Education in an Entitlement Culture

I have been reading and thinking a lot over the past few months about education. What is a good education? How has our society shaped our education system? I thought this article in the NY Times was interesting, and made me think of a book I read recently: The Price of Privilege by: Madeline Levine, Ph.D. What are your thoughts? Do you see a change since you were in school? What are we really teaching our youth? Are we teaching them what, when or how to think?

Happy Birthday Candice!

Devoted Mother, Wife, Daughter and Friend....We love you Candice! To quote Luke: "Candice you're so beautiful, you could
be in the Christmas Pageant!"


I love this photo of Candi looking down at baby Jennie, Jed took it
from a distance, without her knowing.

Temple Open House

We took the boys to the Draper Temple open house yesterday. What a great experience this was for them. It was a great follow-up to a lesson we had about temples on Sunday. If you have a chance get tickets and go!

A Tender Heart

I have a tender heart as I write this. Yesterday, we popped into IKEA for a quick meatball run. As Jed and I were walking around I saw Mr. Nielsen and Stephanie of the Nie Nie Dialogues. Of course I mentally noted who they were and mentioned it to Jed. Jed asked me later how I knew it was them. Good question- I recognized his face, I just knew. I kept walking. I couldn't shake the feeling that I should go talk to them, which is not "like me". I finally caved and went and said "hi". I felt awkward and a bit "stockerish". What a special experience. They are two of the most gracious people I have met. She was so friendly to me and Claire. Stephanie and her husband were in a near fatal plane crash in AZ this past August. You can explore the rest of the story on your own.
If you aren't familiar with Nie Nie, check it out. You will laugh, you may cry. Getting to "know" this beautiful woman will cause you to stop and reflect on your own life; to be grateful for your daily mishaps and think about what is most important in this life.

It's Date Night!

At the beginning of January, Jed and I started taking a once a week class together at the boy's school. I had heard great things about the Love and Logic Program by: Jim Fay and so when the flier came home about a free 6 week class I jumped on the opportunity. We have not been disappointed. As with any parenting program or book there are a few things that may not work with your family or wording that doesn't "sit right" with you. We have found that in this program too. But over all it is a down to earth basic approach that you can use from birth-18, which I appreciate. It has also been fun to take a class with Jed too. Jed's angel sis and bro in law have watched the kids for us also which has been great. Thanks guys! So, not only is it date night but it is a free date night! Wahoo!

Hot, Hot, Hot!

A conversation between two cousins on the ride home from school today:
Luke:" Do you know what hot means?"
Jennie: "Uh, ya."
Luke: "It means you are SO beautiful!"
Jennie: "Ya, you are hot!"
Luke: "No, YOU are HOOOOT !"
Jennie:"No, Luke we are both hot!"
Luke: "That's it!"