My Little Readers

The other day I told the kids to turn off the Wii (that they are addicted to) and get a book to read. Andrew and Sara both grabbed their books and started reading. I told Mac, "Mac, we're reading, go get your book." He ran and got a few books, sat in between them and started "reading". I thought it was so cute, just had to get a picture of it.

I like how Mac is trying to copy Andrew here- with his upside down book.

So, how have I seen the hand of God in my life? He's given me three cute, sweet, smart little kids. I know they aren't always that way, but most of the time they are. I sure love them. What would I do without them?

Sunny Days

Ok- I've been slacking on the blog... sorry. Today, and the past week, I've been grateful for the sunshine. I'm grateful for a lot of other things too, but I really like the sunny weather and all the blossoms... mmm- isn't it nice? It's been nice going on walks and spending time outside. Sunday evening we decided to play croquet in our back yard. It makes me remember doing things like this as a family when I was younger. How blessed we are to have such a good family,a nice place to live, and the sunshine!

I got this picture just after Andy hit himself in the head with his mallet.

Spring Break

For spring break we decided to go to St. George and spent a day in Vegas too. When I told Andrew that we might go to Las Vegas for a day, he was worried. He said, "Why would we go to sin city? Are we going to sin?" Somewhere he learned that Las Vegas is called sin city and has been concerned about my sister living there... He asked her on the phone one day, "Is there a church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints there?" So, we finally convinced him that there are lots of good people there and that there was lots of cool stuff to see too.

Anyway, we spent a lot of time with my family going to the park, having an Easter egg hunt, watching General Conference... My mom made a packet for the kids to help them listen better to the speakers. They actually listened and understood some of the talks. Good old Mom- she's such a good lady, and she LOVES her grandkids.

On Monday we went to Las Vegas. It was an eye-opening experience for the kids. I remember going to Vegas when I was a kid and was just shocked at all the lights, gambling, smoking... (I lead a pretty sheltered life). The kids were the same way, especially Andrew. By the end of the night the kids were complaining of their legs aching... being tired... (we did a lot of walking). So I asked them in the car some of the things we saw and did to remind them (and me) that we were having a good time. They began listing off what we did: saw the lions at MGM, the M&M store, Hard Rock Cafe, fountains at the Bellagio, Fremont street... As they were listing what we did Andrew said, "And we saw A LOT of sinning!"

It's amazing the contrast we had from one day to the next. One day we were listening to spiritual General Conference- and the next we were in worldly, downtown Las Vegas- Totally different feelings.

We sat at a table at Hard Rock Cafe with a cool touch screen computer with puzzles on it for the kids

So this week, I'm just grateful to be a member of the church. We are so blessed to have the knowledge that we do, and have that feeling of contentment and real happiness. It was fun to see Vegas and have the experience, but I think we had our fill of it for quite a while!

Life's Simple Pleasures

This week I'm grateful for life's simple pleasures. I think kids are the best at enjoying life's simple pleasures. So these are some simple things in life that we have enjoyed this week.

For Saint Patricks Day we didn't do a whole lot, but I did make green pancakes, green eggs and green milk. The kids were so excited. Something so simple as a little green dye really can spice things up at our house!

Andy insisted on taking a picture to show his class (which we haven't done yet).The decorations are from my Mom who was here for St. Patricks day a couple of years ago- thanks Mom

Here are some more simple pleasures of the kids:

Andrew: Andrew made a kite in school yesterday- just a simple dimond shaped paper with a crepe paper tail and a string attached. It's amazing how a paper kite can entertain kids. We took the long walk to the church (across the street) and flew the paper kite.

Sara: This week I tried to be a super homemaker like my mom, and made bread (white and wheat). It wore me out! How does she do that so often? Anyway, Sara liked it. She likes putting in the flour, mixing sugar and cinnamon for cinnamon rolls... helping in any way. So why is putting in a teaspoon of salt into something so fun for little girls? I don't know, but I remember loving to help my mom cook when I was younger too. Another simple pleasure Sara likes is to read. When I don't let her play on the computer, she likes to grab some books and read, even though she's still a beginner.

Mac: Because of the nice weather, we've been going on more walks. Mac likes to watch the birds, dogs, cars, people... He likes to immitate the sounds of everything. When we hear the train he says, in a high pitch "Oooo, Oooo", "brrrrooommm" when the cars pass, and chirps and barks when we pass the birds and dogs. He's not much of a talker, but he makes a lot of sounds. I'm thinking he's going to be our musical child.

I think that sometimes, in this day and age, we think we need lots of things to make us happy... video games, new clothes, cars, computers... but it's living the simple life that makes us most happy. Not that I don't like the modern technologies and things we have, I do and am so grateful for them, but I'm happiest going on walks on a nice day, visiting with friends and family, and spending time with the kids. So... this week that's my goal- spend more time enjoying the simple, real, things in life rather than the other stuff.



PS- This made me think of the book Too Many Toys. It's about a kids with too many toys... and ends up playing with a box.

Every Member a Missionary

This is good for me to think about my blessings because sometimes I'm overwhelmed with the not-so-fun things in life... like kids throwing up in the middle of the night (that happened last night)... no sleep... all the wonderful things mothers go through. That being said, I've thought about what I'm thankful for this week and it's my new church calling. I LOVE it. Here is one of the reasons: I love missionary work.

A couple of days ago I went on visits with the Relief Society president. We went to visit a recently widowed lady. Before we left, the RS president decided that we could both share a favorite scripture with her. Now, during my mission this would have been a piece of cake because I always had scriptures in my mind and was able to find what I wanted right away... Now only a few favorite scriptures come to my brain, sad but true. So, I thought of one that I thought might help comfort this lady.

It was a nice visit and really brought memories of the mission back to me (she had a few crosses hanging up in her house... nothing like a religious discussion and crosses to bring back memories from Spain:) Anyway, the RS president (who is a return missionary too) started reading her favorite scripture to this lady, and guess what? She was reading several verses, and I thought, "Wait a second, this is the chapter I was going to share!" So, it turns out we both chose the same scripture, only she didn't read my favorite part in the chapter, so I was able to read it. (2 Ne ch. 4- my favorite verses 19 and 34) So, was this coincidence or inspiration? I'm not really sure, but I'd like to think inspiration. It was just such a nice feeling sharing the gospel with this sweet lady, and she appreciated the visit.

So, how have I seen the hand of God in my life this week? I think God has given me the opportunity to be a missionary- to share the gospel and help others. I've got to tell you, since the mission I pray for missionary experiences, because I know how important it is and the great feeling it gives to me. It's just hard to get out of that comfort zone and actually do it. I needed a calling to help me :) I love missionary work.

Here are three things that I'm grateful for this week:

1. Grandparents

2. Family

3. My Bed

Grandparents:

This week we went to Tavish's grandparents' condo at Bear Lake. It's such a nice place- a nice condo in a nice area. Tavish's grandparents are very kind to let their children and grandchildren use it. I feel a little guilty using their very nice condo that they are paying for... but I know they like to have their family use it. So, thanks Grandpa and Grandma Bay! We love it there.

Family:
We were with Tavish's family at the condo. It's a nice vacation and the kids LOVE playing with their cousins. Bear Lake is cold, but I am blessed with very good in-laws which makes it much more enjoyable. Here are some of the things we did- if you care to know.

We had a leprechaun visit and leave some surprises for us. Mac liked the sugar...

Played on the playground...

Walked down by the lake...

Played tennis and frisbee...

Went to the hot tub...

Played games....

Ate WAY too much...

(I don't have pictures of that)

My Bed: After sleeping in a different place with overly excited children that get up before the sun, I'm sure grateful for my bed. It was so nice to come home and sleep. The kids even slept in until 7:30 AM. (I know... that's not really sleeping in, but compared to 5 or 6 it is!) I'll never understand why my boys like to get up EXTRA early on vacation. What kind of vacation is that?! Anyway, after a fun trip, I'm sure happy to be home to get some sleep!

Family First

A couple of weeks ago I got a new calling. The bishop came over to our house and asked me if I'd be the relief society secretary. He seemed very nervous asking me and worried about me taking on too much... I told him, "I'm just happy to do something besides play the piano!" (Not that I don't like playing the piano; I like playing, but a change is good and was something that I needed.)

I went to a meeting last night and the RS president said, "Thank you for your sacrifice being here." I told her, "Hey, this is a break for me, Tavish is making the sacrifice!" I know that the toughest job (and most important) is taking care of the kids. I'm so glad that I have a husband that is capable and willing to help with the kids. What would I do if I lived in the day when men worked and expected the wife to do all of the parenting? Ughh. Tavish takes care of the kids when I go to meetings, visit people, play the organ, go to guitar lessons... what a great guy.

So, I'm grateful for a husband who recognizes the importance of magnifying our callings, sharing the gospel, furthering education... all of that, but knows that family is first. Thanks for your sacrifice Tavish!

"No success can compensate for failure in the home." - President David O. McKay