I've Learned...by Andy Rooney

I've learned....That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned.... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile..

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost, someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned..... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned..... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

Fun with Tasha

I had an opportunity to go join Tasha at her school on Wednesday.  Her class was going to build Gingerbread houses.  Besides the parking issues with the school, it was a great time.  Each kid started with a circle work area and a milk carton glued to the circle.  What a great idea!  The kids each got a bag of grams to build the house using the carton as the base of the house.  Each little house started perfect.  Then they all got huge trays of different candy to decorate.  It was fun watching Tasha develop her house.  She was so excited, it made me proud. Notice the big T made from M $M's in the lawn of the picture of her house. Every kid had a great time.  I also learned that Tasha really likes Starbursts.  Not because she used them as her walkway, but when we were done, there were about 10 wrappers left in the tray of candy from the ones she ate while she was the construction foreman.  I asked her what happened to them and she said, "what, I like Starbursts!"

Quote of the Day

“The World will not be destroyed by those that do evil; but by those who watch them without doing anything”-Albert Einstein

Really???

As a society, are we really to this point?

Do you know...

...what is unique about this Sentence?


The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

Super Payton !

We went to Daily Park last week and it had been awhile since I had taken him to a park.  He ran and ran and ran.  He would always go down the slides, but it would usually take a lot of encouragement to get him to go down.  Today, he mastered his fears.  He was running around and would dive head first into the opening of the slide.  The first time he slid down, he slid too far and shot out of the bottom and landed face first into the sand.  He got right up and did it again, and again, and again...He learned to put his hands out to land.  This is the end of one of his slides.  Well done little man!

Life is like a car-pool lane.

The best way to reach your destination quickly is to take some people with you.

Pete  Ward

Did You Know...

Did You Know?

The original "Uncle Sam" was a meat packer from Troy, New York. Sam Wilson's meats helped feed soldiers during the war of 1812

Is it just me?

or do I make these glasses look good?

The Legend Continues...

The picture is blurry, but the proof is there.  One of my favorite stories to tell is the story of Billy, as a kid, swiping icing off of a wedding cake before the official cutting of the cake ceremony.  He was 3 years old and my best friend Larry was getting married.  My Dad happened to be in town on business and he was able to attend.  The next day, I was at Larry's house, just hanging out, watching the video of the wedding and the reception.  As we were watching the reception footage, we see Billy and my Dad in the background, just kind of standing, doing nothing, but looking a little guilty.  You see my Dad bend down, give Billy a little encouragement.  Billy then reaches up, swipes some icing off of the cake with his finger, then stick his finger in his mouth.  I sat in Larry's living room, not sure of what to say to Larry or his wife Lenora, when suddenly, they both busted out laughing.  Thank goodness they thought it was funny!

So here we are, all these years later, at my Dad's wedding.  The ceremony is over and we are at the reception  just hanging out.  The story comes up, and the questions is posed: "would Billy have the courage to repeat the act?"  I had two thoughts.  First, there was no way Billy would do it again, and second, if he did, I would be so proud!  To mt surprise and contentment, he walked inside, slinked in behind the cake, and worked his magic...

Well done Billy!  Bomps (my Dad) couldn't be prouder!  Let's hope that Maggie (Dad's bride) shared the same appreciation for the whole moment.  Thanks to Tasha who caught the act on film, and thank you Billy, for keeping this tradition alive...

I got a riddle...

What English word has three consecutive


double letters?

Virtues

And the 7 Virtues are...


Prudence


Justice


Restraint or Temperance


Courage or Fortitude


Faith


Hope


Love or Charity 

Our Super Hero

It's official.  We have received word that Payton has been accepted in the Superhero Academy...

Introducing....MUD MAN

We are so proud to have a real Super in our family!

Virtues

Can you name the 7 Virtues?

Smart Children...

From the dialog of last night...


Kyra: So our favorite teams are the Diamondbacks and whoever is playing the Yankees.


Payton:  Upon seeing that we had turned the TV on to watch the baseball game between the D-Backs and the Brewers, walks back to our bedroom, grabs the baseball glove sitting on the end table, comes out and proceeds to play ball with the wiffle ball in the living room.


Yes, yes.  Smart kids!

Can you solve it?

Each puzzle represents a common phrase.  Do you know what they are?

1)

M
R
A
W


2)

TRY STAND
             2


3)

       KNEE
UR FULL OF

4)

LAL

5)

           LUNCH
EXIT
           LUNCH

6)

MEREPEAT


Good Luck!

1 Week Later...

It's a Miracle...

What do you see?  a dessert?  maybe.  A counter?  Yep.  What do I see?  A CLEARED OFF counter.  For anyone who has been in our house, you know what I am saying.  We didn't think to take a before picture, but the before picture would have let you see one of our  family's downfall.  This counter normally is the catch all area of our kitchen.  Everyone has one.  Most are able to control it.  Not us.  Papers, newspaper ads, pens, pencils, jewelry, school assignments, tools, diapers (new, not used), empty water bottles, half full water bottles, dog tags, notes, computer wires, earphones, note cards, notes from us, Ensign, crayons, pictures, dryer sheets, toys, things we don't want Payton to get, baking dishes, marbles, silverware...you get the idea.  The miracle I speak of is not just the fact that it is cleared off, but how it got that way.  thanks to my wonderful wife, and her simple but brilliant idea.  Last night was Family Home Evening.  But last week, we forgot to assign the different parts.  So, when it was time , no one had a lesson planned.  In the past, we would be tempted to just skip it.  But we are trying to get better at it, and Tasha has tried hard to get us to do it.  So, Helena came up with: "Since we do not have a lesson, we are going to have an activity.  Tonight, as we sing songs as we work, we are going to clean off the counter."  WE ALL GROANED.  This is no easy task.  But we did it.  Singing renditions of the ABC song, Bah Bah Black Sheep, and Twinkle Twinkle, and of course, I Am a Child of God (we all can sing that one), we went to work.  Pile after pile disappeared.  The mountain became a mole hill.  And finally, a CLEAR COUNTER!  We quickly wiped it down, then polished it.  next was the moment of silence and the wiping away of tears.  WE DID IT!  We have our counter back.  All thanks to a miracle of an idea.  How simple.  My wife is the best.   Our family rocks!

FHE

It's no secret right now that the driving force that gets us to partake in FHE is Tasha.  That child is relentless.  She reviews with us no later than Sunday  every one's responsibilities to make sure we all do our part.  Is it odd that your 7 year old in a authoritative voice,"Dad, this week you have the lesson."  Really?  How awful am I when your child takes over that responsibility and insists that she conduct the meeting as well.  At least, we are doing it, right?

Last night, Tasha was all over it.  "Dad, don't forget you lesson!"  When the time came, she shyly asked if I had prepared a lesson tonight.  I do believe she expected me to say no.  To her delight, I had it it was game on, literally.  Kyra handled the opening prayer (it was Payton's turn, but he was sidetracked in the other room by Buzz), Mon had been assigned the music (song), and then I was up.  At this point, I am sure Tasha, as well as the rest of my family, still had doubts.  But alas, I had the lesson.  Based on Charity, it was the story of the Three Marbles.  It was a nice reminder of what we need to do.  Then came the game.  It was a new game called Left Center Right.  It is a face paced dice game for all ages that know the difference between left, right, and center.  We in little time, played the game 4 times!  We all had fun and laughed lots.  Tasha, who brought her competitive side with her to the game, got a little discouraged that mom won the 1st 2 games and dad won the last 2.  This is purely a game of chance, no skill whatsoever.  But in the end, she was happy and had lots of fun.  Even Payton had managed to ditch Buzz and join us.  Tasha gave the closing prayer and remembered to bless the treats (OK, with a little reminder form her older sister).  Does anyone else have issues with asking that peanut butter cookies strengthen and nourish our bodies?  Great FHE!  Thank you to the 7 year old! 

Incredible

http://www.kpho.com/story/15361058/arizona-man-describes-shears-impaling-eye-socket

Quote of the Day...

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children..

.to leave the world a better place..

.to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Rain



The phrase "raining cats and dogs" originated in 17th Century England. During heavy downpours of rain, many of these poor animals unfortunately drowned and their bodies would be seen floating in the rain torrents that raced through the streets. The situation gave the appearance that it had literally rained "cats and dogs" and led to the current expression.

A Wise Tale...

An old Cherokee told his Grandson, “My son, there is a battle between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil. It has anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, inferiority, lies, and ego. The other is good. It has joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy, and truth.” The boy thought about it and asked, “Grandfather, which wolf wins?” The old man replied with, “The one you feed.”

Quote of the Day...

Character is power.

Booker T. Washington



I Love Summer !

Solar Power Baby !

Watch This Video !

The New York Jets: Class Act

During the lockout, the Jets (along with a number of other teams) came under a lot of scrutiny for their decision to cut salaries, furlough employees and generally pinch pennies.


So it's fantastic to hear that Jets owner Woody Johnson has already told his employees that all the money they lost during the lockout will be immediately repaid.

Per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, all team employees who had their wages cut -- including coaches -- will be fully reimbursed for the amount of money docked.

In a sign of just how serious Johnson is with repairing goodwill, the employees were apparently paid before they left the meeting.

Quote of the Day...

“To know what people really think, pay regard to what they do, rather than what they say.”

-Rene Descartes



We Survived...

TO ALL THE

KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE

1930s, '40s, '50s, '60s and '70s!!

First, we survived

Being born to mothers who may have smoked and/or drank

While they were

Pregnant.

They took aspirin,

Ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.

Then, after that

Trauma, we were

Put to sleep

On our tummies

In baby cribs

Covered

With bright colored

Lead-based paints.

We had no

Childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets,

And, when we

Rode our bikes,

We had baseball

Caps,

Not helmets, on

Our heads.

As infants and

Children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts,

No air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes..

Riding in the

Back of a pick- up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water

From the garden hose and not from a bottle.

We shared one

Soft drink with four friends, from one bottle, and no one actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes,

White bread, real butter, and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar.

And we weren't overweight.

WHY?

Because we were

Always outside playing...that's why!

We would leave

Home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights

Came on.

No one was

Able to reach us all day.

--And, we were

OKAY.

We would spend

Hours building

Our go-carts out

Of scraps

And then ride

Them down the hill,

Only to find

Out we forgot the brakes.. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned

To solve the problem..

We did not

Have Play Stations, Nintendos and X-boxes. There were

No video games,

No 150 channels on cable,

No video movies

Or DVDs,

No surround-sound or

CDs,

No cell phones,

No personal computers,

No Internet and

No chat rooms.

WE HAD FRIENDS

And we went

Outside and found them!

We fell out

Of trees, got cut,

Broke bones and

Teeth,

And there were

No lawsuits

From those accidents.

We would get

Spankings with wooden spoons, switches, ping-pong paddles, or just a bare hand,

And no one would call child services to report abuse.

We ate worms,

And mud pies

Made from dirt,

And

The worms did

Not live in us forever.

We were given

BB guns for our 10th birthdays, 22 rifles for our 12th, rode horses,made up games with sticks and tennis balls, and

-although we were

Told it would happen- we did not put out very many eyes.

We rode bikes

Or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just

Walked in and talked to them.

Little League had

Tryouts

And not everyone

Made the team.

Those who didn't

Had to learn

To deal with

Disappointment.

Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing

Us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

These generations have

Produced some of the best risk-takers,

Problem solvers, and

Inventors ever.

The past 50

To 85 years have seen an explosion of innovation and new ideas..

We had freedom,

Failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.

If YOU are

One of those born

Between 1925-1971, CONGRATULATIONS!

You might want

To share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids before the lawyers

and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good.

While you are

at it, forward it to your kids, so they will know how brave and lucky their parents

were.

Kind of makes

you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it ?

I have a riddle...

There are only three words in the English language which end in "dous".  Can you name them?

Are you Serious????



I came across the original lyrics to the Pirates of the Caribbean song for the Disneyland ride...UNBELIEVABLE !  Stop Reading if you are feint of heart...

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.

We pillage, we plunder, we burp, and fart,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.
We'll kill your old pappy and pull out 'is heart,
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.
We rape, we murder, we murder, and rape,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.
We rape, and we rape, oh we really like rape,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.
We vivisect, torture, wedgie, and bite,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.
We run with no pants on, we're really a fright,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.
Set fire to a pet store, cut off your legs,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.
We tell our own grandma to go suck eggs,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.
We're liars, white slavers, perverts, and cads,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.
Aye, but we're loved by our mommies and dads,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho


By the way, Disney changed the lyrics in 1997.  They also have a version that aires on Spring break.  The original version sung by the pirates as guests sailed by, was a ribald, brutally frank tune about the lives of real, historical pirates.  Yes, even Disney has a past...