I wanted to share this email I received on a yahoogroup that I belong to called TJEDMuse. It is devoted to families around the country who shape their lives and particularly the education of themselves and their children in a leadership/mentoring style model commonly called a Thomas Jefferson Education(TJed). It is commonly called this because of a book called A Thomas Jefferson Education written by Dr. Oliver DeMille who has popularized this age old method of learning particularly with home-schoolers {although it's philosophies are useful to anyone and everyone} . If you are curious about TJed you can find information at http://www.tjed.org/
This email was written by the groups moderator.
" Hi All,
As the year comes to a close many of us find ourselves balancing gift buying with making sure to focus on the more important messages of the holidays. Then the next thing we know the New Year rolls around with all its temptation to make resolutions. But before we know where we are going we need to know where we have come from and where we are now. So before we vault into 2008 let's review 2007. What gifts did you give to the world?
What did you accomplish this year?
What value did you add to the world that comes easily for you? (Yes, this is the opportunity to acknowledge your talent.)
What did you contribute that was really difficult to do?
We have all done something to improve the world this year but often it is hard to recognize and appreciate what we do. So before you start thinking too grand and find yourself saying, "nothing I did was worthwhile" look to the little things.
In his lectures, Dr. DeMille has often given a list of some of the major missions in the world. Which of them did you work within?
Feed the hungry
Clothe the naked
Heal the sick
Liberate the captive
Educate the ignorant
Guide the lost
Comfort the lonely
Heal the family
Create Beauty
Or is there some other primary purpose to your life?
Did you help a child learn to read this year? Did you bring a pot of soup to a sick friend? Put your arms around a sad or lonely relative? Make a beautiful quilt? Run for public office? Write a letter to a government representative? Start a business? Say "no" to an injustice? Make a home for a lost pet?
We all have contributed something this year to make the world a better place to live in. How did you help? Don't be afraid to share the little things. We all know the pebble in the pond analogy. And if you did do something grand and amazing by all means, please share.
Shawn Crane "
I must say that I am happy that I just survived the last year, it was a hard one for me. Along the way I was able to be there for those in need around me, offer love and service, hopefully inspired my children to a few of the wonderful things the world has to offer, and as I make my master inspire plan for the year ( I don't call it resolutions any more) I look forward to all that I can hope for.
I hope your new year is full of all the wonderful things you do to make our world a better place, without even having to RESOLVE to do it.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Happy New Year!
Friday, December 21, 2007
A Christmas Craft
Here are some simple nativities that we made with various sizes of Popsicle sticks, tiny dowels, small wooden stars and hot glue. I got the idea at Enrichment meeting last night and we had fun making these this afternoon.
This nativity was given to me by a neighbor a couple of years ago and I have always loved it for it's simplicity. It is another way you might wish to create and embellish one of your own.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
'My So Called Life'
Did you ever watch the show 'My So Called Life'? I loved this show! I could totally relate with the way the main character- Angela Chase (played by Claire Danes) felt about her life and life in general. To me it is one of the better 'coming-of-age' shows that have ever been made. It only lasted one season and I only found it after it had been cancelled but I could watch the reruns over and over. Much to my delight ABC is running some of the episodes on the Internet and I patiently await each new one and watch, remembering MY so called life of the past and how there isn't anything in the world that could make me go back to being a teenager again!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
AAAAAHHGGGGGHHHHH
Is it just me, or is this one of the hardest weeks of the year? My brain is fried! I can't think straight. I was good this year and have my cards out, packages mailed, and nearly all my shopping done so the preparation stress is gone. All the parties and activities are over but now it is the waiting. The waiting for Christmas day and all of its fun. The waiting for normal life to begin again and all the thinking of all the things you want and need to do in the new year and you can't do it yet or even clarify it in your head. And so I wander around the house attempting to clean it and do laundry but my kids are beyond helping because they are in a stupor as well so it is pointless. And school work, well that is a joke right now, I'm lucky to get 1 hour out of them. So today for example has been filled up with Sudoku, coloring My Little Ponies, and an attempt to clean my living room downstairs that has ended up with me, here at the computer typing instead of cleaning the desk off (forget the 4 loads of laundry waiting to be folded). I know that I am sounding really whiny for no reason but really I wish Christmas was tomorrow and we could have our normal life back. I guess I better go turn on some Christmas music and the lights on the tree so I can get some Christmas spirit back.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Garin and Bethany Sitting in a Tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G
Tagged by Sharon.
{he's gonna kill me for putting this picture up!}
Who asked who out first: It was a set up. Shaina and her 'boyfriend' Rich (did he even like girls??? we may never know huh Shaina) thought one of his friends might go out with me so they picked Garin.
Who proposed: Garin but he needed some reassurance that he should do it.
Who is more sensitive: It depends on the subject but I cry more.
Who has more friends: We have about the same most of our friends are couples.
Who wears the pants in the family: We both wear pants and sometimes about once a week I wear a skirt. HA HA
Where did you meet your husband: We met at a CES Fireside at BYU. A whole bunch of us went together.
Where was your first date: A game night at the afore mentioned Rich's apartment. We had many dates there.
What was the first thing you said to your husband: Probably 'I love you', it was a long day and talking is not one of the things I remember the most.
Where was your first kiss: Well we both agree it was in a parking lot next to my car.
Where did you get engaged: At the rest area just out side of Quincy Wa. It was quiet, secluded and park-ish.
Where were you married: Salt Lake City, Utah Temple
How was your reception: It was nice.
Where was the Honeymoon: We stayed the first night at the Anniversary Inn at the old Salt City Jail in the French Garden room. The next day we went to Lagoon and stayed at the good ol' Motel 6. We at dinner at Lorena's in Wood Cross.
If you could have changed anything about what would it have been: We had a great time but I would have enjoyed going some where and having a little more time but we couldn't get out of work and school.
I tag Alyssa and anyone else who reads this and would like to start a blog-- hint hint to my sisters. Sorry Wendi you'll have to wait a few more weeks and then you can post your story;)
