Primary Talk

This Sunday Sarah is giving a talk in Primary. It is about the ten commandments and how they teach us to love God and each other. We made some props for her in our preschool. Jacob wanted to be involved, so he made his own props and even taped the markers on back so he could hold them up.

In the evening, LaMonte and Jason went to help a lady from church move into an apartment. After family scriptures and prayer, I read a chapter of "Nick of Time" to the kids. I really enjoy reading books with them.

Last night, LaMonte decided it was time for Charlotte to find a permanent home--in the pig pen. He recruited Keith to help catch her. Luring her in with soggy cereal, Keith waited on the porch until she came close. A little while later, I saw LaMonte triumphantly carrying a squealing pig off toward the pig pen. "I'll miss watching that little piglet running around our property, digging up the grass, and snuggling with the dog," I thought a little mournfully. Two minutes went by. LaMonte came through the door looking less than thrilled. "The pig got out," he exclaimed with a frown. "Oh, I'm sorry," was my obligatory response. "AND she did THIS!" he continued pointing at his leg. I immediately saw (and smelled) the brownish green streak on his pants. "She peed on you?" one of the kids asked. "This...is...not...pee," he replied. I started laughing and jumped up to find my camera. "Oh no!" he exclaimed. "I am not going on your blog like this!" Recognizing my window of opportunity was dwindling, I grabbed his phone and begged him to let me take a picture. I'll tell you, I love that man! We're all just glad this picture isn't scratch 'n sniff.

Ups and Downs

This morning I was struggling to get Keith's attention. Normally this is how it would go... Me: "Keith *pause* KEITH *frustrated pause* KEITH!!!!!!!" Keith: "WHAT???!!!" This morning I tried a new parenting tactic. Instead of raising my voice and my level of frustration I sang to him: "If your name is Keith; if it starts with a K ends with 'eith; if it rhymes with leaf. " (I then had to add a little bridge melody to correct myself when I connected that Keith and leaf in actuality do not rhyme.) It worked! I got his attention, and a smile. He was pleasantly responsive to my request as well. I was walking out the door giving myself a hearty pat on the back for this impressive parenting move when I saw the huge puddle of muddy water on the newly laid wood floor. Going outside, the front yard was covered with broken water balloons. I also noticed that the cats, the dog, and the pig were trying to get in the garbage. I swallowed my pride, got in the van with the kids, then shrugged and with a mental "oh well" tossed a banana peel at the pig as we pulled out of the driveway.

Cleaning

Last night Ben asked me to go for a walk with him. He asked if we could bring my camera and take pictures of our property. It was so nice walking hand in hand with him along our field as the sun was setting. There was alot of work waiting at home, but I am so glad I took a few minutes to enjoy this priceless time with my son. I felt rejuvinated by his love and the love of God. This morning I woke up full of hope for meeting the challenges of the day. I was peacefully feeding little Kevin in my room when an unusual high-pitched sound went reverberating throughout the house. Oh yes...it was the pig. Apparently, he came in on Scooby-doo's heels. The squealing intensified as the kids tried to get it out of the house. I came out of my room and made pork sausage for breakfast. After breakfast, I cleaned the kitchen and swept the floor. Here was the pile...

That finished, I turned to face the rest of the house...

(Still sorting clothes)

It makes me smile, a little, wondering what a normal morning is like for the rest of the world. In spite of the mess, I wouldn't trade places with anyone. I can't help but feel that I still have a beautiful life. The messes, the sleepless nights, the challenges that come all seem like such a small price to pay for a life that is so full and blessed. The biggest challenge I face is the burden of my own weakness and inadequacy in trying to be the mother my children need and the wife my husband needs. Yet, I believe and hope that the grace of God-powerful enough to move mountains, raise the dead, and heal the sinner-will help me and bridge the gaps in the lives of my husband and children. Well, off I go...

Personal Bubble and Pig Trouble

Ben is our little guy that sometimes has difficulty understanding social boundaries. At three he was chasing down and kissing the neighbor girls. At four, he licked our bishop (and others) and liked to smell people, at five he started greeting friends and love ones with the tackle hug which darn near knocks the wind out of most of us. Most of my children respond to uncomfortable or new social situations by clamming up and sticking close to me. For some reason, awkward social situations elicit more physical contact from Ben. For example, this year at meet the teacher day Ben kept tackling or picking up the kids in his class, playfully kicking or grabbing onto David, and he punched the Art teacher, Mr. Cole, in the stomach as we walked by. The middle school kids seem to think his lack of inhibition is funny and will tease him just to get him to react. (He will chase down or latch onto an eighth grader just as fast as anyone else.) Yesterday at school I heard an older boy say, pointing to his buddy, "Hey Ben, he's got quarters." With a big grin, Ben took off after the kid. Anyhow, apparently someone else has been trying to assist me in helping Ben by teaching him the concept of the "personal bubble." Here is his interpretation of his newfound knowledge.

On Monday, when I came home from dropping off kids at school I was greeted by 3 chickens, 3 cats, a dog, and the pig...all on our front porch. We should have named the pig Houdini, She can get out of all of our animal pens. Thankfully it is easy to get her back in being that she is a pig and will go anywhere for a banana. The biggest problem is her attachment to Scooby-Doo. I think he is the closest thing to another piglet Charlotte can find. Here they are looking at us through the patio door.

Unfortunately, Scooby eventually gets tired of the pig's nuzzling and starts chasing her trying to bite her ears. This gets the pig squealing and Rebecca screaming. The funny thing is, as soon as we manage to chase the dog away from the pig, the pig immediately starts chasing after the dog and the cycle begins again.

Here's Jacob trying on clothes while we were sorting through winter things.

Our version of lovebirds. Just don't stand under them looking up for too long.

Baby Blessing

Yesterday Kevin was blessed in church. It was such a sweet experience. I am so grateful to be his mother.

Happy Birthday, LaMonte!

Today is LaMonte's birthday. We have been celebrating all weekend since he will be leaving on a business trip right after church. Last night we had a birthday dinner at home.

We made "cupcakes" out of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cherry tomatoes. This was our substitute for cake since LaMonte has set a "no sugar" goal. We also had fruit kabobs, fresh veggies, and Jason made his famous guacamole.

Here are some highlights from this morning. First, Jacob giving LaMonte his present. Even though he helped wrap it, Jacob helped LaMonte unwrap it, gave a gasp of suprised delight when the pens were unveiled and of course immediately assumed ownership. (He did the same thing with most of the other gifts LaMonte unwrapped as well. (I'll put another picture below. Next is LaMonte and David. Keith suprised LaMonte by wrapping his gift (two fire starter/lighters) in progressively larger containers.

For me???????????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey! That was mine!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you! You shouldn't have!

LaMonte playing his new piano book.

On Friday, LaMonte got the day off for his birthday. We went out to Chick-fil-a for lunch. Yum!