History Repeating Itself?

New York City, 2008

This morning I opened the Drudge Report to read the headline news and the above picture of the skyline of New York City accompanied the following lead story, entitled "Tax Hell":

ALBANY - Gov. Paterson yesterday socked New Yorkers with a mind-boggling 137 proposed new and hiked taxes on everything from beer to cab rides to iTunes downloads and movie tickets.

Then ... I began reading the scriptures. I'm in Ether 8 which talks about wicked leaders imposing excessive taxes on the Jaredite people.

"yea, he [Riplakish] did tax them with heavy taxes; and with the taxes he did build many spacious buildings." (Ether 8:5)

Ummmm ... is history repeating itself? I'm afraid so. What to do? Well, Moroni offered the following antidote: "[Do that which is] good in the sight of the Lord all [of your days.]" (Ether 10:17)

I know a repeat of history can be frightening, especially when our lives are so closely tied to the decisions made by unrighteous and greedy men. But history also shows how to cope ... no matter how dark things look, if we continue doing "that which is good in the sight of the Lord," all things work for our good and eventually joy and happiness will prevail. I promise.

Children are an Heritage of the Lord

President Monson once said, “May the laughter of children gladden our hearts. May the faith of children soothe our souls. May the love of children prompt our deeds. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Ps. 127:3.)” Here is Trevor, Colette and Tayson in Provo, UT. What beautiful faces wouldn't gladden a heart or soothe a soul? These are the faces that indeed prompt our deeds.

Sibling Rivelry

Since the time of Adam and Eve there has been sibling rivelry. Gosh, I remember Charisse and I going at it a few times (gasp ... we did? ... pray it wasn't so)! Of course none of us had a rivelry with Miki ... can anyone even imagine being at odds with Mik? Yep--Doug, Charisse, Dan and I (but not Miki) all had our times of frustration with each other. But you know what? Those memories are as faded as a pair of jeans laundered with bleach. Honestly--I only remember the good times. I bring it up because now my children are up at school together and I suspect that maybe now and then frustrations flare. (Gasp again?? ... just a quess ... human nature, after all, dictates it.) But frustrations become faded memories and simply dissapate when we stop and remember the value of family, unity, forgiveness, tolerance and the love of the Savior. And what greater season than this Christmas to pause and remember.

We got Tracy SMILING in a pic!

There must have been some kind of inside joke ... not sure--but no matter ... it isn't often we actually get a genuine smile from Tracy for a picture. So I will treasure this one whether I get the joke or not. Here he is with his mom and dad, his sister, Pam (who lives in Livermore, CA) and his brother, Gary (who lives in Federal Way, Washington), taken at our Thanksgiving reunion.

How many Rileys does it take to change a tire?

TWO. At least that is how many it took on the way to California for Thanksgiving last month. In an odd twist of fate, both Reggie and Tracy had flat tires on the trip to Manteca--Reggie in his red truck, and Tracy in our Altima. Pleased to say both father and son completed the tasks at hand, although if you ask me ... Tracy's knees may come away with a little more wear and tear.

Eyes are the Windows of our Souls

Someone once said "eyes are the windows of our souls." (Can't recall if the color of the windows was mentioned.) Many years ago Katie asked me who she got her startling blue eyes from since mine are brown and Tracy's are green and our boys are both brown. Well ... after seeing this picture ... is there any doubt? Here's Katie, with her Grandpa Riley ... now ... tell me ... who do you think she got her blue eyes from? Their kindred souls eminate as beautiful and restful as the color of the windows from which they shine.

Happy Birthday Trevor!

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"Hey, my birthday was yesterday!"

(oops, I know ... sorry, Trevor ... I meant to post this yesterday ... forgive me??) I promise you a homemade cake of your choice when you come down for Christmas in a couple of weeks, okay? Below are a some pictures of you when you turned 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 years old. Thought you'd enjoy them, especially because you can track them with Tayson's ages.

1 year old; Provo, UT (1985)

18 months old (not your birthday, but loved the pic)

2 years old; Provo, UT (1986)

3 years old; Provo, UT (1987)

4th year birthday party in Livermore, CA (1988)

6th year birthday party in Beaverton, OR (1990)