New Blog!

I started a new blog, and will no longer be posting here.
Please check me out at:

LifeOfLyndee.blogspot.com

Hope you visit me soon!

Love, Lyndee

Reece and Arthur- Leading by Example

Because it's football season I am reminded of an experience last year at one of Arthur's football games. Last year Reece was the kicker for his team. As most of you know, before the kick off the kicker signals his intent, and states his position by raising his hand. Reece did this, and apparently Arthur watched this. One Saturday morning last Fall I sat watching Arthur playing in one of his flag football games. Arthur's coach asked my little six year old to kick off, and my eager boy ran to the line to position himself for the play. After the ref signalled to Arthur, my little white baby responded by raising his hand high above his head to announce his intent to kick the ball.

No one ever "told" Arthur to raise his hand before kick off. In fact, I, along with the coach and several other parents, chuckled when we saw Arthur do this as it was unnecessary for that specific forum. However, Arthur had seen his older brother do it, and thus followed the example.

Example is a big thing. It really is. Redge and I hold family prayer everyday. The reason being that my parents held family prayer everyday. My mom and dad had us up early everyday EVEN IN THE SUMMER to kneel in family prayer. They didn't stop doing it when they had four cranky teenagers who grumbled and glared when asked to join the family, and barely whispered when called upon to offer the prayer. Nope- family prayer was important enough to ignore the moodiness of tired kids. Without saying a word my parents taught me that family prayer is the way to start the day NO MATTER WHAT. Reece, without saying a word, taught Arthur that raising his hand is the way to start kick off NO MATTER WHAT.

I wonder what I'm teaching without saying a single word.

Life-takers to Life-savers

I was just thinking about Jesus Christ calling His Disciples. I especially focused on the calling of Peter and Andrew. Here were Peter and Andrew, fishermen. Jesus approaches them, and invites, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19) I realized that fishermen kill. Fishers of men save.

Being a fisherman is a good thing. Fishermen provide honestly for their families and communities. But- Jesus offered a BETTER way. Now I'm thinking... Am I fisherman or fisher of men? I do good things. But- is Jesus offering ME a BETTER way? Probably. No- not probably. I'm sure He is. But- what is it?

I Don't Get It.

Last night we played the Delta Rabbits. Nope- not kidding. Their mascot is the rabbit. I don't get it. But, come to think of it... I don't much get our mascot either. We're the Westlake Thunder. What does thunder look like? How do you picture thunder in your mind? What does thunder do? My friend, Wyndee (an actual Delta Rabbit), reminded me that Thunder does two things: scares dogs, scares small children. I don't get it. We lost last night- to the Rabbits. Maybe next time we should play dogs or small children.

Another thing I don't get is Westlake High School's colors. Royal blue, baby blue, and "Vegas Gold". VEGAS GOLD? What is that? What color is Vegas Gold? I've never seen it in the crayon box. I've never seen it in Vegas. I've never heard of it in Vegas. I have NO clue as to why the Westlake High School colors include "Vegas Gold". There are many reasons for my confusion. Here are a few of them:

-Nevada's official nickname: The SILVER State
-Words from the Nevada State Song: "Out by the Truckee SILVERY rills..."
-Nevada's state metal: SILVER
-Nevada's official state colors: Blue and SILVER
-Nevada's official march: The SILVER State Fanfare
-Nevada was admitted into the union by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War because of our abundance of SILVER- necessary in assisting the union win the war
-Nevada's Comstock Mine is one of the WORLD'S largest SILVER mines
-Las Vegas has been, and is currently, the home of many college and semi professional/minor league sports teams; here are few of them, and their colors:
--UNLV; red and SILVER
--The Wranglers (IHL); red, SILVER, black
--The Locomotives (UFL); SILVER and blue
--The 51’s (MiLB); blue and SILVER
--The Thunder (MiLH); teal and SILVER

I asked Redge, as a non-native, if he can see the reasoning behind “Vegas Gold”. He said, “Yes, you know… because of the lights, the money, the glitter, you know.” My response, “Lights aren’t gold. The money, the famous Vegas kinds, are either quarters (silver) or paper cash (green). Glitter comes in every color.”

So- can someone, anyone, please explain to me; a simple girl, a product of Panaca farmers, the term “Vegas Gold”?

Lyndee and Lyndee

The first week of August was spent with my entire family (sans Eric and Josh) at Aspen Grove. We had a great time! I'll be adding more photos and memories over the next few days, but I had to post this one right now because I think it is so cool!

The first night we were there Jeff and Redge disappeared. After a while they came back each with his own bowl of ice cream. I was almost bugged for not having my own, but then Jeff said, "I just saw something I've never seen before! A name tag- not on you- that says, 'L-Y-N-D-E-E'!"

Having my name is good in that I can get away with just signing "Lyndee" and people know who I am. Sometimes it makes me feel famous- you know like I'm in the "Sting, Cher, Madonna Club". One name is enough- no last name necessary. But, at the same time, I never got to own anything with my name on it. You know- like necklaces, toothbrushes, cool Disneyland license plates for my bike, nightlights, or ceramic heart pins. So- when I heard there was another Lyndee spelled like mine I HAD to meet her! I made Redge come with me to photograph the event.

So- here it is. Visual proof (I promise no air brushing) that I found another Lyndee, and I'm pointing to her name tag so you can really see the truth of it. My kids (well, not so much Reece) thought it was the COOLEST THING EVER to meet another Lyndee. They ran to her and said hi every single chance they had. It was pretty great!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

No, not Christmas. I'm talking FOOTBALL SEASON! Last night was Reece's first High School football game, and he isn't playing on the freshman team, and it wasn't a JV game. We're talking Varsity. My little tiny (5'10", 195 lb) baby (14 years, 5 months, 14 days) played VARSITY FOOTBALL last night! So as to be completely honest- he didn't start. He only played three plays, but please, you all have to admit it's impressive.

Enjoy the photos. Reece's practice jersey is white 56. Game jersey is 58. Please- no comments regarding the fact that they look a bit like Notre Dame. I'll be adding a post regarding the mascot and colors.

For further Westlake Thunder updates, game schedules, and news please go to: www.westlakethunderfootball.blogspot.com

CTR 7

I received a new calling! After 3 years of the ward bulletin, and 4 years of Cub Committee I am now the CTR 7 teacher! I am so excited! I have never been a Junior Primary Teacher before, and I only taught in Senior Primary for a few months. This is going to be great! For the remaining 5 months of this year I am Arthur's teacher. I love these little kids. It is such a fun class. I've had the opportunity to sub for them a few times, and I'm VERY anxious to have them on a regular basis.

However, there is one draw back. I am following the toughest act EVER! Trace and Lin Salmon are the absolute faves of EVERY child in our ward! They are so kind, sweet, patient, and fun. Luckily the kids in my class have been to my house, and I'm pretty sure they know not to expect any miracles or magic tricks.

I'm so grateful that both Taite and Arthur had the opportunity to have the Salmons as teachers. Their testimonies are so pure. Their understanding is deep, and their desire to share the gospel is fervent. I'm so blessed to have their example as I commence this new endeavor!

Satan's Greatest Tool- (in my mind)

I have a problem of serious self doubt. EVERY single decision I make is (in my mind) questioned, examined, reviewed, analyzed, rethought, second guessed, and often regretted. Generally for no good reason other than Satan has found the best way to lead me away from my path back home to Heavenly Father. My weakness: volume.

I have so many thoughts SCREAMING in my head at any given minute of any day, and the only way anyone or anything can really get my attention is by communicating more loudly than all the accumalitive voices in my head. Sadly- the Holy Ghost communicates through a "still small voice", and although I'm pretty sure He has the ability to yell, that isn't the way Heavenly Father designed divine assistance. However, I'm almost positive that Satan's amp goes to 11.

I had a little bit of a sit down with my mom. Actually it was "stand up" since at the she was preparing for a night out on the town with my dad. It went well. She told me that I have a good heart. I try to do the right things, and the Spirit definitely guides and directs my life. However, sometimes I forget how to hear it.

Several months ago I blogged regarding a little girl who is not always kind to Taite. As you may remember, I told Taite, "Whenever Dawn (not her real name) says anything mean just put your finger to your lips, and say, 'Shhhhhhhhh...'". After talking with my mom I decided that's what I need to do. When I hear conflicting voices in my head I need to just settle down, and say, "Shhhhhhhh..." Kind of the Lyndee version of Moses' command found in Moses 1:16, "Get the hence, Satan; decieve me not;". At which point I can focus on the still, small voice of the Holy Ghost trying so desperately to communicate my Heavenly Father's will for me.

This Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) is ALL true. What a blessing. What an amazing gift to know all the answers I need can be found within its simple teachings. Ahhhhhh... I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

I'm grateful for the counsel found in Exodus 20:12, "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." It's so fantastic that I do not have to reinvent the wheel. The pattern has been created, and I only have need to follow it. I just have to read the directions: That part is simple enough for me; and LISTEN to the instructions, and I think I'm beginning to figure out just how to do this.

Thanks, Mom!

Happy Father's Day!

This is Redge's 14th Father's Day, and I must say I think I FINALLY figured out what it is he digs as Father's Day gifts! I'm sure most of you have already figured this out, but let me just remind you- I'm slow. It takes me a while to figure out this wife/mother stuff. I think I'm finally beginning to catch on.

The kids and I sat down, and I asked each of them to tell me two of their favorite family activities. This is what we came up with:

Reece: Climbing Gym, Bowling
Seth: Baseball Game, Golf
Taite: Build-a-Bear Workshop, Legacy Center Pool
Arthur: Jump-On-It, Classic Skating (including laser tag and water slide)

So- with their input I drove all over Utah purchasing gift cards for ALL SIX OF US to do ALL these activities TOGETHER. I also added gift cards for dinner, movie, and Cold Stone from me. We presented these to Redge along with a chocolate/chocolate chip Nothing Bundt Cake. Redge was really exicted!

My favorite part of Father's Day is definitely the cards the kids made for Redge. Last Sunday the kids sat at the table and painted all kinds of stuff for Redge! All the cards were titled, "Happy F-Day!" Taite wrote a note to Redge which reads, "If you don't have a mom- I'm sorry. But, if you don't have a dad- Person, how do you live?"

I'm grateful for a husband who my children love so very much! Happy Father's Day, Redge!

So- I seem to be gleening some good stuff from my American Literature class! Today in my readings I came across an excerpt from Booker T. Washington's "Up From Slavery". As I read I couldn't help but think of President Uchtdorf's Conference Address, "Lift Where You Stand." I find when juxtaposing these two pieces, and perhaps my Patriarchal Blessing as well, I just might be able to determine where and how I personally need to "Lift" and/or "Cast down my bucket". After reading "Up From Slavery", and combining it with what I know from the BYU-I Learning Model, I asked myself what I see in Lyndee that I need to change so as to create Zion within my school classes, my home, my ward, and/or all the other regions of my life. I'll have to get back to you with my answer- that is I'll get back to you when I HAVE my answer.

Booker T’s excerpt mentioned above:
“A ship lost at sea for many days suddenly sighted a friendly vessel. From the mast of the unfortunate vessel was seen a signal,“Water, water; we die of thirst!” The answer from the friendly vessel at once came back, “Cast down your bucket where you are.” A second time the signal, “Water, water; send us water!” ran up from the distressed vessel, and was answered, “Cast down your bucket where you are.” And a third and fourth signal for water was answered, “Cast down your bucket where you are.” The captain of the distressed vessel, at last heeding the injunction, cast down his bucket, and it came up full of fresh, sparkling water from the mouth of the Amazon River. To those of my race who depend on bettering their condition in a foreign land or who underestimate the importance of cultivating friendly relations with the Southern white man, who is their next-door neighbor, I would say: “Cast down your bucket where you are”— cast it down in making friends in every manly way of the people of all races by whom we are surrounded.”

President Uchtdorf's Address http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-18,00.html

Learning Model http://www.byui.edu/learningmodel/src/default.htm