Thursday, May 31, 2007

Stop Talking! Start Eating!


Meal time at our house has turned into a gab fest. No longer do we sit, say a few words to each other and eat our food and move on with the day/night. Now we have long in depth conversations about the "sick-ups" (translation: having a sickness...I think.). Philosophical discussions about whether or not Jackson would be a girl if he grew his hair long. The decision was made that he would still be a boy... if he had a mustache. The favorite topic lately has been baby names. Some winners are: Bay-kay (spelled phonetically), Basco (after tabasco, a favorite with Jackson), Ken (yes, Barbie's friend), Jacob R. (Intial included), and Justin. Ella has also informed us over the dinner table that her name is no longer satisfactory. She would like to change it to either Ella Tabasco or Ella Burrito, permanently. She'd like to completely drop the Christene and the Reynolds. There are many arguments about who is the best "eater" and so far we think that title is held only by Mom and Dad. The kids strongly disagree though and present their cases as thoroughly as possible without actually eating anything. So if our kids look skinny it is because there is more talking, arguing, discussing and pondering than eating at our table. Come on over and have dinner with us...I just hope you are on a diet because you'll get more conversation than food.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

The Parable of the Professor

This week at my institute class, the teacher told this parable. I really liked it so I thought I would share it with you. The discussion topic was the Second Coming.

At the beginning of the semester, the professor assigned a large research paper to his class. He provided them with instructions, ideas and helps on how to write the paper. In fact, he gave them everything they needed to excel in the task. He gave them everything that is except the due date. He assured them he would give them ample time to complete the paper, but one day in class he would ask them to turn in the paper. If they had completed the paper and could turn it in they would pass the class, if they weren't able to turn in the paper they would fail.

Some of the students got right to work and completed the paper. Once the paper was completed they would go to class and hope that the professor would ask for the paper. Because they had completed the assignment, they were able to help the other students in getting their papers completed. These students were filled with joy and hope because they were prepared. Of course there were those students who put off writing their paper. Each day they would come to class and be filled with fear that the professor would ask them to turn in their paper and they wouldn't be ready.

The day finally came and the professor asked for the papers. As expected those who had completed the papers were so happy that they were ready. The students that hadn't finished were very unhappy and failed the class.

The teacher then pointed out that the question shouldn't be when will Christ come again, but rather what do I need to do to be ready for his coming. If we are living right, we will not fear and we will be in a position to help those around us be prepared as well.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Today Is Important.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

WE LOVE YOU!
Thanks for being our super mom.
(Leave Mom a birthday mesasge...)

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

What I've Been Up To






Playing with my new camera.
Entertaining (and loving it)
Kayla and Heather (with Christoffer in tow).




Grading papers (at least I can do it in the sunshine).


Alright, mi familia. What have you been up to?

Friday, May 11, 2007

Sorry...Here is more...Grapes



This segment still doesn't include some of my favorite music...oh..Well!! I do have to tell you that last night in the Green Room before rehersal the Composer was commenting to me how excitied he was about the show and how well he thought the chorus was doing..I told him we were thuroughly enjoying his music and that I had told my family that the show was deliciously depressing. He liked that. heheheeheee!

Thursday, May 10, 2007

The Grapes of Wrath





Here is a small taste of the Opera....too bad it doesn't include some of my favorite music from the show. Connie and Rosasharn's "One star" duet, the "Dry Blue Night" septet while the Joad family is crossing the Mojave and Ma's aria, Noah's remeberence of her singing to him as a baby..his dying memory. And don't forget "little dead Moses" I wish you could all come and see this deliciously depressing show.

Friday, May 4, 2007

The Tale of JB and the DC Metro

If you haven't read this, you should.

(It is long, but worth it).

(Fair warning: it is artsy-fartsy).

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html?hpid=multimedia3