like the power tool. Anyhow, I thought about being a kid and being so excited for the snow blower dad brought home one day. I think we used it all but once before someone stole it out of the garage. I was always bummed about that as I really wanted to try it. I think we are talking 27 years ago. I have never used a snow blower until today. It was like a dream come true.
Anyway, in my previous posts related to snow I have mentioned how I love shoveling snow. I like have a nice clean driveway and always enjoy seeing the mounds of snow around it. And as previously mentioned I love thinking about the snow pack in the mountains and the water that promises the coming year. It occurred to me today as I was clearing every driveway I could that I really loved doing that, serving other people. I remembered Morgan Reed coming to pick me up in his old white Suburban (yes the one I took out that light pole at the C-Hill building with that set Mike in a panic and still makes for a great story today) and driving me around Carson City to help clear driveways of the elderly. I loved doing that. I was usually wet and cold but felt so good. Morgan Reed, what a stallion. So grateful that he came and got me. He probably knew I wouldn't say no because I always felt guilty for nearly killing his truck. So grateful for those experiences as a young man. I don't know that I had the same effect on the young men in Carson but took them out shoveling. I remember running them up to the C-Hill building after a big storm to shovel there. It was actually quite poetic as we spun a few donuts in the parking lot and I got to share the story about the light pole that use to exist in the middle of that parking lot as we spun over the spot that it use to occupy. Those were good times with Jordan Rogers, Logan Phillipi, Brennan Shafer and others from the troop and quorum.
Anyhow, I am grateful for old Morgan Reed today. Grateful for the lessons of service that he taught me with that snow shovel. Grateful that I could remember that today.
I waited until a little after 10 this morning to make my way outside. Jack came out and Natalie soon followed. Then Natalie went in and got Andy dressed and he joined the melee. Jack started working on the side walk with the metal shovel and I worked on the decorative driveway with the plastic one. Bro. Holyoak brought it to me and asked that we not use a metal one on the drive. No complaints by me as the plastic one is a much nicer shovel. Ken drove up to his house then he came out and started shoveling. We chatted for a bit and he told me about his snow blower that isn't working. I mentioned Walts old snow blower being in the back shed and he told me to go get it and use it. I hadn't talked to Bro. Holyoak about using it, he probably doesn't remember it being there but I went ahead and grabbed it. Wow, the thing worked like a champ. I finished out drive, finished Kens drive, did the sidewalk all the way down and around the corner, did the walk in front of Zola's, went across the street and cleared the other widow Zola's driveway, cleared her neighbor (the old guy in the ward that apparently told the PEC he didn't need any help at his place) and then hit Antonio's next to him. It was great.
You have time to think when you are shoveling snow or removing it anyway. I do like the power tool. Anyhow, I thought about being a kid and being so excited for the snow blower dad brought home one day. I think we used it all but once before someone stole it out of the garage. I was always bummed about that as I really wanted to try it. I think we are talking 27 years ago. I have never used a snow blower until today. It was like a dream come true.
Anyway, in my previous posts related to snow I have mentioned how I love shoveling snow. I like have a nice clean driveway and always enjoy seeing the mounds of snow around it. And as previously mentioned I love thinking about the snow pack in the mountains and the water that promises the coming year. It occurred to me today as I was clearing every driveway I could that I really loved doing that, serving other people. I remembered Morgan Reed coming to pick me up in his old white Suburban (yes the one I took out that light pole at the C-Hill building with that set Mike in a panic and still makes for a great story today) and driving me around Carson City to help clear driveways of the elderly. I loved doing that. I was usually wet and cold but felt so good. Morgan Reed, what a stallion. So grateful that he came and got me. He probably knew I wouldn't say no because I always felt guilty for nearly killing his truck. So grateful for those experiences as a young man. I don't know that I had the same effect on the young men in Carson but took them out shoveling. I remember running them up to the C-Hill building after a big storm to shovel there. It was actually quite poetic as we spun a few donuts in the parking lot and I got to share the story about the light pole that use to exist in the middle of that parking lot as we spun over the spot that it use to occupy. Those were good times with Jordan Rogers, Logan Phillipi, Brennan Shafer and others from the troop and quorum.
Anyhow, I am grateful for old Morgan Reed today. Grateful for the lessons of service that he taught me with that snow shovel. Grateful that I could remember that today.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Housewife
So Jim, Pete, Jay and Mike will surely remember Thomas D. Wadsworth. There was a time when Jim, Pete and myself (not certain about Jay or Mike)hung out with Thomas on a regular basis. This was not all at once. It started with Jim, moved to me and then on to Pete. Thomas is an amazing man of many talents. Certainly his sports knowledge is incredible and he could certainly hold his own playing most sports. The other talents that you don't necessarily see in a male in his mid twenties included being a master of cheesecake making and then tatting. Yes tatting Thomas. The man has skills. I remember that everyone use to joke with Thomas that someday he was going to make someone a great housewife.
I sit at this keyboard tonight prepared to throw my hat in that same ring. Maybe it is because I had a tough day and beat myself up some emotionally that I had to find some good things about myself and my housework was something positive I could find. I actually slacked a bit earlier in the week and was not as diligent in my housework as I needed to be but I have pulled it back to standard tonight and that just feels good. The day has been full with laundry, cleaning, packing up the Halloween village (it is too much work to leave it up only for Halloween), vacuuming, cleaning the turtles tank, relocating the computer, and grocery shopping. Also managed to throw in a little time to get the gift basket order form nearly completed and move the big screen out and install Amy's old TV in it's place. I have made the entertainment center as small as I can - it still dwarfs the TV but we don't care, the kids are just thrilled to have the Wii operational again.
Well, I don't tatt and I lost a taste for cheesecake (had a bad experience camping with the scouts when a dutch oven cheesecake ended up all over my tent)but I do believe that I can compete in this housewife arena. I've got an outsiders chance anyway. The reality is that I have a completely new respect for housewife's. Keeping house is not easy. I don't know how many times I cleaned the living room today and though I have laundry caught up I will be behind again by morning. I have so much to learn, so much to work on. It isn't easy, I wish it were. So to all my housewife com padres out there. Keep up the good work, you're doing a great job. You too Thomas!
I sit at this keyboard tonight prepared to throw my hat in that same ring. Maybe it is because I had a tough day and beat myself up some emotionally that I had to find some good things about myself and my housework was something positive I could find. I actually slacked a bit earlier in the week and was not as diligent in my housework as I needed to be but I have pulled it back to standard tonight and that just feels good. The day has been full with laundry, cleaning, packing up the Halloween village (it is too much work to leave it up only for Halloween), vacuuming, cleaning the turtles tank, relocating the computer, and grocery shopping. Also managed to throw in a little time to get the gift basket order form nearly completed and move the big screen out and install Amy's old TV in it's place. I have made the entertainment center as small as I can - it still dwarfs the TV but we don't care, the kids are just thrilled to have the Wii operational again.
Well, I don't tatt and I lost a taste for cheesecake (had a bad experience camping with the scouts when a dutch oven cheesecake ended up all over my tent)but I do believe that I can compete in this housewife arena. I've got an outsiders chance anyway. The reality is that I have a completely new respect for housewife's. Keeping house is not easy. I don't know how many times I cleaned the living room today and though I have laundry caught up I will be behind again by morning. I have so much to learn, so much to work on. It isn't easy, I wish it were. So to all my housewife com padres out there. Keep up the good work, you're doing a great job. You too Thomas!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Hands
One of my friends once told me that shaking my hand was like grabbing a baseball that had sausages sticking out of it. Well, I have short and stubby hands. What can I say. I am however grateful for these hands. In the last few months I have discovered that I quite enjoy making things with them. I like working with wood and crafting boxes, shelves, little crates, whatever. I have enjoyed refinishing furniture. I enjoy creating things including working in the yard and landscape design type stuff. I also enjoy pictures and art. I like to play with pictures and art on Photoshop and try to create things that way. If I have something that needs fixing I like to tear it apart, look at it and then see if I can put it back together again. I like to work with my hands.
Tonight I had a date with the lovely Heidi Gilmore. She is beautiful and I really enjoyed spending the evening with her. All this talk of hands, it is silly I know, but the thing that I love most about hands was holding hands with Heidi. That is heavenly.
Tonight I had a date with the lovely Heidi Gilmore. She is beautiful and I really enjoyed spending the evening with her. All this talk of hands, it is silly I know, but the thing that I love most about hands was holding hands with Heidi. That is heavenly.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Much Thanks
It is Thanksgiving. I love this holiday. Always have. It is just a fun day that is about time with family and friends with thoughts and expressions of gratitude for the blessings received. There is a lot of tradition in this holiday. With Rachel we had started some of our own traditions. I did not carry on with them this year. It was simply awkward. The kids didn't even notice. The kids and I joined with the rest of the family for dinner at the church building next to the institute here in Cedar. We had a great time. Natalie talked about how much she loved being here around her cousins. Glad for that.
One of the traditions that I have always loved for as long as I can remember is the Turkey Bowl. I set one up for today. I wasn't sure anyone was going to make it because the field was covered with snow and quite cold. We were lucky and had a few come out. It was a good time. Best news, I did not get injured this year. Last year it was on the first play of the game. Well, I am very grateful for that.
While I was playing the game the kids were over at the hill sledding. They had a great time. I am a little sad because I had a beautiful video of going down the hill on the back of the sled with Jack. We wiped out at the end and Jack had a huge smile on his face. Anyhow, I wanted to download it to the blog but I lost the videos. Not sure how that happened but it makes me sad. Anyhow, I have a couple of pictures of the kids on the hill.
AndyBoy was having a lot of fun with the camera tonight. He kept shooting pics and I had to try and hurry and get down low just to make it in the picture. He also had fun taking pictures of himself. Here are a couple of pictures of his work. What a funny guy.
We played BUNCO tonight. It was fantastic. I only remember playing it once before and cannot say how many years ago that was, several anyway. Mom absolutely loves this game and I have read about the fam playing bunco on more than one occasion. It was nice to be a part of it. It was nice to be with the family this year as we have missed that for several years. I am grateful for them.
Heidi and the kids are back home today. When we spoke last week she wasn't sure she would be home for Thanksgiving. I was really happy for her when she said they were at her parents. It has been a busy week for her and Paige. I am grateful that things went well for them and hope that everything comes back looking great in the next couple of weeks.
Heidi is an amazing woman. She has tremendous faith and is strong. I am grateful for her friendship. I have missed seeing her this week.
I am thankful for the blessings of the gospel in my life. It has been my constant. I am grateful for parents who have taught by their examples to trust in the Lord no matter what. I have been blessed with wonderful brothers and sisters who love the Lord. I am grateful for their strength.
Coming home was not easy to do after separating from Rachel. I have had moments when I have felt like a complete embarrassment and great disappointment to my family. I know that this is not the case and they have been wonderful to me. There is a lot of pain that exists in divorce. There is pain in the failed relationship and there is pain that comes in the form of loneliness, uncertainty, doubt, shame, and embarrassment to name a few. Though coming home was not easy to do I know it was the right thing to do. My family has been exactly what I need in this healing process. So as Thanksgiving draws to a close I express my gratitude for the blessings of family and friends and most importantly of the Lord who can heal our hearts and make us whole.
One of the traditions that I have always loved for as long as I can remember is the Turkey Bowl. I set one up for today. I wasn't sure anyone was going to make it because the field was covered with snow and quite cold. We were lucky and had a few come out. It was a good time. Best news, I did not get injured this year. Last year it was on the first play of the game. Well, I am very grateful for that.
While I was playing the game the kids were over at the hill sledding. They had a great time. I am a little sad because I had a beautiful video of going down the hill on the back of the sled with Jack. We wiped out at the end and Jack had a huge smile on his face. Anyhow, I wanted to download it to the blog but I lost the videos. Not sure how that happened but it makes me sad. Anyhow, I have a couple of pictures of the kids on the hill.
AndyBoy was having a lot of fun with the camera tonight. He kept shooting pics and I had to try and hurry and get down low just to make it in the picture. He also had fun taking pictures of himself. Here are a couple of pictures of his work. What a funny guy.
We played BUNCO tonight. It was fantastic. I only remember playing it once before and cannot say how many years ago that was, several anyway. Mom absolutely loves this game and I have read about the fam playing bunco on more than one occasion. It was nice to be a part of it. It was nice to be with the family this year as we have missed that for several years. I am grateful for them.
Heidi and the kids are back home today. When we spoke last week she wasn't sure she would be home for Thanksgiving. I was really happy for her when she said they were at her parents. It has been a busy week for her and Paige. I am grateful that things went well for them and hope that everything comes back looking great in the next couple of weeks.
Heidi is an amazing woman. She has tremendous faith and is strong. I am grateful for her friendship. I have missed seeing her this week.
I am thankful for the blessings of the gospel in my life. It has been my constant. I am grateful for parents who have taught by their examples to trust in the Lord no matter what. I have been blessed with wonderful brothers and sisters who love the Lord. I am grateful for their strength.
Coming home was not easy to do after separating from Rachel. I have had moments when I have felt like a complete embarrassment and great disappointment to my family. I know that this is not the case and they have been wonderful to me. There is a lot of pain that exists in divorce. There is pain in the failed relationship and there is pain that comes in the form of loneliness, uncertainty, doubt, shame, and embarrassment to name a few. Though coming home was not easy to do I know it was the right thing to do. My family has been exactly what I need in this healing process. So as Thanksgiving draws to a close I express my gratitude for the blessings of family and friends and most importantly of the Lord who can heal our hearts and make us whole.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
It Came
This is a quick update to yesterdays blog and a brief report on today. The snow came during the night. I am trying to remember when Amy got home. It was sometime between 1 and 2 in the morning. I was working on a project for Egg Systems that they needed by today so was up and asked her if there was any snow. She looked at me like I was a fool then looked down on her shoes that happened to have a little snow on them. Yup, I guess it started. Well, you know I had to go and take a look. It was a wonderful site and though I was hoping for a drier Turkey Bowl I enjoyed the freshly fallen snow. At 3 AM it is very peaceful. Everything was white. The road was undisturbed and there was that subtle warmth that exists after a good snow fall. We had a few inches fall and that was great. Not too deep to where we were digging ourselves out but deep enough to justify the use of a snow shovel. It was my first snow shoveling in almost 6 years and it was pretty much like riding a bike. There really isn't much to it. Jack jumped in on the fun and loved shoveling as well. That is great. He joined Ken across the street at a widows home and helped him in her driveway while I finished ours. I sure love Ken, he and Georgia are great neighbors and love on my kids whenever one or more of them venture over to their house. I am grateful for good neighbors.
This was the street this morning. Not as pleasant as 3 AM.
I am sitting here trying to figure out why I like to shovel snow and the only thing I can think of is that for so many years in Nevada we were in a drought and the snow was extremely important to us. Shoveling it in the valley meant that we were getting snow pack in the mountains and that was good for the overall water situation for us. I don't know. Probably the same reason I loved the summer rains in Florida.
The kids were out of school for the Thanksgiving holiday so they got to go to work with me. We had a meeting at the LBH this morning but before starting we had to shovel the snow there as well. Pops was working on it when we got there so we jumped in. I had a road to shovel there as we needed to clear a place for customers to park and safely walk to the store. It was just wonderful.
The kids have enjoyed playing in the snow all day. Natty and Jack really wanted to go sledding so I let them walk over to the high school/Cal Ranch hill. It is just down the street and I figured the trip was safe and let them go. They had a great time. They laughed and giggled the entire time they told me about bumps and wiping out and other crazy stories from the slopes. Andy stayed home with me. He has a bit of a cough that started at school 2 days ago so I am trying to keep him in. He doesn't care for me much right now. We will get through it. He did get to play out back for a while with Jack and enjoyed pushing the old red sled around the yard.
I have been working on an LBH project for much of the day. Amy and I staged and took pictures of the various Christmas baskets for a catalog/order form. I have spent a few hours editing them. We used the green screen and so I cleared out the background, cropped, highlighted a bit and now they are ready for final approval. Photoshop is fun. I don't know all the tricks of it but enjoy getting into it and playing around. Here is our ultimate fudge basket. This is taken with one of the boxes I made.
I had an update from Heidi when Paige went in for surgery. She simply said that things were going well. I am grateful for that. I had decided to fast with Paige today. She was not able to eat so I decided I would do the same and prayed that the Lord would bless and comfort her today and that the surgery would go well. I am looking forward to additional updates.
It is Thanksgiving Eve as Natalie called it earlier today. There is much to be grateful for. Certainly there are challenges everyday. The economy is tough right now and finances for many people are very tight. Sometimes all we have to rely on is our faith in the Lord and we trust in him that if we do the very best that we can he will bless us. We may lose a few things along the way. I have lost a lot of "things" in the last few years of my life and that is okay. They are just things. What really matters? I have learned that it is not things.
This was the street this morning. Not as pleasant as 3 AM.
I am sitting here trying to figure out why I like to shovel snow and the only thing I can think of is that for so many years in Nevada we were in a drought and the snow was extremely important to us. Shoveling it in the valley meant that we were getting snow pack in the mountains and that was good for the overall water situation for us. I don't know. Probably the same reason I loved the summer rains in Florida.
The kids were out of school for the Thanksgiving holiday so they got to go to work with me. We had a meeting at the LBH this morning but before starting we had to shovel the snow there as well. Pops was working on it when we got there so we jumped in. I had a road to shovel there as we needed to clear a place for customers to park and safely walk to the store. It was just wonderful.
The kids have enjoyed playing in the snow all day. Natty and Jack really wanted to go sledding so I let them walk over to the high school/Cal Ranch hill. It is just down the street and I figured the trip was safe and let them go. They had a great time. They laughed and giggled the entire time they told me about bumps and wiping out and other crazy stories from the slopes. Andy stayed home with me. He has a bit of a cough that started at school 2 days ago so I am trying to keep him in. He doesn't care for me much right now. We will get through it. He did get to play out back for a while with Jack and enjoyed pushing the old red sled around the yard.
I have been working on an LBH project for much of the day. Amy and I staged and took pictures of the various Christmas baskets for a catalog/order form. I have spent a few hours editing them. We used the green screen and so I cleared out the background, cropped, highlighted a bit and now they are ready for final approval. Photoshop is fun. I don't know all the tricks of it but enjoy getting into it and playing around. Here is our ultimate fudge basket. This is taken with one of the boxes I made.
I had an update from Heidi when Paige went in for surgery. She simply said that things were going well. I am grateful for that. I had decided to fast with Paige today. She was not able to eat so I decided I would do the same and prayed that the Lord would bless and comfort her today and that the surgery would go well. I am looking forward to additional updates.
It is Thanksgiving Eve as Natalie called it earlier today. There is much to be grateful for. Certainly there are challenges everyday. The economy is tough right now and finances for many people are very tight. Sometimes all we have to rely on is our faith in the Lord and we trust in him that if we do the very best that we can he will bless us. We may lose a few things along the way. I have lost a lot of "things" in the last few years of my life and that is okay. They are just things. What really matters? I have learned that it is not things.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Blizzard or No Blizzard
There has been a lot of hype today about a major blizzard that was going to hit the area. We were supposed to get hit at 5 PM and conditions were going to last until 8 AM or so - if I am remembering that correctly. It is now 11 PM and we have had a lot of wind and it is quite cold out (especially for a Florida boy that is not used to this kind of cold) but there has not been any snow. Last I saw the skies were clear. I know 3 kids that are not real happy about that as they have been waiting and praying for a big snow storm. They have loved the two little storms that have blown through thus far. As I mentioned in a previous blog I too love a good snow. I love the first site of it in the morning when it is untouched. So peaceful and bright. I really love getting out my snow shovel and throwing a little snow. I don't know why, just do. That has been the disappointing part of the first two storms for me, there wasn't anything to shovel. We will see if anything changes through the night. I don't mind if it passes, it will make for a better turkey bowl. Though I do not fear playing in the snow I would prefer a bit of a drier experience. Also hoping that roads stay clear for Heidi and her family making their return trip to Cedar City.
Speaking of Heidi and fam, they had another long day at the hospital. On her blog Heidi said Paige was not allowed to eat or drink all morning and had a bit of a hard time with that. The bone scan went well and looked good but Heidi will not have an official report until tomorrow. Tomorrow is also surgery day. We will have her in our thoughts and prayers and look forward to hearing about more tender mercies of the Lord.
Speaking of Heidi and fam, they had another long day at the hospital. On her blog Heidi said Paige was not allowed to eat or drink all morning and had a bit of a hard time with that. The bone scan went well and looked good but Heidi will not have an official report until tomorrow. Tomorrow is also surgery day. We will have her in our thoughts and prayers and look forward to hearing about more tender mercies of the Lord.
Bedazzled by Amy
So I just got done working out and was introduced to my new blog look. Special thanks to Amy for capturing something that is completely not my style. What to do? What to do? She was quite disturbed at the boredom that was my blog and decided to add a little flare. I will let it go for a bit and then she will decide (perhaps with a little convincing on my part) that it needs to be changed yet again. I feel so bedazzled!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Miracles
I was thinking over the last two days about the power of fasting and prayer and remember vividly the experience of fasting for SheyLani Southon when we lived in Hawaii Kai. I remember fasting all day and then gathering as a ward family at the chapel to close the fast. The chapel was filled and the spirit was powerful. Miracles took place and my testimony of fasting was born.
A few years ago as dad shouldn't have been alive and we didn't know what to expect the family fasted. I called on friends in Carson to join in and to gather with us at our home to close that fast. Many came and joined and miracles took place. My testimony of fasting was again confirmed and strengthened.
Yesterday Natty and I joined in fasting for Paige Gilmore. We did not gather with family and I don't know how many joined in that fast. I assume by the many friends that have been helping and praying and Heidi's strong family support that there was a goodly number. It made my day to talk to Heidi for a few minutes tonight and to hear that Paige did very well and the test looked great. There is another test tomorrow and then surgery on Wednesday. I am very grateful for the blessings of fasting and prayer and the miracles that occur still today.
I am also grateful that Natty wanted to fast as well and hope that here testimony of the power of fasting has been born. There are sweet moments to savor as a parent and watching seeds take root in your child is one of them.
A few years ago as dad shouldn't have been alive and we didn't know what to expect the family fasted. I called on friends in Carson to join in and to gather with us at our home to close that fast. Many came and joined and miracles took place. My testimony of fasting was again confirmed and strengthened.
Yesterday Natty and I joined in fasting for Paige Gilmore. We did not gather with family and I don't know how many joined in that fast. I assume by the many friends that have been helping and praying and Heidi's strong family support that there was a goodly number. It made my day to talk to Heidi for a few minutes tonight and to hear that Paige did very well and the test looked great. There is another test tomorrow and then surgery on Wednesday. I am very grateful for the blessings of fasting and prayer and the miracles that occur still today.
I am also grateful that Natty wanted to fast as well and hope that here testimony of the power of fasting has been born. There are sweet moments to savor as a parent and watching seeds take root in your child is one of them.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Gratitude
In Sacrament meeting there were two fantastic talks today. With the time of year they were naturally related to gratitude. Both referenced President Monson's conference address, The Divine Gift of Gratitude. I decided to read this talk again and thoroughly enjoyed the instruction given by the Prophet.
A couple of thoughts that stood out to me included giving thanks for what we do have rather then what we are lacking. President Monson references with this the story of the multitude that was fed with 7 loaves and a few fishes as found in Matthew. "And Jesus commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves and the fishes and gave thanks and brake them, and gave to his disciples and the disciples to the multitude." President Monson said "Notice that the Savior gave thanks for what they had - and the miracle followed." Sometimes this can be a hard thing to do. In a world of instant gratification it is easy to get caught up on what we don't have.
President Monson said "This is a wonderful time to be on earth. While there is much that is wrong in the world today, there are many things that are right and good. There are marriages that make it, parents who love their children and sacrifice for them, friends who care about us and help us, teachers who teach. Our lives are blessed in countless ways.
We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Someone has said that “gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”
President Monson said: A grateful heart, then, comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives. This requires conscious effort—at least until we have truly learned and cultivated an attitude of gratitude. Often we feel grateful and intend to express our thanks but forget to do so or just don’t get around to it. Someone has said that “feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” Wow, I have been guilty of this on more then one occasion. My thanks to my family and friends who have been there for me through the most difficult times of my life.
I am grateful for those that are positive influences in my life. I hope to cultivate in my heart an attitude of gratitude especially in difficult times. As I struggled through divorce there were those who were angels in my life. I will forever be grateful to Bobbie Lake, Kathy Schatz, Gloria Marlowe, Amanda & Jeff Jackson, Michelle Adams, President and Sister Sweeney, President Hartman, President Padgett, Dave Thompson, Sharon Friddle and many more of my dear friends in Florida who were there when I needed it most. The surprise visits, the phone calls, the help with kids, the kind words. I knew that the Lord was aware of me and my children. The help has continued in Cedar City through family and a few new friends that have been tremendous. I love you all and am so grateful for the love you have given to me and to Natty, Jack and Andy.
One final thought from President Monson. "When we encounter challenges and problems in our lives, it is often difficult for us to focus on our blessings. However, if we reach deep enough and look hard enough, we will be able to feel and recognize just how much we have been given." I am so thankful for the Savior who has been my greatest friend and strength. In my most difficult and lowest times I was reassured of his love for me. I know that he lives and I am grateful for that knowledge.
A couple of thoughts that stood out to me included giving thanks for what we do have rather then what we are lacking. President Monson references with this the story of the multitude that was fed with 7 loaves and a few fishes as found in Matthew. "And Jesus commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves and the fishes and gave thanks and brake them, and gave to his disciples and the disciples to the multitude." President Monson said "Notice that the Savior gave thanks for what they had - and the miracle followed." Sometimes this can be a hard thing to do. In a world of instant gratification it is easy to get caught up on what we don't have.
President Monson said "This is a wonderful time to be on earth. While there is much that is wrong in the world today, there are many things that are right and good. There are marriages that make it, parents who love their children and sacrifice for them, friends who care about us and help us, teachers who teach. Our lives are blessed in countless ways.
We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Someone has said that “gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”
President Monson said: A grateful heart, then, comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives. This requires conscious effort—at least until we have truly learned and cultivated an attitude of gratitude. Often we feel grateful and intend to express our thanks but forget to do so or just don’t get around to it. Someone has said that “feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” Wow, I have been guilty of this on more then one occasion. My thanks to my family and friends who have been there for me through the most difficult times of my life.
I am grateful for those that are positive influences in my life. I hope to cultivate in my heart an attitude of gratitude especially in difficult times. As I struggled through divorce there were those who were angels in my life. I will forever be grateful to Bobbie Lake, Kathy Schatz, Gloria Marlowe, Amanda & Jeff Jackson, Michelle Adams, President and Sister Sweeney, President Hartman, President Padgett, Dave Thompson, Sharon Friddle and many more of my dear friends in Florida who were there when I needed it most. The surprise visits, the phone calls, the help with kids, the kind words. I knew that the Lord was aware of me and my children. The help has continued in Cedar City through family and a few new friends that have been tremendous. I love you all and am so grateful for the love you have given to me and to Natty, Jack and Andy.
One final thought from President Monson. "When we encounter challenges and problems in our lives, it is often difficult for us to focus on our blessings. However, if we reach deep enough and look hard enough, we will be able to feel and recognize just how much we have been given." I am so thankful for the Savior who has been my greatest friend and strength. In my most difficult and lowest times I was reassured of his love for me. I know that he lives and I am grateful for that knowledge.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
They Might Have Joy
I have to say the I had the most wonderful date tonight with the most wonderful woman. My goodness, I can't even sit still right now and I don't really know what to say. What I do declare is that men are that they might have joy. Tonight, I had joy and it was amazing. I have written about Heidi a couple of times in different posts. She is the most wonderful woman of which I speak. With her I feel that I have found something that has been missing for a very long time. It is new to me yet very familiar and very much welcome. I am grateful for her friendship and I love being with her and simply holding her hand. Yes, tonight we held hands, I didn't want to let go. It is scary yet wonderful. I have hope and for that I am grateful.
Friday, November 19, 2010
A Favorite
At 12 years of age I conducted an Eagle Court of Honor for Jim. It was a great evening. Funny how certain things create a lasting memory. Sorry Jim that this memory isn't entirely based on you receiving your Eagle or the emotional Eagle response you gave. It isn't about the hoop dancer and the story of the eagle feather. It isn't about Jay standing lock kneed and nearly passing out on the stage during the trail to eagle presentation. No, this is solely a memory of Alfred Walter Fontano and the talk he gave that night. I have no other memories of Grandpa speaking, just this one.
Grandpa Alfred shared a few stories and then a poem that has become one of my favorites.
There was the story of the shoe repair, the story of the short cut through the graveyard on a stormy night. The poem, It Couldn't be Done by Edgar Guest.
It Couldn't Be Done
Edgar Guest
Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.
Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;
At least no one ever has done it";
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.
There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That "cannot be done," and you'll do it.
I love this poem. I have shared it many times. On a day when some doubts tried to creep into my mind it was nice to remember this. Thanks Grandpa.
Grandpa Alfred shared a few stories and then a poem that has become one of my favorites.
There was the story of the shoe repair, the story of the short cut through the graveyard on a stormy night. The poem, It Couldn't be Done by Edgar Guest.
It Couldn't Be Done
Edgar Guest
Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.
Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;
At least no one ever has done it";
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.
There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That "cannot be done," and you'll do it.
I love this poem. I have shared it many times. On a day when some doubts tried to creep into my mind it was nice to remember this. Thanks Grandpa.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Rocky
I am making a transition in my workout schedule. This is big news so it gets attention on the blog. Okay. Well, I have gone from the old 1 AM workout schedule to getting up a little earlier in the morning and giving it a go. Traditionally I am not a guy who gets up early to workout but the last two days have been just fine - in fact this morning I woke up 10 minutes before the alarm and was ready to go. Good to get the blood flowing first thing like that.
Now, I will be curious as to how it goes tomorrow. Over the last two mornings I worked out to the movie Rocky Balboa. Love the Italian Stallion. After Rocky V I was a little, no, I was highly doubtful of the next installment. Pleasantly surprised. As a matter of fact I am thinking pretty seriously about getting me some grey sweats, some Chuck Taylor's, a black beanie and taking it to the streets. Just give me a little Rocky theme music and I am on fire. It made for a good run and I cleared a 10K in 55 minutes. Sylvester Stallone plays a great boxer. I don't know that he plays anything else quite as good as he plays Rocky Balboa.
I couldn't help but think about the stories of me running through the neighborhood when I was just a wee fella smiling and waiving to everyone just like Rocky. I threw out a few waives from the elliptical just for fun. I just kind of laughed at the goofy memories from the past.
The rest of the day was great. Andy came and gave me a hand this morning on a little service project. Just out doing a little yard work which is one of my favorite things to do. We also had Andy's last swimming lesson. He has really enjoyed that. I am hoping that he will continue doing better in the water.
As I was driving Andy to school we went by Jacks school and saw him sitting by the fence at recess with a little girl. It was Hanna who is one of his girl friends. Hanna was also at the pool tonight and Jack was excited to see her. It was cute watching Jack interact with his friend. He ran over to talk to her at the pool as Natty and I looked on. He told her he loved her and then she said something back. Jack trotted back over to us and Natty asked what he said and then what she said in reply. Her reply, "I love you too". With this little boy that has always played alone and stood away from the crowd we have seen such a change in the last 6 months. I wondered what recess was like for him at school and now I know, he hangs out with his little girl friend and they tell knock knock jokes.
Natty had a fine day. She is sure a funny lady. She wants to join the swim team and that is great. She is definitely a fish and loves being in the water. Speaking of fish, her turtle got a few feeder fish yesterday and gave us a little excitement when he tore into one. It reminded me of Jays Oscars when we were growing up. Anyhow fun times.
Well, I am in edit mode right now. It is Friday morning and before I go run I had to look this over. I was so tired last night that there were several unfinished thoughts and this needed some serious work. I still fall asleep in my journal but now instead of wondering what that squiggly line meant I can simply see where I made it to, remember the thought and finish it. Oh the wonders of technology. I have to run now, literally, or my time will be gone.
Now, I will be curious as to how it goes tomorrow. Over the last two mornings I worked out to the movie Rocky Balboa. Love the Italian Stallion. After Rocky V I was a little, no, I was highly doubtful of the next installment. Pleasantly surprised. As a matter of fact I am thinking pretty seriously about getting me some grey sweats, some Chuck Taylor's, a black beanie and taking it to the streets. Just give me a little Rocky theme music and I am on fire. It made for a good run and I cleared a 10K in 55 minutes. Sylvester Stallone plays a great boxer. I don't know that he plays anything else quite as good as he plays Rocky Balboa.
I couldn't help but think about the stories of me running through the neighborhood when I was just a wee fella smiling and waiving to everyone just like Rocky. I threw out a few waives from the elliptical just for fun. I just kind of laughed at the goofy memories from the past.
The rest of the day was great. Andy came and gave me a hand this morning on a little service project. Just out doing a little yard work which is one of my favorite things to do. We also had Andy's last swimming lesson. He has really enjoyed that. I am hoping that he will continue doing better in the water.
As I was driving Andy to school we went by Jacks school and saw him sitting by the fence at recess with a little girl. It was Hanna who is one of his girl friends. Hanna was also at the pool tonight and Jack was excited to see her. It was cute watching Jack interact with his friend. He ran over to talk to her at the pool as Natty and I looked on. He told her he loved her and then she said something back. Jack trotted back over to us and Natty asked what he said and then what she said in reply. Her reply, "I love you too". With this little boy that has always played alone and stood away from the crowd we have seen such a change in the last 6 months. I wondered what recess was like for him at school and now I know, he hangs out with his little girl friend and they tell knock knock jokes.
Natty had a fine day. She is sure a funny lady. She wants to join the swim team and that is great. She is definitely a fish and loves being in the water. Speaking of fish, her turtle got a few feeder fish yesterday and gave us a little excitement when he tore into one. It reminded me of Jays Oscars when we were growing up. Anyhow fun times.
Well, I am in edit mode right now. It is Friday morning and before I go run I had to look this over. I was so tired last night that there were several unfinished thoughts and this needed some serious work. I still fall asleep in my journal but now instead of wondering what that squiggly line meant I can simply see where I made it to, remember the thought and finish it. Oh the wonders of technology. I have to run now, literally, or my time will be gone.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Ribbon Cutting
The Little Brick House officially cut its ribbon around noon today. It was fantastic. A large group of Ambassador members from the Chamber of Commerce came in and all gather round on the steps of the LBH while mom cut the ribbon. They were really nice folks and definitely part of the crowd we need to attract for the gift basket side of things. Pops is a natural out there chumming it up with everyone and mom was just her sweet self. Then the moment came when she told them all she wanted to beat them with a stick at times and that was a bit awkward. Only kidding, she only does that type of thing at the pulpit when speaking to the congregation. We had a little excitement with the festivities as the power went out and the planned soup was cold. We managed to get the meal covered with some sandwiches. It only took 1 trip to the store and a couple trips to my house to get it covered. Jack and AndyBoy hung out with me all morning and did great. We did get to enjoy a classic Jack moment when he went up to one of the guests, did a little double hand push on his belly and said "You're plump!" Oh you have to love that Jack just says it like it is. He has been a little under the weather and wasn't quite ready to go back to school this morning. We have been negotiating his return tomorrow morning. He has been trying to work me for two more days with John.
So, we had no power for most of the day and the store stayed pretty busy. Maybe people got out and about because they had no power. Hope that we continue to pick up in traffic. This was our best Wednesday to date. As we get the gift baskets moving we should see even better days. Pray for that if you will and if you need any gift baskets, let us know. Our special family rate is only double what we normally charge. That is pretty good right there.
I need to provide an update on yesterdays post. Heidi got word back from the hospital this morning and Paige is scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. So, keep them in your thoughts and prayers if you would. In other Heidi news, I am going on a date with Heidi on Saturday.
A few final notes on the day. Andy has great teeth (not anything I have done). He had a check up today and had not cavities and looked really good. We got a few feeder fish for Natty's turtle. At first he seemed confused about it but after Scripture and Prayer George (that's the turtle) was ready to chomp and tore into one of the fish. Reminded me of the old Oscar days. I did one of my favorite things and worked in the yard for a bit. I think it was the final trim of the year. That is a little different as Florida provided year round entertainment in the yard. Ahhh, there will be snow to shovel! Oh, did I mention that I am going on a date with Heidi?
So, we had no power for most of the day and the store stayed pretty busy. Maybe people got out and about because they had no power. Hope that we continue to pick up in traffic. This was our best Wednesday to date. As we get the gift baskets moving we should see even better days. Pray for that if you will and if you need any gift baskets, let us know. Our special family rate is only double what we normally charge. That is pretty good right there.
I need to provide an update on yesterdays post. Heidi got word back from the hospital this morning and Paige is scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. So, keep them in your thoughts and prayers if you would. In other Heidi news, I am going on a date with Heidi on Saturday.
A few final notes on the day. Andy has great teeth (not anything I have done). He had a check up today and had not cavities and looked really good. We got a few feeder fish for Natty's turtle. At first he seemed confused about it but after Scripture and Prayer George (that's the turtle) was ready to chomp and tore into one of the fish. Reminded me of the old Oscar days. I did one of my favorite things and worked in the yard for a bit. I think it was the final trim of the year. That is a little different as Florida provided year round entertainment in the yard. Ahhh, there will be snow to shovel! Oh, did I mention that I am going on a date with Heidi?
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Heidi and Paige
So today has been a great day. It is grand opening week at the Little Brick House and that has been fun. We've had a fair amount of traffic coming through and it is good that people are finding us. Everyone really likes the shop. Certainly we could stand to have more of those people purchasing items but recognize that the first part of a successful business is to plant seeds for future harvesting. Our goal is to provide an amazing experience for every customer that walks through the door and to exceed expectations. I have watched mom run her shop and she is great at just getting in and talking to people. Amy likewise is a natural at this as is Padre.
Heidi came in for a tour of the shop today with her sister and niece. I suppose I should find out from Heidi if it is okay that I talk about her on my blog - Heidi? Anyhow, she liked the shop and the fam. That is good. After the visit I took Andy to school and when I got back Amy decided to give me a hard time. It was good up until I got emotional and couldn't talk anymore. That almost sounds like Amy picked on me until I cried. Not quite. Amy just expressed her observations and determined that I like this Heidi gal by the way I looked at her. I couldn't deny that I like said Heidi and went on to discuss that further but didn't get very far. I will just say that I am grateful for a good friend who understands much of what I have gone through, shares in some of the same insecurities I do and who loves the Lord. Don't know if that answers any of the questions you have.
Now, let me move on to the title of my post here. Who is Paige? Heidi has 5 children. The youngest two are twin girls that are 16 months old. They are as cute as can be. Paige is one of the twins. She is a doll. Without going into too much detail I will just share that Heidi found a lump on Paige's back a few weeks ago and it is cancerous. They are heading up to Primary Children's Hospital tomorrow and will be there for a few days. This is a very scary thing. So fam, if any of you are actually following this blog, please remember to pray for little Paige and Heidi. I appreciate very much your thoughts and prayers.
Heidi came in for a tour of the shop today with her sister and niece. I suppose I should find out from Heidi if it is okay that I talk about her on my blog - Heidi? Anyhow, she liked the shop and the fam. That is good. After the visit I took Andy to school and when I got back Amy decided to give me a hard time. It was good up until I got emotional and couldn't talk anymore. That almost sounds like Amy picked on me until I cried. Not quite. Amy just expressed her observations and determined that I like this Heidi gal by the way I looked at her. I couldn't deny that I like said Heidi and went on to discuss that further but didn't get very far. I will just say that I am grateful for a good friend who understands much of what I have gone through, shares in some of the same insecurities I do and who loves the Lord. Don't know if that answers any of the questions you have.
Now, let me move on to the title of my post here. Who is Paige? Heidi has 5 children. The youngest two are twin girls that are 16 months old. They are as cute as can be. Paige is one of the twins. She is a doll. Without going into too much detail I will just share that Heidi found a lump on Paige's back a few weeks ago and it is cancerous. They are heading up to Primary Children's Hospital tomorrow and will be there for a few days. This is a very scary thing. So fam, if any of you are actually following this blog, please remember to pray for little Paige and Heidi. I appreciate very much your thoughts and prayers.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Why So Shy?
So I have been shy my entire life. There are times when you simply cannot be shy, take a sales call for instance, you have to approach a complete stranger and become friends with them in a matter of seconds. Funny how I excelled at that but I have a hard time when it is on a personal level.
Tonight we had a nice get together with Heidi Gilmore and her kids. We had some dinner, a little FHE lesson and then we fired up the Karaoke machine. Usually I do pretty good with that and I have no problem singing with the kids or even singing at a party with lots of onlookers. Well, you know my artist of choice is Neil. Heidi was wanting to hear me sing a little Neil and I froze up, wimped out, just couldn't muster up enough courage to go for it. So disappointed in myself. I will have to turn this into a positive and just invite Heidi out to another Karaoke party and then "sing, sing a song. sing, sing a song of songs. sing it out, sing it strong, sing it, sing it, sing it yeah..." Sorry all for the lack of courage. I will do better.
As far as the rest of the night, I think the kids had a wonderful time. There were new things to explore, new games to try. Jack whooped up on me in his first game a battleship, Natty was in Heaven and Andy was fantastic with the front loader (except for the times that Jack was trying to take it away), they enjoyed Hungry Hippos, Mouse Trap and other games. At one point Jack came in and was excited to show us his Snake. I enjoyed the visit as well.
On another note when we got home Jack had hit us with a new quote. "Fontano is long, it wraps around the whole town." He certainly connected something long with his long last name. Also, Grand Opening week at the Little Brick House. Ma was interviewed on the radio this morning and was a natural. When she completely forgot the phone number she just kind of played it down all cool like. She was great.
Tonight we had a nice get together with Heidi Gilmore and her kids. We had some dinner, a little FHE lesson and then we fired up the Karaoke machine. Usually I do pretty good with that and I have no problem singing with the kids or even singing at a party with lots of onlookers. Well, you know my artist of choice is Neil. Heidi was wanting to hear me sing a little Neil and I froze up, wimped out, just couldn't muster up enough courage to go for it. So disappointed in myself. I will have to turn this into a positive and just invite Heidi out to another Karaoke party and then "sing, sing a song. sing, sing a song of songs. sing it out, sing it strong, sing it, sing it, sing it yeah..." Sorry all for the lack of courage. I will do better.
As far as the rest of the night, I think the kids had a wonderful time. There were new things to explore, new games to try. Jack whooped up on me in his first game a battleship, Natty was in Heaven and Andy was fantastic with the front loader (except for the times that Jack was trying to take it away), they enjoyed Hungry Hippos, Mouse Trap and other games. At one point Jack came in and was excited to show us his Snake. I enjoyed the visit as well.
On another note when we got home Jack had hit us with a new quote. "Fontano is long, it wraps around the whole town." He certainly connected something long with his long last name. Also, Grand Opening week at the Little Brick House. Ma was interviewed on the radio this morning and was a natural. When she completely forgot the phone number she just kind of played it down all cool like. She was great.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Primary Program is a Miracle
I don't know how many people look at the Primary Program and think it's a miracle. Perhaps the Primary presidency and a few parents. I was so moved today by the program in our ward and felt that in fact it was a miracle. It was a miracle to me because of my sweet little Jack. 8 months ago he would not go to primary. He couldn't stand sharing time or any of the singing. Hated it. He had spent the entire year prior in nursery with me and Andy because he just couldn't handle the other. I was so nervous when we moved to Cedar City that Jack would continue to be a major hardship at church. The opposite has been the case. He has done so well (with the exception of punching his cousin in the head today - sorry Jake). To see him up on the stand with the other primary children, singing the songs and saying his part was nothing short of a miracle to me. With the little mans sensory issues he has had serious challenges with noise and the singing really puts him off. Well, don't know what Sister Fox has done but Jack is a changed man. He loves to sing now. I am so grateful.
All the kids did so great. It was a really well done program. I made a few quick notes about the program and my kids.
Natty Sue
* Just breathe. Poor child was very nervous.
* Love her beautiful smile.
* Did a great job sharing her talk and story and did a great job on all the songs.
Jackson Boy
* What an animated face maker.
* The boy loved the singing and did such a fine job today emphasizing the last note.
* Jackson on the mic.
AndyBoy
* Where's Andy - could barely see the top of his head when he was sitting.
* Andy in control, letting Anna and I know who is in charge while singing.
* Great job on his part - God is the Father of my Spirit.
I opened the scriptures to 3 Nephi 17 during the program and was just moved by the spirit. This has always been one of my favorite chapters as the Savior gathers the people, heals them, prays for them, and blesses the children. I could feel that love today as a child of a loving Heavenly Father. The Lord still gathers and blesses his children. He knows and loves each of us. I am grateful for the primary children that participated today and for the Spirit that was in that meeting.
All the kids did so great. It was a really well done program. I made a few quick notes about the program and my kids.
Natty Sue
* Just breathe. Poor child was very nervous.
* Love her beautiful smile.
* Did a great job sharing her talk and story and did a great job on all the songs.
Jackson Boy
* What an animated face maker.
* The boy loved the singing and did such a fine job today emphasizing the last note.
* Jackson on the mic.
AndyBoy
* Where's Andy - could barely see the top of his head when he was sitting.
* Andy in control, letting Anna and I know who is in charge while singing.
* Great job on his part - God is the Father of my Spirit.
I opened the scriptures to 3 Nephi 17 during the program and was just moved by the spirit. This has always been one of my favorite chapters as the Savior gathers the people, heals them, prays for them, and blesses the children. I could feel that love today as a child of a loving Heavenly Father. The Lord still gathers and blesses his children. He knows and loves each of us. I am grateful for the primary children that participated today and for the Spirit that was in that meeting.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
A Wee Bit of Poetry
In the last few weeks I have discovered that my kids love poetry. We have had a lot of fun reading Falling Up by Shel Silverstein - a few times. We have all of these daily reading requirements with Jack's school and more reading requirements for Andy. So Jack and I will work on his daily Take Home Library book, we will work on his site words and his spelling words and then we get to sit down with our poetry. I end up with both boys sitting on each side of me and looking at the book intently. Typically Andy wiggles his way into my lap and then gets his huge head in my way so that I cannot read the poem. Have you seen the size of that boys noggin? Anyhow, Natty usually sits on one of the chairs on the opposite side of the room reading her book but still listening in on the poems. There are a few favorites but at the top of the list is a poem called No. The kids laugh and laugh at this poem - perhaps it is more because of the last line and the accompanying picture. Anyway, for your reading pleasure here is the poem:
No by Shel Silverstein
No smoking
No spitting
No loitering
No littering
No drinking
No Eating
No Parking
No Speeding
No fishing
No floating
No swimming
No boating
No surfing
No hiking
No hunting
No biking
No running
No skipping
No skinny-dipping
No volleyball players
No spray can sprayers
No fly rod casters
No boom box blasters
No trash leavers
No Frisbee heavers
Hey - It didn't say no Beavers!
The picture is a big sign at the park that is fastened to a wooden post. The poem is written down the sign. The post has been completely chewed around and there is a beaver walking off and looking at the reader. The beaver says "Hey - it didn't say no beavers"! I like to add in "eh" at the end.
So there are many others that just make them laugh and laugh. It is great fun to read this with them. On a good day I make it very dramatic for them with random pauses in the poem. Then Jack will wake me up to get me rolling again.
We are looking forward to more poetry books for our collection. I know what I am putting on the Christmas list anyway. Tonight we mixed it up a bit and started reading It's not easy being Green. It is a Jim Henson, Muppet quote book and other thoughts. They were loving that one too and got to enjoy a special musical number by "John" doing his best Kermit the Frog impersonation and singing the Rainbow Connection. I am sure I will get to sing that a few hundred times in the coming weeks. We shall see.
No by Shel Silverstein
No smoking
No spitting
No loitering
No littering
No drinking
No Eating
No Parking
No Speeding
No fishing
No floating
No swimming
No boating
No surfing
No hiking
No hunting
No biking
No running
No skipping
No skinny-dipping
No volleyball players
No spray can sprayers
No fly rod casters
No boom box blasters
No trash leavers
No Frisbee heavers
Hey - It didn't say no Beavers!
The picture is a big sign at the park that is fastened to a wooden post. The poem is written down the sign. The post has been completely chewed around and there is a beaver walking off and looking at the reader. The beaver says "Hey - it didn't say no beavers"! I like to add in "eh" at the end.
So there are many others that just make them laugh and laugh. It is great fun to read this with them. On a good day I make it very dramatic for them with random pauses in the poem. Then Jack will wake me up to get me rolling again.
We are looking forward to more poetry books for our collection. I know what I am putting on the Christmas list anyway. Tonight we mixed it up a bit and started reading It's not easy being Green. It is a Jim Henson, Muppet quote book and other thoughts. They were loving that one too and got to enjoy a special musical number by "John" doing his best Kermit the Frog impersonation and singing the Rainbow Connection. I am sure I will get to sing that a few hundred times in the coming weeks. We shall see.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Training Fleas
Okay, I have been pondering this blog thing and thinking about some of the things that I need to record. This is not so much what happened in our lives today as it is a lesson I was taught 17 years ago in the mission field. President Kenneth S. Armstrong taught this in a Zone Conference and it was something I loved then and love still today. I have used this lesson as the Scout Master with my scouts, I have used it when teaching the Elders Quorum and also while training sales people, service technicians and managers. I recall sitting in a Focus on the Future conference in Las Vegas back in 2005 and being pleasantly surprised when the speaker, Krish Dhanam, taught the same lesson. It was very cool. Later I was listening to a Zig Ziglar cd on sales and he taught the same lesson. Well, Krish Dhanam worked for Ziglar and President Armstrong had a business where he specialized in training sales people. I suspect that he learned the lesson on training fleas from Zig Ziglar (considered one of the greatest sales trainers ever). Well, a lot of rambling here but that is my history with this lesson.
Training Fleas.
How high or far can a flea jump? Fleas have been known to jump up to 6 feet or roughly 350 times their body length. That is quite impressive. If you were to take a flea and place it in a jar it would have no problem jumping out of that jar. To train a flea however, all you need to do is place the lid on the jar. After the flea jumps and rams its head into the lid of the jar a few times it will realize that it hurts. As it recognizes the pain that exists when it hits the lid it makes a change to its jumping power. Suddenly it will no longer jump to its potential but will jump only to a height just under that of the lid on the jar. It believes that if it jumps any higher it will hit the lid and it will experience pain. So what happens if the lid of the jar is removed? It does not matter, the flea believes that the lid exists and that there will be pain when it jumps to that height or beyond. The flea has successfully been trained. The sad part is that it will never jump to its potential because it believes that there is a lid and pain preventing it from doing so.
Whenever I teach this I like to add my own thoughts and that is simply this: Don't Be a Flea! The experiences we are sometimes called to endure can be painful, they can be hard and we may hit our heads a few times. There is nothing that says this life is going to be easy. The key is to go forward with faith, believing that you can achieve whatever it is you set out to do. When we fail, when we hit our heads it hurts but we need to get up and try, try again. The lid will not always be there and our potential to do is far greater then the limitations of the lid. In the last couple of years I started using one of President Monsons quotes a long with this. He has quoted this a few times, you may recognize it. "If we do not try then we cannot do, and if we cannot do then why are we here?"
Okay, so that is pretty much the lesson on Training Fleas. Though it is not directly associated with the activities of this day I have had several occassions over the last few months when this lesson has come to mind. There are moments when different experiences have left me believing that lids exist and I find myself afraid and wanting to give up. It is in these times that a gentle reminder comes and I reminded what I was previously taught; Dont Be a Flea.
Training Fleas.
How high or far can a flea jump? Fleas have been known to jump up to 6 feet or roughly 350 times their body length. That is quite impressive. If you were to take a flea and place it in a jar it would have no problem jumping out of that jar. To train a flea however, all you need to do is place the lid on the jar. After the flea jumps and rams its head into the lid of the jar a few times it will realize that it hurts. As it recognizes the pain that exists when it hits the lid it makes a change to its jumping power. Suddenly it will no longer jump to its potential but will jump only to a height just under that of the lid on the jar. It believes that if it jumps any higher it will hit the lid and it will experience pain. So what happens if the lid of the jar is removed? It does not matter, the flea believes that the lid exists and that there will be pain when it jumps to that height or beyond. The flea has successfully been trained. The sad part is that it will never jump to its potential because it believes that there is a lid and pain preventing it from doing so.
Whenever I teach this I like to add my own thoughts and that is simply this: Don't Be a Flea! The experiences we are sometimes called to endure can be painful, they can be hard and we may hit our heads a few times. There is nothing that says this life is going to be easy. The key is to go forward with faith, believing that you can achieve whatever it is you set out to do. When we fail, when we hit our heads it hurts but we need to get up and try, try again. The lid will not always be there and our potential to do is far greater then the limitations of the lid. In the last couple of years I started using one of President Monsons quotes a long with this. He has quoted this a few times, you may recognize it. "If we do not try then we cannot do, and if we cannot do then why are we here?"
Okay, so that is pretty much the lesson on Training Fleas. Though it is not directly associated with the activities of this day I have had several occassions over the last few months when this lesson has come to mind. There are moments when different experiences have left me believing that lids exist and I find myself afraid and wanting to give up. It is in these times that a gentle reminder comes and I reminded what I was previously taught; Dont Be a Flea.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Snow
I found myself standing outside on the front porch at midnight watching the snow come down. There is something about snow falling that is so peaceful. I love the white blanket over everything and the glow that accompanies it. It has been just shy of 6 years since I have experienced a snow storm. We didn't get too many of them in Florida. It reminded me of the snow falling exitement I felt as a 17 year old when we moved to Carson City from Honolulu. Like Florida we didn't see much snow in Hawaii so after 4 years I was excited. I remember the night of the storm that we were all outside running around and just enjoying ourselves.
Well, I didn't go out and run around in the snow at midnight last night but Natty, Jack and Andy were absolutely loving it - earlier in the evening anyway. They were out making snow angels and running around at 6 PM when there was almost no accumulation. It was fun to see their light angels when we headed to the car and home. They were even more excited this morning when they found a couple of inches on the ground. Part of school prep included a couple of snowballs and running around in the front yard for a few minutes. After Natty and Jack left for school all Andy wanted to do was go play in the snow. He was completely soaked after a while and so a complete change of clothes were in order. It didn't take too long for Andy to come to the realization that snow is cold.
Our beatiful snow covered yard was gone in no time but that was okay because the kids loved it. When Natty and Jack got home from school they were right back out there in it. I think Natalie successfully rolled all of the snow in the yard up to one big snow ball. Jayson and Jaykob were here playing and all the kids actually did really well running in and out of the house, throwing snowballs, and whatever else they felt like doing.
As for me, I prefer the peaceful falling snow over running around in it these days. I've also discovered that I have become somewhat of a cold weather wuss. Perhaps too many years in the sunshine state. I do love a good snow storm.
On another topic; I must share Jacks customer service skills. After making snow angels around the shop they all came in side. There was a customer checking out at the register and Jack walkied right up to her, placed his hand on her arm and asked her for her name. It is funny to watch people react to Jacks advances. Anyway, she politely told Jack her name. Jack then said, "You have a nice ride." She chuckled, they chatted some more and then she was off. I have always enjoyed watching Jack interact with people. He just has this ability to love everyone and is not shy at all. I have always been shy. Perhaps that is why I find Jack so entertaining. He sure enjoys interacting with everyone that comes into the Little Brick House.
Well, I didn't go out and run around in the snow at midnight last night but Natty, Jack and Andy were absolutely loving it - earlier in the evening anyway. They were out making snow angels and running around at 6 PM when there was almost no accumulation. It was fun to see their light angels when we headed to the car and home. They were even more excited this morning when they found a couple of inches on the ground. Part of school prep included a couple of snowballs and running around in the front yard for a few minutes. After Natty and Jack left for school all Andy wanted to do was go play in the snow. He was completely soaked after a while and so a complete change of clothes were in order. It didn't take too long for Andy to come to the realization that snow is cold.
Our beatiful snow covered yard was gone in no time but that was okay because the kids loved it. When Natty and Jack got home from school they were right back out there in it. I think Natalie successfully rolled all of the snow in the yard up to one big snow ball. Jayson and Jaykob were here playing and all the kids actually did really well running in and out of the house, throwing snowballs, and whatever else they felt like doing.
As for me, I prefer the peaceful falling snow over running around in it these days. I've also discovered that I have become somewhat of a cold weather wuss. Perhaps too many years in the sunshine state. I do love a good snow storm.
On another topic; I must share Jacks customer service skills. After making snow angels around the shop they all came in side. There was a customer checking out at the register and Jack walkied right up to her, placed his hand on her arm and asked her for her name. It is funny to watch people react to Jacks advances. Anyway, she politely told Jack her name. Jack then said, "You have a nice ride." She chuckled, they chatted some more and then she was off. I have always enjoyed watching Jack interact with people. He just has this ability to love everyone and is not shy at all. I have always been shy. Perhaps that is why I find Jack so entertaining. He sure enjoys interacting with everyone that comes into the Little Brick House.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Getting Started
Wow. This is a bit of a change of pace for me. We will see how this goes and hope that we are successful. I have previously blogged only on the Fontano Family Blog. That was a lot of fun when we all contributed but unfortunately it has pretty well died. This is a bit of a different forum as I am aiming for more of a personal journal and family history of sorts.
As a young man I received my Patriarchal Blessing and in it I am told to keep a journal. I started that primarily as a missionary in the South Africa Cape Town Mission. I was completely inconsistent in my journaling at the start. One night we were showing a video to some investigators that inspired me to begin keeping my journal daily. That was late in 1994. Since that time I have never missed a day. Impressive right? Well, try and read it. My handwriting is terrible. You would think that I would have incredible handwriting after 16 years but such is not the case. Sometimes it is good, sometimes not so good. My favorites are the days when I fall asleep while writing. There have also been times when my entries have followed the same theme over and over again.
In any case, I have felt a need for quite a while to make some changes to my journaling. I have been thinking about simply doing an electronic journal in Word but then I was invited to follow a friends blog a week ago. I was extremely impressed with how nice her blog is and all the fun things she does. I've started out somewhat basic here but I may borrow some of her creativity to help enhance this record. Special thanks to Heidi Gilmore for the inspiration.
I am going to attempt to make this fun, uplifting and historical. My goal will be to focus on the positive in life. I have done my best to maintain that in my journaling and will continue that here. I remember giving a presentation on journaling to a group of Relief Society sisters one night in the Highlands Ward in Lakeland Florida. While discussing recording the positive things in our lives one sister raised her hand to challenge me on the point. She so badly wanted me to validate her spending time recording all the bad stuff about life. How depressing is that? Not saying that I haven't had hard times or that I look at life through rose colored lenses, I don't. I have had moments where I have recorded some very difficult things. The last two years of my life have included painful experiences and moments of tremendous sadness. Much of it is recorded in my journal but included with it is record of the blessings that came during these times.
I believe that there is great strength that comes to us as we recognize the Lords hand in our lives. Certainly we can focus on all that is wrong in our lives and we can probably fill volumes with it but what is the value in that? We should keep record of our trials and afflictions as they are part of our lives but in that record we should take time to ponder and to look for the Lord. We will find that He is there, that He is aware of who we are and that He is able to deliver us. Doing so strengthens our faith and affords us the opportunity to record our testimonies of the Savior. Is there are greater gift that we can give to our posterity?
Many years ago I found a scrap of paper that had a little poem on it. The note was written by my grandfather, Alfred Walter Fontano. I don't know if he is that author of the little saying or if it was written by another but I like to believe he wrote it. He loved writing little poems and the saying certainly reflects the man that he was. It said:
Don't look at the flaws as you go through life
And even if you find em
Tis wise and kind to be somewhat blind
And look at the virtues behind em
That has been who I want to be for many years. I am not very good at it but I hope to see others for their potential as a son or daughter of God and not for the weaknesses they may have now. I hope to see the events in my life in the same light and that is what I will attempt to record. There will be personal feelings and experiences as well as family experiences. I hope this to be a fun thing for me and for those who share in it.
Okay, I was done but now have to say that the spell checking feature in the blogger is very nice. I suddenly became a much better speller. I never found a journal with that feature.
As a young man I received my Patriarchal Blessing and in it I am told to keep a journal. I started that primarily as a missionary in the South Africa Cape Town Mission. I was completely inconsistent in my journaling at the start. One night we were showing a video to some investigators that inspired me to begin keeping my journal daily. That was late in 1994. Since that time I have never missed a day. Impressive right? Well, try and read it. My handwriting is terrible. You would think that I would have incredible handwriting after 16 years but such is not the case. Sometimes it is good, sometimes not so good. My favorites are the days when I fall asleep while writing. There have also been times when my entries have followed the same theme over and over again.
In any case, I have felt a need for quite a while to make some changes to my journaling. I have been thinking about simply doing an electronic journal in Word but then I was invited to follow a friends blog a week ago. I was extremely impressed with how nice her blog is and all the fun things she does. I've started out somewhat basic here but I may borrow some of her creativity to help enhance this record. Special thanks to Heidi Gilmore for the inspiration.
I am going to attempt to make this fun, uplifting and historical. My goal will be to focus on the positive in life. I have done my best to maintain that in my journaling and will continue that here. I remember giving a presentation on journaling to a group of Relief Society sisters one night in the Highlands Ward in Lakeland Florida. While discussing recording the positive things in our lives one sister raised her hand to challenge me on the point. She so badly wanted me to validate her spending time recording all the bad stuff about life. How depressing is that? Not saying that I haven't had hard times or that I look at life through rose colored lenses, I don't. I have had moments where I have recorded some very difficult things. The last two years of my life have included painful experiences and moments of tremendous sadness. Much of it is recorded in my journal but included with it is record of the blessings that came during these times.
I believe that there is great strength that comes to us as we recognize the Lords hand in our lives. Certainly we can focus on all that is wrong in our lives and we can probably fill volumes with it but what is the value in that? We should keep record of our trials and afflictions as they are part of our lives but in that record we should take time to ponder and to look for the Lord. We will find that He is there, that He is aware of who we are and that He is able to deliver us. Doing so strengthens our faith and affords us the opportunity to record our testimonies of the Savior. Is there are greater gift that we can give to our posterity?
Many years ago I found a scrap of paper that had a little poem on it. The note was written by my grandfather, Alfred Walter Fontano. I don't know if he is that author of the little saying or if it was written by another but I like to believe he wrote it. He loved writing little poems and the saying certainly reflects the man that he was. It said:
Don't look at the flaws as you go through life
And even if you find em
Tis wise and kind to be somewhat blind
And look at the virtues behind em
That has been who I want to be for many years. I am not very good at it but I hope to see others for their potential as a son or daughter of God and not for the weaknesses they may have now. I hope to see the events in my life in the same light and that is what I will attempt to record. There will be personal feelings and experiences as well as family experiences. I hope this to be a fun thing for me and for those who share in it.
Okay, I was done but now have to say that the spell checking feature in the blogger is very nice. I suddenly became a much better speller. I never found a journal with that feature.
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