Since Pam and I have come together we have each lost a Grandparent. Her Grandpa Miller died right after we got engaged and my Grandma Maynard passed away right after we found out we were pregnant. We each still have a complete set of grandparents and we want it to stay that way for a long while.
Since these important people have moved on I have pondered a lot over what a single life means and how it touches other people for good or for bad.
For people like Grandparents, who walked the Earth for awhile, the answers come easily. They were our examples and we are a part of their legacy. Grandpa Miller helped Pam pay for her education. Grandma Maynard got me interested in my ancestors which led to my current career. Kindness, compassion, love, faith, service, and duty are just a few of the lessons that they taught us.
But what about those lives that are short, and even those lives that aren't even human?
Pam's puppy Clara that we gave up for adoption was killed by the animal shelter just 14 days after we dropped her off due to over crowding. Clara was a major force in getting Pam and I together. She and Angel would be babysat at the Fowles everyday, which gave Pam and I an opportunity to meet together everyday. Pam and I might not have gotten together if not for Clara. Pam wouldn't have been as exposed to the church without Clara bringing her into a house full of Latter-Day Saints. The happiness that dog has brought into this family will last for time and all eternity. Who says a puppy can't change someone's world? Sometimes I like to think that my family's old dog Sheba, who watched out for me as a child, watches over the spirit puppy Clara now.
At the funeral my brother Keith talked about the difficulty he had explaining death to his daughter Ali after their fish died. When Grandma Maynard was dying Ali, full of faith asked, "Grandma is going to see Heavenly Father now?" My four year old niece has a testimony of the Plan of Salvation partly thanks to some fish.
Every life has meaning; it's really up to each one of us to figure it all out. Part of me, as a historian, believes that the more good we do the more our lives have meaning, even if we never make it into a text book, if we are remembered for the good, we have done well. Mainly though, as a believer, it has a lot more to do with our personal standing before God. In the end we can only hope to be remembered well by those left on Earth and have faith in God to do the rest.
Xander and Curtis
Our little men
Thursday, July 7, 2011
IAPG
The IAPG has been a blessing. It is a pacing guide to make sure the state standards are taught in our classes. Pam and I have had the opportunity to create them this summer for some badly needed income. The Social Studies IAPG was such a mess last year that it was unusable. For US History it wanted us to teach every standard every month. In other words I should be teaching them to understand maps, the Declaration of Independence, the Civil War, Reconstruction, WWI, WWII, and the attack on the Twin Towers, among various other topics, every month.
The World History wasn't as bad, it wanted me to do things like teach the Enlightenment, which occurred during the 1700's at the same time as WWI.
Jeff Fowles and I worked together. We completely erased the US History and we revised the World History. For as much work as the World History was, we should have just erased it as well. Doing all this was a lot easier than everyone made it sound. Jeff and I were done in three days and we spent the other two figuring things out for how we would teach it next year and creating classroom activities.
Pam has a lot more work than we do. Music Standards are crazy complicated and there was no IAPG for her to work with, she had to create everything on her own for every IAPG.
Next week we'll be at it again, more IAPGs, oh the joy.
The World History wasn't as bad, it wanted me to do things like teach the Enlightenment, which occurred during the 1700's at the same time as WWI.
Jeff Fowles and I worked together. We completely erased the US History and we revised the World History. For as much work as the World History was, we should have just erased it as well. Doing all this was a lot easier than everyone made it sound. Jeff and I were done in three days and we spent the other two figuring things out for how we would teach it next year and creating classroom activities.
Pam has a lot more work than we do. Music Standards are crazy complicated and there was no IAPG for her to work with, she had to create everything on her own for every IAPG.
Next week we'll be at it again, more IAPGs, oh the joy.
Willow Park Zoo in Logan
This fellow is an Albino North American Porcupine. It's been awhile since I've posted a blog with pictures. Willow Park is a a nice little zoo that depends on donations. They used to have lemurs but had to give them up. The zoo is doing better now than it was a few years ago. If you're ever in Logan, Utah check it out, just a 2 dollar donation at the gate to keep a local zoo for the kids in Logan and the kids that still live in us adults.
My mom, nieces, nephews, wife, and sisters started our day by going to the Gossner Cheese factory in Logan followed by a picnic across the street from Willow Park. After some time on the playground we entered the zoo!
Atsa, in Navajo is Eagle. The kids were really excited when we saw this and they asked questions about the symbolism of the Eagle. I told them the things it means in our culture, Strength and Freedom. For many tribes like the Navajo the Eagle is sacred and is close to the Creator.
Atsa is the mascot for Pinon High School where I work in Navajo Nation.
Bobcat! This was my high school mascot. Very brutal and effective hunters in the wild, but very cute and domestic looking at a zoo. It's eyes and lazy attitutude and movements reminded me of Pam's cats Shadow and Gus - Gus. Pam remarked sarcastically, "Oh that's vicious."
Because the coyote is the trickster it is VERY bad luck in Navajo culture. When a coyote crosses your path you are supposed to turn around and go the other way. My Grandpa Harris and I talked about this custom a bit while I visited him in Stone, Idaho. He remarked that he chased coyotes away when they crossed his path.
All in all a pretty great day with people I love. Willow Park Zoo, or any small zoo that depends on donations is a good way to spend the day with your sweetheart and little ones.
Moving Again
The debate over whose house to move into went on for months. My house won a few times, and Pam's house won a few times. Finally it was decided that Pam's house was the best option. Once that was decided I started moving my things over there. That way we wouldn't have to move all our things all at once, thus reducing if not eliminating the stress of moving.
That was my plan at least.
Pam's Mom came from Ohio to help us finish up my house. After working on my house for a bit and hearing our plans of moving into a 3 bedroom when one became available, Mom told us that moving during the school year wasn't wise and that we would be better off in my house.
The move out inspection date was moved up and we had a short time to move all my stuff back into my house along with all of Pam's belongings.
My plan had seriously backfired.
The week of my Mother-in-law's visit was packed full of work both inside and outside on both houses to get everything ready. We couldn't have done it without her. Thanks Mom, if you're reading this. If you're not reading this, why aren't you reading this? And thanks anyway, we love you.
My old office is currently a storage space, but hopefully will soon be a nursery!
Becca mentioned to me the other day that she couldn't wait till Pam and I had kids. Pam whispered to me, "Should we tell her?" I smiled and said to her, "You won't have to wait very long," and I left it like that.
That was my plan at least.
Pam's Mom came from Ohio to help us finish up my house. After working on my house for a bit and hearing our plans of moving into a 3 bedroom when one became available, Mom told us that moving during the school year wasn't wise and that we would be better off in my house.
The move out inspection date was moved up and we had a short time to move all my stuff back into my house along with all of Pam's belongings.
My plan had seriously backfired.
The week of my Mother-in-law's visit was packed full of work both inside and outside on both houses to get everything ready. We couldn't have done it without her. Thanks Mom, if you're reading this. If you're not reading this, why aren't you reading this? And thanks anyway, we love you.
My old office is currently a storage space, but hopefully will soon be a nursery!
Becca mentioned to me the other day that she couldn't wait till Pam and I had kids. Pam whispered to me, "Should we tell her?" I smiled and said to her, "You won't have to wait very long," and I left it like that.
19 Years
In 1992 my Grandpa Maynard pasted away. In 1993 he was sealed for eternity to his wife Betty. After my Grandma Maynard had her first stroke I could feel her husband's presence as I gave her a priesthood blessing and was able to express to his love for her. On June 5th my Grandma had another stroke.
Before beginning the blessing I saw a picture of my Grandfather and felt a closeness that I hadn't felt in years. When I placed my hands on her head it became obvious why I felt the way I did.
It was a difficult blessing. It was so difficult that Grandma put her arm on mine, to soothe me and help me through it. She was not going to recover this time. Grandpa was waiting for her and Heavenly Father was ready for her. It was up to her whether she would stay or go. She would not die until she was ready, that was the promise that I made.
I honestly didn't think she would live another day. I was wrong. She lived long enough to for her family to say good-bye. She had morphine dripping, chocolate in her mouth, and was sung to by her Great Grandchildren. She died with the knowledge that I would have a baby in February. She died knowing she was loved here on Earth, and with the knowledge that after 19 years she would be with her husband again.
Grandpa had to wait a long time for Grandma. She was feisty and determined in that she was young and that she was going to be around for a while. She was worth the wait though. Through the miracle of the temple my Grandparents have entered Eternal Wedded Bliss.
Before beginning the blessing I saw a picture of my Grandfather and felt a closeness that I hadn't felt in years. When I placed my hands on her head it became obvious why I felt the way I did.
It was a difficult blessing. It was so difficult that Grandma put her arm on mine, to soothe me and help me through it. She was not going to recover this time. Grandpa was waiting for her and Heavenly Father was ready for her. It was up to her whether she would stay or go. She would not die until she was ready, that was the promise that I made.
I honestly didn't think she would live another day. I was wrong. She lived long enough to for her family to say good-bye. She had morphine dripping, chocolate in her mouth, and was sung to by her Great Grandchildren. She died with the knowledge that I would have a baby in February. She died knowing she was loved here on Earth, and with the knowledge that after 19 years she would be with her husband again.
Grandpa had to wait a long time for Grandma. She was feisty and determined in that she was young and that she was going to be around for a while. She was worth the wait though. Through the miracle of the temple my Grandparents have entered Eternal Wedded Bliss.
June 4th
We left June 2nd and arrived at 1 am on the 3rd. It was very nice to see everyone again and to have some extra time in the state that we weren't counting on. The 4th was a big day for us all. It was exciting to be able to see my niece Becca be baptized along with other people her age. She asked me to be a witness and my Pam was able to say a prayer. It was also nice to be able to see my Grandma Maynard who was also able to attend this service.
The baptism was very different from what I am used to. It was a stake baptism, so about eight kids were all being baptized at the same time. One baptismal candidate came from a very musical family which played beautifully for us. Pam commented to me about the style in which they played and how they were trained in music.
That evening we had our Open House which was delightful. Many old friends came and wished us well including my old Bishop from my single's ward, my high school friends Dan and Nicki, the Broadbents, and several others. Grandma Maynard was also there along with Grandpa and Grandma Harris.
June 4th was a very nice day for us, and considering everything that was going on, it wasn't that stressful either, at least not for me, my Mom felt otherwise.
Becca's baptism got me thinking about the Holy Ghost which reminded me of something that happened to me a long time ago. I had thought about sharing this story with her but never got around to it.
I've always been prone to think deeply, even when I was a little kid. On one particular day I was thinking very hard about God and His Plan. As I pondered the phone rang, I was in such deep thought that my brain could not change subjects. Part of me was convinced that Heavenly Father must be calling me to answer my questions. I answered the phone, "Heavenly Father?"
"Uh, no," answered a female voice which very nervously asked if my Mother was home. I went and got her and looked at the phone longingly and wished that it was that easy to talk to God.
The reason why I had thought about sharing this with Becca is because she now has the gift of the Holy Ghost. She can talk to her Heavenly Father through prayer whenever she wants to and she can receive answers to her questions through the Holy Ghost. She has a "telephone" with which she can communicate both ways with Heavenly Father.
I love my family very much and I am glad that we were able to visit them and have this special day with them. I am especially grateful that Grandma Maynard was able to attend these events and be a part of this day.
The baptism was very different from what I am used to. It was a stake baptism, so about eight kids were all being baptized at the same time. One baptismal candidate came from a very musical family which played beautifully for us. Pam commented to me about the style in which they played and how they were trained in music.
That evening we had our Open House which was delightful. Many old friends came and wished us well including my old Bishop from my single's ward, my high school friends Dan and Nicki, the Broadbents, and several others. Grandma Maynard was also there along with Grandpa and Grandma Harris.
June 4th was a very nice day for us, and considering everything that was going on, it wasn't that stressful either, at least not for me, my Mom felt otherwise.
Becca's baptism got me thinking about the Holy Ghost which reminded me of something that happened to me a long time ago. I had thought about sharing this story with her but never got around to it.
I've always been prone to think deeply, even when I was a little kid. On one particular day I was thinking very hard about God and His Plan. As I pondered the phone rang, I was in such deep thought that my brain could not change subjects. Part of me was convinced that Heavenly Father must be calling me to answer my questions. I answered the phone, "Heavenly Father?"
"Uh, no," answered a female voice which very nervously asked if my Mother was home. I went and got her and looked at the phone longingly and wished that it was that easy to talk to God.
The reason why I had thought about sharing this with Becca is because she now has the gift of the Holy Ghost. She can talk to her Heavenly Father through prayer whenever she wants to and she can receive answers to her questions through the Holy Ghost. She has a "telephone" with which she can communicate both ways with Heavenly Father.
I love my family very much and I am glad that we were able to visit them and have this special day with them. I am especially grateful that Grandma Maynard was able to attend these events and be a part of this day.
Ultimate Victory
On May 20th we officially found out that I had achieved the Ultimate Challenge of Ultimate Destiny. I am going to be a father.
Pam had kept insisting that she wasn't pregnant when I told her that she was. She talked about what was going on with another woman who told her she needed to be tested and she got a pregnancy test that day. (I wanted to know what was up with that. She told me that when I had brought four children into the world that maybe she would listen to me on the subject, to which I replied that I have spent over half my life with pregnant women.) The test was negative but, after we read the instructions it only works after the woman has missed a period, so we had to wait a while before testing again.
She tested and it said negative. Which meant she had all the signs of being pregnant without being pregnant, we began to wonder what was wrong. The test turned out to be positive, sometimes it just takes time to show. Pam took another test and then went to a doctor for real testing.
She wanted to announce it to me over dinner in the Hopi Cultural Center, but my cellphone was dead. She came home furious with me for being unreachable on this important day. It wasn't quite how I had pictured finding out but that's life sometimes.
It is a joy to be with my Pam and looking forward to our new family together.
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