Henry's talk Jan 8 2012

Keep in mind that while Henry is dictating to me what he would like to say he is laying on the kitchen table on his side and moving his feet so he is spinning in a circle and insisting I write every word:
Hi my name is Henry for those of you that don't know me. [wow, he's been listening in sacrament meeting; everyone says that] I was supposed to give a talk about agency is the gift to choose for ourselves.  While I'm reading along, in the middle I am going to show a picture about me thinking about Jesus while I'm cleaning up my Legos and my mom is looking in my bedroom and my mom is having a smiley face and i am having a smiley face and I know the church is true because inside the church and temple you learn about Jesus and choose the right.  Agency means to choose the right and bad.  If you choose the bad or right that is what agency means.  And you can have parties whenever you want to have one.  You can play whenever you want and wherever.When your mom says you can play. I know about Jesus because he is true.  You can feel inside your body the things to choose right and bad.In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Dizzy yet?  I was.  We tried again the next day.  He wanted to redo his picture, but I made him keep it and not redraw it.  It's just way too cute!  Only I didn't tell him the cute part because he didn't want it to be cute. 

He said, "I drew my brain, and that's just weird.  I don't like my arms they are just uuh.  They're short and then long.  And the Legos aren't the right size.  I need to re-do the whole thing."  I love all those things about it- that to show he's thinking he drew the brain, to show his picking something up he drew the arms short and long, to show the Legos are important some are big, and that at his age kids draw lots of teeth because they are thinking a lot about teeth because they start to get wiggly... I could go on.

Here's his final draft for his talk:
Hi, for those of you that don't know me, my name is Henry.  I am supposed to give a talk about "agency is the gift to choose for ourselves."  Agency means you can choose the right or the bad.
2 Nephi 10:23 says, "Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves- to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life."
This scripture is telling us about agency.  It tells us we should be happy and we can make our own choices.  It also tells us we can make bad choices and have sadness or make good choices and have happiness.
Jesus can help us make good  choices.  This is a picture of me thinking about Jesus while I'm cleaning up my Legos and my mom is looking in my bedroom and my mom is having a smiley face because I am choosing the right.
In the name of Jesus Chirst, Amen.

OH Abraham Lincoln, How I adore you...

...or any president for that matter, and maybe I mean admire more than adore, but adore sounded better in a title.  Monday was president's day.  Now that I look back it was celebrated very much in honor of US presidents.  I dealt with mutiny, apathy, hidden agendas, "pork barreling", too many people each with their own idea so that nothing can be accomplished, ended up applying "economic sanctions" for the week,...  I was very tired and angry by the end of the day, but I will call it a success because we managed to avoid an all out war.  We have moved on, i.e. everyone went back to school.  Highlights of the week- I had dinner with three guys who wanted to do nothing but show me their flexed biceps and solid core abs, William earned his Bobcat in cub scouts and experienced his first pack meeting, and I spent three afternoons and a morning at the elementary school teaching kids about how books have inspired me artistically and how to draw a jar and good old Abraham Lincoln.  It was pretty fun for me and I think it went well.  ;-)  Here's a pic of me with the afternoon kindergartners.

William's Birthday

I let my kids have a birthday party with friends every other year.  This year happens to be a party year.  I thought about waiting until relatives were gone to throw William a party with friends, but when I asked my parents and sisters about it they all had these great party game ideas and thought it would be fun.  So on top of everything else we did we also threw a little party.  I did not let William invite very many since we already had a crowd- that is always the hard part, narrowing down the guest list. 
My dad designs tools to build rocket boosters and so the rocket engineering party that William wanted was a perfect match.  My parents planned all the games and treat bag stuff and brought posters and stickers to send home with the kids and brought a couple 5 min. movies to show the kids of a rocket launch.  It was pretty awesome and my parents managed to keep their political agenda to a minimum ;-) (they aren't happy about the space program being cut and sold to China if you must know).  My dad showed the boys what engineers do with a red pen a blue pen and a green pen and had them draw their plan for the rockets they were going to build on graph paper.  They made rockets out of paper and straws that they could throw and they made rockets out of balloons that they raced on a string.  We also made pizzas (Rhodes rolls and each person put on whatever toppings they wanted) and had robot cake pops for dessert.  It was very fun to watch my parents throwing a party and me not needing to do any work- just take pictures.  The boys were great listeners and although I thought they were so calm and still most of my pictures turned out blurry. :(  They are boys- or maybe I'm getting old and shakey. 

William's baptism

William had an extra special birthday this year and was baptized.  It was so nice to have his grandparents, two of his aunts, and wonderful friends there to support him.  He was so excited, it was just precious.

I loved this picture so much I used it as my inspiration for my Relief Society newsletter message for February and wrote:
Recently my son William was baptized.  I loved watching how excited he looked.  It reminded me to think about our blessings from the gospel in a little bit more exciting way like a child on his birthday.  You know, when it doesn't really matter what you get for your birthday, you are just SO excited to celebrate with your friends and family because it's your birthday; you don't need another reason.  To not have so many worries and thoughts cluttering up our mind so that we can just see and feel the Spirit so strong that we can't sit still in our chair and have to wiggle and have a little bit of a goofy smile just because we know the gospel is true and we don't need any other reason.
 "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me:  for of such is the kingdom of Heaven"  Matthew 19:14

The program went like this (William got to plan it):

William Holcomb’s Baptism

January 28, 2012

Bob Brown presiding

Ron Heroux conducting

Jill Brown chorister

Julie Edvalson pianist

Opening song:  Seek the Lord Early

Opening Prayer:  Bob Hosman

Talk on baptism:  Becky Heroux

Baptism of William: Brian Holcomb

Song:  When I am Baptized

(pianist Ana Holcomb)

Talk on the Gift of the Holy Ghost:  Emily Sharp

Confirmation of William:

Brian Holcomb

Primary presentation:  Jacey Davis

Bishopric remarks:  Bob Brown

Closing song:  As a Child of God

(pianist Isaac Holcomb)

Closing Prayer:  Henry Holcomb

 

Seek the Lord Early

I’ll seek the Lord early while in my youth, 

And he will help me to know the truth. 

I’ll search the scriptures and find him there,

Then go to our Father in fervent prayer.

 I’ll seek the Lord early, and I’ll obey His living prophets in all they say.  I’ll keep his commandments;

his love will abound. 

I will seek the Lord early and he will be found.

When I am Baptized

I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain

And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again. 

I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.

I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away,

And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day.

I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.

I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

As a Child of God

I came to earth with power to choose.

Good choices bless me and my family too. 

As a child of God, I receive special light:

The Holy Ghost helps me to know what is right.

I feel so safe and happy because

Such feelings of peace come from family love.

As a child of God, I receive special light:

The Holy Ghost helps me to know what is right.

In my own home I’ll happily serve.  I’ll strengthen my family by my good works.

As a child of God, I receive special light:

The Holy ghost helps me to know what is right.

Emily's talk was amazing:
William called me a couple weeks ago and asked me to give a talk on the Holy Ghost. So to start, who is the Holy Ghost? He is the 3rd member of the godhead; the other two are Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost is a spirit, with no body of flesh and bone. He is the one who is the go-between from Heavenly Father to us. He communicates Heavenly Father's wishes to us, so that we understand what is best for us to do. If we listen, he can tell us what is right and wrong.
How will he let us know? By speaking to your mind and your heart. But the Holy Ghost doesn't usually use words like we do to talk to each other, which is why a lot of people call it "the still small voice." The Holy Ghost is a pure being and thus he speaks with a pure form of communication--feelings. More than anything, when you talk to the Holy Ghost, it will be through what you feel in your heart and, if you continue to let him in your life, can "pierce even to the very soul" (Hel. 5:30). He can only do this if we learn to listen for him. So I brought a story I'd like to share:
The Spirit Frog: A guy from New York decides to go on vacation. He packs up and comes out West to Colorado. While in Colorado, he meets a Native American man and they become the best of friends.  Mr. New York tries to convince Mr. West into going back to New York with him. Mr. West finally consents and goes. The first day in New York was very exciting for him. But by the fourth day he was really missing home.  As the two men were walking downtown Manhattan, Mr. West announces that he hears a frog. Mr. New York doesn't believe him and says, "I'll pay you $20 to find it." So Mr. West walks over to a planter box by the sidewalk and starts looking through the shrub. He finds the frog and takes it back over to where his friend was standing. Mr. New York was amazed and proclaimed, "I would have never heard that frog."  Mr. West replied by saying, "It's not about hearing. Watch!" He dug into his pocket and grabbed a handful of change and dropped it. When the coins hit the cement, every person within a forth-foot radius turned and looked to see where the money had hit.  Mr. West continued, "You see, it all depends on what you are listening for."
Just like in the story, we need to learn to listen for the right thing.
When Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan, Heavenly Father sent a sign to show that the Holy Ghost was there. The sign was a dove. Doves are still used as a symbol of peace today because of this and the calming effect that the Spirit brings. Because he has this quality, we often refer to him as the Comforter too.
When you are worried or scared, the Holy Ghost can make you feel better. All you need to do is pray in faith and he will come to you. I don't know about you William, but I like to wrap up in my blankie with a stuffed animal. Blankies keep you nice & warm, protecting you from the cold and stuffed animals protect you from scary monsters at night. The Holy Ghost is like both of these in one. He can keep you safe and help you feel happy and warm.
William, your uncle Ben is on a mission, so couldn't come, but I asked him what he'd like to add, so I'll finish by reading you his advice. "The Holy Ghost throughout your life will be the single most important tool in making important choices. Don't think twice, promptly follow. Miracles are brought forth through keeping our covenants, being worthy of the companionship of the Spirit and remaining faithful. It is a key factor of personal revelation. Follow the Spirit! It's what has given me strength and learning in my life and specifically my mission."
Becky's talk was wonderful too, but she's one of those well practiced speakers who just needs needs brief notes to remind her what to say so I can't just copy and paste hers in. ;-)  Same with the bishopric member.  We had Snickerdoodle cookies for refreshments after, at the request of William.  Then we went home and had Orange chicken for dinner because that's William's favorite food. :)  It was a wonderful day. 

The next day was Grandpa Glenn's 64th birthday. He got to pick dinner and dessert too, and of course we sang and had him blow out candles (no, we did not put 64 candles on the cake). :)

The Minnesota History Museum

Because my camera battery died I don't have any photos of the museum. :_(  We pretty much spent all our time in the 1968 exhibit.  It was very well done and I highly recommend it if it travels near you.  It starts out in a living room in January with war coverage on TV.  Each display is a month of the year and something that happened that month in 1968 and ends in December in a living room with the first flight into space on TV.  I wasn't too excited to be honest because I'm going through a "the 60's was just a bunch of spoiled rotten brats who disrespected their parents and either tried far too hard to be rebellious and intellectual artists who were just wasting time being stoned and proud of it or were stubbornly afraid of communism and both viewpoints were actually very ignorant to any one's actual feelings or any respect of others and I have no respect for that" phase.  I left feeling like I got a little bit better idea of the big picture of the 60's and left not quite so opinionated.  I was being unfair to judge an entire generation on media portrayal when most people were good down to earth middle of the road people like my parents; just like today.  My parents loved it.  They said it brought back so many memories- good and bad, but really loved the exhibit.
A few of us made our own psychedelic record album cover and emailed it to ourselves from the museum so here's the latest in music:

The Minnesota State Capitol

January 27 we took our guests to tour the State Capitol building.  It really is amazing.  I love the color selections and all the artwork everywhere.  It was designed by Cass Gilbert who also did a handful of famous locations.  Sadly I forgot to check my camera battery so I didn't get as many photos as I would have liked.  Here's a "few" anyway ;-)

Tell me what you want and I'll tell you what you get

December was pretty crazy busy for us.  Our church put together a nativity set display.  We had a Relief Society dinner and a ward party/dinner the Relief Society was in charge of.  A bunch of stuff I can't even remember anymore, probably school volunteer stuff, plus the regular get ready for Christmas stuff.  We barely got the tree up.  It was a good thing last year I wrapped our tree, decorations and all, in plastic wrap and just had to unwrap it.  It could have used a bit of straightening up, but oh well.  Next year.  This year we wrapped it up again and stuffed it in the basement.
Kids Christmas lists to Santa are always entertaining.  I think my all time favorite was when my mom babysat Ana at age 2 and had her cut out stuff out of magazines of what she wanted for Christmas.  She cut out pictures of juice and a kitten.  Here's this year's:

Toy phone
lego set any
mini ninjas
laser guns
socks
I spy winter video game on the wii
Henry

1 idog
2 k-nex roller coaster double track
3 $30
4 suction cup bow and arrow
5 5 different science kits
6 lazer pointer
7 pet turtle
8 more leapster games
9 mini ninjas
10 ducktape
11 wieghts
12 electric blanket
13 bey blades
my name William

Next, this child is clearly too old to be writing Santa anymore.  This letter was accompanied with a list of 106 items:
Dear Santa,
My christmas list is on the back.  How do you afford to pay your elves and get insurance?  Has anything interesting happened to you this winter? Has polar bears destroyed your house?  Have you ever seen penguins?  Is your house an igloo or made out of wood?  Is your house undergoruond?  Do you have any children that like to play games?  Do you pass on your job to your children or did you go to the fountain of youth or something?  Do you have any new technology?  Do you also have turbo boosters on your sled in case you get stuck?  Have you ever ran into the eiffel tower or the great pyramid?  Do children in Afghanastan get presents?  Please write your answers back
Love
Isaac

This Christmas Brian and I decided to get each other snow shoes.  Ha ha.  We didn't realize it would be a joke gift.  We have had no snow to use them this winter.
Oh and I can't forget to add that this Christmas season I got pulled over by a police officer for the first time ever. I posted it on facebook.  The problem?  According to the computer I own the vehicle but do not have a driver's license.  I do and luckily I had it with me.

My favorite thing about every Christmas is the First Presidency Christmas devotional and getting everyone's Christmas cards.  There were some good ones!  Thanks everyone, for the cards and the friendship.  Happy Holidays!