I am always dazzled by the writings of Stephanie Nielsen, better known as Nie Nie of “NieNie Dialogues”. If you don’t currently read her blog, you should, if you’re into being moved and inspired. Not only is her personal story as a whole (plane crash survival: and currently thriving) very, very inspiring, but her posts–which usually say so much in very few words–are gorgeous. Some of my favorite posts are the ones that ooze her love for her husband, Mr. Nielsen. Anyhoo, I liked and related to a recent post so much that I shared it in my reader*, and have thought about it often. It started out with a…
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Finally, Our Eagle Scout’s Court of Honor!
Many of you have followed our son’s journey to Eagle Scout, including the details of his Eagle project, which was the landscaping in the front yard of our temple. You know he finally officially earned the rank of Eagle on August 12th. That’s actually when the celebration begins. We had to plan his Court of Honor, the ceremony during which he is presented with his badge, awards, certificates and other goodies, and where he can be recognized personally by friends and family. After a couple of months full of preparations like invitations, letters to dignitaries, script-preparing, and of course, a special scrapbook, the festivities took place yesterday at our temple,…
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When Holidays Collide: Happyfather’sbirthday!
Today is a very special day. Yeah, sure, it’s Father’s Day; everyone knows that. In our house, however, we’re celebrating something in addition: The older boy turns 17 today! WOW! Take a moment and absorb that reality with me. How is it even possible that Jim and I, being so youthful (and great-looking) ourselves, could have a son who is 17? No idea? Me neither. Anyway, this is only the third time that Father’s Day has fallen on the boy’s birthday (including his BIRTHday). The last time was in 1998. To be completely honest, though I have photos in the closet of that birthday, I can’t remember it. Instead, I…
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We’ve Built A Lot Together, But THIS Is Fantastic.
Okay, that title is a total teaser because what I’m about to write about is definitely wonderful, but not nearly the best thing Jim and I have built together: that would be our life and family in general. It will come as no surprise to you, with all of the bragging writing I do about how we work as an excellent team, that Jim and I are one of those couples that can indeed do home projects together not only without killing each other, but even immensely enjoy the activity. Although he is definitely the foreman and I the assistant in the hardcore projects like replacing our sump pump, plumbing…
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When It’s About the Destination & Not The Journey
Note: This post is part of Fatherhood Friday at Dad Blogs, where all the cool kids are hanging out. (Moms are welcome over there!) Welcome to my visitors from DB; thanks for stopping in! Someone I know (Not ME, mind you. Seriously.) had a complaint about her husband a long time ago. She said that it drove her nuts that he folded the laundry “wrong” (I guess that’d be “wrongly”, wouldn’t it?) and she eventually stopped “letting him” fold the laundry. Are you kidding me? First of all, sometimes people (men AND women) who have overbearing partners/spouses learn that, by doing things differently, i.e. “not how he/she wants”, they’re taking…