Five Golden Rings!

It's probably just me but I have been singing The 12 Days of Christmas for a hundred years (okay, half that) but I can still mess up the song after the "five golden rings." On the countdown, I'm good to go after five: "fo-ur calling birds, three french hens, two turtle doves, and.....a partridge in a pear tree!" No problems there!

But, for the 6th to 12th days, it's like my peabrain needs a little refresher course after 11 months without Christmas Carols! Let see, were there 12 lords-a-leaping, or was 12 the milk maidens? Wait, how many geese were laying?

So, sometimes I get the wrong day (9?, 11? 7?) with the wrong noun (swans?, drummers?, ladies?) with the wrong verb (dancing?, piping?, swimming?)!

Then, just when I've remastered the song, some enthusiastic caroler throws a curve ball.....aka "actions." Hand motions that look cute and clever! But, for me (the non-multi-tasker), singing with hand motions is like trying to rub my tummy and pat my head at the same time!

Well, enough about me. Here's a quick checklist of the hidden meaning/symbolism behind the song. At least the version I've heard is that when the Roman Catholics in England weren't able to openly practice religion (in the 16th & 17th centuries) someone wrote the 12 Days carol to teach their children their faith in a disguised manner.

1 Partridge in a Pear Tree = Jesus Christ

2 Turtle Doves = Old & New Testaments

3 French Hens = Faith, Hope & Love

4 Calling Birds = 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John)

5 Golden Rings = Torah, the Law - First 5 books of the Old Testament

6 Geese-a-Laying= the 6 Days of Creation

7 Swans-a-Swimming = 7 Gifts of the Spirit.

8 Maid-a-Milking = the 8 Beatitudes

9 Ladies Dancing = 9 Fruits of the Spirit.

10 Lords-a-Leaping = 10 Commandments

11 Pipers Piping = 11 Faithful Disciples

12 Drummer's Drumming = 12 Points in the Apostles' Creed

"Unlimited Hot Chocolate" and other Broken Promises!

It's a miracle that Paige snowboards! Because the history of getting Paige on the slopes is filled with broken promises! Enough to turn anyone away from the lure of majestic mountains.

Luckily, Paige is resilient! She weathered disappointment and deceit and is old enough (I think) to look back and laugh at two stories that were once quite traumatic for her!

Broken Promise Story 1: Paige would have been about 5 when the rest of our family could ski with some competence so we decided to put Paige in Kid Care/Beginner Ski Lessons. Paige was reluctant about getting left behind so we raved about the fun she'd have in the ski lesson and pointed out the PROMISE in the brochure for "Unlimited Hot Chocolate" when the tots came in after their ski instruction. The thought of ALL the hot chocolate she wanted sealed the deal and Paige went happily into Kid Care and the rest of us enjoyed the day skiing.

When we picked up Paige after a great day of skiing, she did not look happy! She announced that when she went to get her 3rd cup of hot chocolate, a MEAN lady told her she'd had enough to drink! What? No more hot chocolate? The selling point to get Paige to agree to stay at the Kiddie Ski School....and she was denied all-the-hot-chocolate-she wanted? The day lives in infamy in Paige's memory!

Broken Promise Story 2: Just a season or two later, Paige was skiing pretty well and she seemed to have put the hot chocolate incident behind her. We were in Tahoe and Brent decided that if we put Paige in a Semi-Private Ski Lesson (just 2 students) for the morning, we could probably get her skills up to par so she could keep up with the rest of us by the afternoon. The Semi-Private Lesson versus a Group Ski School was a splurge but the resort brochure PROMISED that more individualized instruction was well worth the extra cost.

Unfortunately, instead of a getting an instructor who was interested in teaching; Paige was paired with the instructor whose sole interest turned out to be the other student in Paige's class! Picture a ski instructor who looks like a college frat boy, a teen girl who looks like Vanessa Hudgens and a 7 year old Paige.

On their 2nd run of the day, the teacher and teenager abandoned Paige at the top of the hill. Unfortunately, Paige didn't know her way back down! Eventually one of us spotted Paige sitting in a snowbank; wet, cold, and miserable! I think Brent made sure the flaky ski instructor was fired so he couldn't leave other youngsters on the mountain while he ran off with teenage girls!

With Paige's snowboard skills today you'd never guess she got off to such a rough start and once had such harrowing times on the slopes! Which just proves the Friedrich Nietzsche quote: "That which does not destroy, strengthens."

What Goes UP Must come DOWN! (er, switch that)

Shopping to rent a big crane was not on my Christmas wish list and it was not on my "to do" list until 2 days ago!

While there is never a "good time" for a gargantuan oak tree to fall from our property and land on our neighbor's oak tree; 1 week before Christmas and our trip to Israel was definitely a lousy time for the random occurrence!

So, while gravity and Blood, Sweat & Tears suggest that "What Goes Up, Must Come Down" ...in our debacle in appears that "What Goes Down (Tree), Must Come Up (via Crane)!" Or more precisely, that in order to access the down/fallen tree we needed a crane to lift it up/out of the neighbor's yard!

The "backyard" of our Alpine Avenue home provides excellent privacy with all the large trees but you pay a price to live with undeveloped terrain! Just like in any forest, Mother Nature Rules! With bad storms and high winds this fall we've already had 2 major disasters! Just over a month ago a massive oak branch demolished our master bedroom deck which is still getting rebuilt!

So, our lovely private open space has come to feel like a big black hole! Brent has dreams of terracing the back, putting in a bocce ball court, maybe even a gazebo that doubles as a weight room. But I'm just not sure the land out back wants to be developed! The trees certainly seem to have a mind of their own!

Watching the crane and tree cutters yesterday was fascinating! And since it happened on a Wednesday the "little people" (children of the runners) got to watch the excitement! Loud, noisy, messy! A definite crowd pleaser for 2, 3, and 4 year olds!

The Gift of FAMILY!

My paternal grandmother passed away before I was born, even before my parents were married. She died of a freak brain aneurysm when my Dad was graduating from college.

Because my Dad was an only child we had no aunts, no uncles, & no cousins on his side of the family. My grandmother's sister, Lucille, must have felt that something was amiss for us without any extended family from my Dad's side. A situation like this was pretty much unheard of living in Utah where everyone had dozens of aunts/uncles and hundreds of cousins!

My Dad's Aunt Lucille decided to include us in her immediate family's annual Christmas Party. I'm sure she did this in part as a tribute to her sister. I don't know if she ever knew what a special gift that invitation was for our family!

Whenever we recall the most meaningful gifts we've received they usually aren't the lavish, extravagant gifts. The Gift of Extended Family that my Dad's Aunt Lucille gave us was a great blessing for our family. Aunt Lucille showed us that we did have aunts, uncles, and cousins related to us on my Dad's side! Even if they were second cousins, or once removed, or whatever it would be called.

Aunt Lucille's gift was more than a simple invitation to their holiday parties. Her invitation made us a part of their clan! It was a memorable and generous gift!

The Gift of Heart!

Christina Rossetti's poems are delightful. The last (5th) stanza of the poem, In the Bleak Midwinter, has been put to music and is frequently used in childrens books for the holiday season. It's a wonderful sentiment...

"What can I give Him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd

I would bring a lamb,

If I were a wise man,

I would do my part,

Yet what I can give Him,

Give my heart."

Figuring out how I might "give my heart" is a good reflective exercise!

The Legacy of President E. Dale LeBaron....

I think President LeBaron deserves a lot of credit for Brent's spiritual foundation. President LeBaron was more than just his mission president when Brent served in South Africa. He continued to be a role model and great example to Brent all these years post-mission too!

Last week Dale LeBaron was killed when he was on a morning walk with his wife and they were struck by a car. He was just 75 years old. I'm so glad Brent was able to fly out to Utah for the funeral on Saturday.

In an article for Mormon Times, his daughter, Debbie St. Jeor, talked about her father's devotion to his 6 children and 34 grandchildren saying: "His main passion in life was the gospel and his family. What my Dad taught is what he lived."

President LeBaron was serving in South Africa in 1978 when President Kimball revealed that the time had come to allow all worthy males to be ordained to priesthood callings. It was a wonderful day in the church! I think the church takes a lot of heat for waiting as long as it did to embrace people of every gender but I've learned that it is hard to judge history because we always bring contemporary philosophy to time periods that we only understand in retrospect. The evolution of ideas, fairness, and equality has changed dramatically for good in my lifetime (thankfully). But I digress!

Back to President LeBaron. He published a book of the conversion stories of many great black African members of the church living in Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The stories are touching and you can feel the great love President LeBaron has for the African people.

I love the story President LeBaron tells of Jude Inmpey, a church member in Nigeria: "Jude had a dream he was at a social gathering with many people. Someone was playing an organ, but the sound was terrible. People were shouting, "What is wrong with your music?" Finally someone investigated the problem. "He's only playing the white keys!" he reported.

Then Brother Inmpey observed: "For many, many years the Church has been playing only the white keys, but now we are playing on the white and the black keys, and the music is much, much sweeter."

Gramps the Birthday Boy!

"The first and best victory is to conquer self." -Plato

Yesterday was my Dad's 81st birthday! And since my Dad is fastidious about his health I'll probably be writing posts about him for many years to come.... so I'll just focus on one attribute I admire for this birthday!

My Dad is incredibly disciplined! Almost to a fault! But, I really do like how consistent he is and always has been! He is a bit of a neat freak but it's all part of that same disciplined approach to every aspect of his life.

Many years ago a doctor touted mixing Metamucil fiber into a glass of water for good health. That drink concoction became his nightly ritual! Even on vacations he packs a ziplog bag with Metamucil to whip up that elixir anywhere!

I once met a man who had been a fraternity brother with my Dad in college. He remembered (fondly) my Dad picking the lint off the sweaters of the other Sigma Chi's in chapter meetings. That image had stuck with him all those years, he'd never met anyone quite that meticulous!

I can relate to how it left an impression on him. In my childhood, two places showcased my Dad's discipline and I admired both. His closet and his office. I loved looking at his neat closet; he was a master at closet organization before it became big business. Suits, shirts, pants and ties were nicely arranged by colors and type. I thought it was beautiful sight!

His office was similarly immaculate! Open any desk drawer and supplies were always exactly where they'd appeared on my last visit; pens lined in a row, a book of stamps, a small container of vitamin C. Another sight to behold! Especially for a little kid who kind of took after her Dad in his appreciation for orderliness!

My Mom would show off my Dad's clockwork behavior! She used to tell us that he was never without a handkerchief. So, we'd request tissues at random moments to test her theory and sure enough, he could always pull one out of his back pocket. I was wondering the other day if he still carries them 24/7. If I had to bet on it, my money is safest guessing that he does! Because that is the thing about disciplined people, you can pretty much always count on them!

To my Dad: the Disciplined Birthday Boy! I've always been able to count on him!

"We are what we repeatedly do, excellence then is not an act, but a habit." -Aristotle

Hanukkah: Festival of Lights!

One of the best things about Webb attending Beth El, a Jewish preschool, years ago was the opportunity for us to understand more about Judaism. I've got to find the video of the holiday performance showing Webb belting out songs about spinning dreidels, cooking Latkes, and hoping for Hanukkah gelt (coins/money)! It was quite adorable!

The 1st night of Hanukkah starts tonight! When I was teaching the Old Testament I bought a Menorah and Liz Walton & I celebrated several of the Jewish holidays throughout the year with the Seminary kids! Very fun!

The Hanukkah story reminds me of David and Goliath. Like David, the Maccabees were a small group of soldiers fighting for religious freedom against Antiochus's behemoth army of Syrians. The Maccabee's victory was a miracle!

Then, when they returned to Jerusalem to celebrate the temple was filthy and only a tiny drop of oil was left for the menorah. But the small drop continued to burn not just for one day, but eight days, giving the Maccabees a chance to restore/rededicate the temple! Another miracle!

Each night of Hanukkah when the candle is lit, two blessings are recited. The first is a blessing over the candles and the second gives thanks for miracles. The blessing in Hebrew: "Baruh atah adonai, eloheinu meleh ha-olam, she-asah nissim lavotanu ba-yamim hahem bazman hazeh." Or in English: "You abound in blessings, Source of All, Our God, Ruler of the Universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days, at this time."

Even though we don't officially celebrate Hanukkah (unless I can sneak it in - like teaching Old Testament); I like the symbolism behind the festival. The miracle of people triumphing over tremendous odds in a struggle for the right to practice their religious beliefs is inspiring! I admire the Maccabees dedication to their beliefs; their spirit to fight for what they believed in, no matter how difficult or dangerous!

Okay, and I have to admit, I also like all the interesting and unique menorahs! They have some incredible menorahs!

"I have a little dreidel. I made it out of clay.

And when it's dry and ready, with dreidel I shall play." -The Dreidel song

Big Football Jocks with Big Hearts!

Our darling nephew, Alex Olsen, and five of his buddies were featured in a Deseret News article in November. Oakley Hansen (center of photo), who was born with spinal bifida and hydrocephalus is visited on Thursday nights by these Highland High School Football Players.

Oakley is passionate about sports and loves to trade facts and stories with the boys. Oakley's mom says that "A lot of things have changed since the boys started to come visit. An excitement, looking forward to something. It has been phenomenal."

Oakley's risks of infection are too high to leave his home for much besides doctor's appointments but he convinced his parents to take him to Highland's Friday night football games. Oakley watches the games from a special van that former Utah Jazz star Karl Malone bought for Oakley several years ago.

What started as an unlikely friendship has blossomed into something really meaningful for the football stars! Or, as Alex is quoted in the article: "I think we get more out of the visits than Oakley does." All the boys agree that while they started the visits to help Oakley, it turns out that Oakley's positive attitude inspires and uplifts them.

Oakley's mother, Melissa Hansen, says that "Oakley's had a lifetime void filled by these boys." She realizes these boys have given Oakley something he was missing - real friends. Before the boy's visits Oakley's circle had consisted of mostly doctors, nurses, and medical technicians.

"They're young," Oakley's father, Van Hansen said of the football players. "But they are very sincere with big hearts. I am totally impressed with each and every one of them. Their parents should be proud."

Heck, I'm just Alex's Aunt and I'm proud! What a great thing these boys have done! And yet, like most service, acts of kindness have a way of coming back and benefitting the giver as well as the receiver! The miraculous principle of "The More you Give, The More you Have!"

"Keep doing good deeds long enough, and you'll probably turn out a good man in spite of yourself." - Louis Auchincloss

"You Can Be Scared and Brave at the Same Time"

Leukemia Lessons! Ashley Barth's Leukemia Diagnosis at age 3 was a tough blow! A long treatment schedule of chemotherapy, a regimen of steroids, meds, and spinals was a harsh new reality for the Barth family to adjust to!

Initially, Ashley struggled with all the poking and pain but very quickly figured out something that worked and helped Ashley endure (like a real champ) some tough stuff that had to happen at the hospital.

What was Ashley's secret? With a little guidance from a children's book about a hospitalized stuffed animal, Ashley developed a motto for coping. Ashley's mantra: "You Can Be Scared and Brave at the Same Time."

Andie (who is kind of a wimp when it comes to needles, blood, and shots of any sort) was so impressed with Ashley's bravery that she adopted the slogan! Then, our group of friends running the Nike Women's Marathon (dubbed "The A Team" for Ashley and Aiden) made T-shirts with our logo stating: "You Can Be Scared and Brave at the Same Time."

The quote took on a life of it's own for friends and family of Ashley! We all realized that even if/when something scares or frightens us that despite our fear we CAN STILL BE BRAVE! And that's not a bad thought to embrace in this "scary" world out there!

*And best of all, three years later, Ashley just celebrated her 6th birthday, is in remission and doing great!

Linus knows The True Meaning of Christmas!

Watching A Charlie Brown Christmas is an mandatory part of the holidays for me! Charles Schulz is one of my favorite cartoonists ever and I adore the whole Peanuts gang!

The best moment of the show is when Charlie Brown's frustration peaks; he can't stand the commercialization of the holiday and screams out: "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

"Sure, Charlie Brown," Linus calmly answers, and takes the stage: "I can tell you what Christmas is all about: ...And there were in the same country, shepherds, abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night, and lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them. And the glory of the Lord shone round about them. And they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God and saying "Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth; Peace, Goodwill Toward Man."

That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown!" (ah! ...from the mouths of babes!)

California Girl is Walking ( & Running) in a Winter Wonderland!

"O wind,

If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?" -Percy Bysshe Shelley

It's Paige's first winter in her Study Abroad Utah experience! She's been a little reluctant about enduring the cold weather but I think she made some progress yesterday. Provo had a big snowstorm and Paige bundled up and went running anyway. Her text message reported only one fall and it sounded like she might embrace the season after all!

Of course, in two weeks Paige will be back in California for the semester break. I just hope the snowfall yesterday was pretty enough to entice her back to Utah in January! Plus, her snowboard gear and ski pass will be ready and waiting!

I've never been a big fan of the cold weather either so I do feel for Paige! Blizzards can definitely put a damper on plans now and again! And we both like to plan! Also, Paige has NEVER driven in hazardous conditions so we've got to enlist a native Utah driver to get her out in a parking lot and teach her how to maneuver Bella on treacherous roads! (Hmm...I'm not sure Paige ever learned to parallel park - speaking of driving skills!)

One highlight I'm sure Paige will like about a cold winter: Unlimited Hot Chocolate! (but I'll save the story behind that comment for another blog entry!)

"Antisthenes says that in a certain faraway land the cold is so intense that words freeze as soon as they are uttered, and after some time then thaw and become audible, so that words spoken in winter go unheard until the next summer." -Plutarch, Moralia

Fast Sundays!

One of the things I really enjoy about monthly Fast Sundays in our church is testimony meeting during Sacrament meeting.

The opportunity for random members to stand at the pulpit and share their testimony of the gospel can be a little nerve racking for a Bishop since you are never quite sure what any given person might say! And most of us do have a story or two about something outlandish spoken during a testimony meeting we've attended.

But, for the most part, testimony meetings are usually amazing! Especially when I am fasting and I come to the meeting with a desire to be spiritually fed! If I'm in the right frame of mind, I always learn from the experiences shared by others.

There is a spiritual nourishment for me when I have friends in my ward family express love and proclaim truth. There is a special power in having the meeting be completely open to anyone who feels prompted to speak. It feels genuine and sincere to have no prepared sermon by clergy but just common folk (people who have the same struggles and challenges in life as the rest of us) sharing their feelings about the Savior and how the gospel has been a blessing in their lives.

Yesterday we had an unusually good testimony meeting in the Los Gatos Ward. I was touched by the members who shared and felt like my soul was fed in abundance! Sometimes I leave church almost feeling guilty like I have received far more than I've given!

Matthew 5: 6 "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."

Kickoff to the Holiday Season!

If you ever wonder about the perks of living in a small town I can distill the draw to Los Gatos down to 2 words: Christmas. Parade.

The annual Los Gatos Christmas Parade is always on the 1st Saturday of December and for me it is a much better kickoff to the holiday season than Black Friday (sorry to diehard shoppers). Everyone in town is either "in" or watching the parade! Being "in" the parade is pretty much a "rite of passage."

My kids have been in the parade for Indian Princesses, Karate, Swim Team, Scouts, Cross Country, LG Rowing Club, "Zoom" (a musical group led by Julia Hatch & Sherry Curtis), etc. We've even had a car and probably a few wagons that have been "in" the parade! Plus, our driveway is ideal parking for the end of the parade route.

The parade has been running strong for over 50 years and has some pretty classic participants. The Stanford Marching Band makes an appearance. For anyone not familiar with the Stanford Marching Band they are not your Mother's Marching Band; their M.O. is unorthodox and outrageous! The Italian Squash Drill Team is always a favorite (see picture) as well as some pro BMX bikers who can do midair flips of a float/ramp! And Santa Claus always brings up the rear.

Yes, the Los Gatos Christmas Parade is one of the best community events around! And it's a perfect way to kickoff the holiday season!

The Nutcracker!

I love The Nutcracker ballet! I've probably seen it nearly every holiday season! My parents started the tradition when I was just a toddler and happily, Brent likes it so we've taken our kids almost annually!

We've seen The Nutcracker in Washington, D.C., Boston, New York, San Diego, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City.

The Seattle production was one of my favorites because the sets and costumes were designed by Maurice Sendak! And I always love the Ballet West version (the Salt Lake City ballet) since it's the one I grew up with.

Last night we went to see Sophie Ryvola in a San Jose Dance Theatre production. Sophie was a great little soldier but I think she could be cast as Clara one day. Sophie's definitely got the moxie for a lead role!

When I was young I wanted to audition to be one of the boy party guests. The boys were usually girls with pixie haircuts since ballet classes seem to have a shortage of male testosterone. The boys main part was planning a sneak attack, blasting their trumpets on the frilly girls in tight ringlets rocking their baby dolls. The boys part looked like a lot more fun!

Other hightlights in the Nutcracker for me are the awesome Russian dancers and Mother Buffoon and the children popping out from under her skirt! If I were musical I could probably conduct the orchestra; I love Tchaikovsky and I feel like I know the whole score from memory! It turns out that Andie has even created lyrics to go with all the music (who knew?)

Year after year, I never get tired of The Nutcracker!

Not Photogenic! (and Not Kidding)

I am not a photogenic person. Andie (who happens to be photogenic) claims she might be able to coach me to some better photographs! And, while Andie definitely has her pose down to a fine art, I'm not sure it would work for me!

Can you be allergic to a camera? I definitely have a bad reaction to them! Either my eyes will be closed, or I'll be squinting, or my face will be contorted in some strange permutation. This is not an exaggeration.

So, I'm just curious here: If someone is told they are photogenic, is it a compliment? Or, is it like....you look good in pictures (as in better than in your real life?)

Following this reasoning, could it mean that someone UNPHOTOGENIC (like myself) by looking BAD in pictures actually looks better in real life? I'll hold onto that possibility....just to give me a little hope here!

But, truthfully, most photogenic people I know are also gorgeous people too! They just happen to ALSO look good in pictures.

I've always been a "late bloomer" so maybe my days of "great looking photos" is still looming ahead, in my future! Until then, I probably should refrain from too many personal picture posts on the blog! Photo at left a case in point!

Without Guile....

"Having thus chosen our course, without guile and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear and with manly hearts." -Abraham Lincoln

Wouldn't it be interesting to know what Character Traits other people would use to describe you? I remember the funeral service for Vera Sandberg several years ago. Two attributes that kept coming up in eulogy remarks were that Sister Sandberg was "Good" and that she was "Kind."

Vera was a wonderful woman and I think those words were a perfect tribute! Sometimes we might think it is important to be known for traits that make us seem special or unique. Who wouldn't like to be described as being "brilliant," "talented," "clever," "creative," "beautiful," or "fashionable"? But, honestly, when we are really gone for good one day (hopefully not for many years) will it really be important to seem larger than life in one area or another? Do accolades of distinction really matter?

In my heart I know that the bright-witty-gorgeous-stylish labels are inconsequential and the "Vera Labels" of "good" and "kind" are the most amazing attributes of all! Someone like Vera, who is remembered for being good and kind, is clearly someone who is "without guile" which I think is about as good as it gets!

A Basket Full of Blessings!

Oops! I was taking down the Thanksgiving Decorations and realized we hadn't read through our Blessings Basket! A few years ago I started setting out a basket (with pen & paper) right next to our Pilgrim & Indian decor hoping that family and friends would list things they are grateful for and add them to our basket of blessings.

Since we ate Thanksgiving dinner at the Hollands this year we forgot the traditional reading. None of us will ever forget the year TJ Hunter wrote that he was grateful for "Implants" and when Grandpa read it he thought TJ was talking about breast implants forgetting about TJ's Cochlear Implant! We laughed about that the rest of their visit!

Well, here is a sampling of some Blessings that were left by visitors who were kind enough to put something in our basket:

"I am thankful for the Knudsen family: their humor, generosity, and goodness. I am thankful for trees and trails, mountains and sea. I am thankful for babies, laughter, cars, telephones, chocolate, fruit, good books, and sunshine."

"I am thankful for the blessing of coming to this house full of adventures and love, always yummy food and fanciful decorations."

"I am thankful for challenges to make us strong."

So, the basket is put away until next fall season but hopefully we can still be mindful daily of how richly blessed we are! And, of course, for Implants too! (good one TJ!)

I Collect Soundbites!

Soundbites are free and you can find them EVERYWHERE! You know those clever lines you read in articles that linger in your thoughts; sometimes they make you laugh, sometimes they make you cry, and oftentimes they make think...and think again!

Here are 3 examples from the past week.

#1 (made me laugh): From a NieNie blog that Andie introduced me to, NieNie travels with her family to New York City. When the airplane is landing NieNie's mother asks the flight attendant if she is going to "start spreading the news?" Apparently, the flight attendant didn't think it was all that funny, but NieNie did and so do I! It makes me laugh just to think about that funny clever Mom! "Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today. I want to be a part of it, New York, New York!"

#2 (made me cry): I read a tragic story in the Deseret News about John Jones, a young father and medical student, who died after getting stuck in a cave and the rescue efforts failed. During the rescue attempts he was in contact with his family and they said his spirits were high; even his sense of humor was intact. At one point he consoled his wife. He told her not to worry since he simply couldn't die because.... "A funeral," he said, "is just not in our budget right now." Yep, that one made me a little teary!

3rd (made me think & ponder): I'm not really a Sarah Palin fan or foe but no one can argue that she is a force to be reckoned with! Most quotes attached to Palin are doozers like "you can see Russia from my house!" But last week when Oprah Winfrey asked her whether Levi Peterson would be coming for Thanksgiving dinner, Palin answered: "It's lovely to think that he would ever even consider such a thing. Because, of course, he is a part of the family and you want to bring him in the fold and kind of under your wing. And he needs that too..." And maybe it's a lot of spin, but still, it's a nice gesture. Rather than speak ill of Levi after all the dirt he's been slinging on the Palin's she stood on higher ground. It seemed sincere.

See what I mean about Soundbites! Collect a few of your own! Watch out: it's kind of addictive!

Gratitude is the Heart's Memory!

I love the story in the 17th Chapter of Luke, where Christ cures ten lepers but only one returns to give thanks.

Jesus asked, "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?"

The scriptures don't tell us why the other nine lepers didn't return but some have speculated. I think I might see myself in their possible excuses at times.

Maybe one leper waited to see if the cure would last. Maybe one thought he'd probably see Jesus later. One might have decided that he never really had leprosy. Perhaps one intended to return and then life got busy!

Presumably, the nine had faith, for they too, like the leper who returned, were healed. But the thing they were lacking was their Expression of Thanks! Surely they Felt Thankful; how could anyone not feel thankful being healed of such a terrible disease.

When we feel GRATEFUL, we feel it in our HEART! It's a feeling I love, a feeling that has power and possibility! I find myself feeling thankful for so many small things; something someone says that touches me, a simple random act of kindness, a great talk in church that leaves me inspired. I feel grateful but I need to be more like the one leper and less like the other nine. I need to be better about expressing thanks!

President Monson gave a talk awhile back called "Think to Thank" and he reminds us that the words "Thank You" have been called the two most important words in the English language! I really want to make a better effort be the kind of person that takes the time to say thank you more often to others! Even/especially for the small things!

"A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men." -Roald Dahl

Seeing the "Fantastic Mr. Fox" movie on Friday night brought back all sorts of Roald Dahl memories. As a child I read James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But my kids (especially Webb) loved reading Dahl...from The BFG to Mathilda to The Vicar of Nibbleswick; Roald Dahl entertained us all!

Roald Dahl brought magic to his stories and I loved his sense of humor. For example, Dahl said: "Do you know what breakfast cereal is made of? It's made of all those little curly wooden shavings you find in pencil sharpeners!" After I read that, I couldn't pour a bowl of Captain Crunch without imagining a big bite full of sawdust!

Without Roald Dahl, we wouldn't have Oompa Loompas! Can you even imagine a world where Oompa Loompas don't exist?

I can get a little carried away in my allegiance to great children's authors; you don't have to know me long to hear me sing praises to Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak, Roald Dahl, etc.! The best writers for children never look down on their audience...especially an audience of clever young minds! Their goal is the story and not to impart a moral/message. Of course, like all good literature, we are usually more inspired when a creative story touches us; more than a didactic sermon! And Roald Dahl is a master when it comes to creative stories!

"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." -Roald Dahl

"I Dwell In Possibility" -Emily Dickinson

I dwell in possibility -

A fairer House than Prose -

More numerous of Windows -

Superior - for Doors -

Of Chambers as the Cedars -

Impregnable of Eye -

And for an Everlasting Roof

The Gambrels of the Sky -

Of visitors - the fairest -

For Occupation - This -

The spreading wide of narrow Hands

To gather Paradise.

-Emily Dickinson

A Toast to the Turkey Trotters!

Thanksgiving was a Mary Poppin's "Practically Perfect in Every Way" Kind of Day!

The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade was missing a few viewers, the crew on the left (and about 10,000 others) were busy running the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot. Actually, I was just the Mom Sherpa, holding the bag of extra gear (sweatpants, cell phones, waters).

The Turkey Trot is a perfect morning prelude to an afternoon of massive feasting! We had one of our best feasts ever joining the Holland family! You can't go wrong when Julie's Mom, Gladys, is involved and in the kitchen! She's an amazing cook (as well as Julie) so everything was wonderful food wise. This might be the first year Paige's Cranberry Sauce had some competition; but Paige is still convinced that hers is the best!

Next on the schedule: A Bunco Tournament! Fun for All Ages! Bunco's a riot because it is entirely based on luck but while you're playing you're convinced that some skill set can actually give you a boost. Connor Holland claims you need enthusiasm to be victorious and I'm sure Andie, 1st Place Thanksgiving Bunco Winner, would agree! Andie is loving the zebra snuggli prize; it could not have found a better home!

Finally, we headed off to our traditional Thanksgiving Movie Night, this year we saw The Blindside. It's a touching movie, especially since it's based on a true story, and a great performance by Sandra Bullock.

Family, Friends, Feasting, and Fun! Yep, a "practically perfect" day! Oh, yes, and Fast! (the speed kind, not going-without-food). The Turkey Trot Race Results: Paige Knudsen #1 (20-24 year female) and Andie Knudsen #1 (25-29 year female). Both winners in their age groups! Now that took some serious Trotting!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Albert Einstein made a wise comment when he said that "Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." (parse that!)

Well, I am filled with gratitude today on Thanksgiving and it's hard not to take "count" and sport a Top Ten list! If I didn't restrict my list to 10 things this blog would be too long. So, here's a small head count of 10 great blessings in my life:

#1. I'm grateful for the gospel; it's like having a road map or template for my life.

#2. I'm grateful to have a testimony; beliefs that make me feel connected to a greater purpose.

#3. I'm grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost; to feel direction, comfort, and peace.

#4. I'm grateful for Excellent Health; which allows me to live a full life physically!

#5. I'm grateful to be Married; to have a great companion on this journey!

#6. I'm grateful to be a Mom; parenting is a joy like no other!

#7. I'm grateful to be Passionate about Learning; reading and learning will always bring me pleasure!

#8. I'm grateful to have a Positive Outlook; very glad I'm not prone to drama, gloom, and doom!

#9. I'm grateful for Relationships; friends and family...people who make me want to be my best.

#10. I'm grateful for Running; a healthy outlet that relieves stress in such an enjoyable way!

As Einstein might note, many things on my list can't counted or quantified but each "thing" is a blessing in my life that brings me great happiness! And I'd certainly feel remiss if I didn't "count" those blessings today! Happy Thanksgiving!

"I Babysit, I Don't Perform!"

I really don't want to dignify Adam Lambert by blogging about him. I hardly know who the guy is since I don't follow American Idol.

But I do read the newspapers and you couldn't miss the Glambert's name all over the news this week; apparently he sang at some music awards show and was totally raunchy! Any more detail on that would be TMI as far as I'm concerned. Trust me on this!

The caption I saw today was pretty classic! I guess Lambert was attempting to justify his inappropriate behavior or relinquish himself from any responsibility that as an entertainer people (youth, children, etc) watch, follow, and emulate him. Anyway, the CNN headliner read: Lambert: "I perform, I don't babysit."

And I couldn't resist the following twist to his soundbite.....mine would read: Knudsen: "I babysit, I don't perform." So there!