Kristen's Christmas Poem link

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Christmas Week

For our Christmas Eve program we sang songs, read a story and Kristen's Christmas poem and played a game. My sister Linda and her husband John led us in Jingle Bells with John on the guitar. Lexa and Kayla (my nieces) played a duet on the piano. Dave read Kristen's poem and I read the story behind "I Head the Bells on Christmas Day" about Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. My mother led us in a game where you pass presents (right, left, left) depending on the words in the story. We passed the scriptures around so everyone got to read part of Luke 2.

Christmas Day we spent the afternoon at Linda's house with a great Christmas dinner consisting of ham, green beans, eggplant parmigiana, rolls, green salad, and several kinds of pies. Then we opened family gifts. Dave gave me snowshoes (of course he had to get himself a pair also as it would be no fun to go snowshoeing by myself). Dave and I received stadium seats, down blankets and an umbrella so we can watch Bryson's football games in comfort this fall. We gave Linda and John a porch swing and Jeff and Jaelyn got a blender from my parents. Linda and John gave my parents an electric knife. Liz made Linda a DVD of family videos. It was hilarious. From Donna (Dave's sister) we received a Walton's video, Walmart gift card and a CD about Glenn Beck that I can't wait to listen to. Thanks Donna!

Friday we all went to the Hillcrest Countryclub for a breakfast put on by my mother and my aunt. We each wrote down something other people might not know about us and guessed who it was. Even my Grandma didn't know that my Uncle Floyd had ridden a camel. It was fun.
Dave and I had to make a run to McCall on Saturday to fix the dish washers, shovel snow and updated the TV. Of course we HAD to try out the snowshoes in all the fluffy white stuff. The roads were treacherous going up and coming down. We were in 4 wheel drive the whole time.
All in all it was as fun as it could be without Ben, Chantal, Kristen, Matt, Megan and Kevin. We did get to talk to them all. I only cried a little when Dave read the poem about them not being there - mothers can be so sentimental!

If You Are What You Eat...

I'm cheap, fast and easy! Bryson and I put up our Christmas tree yesterday in less than ten minutes. Rosemary gave us the tree (an extra she had) and we pulled it out of the box in three pieces. Bryson put the three pieces together and I plugged it in! Wow, I don't know if I can go bacl to the forest, tramp through the snow, look for the best one, cut it down, haul it home, cut it to fit (someone once cut off the wrong end and we had a topless tree - no names mentioned!), keep it watered, untangle the lights, put the lights on, etc. We are spoiled! Maybe next year I will do what my grandma did: throw plastic over it and keep it up and decorated in the basement until next year...

PS Kristen I will post the tag, but I am having a hard time remembering what I did last week let alone ten years ago. After the Big Party this Saturday, I will have some time to get it together--I promise.

On My Wish List

I am not really interested in all the new gadgets that are available. Dave likes his MP3 and his Garmin GPS map thingy. His watch can do everything but beam him up to the mothership. But I did see the Amazon Kindle the other day at my friend's house and I am trying not to covet it. You can download a book for about $2.00 (not a brand new one) in under 50 seconds. It is small and has a long lasting battery for traveling. It is easy to mark your page, make notes and look up new words. It is pretty spendy ($350+), but think how much money you could save on books. It would only take about 5 years to pay for itself (maybe by then the price will have come down). It is definitely not a NEED, just a WANT. Check it out at

http://www.pg-news.org/20071223/amazon-kindle/

Intelligent Optimism

I came across a new phrase yesterday: Intelligent Optimism. It resonates hope and power as opposed to fear and discouragement. Here are a few words that best describe it:

Look At The Bright Side
Why optimism is your best strategyJurriaan Kamp
July/August 2005 issue

Everyday reality seems to leave little room for optimism. Television and front page news report mainly on failure and misery: Terrorism, violence, intolerance and climate change. People everywhere are under a continual onslaught of negativity. No wonder more and more people are depressed. Under these circumstances, how can you stay positive and optimistic? In an exhaustive cover story, the French magazine Psychologies(January 2005) explains that optimism is a quality that anyone can learn. True optimism isn’t about denying reality against our better judgement. And optimism is not the same thing as idealism, which also reflects a tendency to push up against harsh realities. The idealist is chasing after a big ideal and runs the risk of big disappointment.
Psychologies calls for 'intelligent optimism.' Intelligent optimists don’t deny problems, but adjust to them, while still seeking an opportunity for progress. Intelligent optimists don’t allow themselves to get carried away by circumstances they can’t change, but focus on things that are within their grasp and that they can enjoy. The magazine quotes the diary of Etty Hillesum, a Dutch Jew who wrote a journal describing her life in a Nazi death camp: 'Today we walked along little German roads past lilacs and roses.'
You learn to become optimistic by concentrating on things that give you a sense of satisfaction, and you remain an optimist by feeding those things to make them grow. Intelligent optimists also know that for every problem there is (at least the beginning of) a solution and that the search for that solution can be inspirational in itself. They are also not afraid of negative thoughts, which they realize offer some protection and help them stay realistic.

Psychologies confirms that very little research has been done into factors that influence optimism because 'science is not interested in happy people.' Nonetheless, the psychologists and psychotherapists quoted in the magazine believe that the aptitude for optimism is not genetically determined. In other words: anyone can learn to be optimistic. All it requires is courage and practice, along with a good grasp of reality. Positive examples around can also help: people associating with others who are optimistic become optimistic themselves. And just as children of depressed parents are more prone to depression, psychologists believe the reverse is also true. Optimism breeds optimism.

Favorite Fall Fruit

I have been introduced to Honeycrisp apples and have found a new favorite. I am partial to Braeburns or Gala's, but the Honeycrisps have an extra zing. They are too expensive for daily lunches but great for a healthy treat.

What a Mess

In honor of the Winter Project project Dave and I are spending our time in a very messy family room. Dave has brought in his box of nuts, bolts an washers from the garage and has big plans to sort and organize them. He says the tarp stays til spring. I say out by Saturday. Once you let them bring a tarp in, the next thing you know there is a motorcycle engine in pieces as part of the decor. "It's cold in the garage!"

I am currently obsessed with family history and love some of the stories I am finding. On my mom's side we have a Mordecai that came over from Germany and signed the Non-Importation Agreement in 1765 and refused to import goods from Great Britain until the repeal of the Stamp act. Interesting! On my Dad's side, one of his father's ancestors was in the rescue company that helped save the pioneers in the Martin Company (where one of Dad's mother's ancestors was in bad shape). On the other hand there was also slave-trading, "general disregard of women" and other unsavory practices. Here are some of the names I looking for: Clemence, Ayers, Kimbrell, Wickham, Luna, Kemp, Lawrence, Collette, York and of course Smith and Jones.

Maverick Football

We have enjoyed watching Bryson play football this fall. He plays defensive tackle, middle linebacker and fullback. He is on the JV team and has to dress down for the Varsity games also. We drove to Caldwell for the last game today. It started at 4:00 pm and was about 70 degrees - warm and clear. They started off strong and it turned into a defensive game. The defense scored 18 points! Two interceptions for touchdowns and Bryson scored a touchback (a recovered fumble in our end zone for the football novice). He gets a steak dinner from Coach Bravo for that one.

The final score was 27 to 12. Good way to end the season.

Best Marriage Advice I've Received

A couple of years ago Lucille Johnson gave a talk on marriage relationships and I wrote down what she said about the five things men need and the five things women need most from each other. There can be so many challenges in having a happy marriage that I have loved this advice and try to keep it in mind. It's not one size fits all but is pretty basic and you can tailor it to your specific situation. For instance, if both have careers, then both should share the domestic chores. There was a time after Dave graduated before he got a job that I worked full time and he was home with Ben and Kristen (4 and 2). It was a good experience for both of us.

Although we can drive each other crazy once in a while, we both know that we are each other's top priority.

Here's to love and happy marriages!

WHAT MEN NEED/WHAT WOMEN NEED

MEN
Physical Intimacy (see http://strengtheningmarriage.com/ )
Have fun together/do recreational things with him
Praise and Admiration
Attractive Wife (smile, sense of humor)
Domestic Support (clean house)



WOMEN
Affection without other motives. “You are
important. I will protect you.”
Talking—Thoughts, fears, feelings
Fidelity and Trust
Financial Support
Spiritual Leadership in the Home

Fall Day Hike

Dave took the day off and we went for a hike in the Boise foothills. It was a fun date and we walked and talked and enjoyed the scenery. Nice to get some sunshine before it gets cold. Dave learned that one of my favorite books is Where the Red Fern Grows and I learned (again) that "adventure" is Dave's middle name.

You Can't Play Until Your Work is Done...

Ben and Chantal flew to Boise from Mesa last weekend to help us do some work in McCall. They came in time to watch Bryson play football Thursday night. Early Friday morning we drove up and started the work. Chantal and I bundled up and went outside to remove the temp. fencing put up by the road crew while Dave and Ben replaced some windows and exchanged the propane insert for a pellet insert in the fireplace. (That required some muscles!) We also replaced the window in the front door.

Ben, Chantal and I made a run to town to by a TON of pellets. Then Ben (2 at a time) and Chantal (1 at a time) took them downstairs to the basement. Fri night we watched the first Harry Potter (Ben hadn't seen it before) and went to sleep. Sat after some more chores we took them to Gold Fork to soak their tired muscles in the hot springs. We do want them to come back, afterall.

Family History...

which I tend to do in bits and pieces, now and then. Here is an obituary of Dave's Great Grandfather Parley Pratt Carver we came across on the internet.

Fill 'em up!

I don't particularly enjoying canning but I like the feeling of storing up for the winter like a squirrel with both cheeks full of nuts. Dave and I did O'Henry peaches last week -yum. Yesterday I supplemented my tomatoes with a box I bought at the fruit stand. (Most of mine are still green). My parents arrived in Boise just in time to help me fill up the jars. And, they brought over some apples from their trees, so with another box from the fruit stand we will have enough for a couple of batches of applesauce. The grapes should be ready any time (we drank our last bottle of grape juice two weeks ago) and THEN we can put away the canning equipment. I am still picking raspberries and making freezer jam or eating the fresh ones mixed with the fresh peaches. I like planting and love harvesting, but still haven't gotten the weeding thing down. Maybe next year.

Megan and Kevin Wedding 9/13/08

Megan (3rd child) and Kevin Hinman were married in Boise on 9/13/08. Here are some fun photos of the Big Event.

Media and the Candidates

Of course there is more research to be done and there is the tiny fact that on the same test that some of you took to see what your polictical description would be I was labeled a Centrist...still, I thought this was an interesting comment by Marvin Payne about the media's part in the election:

The media claims to be impartial. Every now and then, though, some key member of the media goes with their instincts and their cover of impartiality is irrevocably blown. We have just seen the political bias of a single member of the media throwing the current election squarely into the lap of one party over the other. We might as well skip November (except for the turkey end of the month). The television man (woman?) with his (her?) hand on the switch at the Republican convention who (who?) was reckless enough during Sarah Palin's speech to allow a camera to linger on the Governess's little daughter licking her palm and pasting down her baby brother's hair will be held accountable in some heavenly tribunal for ensuring a GOP victory this fall. Enough said.

Two web sites to check out

Saturday Dave and I went to "Art in the Park" and saw some nice paintings, crafts, creative ideas, etc. One booth we enjoyed was music by Brian Crain. It is original piano compositions with symphony music. Check it out at www.briancrain.com

Last night we took the family to BSU to see a special art exhibit. It has been at the Mesa, AZ temple visitor center and is now on the road to various places. The photographer has an interesting story of how he got started which he shared with us. He borrowed costumes from the Mesa Temple Easter pageant and went to the Mexico border and shot some beautiful pictures of actors portraying Peter, Judas, Joseph, Mary, the Baptism, Crucifixion all with music made just for the exhibit. You can see them at www.reflectionsofchrist.org The photographer was Mark Mabry and here is what he has to say about the project:

Mark Mabry
The creative process behind Reflections of Christ is a singular event in my life. I've never felt something that was so multi-faceted and at once so strait forward. I wanted to avoid mystery. Each image must carry a lesson independent of the others in the collection. Aesthetic was secondary to spirit. There was really more care taken to ensure a proper spirit on the shoot than any of the technical aspects. Mood drove the technique.The documentary and music were commissioned to get people to the proper frame of mind to view the photographs. My goal is for people that view these to transcend thoughts about "art". I say without embarrassment that I enthusiastically embraced the changes that the subject of Christ caused in my own creative outlook. I found it challenging to move people to tears caused by introspection, especially in an endeavor that was largely posed and orchestrated. There was a higher power in play that I freely acknowledge and hope that He sees fit to give me another shot at something similar ASAP.

Parma Motor Vu Drive In

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is go, at least once, to a movie at the drive-in. (My brother and sister and I all remember being traumatized by seeing "Soilent Green" at the Motor View in Idaho Falls as kids.) My parents would pop a lot of popcorn, we'd get in our PJs and we were on our way. There was a swing set we could play on before the movie started. We rarely made it to the second movie before falling asleep.

Friday night we invited my sister Linda and her husband John to go see Wall-E with us in Parma. We loaded Dave's truck with chairs, blankets and treats and drove the 40 minutes to get there. As the movie was starting, the full moon came up behind us and the sun was setting in the west in full orange, pink, and purple gloriousness. We tuned the radio to the right station and the previews started. Summer at it's finest!

Twin Falls Temple Open House

Dave, Bryson and I went to the Twin Falls Temple open house last Friday. Today, I went again with a friend who didn't want to go by herself. It is a beautiful temple with a huge mural of the local canyons, plants, waterfalls and animals. The Idaho State flower (Syringa) is featured in the windows, woodwork and other detail work. The whole open house was well organized, with a reception area afterwards, knowledgeable guides and youth who put the booties over our shoes.

After The Fun...

Bryson, contemplating the mysteries of life.

Summer Fun, Dave and Bryson Style

Dave and Bryson went on a motorcycle ride up by Lowman today. In between rusted bearings and a flat tire, they had a beautiful ride. They were attacked by a helicopter doing maneuvers, saw some fellow motorcycle riders and stopped at Kirkham Hotsprings on the way home. After, some cool water river diving and a soak in the hot springs they left for home. (Dave said "the camera" was too slow, so the splash in the water is Bryson diving in...)

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KRISTEN DEAR

Kristen was a baby fair
With bright blue eyes
(but not much hair)

She was fast
When she learned to crawl
But when she talked
It was a southern drawl

When she was cranky
Her socks “felt funny”
When she wrote stories
The day was always sunny

Ben was an older brother
Bryson, younger, was the other
Megan was the only sis
All of them she’d hug and kiss

Kristen has an artists’ heart
She paints and creates lots of art
Make up, hair and clothes are liked
She runs and has to ride her bike

She married her sweetheart Matt
For her he always goes to bat
2006, Calabasas in May
It will always be a special day

Now she’s 24 with a brand new career
She starts work soon and has no fear
Working for a doctor and going to school
No time for play but she’s still cool

Her goals are set, her plans are made
She’s on her way to get the grade
Who knows what next, what’s in store
The future is bright with blessings galore

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRISTEN!!!!!
LOVE MOM AND DAD

Sand, Sun and Fun

Oregon Coast - Family Vacation

Everyone met at Rockaway Beach for a family get-together in July. Ben and Chantal flew, Matt and Kristen came by train (which they would not do again) and the rest of us drove. Of course we had to go to Tillamook for ice cream and visit the Octopus tree. The brave ones played in the Ocean. We had a great bonfire on the beach and made s'mores and played croquet. It was short but sweet.

Other Pioneer Stuff

We had a great family and everyone was fun and cooperative. Sarah even set up the Ma and Pa tent one night. The boys did the dishes without complaining. It was really fun getting to know everyone better, telling stories and playing games. One of our neighbors woke up with a puffy bottom lip and we all got a good laugh at her expense. The worse part of the whole experience was the bus ride home with no A/C and a cranky bus driver.

Pioneer Trek - Second Day

The 2nd day we got up early, cooked biscuts and gravy in the dutch ovens, loaded up and took off. After lunch we stopped at the bottom of a big hill. The guys were all called to the "Mormon Battalion" and left us. The women and girls got ready to pull the carts up the hill. We were all huffing and puffing! The guys were at the top of the hill cheering us on. That night we camped in a nice shady spot with a beautiful view.

Pioneer Trek

June 11-14 we took 70 youth and 25 adults over near Richmond, Washington. We loaded up the handcarts with our "stuff" and pulled about 4 miles for the day. It was windy and rainy and the kids complained that this was way too easy. They didn't complain the next day!

Congratulations Bryson

Bryson was awarded his Eagle at a Court of Honor May 23rd. We had a BBQ in the neighbors backyard and it was a lot of fun. Two other boys were honored that night also. Grandma Edna made an Eagle quilt and Grandpa and Grandma Hansen were there to help celebrate. Grandpa Howell said the closing prayer. It was a good family event.

An Afternoon Well $Spent$

Saturday, Dave, my brother Jeff, sis-in-law Jaelyn, and I drove to SLC to the "E" Center to see Dave Ramsey Live! It was a fun afternoon of information, entertainment and just plan fun. We learned (again) the amazing power of compound interest. Start saving! Now!! He also taught us the different attitudes about money (nerd/free spirit and man/woman). The 3 hour car ride there and back was was full of conversation with some of my favorite people! Great Weekend.

Governor's Trade Mission to Mexico

Dave recently came back from a Trade Mission to Mexico: Commerce, Ag and the Governor's office. Dave is second from left in the second row - looking sharp! Oh, Governor Otter and his wife are front and center (she's in blue).

Ben Can Fly!

Our son Ben just received his Private Pilot's license on Saturday (May 10th). We are excited for him and proud that he has reached this goal.

Good Job Ben!

The Water is Magic

There is nothing better than a soak in a mineral hot springs. Gold Fork is one of the best. Usually we are too busy driving by to make the 15 minute drive into the mountains. Today we stopped. They have six pools of varying warmth and white sand in the bottom of one of them. Nice!

Road Trip

Where are we going this time?? Looks like Donna and Bob have the essentials: Cracker Jacks and TP. I think Dave was in charge of this trip.

Part of the Cleaning Crew at Monte's Food King

Kristen says I have to update the blog once in a while, but Dave has the camera in Mexico for the week, so I will do something from the past. Here is a one of my favorite pictures of Dave - hey it's very colorful (in more ways than one!) This was from the glory days of cleaning Uncle Monte's store for ski/motorcycle $$.

Too Much Snow!!

This year in McCall we've had more snow than ever! The snow plow bill for January was $800. Now the snow and ice have mowed over the chimney and snapped the logs holding up the overhang. The downside of running a vacation rental! On the bright side there are always projects to do - Dave never complains that he is bored.

Vegas Con Expo

Dave goes to Las Vegas for the big Con Expo show every three years. Ben and I went this year so Dave could show us all the Big Boy toys he gets to work with. We walked around, looked at everything and even got to see some entertainment by Jean Francois the 'action painter'. After the tour, Ben and I left and walked around downtown. We visited Caesar's Palace and the Venetian.

I also got to spend one night in Phoenix and wandered over to the Mesa Temple (one block from Ben and Chantal's house.) The Easter Pageant was on, so I sat down and watched. Live doves, sheep and even a donkey - very impressive.