Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Not-Live blogging from Omaha.
Our second day in Omaha included quite a few things. We went to the SAC museum and looked at old planes. Hayden didn't take as much of an interest as we had hoped, but it was fun for me. I really enjoy it. There was also an astronaut there. Not sure which one, but he was signing things. Hayden didn't take much interest and I didn't feel the need, so we just looked at him and walked on. It was very, very cold and windy that day, and Hayden had forgotten his change in the car. You see, he promised his mother to get some smashed pennies and there were 4 machines there. So, we braved the elements and ran out to get them. 
That occupied a few more minutes. After looking at the planes and trying to explain the significance of the hardware we were seeing, we headed back to the east of town to Council Bluffs and quickly visited the church buildings there. We didn't actually go in, and it wasn't that interesting. I mainly went because it was close to the Union Pacific museum there. We had lunch at Taco Bell next door. Interesting, huh? Hayden just isn't one to show a whole lot of interest in things. He picks it up, so I don't
view my flapping gums as completely useless. but still, it would be nice for some feedback. After the museums we, or I should say I, decided to explore the park that you see upon entering Omaha from the East. There are two very large trains up on the hill and I wanted to see them. Turns out, those are the two largest production trains ever used. The Steam Train is called "Big Boy" and has to be similar to the one I saw in North Platte. It is huge. I also found some information here. http://www.steamlocomotive.com/bigboy/. Don't know if that is of interest. 4-8-8-4. Huge train.
The diesel is big one too. Both are articulated trains, meaning that they turn in the middle. They have to in order to get through some of the turns. The last part of the day was spent at the motel. The room the first night had a whole in the wall and the shower didn't work right. We got a different room for the next night. Hayden had the pool to himself and he thuroughly enjoyed it.
The next morning we went to Old Country Buffet for breakfast (which he again loved) and headed back home. It was a fun time. Hayden also got a few new video games out of the deal.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Live Blog from Omaha Day 1
This isn't the way we arrived. We rented a car, a sports car no less, and high-tailed it to Omaha, stopping at every Sonic on the way...as well as stopping at every rest area. I am becoming somewhat disturbed at how familiar the road has become. I've only traveled on it a few times a year at most. Still, it seems that I've visited Omaha quite a bit. Anyway, the trip here was somewhat boring, as Iowa tends to be. Not much going on on the ride. The car itself is a Mitsubishi (??) Eclipse. A lot of road noise. It makes listening to the radio kind of annoying, as you are just trying to drown out the road noise. I don't think I'll make a purchase anytime soon.
Last time I was in Omaha, I travelled with Ellie. It appears that we are probably doing the same itinerary. Our first stop was to the Mormon Trail center as well as visiting the temple, this time in daylight. I tried to impress upon Hayden the importance of the temple, and why we consider it so sacred. I think he understands. He was kind of disappointed that he could only enter the temple when he became 12 when he did baptisms for the dead. Still, it was hard for me to keep from breaking down when you saw the list of people buried there in the adjoining cemetery. So many children. What the mormons of that time had to do to ensure that the gospel would survive and so they could practice their religion. I feel so small compared to them.
The visit into the center was a bit less emotional. As we went by the exhibits, I told Hayden about what it meant. He seemed to have a good grasp of it, but he's never had to deal with it so it is still kind of foreign to him. He really liked the log cabin and how a family lived back then. I asked him how he thought our family would enjoy living in such a small house. "It wouldn't work." was his reply. The oxen pulling the wagon was also of great interest. He wanted to know what they were. Buffalo? Cow? He finally determined that they were "made of meat."
After the visit to the center, we then tried to find Old Country Buffet. I tried to let him know that if I couldn't find it, that he shouldn't be disappointed. I mean, I came down the hill and nothing but concrete and signs were presented to me. It was densly packed with people trying to sell me stuff. Well, we did find it and actually had a very good meal. I don't want to sound so surprised by that, but it was really a good meal.
We are staying in a Motel 6. In keeping with my expectations, it is firmly placed in a more industrial area, with lots of tractor sales and shops around us. The place really isn't that bad and I was kind of surprised at how nice the room is. Nice beds, good cable selection on the TV...and then I found the hole in the wall. Not that intrusive, but still, it made me come back to reality. It is a Motel 6. I was kind of put off that upon checking in the girl doing so was behind a small window with little access. Then I had to think that she was fairly petite and cute for that matter. Perhaps it is best that in this job, she is a little removed. Also of some pause was the police car that drove through the parking lot as we were getting our bags. Of course, that is exactly what I would want police to do so why it unnerved me a bit is rather paranoid.
Also when checking in, one of the other guests mentioned the indoor pool. Hayden became excited but I mentioned "Too bad we didn't bring anything for that." At which Hayden stood back, wagged a finger and said, "Let's not be too fast here. I have something." The boy plans for everything. Kind of cool how serious he takes his trips.
Tomorrow, off to the museums.
http://groesser.multiply.com/photos/album/18/Live_Blog_From_Omaha_March_2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Priesthood Lesson #28
Not much yet.
The actual lesson:
http://tinyurl.com/5of6gh
And I found the manual here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/11429406/Teachings-of-the-Presidents-of-the-Church-Joseph-Smith
http://mormonmatters.org/2009/03/01/rsph-28-missionary-service-a-holy-calling-a-glorious-work/
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Priesthood lesson #27
I should start blogging these lessons, so I think I will. I'll probably have to grow and develop them as I can, so a single entry probably isn't best.
My first place for ideas has been http://feastuponthewordblog.org/2009/01/25/rsmp-lesson-27-beware-the-bitter-fruits-of-apostasy-joseph-smith-manual/. I'll probably always start there.
Next, I found via the comments a good place at http://the-exponent.com/2009/02/03/relief-society-lesson-27/. I'll have to start looking there habitually too.
Some notes on apostasy were also found at http://www.lifeongoldplates.com/2008/08/bushmans-introduction-to-joseph-smith.html which can be helpful. I really enjoy Bushman's comments.
Also look at "Our Strengths Can become Our Downfall" at
http://tinyurl.com/abnlzp. This is a shortened link from lds.org. I really detest their URL scheme.
Another interesting article.
http://staylds.com/docs/HowToStay.html
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Hayden's Baptism
I probably should write a few comments about our time in Michigan during Christmas. Unfortunately, I suffered through my normal sickness upon arrival. Christmas itself wasn’t that eventful. Gifts and things. The weather there was bad. Lots of snow. We decided that we should probably leave right after the baptism of our oldest son. So the Friday previous, we got the car all packed up, the Sunday clothes all laid out and ironed. Well, it rained that next morning. All the road was now pack ice. What was snow had turned into mush.
Well, everyone was dressed for the sacred event and I was in my jeans, just in case I needed to get out and get unstuck. Trying to get out of the driveway, that is exactly what happened. I almost did the splits walking back to the garage getting a shovel with some wood, hoping I could get the car out. Eventually, my dad got behind us with his truck and pushed us out. Then the 2 miles to the main road took about 15 minutes. I couldn’t get past 15 MPH or I was going to slide off into the ditch. I’ve never seen that road so bad. However, we had an appointment and we needed to get there. Once on the main road, the real concern was fog.
Well, by the time we got on old 131, Tracy mentioned that she left my clothes back at the farm. Too bad, we weren’t going back for it. So, after we got to the Cadillac church, I mentioned to the missionary couple that was running the event that I had left my nice clothes at home and we are stuck with me in jeans, sweater, and work boots. I knew it didn’t matter, but it still was kind of different. I was kind of glad that we kept it among the family only.
My dad gave the opening prayer and we sang “I Am A Child of God” and then I led Hayden into the font. After trying to keep my emotions in check, I baptized my oldest son. Later, I confirmed him a member and then pronounced a blessing on my youngest son. My mother then gave the closing prayer.
All in all a pretty good day.