I like being ten because that age is even, and can be divided by my favorite number, 5. (and 2) being ten means still being a 5th grader, because I have a new age for every new school year. Ten is just a great age in general. Being in fifth grade means a lot to me. It means being top in the school. It means having a great teacher. It means fun projects. And I want to be a fifth grader for as long as possible, because I don't want more responsibilities, like extra hard homeworks, and multiple teachers in a day. In my opinion, ten is a prime time where you feel old, but you're not old enough to pay bills and taxes. Plus, It's easier to earn money because people would rather hire a sophisticated 10 year old, than a cute little 5 year old. What I look forward to about being older is that I don't have to be asking mom, can I buy this? whenever I want to purchase something. More freedom, to drive around where I want when I'm 16. Or to be in high school. It sounds like a very great experience and I want to join the drama club.
Sunday, March 17, 2024
What I Like about Being Ten and What I Look Forward to about Being Older
Sunday, March 10, 2024
Extracurriculars
I love the idea of extracurriculars for my children. I love the potential skills and life lessons gained from learning a new instrument or playing on a sports team. I see the benefits my family and friends' children have gained from being involved and I have wanted that for my children. But what I don't love about the idea of extracurriculars is the time away from home during dinner hours they require. Nor have I relished the idea of having to regularly argue with my children about being involved in something against their will. It has never been a battle I have been willing to wage, especially since Matthew feels pretty similar about the whole idea.
But that hasn't stopped me from feeling guilty and depressed that I have failed my children and now they will forever be duds because I was too lazy to force the issue. When Luca asked me this morning for a blog prompt to enable to have more screen time, I told her to write about extracurriculars and how her not doing them right now doesn't make her or me bad people.
I guess now, if she ever comes back to me later in life, upset with not pushing her harder, I have something to assuage my conscience.
I don't do extracurriculars. But I am not a deficient person. I make up for that by doing a cooking club with my mom and having social time outside. I like roller skating, which is good exercise and makes my legs stronger. Something good that comes from not doing extracurriculars is mom doesn't have to drive me around like my uncle Paul. If I were to do an extracurricular, I would want to do something crafty or something that revolves around my interests. I am a great person without these things though. OBOB (Oregon Battle of the Books) was a bit stressful but I kind of liked it, honestly. Plans for the future, however, include drama clubs like cousin Seth, and perhaps some kind of skating club? I am starting to cook meals every month. Progress has been made to give me and my brother some more responsibilities. Dishes, meals, and some other stuff. This has been made to prepare us for life in the real world.
I hope this makes you feel better about not forcing us to do something, mom.
Sunday, February 18, 2024
Dude Finishes the Book of Mormon
For the last year I have been listening to the Book of Mormon, 1 chapter a day. So in this blog post I will say what I got from it and what my favorite parts are. Starting at the easiest question I am going to say what I got from reading the Book of mormon. What I got from it is that God is always willing to accept all who come to him, take the lamanites for example. They were so bad at the beginning but then they repented and they were forgiven and blessed. like a shepherd with his sheep. No matter how long they were missing and how dirty they are when they come back he is always willing to welcome them back into the fold. Now I will say what my favorite story is. My favorite story is the ship on the water in the first nephi. I like how when they were bad the ship was lost and suffering from storms, but when they repented they were on their way fine. This story is like our everyday life. When we are bad, God leaves us and we are lost, but when we repent we are back on track and just fine. so this is what my favorite parts and what I got from the Book of Mormon. THE END
Sunday, February 11, 2024
Why Stardew Valley is the Best by Luca Marler
Luca wrote this little essay because she enjoys typing and she had some free time at school. I also thought this one was worth preserving for posterity.
Minecraft, Roblox, Terraria, Gang Beasts. These are all great games. But, Stardew Valley tops them all! You are probably wondering, why Luca? Why is Stardew Valley the best? Fortnite is so much fun! There are many reasons why, my dear reader.
First of all, the Npcs. The dialogue written for them is amazing! Yeah, some of them are kinda snarky, but so what! Plus, you can befriend them! My favorite Npc to hang out with is Abigail. I played video games with her! A video game in a video game. What more do you need?
Then comes the farm. When you start playing, there is a package on the floor of your cabin. Inside you will find fifteen parsnip seeds, which you place outside to grow! When they do grow, you pull them up and can sell them to Pierre, the local produce storekeeper. What I think is fun is the fact you can buy a chicken coop from Robin, the carpenter, and then raise chickens! You can actually raise a lot of different animals, even slimes! After twenty eight days, all of your spring crops will die and you will have to buy new seeds from Pierre. This marks the beginning of a new season! There is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. They act like months. In each season, there are Npc’s birthdays. If you were to give someone a gift on their birthday, it would get you eight times the amount of friendship points.
The music. It’s so beautiful, lively, and very odd. Take the wizards tower. It sounds so very weird. But the summer soundtrack. That’s my favorite sound track of all.
Something I find very weird about Stardew Valley is the fact you can marry single Npcs. but it’s very complicated. First you have to give them a bouquet after you get eight hearts with him or her. Then after you have dated, you must get the “old amulet” from the dude on the island next to the beach. They will then move in with you and help out around the farm.
If you still don’t like Stardew Valley, then so be it. But you should try it out and let it explain itself to you.
The Three Branches of Government by Luca Marler
Luca had to write an essay for her 5th grade class on the three branches of government. I loved it so much I made her send it to me so I could preserve it for posterity. Enjoy.
Since the creation of The Constitution, America has had three branches of government. The Legislative branch, the Judicial branch, and the Executive branch. It’s pretty cool how each branch balances each other out so everyone has equal power.
The Legislative branch is the branch that makes laws, and passes taxes. (with approval from the president.) It can also be known as the Congress, made up of 100 senators, and 435 representatives. All states have two senators each. The number of representatives is based on the population of each state. Oregon has six currently, but California has 52, which is the most a state has. A representative may serve six two year terms, but a senator may only serve two three year terms. Congress approves presidential appointments, like, say the president wanted to appoint Mr. Level for the supreme court. They could say, “He doesn’t have the necessary qualifications.” (I’m not actually sure, but this is just an example.) So then the president would have to pick someone new.
Next there’s the Executive branch. That’s where the president works. He lives in the White House, and does all of the president's work in the oval office. His job is to veto laws, which means to reject laws. He also gets to pick a cabinet, a vice president, and if there are any slots, he’ll appoint Supreme court justices. (mentioned above.) Another name for the president is commander in chief, or chief of state. He is also in charge of the military, but that doesn’t mean he can just stroll into Abu Dhabi and declare war! Actually, he needs approval from the Legislative branch. A president may only serve two four year terms. More on the veto. So a bill is written and sent to the president, and if the president likes it, he approves it and it becomes a law. If he disagrees with it, it is vetoed. BUT, if the congress really feels like it should be a law, they can overrule his orders if two-thirds of them agree.
Finally, the Judicial branch. They evaluate laws and decide if they are constitutional. Like, if the Legislative branch wanted to make it so presidents could serve as many terms as they want. Their job would be to say, “The constitution clearly states that a president may only serve two terms. Your idea is rejected.” or something like that. The judicial branch also makes sure that laws are followed correctly. No one misbehaves under their watch! Inside the judicial branch is the supreme court. This court is the highest court in the nation! Made up of nine justices, one chief justice, and eight associate justices. Each of them serve life terms, or they can step down. Whenever there is an empty slot, the president will fill it with his pick. But the legislative branch has to approve them. There are also the federal courts and the district courts.
As you can see, each branch balances the power. No branch is the most powerful. This creates a balanced, safe government. If not for the constitution, the president would basically be a king and the people would be peasants.
In all, I’m certain that we have a fantastical government. If not for it, we wouldn’t be in school today. The Judicial branch, the Executive branch, and the Legislative branch all work together wonderfully to create this land of beauty we call home. Thank you authors of the constitution!! (They helped us a LOT!)
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Tuesday
Monday, January 22, 2024
Monday
My biggest take away from the day was this: I saw God loving me for me. Trees, rocks, birds have nothing to prove. Nothing to do other than be perfectly who they are. Me filling the measure of my creation is me being my best, authentic, faith, and love-filled self; and letting God do His perfect will through me. I am a vessel. Or in other words, me filling the measure of my creation is not about me doing something. It is about me becoming something and then letting God do Their perfect work through me, not because of me.
Sunday, January 21, 2024
Sunday
Oh my goodness. What a day. We started off at church. I won't go into all the very too-much-information-details, but at the end of what was a lovely sacrament meeting, I was in need of a change of undies. I was trying my best to stay calm and trust that everything would be ok. Oh how grateful I was for all the women from the trip who rushed to my aid. One woman gave me her swim shorts to wear. Imagine giving underwear to someone you had just met. I felt so loved.
Afterwards, we went on a beautiful hike through some woods to a waterfall where we answered a journal prompt to create an "I AM" statement, similar to that of the Young Women's Theme or the Relief Society themes for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I pulled out my patriarchal blessing and my "I AM" statement seemed to jump off the page.
When I was done, I realized that my Heavenly Parents are so excited for me to see myself as the amazing woman described in my blessing.
When we got back to our house, we learned about perfumes, made Lei Po'os and did a photo shoot, to really embrace the inherent beauty in ourselves.
Saturday, January 20, 2024
Saturday
Today we hiked down into a valley with more journal prompts to answer.
The main question being this: "List hills and valleys you've experienced. Next to it, write how God carried you through it. What have you gained from these experiences? What does this teach you about HOPE in Jesus?"
As I went through the highs and lows of my life, I was struck by just how often Christ used other people to help. I felt overwhelming love for those who have been the comfort, the guidance, the answer to so many of my prayers. I am so blessed to be so consistently surrounded by good people and I hope God has similarly used me to be that answer for someone else.
I am also completely amazed at the love I feel for these women I have just barely met.
Friday, January 19, 2024
Friday
We went ziplining and I had a blast as they taught me to zip upside down. Just about the most exhilarating thing I've ever done.
Followed by a serene walk through a botanical garden.
I felt God telling me today to be still and be ok with whatever energy I was able to give. After so many nights of not getting enough sleep, I was not functioning at full capacity. But with God's grace, the energy I did give came from a more positive place. I am naturally an authentic person, but I really appreciated the love I felt for myself, the area, the women around me that didn't become draining, because I wasn't trying to give more than I had.
So often I get burnt out with service. Today, knowing I wasn't operating at 100%, and allowing myself to be ok with whatever I had to offer, was liberating. I can be that more in my everyday life. And in turn, God makes up the difference and magnifies my widow's mite.
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Flight to Hawaii
Thursday. I woke up as pure optimism personified. Wednesday was calm in the storm and Thursday was the promise of all the good things. Here are a few of the joyful things that happened.
- A kind shuttle driver. She was the perfect way to start our day.
- A kind and joyful worker at Moe's (a restaurant in the airport) allowed me to alter my breakfast to incorporate veggies and then made it so thoughtfully for me.
- I met wonderful people who shared on our experience of missing the earlier flight and enjoyed instant camaraderie.
- Melissa and I enjoyed an unexpected 5-hour layover on Kauai by walking out of the airport in search of anything interesting. We made it to a lighthouse and made a new friend, Dee, who was travelling by herself.
- Melissa and I were sweaty and stinky when we got to the airport and I felt bad for the person assigned to sit next to me on my Kauai to Kona flight but I was blessed with the row all to myself.
- Instead of being irritated at having to wait 45 minutes when we finally arrived in Kona, I was able to stay calm and enjoy some needed downtime.
- I was completely unprepared for the instant connection I felt with the nine women I met, even after such a long day.
- Melissa and I agreed that the two days we spent together were a gift and that we were meant to create a relationship just the two of us.
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Women's Retreat - The Hotel Adventure
This retreat was an adventure from beginning to end. So get comfy.
Monday. We got our driveway cleared of its ice and enjoyed the sunshine and slightly warmer weather, especially knowing that more ice was on the way. Because of the impending weather, Matthew encouraged me to get a hotel for Monday and Tuesday night to be in Portland already for my early Wednesday flight. I wasn't looking forward to being away from my family for any longer than I had to, but I recognized the wisdom in Matthew's counsel, so Monday afternoon, we drove up to Portland as a family and dropped me off at my hotel.
Tuesday. I spent the day more or less by myself. I worked a little, exercised a little, and watched copious amounts of TV. Melissa C (who got to come because Heather T couldn't) arrived just before bedtime.
Wednesday. Melissa and I made it to the airport and on to our plane with minimal delay, and yet somehow I still wasn't confident we were going to make it out of Portland. I couldn't allow myself to be excited until we pushed back from the gate - something we never got chance to do.
We spent two hours on the plane deicing it, then refueling it, before they gave up and had us get off. Thirty minutes after that, they officially cancelled our flight and told us to go retrieve our bag and call Alaska Airlines to reschedule.
As we walked down to baggage claim, as we waited for over an hour for our bags to arrive, as I talked with Matthew to book another hotel room for the night, I was surprisingly and beautifully calm. I was patient. I was trusting that all things would work together for my good.
By the time we got checked into our hotel for the night, it was eight hours since we had left and we were both so so hungry. Since it was early afternoon, and we didn't have anything else to do we decided to walk the 1.5 miles to Red Robin for an early dinner. We made it almost to the edge of the hotel parking lot before we abandoned the plan in lieu of an Uber because 1. There was no clear sidewalk due to 2. nothing but ice. Another hour after that, we finally made it to the restaurant, and after yet another half hour, we finally made it to our table.
After what became a regular time dinner, I was not ready to go back to the hotel, so we slipped and slided on the on the icy sidewalks of Cascade Station, going into whatever stores managed to be open despite the weather. Honestly, it was a lot of fun and Melissa and I felt so bonded together. We had amazing conversation and we ended the day hopeful for Thursday.
Sunday, January 14, 2024
5th Grade - by Luca
Fifth grade is AWESOME! I got Mr Level and he is strict, but not too strict. He is also very funny. We get to do all sorts of fun stuff. But the very first thing we did was make little work holders. They look like smaller paper versions of ourselves. After a little while, you get sorted into math groups via I-ready diagnostic. I'm pretty sure I got into the highest one. It gets pretty hard (and also pretty boring). The school manages to get a lot of days off which I think is pretty nice. The smart thing though is that they put grading days right after Halloween. This is the perfect idea because then the kids don't come in with bags full of candy, and heads full of sleep they missed out on last night. Then the long stretch to winter break began. The only break is Thanksgiving break, and that was like 3 or 4 days long. It's chock full of tests, worksheets, and boring group reads. The good news is that the recess situation got a lot better. Everyone seems to have grown over the summer so they don't cry as much which is good for my nerves. except one friend. She still cries a lot. Overall, I LOVE fifth grade so much. I would rate it a nine out of ten.
Middle School - by Dude
Middle school started out decent, but it kinda went downhill from there. The first person to show me what middle school is really like was mr. d a grade A turd. I have what they call a bowl cut and that produced a lot of teasing. The halls are always chaotic. At the end of the day there is always a frenzied scramble to leave in an all-engulfing tide called the "wave". once in the hall mr. d turned the "complete idiot" (CE) up to 9 out of 10 and shoved me on my face. it was a miracle I didn't break my nose. Although most of my other middle school experiences have been crappy at lunch I play a game called "stumble guys" with my group of friends. The teachers are fine, they are pretty nice. The workload is not that bad. The only class we get homework is in math. My favorite class is p.e sometimes we do fun things. The only downside is workout wednesday. stuff like math and language arts is a little boring but it is not horrible. The library is pretty good and it has a decent selection. Though I would like a wider selection, the cafeteria is nice. recess is good, there is only basketball and volleyball outside but you get to play computer games inside. That is what I do every day. Overall, my experience with middle school is decent. There are a few things I want to change but it is okay.
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Snow Day
Dude' perspective: Today it snowed in our cul de sac. At first I was angry because it was icy snow, but then I realized it was perfect for sledding. Then for the next hour me and my sister went sledding down the hill. Then we went inside for two hours then we went sledding for the next 2 hours we sledded with our friends. We were sledding down our massive hill. We were going so fast. We were sledding until 3:18 when I went inside because my hands felt like they were a couple degrees from frostbite, then about 30 minutes later my friends followed suit. Then we ate bagel bites until they left. Overall it was a great day. but I am hoping that it will snow better next time so we can have a massive snowball fight. until next time It snows I will just have to settle for planning.
Luca's perspective: Today it snowed/freezing rained. When I woke up I looked out the window and saw snow. At first I was disappointed because there didn't seem to be a lot, but then it kept raining and there was a lot of ice snow. The reason why I called it ice snow was because you could see each little particle. But the problem was that it didn't pack well. Say goodbye to snowballs and forts. But it was PERFECT for sledding. We used the neighbors hill because it was safe, big, fun, plus they always let us use it. Somehow I managed to make a dino out of the ice snow. The little neighbors wanted to help make it, but honestly I didn't want them to help, but it's really hard to say no to them. By around 3 o'clock I was ready to be done. So was everyone else. All in all, this was a pretty great snow day.
A few days later, thanks to Martin Luther King Day, and no change in our ice situation, we all made it outside to shovel our driveway, made fun ice art, and went sledding. The sledding was more slipping with reckless abandon than coordinated motion down a hill, but we all had a good, albeit terrifying experience.