Have you guys seen this?

I heard this several years ago, but for "some reason" (current administration, perhaps?) I have been thinking about it a lot.

Watch it! It is really interesting!

Sacrifice

In the shadow of recent challenges with my right hand and arm, I found this 6 minute video to be not only interesting, but very poignant. We have young men and women out there literally giving their arms and legs, and even their lives for our freedom. And there are many gifted people inspired to help. Give it a look.

Dad

Visuals Make it more real

PLEASE watch the animation here. It is quite sobering.







How 'bout that State of the Union?

Biomimicry

So, I know I don't talk about my job much, but it's been changing over the last year or so to include a component of environmental sustainability. Because most of us on our team don't have a background in environment (and have to be convinced about why we should do what we're being asked to do), we're having to go through some training. The training has been interesting. There are some things I still haven't bought into and others that have made perfect sense. I very much appreciate those principles that are about efficiency, reducing waste, reducing cost and making things more simple.

As part of this week's module, we've been learning about biomimicry, and I find it fascinating! (Crystal, you probably already know all about this.) Anyway, it's a science that examines nature's (God's) designs and then tries to emulate them in practical applications to solve human problems. An example we all know and love is the invention of velcro.

Janine Benyus is apparently very famous in the field of biomimicry for her ideas as they relate to eco-design. Anyway, if you have 20 minutes, you really should watch this video. I promise you'll be fascinated. God's creations are awesome (in the truest sense of the word)!

Waiting Game...

What an interesting situation. We apply for medicaid/foodstamps on Monday at nine... and we qualify... I am, however, hopeful we won't need either. Matt had an interview today and it lasted THREE HOURS (with 5 people) and he came home with this... A folder of benefit descriptions. That is a first, so... We are cautiously optimistic. Please keep us and the situation in your prayers. The job is as an application engineer.

It is about a 45 minute drive from home, but it is a good job. We are hoping the long, scary wait is over, but again, are cautiously optimistic.

Health Care

This is an interesting interview with Tom Coburn, senator of Oklahoma and also a physician. It gives a unique point of view that you probably won't hear anywhere else.

http://www.epmonthly.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=645&Itemid=28

Nonessentials

I have read Sister Julie Beck's talk from the Relief Society Meeting many times. The last time this quote from President Uchtdorf jumped out at me.

President Uchtdorf then asked: “What are the nonessential things that clutter your days and steal your time? What are the habits you may have developed that do not serve a useful purpose? What are the unfinished or unstarted things that could add vigor, meaning, and joy to your life?"

The first thing that came to my mind was Sudoku. I think it is a good thing, keeps my brain working. BUT, does it take precedence over really important things, like studying the scriptures? Do I check my email too often? Could I squeeze out some time for the new Family Search program? Is that what it is called? Write in my journal? Write a personal history? hmmm.

Mom

Year 1 Photo Shoot

My friend Misty did a little photo shoot for Naomi's first birthday the other day. Check out this link to see the pictures!

http://www.mistyalger.com/gallery/Naomi/

Sisters...

I do not have a sister (Debby can relate), but if I did, I would be all about putting on a show like this... I think a certain upcoming family event should (for sure) involve a production like this one...

It is from my friend, Emily's blog. She is pretty much perfect. Maybe it is because she has three sisters.

Another reason to read the January Ensign

A girl in my ward gave a talk this last Sunday that referenced Elder Holland's article in the January Ensign (adapted from a BYU Devotional he gave last January, entitled "Remember Lot's Wife"). I went back and read them both, and they're packed with insights - especially in light of the beginning of a new year.

If you have time, read the BYU Devotional here.

Or if you want the abbreviated version, read the Ensign article here.

xo

It's cold out there!

GLOBAL WARMING, WHERE ARE YOU?

http://www.weather.com/maps/maptype/currentweatherusnational/uscurrenttemperatures_large.html?clip=undefined&region=undefined&collection=localwxforecast&presname=undefined

Fiesta Bowl

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Parents

I really loved this, she is not LDS, but she is on the right track ;-)

Grandma's New Blog

Hi Everyone! Check out grandma's new blog about Cathy's Kids here. I think everyone knows about the work she does in Mexico, but you'll be very touched as you read about some of her experiences. I recommend starting with the Q&A. We're lucky to have such a great example in our lives! Love you!

Seriously, the BEST hamburger

We made it to Phoenix and had to make an obligatory stop at our favorite hamburger place. Sorry Five Guys but you'll never be able to beat In-N-Out for so many reasons:

1) the freshness: nothing is ever frozen, fresh beef, potatoes, toppings and buns made with no preservatives.
2) the hot deliciousness is incomparable
3) animal style option: need I say more? A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.
4) the price. $1.69 for a hamburger complee with fresh tomato, lettuce, pickles, toasted bun and special sauce.

In-N-Out we're waiting for you on the east coast. Please come soon!

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