In Like a Lion?

Well, family and loved ones.... March has arrived and we are hoping that Nebraska is pulling out of winter. The kids are feeling very cooped up in this house and are looking forward to some springtime weather. Today was almost 50 degrees and sunny. After work, we went for a walk to our local park, taking two of the neighborhood kids and our dog. True to Grandpa Roger, we timed all the family in races around the big-toy. Everyone had some good times recorded, and enjoyed reaching a new "record."

Here is some of the more interesting news from around the family:

Commendable Educational Administration
Becky and Jon have yet to join any radical educational reform groups. Instead we are finding a wonderful school district that shows real leadership and character. Just last month, we got a hold off the newsletter from the Middle School that Meile will attend next year. In it, the principle warned parents of the dangers of MySpace and Facebook, that kids are too open with personal information, and that many employers are learning to look up the pages of job applicants to see what these prospective employees think of themselves, and the types of friends they maintain. No doubt that colleges and universities will follow suit.

He then went on to discuss the fact that Family Guy is a show that many students say is a favorite of theirs. So, one night he decided to see what the show was about. He expressed his horror and shock at the content and then proceeded to discuss the low moral caliber of the show and how students and families should be wary of such poor programming. It was a welcome bit of character and ethics straight from a principle more interested in the development of young people than what would be "politically expedient." I took the opportunity to thank him by email, even though we have never met. I am encouraged that this man will be our new principle next year. What a change from our last school district.

Domestic Terrorism in Riverton?
I was very surprised when Mom called me and said that the home being investigated in Utah for this ricin case was only 5-6 houses down the street. It makes you wonder what kind of crazies are out there in our neighborhoods. It also is a testament not to let any old dude live in your basement or camper.

Leader of the Pack - Becky
I went to the Blue and Gold banquet with the family last Saturday and we had a wonderful time. The primary president is also the Cubmaster, and Becky is the den leader along with a woman from the other Grand Island ward. They have combined the wards in cub scouts because the numbers are so low. This was one of the most enjoyable pack meeting I have ever seen. Best part was, I didn't have to do anything but load spaghetti and salad in. Becky and the Cubmaster lead the meeting, called out cheers, and conducted a stirring rendition of "Greasy, Grimy Gopher Guts." The entire crowd loved it. The following Sunday, our Bishop rose to the stand and commended these scout leaders for the great job they did. It was great!

Christopher is now a Bear Scout and earned his rank this week. Jared is a Tiger Scout (we include parent-sponsored Tigers in our pack for numbers - and no, the ward does not pay for any Tiger expenses.) And Becky earned the flashlight award for "lighting the way for the entire pack."

Ben is Coming!
We were very excited to hear that Becky's brother Ben is coming to visit us in Nebraska. He is making a large road trip in May, first to Indiana for a Darren Keele (Becky's brother-in-law) graduation from Notre Dame, then here for almost a week. He'll leave a Husker fan for sure.


Before I end this blog, I should like to ask for your prayers on behalf of Sgt. Eric Walker (Allison's husband.) He is serving in Iraq and we would like to ask you all to keep him and his comrades in arms in your prayers. Allison told me today that he is a couple months away! We are all so proud of him, of the job he is doing, and pray for the Lord's protection and guidance. Please join us in this family prayer.

Good luck everyone and God Bless.