Pics of Will

It's a good thing I have started contributing to the family blog or nobody would ever see a picture of my husband Will who is not fond of having his picture taken much less posted. So I hope everybody sees this before he deletes it! Benjamin and Daddy are best buds!

Wonderscope

In January my parents (Mammaw and Pappaw) came to visit us. We took Benjamin to Wonderscope Children's Museum, which was fun but in no way comes close to comparing with the 5 story Museum in Indianapolis! Yes, I just uploaded these pictures off of our camera from four months ago. This room was one of our favorites. Air traveled continuously through the tubes and kids can put silk scarves and yarn balls in to see them travel the tubes. You could also change the direction of the air flow and you never knew which exit the ball would come flying out of. Ben loved it!

Ben explored several career options that day. He especially enjoyed being behind the camera filming Mommy's puppet show.

Note the camera is at least 3 times as big as Ben!

Maybe Benjamin will be a doctor when he grows up. Putting the skeleton back together was no problem for him. Ben loves puzzles, that was all he got for Easter this year. The baby board puzzles were retired to the storage unit (which we wouldn't need if Mommy didn't insist on saving every outgrown toy and outfit) and Ben got new Big Boy puzzles (48 pieces :)

Or maybe Ben will go on the next space mission. Moving moon rocks is a piece of cake for mighty superhero Ben.

This is the room we spent the most time in. It was called Raceways and there were all kinds of hands-on exhibits to play with teaching physics using golf balls. This one explained how roller coasters worked.

-Stephanie

What’s New

I am sure this will cause some people to have a heart attack, but I’m back. In addition Stephanie has decided that she is interested in blogging. She however is not interested in having her own blog but instead has decreed that the one I occasionally post to will be the family blog. As such you can expect to see posts from both of us.

‘S Rioghal Mo Dhream
William E Herrington

The Passing of the Herrington Patriarch.

I am not going to spend Too much Time Writing about this event, Instead I am going to include the comments my Father made at my Grandfathers Memorial.

March 24, 2008

Fathers Memorial.

Family and Friends.

Brothers and Sisters;

I have prayed that the Holy Ghost would attend and comfort each of us during this difficult time. I have pondered upon how I should present my words to you and what my goals or intentions should be. Like many of you I went to Church last Sunday and listened to talks from a pulpit on the resurrected Lord Jesus. One of the brethren speaking told of the burdens placed upon the Lord for our salvation. He spoke of Heavenly Father’s plan that through the atonement of Jesus Christ we can return to his presence when our life is over. He spoke of the pain and suffering for us that the Lord endured so we can have our disobedience to God’s laws forgiven us. He spoke of the tomb where the Lord’s body was placed after the crucifixion being empty when it was visited. He spoke of the times when Jesus was seen; first by one person, then two, and then by the apostles in a room with no windows and the door barred. He told of the Savior being seen by 500. And my friend testified that He Lives. He lives who once was dead.

My Father crossed the veil Saturday afternoon while someone with a sweet voice sang to him. I am grateful to that person for the time they took to be to be with him. As the message of my fathers passing reached us, we were celebrating the marriage of my son John to his eternal companion. We were in the process of cleaning up after the reception and trying to get John and his bride, Sara out of the building, and on to what newlyweds do. But he forgot this, she forgot that, they had to talk to so and so about whatever. The Herrington clan with the exception of Alex who was unable to attend were gathering to leave. William and his family, Elizabeth and her family, Darran, Greg, David and myself, were called in to the Chapel area where my wife was waiting, she then broke the news of Fathers passing. As the news of this registered my wife declared to us and my son John that this was a day to rejoice and not to let my fathers passing interrupt or take away from the wedding. As the tears started to flow my wife spoke of how sick Dad had been and how he was too weak to travel to John’s wedding in the body, that he attended literally in the spirit. How John was the last of my kids that Dad knew well as he had held him and fed him while my clan was living with him in his home.

As many of you know, even better than I, my Father was a man of great energy. (I see this energy in my brother Bob) I know of few times before his stroke 20 some years ago, when he was idle. As a kid I remember my dad would come home from work and take a nap while mom prepared supper. I got stuck with waking dad up for supper so I would sneak into his room on hands and knees, and reach out arm extended and touch his foot. It was the only safe place. He would jump half out of the bed as if I had struck two pan lids together. After supper dad would disappear in to the garage to work on something or other. There was a T. V. show one night that dad had said that he wanted to watch about the birth of an island. Before the show started I went out to the garage to tell him. His reply I will be in in a minute. At the commercials I would go out and tell him his show was on, His reply I’ll be in in a minute. It was a good show and he never saw it. Did you know my dad made his own weed eater? Yep he took an old electric blender and added a broom handle to it. Did you know that dad loved Ray Price’s music or that he had played snow bird so often that we all have it memorized.

My dads favorite comment to me was some form of “Do you ever think before you do something? What were you thinking?” When I was very young mom had asked me to help her wash the dishes after supper and my responses was that was women’s work. My dad got up without a word to wash the dishes. When I was 17 my dad came into my room crying he said it was because he had bought me my first bicycle and had planned on buying my first car, and he could not do it. I had joined the same branch of the military in which my dad served. He is a hard shell,while I am just a pollywog. My dad is a war hero, there is an article on the front of the Kalamazoo Gazette with his picture. I served during peace time. Because of what I was taught as a kid I get teary eyed during the national Anthem. I think the greatest program for young boys is scouting because where else can they learn how to handle the nations flag properly.

If you notice I am wearing an old coat. It has some holes in it. It is worn from years of use and has served me well. The prophets have taught us that there is a purpose and a plan to why we are here. It is not just an accident that we are here. We came here to earth and a life of mortality to gain a body among other things. It is part of the plan that we die. That we take off this body and lay it down even as I take off this old coat and lay it down because I am done with it. My father has laid down his body for a time and because of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s we too will be resurrected. I cannot imagine how it must have been for my father to be trapped in a body in which the mind and body were both damaged and difficult to control. Can you imagine driving a car that shakes all the time as you drive down the road and once in a while the engine just stops on you. How frustrating it was for him not to go out and work in the garage and putter with things.

I lost my father. He has stepped across the veil. As a father; would you not want to see your kids after being separated for some time. My father when he stepped across the veil was greeted first by his mother, then by his father, with his brothers and sisters, and loved ones who have crossed the veil. I have lost my father but he is with his family. I rejoice in my fathers passing and his freedom from bondage to his body.

I mentioned the marvelous talk I had heard on Easter Sunday, which was preceded by the congregation singing the song “I Believe In Christ” with words written by Bruce R. McConkie. While listening to this musical testimony of Christ’s love for us I felt his loving spirit fill my soul and I looked down and read the words on the paper I was holding, an auto-biography written by my father, Allow me to share the words I heard in my ear even as I read them “ and to both you boys, thanks for not giving me a lot of troubles like some fathers and mothers have had to go through and thanks a million for marrying and giving your mother and me two of the nicest daughter-in-laws, we could have ever expected and the grand kids that has and will bring us a lot of pleasures in our older years.” Having read this as prompted by the Holy Ghost during a hymn on Easter Sunday I broke into sobs that just shook me and it was with difficulty that I even heard my friends talk on the resurrection of the Lord. I know that Jesus lives and so does my earthy father’s spirit in the paradise of our Lord. In Jesus name Amen

Written By,

William C Herrington

In honor of his Father,

William L Herrington

‘S Rioghal Mo Dhream

William E Herrington

John's Wedding

As has become tradition Mom Herrington spent all night constructing a huge cake. Somehow Steph and I got suckered (okay we volunteered, and will never make that mistake again) into transporting the cake through back country roads. It is important to note Steph got to carry an already assembled cake (complete with cake topper) on her lap. We caravanned to the church while everyone else was running at or above the speed limit we were limited to driving at about ten. Steph spent the whole trip emphatically yelling "Slow down!" Poor Steph had to balance the 20 pounds of cake, frosting, and topper as I raced down (at under ten miles an hour) unfinished dirt roads with monster potholes, over Railroad tracks, hills, and not to mention Dad, who was right in front of us, stopping (Steph almost wearing the cake as I attempted to decelerate before hitting Dad) to point out the reindeer farm.

The happy couple. I'll be nice to the poor boy and not mention what it was that Steph and I got them as a wedding present.

Left to right: Pa Herrington, Sara, John Boy, and Ma Herrington. (Steph and I both approve of the new addition to Clan Herrington)

Sara made a lovely bride. Poor girl has no Idea what she has just married into. (Think Mob but worse)

Mom and John during the Mother/Son dance. We did not get a good picture of the Father/Son dance.

A large chunk of the newly expanded Clan Herrington. Alex and his brood were not available. Steph tells me that Emily was very pregnant, and unable to travel. We got to meet Phil, Beth's new husband (we like him too!) and their new baby Phisher. Ben loved playing with his uncles at Grandma's house. In fact he came home with a few new habits and behaviors. (Thanks Guys! He's obsessed with Sonic the Hedgehog now)

As they were not at the Wedding here is a quick picture of Alex and Emily's Kiddos. Timmy is the older one and new baby Talitha Ann (who is the only daughter born of Clan Herrington other than Beth.)

‘S Rioghal Mo Dhream

William E Herrington

Winter Quarters Temple

Ok, It's only taken a few months, but I have finally caught the blog fever:) Maybe between Will and myself we can have some updates on our family more often! Cali, you have a gift for writing. When I read your postings I feel as though I am there with you experiencing all of your joys and trials. BTW Gideon is one of the cutest baby boys I've ever seen and I work at the baby store! Erica, I love laughing at the true funny stories that you take the time to journal about your kids.

We have lived in Kansas City for the past four years. We are therefore blessed to be so very near to many of the Church Historic sites such as the Independence Visitors Center and the Liberty Jail. When I (Stephanie) was in high school we drove from Indiana to Utah so my sister and I could attend EFY at BYU. My dad is a big church history buff and we traveled the Mormon Trail all the way west getting out of the car at every historical road sign and river crossing. Of all of the sites I saw I was most touched by the Spirit at Liberty Jail, imagining what all Joseph Smith and company experienced there for many months. The D & C chapters that came from this time are some of my favorites. We also stopped at Winter Quarters along the way. This statue was there at that time.

When I saw this statue at the age of 15 it moved me with so many emotions. For those who are not familiar with it, it depicts a mother and father burying their small child. They built a small temple in Omaha which is only 3 hours from where we live. I have been able to go twice now (Will still hasn't had the chance). The pioneer cemetery is literally right behind the temple and there is a new Visitor's center across the street. Seeing this statue again 10 years later and being a mother myself now it struck me in an even deeper, more powerful and meaningful way. One that words can't truly express. I'm truly grateful for all of the many sacrifices the pioneers made. Actually the theme of that year's EFY was "Living the Legacy."

You can't see the detail in this picture, but the 12 circles in the center are stained glass depicting scenes unique to the Saints time at Winter Quarters. One is of Brigham Young, one is of the local Indians that aided them, one is of a wagon of course for example.

There is a TON of symbolism with the Winter Quarters Temple which I'm sure is true of all of the temples, but this temple is very unique. One of the temple workers was kind enough to explain some of it to me. There were a lot of trees and vines art.

This is the stained glass that you can see in the chapel. It was very beautiful. There are five flowers shown near the bottom of each panel. They represent the five state flowers of the five states the Pioneers crossed.

These pictures were taken in October and as you can see the landscaping was still beautiful. Up the hill beyond the terraced garden is the Pioneer Cemetery.

100 random things about Will.

Here is my hundred. No Hedgehogs were injured during the making of this list.

1. I love the Library
2. I enjoy folk music.
3. I read every night after getting into bed.
4. I have completed a Masters degree and am gearing up for my Doctorate
5. I think of both the Penny whistle and the Recorder as serious musical instruments
6. I name all of my Instruments.
7. My car has a name also.
8. I served in the mighty Australia Brisbane Mission
9. I never skipped a door no matter how big the guard dog/Emu/kangaroo was.
10. I keep a small stuffed Kangaroo at my desk.
11. In my dreams I have learned how to fly.
12. Once a month I have a dream of being sent on another Mission. (Been having those dreams for about 10 years)
13. I make people think I am wise by keeping my mouth shut and wearing a knowing smile.
14. I dislike swimming.
15. I think of myself as a Jack-of-all-Trades, but in truth I know nothing about Optometry.
16. I am the oldest of seven children.
17. I prefer hanging out with Gentiles to the local Elders Quorum.
18. I normally skip breakfast.
19. I growl at my son to make him laugh.
20. I let my wife tell me what to do, and then I go out and do exactly as I please.
21. I have never been bitten by an animal.
22. I broke my collar bone while serving a mission.
23. I was treated by this hot female Doctor from Scotland. (Sexy accent)
24. I was teased for weeks afterwards by Elder Timu. I guess I was staring too much at the Doctor.
25. I like to sleep on the floor.
26. I think the extended warranties that computer stores try to sell are rip-offs.
27. I don’t like Beethoven.
28. I do like Dvorak.
29. I have started writing a book.
30. I love my job.
31. I like to play computer games. (when time permits)
32 I don’t like television.
33 I watch about one television show a week with my wife. (Just to make her happy)
34 I think it’s cute when my son insists that his name is spelled BFN.
35 I want to buy a Jeep when I grow up.
36 The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher are my favorite serious of books. The tenth book is due for release on April 1st. I plan on taking a day off from work to read it.
37 I’m a decent Drummer; I enjoy playing Guitar, and play a mean Recorder.
38 I collect textbooks.
39 I sleep with a pager and a cell phone.
40 I’m thirty years old and still love role-playing games. (Great social interaction)
41 I’m a MacGregor.
42 Even though I’m a MacGregor I am still polite to Campbells. (Had one as a Bishop)
43 Steve (a friend) and I used to tell jokes at Clan Campbell’s expense.
44 There are far more pictures of my wife’s family then mine in my house.
45 According to the wedding pictures my wife hung on our wall my family was not at the wedding.
46 It bothers me.
47 My Wife’s reasoning was that Alex was on his mission and Beth was not present so we had a complete Herrington Family Picture taken one year later which is hanging on the wall. And when Will repeatly mentioned how much this disturbed him she called the Garbers to try to order an 8x10 from the wedding day but it was 3 years after the fact and they did not have the digital proofs anymore. (this one was added by Stephanie)
48 My wife is allergic to cats.
49 That also bothers me.
50 In high school I could run a Mile in under 5 and a half minutes.
51 Today was the first time I have ever walked in a parade without being strapped to a drum.
52 I have better night vision then anyone I know.
53 I can still move quickly though a wooded area in the middle of the night without braining myself on a tree limb.
54 I am the only guy on my team at work.
55 I have gotten very good at not listening while my co-workers talk about female stuff.
56 I don’t own a firearm.
57 I do own and know how to use two combat knives.
58 I am ether mixed dominant or Ambidexterict. I do just about everything but write equally well with both hands.
59 I am dyslexic. It does not slow me down much anymore.
60 My wife still reads a touch faster then I do.
61 I can type between 55 and 60 words a minute.
62 I like to wear dark reds.
63 I often hold all sides of a group discussion with myself.
64 I am often very idiosyncratic.
65 As soon as I find a way to conceal it from my wife I plan on buying a gun locker and some firearms. : )
66 I was not very impressed with my wife when I first met her. (In fact my opinion was less then charitable)
67 I obviously grew out of it.
68 Yes I love her a lot. (original number 68 was erased by my wife) hehehehe
69 Our current education system angers me.
70 One specific thing that upsets me is the way the government distributes resources to schools.
71 If you get me started on our school system be prepared for me to make a completely emotional argument based on what I have seen, with no reference to any facts or figures.
72 I am addicted to education.
73 I have actually started having withdrawal symptoms after finishing my Masters.
74 I am a little annoyed at the US becoming a multilingual country (What the hell does the automated system mean by press one for English)
75 Instead of complaining about it I have begun studying Spanish. (That’s going kind of slow)
76 I love eating vegetables.
77 I dislike Barbeque.
78 Which is a shame as I live in the Barbeque capital of the country.
79 Every time any of my wife’s family visits we all have to go get Barbeque. (I suffer in silence)
80 During my seven years of post high school education I put on weight and lost a lot of muscle tone.
81 I’m currently fixing the problem now that I don’t spend thirty hours a week studying.
82 I am so good at stringing together information; using big words and writing like a social elitist that I have tricked many people with Doctorates into thinking I know what I am talking about and giving me an A on all writing assignments, and presentations.
83 I have learned that now that I have a Masters degree people listen to me even when I’m full of crap.
84 I try not to take advantage of peoples dependency on “expert testimony”
85 I still speak Australian perfectly. My Samoan is very rusty.
86 Even after fifteen years I still feel the term should be recited “Each to their own”.
87 I have learned more about the Bible then Abraham lived in Ur and Hannah had no children.
88 I find reading the Book of Mormon to be very therapeutic.
89 I think it would be cool to grow out my beard again. (But then my wife would refuse to kiss me)
90 I recognize the Tear Drop as the Tangible construct of my essential nature. (See what I mean about big words and social elitist language)
91 I laugh at self-proclaimed existentialist due to the fundamental similarities between their philosophical ideology and Nephi’s description of predominant attitudes among men. (2 Nephi 28:7) (there I go with the elitist language again)
92 I don’t laugh too had else I fall in with the “dig a pit for thy neighbor” crowd.
93 I often find myself watching strangers and wondering what their life has been like.
94 I sometimes read the Dictionary when I have nothing else that needs to be done.
95 I would love to take a two-week vacation and complete a solo Canoe trip at Boundary Waters.
96 My first cognitive memory is of being three. Once evening I saw the sun set in a field, and became convinced that sunk into some kind of trap door. I spent a great deal of time the next day in that field looking for the trap door.
97 I recognize that science, although a discipline based on observation, relies on several assumptions. (These assumptions are Determinism, Empiricism, Parsimony, Testability)
98 I love to use big words when defining abstract concepts.
99 I have found that when I am sad I recover quickly if I take a hike through the woods.
100 I would love to be able to teach on a college campus