Both the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon teach readers that miracles will only cease when faith no longer exists. I am here to tell you that faith, if it endures long enough, can see miracles never expected.
Just last night, Cyndie and I were talking about Dane's increasing unwillingness to eat food, even cruddy, preservative- and sugar-laden offerings. His pallet includes a very few foods, or foods so altered from their normal presentation that they are rendered nearly unrecognizable (think Jennifer Grey after the nose job).
Our great fear is that we haven't planned our food storage to sufficiently accomodate his finickiness. That generations hence, readers of history will come upon the story of parents who watched their child starve to death not for lack of available food, rather for lack of available acceptable food. This must be what the loved ones of those with eating disorders feel. We both laughed and cried as we imagined his pleasant, but wholly unsubstantiated "Um, no thanks" in tandem with a hand wave and turned head as he withered away-an unnecessary tragedy.
Today after church, he bit into a piece of pecan brittle. That was miracle #1. Then he said he liked it. He was mostly eating the candy coating, but he'd taken in some nut as well. I offered him $1 to eat the nutty piece sitting in front of him. (I make this offer frequently, and if he had taken me up on it over the last 3 years, he'd probably have about $500--or I might have decided he was eating enough good foods and stopped, either way he'd be better off).
After the pay-for-performance incident, he grabbed another piece. Then I offered him some cashew brittle: "Have some cashew brittle, Dane" I said. "Geshuntiet!" he responded.
He wasn't as big a fan, win some, lose some, just glad to get one in the W column.
However, that wasn't the end of the miracles. Just a few minutes later, Dane tried 2 different kinds of grilled cheese sandwiches: one with colby jack cheese (not a true fan) and one with Kraft Singles (he was in Nirvana). Even asked for a second sandwich.
We're not completely celebrating yet, we're not sure he hasn't cashed in one of his other limited food choices for this newest outreach. But we have faith!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
OmaHeck: Of Giving and Gifts and Orange Juice
I took a bunch of pictures, but I'll post them later. Right now I want to share some thoughts.
After the Christmas Eve celebration at Cyndie's parents' home, Dane was so very excited. I think it may have been the most excited he's been for Christmas. Ever.
Pulling in to the garage, he told us, "I am so excited! I don't think I can wait any longer... my stomach has that crazy feeling and I think it might just burst!"
Fortunately, there was no projectile excitement at any point in the last 24 hours.
As we got the boys in bed, it was evident we were prepping for an early morning today. We told the boys that they couldn't get up before 6 am. Believing that to be reasonable, both agreed. Tate had unplugged his clock a few days ago to use the outlet for a charger of some kind... so I asked him if he wanted me to reset his clock, or just wait for Dane to come wake him up. He thought a brotherly wake up call was sufficient.
Dane told us that he knew he needed to stay in bed until 6:00 (a substantial challenge since he's been known to come in to our room, or pay his brother a visit at any and all times of darkness) and then go nudge Tate gently.
As some point I heard him hop out of bed and open his door. I called to him, and reminded him that he needed to stay in bed until 6:00. He replied, "It is 6:00. I watched the clock and it said five-five-eight, then five-five-nine, and now six-zero-zero!" Who knows how long he'd been awake, but now it is five-three-six and he's still going strong.
Both boys were sweet and thoughtful as we opened presents. They were humble and grateful and offered sincere thanks for the gifts they received.
About 10:30 Cyndie's parent's arrived with more presents. Me-Mah wanted a bigger box than the Wii game game in, so she packaged it in a shoe box. As Tate unwrapped it, he saw the shoe logo and a look of disbelief enveloped his face. With disdain dripping from every vowel and consonant, he looked a Me-Mah and said matter of factly, "I didn't want shoes!" It was such a change from where he'd been just an hour before, it caught us off guard. Fortunately, we got him to keep peeling, and excitement returned as he saw that the shoebox housed Scooby Doo First Frights. (Straight from his wish list) Whew!
It was rewarding for me (as a Dad trying to teach these boys) to see them be grateful and thoughtful as they opened gifts.
Shortly thereafter, Cyndie's sister Lori arrived with husband Rod and we prepped brunch.
Apparently, there was some discussion about the brunch ingredients prior to my involvement. Lori and Rod were in charge of juice (in some corners of the universe, newlyweds are given very limited, simple, and straightforward assignments as they are often otherwise focused). As I understand it, the only guidance they were given initially was "orange juice", and "for everyone." Well, in these course of subsequent conversation (again, I was not involved), it came up that I am somewhat of a diva/snob/persnikety Pete/virtuoso when it comes to OJ.
In my defense, I was raised in a house that valued prime OJ. Both my parents cut their teeth in California, and we didn't drink bad OJ. Often, there were fresh oranges (really good ones) hand squeezed into the best concentrate on the market. It was sweet. It was pulpy. It made all breakfast food that much better.
Further, I have travelled and been to enough "free breakfasts" in hotels to tell you definitively that there are drastic differences between really good orange juice and what often comes out of a dispencer labeled "Orange Juice" (and as a result, I am developing a really good pallet for the subtleties of apple juice).
So Rod had grabbed some OJ at Costco, and when he got back to the cart, Lori told him that wouldn't do. It had no pulp, and was the bargain brand. Lori filled him in.
As I heard this story today while making eggs, I was a little embarrased. I don't want to be a diva. When others are required to adjust their plans for me, I often feel a little uncomfortable. I had barely begun to share these feelings when all involved said it was their pleasure to make my day by ensuring the best OJ possible (Odwalla, lots of pulp). It was really humbling to see how my family was looking to take care of me. Makes me want to find ways to serve them. Always.
The day is drawing to an end... my guess is the boys don't have an hour left in them. I want to reinforce some of the gratitude they've expressed today. Think we'll bust out the Thanksgiving crossword we didn't get to last month.
OmaHeck out!
After the Christmas Eve celebration at Cyndie's parents' home, Dane was so very excited. I think it may have been the most excited he's been for Christmas. Ever.
Pulling in to the garage, he told us, "I am so excited! I don't think I can wait any longer... my stomach has that crazy feeling and I think it might just burst!"
Fortunately, there was no projectile excitement at any point in the last 24 hours.
As we got the boys in bed, it was evident we were prepping for an early morning today. We told the boys that they couldn't get up before 6 am. Believing that to be reasonable, both agreed. Tate had unplugged his clock a few days ago to use the outlet for a charger of some kind... so I asked him if he wanted me to reset his clock, or just wait for Dane to come wake him up. He thought a brotherly wake up call was sufficient.
Dane told us that he knew he needed to stay in bed until 6:00 (a substantial challenge since he's been known to come in to our room, or pay his brother a visit at any and all times of darkness) and then go nudge Tate gently.
As some point I heard him hop out of bed and open his door. I called to him, and reminded him that he needed to stay in bed until 6:00. He replied, "It is 6:00. I watched the clock and it said five-five-eight, then five-five-nine, and now six-zero-zero!" Who knows how long he'd been awake, but now it is five-three-six and he's still going strong.
Both boys were sweet and thoughtful as we opened presents. They were humble and grateful and offered sincere thanks for the gifts they received.
About 10:30 Cyndie's parent's arrived with more presents. Me-Mah wanted a bigger box than the Wii game game in, so she packaged it in a shoe box. As Tate unwrapped it, he saw the shoe logo and a look of disbelief enveloped his face. With disdain dripping from every vowel and consonant, he looked a Me-Mah and said matter of factly, "I didn't want shoes!" It was such a change from where he'd been just an hour before, it caught us off guard. Fortunately, we got him to keep peeling, and excitement returned as he saw that the shoebox housed Scooby Doo First Frights. (Straight from his wish list) Whew!
It was rewarding for me (as a Dad trying to teach these boys) to see them be grateful and thoughtful as they opened gifts.
Shortly thereafter, Cyndie's sister Lori arrived with husband Rod and we prepped brunch.
Apparently, there was some discussion about the brunch ingredients prior to my involvement. Lori and Rod were in charge of juice (in some corners of the universe, newlyweds are given very limited, simple, and straightforward assignments as they are often otherwise focused). As I understand it, the only guidance they were given initially was "orange juice", and "for everyone." Well, in these course of subsequent conversation (again, I was not involved), it came up that I am somewhat of a diva/snob/persnikety Pete/virtuoso when it comes to OJ.
In my defense, I was raised in a house that valued prime OJ. Both my parents cut their teeth in California, and we didn't drink bad OJ. Often, there were fresh oranges (really good ones) hand squeezed into the best concentrate on the market. It was sweet. It was pulpy. It made all breakfast food that much better.
Further, I have travelled and been to enough "free breakfasts" in hotels to tell you definitively that there are drastic differences between really good orange juice and what often comes out of a dispencer labeled "Orange Juice" (and as a result, I am developing a really good pallet for the subtleties of apple juice).
So Rod had grabbed some OJ at Costco, and when he got back to the cart, Lori told him that wouldn't do. It had no pulp, and was the bargain brand. Lori filled him in.
As I heard this story today while making eggs, I was a little embarrased. I don't want to be a diva. When others are required to adjust their plans for me, I often feel a little uncomfortable. I had barely begun to share these feelings when all involved said it was their pleasure to make my day by ensuring the best OJ possible (Odwalla, lots of pulp). It was really humbling to see how my family was looking to take care of me. Makes me want to find ways to serve them. Always.
The day is drawing to an end... my guess is the boys don't have an hour left in them. I want to reinforce some of the gratitude they've expressed today. Think we'll bust out the Thanksgiving crossword we didn't get to last month.
OmaHeck out!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
OmaHeck: Tate's Take
In a new feature, we're calling Tate's Take, our very own philosopher will opine on anything that catches his fancy.
While Tate has never been a fan of the written word, at least not if he's required to write it, he loves reading, and relating those facts and stories he gathers. Our problem is that the process of having him put that information on paper is like pulling teeth... from a rabid pirana... that weighs 120 lb.
Working with his teachers and counselors at school, we've discovered that he likes to type, and type, and type... Well, let's not get carried away. But at least he is willing to do more than resist the assignment.
The school has outfitted him with a tool called the Alphasmart. It's like a keybord with a battery and memory chip. Using a USB connection, he can hook it up to a monitor to see what's being typed, or directly in to a printer to print his work.
If you have a topic you'd like Tate's Take on, he's currently taking suggestions.
Here's a recent sample:
12/16/09
1. The music from the bagpipes sound is so beautiful you can’t resist.
2. They are from the island known as Scotland with the drums.
3. Bagpipes are one of only the two instruments of Scotland.
4. They played Scotland the brave with a bunch of people.
5. The regamentel march also has a bunch of bagpipes and drums.
6. Bagpipes act a lot like your lungs and you blow in them.
7. Bagpipes are also used in Scotland games for the effects.
8. Bagpipes are for festivals as well as other stuff.
9. People have used bagpipes for centuries as well as men.
10. A lot of people say Nessie is attracted to bagpipe music.
11. They use bagpipes to wait when haggis is cooking for them.
12. Bagpipes are also used after you win in golf ,yay.
13. You cant tell a bagpipe from a turtle unless you see moving.
14. It is illegal to hurt bagpipes without asking other people.
15. The future of bagpipes will never ever change its sound.
12/17/09
1. Dimeter is Persephane’s mother and goddess of the romance.
2. Heistia is the goddess of the harth and the warmth.
3. Hera is the goddess of love, marrage, and kids.
4. Zeus is the god of lightning, thunder, and even storms.
5. Posidon is the god of the sea, ocean and salt water.
6. Hades is the god of the death and the underworld.
7. Aphrodite is the goddess of birth and is so naked.
8. Ares is the god of war and feud and fight.
9. Hephastis is the god of blacksmiths and building and constucters.
10. Athena is the goddess of protection and shield and defence.
11. Hermes is the god of flight and the sky and air.
12. Aros is the god of archers and arrows and bows.
13. Apallo is the god of music and songs and singing.
14. Artimis is the goddess of the hunt and the hunters.
15. Persephine is Dimeter’s daughter and the youngest goddess on Ollympus.
While Tate has never been a fan of the written word, at least not if he's required to write it, he loves reading, and relating those facts and stories he gathers. Our problem is that the process of having him put that information on paper is like pulling teeth... from a rabid pirana... that weighs 120 lb.
Working with his teachers and counselors at school, we've discovered that he likes to type, and type, and type... Well, let's not get carried away. But at least he is willing to do more than resist the assignment.
The school has outfitted him with a tool called the Alphasmart. It's like a keybord with a battery and memory chip. Using a USB connection, he can hook it up to a monitor to see what's being typed, or directly in to a printer to print his work.
If you have a topic you'd like Tate's Take on, he's currently taking suggestions.
Here's a recent sample:
12/16/09
1. The music from the bagpipes sound is so beautiful you can’t resist.
2. They are from the island known as Scotland with the drums.
3. Bagpipes are one of only the two instruments of Scotland.
4. They played Scotland the brave with a bunch of people.
5. The regamentel march also has a bunch of bagpipes and drums.
6. Bagpipes act a lot like your lungs and you blow in them.
7. Bagpipes are also used in Scotland games for the effects.
8. Bagpipes are for festivals as well as other stuff.
9. People have used bagpipes for centuries as well as men.
10. A lot of people say Nessie is attracted to bagpipe music.
11. They use bagpipes to wait when haggis is cooking for them.
12. Bagpipes are also used after you win in golf ,yay.
13. You cant tell a bagpipe from a turtle unless you see moving.
14. It is illegal to hurt bagpipes without asking other people.
15. The future of bagpipes will never ever change its sound.
12/17/09
1. Dimeter is Persephane’s mother and goddess of the romance.
2. Heistia is the goddess of the harth and the warmth.
3. Hera is the goddess of love, marrage, and kids.
4. Zeus is the god of lightning, thunder, and even storms.
5. Posidon is the god of the sea, ocean and salt water.
6. Hades is the god of the death and the underworld.
7. Aphrodite is the goddess of birth and is so naked.
8. Ares is the god of war and feud and fight.
9. Hephastis is the god of blacksmiths and building and constucters.
10. Athena is the goddess of protection and shield and defence.
11. Hermes is the god of flight and the sky and air.
12. Aros is the god of archers and arrows and bows.
13. Apallo is the god of music and songs and singing.
14. Artimis is the goddess of the hunt and the hunters.
15. Persephine is Dimeter’s daughter and the youngest goddess on Ollympus.
OmaHeck: We Wish You a Merry Christmas
So here's my lame attempt at a technological Christmas offering. Due to the lateness of the date, this blogged Christmas Letter and Card will be posted to Facebook, where I'll tag you if I haven't sent you the tactile version.
Maybe next year I'll be more on top of things
I haven't figured out how to attach a PDF here or to FB, so I'll just reproduce the text of the letter.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a wonderful 2010!
____________________________
We’ve had a memorable year with lots of learning and laughs—and lots of blessings. This Christmas season brings us joy and peace, and we pray it does the same for each of you.
Overheard
“What freak? Where?!?!”
-Tate, when Mom (exasperated) told the boys to “Get the freak away from the TV!”
“A cannibal?!? I’m not gonna eat people!”
-Dane’s response when the Bishop reminded him that after baptism, he'd be “accountable.”
Dad: What do we call money we give to help the Church?
Tate: Tithing.
Dad: Right. And what's a slightly lesser amount we contribute?
Tate: Taxes!
Dad: Uh, no. Taxes are more than Tithing, I promise.
Tate: Um…Bailout!
“Stopped smoking?”
-Dane’s answer when asked how someone becomes President of the United States
“You wouldn’t want to pour water on KISS because it would reveal their true human form.”
-Tate, on the legendary rock band and their equally legendary make-up
“Mom, sometimes do you want to sell me to a Mexican circus?”
-Tate, sitting in Church, apparently trying to make Cyndie laugh (‘cuz it worked!)
“It’s my first day on the job!”
-Dane, ready for his first cub scout den meeting
“It’s like crack for me!”
-Cyndie, describing her relationship with iTunes
Comings and Goings
Dane’s Baptism – Lots of friends and family joined us for Dane’s special event.
Spring Break – we hit the red rock cliffs and Arches National Park in Moab this March. A return summer trip included a few more stops, like Dead Horse Point – a singular place with astounding views.
Mid-Summer Classic – Dad was fortunate to meld work and fun by attending the MLB Home Run Derby and All-Star Game in St Louis. Busch Stadium is a great venue and even a 2 hour security line (the President was in attendance) just added to the experience.
Getting Belted – Tate has advanced through four belts in Karate this year.
Big D – Dad and friends got to head to the Jerry Jones Dome (aka Dallas Cowboys Stadium) to see BYU take on Oklahoma in September. A great start to the season (though we hit a few bumps later).
15th Anniversary – We planned far in advance for our celebratory trip. Our family vacation to Disneyland in October included an anniversary dinner beside the Pirates of the Caribbean. Mickey’s crew didn’t disappoint! And we enjoyed a pit stop in Las Vegas en route (thanks, Young family).
Maybe next year I'll be more on top of things
I haven't figured out how to attach a PDF here or to FB, so I'll just reproduce the text of the letter.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a wonderful 2010!
____________________________
We’ve had a memorable year with lots of learning and laughs—and lots of blessings. This Christmas season brings us joy and peace, and we pray it does the same for each of you.
Overheard
“What freak? Where?!?!”
-Tate, when Mom (exasperated) told the boys to “Get the freak away from the TV!”
“A cannibal?!? I’m not gonna eat people!”
-Dane’s response when the Bishop reminded him that after baptism, he'd be “accountable.”
Dad: What do we call money we give to help the Church?
Tate: Tithing.
Dad: Right. And what's a slightly lesser amount we contribute?
Tate: Taxes!
Dad: Uh, no. Taxes are more than Tithing, I promise.
Tate: Um…Bailout!
“Stopped smoking?”
-Dane’s answer when asked how someone becomes President of the United States
“You wouldn’t want to pour water on KISS because it would reveal their true human form.”
-Tate, on the legendary rock band and their equally legendary make-up
“Mom, sometimes do you want to sell me to a Mexican circus?”
-Tate, sitting in Church, apparently trying to make Cyndie laugh (‘cuz it worked!)
“It’s my first day on the job!”
-Dane, ready for his first cub scout den meeting
“It’s like crack for me!”
-Cyndie, describing her relationship with iTunes
Comings and Goings
Dane’s Baptism – Lots of friends and family joined us for Dane’s special event.
Spring Break – we hit the red rock cliffs and Arches National Park in Moab this March. A return summer trip included a few more stops, like Dead Horse Point – a singular place with astounding views.
Mid-Summer Classic – Dad was fortunate to meld work and fun by attending the MLB Home Run Derby and All-Star Game in St Louis. Busch Stadium is a great venue and even a 2 hour security line (the President was in attendance) just added to the experience.
Getting Belted – Tate has advanced through four belts in Karate this year.
Big D – Dad and friends got to head to the Jerry Jones Dome (aka Dallas Cowboys Stadium) to see BYU take on Oklahoma in September. A great start to the season (though we hit a few bumps later).
15th Anniversary – We planned far in advance for our celebratory trip. Our family vacation to Disneyland in October included an anniversary dinner beside the Pirates of the Caribbean. Mickey’s crew didn’t disappoint! And we enjoyed a pit stop in Las Vegas en route (thanks, Young family).
Sunday, December 6, 2009
OmaHeck: More MLB
Snipers on the roof. They are gun-toting and pretty cool looking.
The flag brought out by a local Missouri National Guard Unit recently back from service in Afganistan (I think, can't remember that well nearly 6 months later).
This is the game-night flyover. There were 4 fighters the night of the HRD, but I didn't get them in the pic.
For the sensitive who may be reading, we'll just call these next 2 the Clydesdale pictures.
Big horses and the "big dog."
Cyndie can attest that I get way more excited than I should about "grass art." I think being the head groundskeeper at an MLB ballpark would be a highly rewarding job.
Coast Guard on duty. This gentleman was just behind our seats along the first base line about halfway to the right field wall (and second deck).
It may not show up on this blog (or your computer), but this shot showed just how green the grass looked on the big screen. Much more green than the actual field.
I haven't spent a lot of time in St Louis, but the city has a great skyline with the arch, the court house, the varied architechture, etc.
The flag brought out by a local Missouri National Guard Unit recently back from service in Afganistan (I think, can't remember that well nearly 6 months later).
This is the game-night flyover. There were 4 fighters the night of the HRD, but I didn't get them in the pic.
For the sensitive who may be reading, we'll just call these next 2 the Clydesdale pictures.
Big horses and the "big dog."
Cyndie can attest that I get way more excited than I should about "grass art." I think being the head groundskeeper at an MLB ballpark would be a highly rewarding job.
Coast Guard on duty. This gentleman was just behind our seats along the first base line about halfway to the right field wall (and second deck).
It may not show up on this blog (or your computer), but this shot showed just how green the grass looked on the big screen. Much more green than the actual field.
I haven't spent a lot of time in St Louis, but the city has a great skyline with the arch, the court house, the varied architechture, etc.
OmaHeck: Bagels and Schmear
Tate just informed us that no bagel is complete without cream cheese and "stallions"
I really wasn't sure where he was going with that, then Cyndie looked at me at said (with that look, you know, the wife look you get when you really aren't thinking), "Scallions, dear."
I really wasn't sure where he was going with that, then Cyndie looked at me at said (with that look, you know, the wife look you get when you really aren't thinking), "Scallions, dear."
OmaHeck: Midsummer Classic
In July, I was really fortunate to go to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. It was in St Louis at the new Busch Stadium. What a great venue with fantastic views of the city! We hit the Home Run Derby, and then the Game the next evening.
President Obama attended the Game, and created a bit of a security issue as every attendee had to go through these airport-like security lines. It took us 2 hours. Inside there were snipers on the roof, Coast Guard at the portals and a general buzz about being in a venue with the President.
Hitting. Big Bombs... That's what the Home Run Derby is all about, friends. Here's home-town favorite Albert Pujols (Prince Fielder eventually won.) I was cheering for Minnesota Twins' Joe Mauer.
There was a lot of celebration. Fireworks, dancing, honoring volunteers, extremely cool Air Force flyovers, and a fair amount of eating great ballpark food!
Here's a shot of yours truly with the game in the background.
President Obama attended the Game, and created a bit of a security issue as every attendee had to go through these airport-like security lines. It took us 2 hours. Inside there were snipers on the roof, Coast Guard at the portals and a general buzz about being in a venue with the President.
Hitting. Big Bombs... That's what the Home Run Derby is all about, friends. Here's home-town favorite Albert Pujols (Prince Fielder eventually won.) I was cheering for Minnesota Twins' Joe Mauer.
There was a lot of celebration. Fireworks, dancing, honoring volunteers, extremely cool Air Force flyovers, and a fair amount of eating great ballpark food!
Here's a shot of yours truly with the game in the background.
Here are things I learned at this event:
1) The grass is always greener on the Jumbo-Tron. Really, it's unnatural. I'll see if I can get some more pics shortly.
2) While the President has a gift for oratory, his delivery to the plate could use some work. He almost one-hopped the opening pitch, and would have if Pujols hadn't reached across the plate to scoop it up.
3) My 2x zoom camera is really outdated.
OmaHeck: Secret Stuff
This morning I was lying in bed trying to decide whether it was time to get up and get ready for church or not.
There was a rustling in the hallway and I was pretty sure Tate had made his way down the hall. He never made it to our room, but I heard him open Dane's door. With paternal discresion, I called out "Don't wake up your Brother!" To which an already awake Dane responded with a "chirp."
Shortly thereafter (I still haven't decided at this point that it's time to get up) I hear Dane belting out Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll": It's been a long time since I rock and rolled. It's been a long time since I did the stroll. Oh baby, let me get back, Let me get back, Let me get back...
When I asked him later to sing some more, he looked at me cock-eyed and informed me in no uncertain terms, "That, my friend, is classified."
There was a rustling in the hallway and I was pretty sure Tate had made his way down the hall. He never made it to our room, but I heard him open Dane's door. With paternal discresion, I called out "Don't wake up your Brother!" To which an already awake Dane responded with a "chirp."
Shortly thereafter (I still haven't decided at this point that it's time to get up) I hear Dane belting out Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll": It's been a long time since I rock and rolled. It's been a long time since I did the stroll. Oh baby, let me get back, Let me get back, Let me get back...
When I asked him later to sing some more, he looked at me cock-eyed and informed me in no uncertain terms, "That, my friend, is classified."
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