Best Seats... Again!

Dave sent me a message late this morning asking if I would like to help out with the chains at the SUU game today.  I was able to work things out for the boys to go with grandma for halloween, they were already going to go a little later because of Stake Conference tonight but ma took them a little early.  I appreciate that.  This is one of those things that I enjoy doing and it gives me roughly 3 or 4 hours of me time.  There is also no better seat in the house than being right down there on the field in line with every play.  That is awesome stuff. SUU plays at a fast tempo so one has to move fairly quickly with the chains, the box, the clips and my part, the carpet.  Technically I don't know if what I do is called the carpet or if the regular crew just calls it the carpet because at the high school level that is what they are using. Anyhow, I put down the arrow to mark the first down line. Pretty exciting I know.  The seats are definitely the best in the house.  Heck of a game there for SUU. 

The Chains

The Cedar High School Redman Varsity Football team had a game tonight as playoff football begins.  They played a team called Judge Memorial which is apparently a Catholic school.  I assume it is in Salt Lake but I actually don't know.  Anyhow, I  had the opportunity to work with the chain crew for the game with Dave, his father in law and others.  I've been able to do it a couple of times this season and it is one of my favorite things to do.  Tickets on the 50 have nothing on being right there on the field with direct line of sight for every play of the game.  Had a little excitement come my way as the QB for Cedar took off on a run play and was tackled on the slide line right into where I was standing.  Had a few plays come out towards the sideline.  Exciting stuff.  Well, it was a tough game and this team had some players that were big, really big.  They were a good team and it was a close game.  With under a minute on the clock Cedar was marching down the field and they were looking good then they called a timeout and when play resumed they immediately had a bad snap and lost yardage.  The next play they false started and pushed the ball back another 5 yards.  Time was winding down and they were down by 3.  Right then they had a beautiful pass over the center of the field that was like a miracle catch.  They were stopped just shy of the goal line and then they came up to the line and punched it in for what seemed to be the win with 7 seconds left on the clock.  Wouldn't you know it, they kicked off the ball and the other team ran it all the way back for the touchdown.  Fortunately for Cedar there was a completely obvious block in the back of the last guy that could make the saving tackle and the touchdown was called back.  With no time on the clock Judge Memorial had one last shot and that didn't pan out for them.  It was a great end to a great game.  I definitely enjoy hanging out with the chain gang. 

Strong Girl

I wrote last night about some things that Natty Sue is going through.  Today she had a much better day and worked some things out with some people.  She also simply told people that confronted her about certain rumors that they were not the truth.  I love that she has found this strength. This girl is quite the character and she is a girl of character.  It isn't easy to deal with some of the garbage that comes our way but she is doing a great job.  Way to go Natty Sue.  Way to be strong. 

Hurtful Things

I sat in a class today and listened to a guest speaker from the Children's Justice Center.  It was sad to hear the statistics and things that happen in our county to children.  I think the CJC in Utah does fantastic work for children.  In that presentation there was a discussion about child pornography and how a minor taking a picture of themselves in the nude was participating in child pornography.  If that minor were to send that picture to someone they would be participating in the distribution of child pornography and so would anybody that saw and passed on those photos.  That is something that can escalate rather quickly.  It brought to my mind something my daughter told me about guys who had requested that she send them nudes. That was an upsetting thing for her. It was a hurtful thing. She had no problem telling them off. As I listened to this presentation today I wondered what could be done to those who are requesting someone send them nudes? I told Natalie she could send all future requests my way and I would be happy to let these boys have a piece of my mind. I am sure there is a better way to handle it. I wanted to talk to the presenter privately after class and ask about this but we were over time and she was tied up. I suppose I should make a call and find out what can be done and the best course of action to take on the matter. 

Later this evening I got to hear about rumors that are being spread about my daughter.  These kind of things are certainly hurtful things.  She went through some rough times last year when similar types of rumors were spread and it made life extremely difficult and hard to live for her.  She is stronger this year and continues to press forward but is definitely hurt by what is going on.  As a parent you want to protect your children.  It is upsetting when you hear of these kinds of things happening.  I wish there was a way I could make it go away for her but unfortunately I can not. I can pray for her, I can love her, I can be there for her and do whatever I can to help her through the crap she is currently wading through. It is upsetting and it makes me sad that these types of things happen. It is a rough age and seems to be an age where the golden rule is ignored.  Those who spread damaging rumors would hate to have the same done to them.

And so I am sad for my daughter for some of the things she has to go through. These are turbulent times and the waters are rough.  I find it all the more important for each of us to be grounded in our testimonies, anchored to the savior and filled with hope and faith.  No matter what we are going through, no matter how dark way, he is there and he will not abandon us. We must trust in him and press forward. 

punch out

Tonight the boys and I threw on the boxing gloves and had a little sparring session in the living room.  At first it was just Jack and I and then Andy came and joined in the fun.  Andy and Jack became partners and came after me.  I fought with my right arm behind my back.  We had a good time.  No injuries just fun punching, lightly.  I did take a shot from Andy on the back of the head and caught a shot from Jack in the face.  We had some good laughs and we will be throwing those gloves on again I'm sure.  Before long I'm going to need to pick up some head gear and mouth guards. 

ASD Preso

In my special ed class tonight I got to participate in a group presentation on Autism Spectrum Disorder.  I was with three other student, Jayson, Kaylee and Kwincy.  I had a bit of a long drawn out period and I tried to share some personal experiences with Jack to keep it interesting.  When you are discussing assessment and services there isn't as much flashy and exciting material but it went well.  The rest of the team did really well and Dr. Hart was well pleased with our presentation.  There was a lot of information to go over in 45 minutes.  Dr. Hart said he spent an entire semester on that one subject so there is definitely a lot to learn about ASD.  We were just able to give a little taste of it.  Dr. Hart did mention something that is rather cutting edge and pretty interesting on the topic of ASD and that is an eye tracking system where they have been able to find patterns in eye tracking of normal folks and patterns in eye tracking of autistic folks.  There is a distinct difference between the two.  They have found that they can use this system on younger children, even under the age of 1.  That is pretty incredible because the average age is 48 months, as young as 18 months and what is considered a solid diagnosis at 24 months.  Anyhow, younger than one is amazing.  I need to look up more on the technology.  It certainly sounds amazing. 

I am grateful for the presentation and being able to participate in my group.  We had a good time and I think we all learned something and covered the topic well.  It was good.   

Closing Speaker

The closing speaker in the primary program for the Cedar 8th ward this year was none other than Andy Fontano.  He was asked to talk about prayer.  His part was "My name is Andy. My grandpa has not been feeling well and has been in the hospital a lot.  As a family we have been praying for him to get better.  One day we had a special fast for him along with out prayers.  He has been able to come home from the hospital and is getting better.  We are still praying for him to be healthy and strong.  I know Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers".  We practiced it several times at home though said practice was not without its objections from the star himself.  Regardless of whatever objections Andy came up with he did practice and had it down pretty well.  I do believe he got a little nervous up at the pulpit and at one point got a little lost.  Sister Mitchell from the primary presidency gave him a prompt from behind him.  It was a prompt for something he had already said and he let her know "I've already passed that part".  He was able to carry on and finished it out well.  The program was good.  Grandma came to support.  Jack didn't go up.  The kids all did a fine job.  Good day to be in Church. 

Sheep Marching

Jack and Andy wanted to go to the Cedar City Livestock Parade this morning.  I could have easily slept through it myself but these boys wanted to see what it was all about so we headed down.  I pulled a few chairs out of the Brick House and we sat out in front of the shop and watched as the tractors rolled by along with folks on horseback, old cars, random trucks and trailers, semi trucks pulling livestock trailers, a number of other fun things in between and finally the parade of sheep marching down main street.  My guess would have been 400 to 500 sheep but I don't estimate very well as there were some 1200 sheep in the bunch, at least that is what one of the cowboys moving those sheep said.  I don't know how excited the boys actually were about this parade during and after the festivities.  Andy complained about being hungry the entire time but we managed to over come his starving to death.  Well, lets just say watching sheep marching is quite the experience.  I think all should at some point in their lives.  Ahhh, perhaps all is a bit of a stretch.

The Stretch

I am in the middle of the stretch right now and let me tell you, I am stretching.  For some reason I just have endless work at the moment and it is starting to weigh me down. There is only time to study a lot and work a little and then take care of dad duties.  I'm feeling a bit sluggish.  The good news is that once I make through the next 4 days or so things should let up a bit.  I don't know though, it may just be a little calm before the storm as finals will hit eventually.  It has just been crazy for the last two weeks and I am ready for it to simply relax a bit. It's not going away but maybe it can just be a little more manageable. Ah, won't that be nice.  Well, tomorrow is another day and a lot of stuff to do.  I have to finish a presentation, write a paper and study for a test.  I also better find something for the kids to do that involves some form of physical activity. 

I'm whooped

It is 1:15 in the AM.  I am whooped.  This has been one of those weeks where I have no time for any sort of lite recreational activity.  I guess I did go out on a date last night.  Well, other than that.  I have not even gotten on the old Netflix to catch a show or two.  I have been up late and going strong throughout the day.  There is just a lot to do right now. One very good bit of news today is that I scored an 88 on the competency exam for the library media class.  That looks good enough for me.  I'll take it as my final score in the class and not do anything else with the course.  I like this option very much and it frees me up for at least one additional assignment tomorrow and a quiz.  Done.  Feels good.  Now I gotta get my whooped self upstairs and in bed.  The morning comes early and i've got to do it all again. 

Wonderful Date

Had a great date tonight with my good friend Karry.  She is a wonderful gal and is so, so fun.  She has some of the greatest stories that are just hilarious and we laugh, a lot.  She told me about Beth the ghost in the bathroom under the stairs, she shared a story about missing a step and taking a bow, a trip to wet n wild, he famous underwater handstand, being eye candy and so many more stories that were just hilarious.  I know my brief description here means nothing to you but I wanted to make notes for myself.  I definitely need to go out with Karry again soon though that might be tough because she will pretty much be out of town for the next two weeks.  Well, I'll have to find a time.  I dated her a few times but it's been a few years.  She lived in Vegas then and it was hard to get down there and made for really long nights getting home afterwards.  She now lives in St. George so we're much closer. We've done a couple things since she moved to St. George but really, not enough.  Have to step that up a bit.  We had dinner at the Brick House and then went over to a Shakespeare play, The Two Gentlemen of Verona.  There were some funny parts in it. 

Well, good times.  It was needed after a full day of school.  Though I am not technically behind I feel like I am way behind because I have 4 major things due on Monday and haven't gotten any of them really started.  Plus I have all the other little stuff still happening that are due Friday, Monday and all other days of the week.  Always feeling like I am behind. 

Well, must rest, have to write a couple of papers tomorrow and prepare a presentation, not to mention go to work. Oh, I did take my test today that I put hours of study into yesterday.  Didn't go as well as I'd hoped and I was slightly frustrated in that I felt like I studied the wrong things again. I got three questions into the test and was wondering if I was given the wrong exam.  I carried on a continued to wonder the same thing for a few more questions.  Eventually we got to some that I knew.  Glad that is done. 

Trimming and Chopping

Gave the yard a good mowing this morning.  I really needed it and the lawn needed it too.  Feels so good to get out there and mow.  I edged and weed whacked as well.  Wonderful.  I then fired up the chainsaw and cut up a few large logs that I have had on the side of the driveway for over a year.  It was time.  I cut them up then I grabbed the axe and cut up a bunch of logs.  Chopping wood is a fabulous activity.  When I got done chopping and stacking I went in to take a shower and get cleaned up.  Before I did that I decided to give myself a haircut so I trimmed again only this time it was atop of my head.  Oh my, it has been a full day with stops to the shop, the store and then sitting and studying for a big test tomorrow.  I am beat, need to sleep so I can get some rest before I have to go to school in the morning.  The kids have one more day off but not me.  Still waiting for my placement test results or assessment test results for LM 1000.  I am still hoping I can get out of taking that class through passing that test.  Well, must sleep.  Love my beautiful family. 

Harvest what?

So there was no school today for Iron County or SUU.  That meant we could sleep in and had nothing to worry about. No school today, rest easy, it is the Harvest Holiday or the Fall Break or The Hunt!  It was a day of rest and relaxation, not a care in the world had ... oh, that's right, it wasn't much of a break at all.  I may not have had to go to class but I still had a lot to do.  Had a couple of tests to do and a book to read, some group thing to sign up for and one more test to do as soon as I am done with this.  Well, at least tomorrow we are all still on Harvest Holiday.  Surely I will be able to sit back and relax tomorrow.  Well, no, I've got a major test to study for, a presentation to put together, a paper to write and a computer project to do for my computer class.  Oh, it is good to have a few days off just to take life easy and regroup. The kids also have Wednesday off but I will be back in class carrying on with the good work.  Time to relax and take a test. 

Andy Party

We like to gather as a family and have a little birthday dinner on a Sunday evening for any who have a birthday.  Andy happened to have a birthday at a busy time with lots going on, people being sick, babies being born, people traveling, a couple hospital stays and whatever else. I kind of passed it off as he would forget about it and we didn't need to do it.  He didn't forget about it and wasn't going to forget about it and we'd better get it done.  Tonight we managed to have that party and it was good.  Grandpa David Atwood joined the local Cedar family members and we enjoyed tacos, cake and ice cream.  It was a good time, good visit.  I am grateful for family.  It is a wonderful thing to spend time with family and to enjoy that time together.  I suppose their are families that don't have fun together.  It is pleasing to me that this is not the case in our family.  I am sure on occasion someone may have their feathers ruffled a bit but it doesn't last and we carry on, pressing forward down the path of life. 

It has been good for the kids to have their Grandpa David here and to spend a couple of days with him.  It has been good to reconnect. I hope that we can get together more often in the future.  It has been over 5 years since we drove through Fairhope on our move out west.  That is a long time.  Well, just grateful for a good weekend. 

The kids have three more days off of school.  I have two though mine are pretty well full with projects and things that I need to get done this week in preparation for the end of the week and the beginning of next.  It will be a break from class tomorrow but lots of work to do. 

Gloves and more

We had a fine day with Grandpa Atwood.  The kids really have enjoyed his visit and spending time with him.  He purchased them some boxing gloves to use with the punching bag.  These are some nice gloves.  He also took some time with each of them to teach proper technique.  It was fun to watch them each take some time with him.  Some things got a little too technical for Jack and he bowed out but I think he was learning and enjoying.  He doesn't go out to hit the bag professionally, just to get out some energy and perhaps a bit of frustration.  Andy really wanted to learn technique and did a good job.  He had moments where if something went wrong and he got corrected he would get embarrassed, a bit angry and he would run off.  We've got to get him beyond those issues.  Natty really did well, really enjoyed it and throw some pretty good punches.  She is very much interested in learning more about boxing and spending some time working on that.  Pretty cool.  I didn't know that Grandpa Atwood was so involved in boxing.  He coaches, he knows a lot and has been around it a lot.  Did not know that.  I knew he was involved with it recently with Emily but come to find out his dad was a ranking official for boxing and took him all over the place as he fulfilled his responsibilities.  Pretty amazing.  Well, we are having some fun with that.  Gloves and more were good times for sure. 

Father In Law

When one gets divorced does he automatically stop calling his father in law his father in law?  What are the rules on this sort of thing?  When I introduce David Atwood to people I tell them he is my father in law. It would seem a bit weird to say he is my ex-father in law.  I don't know what the proper etiquette is here. To me it is no big deal and I have no problem telling people he is my father in law, he is.  He is a grandfather to my children, the father of their mother.  Anyway, my father in law came into town today.  He drove out from Alabama and arrived in Cedar this evening.  We met up with him for dinner at the Brick House and enjoyed sitting and talking and eating.  The boys sure were excited to see him.  Natty arrived a bit later as she was at a friends doing homework (on a Friday night of a long weekend, extra long? I'm not convinced that was all they were doing).  Anyway, she got there and we all enjoyed telling stories and having a good conversation.  I am glad he was able to come out and see the kids.  We will do some fun stuff tomorrow if the weather will work with us and on Sunday we will have dinner at the folks house and celebrate Andy's birthday finally.  He has been waiting a long time.  I thought he would forget about it, he has not.  It will be a glorious party I am sure.   

The Plate

There is so much on the plate right now with assignments and tests and papers that I am having a hard time prioritizing and just plugging through it.  I start studying something and then somehow launch into something completely different.  I found some great information but didn't accomplish nearly as much as I'd hoped for today.  Tomorrow morning I need to go and take my competency exam for the Library Media class and I am really hoping that I can test out of it.  I have tried a few times to study for that but I don't really know how to go about that.  I have practiced researching things and have reviewed the very few notes that I have from our first class.  It is a bit weird and so I don't have a lot of confidence that I know all that I will need to for this test but I can't find anything else that would help me hone in on the information needed for the exam.  I will go about reviewing more in the morning and hopefully be able to knock it out.  The plate certainly seems to be overflowing right now, hopefully I can minimize some stress by getting that test done and possible getting through my next Family Development exam though I have a few extra days on that one and will likely need those for studying.  So much to do, so little time and only so much I can handle with my other responsibilities.  Press forward with steadfast faith in Christ.  

Much To Do

I think with the two additional classes starting this week I find that I have too much to do.  I have a lot happening with my original 4 classes right now with papers due, presentations due, tests to complete, other assignments to keep up on and having to squeeze more into my day is tough.  I am going to be studying tomorrow for the LM 1010 class and will possibly go in for placement test tomorrow evening.  My hope is to get at least a B on that test so that I can take that as my grade and not worry about more assignments and projects. I realize that is not an A and I like to get A's but I think it would be worth the B so as to avoid the additional time requirements.  That time is a precious thing that I don't have a lot of right now.  We do have a fall break coming up on Monday and Tuesday next week and my goal is to spend some time getting caught up and ahead.  Won't that be nice.  Outside of having to much to do everyone is well.  We are pressing forward and that is good.  There are some struggles still with homework and grades but everyone is doing well.  I am so very grateful for my three wonderful children who keep me going.  

Dramatic

I get tired sometimes with the drama that exists in the work place. People need to find a way to work together and to get over themselves.  It is crazy.  People also need to focus on doing their jobs and not get fixated on what other people are or are not doing.  Just getting to be a bit much.

On the lines of being dramatic let me just say that school is feeling a bit heavy right now.  I have a lot to do in the next few days and I hope I can manage it.  I don't know that this necessarily qualifies as dramatic, it is just reality.  The load is heavy at the moment. 

8 more hours

I have two additional classes starting this week and if the pattern holds true for both they are suggesting that it will involve an additional 6 to 8 hours per week.  Um, I don't think so.  I don't have that kind of time.  I am seriously looking at going in and dropping these classes.  I already have the feeling that I am constantly behind and don't know that I can stomach another 6 to 8 hours on top of it.  These are also two classes that I am being forced to take.  They don't count towards general education requirements, they are just waste of time, busy work, SUU requirements and that are highly frustrating.  I went through the first module for UNIV 1010 tonight and it was not very fruitful.  I'd like to say I knew everything but the fact that I got an 84 or so on the quiz tells me I didn't though the questions were craftily worded and I am tired the fact that I missed a few doesn't surprise me.  I have three chances to take the quiz.  I've already blown two because I pressed the wrong key on my first test and submitted it when I was 5 questions in.  A little tired.  Anyway, it is frustrating and I don't think I have done myself any favors this semester by signing up for these courses other than it gets them off my list of courses I have to take.  Regardless, I do not have a lot of patience right now or time and I am not real excited about these classes.   

New Bishop

We had a change in our Ward Bishopric today.  Bishop Elison and his family have moved to a new home and no longer reside in our ward.  Brother Garfield and his family have also moved out of the ward and so it was time to make a change.  The Bishopric was released, Elison, Lambath and Garfield.  Our new Bishop is Neuman Duncan. Funny enough he is one that I felt strongly could be called and had a conversation with Kaden Leko about that one day when we were helping Morgan Ellsworth work on his patio. Kaden was doing a little seal your top 5 in an envelop thing with a few people.  He walked up to me after church, opened his envelop and his top choice was Neuman Duncan. We had to laugh about it. Bishop Duncan is a great man.  I have had chance to associate with him for the last 5 years, more so in the little over 4 years since our wards were combined.  In any case, he will be a wonderful bishop.  As his counselors Brother Howard Thorley as 1st and Brother Borden Jenkins as 2nd.  These are all, both the outgoing bishopric and those newly called, wonderful men that I have a great love for.  They know how to serve and they serve well in whatever they are asked to do.  I look up to them and am grateful for their examples.  I am grateful for the opportunity to work with this new Bishop.  As I was called to be Sunday School President Bishop Duncan was called as High Priest Group leader and it has been wonderful to associate with him on the Ward Council. He is very proactive in moving forward the work of the Lord. There will be much to learn from him.  Anyway, wonderful day. I think there are always mixed emotions when a change like this occurs as we are sad to say goodbye to those being released and happy for those who have been called. It is a wonderful opportunity to serve in the church in whatever capacity one is called to.  Those calls come for a season and then comes a release. Then come other opportunities in different capacities and opportunities for growth and learning occur. I am grateful for the experiences I have had and continue to have in the service of the Lord.  No matter how big or how small the calling it is an opportunity to express love for the Lord through serving.    

Dang It!

I had a plan today to take three tests, two of which are due on Monday and the third is due on Wednesday.  I wanted to get in front of some things because I have two new classes starting next week.  That didn't work out.  I had to make chili and pies at the Brick House.  Those things I did accomplish and that was good.  Then I had other things to take care of with some training issues.  Then I had to take care of a problem with the lighting in the bathroom.  Then I had to take care of some cash issues in the cash box.  Then I had to reply to review on the internet.  Then I had to take care of some shopping needs for the family.  In the middle of all that I had to run to a couple of stores, make dinner for the fam and a multitude of other things.  The tests, they didn't happen.  Dang it!

Lost Tooth

The boys and I went to the Cedar High Football game tonight.  It was a good game.  I was able to work the sidelines with the first down marker.  That is great, the finest seat in the house.  Fun to be right down there on the field with eyes on every play.  The boys did their usual thing and ran around playing with other boys.  Apparently that got a bit rough.  They had some confrontations with other boys. A bit of roughhousing.  They were telling me all about it on the walk home and that is when it was made known to me that Andy took a hit to the face and had a tooth knocked out.  It was a loose tooth so it was already on it's way out.  The tooth fairy may have to make a delivery without collecting a tooth because that tooth didn't make it home. 

Ninety Two

I was a member of the Carson High School class of 1992 graduating class.  Pretty amazing that it has been 23 years since that happened and I am still in college.  Granted I was out of the country for a couple of years there and took a very long semester off.  Well, the ninety two referenced in the title is the score I got on a test today for the Family Development class I am taking.  That is actually a lot better than the first test I took in that class where I managed a 76.  It was a much better test and perhaps more focused study for it.  I walked out of the testing center feeling a lot better about things.  I'd like to bring it up to 100 but I am happy with the 92.  Fabulous!  If I keep this up I may actually graduate before I reach the ripe old age of ninety and two.  Won't that be nice. 

Went with it

One of the goals I had with the old tax return this year was to get some couches.  It has been quite the project getting the basement updated with new flooring and ceiling fans and painting, pure joy.  Anyhow, I have waited quite some time to pick up some couches.  I ended up finding a couch and loveseat that I like well enough.  I decided to go with it.  They delivered this afternoon and it has been very nice to have furniture in the basement.  Andy managed to fall asleep on it for a while. It looked so comfortable that I might have tried it a bit myself.  It was comfortable.  I am fading here, falling asleep after a long day.  Sorry, must go. 

Getting Colder

I like to sleep under a comforter and enjoy the warmth it provides.  That isn't something I enjoy in the summer because it is typically quite warm in the room.  I have the evaporative cooler running all night and sometimes that will bring the temp down to comforter worthy indoor weather but that is rare.  Now it is turning cooler, there is a bit of a chill in the house and that feels good.  When I crawl into bed tonight I will do so under the comforter and it will be great.  I believe I sleep a bit better when it is colder and I always enjoy a better sleep. So bring on the cold and bring on the comforter, I'm ready for a better nights rest. 

Unqualified

My computer is all kinds of screwed up right now.  I'm not exactly sure what is going on but this particular page is way off kilter.  Wonderful!  Well, I am in these classes right now for education and I am learning some things and feeling like I am completely unqualified. I guess that is why I am in the classes right?  Yep, well, I don't know, it seems like a lot and it seems so far away from me at the moment.  To make me feel even better I had a conversation with a friend of mine that I saw in passing and he asked about math.  I don't even want to think about math right now but I have to.  In my special ed class we talked about ADHD tonight and those feelings of being completely unqualified were magnified 10 fold.  Holy cow.  The professor mentioned another student that was working in a classroom at a local school that had 8 students in the class of 24 to 30 that had IEP's for ADHD.  That is a lot.  At the same time there is so much that I am learning and it is good.  It is also interesting to go from learning about a behaviorist approach to then being told that is a bad approach and one should focus more on social cognition and then that even advances up the latter.  The thing is that a ton of people, teachers use the behaviorist approach with gold stars or clothespins or colors or a rating system.  I have one professor who seems to support behaviorist approaches with special needs kids and another professor who is anti behaviorist.  Oh, I also found out I have a test on Wednesday.  I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful.  I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful...

Prophets Today

Our Heavenly Father speaks to us today just as he did in ancient times through those he calls to be his mouthpiece, His prophets and apostles.  I am so very grateful for a living prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson.  I am grateful for his counselors and also for the quorum of the 12 apostles.  This weekend was General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It was a wonderful weekend filled with inspired messages and sound counsel.  I love the Lord.  I love to listen to his chosen servants speak in conference.  It has been a wonderful weekend. 

During his remarks today President Monson began to tire.  He leaned up on the podium with one arm and then with both arms.  His body sunk down a little bit.  He carried on with his remarks but physically it was not easy.  At the end as he was closing he began repeating things.  I have seen other comments on social media today related to this moment and am lead to believe that all who were watching just wanted to stand with him and lift him up. This is a man who many love and revere as the Lords Prophet on the earth today.  He has taught and inspired many, he has served and shown the way to follow, he has given his all in the service of the Master.  I love him and am grateful for his lasting influence on my life.  I pray for his comfort and strength.  What a valiant servant of the Lord. 

We thank thee oh God for a Prophet, to lead us in these latter days.

New Apostles

It is conference weekend and one of my favorite weekends of the year.  I love to listen to General Conference.  A friend of mine who is 18 to 20 years younger than I am posted about how as he has gotten older his love for conference has grown.  I have experienced those feelings.  I love the messages that are shared, the spirit that is felt and the joy of the gospel.

Today was a special day as three new members of the quorum of the 12 were sustained.  Elder Rasband, Elder Stevenson, and Elder Renlund.  Each of these men will speak tomorrow.  I look forward to hearing their messages.

I am completely beat and need to rest.  I am so very grateful for this weekend once again. Grateful for the direction.

Feel the Music

We made a run down to St. George tonight to pick up some things for the store.  Before leaving I grabbed my old CD case so I could introduce more music to the boys.  We've listened to a lot of Neil Diamond, ACDC, Bob Seger and most recently some Lenny Kravitz.  I thought it was time for more so I opened the case and what did I see?  The Beastie Boys Licensed to Ill album. We had to do it.  I gave the boys fair warning that this would be unlike the other things we have been listening to.  As the music started eyes got big and smiles appeared on faces.  That is good stuff.  I then went in and adjusted the tone.  I kicked up the bass quite a bit and eyes got bit once again.  It was pretty fun.  After Costco I switched out the CD and put in Credence Clearwater Revival.  I quite enjoy a little Credence and the boys liked it too except for the majority of the return trip when they were sleeping.  No matter, I enjoyed it and I sang along.  Loud and proud people. 

Earlier today and on a separate note, Stephanie Laurie her mom Brenda Laura and Grandmother Harris came in for lunch.  I knew they were coming and was excited to see them all.  It had been many years since we were able to visit.  It was a great visit, we had lots of laughs. 

No Rest

I am tired.  Took a power nap at 9:20 or so this evening because I couldn't stay awake while helping Andy with his math homework.  I got into work today and was just feeling dead and weak.  Had some shakes going on. It was wonderful.  I might have stayed up a little late last night binge watching the Walking Dead on Netflix.  I quite like that show and tend to watch a little too much.  I think I will have to hold off tonight and try to catch up on some sleep.  My goodness.  The power nap was wonderful.  Andy did his homework by himself while I napped.  I have a sneaky suspicion that he just wrote down whatever random answer he wanted to just so he could say he had it done.  He seems to do that on a regular basis.  And so comes the double check and then we get to redo the work.  He doesn't like that.  Tonight I let it go, probably shouldn't have but I was tired and he was tired and everyone needed to get to bed.  Yep, that's right, I power napped just so I could get up, have scriptures and prayer with the kids and put them to bed.  I suppose I could have just gone to bed and let them figure it out but that is not who I am.  When it comes to seeking the Spirit in our lives and doing the things Heavenly Father wants us to do there is no rest.  We cannot sit back and let others carry our loads for us.  We have to dig in and do when it needs to be done.  So there isn't a lot of time in life for shirking our duties.  We need to act and not be acted upon.  Well, I am grateful for my family and for the trust Heavenly Father has placed in me to care for their needs.