Eight Shermans

Something to Think About

Happiness is the object and design of our existence and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness and keeping all the commandments of God.

-Joseph Smith

Throughout his life, Joseph Smith would turn to God in prayer to seek the help and guidance he needed. A Church member recalled hearing him pray in Kirtland, Ohio, at a time of great personal difficulty: "Never until then had I heard a man address his Maker as though He was present listening as a kind father would listen to the sorrows of a dutiful child. . . . . There was no ostentation, no raising of the voice as by enthusiasm, but a plain conversational tone, as a man would address a present friend. It appeared to me as though, in case the veil were taken away, I could see the Lord standing facing His humblest of all servants I had ever seen." - Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith Priesthood/Relief Society Manual.

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"It is not always easy to follow a righteous plan and be obedient to the laws of society and the laws of the Lord. In the long run, however, following the rules is still the best pathway to obtaining all the things the Lord has promised."
- President James E. Faust (April Priesthood Session, 2007)

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Lizzy's Report on Davis County

APRIL 2009: As a fourth grader Lizzy had to do a report on one of Utah's counties. She drew Davis. We were very happy since Davis county is the home to Antelope Island. The island is a beautiful game reserve. We enjoyed hiking around, checking out the animal life, climbing on rocks, and just hanging out at the working ranch located on the southern part of the island.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Happy Birthday to Mom

The kids surprised me on my birthday with a special song. While Lin and I were out for the morning, Nathan taught Lizzy and Caleb how to play Happy Birthday to You on their instruments. This was no small task since they are both beginners and it involved some skills they hadn't learned yet. Nate figured out a way of writing it out with string letters and finger numbers. Then rehearsed it with them. When Seth was feeling left out, they added him in as the singer. He took his part very seriously and practiced with them. All of this was accomplished in about an hour. It was the cutest rendition of Happy Birthday ever.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Caleb's "Twinkles" graduation

For those of you who haven't experienced Suzuki strings lessons: A "Twinkles" graduation happens when a beginning strings player is able to play 5 different variations of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" from memory and with reasonably good technique. Since Caleb doesn't have a "real" teacher yet, but wanted to play so badly, I have been teaching him as best I can. So, when it came time for him to do his "Twinkles" graduation we invited Grandma and Cindy and her girls. We also made him the same kind of smiley face cookies that Lizzy's cello teacher made for her when she did her "Twinkles" graduation. Here are a few pictures: