It came to me today just how much my mother has learned in the past six+ years. When I was a teenager, she didn't seem to know very much. At least I didn't think so. But in growing older I have learned just how wrong I was. I have been encouraged to "listen to your mother as you grow into womanhood." In trying to do so I have found she seems an inexhaustible source of wisdom. If ever I have a question, from how to cook a turkey to what do I do if my kids have certain symptoms, I can ask her and she has some sort of answer. She has even found a lactose free powder milk! Although she didn't know what to do for keeping squirrels out of gardens. I guess we can't be perfect in everything. Anyway, I love my Mother and hope and pray to be a parent like her some day. Thank you, Mom!!
Well, we thought you would like some of the most recent pictures from our life along with the above tribute. They are not in order of when they were taken, but they are cute nonetheless.What can I say? We all love books! Even Isaac! (Though frequently he thinks they are just for chewing.)
I think he is teething. What do you think? (Yes, he is gnawing on the chin.)
We absolutely love Lego-time. They can be anything you want during that day. Usually they are cars or planes. But not here.
And here is a zoo. (Can you guess what animals?)
Even Isaac likes them (to chew on of course).
And Isaac's newest trick - rolling over!


Play time with Daddy.
Sitting (with help from padding).
Even the fists make a great chew toy!
That's it from down here in Florida. It is a long ways away from Yellowknife, Canada where Elder Heiner has been transfered. Only 3,569 miles away! That makes me cold just thinking of it!

Ten Years Old as the new New


This last week, I have had the opportunity to reflect back on my youth and realize how much I have grown up and changed my perspectives. We recently started the search for a second car. That would not seem like such a hard thing to do for most people, but we (and when I say we, I mean I predominately) have some standards that must be met when buying a new car.

I think that safety has become one of the top priorities for me. We found a 1991 Mazda Miata for sale for about $1500. This seemed to be the sportiest car that I could have thought of back then, that was until BMW released the Z3. I thought that I would have really liked a little Miata with a convertible top until there was an accident just outside of our complex. A rather safe looking BMW ran into an ambulance. I know that seems like it should be impossible, but it happened. The BMW had to be peeled away like a disregarded orange peel only to get the trapped person out. The ambulance did sustain some damage, but not much. After seeing that, I thought I should start looking for something with a bit more safety, not just good on gas.

I keep thinking about getting a scooter again (that would make #6 in 4 years of marriage,) but it has been raining nearly everyday at 2 or 3 pm. This is also the main reason why I just can't justify getting a dune buggy, even if it does have windshield wipers. So, practicality has set in.

It always seems like a good idea to look for cars like the ones you had before and liked. We have seemed to like most of the cars we have owned. Each car had a different quality that we liked. My sister had a '89 Civic hatchback when I started driving. I took it to Cedar Rapids, Iowa one time and really enjoyed it even though it was a 4-speed manual. So, I found one for sale in town for a reasonable price. We went to test drive it and even managed to get the car seat in it. About half way down the block, we had reached a decision and turned around. Did not buy it. Ten years ago, this seemed like a great car to drive around town. It felt safe, at least compared to the other cars on the road.

I guess that shouldn't be too shocking to me though. Our '95 Altima is a great car. When I was a young driver, a '95 was practically new. I have gained a new perspective after those 10 years of driving. So, though our current car is now over 10 years old, it is a pretty good new car to us still.

Some new callings.

When we moved here, we started attending our ward and soon received callings. When we got our callings, I asked if we should expect the 1-year plan or the 3-year plan. Having lived in various wards and recognizing the high student turn-over, I thought it good to know. We were informed that this ward was on the 3 year plan. This worked out perfectly for our time expectancy in the area. Well, I was called to be the Sunday School President while my wonderful wife was called to be a ward missionary. Later she was also called to be the Relief Society Pianist. This was great for both of us as we settled down for the long haul.

So our temple recommends were expiring, so we went to renew them. Everything seemed just normal until after my interview with a member of the Stake Presidency when I was asked what my current calling was and how long I had been in it. I wrote it off at the time and went ahead. Well a few hours before the Saturday evening session of Stake Conference, I got a call that I should meet with a member of the Stake Presidency. So we went a few minutes early, and I received a call to be the Assistant Stake Executive Secretary. So, today we both were released from one of our callings. I was released as the Sunday School President, and we no longer have a Ward Missionary in the house. We learned a lot, but now there is more I guess.