Consumerism, FHE and the looming economic crisis

I am reading a fascinating book entitled, "Not Buying It, My Year Without Shopping". A couple decided to go an entire year without purchasing anything but the necessities. Now one will ask, What are the necessities? I would venture to guess that they change with each of us and on any particular day. One day I might believe I can make it on bread and honey while another I would really believe that a diet coke was in the true need category. I am enthralled with the idea nonetheless that we could rise above the consumerism that defines our life. I will read and share and who knows, we may all benefit.
We had a family home evening on prophets tonight. Paul shared President Monson's talk from Aprils' conference. Nate shared Amos 3:7. Sam told the story of Samuel the Lamanite and Mel shared a story about President McKay. Ben bore his testimony. All in all it was a good lesson. During conversation, the topic turned to the economic crisis and the fact that the Dow fell over 700 today. Melanie stated that her history teacher told the students to pay close attention to the news right now because thirty years from now their children will be asking where they were on this day. It will be interesting to see how we look back on this time in thirty years...will we have forgotten it like 1987 or will it be remembered like the great depression. All I know is that I am looking forward to conference and am so thankful that we have a prophet to guide us.

Trepidation

I must admit, being new to so many things so fast is a bit of a kick in the confidence! So, I hope all will be patient and understanding when some of us newbies make stupid errors or look like we don't know what we are doing...because we don't.
I am waiting to hear on two jobs. Hopefully I will have something concrete by this weekend.
The leaves are turning. Fall is my favorite time of year. I was just looking at pictures from the Black Hills at this time last year. That had to be one of the most beautiful sites and drives I can remember. Football is here and I am getting squished at fantasy football. Sam and Mel officially have their drivers licenses. They aren't so keen are driving the tiger truck as it is the rival school's colors. Steph is getting ready to go to New York to interview for internships. Ben is starting a new seizure medication since his is no longer working. Nate came in 7th out of about 30 at last weeks cross country meet. He has another one tomorrow. Paul is painting the trim and front porch. I am off to get a new matte for a photograph.

I only have a few minutes before I am out the door to go visiting teaching. Since I am so new at this, I thought it would be fun to catch everybody up on where we are now and what is going on in our life. Most of you probably know that we had a boundary change in our ward in July. We are now part of a branch that is 10 miles the opposite direction from our Stake Center. It is actually closer to our house. It takes about half the time to get there too. It was a very sudden way to be released from callings though. The adjustment was easiest for Paul and hardest for Mel and Ben. I am now serving in the Primary Pres. WOW. It is sooooo different from the last 7 years in RS. Okay, enough about that. My ride is here...I will write more later.

Okay, here it is. I am ready to join the rest of you in this blogging mania! Bear with me as I learn.