Where were you?

I was 5 years old when President Kennedy was assassinated. I was at home with my Mom and younger brother and sister when the neighbor came running over and said to turn on the radio, that the President had been shot. We lived in Bermuda at the time and we didn't get TV until about 4 pm, so the radio was where we got "breaking news". I didn't quite understand what was going on, but I skipped down to the bus stop to meet my older brother and sisters and announced to them that the President had been shot. My brother responded, with some disdain, "Nuh-uh, that was Lincoln." and we argued about it all the way home. I don't remember much more except watching the funeral on TV. As, I got older I became interested in the detail surrounding the assassination and became somewhat of a conspiracy buff I guess. In the past 10 years, I have read many of his speeches. He had the power to inspire and I really think we would have avoided much of the Vietnam war and the turbulence of the 60's if JFK had gone on to serve a 2nd term. The following is an excerpt from one of his speeches that I have always loved:

I have, therefore, chosen this time and this place to discuss a topic on which ignorance too often abounds and the truth is too rarely perceived — yet it is the most important topic on earth: world peace.What kind of peace do I mean? What kind of peace do we seek? Not a Pax Americana enforced on the world by American weapons of war. Not the peace of the grave or the security of the slave. I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children — not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women — not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.
If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can make the world safe for diversity. For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal.

I often wonder what our world would be like if he had lived, much the way I wonder what would have been different had Lincoln lived to oversee Reconstruction. This day every year, I relfect on that and wonder if we will ever have "peace for all time."

Our Next President

Well, we knew history would be made no matter what in this election. November 4th was a historic night for our nation. Record numbers of voters chose the first black president for the United States. John McCain's concession speech was gracious and eloquent. Barack Obama's acceptance speech was inspiring and even though I didn't vote for him, I had a lump in my throat after listening to him. This part especially, touched me:

"And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too."

My 8th grade students were excited about this election. We spent the month prior to election day studying about the election and talking about the candidates and learning about the electoral college and what it would take to win. On election night they had the assignment to watch the coverage and keep track of the states and listen to the speeches. The next day they were excited to have history made in their lifetime and excited to understand that in 4 years they would be voters too and that Barck Obama would probably be running for re-election.

Their excitement is contagious. I have a lot of hope that positive changes can be made in our country. Barack Obama is a family man with strong moral values, an honest man with integrity. I could never say that about our last Democratic president. But Obama has my respect and support as long as he supports the Constitution. This is our system of government, the best in the world. He deserves every chance to do good for our country.

God Bless America, land that I love.

From Laura's Tag Post

I just read Laura's blog and decided to post using the tags she had. They sounded fun. So, the 6th picture in the 6th folder in My Pictures is....

this one! This is a picture of my older brother and two sisters, Butch, Dell and Faye. It looks like it was taken Christmas of 1957, just two months before I was born. My Dad was stationed in France and this picture is in the apartment they lived in. Dell is holding the Dolly. Wait, this can't be 1957, does Faye look like she is 3 years old? Maybe she does...anyway, I have always thought this picture was of Christmas right before I was born. :)

Now, the 8's

8 favorite TV shows - The Amazing Race, Survivor, 2008 World Series of Poker, Friends, Seinfeld, Bill O'Reilly, Glen Beck, Cash Cab

8 things that happened yesterday - I caught a cold, Jake got his driver's license, I had 3 students for lunch detention, kept score at an 8th grade girl's basketball game against Declo that went into overtime, talked to Laura and Carter on Skype, joined the KLIX loyal listener club, emailed Jean

8 things I am looking forward to - getting over this cold so that I can sleep, Thursday when Casey and Cody get here and we babysit Halle, during fun Friday at school we are going to learn the zombie dance from Thriller. Ever since I saw 13 Going on 30, I have wanted to learn that dance., Election Day, just so the suspense will be over, Christmas when Laura, Josh and Carter come home, spring break when we get to go visit in Mississippi, having more grandchildren, retirement

One of those "get to know you" things

My Mom sent this to me through email and I figured it was a good enough thing to blog. It is a good way to learn some things about people you know. So, copy it and fix the answer to reflect yourself and post it on your own blog or in the comments.

(x ) Gone on a blind date (x ) Skipped school ( x ) Watched someone die ( x ) Been to Canada ( x ) Been to Mexico (X ) Been to Florida ( X ) Been on a plane ( X ) Been lost ( X ) Been on the opposite side of the country ( x ) Been to Washington , DC ( X ) Swam or played in the ocean (x ) Cried yourself to sleep ( X ) Played cops and robber ( x ) Recently colored with crayons ( x) Sang Karaoke ( x ) Paid for a meal with coins only? ( X ) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? (x ) Made prank phone calls ( X ) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose ( X ) Caught a snowflake on your tongue ( X ) Danced in the rain ( x) Written a letter to Santa Claus (x ) Been kissed under the mistletoe ( X ) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about ( X ) Blown bubbles (x ) Gone ice-skating ( x ) Been skinny dipping outdoors

1. Nickname: Railerhouse, Tio, Munge
2. Mother's name? Helen
3. Favorite drink? icy cold coca-cola with a real cherry in it.
4. Body Piercing? Ears
5. Tattoo? No
6. How much do you love your job? a lot
7. Ever been caught 'in the act'? almost
8. Favorite vacation spots? Diana's porch, Mom's swing, Faye's house, Boston
9. Ever been to Africa? only in the movies
10. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? Yes
11. Ever been on TV? YES
12. Ever steal any traffic sign? Yes, I used to have a yield sign in my bedroom
13. Ever been in a car accident? Yes.
14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4
15. Favorite salad dressing? 1,000 Island
16. Favorite pie? boston cream
17. Favorite number? 8
18. Favorite Movie? It changes, depending on my mood, but I would have to say the one I like to watch over and over is "While You Were Sleeping"
19. Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving, at least, the Thanksgivings of my past when it was just family, food and watching the Cowboys play football. Before someone who shall remain nameless criticized my cooking, choice of food and pretty much everything about me. Now holidays are only enjoyable when I have just my little family, because I never get to spend holidays with my Mom or my siblings.
20. Favorite dessert? chocolate molten lava cake
21. Favorite food? crab - steamed crabs, crab legs, crab cakes like you get in Maryland.....mmmmm crab (no imitation krab - yuk)
22. Favorite day of the week? Even though I like my job, I am always happy when Friday at 3:05 rolls around.
23. Favorite brand of body wash? Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea, or Lime Verbena
24. Favorite toothpaste? Crest
25. Favorite smell? roses like from Grandma Van Noy's garden and ocean air or rain. I love the way my kids smell when they hug me (except when they stink, right Laura?)
26. What do you do to relax ? get my jammies on, get in the bed, watch TV, surf the net, play pogo, read, Guitar Hero is a good way to get your mind off other things.
27. Brothers & sisters? Butch, Dell Faye, Junior and Diana
28. How do you see yourself in 10 years? retired and grateful
29. Furthest place you will send this message? Mississippi
30. Who will respond first? You only have to answer this one if you are going to email it. I think Laura and Casey responded at about the same time.

September 11th

First thing this morning, I put out the American Flag outside of our house. Today is called Patriots Day. September 11, 2001 is one of those defining moments of life. You never forget where you were when you heard, and I will never forget the awful feeling in the pit of my stomach as events unfolded and I realized the extent of the tragedy.

Today I talked with my students about the day and showed a video of the events of the day. They were barely 6 years old when it happened and really don't remember a lot about the day. I think it is important to remember. Remember what happened, and how our lives were changed forever. Remember the sacrifice of all people who have died in order to insure our liberty. And remember that freedom often comes at a high price, particularly to those who were directly affected.

In the weeks after 9/11, Americans came together. Flags were flown, songs were sung, memorials were presented, money was collected, and we vowed that terrorism would not prevent us from living our lives with a sense of security and peace. Since those first few months, we have splintered again, and some people even believe that our own government was responsible for those planes going into those buildings. People who think that was dishonor those who died that day, particularly the policemen and firefighters who died doing their duty, and those on flight 93 who realized that unless they took control of that plane, hundreds more people would die.

I hold this day with particular reverence. I personally knew two of the people who were on board flight 77, the plane that went into the Pentagon. This day is a tribute to them and to all who had to sacrifice their lives through the cowardly acts of muslim extremists. This day particularly, I pray for our country. I pray that God will bless our country and countinue to allow us the freedoms and liberties we have heretofore enjoyed.

Land of the free, home of the brave.

Temple Dedication and a New Stake

Last Sunday, August 24, was the dedication of the Twin Falls Temple. The day before that was the youth cultural celebration which Jake took part in. I got to watch the performance and hear President Monson bless the youth of the region. I was so grateful that my son was part of the celebration and a recipient of that blessing. Jake has quite an eventful week. He went on a 50 mile hike with his scout troop and got home Friday morning in time for a few hours rest and then off to dress rehearsal for the cultural celebration. They got home about 9:30 that night and then were up early saturday morning to practice, practice, practice, until the acutal performance for the prophet. President Monson and President Eyring were there and the youth put on a wonderful performance.

Then we were at the 9am session for the temple dedication. We got to watch the cornerstone ceremony and participate in the Hosanna shout. It was a very special day.

Then today at church we were told that a new stake was being form, the Twin Falls South Stake, of which our ward will be a part. we will have a stake conference at the new Twin Falls Stake Center on Spetember 14th. Then a new stake center will be built next spring off of Orchard Drive. Until then, we will use the old stake center on Maurice Street as our stake center. It is exciting to see how Twin Falls is growing spiritually.

A'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I finally got my grades for my 2 master's classes I took this summer. A's in both! Yay!! I guess I can do this!