Robert's Rant

Denver to Silverton

2011-07-13T03:31:00.000-03:00

Today was a drive of spectacular views. This drive was one of the highlights for me. When you look at the mountains of the majestic rockies, it reminds me of how small and insignificant that I am and how raw and powerful the earth was created to be. I know many people out in the world who cant seem to grasp the idea of a creator, but the events of this trip only confirm to me that there is a being out there who loves beauty, variety, and is greater than that which He has created. The last time I drove this road, I remember being in awe of the view. Today was no less inspiring. We climbed from 5,000 feet to 11,000 feet and witnessed waterfalls galore. The roads were steep and treaturous as we were only feet from the cliffs that stood above the canyon floor below. We stopped off at a waterfall, walking to the edge. Its powerful flow commanded respect from anyone who dared to step close. We drove through the vistas and switchbacks, surrounded by a council of solid rock adorned in a blanket of green. I really didnt want to go. I know the words I have used seem to be ornate for such an ordinary person like myself, however, they seem to be the only words that fit. We drove on to a little town called Ouray. What a marvelous place. It is like a little town cut out of any country side and placed carefully and serenely right in the center of mountain. It was busy from all the hustle and bustle of many people as if they had just discovered paradise for the very first time. There were kids everywhere. We drove on to the top of the switchback. Christine and I got out of the car to take pictures. I am afraid that my kids and Sharma just do not share my enthusiasm for a good view. The excitement from the back seat of the car consisted of ," If it doesn't have a swimming pool dad, we aren't interested." They did however like the waterfall...it had water. We arrived in Silverton, a slightly more western town and checked into the hotel built in 1882. It is quaint, slightly victorian, and very nostalgic. But, the night has been hot! Thus, I am up late typing this entry. We checked out some of the stores and did some shopping. Not much to buy for us but still enjoyed the browsing.

Independence to Denver

2011-07-12T01:14:00.000-03:00

Monday July 11th, 2011

That was a long drive. There wasnt much to see. Colorado was still beautiful even though it was almost flat rolling hills. We were welcomed to the state by one of the fiercest rain storms I have ever seen. Many cars were pulled to the side of the highway to sit it out. I have not seen as dark of storm clouds and rain as I saw today. It was a bit freaky. But, it was over quickly and we made it to Aurora.

Conrad lost a tooth today.

Few Pics

2011-07-11T00:50:00.002-03:00

Independence, Missouri

2011-07-11T00:37:00.000-03:00

June 9th, 2011
I woke up early to drive into Nauvoo from Keokuk. I waited in line at the visitors center to get tickets for the carriage ride which explains the spiritual experiences that certain saints had while living in Nauvoo. I met two ladies there in line who shared experiences of raising kids. I was able to determine that one of them had almost an identical situation to ours and offered insights she has learned in raising kids. It is nice to know that we arent the only ones experiencing pre-pubescent parental growing pains. When I had returned to the hotel room we packed up. By the time we left it was well into the morning. We stopped off at Parley street and read some of the signs going down to the river. I felt the spirit of the pioneers and of my ancestors who walked that road. It was a strong feeling, most reverential. It was a spiritual experience that wont be soon forgotten. After a short time, we began our Journey towards Independence, Missouri. We were able to drive the highway that the saints took after being expelled from Nauvoo. We drove to a place called Hauns mill where many saints were massacred by the mobs in the area. There isnt anything left there but a post saying that location was were it was. We drove over to Adam-Ondi-Ahman. These places dont have much to see but the meaning behind them is what makes them special. You could still feel a particular feeling about the site and its purpose past, present, and future. From there we drove to Kansas City.

Sunday July 10th, 2011
Today was pretty neat. We drove to the Independence Visitors Center and took a tour with a sister from Australia. She shared with us how the decendents of Joseph Smith have been having reunions every year in independence and they just happened to be finishing up their reunion today. We didnt really get to see any of them but was pretty neat to hear how they met there at that place. We went to a sacrament meeting at the church by the visitors center and saw the testimony of a returned sister missionary. The special thing about that was she is Samoan. There is a large population of Samoans there. We were able to hear a Samoan Choir sing in Samoan. It was a great experience. After church we went to the Liberty Jail to see the replica of the jail Joseph Smith was incarcerated in for four months. It was nice to see that this place was a special place for Sharma. I really enjoyed it too. Afterwards we drove back to the hotel to get out of the heat. We relaxed for the night.

Nauvoo

2011-07-09T01:13:00.000-03:00

The posting dates for our trip arent exactly correct as I think they post via Atlantic Standard time so the dates are a little off.

Yesterday started off early as we arrived in historic Nauvoo around 9:30 in the morning. Sharma expressed her desire to go on some tours so we arranged to do so. There has been so much that has happened so I will try and remember as much as I can. We did mostly outdoor tours. We arranged a tour of Joseph Smiths house, the Mansion house, and the red brick store. We also saw the burial site of Joseph, Emma, and Hyrum and their parents. It was humbling and very sobering to think that the man who has influenced my family for my entire life, walked the very same steps, taught, and was the forefront of many amazing spiritual experiences lived in those very same places. I was in absolute awe and admiration. We did a wagon tour of old Nauvoo. We shopped in some of the bookstores and had a picnic in the old town. Afterwards, we went over to the festival they had for families and the kids played for a couple hours. Conrad was as proud as could be as he followed 10 bagpipers in a parade over to the stage for the Nauvoo pageant. We sat and enjoyed a wonderful show on the life of the church members in Nauvoo from beginning to end. We all felt it was our favorite out of all the pageants we have seen. The kids have handled this trip far better than expected.

Today (July 8th - Friday) Sharma and I went through a session at the Nauvoo temple. It was completely overwhelming to walk in and see, for the most part, what my ancestors saw when they went through the temple. For some, it would be right before they were expelled from Nauvoo. We had a chance to go down Parley street where they must have turned for the last time to see the temple they sacrificed so much to have, only to have it taken away from them in just a short month. Through a blunder of sorts, when we were done with our session, I was supposed to meet Sharma right after in the main entryway. I left the celestial room of the temple, and walked to the wrong floor. I was sent back up two flights of stairs and was delayed a short time. When I arrived down at the main entryway and Sharma was no where to be found. So, I left for Keokuk to get Christine and the kids so Chris could have a session to herself. What I did not know was that later, Sharma was waiting for me in the lobby and met up with someone in the temple who, upon request, offered to walk her and another couple down to the baptistry to have a tour. They waited so long for me they gave up and left which is why I couldn't find her when I arrived. Sharma proceeded to share that when they went down, the temple worker explained various aspects of the temple and some insights into the rebuilding and how President Hinkley prayed constantly for direction on how to build so that it would be as close to the way Joseph would have wanted the temple to be. She shared on how they have certain artifacts that were indiginous to the original temple, as well as artifacts that belonged to Joseph Smith. Later on in the evening we were fortunate to see two shows put on by young 3 month missionaries, and Sr. Couples. They were done very well. They were very entertaining. It was a great day.

Nauvoo

2011-07-09T00:48:00.000-03:00

Awesome day...toured Nauvoo, Illinois. Busy.....interesting.....fun......16 hours......pooped. I'm going to bed...will have time to post pictures tomorrow.

Kirtland-Chicago

2011-07-06T01:43:00.000-03:00

We woke this morning to a great breakfast at the hotel. I went swimming with Shelby afterwards. It was quite refreshing. We tried to get to the Kirtland temple at a reasonable time in the morning and finally made it after a series of real "fun" events. It all worked out. We were even able to do the tour with just our family until we got to touring the temple itself. We then drove to Chicago and met up with a friend I havent seen for probably 13 years. We learned a few things along the way. It was a quick, enjoyable day as a family.

Kirtland

2011-07-05T00:26:00.000-03:00

I have enjoyed traveling most of my life. Memories of Snowflake are embedded sweetly upon my mind as I contemplate the feeling leaving a hot and miserable valley to a loving set of grandparents, cool breezes, silence, stars, and the peaceful walk down a dirt lane. The smell of burning fireplaces are remembered at the slightest chance of a morning or evening fire. I always remember driving down Gilbert road to the steep and quick decline into the riverbed, followed by the final exciting turn onto the beline highway. The only time we would ever see this combination of turns was if we were going camping, or going to snowflake. Either way, I couldn't lose.

Once again, we have begun the journey back, but this time we drove from a different direction. The start of our journey is no less exciting. We have now seen two friends, becoming more current with the news of forgotten friends, and tomorrow will be at a third.

We awoke to a warm summer day in Rochester. It was peaceful. We visited and once rested the kids played quite well together with Ivette's kids. We left around 11:00 and was surprised to pull in to Kirtland around 3:00. The kids, for the most part, were behaved. Sharma drove and I sat in the middle seat back with the kids and played the entire time. It did not feel like we were there long. Conrad giggled and Shelby laughed as we talked, read mad libs, and played on their Nintendo DSi's. After arriving, we were able to visit with mom and dad, and Sharma's parents, the kids went swimming in the pool, ventured over to have a tour at historic Kirtland, and then to supper at Cracker Barrel. The kids were so well behaved today that Sharma and I were just giddy. There was great satisfaction to see Sharma enjoying herself in the tour.....WITH THE KIDS!!!!! I KNOW someone HAD to be prayin for us today because I witnessed a miracle!!!! Amen! The thing that I found so awe inspiring was to find that almost 25 of my ancestors walked those same streets, and entered the same Whitney store as we toured today. The same where some incredible spiritual things happened, and because of those ancestors, have forged my history so that I may have my faith today. I am deeply humbled, and honored...to be a Wilhelm, Gibbons, Terry, Mcbride, Knight, Rogers, Draper, and many other such names that have combined to make me who I am today. One can only look at our history and know, that the Lord put me in an honored heritage. I have seen His mighty hand work so delicately in my life, to which I will be forever in His debt. I am truly an unprofitable servant.

After supper we drove back by the properties so Sharma could see the kirtland temple for the very first time. It was just after twilight so some of the lights were on inside the entry way and up the stairs. One could only imagine Joseph Smith meeting late at night with the school of the prophets, or the apostles...teaching, learning, preparing. It has been written that there were times he would be busy preparing the bretheren well into the early hours of the morning for a major event that we call church history. It is this same building that reports a certain day, that the saints came fasting, for the dedicatory sessions of the temple. It is reported that angels were seen walking the top of the roof and that there was a scene given much as if though it was ablaze in a glorious fire, but the building was only consumed in the power and spirit of the almighty God. This was the same building where Elias, Elijah, Moses, and Christ personally appeared to Joseph Smith to commit the keys of the dispensations of time for the complete restoration of the gospel for all the world in preparation of the return of the Savior. I was in awe once again as we sat, parked outside for just a moment and contemplated the nature of the building that met our gaze. We were left to discuss and talk on various subjects of the church and the gospel until we reached the hotel.

What a great day.

Rochester

2011-07-04T01:36:00.000-03:00

Talk about amazing experiences and lessons to learn. Conrad ended up having a fever of 103F last night. So, Sharma stayed with him in the Postons basement most of the time. When we woke we decided to skip church today to take it easy and try not to push him too much today. We had a wonderful breakfast made by his wife and thoroughly enjoyed our stay with Chad, Theresa, and Chad's kids. It was cool to see them call her mom. He has never seemed so happy. We decided to take a ride and explore the town and were able to visit Dartmouth College in Hanover, CT. I was in awe with the various buildings, history, and what the institution represented. Two experiences we had were touring their library and discovering that Dr. Seuss originated from that very place. This man had created a dynasty of childrens books for generations. The other was to walk into one of the churches on the school campus and hear and organist playing what sounded to be the style of Bach or Beethoven but I am probably wrong on both accounts. The sound was awe inspiring. Before our tour, Christine, Conrad and myself went with Austin (Chads boy) and Chad to the fire station where he works. He let conrad try on the uniform, climb in the truck, and get up on the ladder of the firetruck. A memory that neither of us will forget. We made our way back to pack up and were on our way to Rochester. I have loved the drive this year, partly because I get to share it with family, and partly because of some of the most amazing country views I have ever seen. We finally arrived in Rochester at a friend's house where we were treated to a bar b que. Our visit was short unfortunately, but great none-the-less.

The Journey Begins

2011-07-03T08:48:00.000-03:00

Our trip has finally begun. The first leg started on Canada day, July 1st. We started out in the morning and drove to Bangor, Maine. As we crossed the new border crossing I found myself deeply disappointed in the lack of decor representing both the Canada side and the United States side. The facility itself is very new, but very bland. There are no signs, and no flags representing the national pride. Some say that is a bad thing, but there are still so many good things that come out of self assurance and identity. We arrived at the hotel earlier than expected. After some settling we went and ate at the Olive Garden. That was good! Afterward, there were various activities of shopping, haircut, swimming, and visiting. I was shocked to see how well the kids went down for sleep.

July 2nd

We woke from a great night of sleep, prepared, loaded and was ready to go from Bangor. When having stopped for a last minute exchange, Conrad developed a fever. Needless to say, we were 2 hours later starting. It was a different drive than the first day but much shorter. After an eventful drive we arrived in White River Junction, Vermont. l5 miles from the birthplace of Joseph Smith. It has been fun catching up with an old friend. We stayed at the home of Chad Poston. What a great trip this has already been.

Seamless year...

2011-06-26T09:18:00.000-03:00

I had my adenoids removed on Friday June 24th. What an experience. Not as bad as I thought it would be. It has forced me to take some much needed rest.

There are an endless possibility of words that I could use to describe the school year, but overwhelming might be an appropriate one. It was another year of growing up and realizing a great many understandings that one might not necessarily choose to accept willingly but certainly welcome the enlightenment once it has happened. I felt like I really struggled through some of the challenges and trials.

I started learning how to be a better husband and father. A lesson learned in the past told me that it is never too late to start, if one's path travelled in life starts in a positive direction. We have not the power to be able to change what has happened in the past, we always have power to choose and change what happens in the present and in the future. Now...mind you, when you have something as unpredictable as kids, though the behavior was predictable, the timing for major issues and right out combat seemed to occur at the worst possible moments. Things just seemed to spiral steadily downward. We started reading 'Love and Logic' to better understand the 'cause and effect' of parenting and realized that we were steadily falling into traps that would lead to undesired results with our kids. So after employing certain strategies given by the author, we quickly learned that help in parenting would be essential. We contacted my brother who was able to give some sound advice (in alignment to Love and Logic) and we are thankful to say that it is working. Thanks to patterns in human behavior, and the discovery for reasons things are happening, we have been able to grow closer as a family and have had many great moments together.

Dreams are a desire that for some people must be put on the back burner. Sometimes, permanently. I have had to let go of the desire I have for certain music aspirations as the needs of my family grow larger. This is not something I have easily accepted. I have needed help from the almighty to be able to calm these desires and focus more on the present. Especially as I experienced a great deal of burnout starting around Christmas time. What began to wake me up was a stupid event at Christmas time that caused me to ruin Christmas day for my kids, wife, and in-laws. Thinking back on it now, I am so embarrassed that I would do something that retarded. So, I vowed that I would never be the reason that Christmas is ever ruined again. I can't explain it, but....there is a feeling you get when everything you know, begins to change...slip away from you, and you begin to feel lost. It has happened time and time again. What is really happening is my understanding deepens, and I see things through new "glasses". It is in these points that if we do not have ourselves deeply rooted in the Gospel of Christ, we begin to lose footing, faith, and in some cases despair and discouragement begin to take hold, choking us into mental and spiritual darkness. Seeing through "new glasses" has also helped me to have a greater understanding on just how blessed our family has been. These are the storms I think Christ new when he taught us to keep our eye on Him. He knew the storms of spiritual darkness would come, and for many who lose faith, swallow them up into the depths of the sea. I thank the healing power of the Savior for the strengthening of a tired soul. Each time I experience these storms, I can go back to the miraculous wisdom of a loving Heavenly Father who through the challenges, gave me wonderful spiritual experiences to strengthen me and to carry me through the year.

Evidences of an incredible summer 2010

2010-09-27T00:03:00.001-03:00

Guido strikes again

2010-09-26T22:58:00.000-03:00

Thursday night, I walked out of a parent night from school overlooking the harbour into Halifax. The night sky was cloudy with a hint of a full moon. Out in the distance, you could see the lights from two cruise ships and three oil tankers. The lights twinkled in the distance making for a captivating view. Moments like these often have me reflect upon the great blessings that have distilled upon me and my family these past 13 1/2 years.

Not long ago, a trip to a local favorite beach spot the day hurricane Earl reached our shore gave me a cherished day with my son. We stood on a 100 foot cliff and had 65 mph winds whip up the slope as if to welcome a rare opportunity to fly. I watched as Conrad would step up to the edge and the wind would throw him back 25 feet as if he was a tumble weed. Each time, he would get up, giggle, and run forward to repeat the process over and over again. Then he would step over the ledge, walking down about 40 feet, turn around and walk back up the ledge while the jacket he was wearing would fill up with air making him look like a midget sumo wrestler. We were entertained by this for so long that our visit turned out to be about three hours.

Mom and dad came to visit in August. A cherished visit indeed. It seemed that we only drew a breath and the visit was over. We took them to Cape Breton Island staying in a summer cottage (really a house) over looking the Mira River. We were able to visit the Louisburg Fort established by the French. We visited the beautiful Lunenberg township resting for a moment to listen to a early 1900's Jazz Band playing at the local bandstand. The visit came to an abrupt halt with the death of Aunt Joyce. With mortal eyes, we may see this as a sad ending to a singular life. With an eternal perspective, it was a compassionate beginning to a much more joyful existence in a world to come. A peaceful feeling prevailed knowing that grandpa and grandma were surely there to welcome her with open arms with a love that penetrates and captures the most outcast soul. It was hard to send them home, but home they needed to be. Having been run into the ground, it was time for a rest. As a message with multiple meanings, "after death...surely, there is life". After a forrest fire, it seems as if though life returns through time, and comes back fuller, greener, and better.

Even though I am thousands of miles away from loved ones, I never cease to be amazed at how the Lord knows exactly where I am and what the desires of my heart are. Recently a lady who I am acquainted with offered several hundred CD's of classical nature to me. Being that I had to drive 2 hours to retrieve them, it offered a unique opportunity to have a conversation with my Heavenly Father. I am reminded of the proximity He is with me and that he really does answer prayers. In that conversation I talked openly with Him and honestly with Him about issues and challenges I was facing. Something I have rarely done in my life with anyone. From that conversation I saw immediate responses from Him through a few events that happened this weekend. I can verify that humbling ourselves before the Lord surely does bring about a witness that He lives.

Last week I was released from the Young Men's presidency in the Dartmouth Ward and called to be a primary song leader and the activity days boys leader. Having spent my first Sunday in the position, it was extremely enjoyable. I will miss working with the youth, (thank heavens I still have the choir), but have been given more time to be with family and now Sundays are spent at church with the family. Sharma is Primary president and the kids come in throughout the second and third hours of church. This has brought me great joy.

The new Ode to Joy

2010-03-17T13:35:00.005-03:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpcUxwpOQ_A

Peace, Love, Joy and Sunday naps

2010-02-22T00:45:00.000-04:00

Despite the challenges and difficulties that present themselves regularly, life is relatively peaceful, and doors of opportunity continually give rise for change! I have been left feeling greatful for two wonderful kids and a wife of 12.5 years and it seems like the blink of an eye. Shelby is getting to be more like a pre-teen. She just turned 9 and is starting early!!!!

I am considering certain changes in my life that will help my family's situation for the better. The Lord has pretty much given us everything that we have prayed for and continues to bless us with opportunity and prosperity (more in peace of mind and joy of heart than other types of prosperity but it is there none the less).

Sunday naps are awesome! Going to AZ next week....I have been really excited for the trip!!!!

Thankful

2010-01-24T17:10:00.000-04:00

It's Sunday. Just made cookies with Conrad. He is mid-recovery from having a partial adenoid tonsilectomy. He is happy. Shelby has been so good for us. I love my job. I love my calling. We finally own our house which is much warmer this winter than last. We are all healthy. We have an ever growing group of friends. My in-laws are very good to me. Mom and Dad are flying up to see us this summer. My choir is sounding fantastic! Amidst the turmoil and strifes that happens daily around the world, we are living a peaceful life. I have felt the increasing love and peace of God in our home and in our lives. We may not be able to see Him, but the proof of His existence shouts from the tops of the trees. It whispers to our hearts.

....Just counting my blessings...

To Torch or not to torch?!

2009-11-24T17:45:00.000-04:00

These last two weeks have been a real cruncher for me. Not that the normal routine has run a way from me but that everything usually converges at once for me at this time of the year. I have been taking on a huge amount of repsonsibility in several areas of my life. I think I just like being swamped. I suppose if I had time to just sit around I would waste my life away.

I was at school last Wednesday when the olympic torch came through town, not more than 5-6 blocks from my home. Now, I am not one for celebrities and in todays society most of them are repulsive. The torch means a whole lot more than that. It is a brief unification of nations. There is great comfort in being unified in purpose. A reason that the scriptures makes an important point of "having an eye single to the glory of God". Some here were indifferent, and many here were excited about having it come through. We learned that I could still see the torch being run in the center of Halifax to the town square to be lit there. I really thought about going and was excited but just too tired to go and fight the crowds. But, the sight on television of seeing so many people down there to watch the festivities reminded me that there is still a good spirit (so to speak) about people.

The workers have been working on the house for the past week and a half. It looks fantastic. Sharma seems to be pleased with what they have done. The work done on the house has made us feel a little more at ease.

I have had the flu since Sunday night. I think it is the regular flu. yuk.

Shelby and Conrad are sure growing. I took Conrad with me to help someone move a few weeks ago. He worked very hard the entire time we were there. He is quite fun loving. When we send him to bed, he often gives us a coy smile giggles and runs. Mostly, he waits until you get close to the couch or the bed, and jumps on you. The little stinker still comes into bed every morning around 6:00 and wedges himself right in between Sharma and I. If he is cold he likes to "worm" his toes into our backs. Hows that for a wake up call.

Shelby is a regular dreamer. Takes after her dad. She is always creating some new creation or experiment of hers. I cannot count the evenings that I have come into the bathroom and there is a cup of some goo that has heavens knows what in it. She is so excited about her writing skills that she makes cards for everyone. She has a heart of gold.

Its supposed to rain. life is good.

Bigger than life

2009-11-12T23:02:00.000-04:00

I just finished Keith and Novlyn's biography of Marion Walter Wilhelm. Between that book and a biography of Jacob Hamblin, my understanding of home and family became much deeper. I began to gain a greater appreciation for who my grandfather (and grandmother) really are. Why do I say it in the present tense? Perhaps because I am seeing a more personal side to them. Growing up in the moment seems to be a mystical sense of respect that does not allow for the more human side of perspective. It does not take away from the depth of respect for the wisdom that they posess and have earned through the trials and difficulties they were required to endure through their lives. Growing up, things are more simple. I did not see things as I see them now. I think of Grandpa Harvey and Grandma and the things that they went through. I know I have not been asked to go through what they went through. Now I look at them and see that they have seen over 90 years of life. They have seen and endured many sorrows.

I also have a greater understanding of the the bond of what it means to be a Wilhelm. When push came to shove, the world will turn on you for a loaf of bread. Yet, there was more than a code for the Wilhelms. Family was honor. Fewer things were stronger than family honor and bond.

I had to plan two remembrance day assemblies at a couple of schools I teach at. At one of the assemblies I told about my grandfathers who served in world war II. I also told of one of my grandfathers who lost an arm and taught us how to tie a shoe with one hand.

Yesterday we had a day off and spent most of it cleaning the yard and raking leaves. It gave me a lot of time to think about how blessed I am. The Lord has certainly blessed me with more than I could hope for in life. Though I miss my family, and my homeland...I have been watched over by my Heavenly Father.

still here

2009-10-15T21:56:00.000-03:00

We are alive and kicking!!!!

Bill the Hurricane

2009-08-23T23:00:00.000-03:00

Sundays are usually mapped out pretty well for me. This Sunday would be quite different. We anticipated a hurricane which fortunately flatlined into a tropical depression, but was still powerful enough to do some damage in areas of Nova Scotia. As a precautionary measure, our bishop cancelled church meetings for the day. I look forward to church, however, as with many surprises we receive in life, it was nice to have a day of rest. It was a different day on many levels as the kids for the most part played on their own only surfacing occasionally for the regular snacks. I took some time for myself for an hour or so and then got to cleaning up the kitchen to prepare for lunch. I was inspired by a recording of "light of the world" put on by the church for the Summer olympics in Salt Lake City and then a few biographies of various prophets. Sharma spent the day recuperating in bed from her operation on Wednesday. It was nice to see her resting for a change. At around 3:00, the kids and I went out to see the waves that had been stirred up by Hurricane Bill. We drove to several locations all running northeast up the coast. We went to eastern passage, Cow Bay, Lawrencetown beach, Seaforth, and just past three fathom harbour. The waves were incredible! I had never seen waves like that in person before. You could look out in the distance and they looked like mini-waves. Although, it didnt take much to realize that they had to be massive. The landscape was absolutely gorgeous. We had a wonderful time together. The funny thing was we ended up at our last stop at a dock called the fishermans reserve. A little boat dock area sticking out into the surf. While there we had discovered that Alvin and Glenda (Sharm's mom and dad) drove out there at the exact same time we were there. The kids went wild and were very excited that we timed our drive together without even knowing it. We agreed to go back to their place for supper.

When we had arrived Conrad was quite tired. He said his tummy wasnt feeling well. So he ate slowly with a sad face on. Glenda asked if he wanted ice cream and of course he said yes. I have never seen a sadder face eating ice cream before. Well, he had finished eating and for the rest of the evening bounced from wall to wall in their place. I asked him how he felt and he said he felt good.....and then followed up the reply with a statement of diagnosis: "It must have been the ice cream, it works just like medicine!".

Happy 12th Anniversary

2009-08-16T01:22:00.000-03:00

Sharma and I have been married for 12 years now! What seemed to be a few years ago, I turned to her and said well dear...we have been married for seven years, and hardly seems like a day past our wedding day. Now, five years later...and it is still flying. We made arrangements for the kids for most of the day and spent the morning from about 9:00-12:00 down at Lake Banook in Dartmouth for the Worlds 2009 Paddling competitions. World class kayakers and paddlers competed for points and advantages in the search for olympic gold and other ventures in the sporting world. We sat high in the stands overlooking the finish line and watched several races in the morning. We walked the road border to the lake looking at the many vendors in attendance and taking in other races that passed us by. It was an awesome experience as we heard the crowds erupt as their favorite competitors dug in each paddle for a power surge forward for the finish line. The sun was out today in all its glory warming up the spectators as every few minutes you could feel the cool breezes brought in by the regular waves of the ocean current not too far from here. As we were making our way back to the car to go for lunch, we decided to make one last stop by the lake. There is a point where a viranda was built with stairs leading down to the water as if though it was meant to walk you down under a water wonderland in the lake. The Canoe committee decided it was a great place to build a mini dock about 10 feen wide and 15 feet long. We decided to walk out, sit a bit, and dangle our feet about in the water. It was cool, and warm at the same time. The feeling was quite refreshing. We sat and watched the boat races, listened to the coaches shout from their bikes as they encouraged their team to victory. While we sat on the dock, two boats with judges from the events came up to the dock and asked us to help them move their supplies from one judging stand to another. We found it entertaining and humorous. One man even came back and asked us to hold his boat while he ran an extension cord to the next stand. It has been ages since Sharma and I had a peaceful day was we did this one together. We made our way to lunch with Sharmas parents on the outskirts of Dartmouth. It was an enjoyable visit. The rest of our day was filled with taking the kids swimming at a local lake where the water was perfect. We stayed until supper time. Sharma and I spent the remainder of the evening window shopping and even had a massage in a massage chair at Jysk...a local furniture and housetrimming store, ending the night at the movies. What a great day.

Have plans, Will Travel

2009-08-08T00:22:00.000-03:00

The summer is over half over. Our family has had a fast and furious summer. It started with a guitar course put on by GAMA. I really enjoyed it and felt like learning the guitar at this point was certainly achieveable. The class was enjoyable.

The following week, we took the church youth group to Palmyra, New York to see the Hill Cumorah Pageant. Out of all of the most spiritual experiences I have had in my life, this week ranked #2 on my all time best spiritual experiences. I don't have all the answers I need for those who question the faith of the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but I do know that when spiritual witnesses and impressions happened like they did that week, there is nothing that refutes or denies the peace and power of the Holy Ghost when it speaks to your heart and your mind.

The other events that happened, Sharma had her brother and his family come to visit from Washington State, and Christine came to visit us from Nevada. What a wonderful time that we had with them.

We can definitely say that this summer was exhausting, but very enjoyable.

Quiet time...

2009-04-09T22:14:00.000-03:00

The internet is a funny place. People often comment about how private they are and then post away on the internet. I was once private about so many things that now, I am so open it does not bother me for people to see inside. The last few years of my life has been a reflection on how my actions and words have affected others I have had the chance to interact with.

I admit that I am a fairly odd duck when it comes to certain social graces. Perhaps a reversal of polarity in personality has something to do with it. The older I get, the more I realize that I have said some pretty stupid things. Of course, it is always when you have realized it that it becomes too late to change your course of action before doing it. It is these moments that remind me of why it is important to keep humility as a high characteristic trait and behavior pattern. I have always hoped that I was a good person and had a drive and desire to do good in the world...despite the shortcomings of my own mouth and ignorant pride.

Now that my masters has been finished, it was my hope to be able to spend more time on projects that have taken a back seat for so long to schooling. This winter has been long and cold...the warmer days of Arizona and Nevada are greatly missed. Sharma and I have roamed around the house as the days are getting longer, and we see the huge amount of work that lies ahead of us. We are preparing for a major overhaul of this marlevous structure of character. It does bring us joy to know that we are moving ahead and finalizing yet another glorious chapter in preparation of a new era in the Wilhelm household.....homeownership. It is indeed a time we feel that we have been extremely blessed. We are preparing a youth group for their first international travel to the grand state of New York. We are watching our two beautiful and energetic kids become more feisty, and full of ambition. Shelby's third piano recital was tonight. She played well in preparation for her music festival. Conrad is a budding swimmer. He can easily be compared to a flying monkey. I find great joy in my kids. The longer I have them, the more I love them. I joy in their joys, I sorrow in their sorrows, I laugh in their laughter. They make me very happy.

As for Sharma, I had an opportunity to come across the path of an old friend today. I was acquainted with this friend of mine for a short period in my life. If this friend could be compared to a university, this would be my greatest analogy in that, this friend taught me a great lesson in my life. This lesson I learned prepared me, for the most precious wife a man could ask for. It made me think long and take a soul searching scouring of the way I have lived my life, and remember how merciful the Lord has been on me for being so stupid at times. This friend prepared me for Sharma. For this I am indebted. I realize how much I have hurt others in the past...not because I wanted to purposely hurt them, but because I was just plain ignorant of others and how my actions would affect them. These and other lessons have helped me to improve my life and my relationships with people who know me and I them. I am grateful to that friend for how she changed my life and it turned out how it did. Because of my friendship with this friend, she prepared me for Sharma. I like to think of it in the terms of the song by Garth Brooks..."Unanswered Prayers". I wanted something so bad before and the Lord knew that there was something else in the works. When I reviewed the past, the Lord showed me His wisdom in why he wanted me to take a different road. Sharma and I met 12 years ago last month, just shortly after a particularly difficult year for me. Since I met her, everything seemed to go right. They have been fast years, they have been full of many wonderful memories. She is everything to me. I fell in love with her the first week I met her. I have been in love with her ever since. She is the best thing that has happened to me.

A Gentler Side

2009-02-23T00:10:00.001-04:00

I was recently told by my brother that I have to be nice and write about other things than politics. I guess that one is all used up. So.....I decided to write about writing about politics. Juuuuuuuust Kidding.

Really...my thoughts are about so many things. As much as I get angry about the way people are these days, there are also wonderful people out there doing great things in the world...many unnoticed. These are the unsung heros. It seems in my involvement of so many lives and events that try to build people up, I have been told I should make a CD. So I have decided to do so, not for fame, money, or glory. Just for the sense that perhaps I might make the difference in the life of one of my family or friends who just needs some upliftment one day. So my work has begun......along with everything else to be accomplished. I anticipate that it should be finished sometime prior to my retirement.

It has been some time since my last post (I feel like this is a confession). I made a trip to Phoenix over the Christmas break. It was great to see most of my brothers and sisters, Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma and even a couple of childhood friends. It is interesting how some things never change and yet others fade away and disappear into the great abyss. I really enjoyed a trip to Snowflake with my oldest brother. It had been many years since I had traveled that road. On the way back, we stopped at the top of the Salt River Canyon and stepped out of the car to take a look at the stars. For one brief moment the world seemed to stop and take a break. You can hardley believe that those billions of stars exist above our microcosm of bustle.

It felt good to laugh again like only the Wilhelm's can laugh. I have gone my way and lived. Life has a way of taking your mind away, and then for a moment we gather to reminisce and laugh. It is a special time that is granted just to let it all out again...but then again, carrots and cheesies seem to catapult any evening into a frienzy of laughter.

The greatest lesson learned was how much I appreciated my wife and kids. It just wasn't the same without them.....Home is really where the heart is.

And yes Diana.....I even left this posting open for the peanut gallery. Post away!

Now what?

2008-11-05T22:42:00.000-04:00

Perhaps it will be counted a historical moment of record in the books of American History. It was a heavy day for me. Is it really that bad? It depends on who you ask. How much do we know about him? There is much mystery that enshrouds this man and who or what he really stands for. He speaks much flattery to the people, yet we have seen record after record that history has proven smooth talkers to bring great tribulation to their people. Images of a modern day Moses have boldly been unraveled on street corners to herald in a new king. "He is the sail on the ship of america". "He is the wings on the plane of the United States of America". Yet, he spent most of his life in the company of those who would see our country fall in a blaze of glory. Born of meager means, he is propelled into the lights of the greatest stature in history with relative ease. This man has been groomed. He is eloquent, charming, and smooth in nature. Yet.......a still uneasiness lingers as the promises have been made known, guarantees established, and now, the tax man cometh. He may have his staff, and he may even have conquered Pharoh. What will happen to the children of Israel for the next 40 years in the desert?

Politics and ....

2008-11-04T18:17:00.000-04:00

The first polls close in an hour and 40 minutes. It seems as if though I am sitting in a stadium with 5 billion other people watching the superbowl and my team is the underdog. It seems to me that there have been several games I have watched in the last couple of years that have proven the analysts wrong. I am banking on the cinderella team...even though my real team lost during the season and wasnt allowed to go to the playoffs. When the voice of the people turn down the most qualified person to lead this country out of financial ruin (Romney) it really confirmed to me that a great number of people of my country are lacking in critical thinking and evaluation skills. This guy has moved corporate giants out of financial ruin and turned them into money making machines. The bottom line...there are too many religious bigots. He did great things as the governor of Massachussets and they say he was not fit to lead a nation. But it seems to me they will vote a man into office because he wants to be a modern day Robin of the hood. The other reason they want to vote him in is because he is black. If you want to vote a black man into office, vote one that will really make a difference for the good of the nation. My vote is for Bill Cosby. If he ever runs for president....he will be a man worth any vote!

October East

2008-10-12T17:49:00.000-03:00

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...it is evident however that there are some places that people naturally gravitate towards. Nova Scotia is one such place. Anyone that comes here in the fall can see that it is a magical place in October. Even now as I gaze out the window to the Southwest, towards my beloved home, I see a most stunning sunset as the purple clouds intersperse between the gold, yellow, red, orange, and white rays and glow of the sunshine...much like watching the warmth of a fire on a cool night. Sometimes, I like to think of it as the eye of the father giving us a reassuring glance that though night is falling upon us, he is giving a calm and gentle reminder that he will be watching, though yet we are asleep. It makes me think of the many evenings I would stand out in the front yard of our house in Mesa, Arizona gazing to the west watching the sky fill with fire and yet it was so calm. Life for me seemed to stand still for my own moment of eternity and reflect on the massive creation we live in. I remember when the chill used to set in. It seemed to transform our desert abode into a peaceful place as the business of the day turned into little league games and bar-b-ques. If there was a breeze one could smell any number of evening suppers being prepared around a bustle of family activity. It seemed to be a prevailing peace. Somehow that moment has slipped away with the evening sun to give way to the ensuing darkness and the product of our society.

For a season, the world has been in turmoil with glimpses of prosperity. Look around and see how the world has measured peace and happiness. It is all about money. There are many that would equivocate their happiness by how much the governement or other members of society can meet their needs. Funny...there was a day when I remember all of the people I looked up to woke up at 5:00am to go out and work or work in their gardens. There seemed to be a greater sense of love for your fellow men and women back then....and that was only 20 short years ago. Where does time go? That was also a day when the taught me the simple rules to living a safe and happy life. Rule number one...never put your hand on a hot stove. If you break rule number one...the response was "see what happens". Then...you never broke the rule again. These days if you break rule number one, you sue as many people as you can make up a reasone for why they were responsible for you being dumb enough to put your hand on a hot stove. I know people who would do it twice to see how much money they could get. (Thus the root of all evil is money.....why else would they do it?)

My family went on a trip to Truro, Nova Scotia this past weekend. Not that the sound of it was exciting, as much as just getting out of town to relax. I have heard some say that it isn't a very appealing place to be...yet when we got there, there was a familiarity to it. Much like leaving Phoenix to go to Snowflake, Arizona. There was never much to the sleepy town, but, it was another home to me. My grandparents were there. It was a favorite of my family growing up. Something about the chill in the air, the smell of fireplaces, hearing the finches from their cage, and playing "One arm uno" with my Grandpa who lost his arm is WWII. He even taught us how to tie our shoes with one hand. I remember them waking at 5:30-6:00 am every morning and would take their dog for a walk down the "Lane". It was a long stretch of road that went out to a farm. It had cedar branches for posts on barbwire fences on both sides of the lane with various crops growing. You could hear the crunch of the rocks under your feet while feeling the morning mist and chill upon your face. Watching the sun rise was like having a thousand bowls of ice cream all at once. For a young one like myself, that was as good as having a million dollars just handed to you. Half a mile into the walk there was a dip in the road where you could stop and see the river running by and we would stop to throw rocks. We just might have even had the chance to see a catfish or two while petting the horses. Truro is just a place, but bigger. As we woke up on our first morning in the hotel, we could see the landscape across the highway. Colors of brilliant orange, red, yellow, greens, and purples were shining from hilltop to valley. It was a most incredible sight. As you drive through the town, you can see where artisans had carved figures and statues out of old tree trunks that fell during hurrican Juan. We drove to the riverbreeze corn maze and walked as a family through 3 kilometers of mazes. We picked our first pumpkin from the patch. There were other activities but it was a day spent relaxing and forgetting for a moment our hectic lives back home. I forgot the house and all of the repairs that were crying for attention, lopsided politics and rhetoric, school concerts, and church callings. I think that is why God gave us the seasons. He reminds us that life is consistent, yet takes time to put on different shows to please the eye and gladden the heart.

Is He there? One of his greatest shows of affection, comes in the fall. Its God's October Fest but he doesnt have to use booze or obnoxious behavior to do it.

Common Sense and reason

2008-09-10T23:28:00.000-03:00

Each day I wake up and try to smell the roses. What I smell instead is the puke and putrid odor of the media and their paltry attempts to give a "fair" assessment of what is going on in the world around us. I see so many people trying to defend the traditional values that I grew up with be smashed, ignored, and ignorantly snubbed out by a minority of individuals who want to change the world without regard to anyone else who has a voice. When I try to defend my ideals and beliefs, I am accused of being racist, biased, sexist and many other things that in my heart, I know I am not. This is the place for me to finally post how I feel without the media or anyone else giving me a load a crap about what I say or how I feel......so, if you are looking for politically correct, or any other kind of crap that prevails in forced liberalism of society today.....don't bother reading this. It is liberating to be able to have a place to say what I want to say and feel like I can exercise my God given right to freedom of speech. The nice thing is...I can turn off responses because frankly.....I don't care what you think.

So here it is......I have plenty to finally vent.....including, how is it that we are allowing ourselves to sell out our freedoms so easily? Laziness. I finally see the wisdom of the Lord in his command to cease to be lazy. The more lazy we are, the greater we rely on others to do things for us. The more we rely on others to do things for us, the more we forget how to take care of ourselves and the more we are forced to rely on others to do for us, what we really could have done for ourselves. There are people in office in the United States government that would have it so that we are completely reliant upon them. Then, in our hour of need, they would dangle the preverbial carrot over us in exchange to keep the liberal elite in place. A guarantee, so to speak, that they remain in power. We see this struggle in many socialist and communist countries.

The late Ezra Taft Benson, former secretary of Agriculture under Dwight D. Eisenhower, gave many speeches about this very subject. It had to do with a bailout for farmers who had a surplus of food. Governmental agency representatives and senators alike liked the idea of a plan to buyout surplus and have it stored somewhere. This was supposed to make everyone happy. Ezra felt that if this happened that it would have a negative effect on the people making them more reliant of governement bailouts every time hard times came. He also stated that this would in turn weigh down on taxpayers who were already living in hard times from a depression, and two world wars. Sound familiar. He felt that it was the responsibility of the farmer, and a benefit to feel the sting of hard times, yet grow and adapt to make them stronger. In turn this would increase the longevity of our economic security. How do you get what you want as a congressman? Make your people more reliant on you.....and in turn....make them more stupid.
Ezra Taft Benson met on the middle ground and ended up using surpluses to help war torn Europe recover from the ravages of WWII. He told us that the more we sold our freedoms for government handouts, the harder it would be to get those freedoms back. In fact, he said that history has proven that anytime a nation sold its freedoms, it took its best blood to gain those freedoms back. If we look at the media, we are seeing our freedoms slowly beeing squeezed out of us.