Rhino vs. Rhino

Rhino

Rhino

Matt and Reed's FUN little toy (and no, not the one with a horn who might charge any minute). They were kind enough to bring it to the Seamons reunion and let us all enjoy it. 

*A little side note: One day we took the Rhino fishing up Ferron mountain. Uncle Matt is one of the most thoughtful people. He could have been fishing himself, but instead took Erik with him, found the perfect fishing hole, set Erik's hook, cast the line, and then gave the pole to Erik. Erik caught three fish "all by himself." After the third fish he turned to Matt and commented on what a good fisherman he was. I did tell Kiersten that the mark of a good fisherman is if you're willing to get your feet wet. Notice Erik's wet shoes. Katie showed her true side as I watched her lose a fish and dive in after it attempting to recapture it by bare-handing it. She did catch about 15 fish in an hour's span.

**Disclaimer: some of the Rhino photos are courtesy of Angie

He who permits himself to tell a lie once, finds it much easier to do it a second and third time, till at length it becomes habitual. --T. Jefferson

I caught Nate in a lie, but that's not the worst part. I, the parent, wrongfully accused Erik of the misdeed and I felt terrible after realizing my mistake. Erik would be a terrible poker player; I'm afraid his face would give him away every time. Nate, on the hand, can tell a lie without blinking an eye. I'm very grateful he is only 6 and not 16. I still have time to teach him to be honest and trustworthy. I remember the first lie Kiersten told when she was very little. She blamed something on "baby" who was Erik at the time. Poor Erik. Seems to get the blame all the time.

Did I Tell You . . . ?

Did I teach them everything they need to know?

Do they know what is most important in this life?

Are they prepared to build a happy home?

On the way home from East Canyon last August, I was thinking and wondering if I will have taught my kids everything they need to know before they leave home. Tyler and I have been married 11 years and in another 9 Kiersten will be 18 and ready to move on. What is essential and valuable for a kid to know before leaving home? Just some thoughts I've had of so far:

• how to check the oil and other fluids in a car
• how to sew on a button and mend clothing
• how to actually cook and not just follow directions on a box
• how to load the dishwasher
• how to mow and trim a lawn
• how to clean a bathroom
• how to run a vacuum
• how to run the clothes washer and dryer
• how to talk on the phone to professionals (call and make their own appointments)
• how to balance a checkbook
• how to swim well enough to not be afraid of the water
• how to read and not just the back of a cereal box
• have you been introduced to the best books
• have you been taught how to learn and not just memorize what's needed for a test
• how to pump gas
• how to sort the laundry (don't put a red sock in a batch of whites)
• how to set up a filing system
• (Erik would like me to teach him to drive a car and to type)

• you're a child of God
• I love you often enough
• money and things don't matter; you will deal with money on a daily basis, so you should learn to manage money before it manages you, but don't let it be the driving force in your life; money is a means to make life for others and yourself happier, but it is not the end
• family and the relationships you build bring lasting happiness
• to do one small act of service every day; it's a great way to boost that self-esteem barometer
• there is power in music; learn to play an instrument; be careful what you listen to
• to talk to your Heavenly Father and not just say prayers; He's real and He knows your name, what you like, what you are feeling, your thoughts
• to fast with real meaning and purpose, not just going hungry for 2 meals
• that sufficient faith will help you endure to the end–endure well to the end–when the trials of life hit (and they will)
• to pay an honest tithe
• how to discover the scriptures and the small gems that are hidden in them
• how to prioritize your time; we're all given 24 hours–make the most of it
• working physically hard with your hands pays great dividends–it not only makes your employer (or mom) happy, but will yield confidence and self-respect
• mornings are the best part of the day; don't let it escape to sleep

My first 5k

I did it!

Last fall my sisters, dad, and I decided to run the Peach Days 5k Fun Run which happens in September. I knew I had a year to get ready. The first time I went running I didn't make it too far. But I gradually increased my distance until I was running 3 miles. Erik and Kiersten have been running several races a summer, so I decided to sign myself up (along with Nate) to run the 5k in Grantsville on the 4th of July.

My two goals:

1. not to finish last
2. run the entire way without stopping

I was even more pleased to learn the course was mainly downhill. What I didn't anticipate was that running downhill requires you to use different muscles. Even though I stretched I am still very sore. I finished with a time of 31:56 (still not quite sure if that was right, but being in a race and downhill might have made the difference). The day could not have been better. Even though it was forecast to hit 102 degrees (which it did, I think), the morning was overcast with a slight breeze. It made running so much better.

Kiersten, Erik, and Nate along with their cousins Scott and Jeremy ran the mile race. Erik finished 6th overall and 3rd in his age division behind Scott. Nate surprised us all and finished 24th overall and 2nd in his age division behind Jeremy. Kiersten finished the race at 26th overall. I was so pleased with all of them for doing so well. Jason came in 1st place in the 5k, and Elisa took 1st place in her age division. What a family of winners!