For Sale

I recently saw a book for sale that got me thinking. No, I didn’t buy it; I’ve already read every word of it. In fact, I’ve spend hours poring over them. And I hope that everyone will. I think that everything in the book should be read—even studied carefully—by all Americans.

At the same time, the contents of this book really bothered me. More specifically, it was the combination of contents that concerned me. It makes a difference how things are put together. Three foods I love are: chocolate ice cream, mushrooms and mandarin oranges. Separately they’re delicious, but I certainly wouldn’t want to eat them all together!

But it wasn’t a disgusting cookbook I saw for sale. It was a lovely, little hardbound cloth-covered book entitled, The Inaugural Address, 2009. It was not a surprise that such a book would be published commemorating the historic day that our nation welcomed our first African American President. What was surprising was the rest of the title. It wasn’t just The Inaugural Address. Instead the title continued . . . The Inaugural Address, 2009: Together with Abraham Lincoln's First and Second Inaugural Addresses and The Gettysburg Address and Ralph Waldo Emerson's Self-Reliance.

Why was this surprising? I think that all of these works are worthy of our time and study. But I’m not sure that Barack Obama has met the test of greatness that Lincoln and Emerson have surely passed. And I’m not sure that his inaugural address can be considered a classic like Lincoln’s and Emerson’s writing.

Let’s try not to let our political views cloud the issue. If you’re a fan of Obama’s you may be tempted to say, “Sure he’s great! He’s going to change our nation for the better.” And I sincerely hope that’s true, but it has yet to be seen.

If you didn’t vote for President Obama, you may be likely to say, “How dare they compare him to Lincoln!” But imagine for a moment that your ideal candidate has just been elected President and taken his inaugural oath. He may be perfect in your eyes, but he has yet to prove himself. Who knows what will happen over the next four years?

Does something need to stand the test of time before we can categorize it as great?

Do we need to see accomplishments of a leader before we call him or her outstanding?

How do we compare a few years of service with a lifetime of service or with the sacrifice of giving your life in the service of your country?

My favorite definition of greatness is: “Everyone has the power for greatness-- not for fame, but greatness, because greatness is determined by service.” This quotation is by Martin Luther King Jr., a man whom I believe fell short of his personal potential for greatness. Nevertheless, I believe he was a great leader and I think that his definition of greatness is spot on; greatness is determined by service!

We may not be able to judge the heart or motives of another, but we can look at their life and see at least some of the service that they have rendered. Of course, many of the greatest gifts of service are given anonymously. But even the most humble servant leaves a trail behind him. No one can live a life of service without leaving some evidence that can be uncovered with a bit effort.

Over the years many polls and surveys have been done and the President most frequently rated as “the greatest” is Abraham Lincoln. Although he wasn’t perfect, he served our country and sustained us during a great crisis. He worked tirelessly to hold our country together, he freed us from the horrors of slavery and ultimately he gave his life while serving as President.

Besides his actions, Lincoln’s writing testifies of his greatness. His Gettysburg Address is one of the most often read, quoted and memorized documents in American History. But when Lincoln gave his speech it was not universally hailed as a great speech. Now, after nearly 150 years, we have come to appreciate the greatness that is contained in less than 300 words.

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a contemporary of Lincoln’s. During his lifetime, he gave more than 1,500 public lectures. For more than 25 years of his life he traveled the country lecturing for 4-6 months of each year. He was quite popular at the time and became a famous speaker. But it is not his popularity that made him great. His influence is enduring because of the essays he published. These have been in print for over 150 years and have been read by millions around the world.

The writings of both Lincoln and Emerson have stood the test of time. They have been read and studied repeatedly by countless individuals. I believe their writing is classic in the truest sense. Mark Twain once said that classic is “a book which people praise and don’t read.”

So I am pleased to see the works of Lincoln and Emerson for sale at Costco. Hopefully this is a sign that people are actually reading these classics! Likewise, I hope that each of us will take the time to read and study President Obama’s Inaugural Address. See what you find in his words and then wait and watch and see what you find in his life and his actions.

The best news of all is that you don’t have to buy anything. All of this is available for free online.

Here are links to:

Obama’s Inaugural Address

Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address

Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address

Emerson’s Self-Reliance

Good, Good, Good, Good Eleven!

I loved watching Saturday morning cartoons as a kid and I am old enough that I watched Schoolhouse Rock in between my favorite shows. Today I want to reminisce about "Good Eleven". Click HERE to watch Good Eleven and to find the rest of the Multiplication Rock videos without searching all over youtube!

I am blessed to have my very own Good Eleven who "never gave me any trouble" and "will always be a friend of mine!"

Here he is with his birthday pancakes.

He continued his tradition of making his own birthday cake.
Can you tell he loves exclamation points?
If you look back through my posts, you'll figure out that he inherited this from his mother.
I usually read through my writing and delete a few exclamation points before posting, but I'm glad Evan didn't edit any of his.

On Saturday he had a party with a few of his buddies.
In keeping with his "Good Eleven" theme, it was very easy on Mom!
Dad took the boys hiking and they made the 7 mile trek on Iron Mountain.
Afterwords, they were all ready for pizza, cake and ice cream.
You'll notice that I provided a few veggies, but I didn't get many takers.


On Monday we celebrated by going out to lunch at Jamba Juice and heading over to ToysRUs to pick out THIS . . .

We have a long family history of remote control cars that have broken within the first week of ownership. Fortunately, ToysRUs now has an insurance program for 15 months for only $9.

We rounded out the birthday festivities with Grandma, Grandpa & cousins coming over for dinner (Evan chose Hawaiian Haystacks), ANOTHER cake made by Evan and even more presents!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful boy!!
And long live the exclamation points!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hearing Voices

Do you ever hear voices?

The kind that say:
I could never do that
I'm not as talented as she is
I'm way too busy for that
I can't think of anything interesting to write
I'm boring
I'm just not very good at that sort of thing

Does this sound familiar? I'll admit I've heard these voices, but I do my best to change the channel! It makes me sad when I realize that one of my children or a dear friend is listening to and believing these voices.

One of the best ways I've found to tune out these voices and the lies they tell is to replace them with voices that speak the truth.

So here's a serving of uplifting voices, music and images. Best of all, it will take less than two minutes of your time. No one's too busy for that!



And if you are one of those "mean moms" (like me) who has Youtube blocked,take a minute to allow it, at least long enough to watch this video. Go ahead, I'll wait!

When you've finished watching, go CREATE! And be sure to share your creations with us in your next blog post.

Worth Waiting For!

This post has been awhile in the making.

You might say I've been working on it since Monday . . .

or I guess you could say it's taken a whole year . . .

but really I've needed almost 22 years to prepare for this moment.

Because this is the time for me to wish my great husband

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

This birthday wish has been in the making . . .

Since Monday,

Because his birthday was actually on Monday. Unfortunately, I spent most of this week sick in bed. I was so sick that he didn't get a present or even a card from me. But he's such a low-maintenance kind of guy that he didn't mind a bit. Fortunately, Evan got up early to make his Dad a special breakfast and Marianne made some of her wonderful cupcakes for him. I still need to make it up to him. I am planning to take him shopping tonight!

For a year,

Because I've had my blog for just over a year. One of my first posts was about John's birthday last year. This is actually my 100th post and it's only fitting that it is about the most important person in my life!

For almost 22 years,

Because that's how long we've been married. He was a great guy when I married him. Everyone thought so! In fact, John worked in Atlanta during a summer internship. He was in the same ward with one of my roommates who was home for the summer. Her parents fell in love with John and were very disappointed that their daughter didn't feel the same way. They held out hope that they could snag him for a son-in-law one way or another. When my roommate got back to BYU, they insisted that she introduce John to her older sister. It was a very awkward meeting which I got to witness because she brought me along for moral support! Even after we got married, my friend's parents continued to lament over the great catch that got away!

I am pleased to report that John is even more wonderful that he was 22 years ago. Now besides being a great husband he is also a fabulous father and a superb son-in-law.

If you need proof, here are a couple of pictures I love of John. They both show what a hard worker he is!

Here he is working with my Dad on Aaron's Eagle Scout Project. My Dad has such love and respect for John that he often gets teary while talking about him.

This is another picture that shows John smiling, laughing and having a good time while he works. He usually has such a positive, outgoing attitude and he is a great example to our sons and to all the young men he has worked with over the years.

I am very grateful to have such a wonderful, patient husband!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Evan had a great time making this robot. You put the Valentines into his mouth and they're stored safely in his stomach. Marianne went with the simpler heart-shaped basket.

Hope your Valentine's Day was full of fun!

Happy 200th Birthday Mr. Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln is my hero! It is exciting to celebrate his 200th birthday and to see the new pennies that are being issued this year. The front of the penny is the classic design, but the reverse sides chronicle the life of Lincoln.

The penny that was released today features an image representing the Kentucky log cabin where Lincoln was born. Later in the year we'll see the other designs.

The second penny shows a young Lincoln taking a break from his labors to read. This is one of my favorite things about Lincoln. He worked hard to educate himself. He read Shakespeare and other classics and studied Euclid until he understood logic.

The next coin to be issued shows Lincoln in front of the state capitol in Illinois. Lincoln was a successful lawyer during this period.

One of my favorite stories of Lincoln the lawyer tells of his work on Case vs. Snow Brothers. The Snows had purchased a “prairie team,” consisting of two or three yoke of oxen and a plow. They gave Mr. Case a note for two hundred dollars, but when pay-day came they refused to pay.

The note was placed in Mr. Lincoln’s hands for collection. In court, the Snow brothers did not deny the note, but pleaded through their counsel that they were minors and not responsible for their debt. Lincoln listened carefully and said, “Yes, gentlemen, I reckon that’s so.” He allowed the Snows’ attorney to continue without question or interruption. When he had finished, Lincoln rose slowly and said, “Gentlemen of the jury, are you willing to allow these boys to begin life with this shame and disgrace attached to their character? If you are, I am not. The best judge of human character that ever wrote has left these immortal words for us to ponder:

Good name in man or woman, dear my lord,
Is the immediate jewel of their souls:
Who steals my purse steals trash; ‘tis something, nothing;
‘Twas mine, ‘tis his, and has been slave to thousands;
But he that filches from me my good name
Robs me of that which not enriches him
And makes me poor indeed.” (Othello)

Then Lincoln rose to his full height and looked at the brothers compassionately. He continued, “Gentlemen of the jury, these poor innocent boys would never have attempted this low villainy had it not been for the advice of these lawyers. . . you have it in your power to set these boys right before the world. “ He never mentioned his client’s name and the jury came to a unanimous decision in favor of Mr. Case without ever leaving their seats! (The Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln, by Anthony Gross)

The final bicentennial penny shows the unfinished capitol dome that reminds us of Lincoln’s service in Congress and as the President. I love the way a very busy Lincoln, was never too busy to write many, many personal letters. I also love the fact that he often carried such letters in his hat. One of my favorite letters is the reply he wrote to 9 year old Grace Bedell who suggested that his thin face would look better if he grew a beard. Lincoln replied,

My dear little Miss,

Your very agreeable letter of the 15th is received.

I regret the necessity of saying that I have no daughters. I have three sons—one seventeen, one nine, and one seven years of age. They, with their mother constitute my whole family.

As to the whiskers, having never worn any, do you not think people would call it a piece of silly affection if I were to begin it now?

Your very sincere well-wisher,

A. Lincoln

Despite his question, he did take her advice and grow a beard.

Happy Birthday President Lincoln!
And Happy Birthday to my Grandpa Zobrist who shared a birthday with this great man.

Lessons Learned This Weekend

Lesson #1 - If you've committed to give up sugar for a week, don't let your daughter near a cookbook like this:

She'll probably tease you by reading aloud recipes that include phrases such as "one of the most tempting cookie combinations ever" or "crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside and packed with chocolate"

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Lesson #2 - If you love chocolate so much that giving it up for a week sounds like a life sentence, don't bother reading cookbooks like these:

Reading phrases like, "a nutritious squash-and-date-filled cookie" or "an intriguing texture" will only make you feel worse.

(And yes, these are actual descriptions of sugar-free desserts!)

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Lesson #3 - The Phantom of the Opera is named Erik.

I discovered this on Saturday night while watching the 1925 silent version of the film accompanied by the San Diego Symphony.
We even got to eat popcorn (in the usually no-food-allowed symphony hall)!
Thank goodness there's no sugar in popcorn.
I was surprised by the ending when "Erik" is beaten by an angry mob and thrown in the Seine. This was definitely not Andrew Lloyd Webber.

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Lesson #4 - The longer you spend in Primary, the better it is!
I've spent about 24 years there, more than half my life.

I actually started in Primary a year early at age two.

At age 42, I still love it.

I love the kids (especially the ones who can fall asleep sitting up in a chair!).
I love the teachers, the stories, the activities, the music and all the lessons the children teach me.

What lessons did you learn this weekend?