Book Review

The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream by Barack Obama

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Senator Obama is an excellent writer. He shares his thorough knowledge of the issues ranging from family to foreign affairs. I really enjoyed reading his views, even if I don't agree with all of them.


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Happy Birthday, David!!!

David turns six years old today. Some things haven't changed: he is still my fun-loving, class clown, and he loves to build, just like his Daddy. Yet, he has definitely grown, even in just the last few months: he is a big kindergartener, now, and he can ride his bike without training wheels super-fast! He is growing up, rising to the new occasions and responsibilities being presented to him. I love him and am glad he is my eldest son. Happy Birthday, Dave!!! (I'm done with the cheese now - let's party!)

At Odds

Julie was very upset today: Mommy and Daddy told her she had two problems wrong on the multiplication worksheet she made herself. Two issues: first, we explained the basic concept of multiplication to her yesterday at dinner; it is not anything she is working on at school, yet. Second, she takes being right way too seriously.

Back to the story - She created a worksheet with ten problems and missed two, both problems involving factors of 3. She actually cried for thirty minutes, saying she was dumb, she hates math and odd numbers, completely ignoring what we tried to point out to her: she is amazing for getting 8 correct!

I talked to her after she calmed down. I told her she was not dumb at math, that she always brings home 100s on her work. She said, "Not always. I made a 90 and a 95." Trying hard not to smile, because she does not like being laughed at, I explained that 90 and 95 means she only missed a few problems and that she should learn from the problems she got wrong. She felt better when I confirmed that 90 and 95 are still A's, and we happily made dinner together.

"Quote Of the Week"

Josh is proud of his baby brother. A lady in line behind us at the store raved over James' curls. Josh proudly proclaimed, "He is my baby brother. He has pretty hair." The next day, he got very upset at Julie. Julie was encouraging James to put on her church shoes. Josh objected tearfully to the dress-up, because "He is my baby brother!" Obviously, brothers are not supposed to wear girl shoes.

Food For the Soul

We watched General Conference here at home on the internet. The children were very reverent yesterday; Julie listened to most of the two sessions. Today, they were not quite so reverent, especially during the session this afternoon, but the Spirit was here in our home this weekend. I am so grateful for living prophets and apostles who listen to the Spirit as they prepare messages for us. I have been uplifted and nourished spiritually. I know many of the talks were "just for me."


President Monson reminded us to enjoy the journey, showing gratitude all the way.
President Eyring exhorted us to be united in our wards and in our families.
President Uchtdorf expounded on hope and how it nurtures and is nurtured by faith and charity.
President Packer reminded us that the Lord always prepares the way.
Elder Nelson exhorted all to live worthy of exaltation by becoming a celestial spouse.
Elder Perry reminded us how the gospel addresses the four basic human needs.
Elder Wirthlin reminded us to laugh instead of grow angry.
Elder Ballard reassured us that "no unhallowed hand" can stop the work of the Lord.
Elder Hales exhorted us to respond as Christ would when persecuted.
Elder Oaks reminded us to worship reverently during the Sacrament.
Elder Holland expounded on the ministering of angels.
Elder Bednar continued his marvelous teachings on prayer.
Elder Cook reminded us to seek reassurance through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Elder Christofferson expounded upon the building up of Zion.

One of my favorite quotes was by President Monson: he assured us we would actually miss the fingerprints on a newly clean surface, toys all over the floor, and the never-ending piles of laundry when our children are grown and gone. What a great way to encourage us mothers to enjoy the journey!

It never fails: my love for my family always grows after watching Conference.

After the last session, Julie asked for church music and had a dance. Julie and David danced a pas de deux; Josh asked Mommy and Daddy to swing him around in circles; even James "rocked out" to the tunes. Three cheers for family unity!!!