A Visit to City Hall

Stephen has been in Cub Scouts for a while now. Almost a year. But his pack doesn't have den or pack meetings during the summer, so if Stephen is going to earn his Wolf it is all up to us.

One of his requirements is to "visit an important place in your community, such as a historic or government location." So on Monday for Family Home Evening we went to visit City Hall. We didn't have any idea if anyone would be there or if the building would even be open, but we thought at the very least we could walk around outside the building and talk about what goes on inside. Well we got there and the building was open. Hooray! So we looked around on the first floor at some paintings and were just starting to head up the stairs when the Mayor, Nancy Chaney, walked in and said, "Hello." We visited with her for just a minute and explained why we were visiting City Hall. She then invited us up to her office and gave the kids each a City of Moscow pin. As we left her office we realized that a City Council meeting was just about to start and so we stuck our heads in the door long enough for the kids to see the Councilmen and where they sit, and where the general public sits, and all that kind of stuff. As we walked back outside we read a sign about the actual building. It was built in 1910 and first housed the Post Office. The kids had a really good time. Meeting the Mayor was kind of like meeting a celebrity. They were so excited. And now whenever we drive past City Hall, even Naomi calls out, "Look! City Hall!"

What is the definition of arboretum?

Last night for Family Home Evening we went to the UofI Arboretum. As we were walking along, Stephen asked, "What is the definition of arboretum?" James and I didn't know exactly, so I told him that arbor means tree and James told him that it is like a tree museum. Today, I had to look it up. This is the actual definition: "a place where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes." We weren't too far off. My main goal in going there was to take pictures of the kids, and I did get a couple of good ones. However I totally forgot that I should take pictures of Noah so I don't have any of him. I'll probably just end up using one I took of him at the park. And somehow I didn't pay any attention to what Ellen looked like. Her shirt was on inside out and was dirty. Her hair was going crazy. And to top it all off, she just couldn't hold still! No matter what James and I said or did. I'll just have to keep trying with her. I'm pretty happy with what I got for Stephen, Anne, and Naomi. While we were there I noticed they had also planted some different varieties of sage brush. I had to go look at it and smell it. I never, ever thought I would miss sage brush, but living where there is none at all has actually made me feel a little excited every time I do see it. The little sign posted next to the sage brush made me laugh a little though. I don't really know why the Big was included.

Slow to Anger

Last night for Family Home Evening we talked about this Mormonad. It was a great way for the kids to visualize an argument and what happens when you argue and get mad. Then we talked about this quote from President Hinckley's talk in Conference last year.

“So many of us make a great fuss of matters of small consequence. We are so easily offended. Happy is the man who can brush aside the offending remarks of another and go on his way. Grudges, if left to fester, can become serious maladies. Like a painful ailment they can absorb all of our time and attention. . . I plead with you to control your tempers, to put a smile upon your faces, which will erase anger; speak out with words of love and peace, appreciation, and respect. If you will do this, your lives will be without regret. Your marriages and family relationships will be preserved. You will be much happier. You will do greater good. You will feel a sense of peace that will be wonderful.”