Nearly New Years!

Welcome and Happy 2007! Up from here...

Christmas Morning!

Lining up, Sam seems a bit worried.
A new bed for Clarissa!

Sam, still, where to even start...

Jeremy, happy with his pickles.

Gavin, a new way to say stocking stuffer?

A pocket knife, really???? Why didn't Mrs. Clause know about that?

Harriette James Lawrence, trying to find her way to hampster presents:

Gavin, the sk8rboi, gets another year of snowboard school. At least snow is softer to fall on.


Thoughtful gifts and tender tears; Aunt Colleen, our new Primary President, gets a towel with all the kids handprints:

Phew!

Christmas Eve Pajamas

Our most faithful tradition is Christmas Eve pajamas, stories, cookies and milk for Santa, and reindeer carrots. I think that we get more excited for the magic of Christmas Eve, then for the morning after. Reading the Best Christmas Pageant Ever, as if we didn't know what was going to happen to the Herdmans, or that something bigger would happen to everyone because of the Herdmans. Putting out reindeer bate, and watching for signs of Santa. Oh, how I hope that this magic will last forever. Alas, we must enjoy all we can now, for today will pass, and tomorrow will be Christmas!

Perspective and Experience

I am finishing this journal and have just come home from taking my final exam in Math. I pulled an A, magically. I could not believe it when the professor handed me back my final with the final grade for the class tallied. I know that I have earned it; just it seems unreal that I could pull it off with the past few weeks. I am so thankful for that. I bought myself a hamburger from the school café, and took a look at next semester’s courses. I think that I will take a lighter class load next semester. Life passes by all too fast. My babies are growing up. I want to volunteer in the kids classes a bit more, especially since this is Jeremy’s first year of school. I want to get my house in order before summer. And I want to be more available to my family, not so worried about school work. I feel very positive that I have gained a lot from the experiences that I have had during this semester and am thankful that this class gave me the assignment to really put into perspective my values, my goals, and establish a way of life that is perfect for me. I am a happy person, and am a very thankful person; and now I know it positively!!

throwing up

I spent the whole entire day in bed or throwing up, with a migraine. I have never had one before and this took me by complete surprise. Actually I think that this was a perfect way to describe the pressure that I have been under for the past few weeks, like a volcano, my body finally heated up and exploded, literally. I have certainly learned a great deal from this experience. I have never experienced a debilitating headache like the one that I had yesterday. I will never make light of anyone who suffers from true migraines, nor will I suggest that I have a headache anything along those lines again. I could punch anyone who says that they have a “migraine” and is standing up. I could not function, stand, or even sleep through the pain. If I wasn’t throwing up I was in bed with an ice pack, and yet the pain never subsided. It took the whole day in bed, and even today I am still sensitive.

Adamson Christmas Party

Saturday morning we had a family party for my dad's family. Grandma Jane and Grandpa Steve make every Christmas party so much fun. This is the time of year my kids love because it is the time that they see Grandpa and Grandma the most.

The party was really fun; I do enjoy my cousins, aunts and particularly my Uncle Eric. My step brothers and sister were also there. And Santa made a visit, which is always magical for my kids. He is a perfect Santa, the same every year, remembers the kids and makes Christmas really fun for them. I took the kids to see the twins after the party, and then came home with my family. I spent the afternoon resting, I just feel so worn down.

I am trying to finish up school projects at the last minute. I am taking a break from all the chaos of trying to take care of my sister and her twins, and taking care of my own family, and trying to keep up in school, and stay healthy. I think that I have hit my brick wall. Last night I was in so much pain from the tumor that I couldn’t sleep really well. I said to Brian, I wish I could have taken something for the pain. He asked why didn’t you and I said because I hadn’t eaten dinner, I didn’t want to take something and get a sick stomach. He reminded me that while I was doing homework on the computer, he had been feeding me soup. I guess I am just so tired that I can’t even think. I had called him to have him bring home dinner because I was so busy trying to catch up on loose school ends homework and couldn’t find something simple to feed the kids. He did, and later asked me why the microwaves keep beeping. When he opened the microwave he found the soup that I had begun to warm up for the kid’s dinner, I didn’t even remember putting it in there and had called him after that. It is a bit scary that I am getting so tired. I stayed home last night just to be safe and hopefully to get some much needed rest.

"If you go into life with a good attitude, you will get more out of it."

The principal called today. Gavin has gotten into some trouble at school, another sign that I am doing too much elsewhere. I look forward to getting a bit of family time and rest in the near future. I was so discouraged last night. I have spent literally the last 13 days at my sisters trying to keep her resting. I just decided last night that I needed to take care of me and my family.

I am trying to get a scholarship right now, Brian is helping me the best he can. I have never known anyone in a relationship as content and happy and supportive as mine. I don’t have to have a scholarship, but I have a hard earned 4.0, why wouldn’t I try to get one.

Although to have Gavin in trouble at school, he is such a great kid. He knows what is right and wrong; it just makes me so sad today. I know this too will pass, and I am so thankful right now to have my brother and sister both in town to help with the babies, I enjoy my time with them, and soon enough I won’t need to go help, I will miss this. I just have to keep perspective on the whole situation, even in the exhaustion that I am feeling. My brother Jake needs me to help with the babies in the evening, Suzie will only be here until Friday morning, and I will only be able to help with the twins for so long, and then I will go from time to time. I am very thankful that I can do it and that Brian is so supportive of it. This too will pass.

The positive thing that I look forward to this day is this evening I am taking my kids to a book fair at their school, then to the public library to a book reading by Judge Andrew Valdez from the 3rd district Juvenile Court, he has written a book called, “No one makes it alone”. I think that I will take Gavin with me. I know he is not trying to make trouble, and he is really scared right now from making a mistake at school. I have tried to spend time with each of the kids individually right now. This will probably be a good thing for him to do with me. Then I am heading out to my sisters again for the night. I will go down this Thursday, and then maybe Saturday, staying home Friday. I will figure out next week when the time comes. The holidays are coming. I am almost caught up in my classes. I have a rhetorical presentation to give on Thursday AM in my writing class, and a final in Math on Monday morning. Then I will just enjoy preparing for the holidays with my family. This too will pass. The bottom line is what my sister read to me today from the Reader’s Digest, “If you go into life with a good attitude, you will get more out of it.”

My Test Scores - Values Class

Tuesday, December 5, 2006

My test answers for ending values for future reflection:

Aesthetic

4.4

Control

3.2

Creativity

4.5

Family

4.8

Humanity

4.8

Physical

3.6

Renown

2.5

Social

3.0

Spiritual

4.9

Wealth

2.9

How balanced are your totals now? How balanced is your life now? What has changed about your life since the first values scale?

My total really reflects how I would personally score each in importance to me. I think that for me the balance is great. I actually believe that my scores regarding areas of less importance to me; wealth and renown went down more, and my scores in areas of great importance; family, humanity, spiritual, went up. Actually the greatest difference to me is I think that having spirituality being the highest score was surprising. I think that much of the influence of this class really pushed me to put a lot of things in perspective and helped nudge me back to the road that I needed to be on. Very cool!!

What has changed about my life? I listen to my kids more, to what they are really saying, to what maybe is behind what they are saying to me. I let them know that what they need is very important to me and that I want to help them to achieve the very best. I am definitely a more positive person. Our home is more positive and we don't focus on the negative as much. I really feel like a whole happy person, I was not in a good place when I first started this course; I had a difficult summer, leaning toward some things that would not be the very best for me. I also noticed that my control value went down a bit. I am not so concerned about what I have control of. I take things a bit easier now.

Aesthetic: I think that not too much has changed other than I really do look more for art in so many areas. I see appreciation in art that I didn't see before, but I also look at the world, homes, gardens, roads, buildings, mountains, and see a great deal of beauty in them. I also recognize that beauty is in everyone beholding, each person has a different way of seeing, and each way is independently right for that person.

Control: I was and still am quite controlling, but I have been able to let go of a lot of things. I think part of this is because I have learned to focus on other values and find true happiness independent of what I control.

Creativity: I love creativity, but found that I am not as in love with this value as I thought. I think I really value it but it is not the central aspect of everything I do. I have interest in to many other areas to really focus on it. I think I could say I appreciate creativity, but don't really participate in it daily. I did also learn that creativity flows over into many parts of life, not just "artistic" creativity as many would think.

Family: My family is so important to me. When I did the value beginning it was really low because I answered the questions about my parents honestly and some of those answers were 0. It really put a perspective on things for me. It was discouraging to think that I don't value family. Family is in the top three of my values, and rightly so.

Humanity: This is one of my top three. I took a humanities course a year ago and it pleases me that humanity is one of my highest values. It is an area that I would be interested in future study in my education. I also feel that it is a part of my integral life. I believe and love the value of humanity.

Physical: Still low, probably lower. Just not something that I focus much on, and it is not really something that I worry about. I have a greater awareness of being healthy, but the whole aspect of the physical value is not that important to me still.

Renown: This was also a lower value for me. I do think that through the course I came to better understand this value, and I even respect it as being an important value. I particularly find it important if it motivates people to do good because of how they will be remembered.

Social: I love to socialize. The value is one of my lower ones, probably because if I had to choose something social over being home with my family, I would walk away. I am good at socializing and being social, but I just don't find it to be that important. I can go to a party, even throw a good one, but I like quiet time.

Spirituality: This value really changed in me. I was questioning religion and my value of it strongly and this course really made me reflect and think about my spirituality in a way that I have not for a long time. I also think that the experiences with the movies and books really impacted my life.

Wealth: Low, still low. This is important to me in the hope that I can provide well for my family but otherwise not really something that I value. I just don't think much of being wealthy. I have been really poor in my life, and now have a pretty nice life. We barely make ends meet each month and don't look for a lot of extras, but I don't really think about it and I am really happy. When we don't have something, or can't do something, I don't make a big deal of it so I don't think that my kids worry much about it either. Wealth can be good, and it can be evil, but I don't think it has anything to do with the actual wealth. The value of it is just low for me.

Thank You for Input

To you great class mates. Thanks for the great input that has helped me to see things about myself that I couldn't see looking in the mirror. And for the honesty, hard some times, but so very helpful. Best wishes to you in all you seek to endeavor.

stacie

My Personal Life Philosophy....as of now

As I wrote my paper I felt really good about what I have discovered about myself. I know that I want to be a happier person and that I am the one who is in control of my personal happiness. I am more aware of my personal gratitude for my life and for what I value. This has been a truly rewarding experience. I discovered that I already have a lot of the hardware to be a positive person. I discovered that I have been given some really good, and equally bad experiences, and that those balance each other out in creating my pleasure and happiness. Recognizing that in every moment you have a choice, to become your greatest potential, or to let yourself down. It is up to you, it is up to me.

Self Reflective Essay

I can positively say that the thing that I have most come to understand in the process of this class is the genre translation. In the beginning I did not get that at all. I must have read the information in the book more times than any other subject. I was driving home from Utah County one morning and saw a billboard advertising Moab as a great place for “wheelin’”, and it finally hit me, a genre translation is a way of using rhetoric in a significantly different way than in a simple essay, something that would be within the scene of my issue. Suddenly I began to put all the pieces together and everything that I had not understood up to this point about scene, issue, genre, began to make sense. Then I thought of many ways that I could present a genre translation, an advertisement, a magazine cover, t-shirts, bumper stickers, a pamphlet, letter to the editor of a magazine, a poster for a car parts place. I was so excited to create something for my genre translation. I have a design for a t-shirt for our family to wear to Cruise Moab 2007, and I have done a magazine cover with my sons on it to go along with the article that is my Researched Argument. Finally, understanding the concept of genre helped me to further my writing to a higher level.

In my writing I struggled with mainly how to narrow a subject to a specific detail or issue. I seem to always want to present more than is necessary and make my writing difficult to engage in. I used a great deal of input from my peer group to grow a couple of really good ideas and scrap the rest. Specifically, Michelle advised that I write the article using the move that I am writing from a woman’s perspective. I thought that was clear in my original draft, but come to find out it was not. I definitely incorporated that into my second draft. I also needed to specify that I was writing about the fun that our family had on the adventure, rather than to cover so many other alternate arguments, such as secondary trails, or alternate ways to explore the area. I needed to stick to my issue more clearly.

My peer group also suggested that I address the issue of safety. I seem to say it is a safe, fun, family event and then drive some laughs by writing about the “scarier” aspects of the sport. I need to address the transition better to lighten and at least advise on my feelings and reaction to the dangers, especially if I am appealing to the family fun aspect of four- wheelin’.

I used most of the advice given to me, specifically to keep with a voice throughout the paper. I did not address the specifics of safety, because I chose to take out the quote context from Todd Kaderabek and specifically address the issue of it being a fun event for our family. I decided to stick with the folksy travel voice. This would work best for the audience that I will be addressing. I still think that my paper will require a few additional peer reviews and some serious consideration prior to submitting it to the magazine. Much that I included for the classroom style argument will be deleted and I will generally address the travel adventures of the Cruise’ Moab event.

In the beginning of the course I wrote that good writing was writing that is easily engaged in by a reader. I still believe that good writing has to have a few specific elements. It has to appeal to a specific audience, the audience that is intended for the writing. Writing has to be written in a way that the reader does not have to struggle to involve or interest themselves in the reading. And finally, writing has to be interesting and address the issue in a way that keeps the interest of the reader. I think that with so many different areas of writing that the concepts taught in this course really have given me a better foundation for writing. I will be thinking of so many more things than I would have before, which will only help me to be a better writer, specifically things such as the scene, the audience, the way that my words impact the reader, and the opposing viewpoints, to name a few.

I have really enjoyed the visual rhetoric concepts in my research and writing. This too has influenced me greatly. I specifically really began to understand alternate viewpoints using the cartoon in the book on page 81. I better understand angle of vision and writing to a specific audience. I also was better able to understand a lot of other areas when I engaged in visual rhetoric.

For my presentation I plan to use a visual rhetorical move to present the process of writing as an adventure. I want to engage my topic, my issue, but not really talk about my issue, only use it to make a point in my presentation.

For my final researched argument, I plan to create something that is light and interesting, using humor to engage readers in the idea of wheelin’ being a family fun adventure. I will submit the article in January to Toyota Trails for possible publication.

Suzanne in town

December 4, 2006

Today was great. My sister is in town and we really enjoyed the time together today. We are going to head down to my sister’s house and then Suzie will stay there until Thursday. I will have some time to catch up on some school work and rest a bit. I plan to spend some time down there with her and Jake taking care of the twins, but it should be easier with three of us taking shifts. Tonight we took the kids to Modern Display to get a Christmas ornament, this is our tradition. Every year we buy a new ornament for the kids for Christmas on the first Monday of December. And we decorate the tree. It is really fun to go through the ornaments and remember each year and the trips to Modern Display. The kids are so excited for the holidays and all the fun that goes along with them

throw in a ward party....

Another summary as the days are just running together. I can’t think of much of anything other than sleeping during the day when I come home for my family, and then heading back to my sisters in Utah County for the nights with the twins. Emma’s heart alarms go off all night long, it is so scary. The twins wake up a lot right now, they are adjusting to being home. I feel like I am always missing something and just keep praying that I will stay well enough to help with the twins and keep up with my own family. I have put school on the back burner right now, which is not good with everything coming due, but it has to be for now. I am just mostly thankful that my sister is alive and has a chance to heal and come home to her family.


Friday, December 1, 2006

Tonight is our ward activity. I will head back to my sisters house afterward for part of the weekend. Gavin is going with me to help with the babies so that Jake and I can take turns sleeping tonight. I had to take Jeremy into the doctor this morning; he has a growth on his face. I thought it was no big deal, but when we got there the doctor gave him a shot and used a scalpel to remove the growth right there and then. He said he needed to do a biopsy on it and that he would have the results in a week. I think I am going into shock, he is only five years old, what could it be! It just seems unreal right now to be dealing with so much on so little sleep. I am trying to think positively and find many things to be thankful for, even in these seemingly nightmarish trials. I know that it could be worse and am not asking for anything more, just being grateful and finding something positive in each thing right now.

December 2, 2006

Today we had a family party. Afterwards I had Gavin stay with Jake for the weekend so that I could spend a couple of nights at home with Brian and my kids. So much I could write about and probably should, but I am so tired. I am just glad to be home tonight.

December 3, 2006

Today I slept some of the afternoon. My brother and sister in law had us over for dinner; it was really nice of them. Tonight is Mark Millers Managers Christmas party at the Country Club. It is always a nice party and excellent dinner and entertainment. Last year Brian was the winner takes all for the Texas Hold’em tournament. He is reining champion and nervous about playing tonight, since he keeps getting an earful at work. It should be really fun. My sister flies in from Arizona tonight for the week. She will be here for to help with the twins. I am hopeful to get caught up on school, but realistically I will probably just get further behind with all the family running around this week. It is finals week, my presentation is due, I have a lot to catch up on, and I am way behind in Math. There you have it….I am hopeful, but hopeless, tired and praying for strength to catch up and catch my breath.

WOW - WHAT - YOURE KIDDING ME

WOW!!! Things couldn’t have taken a more difficult twist. The past three days are a blur. It is Sunday, I came home this morning for the Sacrament meeting program with my family, I have been at my sisters since Friday. On Friday I took my kids down to see the twins, when I got to my sisters, she called. She was out having her hair done and began to hemorrhage. She was in trouble and needed me to bring her some clothes. She called back to tell me never mind she was on her way to the emergency room. Her hematocrate was down to 19 by the time she got there and she was admitted. On Saturday morning she had an emergency hysterectomy. This has been very devastating to her and to me. I just can’t stop crying. I feel so drained. My kids did a superb job speaking in Sacrament meeting. They took all but 6 minutes, which Brian and I split. I was so proud and thankful. This afternoon we went to Sam Wellers bookstore and sat in the window reading books together. We were their living window display. It was really fun and relaxing to be with my family. I am heading back down to my sisters to help with the twins during the night. My brother Jake is being the surrogate mom and dad right now until my sister get’s feeling better. This is just so overwhelming and scary. We could have lost my sister, she nearly bled to death, and when her babies had only been home 18 hours, she is back in the hospital. She will come home sometime this week if all goes well.

Sam Wellers Living Window Display

Clarissa Rose, reading our favorite Christmas story,
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
A tradition to read each night, finish by Christmas.

Gavin:)

Sam and Jeremy!

Daddy and Sam!

A tradition to sit in the window during the Holidays,
and be the living window display,
downtown Salt Lake, Sam Wellers Bookstore on Main.

Fun Family Times!

A Perfect Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!


Thursday, November 23, 2006 – Thanksgiving Day

I really enjoyed today. We had a quiet morning, I worked on some school work and tried to understand my math, I have missed all the lectures for these past two chapters, and there is a test next week. We are headed over to my Sister and Brother – in – laws for turkey, then to my foster sister’s house this evening. I am looking forward to the day with family.

Evening:
Very exciting day, I just talked to my sister (with the twins) and they are home today. What a perfect thanksgiving, the girls came home, Emma still has to wear a heart monitor for a while, but they are both 6 pounds and healthy. I will plan to go down and help with them a bit for the next little while; I am just so grateful that they are home.

Crash and BURN

Well, I guess it was time for things to crash a bit. My little Samuel ended up in the hospital last night with possible early appendicitis. He had severe abdominal pain. They tried a enema on him, then did two bolus of fluids through an IV, finally doing a CAT scan on him and blood work, letting us bring him home feeling a bit better, but not 100%. He is only 7, and what he went through was horrible for a kid. I just felt so bad and worried.

Jake returns from Portland today. I had my English class, and really need to push to get on top of things for next week. My paper needs to be done, and I need to have a presentation ready. My kids are out of school tomorrow and I am a bit worried about juggling my Math class in the morning, I haven’t found someone to watch them yet. Sam is not feeling perfectly well and I don’t really want to leave him. I really think that the past week has been the calm before the storm.

Tonight when I took Gavin to Young Men’s the bishop asked if we would speak as a family in Sacrament meeting on Sunday. I figured what the heck, on top of what we have been dealing with, this would be a breeze. Besides it will be good for my kids to hear something from their Dad, he is usually really goods at avoiding things like this.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

I skipped my math this morning, with the kids out of school and all I figured they could appreciate their mom being home with them. We cleaned house and wrote their talks for the Sacrament meeting Sunday. They each chose something really cool to talk about, Gratitude is our subject, and it was sweet to spend the time working with them. Today was a perfect way to spend a Wednesday!!!

Arizona and the Dixie Chicks

Last night was great. The company was super, we had a blast, and then the kids slept over to their Aunt’s house, so Brian and I had a quiet evening together. It was lovely. The play wasn’t as good as I had hoped, but Charlene wasn’t disappointed, and since it was her birthday present I can’t complain. Tonight I head out to Arizona. The Dixie Chicks concert is Sunday night. I am looking forward to a great and relaxing weekend. I am feeling really positive as things seem to be going really well for all my loved ones, the twins are healthy and growing, Emma has a heart murmur and also has sleep apnea, but otherwise her and Eliza are doing well. My brother will be returning from Portland to help when the babies come home, Jesse and Jessica brought Nate home and are doing well, my family is doing great, the holidays are coming, the semester is nearly over; it just feels really good.

November 18, 2006 through Monday, November 20, 2006

A summary of the weekend that I spent in Arizona, all is well. The concert was great. I took time off of worrying about my paper for English class, so I will really have to spend some time catching up this week. We have a break from school, for Thanksgiving, should be pretty good. I didn’t really plan well, and have missed a few of my Math classes, so I am feeling like I am getting behind in Math and English, but should be able to stay on top of things. The concert could not have been better, and for the first time that I have stayed with my sister in Arizona I felt that we really took advantage of the whole time I was there and really enjoyed. On Saturday I went to my friend, Staci’s house and brought her a baby shower from Utah. She is having a girl, after three boys. Her family moved to Arizona last summer, and we have missed her terribly. It was really fun to get with her friends from here in Utah and buy gifts to “shower” her with pink this weekend. She was so excited and thankful, and I was spoiled to be there with her. It was a great weekend.

Pride and Prejudice

My friend Charlene came in to Salt Lake today from Teasdale. It is her birthday and we are going to see the play “Pride and Prejudice” at the Pioneer Memorial Theatre. Brian and Dave, her husband, are taking in a movie. We are all going out to dinner beforehand. I am pretty excited. This is her favorite movie, my favorite book (one of them). It should be pretty fun. I am also looking forward to a trip to Arizona this weekend, and feeling pretty good about the Semester being nearly over. I have done really well to stay ahead of my classes and feel really confidant.

Wednesday Whoas.....

November 15, 2006

Another Wednesday, and of course as busy as ever; today we added a couple of extra activities for the kids; why not, it’s Wednesday, the day that makes every other day seem easy. I am just thankful that it won’t come for another week, and next week the kids are out of school, and I won’t be taking them to all the extra-curricular activities that Wednesday’s bring!!!

shout out to my kids...THANKS!

Today was the SCC meeting for school. My kids behaved extremely well yet again. I am so thankful. I realize that chairing this is a burden for our family, or could be if it weren’t for their support and appreciation for what I do for their school. I am thankful that they are so good during the meetings.

November 12, 2006

Today was a pretty calm day. We just spent time together; church, dinner, watching a movie. It was really nice to not have a whole lot going on, to take a breath in the midst of a crazy and consuming life. I really think the most positive thing was just being together with my family. It feels like the calm before the storm; the holidays and such coming up.


November 13, 2006

I had a math test today, it seemed to go well. Today the kids had show n’ tells for their dance and music class. I love the curriculum of our children’s elementary school. They are really lucky to be able to have the arts in their school. I am glad that so many parents find it a benefit to raise the money to support this. Especially after watching the movie, Mr. Holland’s Opus and recognizing the transformation of arts in schools and the effect it has had on education. It really put into focus what a tremendous blessing it is that we attend Wasatch Elementary, I would not have considered the magnificence of this without experiencing that movie at this time of our life.

Grand America....where's Brian and why are the kids here???

What a wonderful weekend. Brian had meetings this morning so I had Colleen bring the kids down to the Grand America to spend the rest of the morning in the room hanging out. First Brian and I had breakfast at the buffet. We are truly spoiled with each other. He is amazing. The kids came around 9:30 am; Clarissa took a bubble bath in the ginormous tub, then Jeremy wanted to go in for a swim. Gavin and Sam both enjoyed a shower in the huge shower. We all watched TV and had room service. It was great. Then we took a tour of the whole hotel, spending some time in the courtyard. We arrived back home around 1 pm. Brian came home shortly afterward from his meetings and we enjoyed the rest of the day. It was nice to take a break from the day to day routine together. The kids loved it and it was fun to share it with them.

Grandpa and Veteran's Day at Wasatch

Also, today was the Veteran’s day program that Gavin helped to put on at the Elementary School. It could not have been better. The whole program was done with such a reverence and respect in honoring those who have fought in our wars. My grandfather, and my grandmother, was able to come. I drove to American Fork to pick them up. It was absolutely amazing to experience the feeling of honor and respect these school children showed to them. My grandfather sat in tears, and for Gavin to be standing up there watching my grandfather’s reaction will be a part of his life memories forever. I think that I even saw some tears come from Gavin, as he was truly experiencing the reverence for those who sacrificed for our freedoms. I think that every child should experience a program such as this; it changed how my son viewed the idea of war and freedom. It was a wonderful way to celebrate and honor Veterans Day.

Tonight I will be going to stay at the Grand America with Brian, we are really looking forward to some quiet time alone together.

Baby Nate is Born!!!

Today is a very exciting day for our family. My brother Jesse and his girlfriend Jessica had their baby boy, Nate!!! This is just such a wonderful thing for Jesse and it was so exciting to hear from him. They had been in labor for something like 28 hours by the time Nate decided to come. Jake flew back to Portland yesterday morning and it was awesome that he was able to be there with our brother. I just feel so thankful that all is well with them.

Great Movie - Mr. Holland's Opus

The values that I saw in Mr. Holland were those of creativity, renowned and maybe a bit of wealth. He saw being a teacher as a means of allowing him the opportunity to seek what he really wanted in life. As a teacher there was always something that required more of his time, taking away from what he thought was the thing he most wanted. You could see a transformation in him and his values as the movie went on. When he looked outside of his personal desires, he was able to really do something good with his talents and time. He influenced many people, and in the process he did create something better than what he even would have. I think that when he looked at his "opus" and recognized each person and situation at the end of his teaching career he had to have realized how each of these people influenced his ability to reach his dream, he would not have without them, and they would not be who they are without him. His values changed to be more about his family, his community; he became a really good person. For me I thought that it is really important to know what you want, but to not get so caught up in seeking it that you lose the opportunities to become more. You can become a better person when you use your talents and abilities to serve and teach and influence others. The movie also made me really think about what is happening in society that influences parts of every moment of our lives. I think that sometimes changes are so gradual: politics, wars, are just a part of today; we forget what an impact they have on our decisions, our lives, and who we are. Seeing a span of so many years in one person’s life, using the reality of that time was powerful. I was really sad to see music and arts taken out of the schools because of budgets. My children’s school raises $40,000 a year to keep arts, I had not really considered all the schools that are going without those experiences until seeing this portrayed, very sad. Two things from the movie that I was left to really consider....one in 1965 when the US president was quoted saying "as there are men who hate and destroy we will resist, we must stand". This parallels what we are dealing with today, and as always we can learn a lot from our history. And second at the end of the movie when one of the characters says, "Life is what happens to you when you are busy making other plans." I think that as far as the person that I want to become being influenced by this movie, I certainly would like to be able to see outside of my own dreams and interests to acknowledge the people who are a part of my life, realizing that by living everyday to its best being who I am and caring about others around me I will be able to achieve what I want, and probably something even better.

all is well

Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2006

Another busy Wednesday. I figure this is hump day, the middle of the week, the beginning of the week is restful, and the end of the week is as well. Wednesday makes me think positively about the rest of my week. It makes me think about how if we don’t struggle through things in life we don’t appreciate the good as well. Because of Wednesday, I enjoy my entire week.

Thurs. Oct. 26, 2006

Today I was able to go to the kid’s school to hear the choir. Gavin did such a wonderful job singing. I really enjoy being a part of my kids adventures and accomplishments. He is really good at singing. This coming Sunday he has to sing a solo for the Sacrament Meeting Program. I am excited for him. Brian and I have been asked to sing the last two verses with him. It should be a good experience.

Friday, October 27, 2006

Yesterday we had so much going on. Clarissa had Activity Days; Brian went to an ELP meeting for Gavin. I have a test in Math this morning and so I have just been studying a lot. Hopefully it will go well. This weekend will be very busy with all the Halloween festivities and the Primary Program. Thankful and positively happy to be so healthy right now.

Saturday, Oct. 27, 2006

I did well on my math test. I have to go in and retake a couple of my tests, only because I want to be sure to do well in the course, and understand the information, but doing well so far. The positive thing is that I am beginning to enjoy math more.

Today Sam had a Soccer game at 9 am. The kids had a primary program practice at 9 am as well. Sam has a birthday party at 2:30; Gavin also has a birthday party at 12:30, then he is going to the U of U football game. The kids have a piano recital this evening, and we have a family Halloween party right after that in Utah County. Tomorrow is the primary program. I am glad that I am not doing all of this alone. I have help from my brother today and Brian is doing some of the running around as well. Should be fun to look back on someday, I will wonder how I did so much and why!!!

Sunday, Oct. 28, 2006

Today was wonderful. It was delightful to see the kids do their parts in the program. I was so tearful during Gavin’s talk. This was his last in the primary, when it was time to sing with him, I couldn’t because I was crying. I am so proud of him, and all that I could think of was the fact that his last 12 years have flown by. I was in primary with him for all 11 years, until this spring. He is a wonderful son. Each of my children has such a special quality to them. The most positive thing in my life is my children and my husband, Brian.

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

I missed a couple of days of writing. We had a really fun family night Monday, it was just nice to be home together and back into a good routine. Trick – or – Treating was really fun last night with the kids. We were out for 2 hours. I never thought they would tire or me cold. It was really fun. Jeremy had the most fun when we came home and he got to answer the door for the trick or treaters. He really liked giving out the treats. It was fun to have him be so much more excited about giving, than what he got in his bag.

Thursday, November 2, 2006

Today has been a catch up day for school. I am feeling positive to be getting so much done!!!

Friday, November 3, 2006

Today Clarissa had a Daddy Daughter Date, Brian had to work late, so I took her. I was at first really upset that he wasn’t going to make it. In the long run I had a great time with Clarissa, so all is well.

Book - The Greatest Thing in the World

I have been reading a book called the Greatest Thing in the World. It teaches that Love is the greatest thing and gives you 9 ingredients for the Spectrum of Love, being: patience, kindness, generosity, humility, courtesy, unselfishness, good temper, guilelessness, sincerity. I really have enjoyed this book.

Catching Up ....maybe

Sunday, October 22, 2006

I have really had a lot of fun journaling each day. Sometimes I feel like I could fill a page with all the things that happen each day, the kids say cute funny things and we are blessed so very much. It is hard to only pick a couple of things in the time that I have to write. I have gone years sometimes without writing anything, so it has been nice to get back into the habit. I think of all the catching up I do on email with family and friends and think that I will begin to copy and paste some of the funny things I share with people each day and keep them for my history and records. I have to remember to print each page in case of a casual disaster with the hard drive. These memories mean a lot and will be a treasure for my family someday, and for me if I get the old age memory loss that runs in the family. I feel like I have it now. If I don’t make notes for myself I can’t remember anything. Today was a really nice day. It was nice to have the whole day to enjoy my family, not having to run Jake and Zoe home. I did enjoy having them and missed seeing my sister and the twins. I hope Sheri got the rest she needed this weekend and gets feeling better soon.

Monday, October 23, 2006
Nice to have a quiet day. I am trying to get caught up on a few things. I had a Math test today. I got 100%. I am finally really getting the hang of this.

Our Family Tree -- VERY FUN ACTIVITY

Saturday, Oct. 21

Busy, thankful for all the activities that we are able to do. Kids are happy and active. We are positively blessed with health and happiness. We have finished working on our family activity. We made a family tree with all the handprints of our family members. It was a delightful activity and made me really think of how blessed we are.

Book Review - Jonathan Livingston Seagull

I finished reading the book Jonathan Livingston Seagull. I found the strongest message overall was in the statement that Fletcher made in the end to his new students in the beginning of their lessons, "you've got to understand that a seagull is an unlimited idea of freedom, an image of the Great Gull, and your whole body, from wingtip to wingtip, is nothing more than your thought itself." When I read this statement after engaging in the text of the book reflecting on my life and what I have hopes of it struck me....I am nothing more than my thoughts....and that to me was the message of the book. What we believe ourselves to be, no matter if others outcast us, no matter if we fail and make mistakes, in it all it is our thought itself that matters. I really enjoyed reading this book. There were many moments that impacted me; many thoughts that I had to engage and reflect upon during the reading. One was that I must allow others, including my children, to discover for themselves what it is that they dream and love. There is nothing normal or secular in any ones life, we must all decide for ourselves. There is meaning to life, and when others refuse to see then we just need to move on, be content and happy with our individual dreams and live. Love and kindness are essential values and we must be willing to help others out. If we are living our lives and others see that we reflect our values, they will begin to wonder and want to know and learn. That is the way. I loved when Jonathon taught Fletcher to be forgiving of the flock when they outcast him. He said, "Don't be harsh on them, Fletcher Seagull. In casting you out, the other gulls have only hurt themselves, and one day they will know this, and one day they will see what you see. Forgive them, help them to understand." The bottom line for me was then Jonathan said, "Break the chains of your thought, and you break the chains of your body, too..." Fletcher did not truely believe yet, he was tired, but Jonathan kept teaching and encouraging him. I get so discouraged with myself everyday. This book was a really good opportunity to see that there is potential in everything, not giving up and continuing to learn and dream will eventually elevate me to heights that I have yet to discover for myself. I heard a story once about a young boy heard someone say come to the edge and jump, and he said I can not for I will fall. Come to the edge, he was told again and again. And he said again and again, I can not for I will fall. He finally did come to the edge and jumped, and he flew. We all have wings but we have to be willing to come to the edge, to face fear and hardship with determination, only then will we realize that we have wings. This was such a great book. I have given it to my brother to read.

October 20th

I have decided that I am going to keep my responses to this course as part of my journal, I feel that I am really pouring my heart into the discussions and even the quizzes. These are really a part of what is changing me, so I will be doing the assignments in my journal and copying them to the discussions. (Discussion responses in italics.)When I initially took the test my score for family was fairly low. This really puzzled me. I looked back at the questions that I had answered low and realized that the questions were posed regarding feelings toward parents. I chose to reanswer those questions arking Not Applicable to me and my score changed that Family was the highest value. I did some thinking about how my upbringing has so influenced me and how I feel or view things and that I have so overcome some of those challenges that what would have seemed to be my lowest value, was actually my most important value. I felt that the values scale was very accurate for me. It also helped me to recognize some areas that I would like to work on. One being physical. I realize that I have a great influence on my children and the things they see me value become important to them. I have mentally made a goal to work on representing physical aspects that will help me to feel better and also to have more mental and emotional energy. The lowest scores on my test included wealth and renown. I agree that these are the least important values to me personally, but in writing my paragraph I spent the most time evaluating the question on wealth. This puzzels me still. I also feel that I very much enjoy praise and being noticed for my accomplishments, but I think that I am not necessarily motivated to do things for that praise, which made me feel really well balanced. I do things because of the pleasure I get from them, not because of some good mark people will give me. The most prominant innaccuracy that I found was in the initial reading of the value of family which I was able to really learn something about when I went back over that part. Again, I think that it was innacurate because my gut reaction to the question was to score it low on the questions that regarded parents, I did not think first about myself as a parent or how I view parents in general, only my circumstances. This was really interesting to begin the course and I am sure that I will reflect back on what I have recognized in myself throughout the process of our many assignments.

Wednesday, October 18th, 2006

Yesterday afternoon went great. I had forgotten that I had a dinner in the evening. Brian came home and did the dinner for the children and I had an evening to my self. It was lovely, and refreshing. This afternoon was the usual chaos, Sam has chess from 3- 4 pm. Gavin has Newspaper at the same time. Clarissa has to be to Piano at 4 pm, then I get her at 5 pm and Sam has piano from 5 – 5:30. Clarissa and I had a bridal shower from 6 – 8 pm and I had a neighbor go into labor and ask me to keep her son overnight, so we have Guy here. He is two. Gavin had Young Men’s from 7 – 8:30 pm. The kids are finally settled down and I am looking at our crazy schedule today and thinking I am now quite sure how I do Wednesdays. I know for sure that I appreciate the calm days after having crazy ones like this. The positive thing is that I am healthy and capable of doing all these things to help my family and others. My sister is so ill right now she is struggling to recover from her babies births and really not able to take care of her family. I feel so much sorrow for her with the babies in the NICU and she is not well enough to go to them.

Thursday, October 19th, 2006

Clarissa had a play date today, it was nice for her to have someone to play with, in all the craziness of our life right now. The kids are preparing for a piano recital. I really enjoy hearing them play the piano so much. It has such a calming effect on our home.

Friday, October 20th, 2006

Sam and Clarissa have a fieldtrip this morning. I am thankful that Brian has a job that allows him to do so much with the children and their activities. He is going to go to the field trip with both of them today. We have a Halloween party this evening, and two parties, two soccer games, scouts for Gavin and such tomorrow that it will be a crazy day. My brother Jake is driving up this weekend to give me a break from the driving that I have been doing every weekend.

School Community Council

Today is the SCC meeting for Wasatch Elementary, we have quite a large agenda. I just hope to get out of there my 4:30, it will most likely be more like 5 pm. I am thankful that my kids are so great at the meetings. They really do have respect for what I take the time doing in their school. It is great, their homework is done, they have a snack, and we go home to dinner and a quiet evening together. This is my positive thinking that all will go as usual, no surprises today.

MONDAYS :(

Friday, October 13, 2006

FRIDAY THE 13TH! I love this day. I only wish that I had realized it was coming along and planned a party. How appropriate, and in October. We went to help my sister out today. Gavin actually had a Scout Service Project that he spent the day doing. My brother came back for the weekend at our house. I am thrilled to have him and we are trying to find something fun to do. 1985 is playing at Kingsbury Hall; we may try to see that show tomorrow. It is positive that we are healthy and able to help others. Jake giving so much of himself to my sister right now, it is all such a new experience for him, taking care of a child full time. He is putting aside all the things that he enjoys to be here. I appreciate his sacrifice to help our sister. It hasn’t been easy for him.

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Gavin and Brian had a “baby shower” for Gavin’s young men’s leader today. It was fun to send the boys off for their first shower. It was actually a bar-b-q, but the real idea was a baby shower. Gavin’s “girlfriend” called and his sister told her that he was at a baby shower. Jake jumped in really quick to correct her that it was a bar-b-q. I thought it was pretty funny. We went to see the play 1985, wow, that book was the first book that made me actually think: think outside the box. I loved the production. I think it is really positive that there are things that make us think, to question our beliefs and what is happening to us, realizing that things do have to just happen to us, we can change many things that are happening around us if we think and question. It was a cool thing to do, and better that I went with my brother. We always spend a fair amount of time talking, especially after exposing ourselves to these types of genre.

Monday, October 16, 2006

Wow, Sundays are really difficult right now. I have been leaving my family to take my brother and Zoe back home to Cedar Hills. It takes my day, the afternoon anyway. My sister is not doing very well. I find that I really enjoy the weekends with my brother. We have really had a great time together, even if it leaves me tired for the week, it is nice to have him here.

Book Review - Constructing a Life Philosophy

One of the most interesting points of view that I enjoyed was Plato, "Are We Living In a Cave?" This was interesting because of the relationship with the idea is age old. A couple of his comments: "prisoners cannot turn their head to discover the true nature of the shadows" "people too quickly accept the first appearance of things" "I don't see how they could see anything else if they were compelled to keep their heads unmoving all their lives" (26-27). As I mentioned they were interesting to me because of the timeless meaning. I began to reflect on how we, as members of an American society, are prisoners if we do not seek to discover the true nature of things. When we accept things at face value, or because "the news" said so, then we are similar to the analogy of living in a cave, in darkness. We, as beings, are destined to believe a great deal of what we are told; as children by their parents, as adults by our politicians, our news media, our bosses. We must decide that we are individuals and that as individuals we should question our existence; potentially everything about our existence. I engaged in the ideas suggested in the book, that even our political leaders, governments, and even parents, are just beings who make decisions and choices based on the experiences and cultures that they were raised in. Chapter 1, viewpoint 1, M. Scott Peck, Choosing a Map For Life, he poses the ideas that we perceive and respond to the world which is developed in childhood, and appropriate for childhood, then goes on to suggest that: "Our national leaders are human beings who all had childhoods and childhood experiences that shaped them" (23) One statement in the introduction by George Santayana eluded to the fact that if we do not gain knowledge and understanding of where we came from we are destined to repeat the mistakes of the past, "Those who do not remember history are condemed to repeat it" (37) I would like to add that history is just his story, what about her story, and why do we put so much stock in "stories". I believe there is much to be learned by the stories of the past, but first we must begin to question the realities of what we are told. To be open to others understandings and to re-create our existence by finding purpose in our individual and unique interests. There are far more than two sides to every story. I really did not find myself disagreeing with much, because I read it with a truly open mind, understanding that I did not need to defend my beliefs to engage in another’s. I found myself fascinated by the overall process of participating in so many different philosophies. 5 STARS - A great read!!!

growing up....no, not me, ...the kids!

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

I don’t know how so much got planned for today. I found that today was a busier Tuesday than usual. The kids piano lessons were changed a day early, my cousin is planning on bringing her family to play this afternoon, four rambunctious boys. It will be fun. My kids have missed their cousins and they are always fun to have over. Sam has his PTC this afternoon; Clarissa’s was changed to today as well. I am trying to work in seeing Gavin’s teachers today, but haven’t quite figured it out. The kids are out half day. I will probably have no more time until this weekend to catch up after today.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

I figured it out! The kids are out of school on break this week and I am not. I had changed the whole schedule so that they could go with their aunt to the cabin overnight, so that I could still go to my classes, which made our Tuesday crazy. I never even thought of something yesterday to be positive about. I don’t think I really had a chance to think. So for yesterday and today, the positive thing is that when you are in the moment of a hurried, blurried, situation, there always comes a break. Just pushing through will bring you to something new and oft times better. I have a couple of days now to really catch up and have some quiet time to get my homework done and focus on a few things that I have wanted to do. I always miss the kids, but they return like a storm. Today is a day for me.


Thursday, October 12, 2006

It felt weird to get up today without the kids and go off to school. I am thankful that it is only temporary. I am not ready for the kids to be gone; life is so full with them. I really appreciate this and other opportunities I have had to be “home alone” and realize that I wouldn’t trade all the frustration and chaos for anything. This will come alone all too soon and even then I will be wishing I could go back. I am learning to enjoy them here and now. They already have grown so fast and I am sad that so much of life has passed by. I missed them as little people discovering everything new, but I love them now, and just hope the future comes along good and slow!

Book - Constructing a Life Philosophy

“Most people have learned to live in the moment” (Einsteins Dreams, May 3, 1905, Alan Lightman, 1993). Einstein further states that:
The argument goes that if the past has uncertain effect on the present, there is no need to dwell on the past. And if the present has little effect on the future, present actions need not be weighed for their consequence. Rather, each act is an island in time, to be judged on its own. Families comfort a dying uncle not because of a likely inheritance, but because he is loved at that moment. Employees are hired not because of their resumes, but because of their good sense in interviews. Clerks trampled by their bosses fight back at each insult, with no fear for their future. It is a world of impulse. It is a world of sincerity. It is a world in which every word spoken speaks just to that moment, every glance given has only one meaning, each touch has no past or no future, each kiss is a kiss of immediacy.

Each person has a vision for their moment, what they want in that moment, why they want it. Where do those desires, needs, passions, and impulses come from? How do we become to understand our own views of reality in order to appreciate the moments we are given? What can we do to better appreciate the vision of others? Can we find happiness in blindly following paths laid before us or is it critically important to find our own way and keep focus on our personal vision?

Reading the very diverse opinions in the Constructing a Life Philosophy I have gained a greater sight of others viewpoints, and have ascertained a better vision of my own opinions. I particularly chose to reference Chapter 7; What Should We Strive For, and its relationship to Chapter One; The Importance of Choosing a Life Philosophy. However, there is a great deal of alternate views expressed between those chapters that effected my own views and vision for writing this paper, specifically relating what I have gained from engaging thoroughly in the text.

First, Chapter 1 addresses viewpoints from a contemporary psychiatrist, an ancient philosopher, and two students of philosophy, religion and myth. Each essay presented the authors personal vision as to the best way that we as humans can base our life’s decisions and the necessity of seeing life’s purpose.

M. Scott Peck, contemporary psychiatrist, in his essay Choosing a Map for Life challenges readers to “examine how they [view] the world and how they [view] themselves” (17). Peck uses the word view in a rhetoric way to grab the reader’s attention that if a person does not “more clearly…see the reality of the world” their minds can be deceived by “falsehood, misperceptions and illusions” (18). If we do not know where we are headed in our lives we can be blinded, if we do not seek for a way, have a plan (a map) for our lives then our view is obfuscated. He particularly discussed our dependency as children, our reliance upon the opinions and views of our parents and other adults influencing our lives. Theirs and our views are also dependant upon circumstances. Oft times I believe that we interfere with the experiences of others as we try to protect or obscure their understanding of the issues around them. In this we are taking away from them the experience they should have and replacing it with experiences we want them to have. This distorts their view of the world, and therefore changes their life’s map. Peck also discusses how we “denounce the new information even attempt[ing] to manipulate the world so as to conform to our view of reality (19).

Plato, a philosopher from Ancient Athens taught metaphorically that we must not live as though we are in a cave. His essay, Are We Living in a Cave?, shows the effects of a society that is unteachable, who mock the idea of higher learning, education and thinking. He discusses the fear of pain and hurt, that holds us back from striving for something different, better; excellence. He states that oft times people are too quick to accept things as they see them without consideration of a different way, a different world saying, “people too quickly accept the first appearance of things”; in a “what you see is what you get” kind of way. He uses the idea of “fetters” to indicate the confinement of only looking forward, “I don’t see how they could see anything else if they were compelled to keep their heads unmoving all their lives.” If we are to remove our fetters as a society we have to be teachable, accepting diversity, understanding different views, letting go of narrow mindedness, recognizing that growth is painful, but for a moment. He suggests that if we live through each season, then we will better understand the whole of it.

Philosophy, religion, and myth students; Sam Keen and Anne Valley Fox in their essay, Discovering Our Personal Myth, discuss myths and how they form our views of our world. Myths create a “habitual way of seeing things” (33). They associate our values and cultures as being influential, even programming our beliefs. They also suggest that we don’t see what we know or think to be truths as myth, only what others believe. They say, “myth gives us security and identity, it also creates selective blindness, narrowness, and rigidity because it is intrinsically conservative” (35) Their essay caused me to think a great deal on the influences that parents have, and how parents views influence the choices of children. It is important to consider their ideas, “whoever authors your story authorized your actions” and return the sense of self to individuals allowing them to experience and see life in order to create their best individual vision.
By holding onto the views of someone else; your parents, teachers, you are suffocating your ability to see for yourself who you have the potential to become. First opinions are essential to our understanding of the nature of things but as the evidence changes; as we are exposed to more knowledge and experience, so must the theories by which live. We can be influenced by positive experiences, letting go of negativity, and moving into each moment with clarity of our unique vision. In order to understand the true meaning of life each person has to find their own qualities, beliefs, values, integrating with the understanding of others beliefs, recognizing that no one person’s views are completely right for all people; each person is uniquely right for their own individual life’s purpose.

Second, Chapter 7’s focus is What Should We Strive Towards. The essays range from the opinions that we should be concerned about moral standard, education and health (Jefferson), love, creativity and understanding (Toynbee), divine love, wisdom, living as Jesus did (Hallesby), morality of thought and action, quest for perfection (Franklin) and (Machiavelli) accepting both good and evil in the quest for renown, and acquisition of power.

In the essay Develop an Honest Heart, letters compiled to a nephew, Jefferson places highest importance on an honest heart, a knowing head, and good health. He discusses that we all need to seek for these virtuous dispositions and that by consistently practicing them they will become habitual. His words invite readers to recognize the simplicity of doing what is instinctually right and that by doing right “be assured that [right] will extricate you the best out of the worst situations. Tho’ you cannot see when you fetch one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of the labyrinth” (179).

Toynbee’s essay Seek Love, Creation, and Understanding, presents his belief that we must sacrifice to find the meaning of life. Love, understanding and creating are of ultimate importance and by seeking these ultimately we must sacrifice. He stated, “A human being’s life is a constant struggle between the rational and the irrational side of human nature” (208). The specific sacrifice and struggle I felt he was associating with was the intensity in understanding and accepting others values with a respect for their diversity; understanding that values differ based on environments, cultures and experiences, and although unlike a person’s views cause discomfort. Simply loving and understanding others, “what you don’t know really won’t hurt you” mentality, is key to his belief. Of his values, love being the value that binds the wound of a world broken by cultural difference and misunderstandings. Love begetting compassion, begetting tolerance, begetting respect, begetting non-violence, begetting special happiness, begetting a sense of peace, begetting well-being.

In Ole Hallesby’s essay titled Live for Others as Jesus Did he states “how inhuman the life was which I had been living. Jesus lived His life for others. I had lived my whole life for myself, in petty selfishness, pride and pleasure,…” (189). He first rhetorically engages the reader in stating that “the best men and women of each generation have been the ones who have sacrificed the most time and energy to ascertain the meaning of life” (184). This statement gives a reader a sense of ownership in being the best by sacrificing time to find purpose and meaning in their lives. He then goes on to address his journey in finding his purpose.

Aim for Personal Perfection is the title of Benjamin Franklin’s essay taken from his autobiography. His goal was certainly high for he “wished to live without committing any fault at any time” (197). He discusses his 13 virtues; temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, humility, and relates that it isn’t enough to want to change but that we have to be committed to breaking old habits and acquiring new ones. While he admits that he never achieved all 13 virtues to perfection, he did find that he was a better person and a happier individual.

Machiavelli’s focus was a great contrast to these previous viewpoints. His essay titled Be Powerful generously discusses the reality that if you want power and renown that you can’t be nice about it. You have to engage in both good and evil, whichever suits the circumstances of that moment. To become successful you “cannot observe all those things which are considered good in men” (194). His opinion is that to observe peace and good faith would be to lose power and renown.

A common thread among these, including Machiavelli’s, and many of the other viewpoints, is happiness. We all seek for happiness. In Chapter 4, How Should We Make Moral Decisions, the Chapter preface quotes Robert Ringer’s viewpoint that it is possible to find “a simple, uncomplicated life” by simply “looking out for number one” (127). In whatever path we take happiness comes from accepting the destination of that path. Of happiness Franklin can be quoted saying, “I never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of obtaining, but fell short, yet I was by the endeavor a better and a happier man than I otherwise should have been if I had not attempted it” (201). In summarizing Franklin the Chapter Preface states, “Franklin explains that the effort was worth it, because he did learn about his weaknesses” (177). At times the pursuit of happiness does not bring happiness. Shakyamuni Buddha said, “There is no way to happiness—happiness is the way” (115). Russell Conwell’s Inspiring Book About Opportunity: Acres of Diamonds tells a familiar story of a Ali Hafed. Ali Hafed had once owned a great deal of land. He farmed, had orchards, grain fields and gardens, and because of all that he had he had money. He felt content until he heard from an ancient Buddhist priest how the world was made and in that creation diamonds were made. The priest told Ali Hafed that if he could find a diamond the size of his thumb that he would be able to have his own country, if he had a mine that he and his posterity could be kings and queens. After hearing this, the wealthy Ali Hafed went to bed a poor man. He sought after the priest and learned how to find diamonds. He was told that if you find a river that runs through white sands, between high mountains you will certainly find diamonds. Ali sold all that he had and went on his quest for diamonds. He looked the world over and died a poor, afflicted man. The story goes on to say:
The old Buddhist priest came to visit Ali Hafed’s successor, and the moment he opened the drawing-room door he saw a light on the mantle, “Here is a diamond! Has Ali Hafed returned?” The successor said no, and that is not a diamond, it is only a rock. The priest was sure and said positively it is a diamond. Together the priest and successor rushed out to the garden and stirred up the white sands and “there came up other more beautiful and valuable gems than the first”. Ali Hafed’s land was discovered to be the diamond mine of Golconda, the most magnificent diamond mine in all the history of mankind. Had Ali Hafed remained at home and dug in his own cellar, or underneath his own wheat field, or in his own garden, he would have had ‘acres of diamonds’ (13).

Happiness, as discussed in the many viewpoints relates to this very idea, it is in the eye of the beholder, and is truly not the reward, the reward that brings happiness is in the way that life is lived and appreciated. Chapter 4, viewpoint 7 discusses the unintended evil that comes at times by making choices without thought to the harm that it causes others. It says of happiness,
The Self Can Be a Prison – Where outward circumstances are not definitely unfortunate, a man should be able to achieve happiness, provided that his passions and interests are directed outward, not inward. It should be our endeavor….to adjust ourselves to the world, to aim at avoiding self-centered passions and at acquiring those affections and those interests which will prevent our thoughts from dwelling perpetually upon ourselves (174)

It is a surprising reality for me to realize how some personal choices and seemingly ordinary behavior can contribute to the evil and in humane consequences, many times indirectly and without knowledge of the person. The chapter interestingly discussed Hitler’s behavior as being made capable by the actions and submissions of ordinary people. He states that his use of the word evil is “behavior that deliberately deprives innocent people of their humanity, from small scale assaults on a person’s dignity to outright murder” (172). In that context a person really has to consider their behavior towards others and indirectly in a personal pursuit for happiness. Individual happiness should not come at the expense of another human being.

Additionally the chapters relate to each other in discussing pride. In chapter 2, viewpoint 2 Finding Personal Peace with God Gives Life Purpose Charles W. Colson discusses his reaction to reading the autobiography of Richard M. Nixon, Born Again. He rhetorically suggests that pride is a cancer, “For Pride is a spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense” (50). As Ole Hallesby is quoted earlier stating that he had lived his whole life in selfishness, pride, and pleasure…(189). And in the chapter How Do Religions Give Life Meaning? Bob George presents Christianity and particularly the bible as the only way to find God. Of pride he says, “Proud people cannot receive grace because they will not receive grace. They are convinced of their own sufficiency and enamored by their own ability” (100). Franklin summarized that, “In reality there is, perhaps, no one of our natural passions so hard to subdue as Pride” (203). In each viewpoint that presents pride, it is indicated that it is a destroyer of finding our personal happiness.

In reading each viewpoint I had to set aside my own beliefs and convictions, understanding that each person had walked their own path to come to the conclusions and beliefs that they had. These are their visions, their truths, it is what they know. I do not have to believe them personally but I can accept them as reality, not myth. In wanting others to understand me for my diversity, I must understand them.

One thing that was certain to many was that we all came from somewhere; there was indeed a creation, if not by God, then by some scientific reasoning. In Chapter 2, viewpoint 4, one religion stated, “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what is visible” The Bible, Hebrews 11: 3 (67). Chapter 3 How Do Religions Give Life Meaning, “Religions very often dominate peoples search for meaning of life” (75). And presuming that a person has a belief or knowledge of a God or of a greater being, and then by acknowledgement of that any person’s opportunities are infinite. In contrast, the preface to Richard Robinson, Chapter 2, viewpoint 1, Life Has No Purpose – We Create It, suggests that “life has no meaning. Since he believes there is no God, there cannot be a particular goal or meaning for our lives… [Robinson] challenges his readers to create their own purpose for life” (39). With respect for all beliefs in finding their purpose, every being can achieve immeasurable content and happiness.

Each persons desire to find meaning in their life is a personal quest; an individual journey; and each person through their desire to see purpose in their life, can. Knowing what is important to you personally, in every moment, understanding your views of reality and appreciating the gift of each opportunity. Seeking for a greater understanding of the diversity in others values based on their unique experiences, cultures, and environments has purpose in our own happiness.
I have gained a greater knowledge of these things and have a more perfected individual vision for my life. I have found that in engaging in others rhetorical views that my vision is clearer, I know myself better. For me it is important to know what I want, what I believe, to be aware of and accept others for their personal beliefs. This has been a valuable experience for me. It made me think more about the affirmations that I have engaged in for my life, I have a broader vision now and will certainly be revising them, particularly reflecting upon Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Virtues in his aim for perfection. I also appreciate the testament that happiness is not to be achieved but lived in every moment. I hope to be able to emulate these things in my life. Dr. Seuss is known for saying many great things, one that comes to mind, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy that will decide where to go.”

Great philosophy, like anything, is what you make of it. Constructing a Life Philosophy, as suggested by the title of the book, is a process. In constructing anything a great deal of material is involved. In any great construction if only one material or tool were used, it would not be successful or even possible. In considering many opinions, views, and understanding others I know that I will be able to have a better personal philosophy; allowing me to live happily in each moment.

References used in addition to the book:

Lightman, Alan. Einstein’s Dreams. New York: Warner Books, 1993.

Seuss, Dr. Oh, The Places You’ll Go. New York: Random House, 1990.

Webb, William R., Russell Conwell’s Inspiring Book About Opportunity: Acres of
Diamonds. Missouri: Hallmark Cards Inc., 1968