Below is a video of their piano performances. Don't leave too soon or you might miss out on the best part of the whole night.
Here is the link for all of my facebook friends.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq1L1ZYYdH4
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Piano Recital
After last weeks post about Piano Festival, I decided to video our kids as they played their Festival pieces at their annual Piano Recital.
Below is a video of their piano performances. Don't leave too soon or you might miss out on the best part of the whole night.
Here is the link for all of my facebook friends.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq1L1ZYYdH4
Below is a video of their piano performances. Don't leave too soon or you might miss out on the best part of the whole night.
Here is the link for all of my facebook friends.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq1L1ZYYdH4
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Superior
Last week our kids participated in a Piano Festival. This is an event where piano students present their piano pieces before a judge to be rated on how well they are doing. This year Savanna, Andy and Coby brought their best 2 pieces of music and played them before a judge. For parents, this is a nervous time because you are really hoping they get a good review so that they will continue on the road to piano nirvana. "Nirvana for piano players is when you get to a point the you can sit down at the piano and play just about anything that is plopped down in front of you." Unfortunately, I have not reached nirvana yet and I don't think I'll even get there.
Each of our kids were directed to their room with their music to be evaluated. I went with Savanna and Deanna went with Coby. I could tell that Savanna was nervous but she was keeping it under control. I waited until she was called into the room, and then I plastered my ear to the door in hopes of gleening as much information as I could as to what was happening inside. It was silent for a while, and then she played a 5 finger scale in hopes of warming up and dispelling her nervousness. She began her first piece and after the first line of music, I could tell she was having trouble. She stopped, my heart stopped. She started again and then after the second line of pros, she stopped again. I was terrified. Stopping twice on the same song was not a good start, not at all. I was then sick to my stomach that she had lost the top marks you can get at festival, "Superior". Savanna regained her composure and played through the first song without missing a beat. She paused for a minute and then started her second piece which was played without faults.
When she opened the door, I about fell over as my ear had become inseparably connected with the wood grain. I pretended to be leaning on my arm and casually asked how she did. She said she did fine, "which is what they always say" and walked over and sat down to wait for the results. Within a couple of minutes the door opened and a folder was presented to the helper. She handed it to Savanna and I looked over while holding my breath. At the top it read, "Superior"! Whewww!
After returning to the front of the church "7th ward building", to hear the results of Coby and Andy, I recalled a time when I was sitting at the piano bench with sweaty fingers and pounding heart as I was being judged on my piano prawes. I told the story of when I had received an "Excellent" instead of a "Superior". It was a troubling day which, to this day, I blame on the fact that my judge happened to be my regular piano teacher. She knew all of my faults and knew exactly where I would have trouble. For some reason I don't blame it on the young boy that would rather play baseball outside than to practice his piano every day. I blame it on the misfortune of having my teacher be my judge at Piano Festival.
Each of our kids were directed to their room with their music to be evaluated. I went with Savanna and Deanna went with Coby. I could tell that Savanna was nervous but she was keeping it under control. I waited until she was called into the room, and then I plastered my ear to the door in hopes of gleening as much information as I could as to what was happening inside. It was silent for a while, and then she played a 5 finger scale in hopes of warming up and dispelling her nervousness. She began her first piece and after the first line of music, I could tell she was having trouble. She stopped, my heart stopped. She started again and then after the second line of pros, she stopped again. I was terrified. Stopping twice on the same song was not a good start, not at all. I was then sick to my stomach that she had lost the top marks you can get at festival, "Superior". Savanna regained her composure and played through the first song without missing a beat. She paused for a minute and then started her second piece which was played without faults.
When she opened the door, I about fell over as my ear had become inseparably connected with the wood grain. I pretended to be leaning on my arm and casually asked how she did. She said she did fine, "which is what they always say" and walked over and sat down to wait for the results. Within a couple of minutes the door opened and a folder was presented to the helper. She handed it to Savanna and I looked over while holding my breath. At the top it read, "Superior"! Whewww!
After returning to the front of the church "7th ward building", to hear the results of Coby and Andy, I recalled a time when I was sitting at the piano bench with sweaty fingers and pounding heart as I was being judged on my piano prawes. I told the story of when I had received an "Excellent" instead of a "Superior". It was a troubling day which, to this day, I blame on the fact that my judge happened to be my regular piano teacher. She knew all of my faults and knew exactly where I would have trouble. For some reason I don't blame it on the young boy that would rather play baseball outside than to practice his piano every day. I blame it on the misfortune of having my teacher be my judge at Piano Festival.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Patriots?
Over the last couple of weeks I have been re-watching the TV show West Wing. The TV series was cancelled several years ago but just recently I found a channel that was showing all of the reruns. So, I set my Tivo and started recording them. I had forgotten just how much I enjoyed watching. The dialogue is quick and witty so you have to be "on your toes" if you want to understand all that is going on.
Today I bring you a very short clip from one of the episodes from the second season. This particular scene shows a young woman that has just been offered a job by the White House Chief of Staff. What makes this interesting is the fact that Ainsley Hayes (the young women offered the job) is a staunch Republican. Since the President of the United States in this TV series is a Democrat, it is very unusual that he would want to hire a Republican to serve in the West Wing of the White House.
Ainsley Hayes meets with the Chief of Staff with the full intention of declining the offer for a job. As the day continues, and as she walks around the White House, she discovers that the people that are working there are just normal people working hard to make the country better. Even though their political views may be far apart, they are just people trying to do what it right. At the end of her day, and after several short runin's with the senior staff at the White House, she decides to take the job and serve the President of the United States even though she is a Republican.
Here is the final scene of the episode.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJd37-rU2qY
It is my hope that the current administration that is occupying the White House is truly trying to do what is right and trying to make our country better. With all of the bad mouthing that is going on on the radio and TV, I can only pray that there are good honest people trying their best to make our country better.
Today I bring you a very short clip from one of the episodes from the second season. This particular scene shows a young woman that has just been offered a job by the White House Chief of Staff. What makes this interesting is the fact that Ainsley Hayes (the young women offered the job) is a staunch Republican. Since the President of the United States in this TV series is a Democrat, it is very unusual that he would want to hire a Republican to serve in the West Wing of the White House.
Ainsley Hayes meets with the Chief of Staff with the full intention of declining the offer for a job. As the day continues, and as she walks around the White House, she discovers that the people that are working there are just normal people working hard to make the country better. Even though their political views may be far apart, they are just people trying to do what it right. At the end of her day, and after several short runin's with the senior staff at the White House, she decides to take the job and serve the President of the United States even though she is a Republican.
Here is the final scene of the episode.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJd37-rU2qY
It is my hope that the current administration that is occupying the White House is truly trying to do what is right and trying to make our country better. With all of the bad mouthing that is going on on the radio and TV, I can only pray that there are good honest people trying their best to make our country better.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Over 200 Posts?
I know, it sounds crazy but I swear to you that I have posted over 220 posts on this blog. NO WAY...... WAY!
Now this may not seem like much but I also must bring up the fact that I have also been keeping another blog fully stocked with anecdotes, stories, jokes and personal thoughts. That other blog is http://www.ldsfamily.net. And, to give you even more perspective on how much blogging I have been doing, I have also started another blog just to post stuff on, for my web store where I sell metal figurines. Yes, I started a blog solely for profit. It is http://www.metalcraftstore.com and it is a website dedicated to tell people about my webstore eCarters.com. So, if any of you out there in the bloggosphere think you are overwhelmed by keeping one blog going, just think of little old Clint blogging his brains out month after month so that 2 people out there can read it and one person can buy an overpriced figurine made of nuts and bolts and various misfit metal pieces.
Maybe sometime in the future, my work will become popular and I can make a living by just typing up random stuff that happens to me in my life. At this point, I highly doubt it because I don't feel like my writing is getting any better. It is the same dribble that I wrote 220 blog posts ago.
I just had a de ja vu, well, not a de ja vu because I didn't remember it, I guess I just realized that my son had written this same post last week and now it seems all to familiar. Ok, maybe he didn't write a post like this, but as I re-read it, it looks like something he would write.
Now this may not seem like much but I also must bring up the fact that I have also been keeping another blog fully stocked with anecdotes, stories, jokes and personal thoughts. That other blog is http://www.ldsfamily.net. And, to give you even more perspective on how much blogging I have been doing, I have also started another blog just to post stuff on, for my web store where I sell metal figurines. Yes, I started a blog solely for profit. It is http://www.metalcraftstore.com and it is a website dedicated to tell people about my webstore eCarters.com. So, if any of you out there in the bloggosphere think you are overwhelmed by keeping one blog going, just think of little old Clint blogging his brains out month after month so that 2 people out there can read it and one person can buy an overpriced figurine made of nuts and bolts and various misfit metal pieces.
Maybe sometime in the future, my work will become popular and I can make a living by just typing up random stuff that happens to me in my life. At this point, I highly doubt it because I don't feel like my writing is getting any better. It is the same dribble that I wrote 220 blog posts ago.
I just had a de ja vu, well, not a de ja vu because I didn't remember it, I guess I just realized that my son had written this same post last week and now it seems all to familiar. Ok, maybe he didn't write a post like this, but as I re-read it, it looks like something he would write.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Save the Planet?
I know that I can't save the planet on my own. I may not be able to effect any global climate (whether or not man is causing the change). I can, however, in my small little way, help to make the land fills just a little smaller. I can use a little less electricity. I can help the environment be less cluttered. Here are 2 things I do in my life to help the environment even though they may seem infinitesimal.
Just over a year ago, our garbage collection company gave us recycle bins. At first, it seemed a little tedious to break down the boxes and organize the cans and newspaper but, I decided to give it a try. After a week or two, I got into the flow of it and I actually feel like I'm helping.
Recycling facts:
Every ton of recycled paper:
Saves 17 trees
Saves 4,100 kwh of energy
Saves 7,000 gallons of water
Reduces air pollution by 60lb
Saves 7 cu yard of landfill space
When I was a student at BYU, I remember when the university installed the electronic doors that allowed the handicapped to press a button and have the door open for them. Being the average lazy college student that I was, I would punch the button into every building and walk in through the doors as if I were the king of the land. Doors opened for me and shut for me without any effort. Then, I read an article in The Daily Universe that mentioned the fact that those doors were for the handicapped and would wear out much faster if they were used by the general public. I also noted by my own intuition, that those doors were using a large amount of electricity to open and would let in far more cold air than a regular door. My days of using the magic button ended and to this day, I prefer to open my own doors even if Target or Fred Meyer want to open them for me.
Just over a year ago, our garbage collection company gave us recycle bins. At first, it seemed a little tedious to break down the boxes and organize the cans and newspaper but, I decided to give it a try. After a week or two, I got into the flow of it and I actually feel like I'm helping.
Recycling facts:
Every ton of recycled paper:
Saves 17 trees
Saves 4,100 kwh of energy
Saves 7,000 gallons of water
Reduces air pollution by 60lb
Saves 7 cu yard of landfill space
When I was a student at BYU, I remember when the university installed the electronic doors that allowed the handicapped to press a button and have the door open for them. Being the average lazy college student that I was, I would punch the button into every building and walk in through the doors as if I were the king of the land. Doors opened for me and shut for me without any effort. Then, I read an article in The Daily Universe that mentioned the fact that those doors were for the handicapped and would wear out much faster if they were used by the general public. I also noted by my own intuition, that those doors were using a large amount of electricity to open and would let in far more cold air than a regular door. My days of using the magic button ended and to this day, I prefer to open my own doors even if Target or Fred Meyer want to open them for me.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
The Fab 5 Sisters
As many of you know, my daughter has been taking clogging lessons for several years. She has really become a good little dancer. If you want to see one of her dances, you can follow this link.
Last week she had the opportunity to go with her sister, mom, grandma and cousins to a clogging concert. The performers were "The Fab 5". I don't know if any of you remember or even watched the show on TV called America's Got Talent but these 5 ladies made it all the way to the finals solely on their clogging talent. This was very exciting for the little clogger in our house, so, to go see them live was a special treat. There are some wonderful things about these 5 ladies. They are all sisters, they are all Mormons, they wear modest outfits and they are cloggers. What great role models for our little girls.
After the performance, Savanna and Kate were able to meet all of the members of the Fab 5 and Deanna took some pictures with her phone.
They had a wonderful time.
Last week she had the opportunity to go with her sister, mom, grandma and cousins to a clogging concert. The performers were "The Fab 5". I don't know if any of you remember or even watched the show on TV called America's Got Talent but these 5 ladies made it all the way to the finals solely on their clogging talent. This was very exciting for the little clogger in our house, so, to go see them live was a special treat. There are some wonderful things about these 5 ladies. They are all sisters, they are all Mormons, they wear modest outfits and they are cloggers. What great role models for our little girls.
After the performance, Savanna and Kate were able to meet all of the members of the Fab 5 and Deanna took some pictures with her phone.
They had a wonderful time.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Ski Trip
Every year the local elementary school will take their 6th graders up to Pomerelle Ski Resort for a ski trip. Last year, the school districted moved 9th graders up into the high school and moved 6th graders up into the middle school. Therefore, there were no longer 6th graders to take on a ski trip, SO, they decided to allow the 5th graders to go this year. How cool was that, Savanna, being a 5th grader, was able to go up to Pomerelle for the new 5th graders ski day. Savanna was so excited.
This was Savanna's very first time skiing. She really wasn't sure what to expect. Before we went, I made it clear that this was not going to be easy and it may even be a little scary. I told her that she needed to be brave and that she couldn't give up.
I took a vacation day off of work to go up with her and help her learn the do's and don't's of skiing.
As you can tell from the video, Savanna picked up the skills of skiing very quickly. Quicker than I thought she would. She was also very brave. She was very apprehensive about going on the big ski lift and down the big hill but she gathered the courage and did it.
The following video shows our time at Pomerelle. The sun was shining, there was no wind and the snow was just right. We had a great day.
Here is the link for my facebook friends.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-d34zv3opg
This was Savanna's very first time skiing. She really wasn't sure what to expect. Before we went, I made it clear that this was not going to be easy and it may even be a little scary. I told her that she needed to be brave and that she couldn't give up.
I took a vacation day off of work to go up with her and help her learn the do's and don't's of skiing.
As you can tell from the video, Savanna picked up the skills of skiing very quickly. Quicker than I thought she would. She was also very brave. She was very apprehensive about going on the big ski lift and down the big hill but she gathered the courage and did it.
The following video shows our time at Pomerelle. The sun was shining, there was no wind and the snow was just right. We had a great day.
Here is the link for my facebook friends.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-d34zv3opg
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Brother's Announcement
All of us at the Carter household are very excited to announce that earlier this week, my Brother Blake Carter asked Estee Blatter to marry him!!!! The amazing part is that she actually said yes!!!
Upon hearing the awesome news, all of the Carter girls jumped up and down and screamed at the top of their lungs. (which is quite loud and high) I think I lost 50 percent of the hearing in my left ear when then finally ran out of air.
Here is a photo of the newly engaged couple.
We are so excited for this event and we will be thrilled to welcome Estee into our family.
Congratulations to them both!!!
Upon hearing the awesome news, all of the Carter girls jumped up and down and screamed at the top of their lungs. (which is quite loud and high) I think I lost 50 percent of the hearing in my left ear when then finally ran out of air.
Here is a photo of the newly engaged couple.
We are so excited for this event and we will be thrilled to welcome Estee into our family.
Congratulations to them both!!!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Olympics
We have been watching the Olympics in our spare time. I found this nifty little app on Google to keep track of Olympic Metals.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Bathroom Remodel
Some of you may know that we have been trying to remodel our upstairs bathroom. You may also know that I do not have a construction bone in my body. I can build a website faster than I can build a box. So, we are in the final stages of having the bathroom completely finished so I thought I would show everyone how it looks.
Originally, we just wanted to tear up the linoleum and put in tile. That process required us to rip out the toilet and the sink. Since the sink was out, we might as well replace the cabinet. With a new cabinet, we had to get a new sink. With the new sink and cabinet, we would have to paint around the spots that were different from the old cabinet. So, we decided just to paint the whole bathroom. We also found out that the water pipes did not match up with the new cabinet so we had to re-pipe the cold water faucet so that it would not run into the drawers in the new cabinet. Once the new cabinet and sink are in place, the mirror no longer fits above the sink so we need a new vanity mirror. After looking at vanity mirrors, we noticed that it would not match up with the overhead lighting so we will need to install new lights above the mirror vanity. When we put in the new mirror vanity, the current side mirror will no longer open so we will need to take it out, which is embedded in the wall so I will have to put sheet rock over the whole from the old side vanity mirror. Then, after all of that is done, we want to put in a fan which could, in itself, start a whole new batch of issues.
Now I remember why I hate construction projects. The only bonus out of this whole project, (other than having a nice new bathroom) is that I have finally started my own bucket of pipe fittings. My Dad will be proud!
Originally, we just wanted to tear up the linoleum and put in tile. That process required us to rip out the toilet and the sink. Since the sink was out, we might as well replace the cabinet. With a new cabinet, we had to get a new sink. With the new sink and cabinet, we would have to paint around the spots that were different from the old cabinet. So, we decided just to paint the whole bathroom. We also found out that the water pipes did not match up with the new cabinet so we had to re-pipe the cold water faucet so that it would not run into the drawers in the new cabinet. Once the new cabinet and sink are in place, the mirror no longer fits above the sink so we need a new vanity mirror. After looking at vanity mirrors, we noticed that it would not match up with the overhead lighting so we will need to install new lights above the mirror vanity. When we put in the new mirror vanity, the current side mirror will no longer open so we will need to take it out, which is embedded in the wall so I will have to put sheet rock over the whole from the old side vanity mirror. Then, after all of that is done, we want to put in a fan which could, in itself, start a whole new batch of issues.
Now I remember why I hate construction projects. The only bonus out of this whole project, (other than having a nice new bathroom) is that I have finally started my own bucket of pipe fittings. My Dad will be proud!
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Baptism Video
Melinda complained that in my post about Kate's Baptism, that I didn't include a video. Melinda was nice enough to shoot the video so I had better post it so that her efforts were not in vein.
Here is the link for my Facebook friends.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bcdIBsiVJQ
Here is the link for my Facebook friends.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bcdIBsiVJQ
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Katie's Baptism
Last weekend we had the happy event of baptizing Katie. Many of our friends and family were able to travel to Twin Falls that day to support Kate in her decision to be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost and become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Here she is in her new White Dress.
We are all so proud of her. She is making correct choices and truly does want to follow Heavenly Fathers plan and keep His commandments. We have had several Family Home Evenings over the past months to prepare her for this point in her life and she has really worked hard to learn everything she needed to know to get Baptized. Several times she has come up to me to tell me how the church is organized and also what covenants are made at baptism. She has excitement in her eyes and was a very good example to her younger cousins.
We are so blessed to have such wonderful children. We hope and pray that we can keep them on the straight and narrow path as it leads to missions, endowments and temple marriage.
We are all so proud of her. She is making correct choices and truly does want to follow Heavenly Fathers plan and keep His commandments. We have had several Family Home Evenings over the past months to prepare her for this point in her life and she has really worked hard to learn everything she needed to know to get Baptized. Several times she has come up to me to tell me how the church is organized and also what covenants are made at baptism. She has excitement in her eyes and was a very good example to her younger cousins.
We are so blessed to have such wonderful children. We hope and pray that we can keep them on the straight and narrow path as it leads to missions, endowments and temple marriage.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Karma
Do you believe in Karma, "cause and effect", "what comes around goes around", "you reap what you sow"? Well, I do. I guess I don't believe in a person called Karma like the television show "My name is Earl" believes, but I do believe that you will be treated as you have treated others.
Here is my story. I am a simple appliance repair man. The appliances that I repair are computers. On many occasions my friends call me up asking me questions about computers. I respond the best that I can. Sometimes, a friends computer is beyond help over the phone so I offer to have them bring their computer over to my house and I'll take a look at it. I'll usually work on the computer, install updates, run some cleanup utilities and get it working the best that I can before handing it back.
When returning the computer to it's owner, I usually get many "Thank You's" in return and a query as to how much it will cost. I always give a bit of a smile and reply, "cookies would be nice". I then get another smile and a thank you. I send my friend with their fixed PC on their way. I really wasn't looking for anything in payment, just a happy friend.
Well, the tables were turned the other day and I was the unlucky friend asking for help. Not just a little help but a MAJOR plea for help. How grateful and thankful I was to find a friend that was willing to give of his professional services to help our family. When we offered to compensate him for his work, all that was offered was a big smile. I am so thankful for friends that are willing to help us out when we are in need. My dedication to help others with their computer problems is even more profound. With the simple act of service that our friend gave us, the help we received completely and totally outweighed all of the service I have ever given by helping my friends with their computers.
Do unto others as they would have done unto you. Karma (our Heavenly Father) will repay us for our service with blessings until it is overflowing and more than we can receive. That is my testimony and the lesson that was taught to me again this week.
Here is my story. I am a simple appliance repair man. The appliances that I repair are computers. On many occasions my friends call me up asking me questions about computers. I respond the best that I can. Sometimes, a friends computer is beyond help over the phone so I offer to have them bring their computer over to my house and I'll take a look at it. I'll usually work on the computer, install updates, run some cleanup utilities and get it working the best that I can before handing it back.
When returning the computer to it's owner, I usually get many "Thank You's" in return and a query as to how much it will cost. I always give a bit of a smile and reply, "cookies would be nice". I then get another smile and a thank you. I send my friend with their fixed PC on their way. I really wasn't looking for anything in payment, just a happy friend.
Well, the tables were turned the other day and I was the unlucky friend asking for help. Not just a little help but a MAJOR plea for help. How grateful and thankful I was to find a friend that was willing to give of his professional services to help our family. When we offered to compensate him for his work, all that was offered was a big smile. I am so thankful for friends that are willing to help us out when we are in need. My dedication to help others with their computer problems is even more profound. With the simple act of service that our friend gave us, the help we received completely and totally outweighed all of the service I have ever given by helping my friends with their computers.
Do unto others as they would have done unto you. Karma (our Heavenly Father) will repay us for our service with blessings until it is overflowing and more than we can receive. That is my testimony and the lesson that was taught to me again this week.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Follow Up
I found a video clip from American Idol that proves my point about the 100% vs 110% weirdness. Not only that, but this clip shows one of my favorite clips of the 2010 season.
The first audition is of Vanessa Wolfe from Vonore Tennessee. She isn't the best singer in the group but she is authentic. She is who she is and does her very best. My favorite quote from the clip is, "Instead of butterflies, I got Fraogs".
At the very end of the clip you will see Randy Jackson giving his vote on whether Jermaine Sellers should go to Hollywood. Listen on what percentage of "yes" he gives this performer.
The first audition is of Vanessa Wolfe from Vonore Tennessee. She isn't the best singer in the group but she is authentic. She is who she is and does her very best. My favorite quote from the clip is, "Instead of butterflies, I got Fraogs".
At the very end of the clip you will see Randy Jackson giving his vote on whether Jermaine Sellers should go to Hollywood. Listen on what percentage of "yes" he gives this performer.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
100 Percent
Ok, there are a few little sayings that annoy me just a little bit. I wrote about one of those phrases that pesters me in my blog a little while back. This time, another phrase caught my eye while watching American Idol. This little idiom comes into play after all of the judges have given their opinion about the participant. One of the judges brings up the fact that they need to vote on whether to keep the minstrel or toss them out of the show. If the vocalist is horrible, the critics tell the poor schlub how terrible they were and march them out the door in tears. However, if the warbler is good, each of the judges try to explain just how magnificent they sang. Unfortunately, their vote sounds like this. "I vote yes! One Hundred Thousand Percent Yes!"
Ok, a hundred thousand sounds good, but then they said percent, what is that? I think when you are talking about a percentage, once you reach 100%, you have reached the max you can go. Have you heard people say they will give 110%? I hear it all the time. Once you hit 100, you are done, thats all there is. You can't give more than 100%. So, if you are excited about something, or you are trying really hard at something, please just say you are giving 100% and end it.
If you don't like only giving 100%, try using something that doesn't use a percent. You are the best vocalist I've heard and so you get a total YES from me. Lets see, you could say I'll work harder than everyone else. I'll stay later, I'll sing higher, practice longer. That all works.
110%?
Not so much.
Ok, a hundred thousand sounds good, but then they said percent, what is that? I think when you are talking about a percentage, once you reach 100%, you have reached the max you can go. Have you heard people say they will give 110%? I hear it all the time. Once you hit 100, you are done, thats all there is. You can't give more than 100%. So, if you are excited about something, or you are trying really hard at something, please just say you are giving 100% and end it.
If you don't like only giving 100%, try using something that doesn't use a percent. You are the best vocalist I've heard and so you get a total YES from me. Lets see, you could say I'll work harder than everyone else. I'll stay later, I'll sing higher, practice longer. That all works.
110%?
Not so much.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Going to the wrong church
Over the New Year Holiday weekend our family took a trip to Bountiful Utah where we were invited to a New Year Celebration. The party took place at my Brothers house up on the hill. We had a great time and enjoyed ourselves very much. As Sunday rolled around we decided to go to my brothers ward at 9:00am so that we could get on the road so we weren't too late getting back home. As we gathered all of the kids in the car, we took off in a caravan to attend Blake's church. My Mom and Dad led the way since they new which church Blake attended. There is an LDS Church on about every corner so it isn't that obvious which church you attend. So, we traveled up to the church, entered through the back, and found seats in the gym. We settled down for a nice fast and testimony meeting. As we tried keep our kids from falling asleep and from beating on each other we discovered that the chapel had "stadium seating". It was strange. The chapel had a slight downward slope to it so that the back rows of the chapel where about the same height as the raised podium. From the gym, where we were sitting, it was really hard to see the speakers at the podium because they were only at eye level.
After the sacrament had been passed around, we noticed that Blake and Estee had still not arrived. They were only a minute behind us when we left the house so there was no way that they were just late. We then realized that we were not at Blake's ward. We really couldn't pick up and leave in the middle of the meeting so we decided to just stay. Plus, if this wasn't Blake's ward, which building was?
Anyway, as we peered around the members in front of us, we could get small glimpses of the people on the stand. As I scanned to the right of the stand, I could see the men that were presiding at the meeting. At the very end of the bench, there was a man that I thought looked like Elder Bednar. As many of you might know, all of the mormon men in Utah look the same. Most of the leaders walking around look like Elder Bednar so I shrugged it off and went back to managing the sleepy kids. I did, however, continue to study this "Bendar Look-a-like". Of course, I was in the gym and my eye site isn't what it used to be. I decided to entrust my findings with my wife. I pointed him out to her and then took Savanna out in the hall so she could use the restroom.
When I got back, Deanna leaned over to me and said, "I think you are right, that might be Elder Bednar." Wow, that was cool. Deanna, with even worse eye site than mine, agreed with me. With this confirmation, I leaned over to my parents to get their opinion. As they bobbed and weaved their heads to get a better look at the gentleman on the stand, my Mom reported that she was pretty sure that he was Elder Bednar. I immediately turned to my son Coby and pointed out that there was Apostle up on the stand. He squinted his eyes and gave a small grin as he picked out Elder Bednar from the men in front. Then, he leaned back over to me and reported, "Ya Dad, and I think the guy next to him is Elder Hales." I grinned in disbelief and stuck my head up above the crowd and sure enough, on the right hand of Elder Bednar was Elder Hales. I relayed this message down the pew and in seconds we were all looking at each other with huge grins on our faces and in complete shock. It isn't every day that an Apostle attends your church meetings. In fact, in Twin Falls, it never happens!
As the meeting went on, we became privy to the fact that these two Apostles were attending their "Home" ward. No wonder everyone in the chapel was so casual about these two very iconic general authorities attending their sacrament meeting.
After the meeting, I was determined to go up and meet both of these men so I marched myself into the chapel area with my kids in tow to meet both of the Apostles. This is a big deal since I have only met one other Apostle in my life. If you want to read about it, you can view it on my post at LDSFamily.net Anyway, back to the story, we went into the chapel to track down Elder Bednar but he went out the side door to another meeting. However, Elder Hales walked up the isle right towards us, so I stuck out my hand and introduced myself. He looked at me for a second, smiled and said hello. I introduced each of my family members which were standing in a line like the partridge family and he shook each of their hands. He asked us where we were from and we replied that we were from Idaho. Just as he was leaving he said, "My sister raised 6 kids in Burley Idaho." We looked at each other and thought, "We know people in Burley!", but, he had already left.
So, even though we were at the "Wrong" Church, we were at the "Right" Church.
After the sacrament had been passed around, we noticed that Blake and Estee had still not arrived. They were only a minute behind us when we left the house so there was no way that they were just late. We then realized that we were not at Blake's ward. We really couldn't pick up and leave in the middle of the meeting so we decided to just stay. Plus, if this wasn't Blake's ward, which building was?
Anyway, as we peered around the members in front of us, we could get small glimpses of the people on the stand. As I scanned to the right of the stand, I could see the men that were presiding at the meeting. At the very end of the bench, there was a man that I thought looked like Elder Bednar. As many of you might know, all of the mormon men in Utah look the same. Most of the leaders walking around look like Elder Bednar so I shrugged it off and went back to managing the sleepy kids. I did, however, continue to study this "Bendar Look-a-like". Of course, I was in the gym and my eye site isn't what it used to be. I decided to entrust my findings with my wife. I pointed him out to her and then took Savanna out in the hall so she could use the restroom.
When I got back, Deanna leaned over to me and said, "I think you are right, that might be Elder Bednar." Wow, that was cool. Deanna, with even worse eye site than mine, agreed with me. With this confirmation, I leaned over to my parents to get their opinion. As they bobbed and weaved their heads to get a better look at the gentleman on the stand, my Mom reported that she was pretty sure that he was Elder Bednar. I immediately turned to my son Coby and pointed out that there was Apostle up on the stand. He squinted his eyes and gave a small grin as he picked out Elder Bednar from the men in front. Then, he leaned back over to me and reported, "Ya Dad, and I think the guy next to him is Elder Hales." I grinned in disbelief and stuck my head up above the crowd and sure enough, on the right hand of Elder Bednar was Elder Hales. I relayed this message down the pew and in seconds we were all looking at each other with huge grins on our faces and in complete shock. It isn't every day that an Apostle attends your church meetings. In fact, in Twin Falls, it never happens!
As the meeting went on, we became privy to the fact that these two Apostles were attending their "Home" ward. No wonder everyone in the chapel was so casual about these two very iconic general authorities attending their sacrament meeting.
After the meeting, I was determined to go up and meet both of these men so I marched myself into the chapel area with my kids in tow to meet both of the Apostles. This is a big deal since I have only met one other Apostle in my life. If you want to read about it, you can view it on my post at LDSFamily.net Anyway, back to the story, we went into the chapel to track down Elder Bednar but he went out the side door to another meeting. However, Elder Hales walked up the isle right towards us, so I stuck out my hand and introduced myself. He looked at me for a second, smiled and said hello. I introduced each of my family members which were standing in a line like the partridge family and he shook each of their hands. He asked us where we were from and we replied that we were from Idaho. Just as he was leaving he said, "My sister raised 6 kids in Burley Idaho." We looked at each other and thought, "We know people in Burley!", but, he had already left.
So, even though we were at the "Wrong" Church, we were at the "Right" Church.
 Elder Hales |  Elder Bednar |
Friday, January 08, 2010
Christmas Morning 2009 at the Carters
Nothing too exciting happened at Christmas this year. The major gifts were a Laptop, a Family Membership to the YMCA, Nintendo DS, Rip Stick, White Socks and Acquire. We defiantly had a wonderful time being together and sharing gifts. We hope you enjoy the short montage of our Christmas Morning.
New Years 2010 Celebration
Here is a quick little video of our family at a New Years 2010 party at Blake's House in Bountiful Utah. All of us had a wonderful time. Blake and Estee were great hosts. We did our best to clean up the confetti mess but I am pretty sure that Blake will be finding little pieces of confetti throughout his house for years to come.
Friday, January 01, 2010
Sledding into the New Year
For new years we traveled to Bountiful to visit my parents and my brother. We found this really fun sledding hill so I took the kids over and ran up and down the snow hill. I decided to take a camara along with me on one of the rides. I think you will enjoy it.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
The Best of 2009
I decided to put together my favorite stuff of 2009. You know, Hollywood puts together their best movies, best music, best actor, best blah blah blah. For some reason the average "joe" never gets mentioned on these type of compilations of awards. News programs also offer the best stories of the year or the best event of the year. Barbra Walters did a "10 most fascinating people of 2009" just a few days ago so, I decided to do my own "best of" for 2009.
Therefore, I have put together the "best list" which will include all of my favorites in a few different categories.
1. My Favorite Videos (that I produced)
2. My Top Blog Posts (that I wrote)
3. My Top Selling Figurines on eCarters.com
4. My post with the most comments
5. My mosts viewed video on YouTube
6. Favorite new websites
Here we go:
My Favorite Video I posted on YouTube this year - Banadana and Was Up!
=========================
2. My Top Blog Posts
* DMJ The Department of Mirth and Joviality
* Pants
========================
3. My Top Selling Figurines on eCarters.com
* Kayak Figurine
* Optometrist Figurine
=======================
4. My post with the most comments
* Am I alone (8)
* Pants (8)
* Ghosts on my Computer (6)
* Suspicious Dog 6
* Whas Up! (5)
===================
5. My mosts viewed video on YouTube
Carters Get A Wii! (480 views)
The Super Nerf War (228)
Lower Falls at Yellow Stone Park (134)
===================
6. My favorite new websites:
* http://www.lsdfamily.net
* http://www.metalcraftstore.com
Therefore, I have put together the "best list" which will include all of my favorites in a few different categories.
1. My Favorite Videos (that I produced)
2. My Top Blog Posts (that I wrote)
3. My Top Selling Figurines on eCarters.com
4. My post with the most comments
5. My mosts viewed video on YouTube
6. Favorite new websites
Here we go:
My Favorite Video I posted on YouTube this year - Banadana and Was Up!
=========================
2. My Top Blog Posts
* DMJ The Department of Mirth and Joviality
* Pants
========================
3. My Top Selling Figurines on eCarters.com
* Kayak Figurine
* Optometrist Figurine
=======================
4. My post with the most comments
* Am I alone (8)
* Pants (8)
* Ghosts on my Computer (6)
* Suspicious Dog 6
* Whas Up! (5)
===================
5. My mosts viewed video on YouTube
Carters Get A Wii! (480 views)
The Super Nerf War (228)
Lower Falls at Yellow Stone Park (134)
===================
6. My favorite new websites:
* http://www.lsdfamily.net
* http://www.metalcraftstore.com
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