April

April has proved to be another busy and fun month, filled with plenty of cool weathered days. Amid our normal schedule of school, church, piano, and playing we enjoyed a few events like our neighbor annual crawfish boil, which included all of our good friends from the block. We also enjoyed another "drive in" movie. Since it was pretty cool outside we actually projected the movie on the garage wall instead of garage door. That way the kids could be inside the garage and not get to cold from the night air. The adults of course sat their chairs in the cold night air since the garage was full of kids.

We also enjoyed participating in the annual Cystic Fibrosis walk to support our friends Abby and Kati. That's Daria turning around in the picture.

We have an influx of new birds in our neighborhood. This has been the only positive thing about all the trees being torn down in our city to make way for probably more nail salons, donut shops, and dry cleaners. As if we need more. Still, we are enjoying the new birds, some of which I've not seen before. Dustin had his trusty cardboard folding binoculars out last week while standing on top of a ladder in the driveway to "bird watch". We counted as many birds as we could but not knowing their variety we marked them down as "brown birds, black birds." Well I do know what Mocking birds, Sparrows, and Martins look like but beyond that it's all by color. I wish I had my camera with me the other day as I was stopped at a stop sign. There was a Red Cardinal sitting on top of the red stop sign. That would have been a perfect photo op!

On to household musings. Recently I changed my laundry soap to a more environmentally friendly soap that has no fragrance. HHmmmmm. Well, it cleans well enough but I'm telling you that it's just no fun taking clean laundry out of the washer that has no smell at all!!! Thank goodness for dryer sheets so at least when they come out of the dryer they smell fresh. Speaking of smells, so when I was cleaning the toilets I placed those toilet bowl tabs in each toilet. Ok, crazy! They are supposed to keep the bowl clean for a few months but they smell HORRIBLE! I'm half tempted to put on some gloves and dig those darn things out!

Right now my calling is Enrichment Coordinator. So this month we held one of our quarterly enrichment's, by presenting the program by Kenneth Cope called "Women at the Well". So I must say that this calling has really strengthened my testimony of the willingness of the women to serve one another. When I first came across this program (thanks Selma for mentioning it) I thought it would be easy, music and narration, how hard can that be?. Duh! I really had no idea what it would entail and I stand humbled by the countless women who I asked to do something and they willingly said yes without hesitation. The women were amazing. We had 10 sisters sing solos and some duets (this included 4 young women who sang), Michelle played the piano for every song, one sister was in charge of acquiring 14 costumes and she even made a few as well, two narrators, two sisters spent countless hours planning and putting together the stage which was no small feet in itself. This included Terry making an amazing well, Leah re-creating a garden scene (with her whole front yard!) and enlisting the help of her boys and husband to create a arbor gate, two other ladies to coordinate the practice, one to make the refreshments, and others to decorate the hall and take pictures and film, and Ken even spent time making a few old benches. All combined it was a lot of work, but every sister was thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of it and make it happen. The evening was beautiful and I hope gave the Relief Society sisters a chance to reflect on their relationship with Christ. I know mine was strengthened by the Christlike actions and help of the others who volunteered their time and talents. Here are a few pictures. I did not post any of the ladies singing as that would take to long for me to ask their permission to post their picture on the Internet. As always, privacy is a concern to me.

Book of the Decade

I’ve probably read more books this year than in my whole lifetime. Ok, not really, but I have read some amazing books so far.

Because of this I have to share some thoughts on a most remarkable book that I finished last month.

It’s not often that you come across a book that is life changing, pivotal, riveting, inspiring, and teaches you about history in a way that has never been done before. Well, I found such a book and cannot say enough about it, thus must blog about it. Bear with me!

In 2001 I remember watching an interview on the morning news with the author David McCullough about his new book “John Adams”. I remember the interview being so powerful that I said to myself that I must read that book. True to my form, I put it on my “mental list” of books to read. Fast forward to 2008 when I finally purchased and read the book.

Let me say that there is a reason it has won so many awards. First, the way McCullough writes is amazing and he has this ability with every sentence to draw you into the actual event. You are probably rolling your eyes as most people just don’t enjoy reading biographies or books on history. Believe me this would be the most incredible history book you’ve ever read. The book is taken from John Adam’s personal journals, writings, letters, as well as writings from other notable people, Yet it reads like a novel. I found it exhilarating, suspenseful, painful, and surprising. Not a page was disappointing, and that is no exaggeration. All 650 pages of it. I found it almost impossible to put down and once I was done I was saddened to not have another glimpse into the life of the Adams’s. John Adams was an incredible journalist, so much so that vivid details of the revolution and its people are stunning. I felt like I knew each person personally, and felt a sense of loss when one died, or anger when one betrayed another. Absolutely amazing.

Not only is the book amazing due to McCullough’s ability to recount history, and John Adam’s journaling, but the amazing character that John Adams was. I came away with an astounding respect for John Adams and Abigail (this lady was amazing and I often thought it would have been a treat to have known her). While we as humans can weave a tale about who we are in our journals, John Adams was in his journals exactly how others who knew him described him. This man was a pure example of integrity, he had a hard time winning friends because he was opinionated but his opinions were because he did what was right for the right reasons. Little did I know that much of America’s success for winning the war against Britain was largely due to John Adams sacrifice. This man built his life on honesty, hard work, and frugality (which caused such strife between him and Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin).

I found that while I love to learn about history, I really NEVER knew what it took to win our independence. In history class you learn names, dates, and places, but the actual personal sacrifice (which is too large to teach in a classroom) is humbling. This book is a necessary gem that I will require my kids to read when they are in Junior High or High School, I felt that it was that important. As I read, page after page I reflected on who I was, what was my impact on society and the realization that these revolutionary men were in fact a type of person that we don’t see often these days. I felt for the first time ever a true feeling of what hallowed ground I live on, the United States of America.

Lastly, what interested me in the book in the first place was the great love story between John and Abigail Adams. It was, in my opinion a true love story that is attainable, not fantasy or superficial, but a real love story that words can hardly describe, but what we would all want out of our marriages. So amazing.

So to explain my title “The Book of the Decade” a friend said that to me regarding this book and I would have to agree. I highly recommend it for reading even if you are not into history. I can promise you will not be disappointed, or bored. You will read about interesting tid-bits of history that are never taught (like the fact that Jefferson and Adams claim that the declaration was not signed on the 4th but the 2nd), or that as John Adams got off the boat (literally) after returning from France was told he was the new Vice President (even George Washington did not run for President, they were requested to hold the position) or the comical remarks from Abigail encouraging John to put something in the declaration about women’s rights and freedom.

Now onto McCullough’s book “1776” which I’m told is amazing as well.

“I believe in God and in his wisdom and benevolence, and I cannot conceive that such a Being could make such a species as the human merely to live and die on this earth. If I did not believe in a future state, I should believe in no God. This universe, this all, this totality, would appear with all its swelling pomp, a boyish firework.” John Adams

Catch up

My goodness how time flies!!!! I'm sitting here with absolutely nothing to do for 10 minutes (that is 10 minutes before the kids get home, which by then I'll be busy again) so I thought I would update my blog. It's all random, not in order, so enjoy.

These pictures are from Easter time. Kat has a family tradition every year to make sugar eggs with her grandmother. This year Dustin and Daria had the great opportunity to be a part of that tradition.

Mixing the sugar

making the molds

this is why these will NOT be edible

finished product

Daria and Dustin on Easter. I'm happy to say that I got 2 years out of the dress I made for Daria last year, or was that the year before??? I can't remember but either way, it's been used often.

Biking with our good friends. No you are not seeing double. We have the same vans and happen to have 4 people in each of our families, thus 4 bikes on each van. We rode up and down hills and through the woods (seriously) and then had a picnic dinner complete with rotisserie chicken, rice, grapes, and chips. It was delicious!

The family

General Conference BINGO. As you can see the kids got a little carried away with the Starburst, but they were listening which was the point.

When a friend calls...

It is a matter of life that we are all mortal and that none of us will exit this life without the uncontrollable touch of its challenges that often come. Still, even knowing that, when those tests come, the grief, pain, disappointments, hurt, and anger, and eventually hopeful peace in and during a trial are ours to bear.

This past week a dear friend of mine, a young mother of 3 children, called to inform me that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer which has already spread to her lymph nodes. My mind could barely wrap around the reality of what she was saying.

We have spent countless hours discussing everything from childrearing, marriage, political/social issues, spirituality, and anything our mothering minds could talk about. Never though had we faced the fact that one would be embarking on a very difficult path of treatment and recovery. While my heart is pained with the challenge ahead I am dedicated to see her through this, and know that with the Lord, all things are possible. Not always easy, but possible.

However, I bring this up on my blog, not to shed attention to my friend, or even to myself, but more to work out the thoughts of my heart that have come since finding out.

In my opinion breast cancer seems to hit at the heart of womanhood. Women, who are co-partners with Heavenly Father in creating “life”, often bear the greater weight of bearing and raising humanity. To me women symbolize “givers of life” the divine nature that the Lord has given them. Setting aside so much, and willing self sacrifice to carry, bare, or raise children, whether from their own bodies or another’s. Our bosom’s which so often symbolize worldly pleasures, to me symbolize womanhood and motherhood centered near the heart, nourishment to new life. Before technical advances, before breast pumps, and formula, for thousands of years the woman’s breasts have sustained new life. It is quite amazing. And so while I know there are a myriad of other cancers, illnesses, and diseases that can attack the body, breast cancer attacks the very thing that helped sustain life (I am sure that cervical cancer can be added to that category as well).

The pink ribbon has always signified to me how special each woman on this earth is and the burden that many have to bare. Womanhood or Motherhood is an awesome thing, really. With the physical, emotional, and lifelong sacrifices associated with bringing children into the world and rearing them, it is amazing to me that even during the most difficult times that women’s hearts are most always turned towards their children and family and not upon their own plight. During our conversation, my friend and I recounted the events, focused on planning for the things that need to be taken care of, yet amid all she is about to endure her greatest concern is that of her young boys. The nurturer’s in our divine nature never seems to stop.

I know that this is a well traveled road that many have walked before and will be filled with many emotions and challenges for all involved. Undoubtedly many tears will be shed, and many triumphs will be made. I am grateful that I am able to lean on my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who has promised comfort, guidance, and understanding. Yet even with that sure knowledge the tears come. Already my friend is teaching me that she is the strong one and her example to me is added among every great woman that has lived!

Pressing forward, that is our motto!

Duet

When my sister visited us in January, she and Daria had the great fun opportunity to play a piano duet together. My sister is a natural at piano and has played since she was a small girl and Daria who is turning out to be quite natural at it as well seemed like a perfect fit for hopefully a new family tradition.

Before my sister's visit Daria picked out a piano piece so they could learn their parts and be able to play together when she arrived. We had a lot of fun watching them practice (over and over and over and over.) Kudos to my sister who had to play over and over again because Daria isn't always interested in using consistent correct timing. Regardless though it turned out really nice and I hope they do it again in the future!

I've posted two videos, one is of the song itself, the other is of some of the bloopers.

Duet

Bloopers

More about Summer

Ok, I know it's not Summer. In fact I know it's not even close to Summer. Well, actually I have no idea when the first day of Summer is. But suffice it to say that with the time change and longer days I see Summer on the horizon. Today started out brisk but ended up beautiful. Now I'm not sure about any of you but I've got this problem. When it's Summer time I have such a hard time being motivated to cook dinner because the kids and I never want to come in the house. I suppose I could live on bowls of soup and salads but that wouldn't work with my family. Which is exactly what happened today. The weather was nice, neighbors were out, the sun entranced us in conversation on the lawn, and thoughts of cooking dinner seemed painful. So it turned into a "whatever night." Yes, that's what we call it around here when I have not been on top of things and planned a menu or started dinner earlier in the day. The kids actually love whatever nights and if they don't like what I'm cooking will often say "Can we have a whatever night?" Anyway, back to my story. We all mingled into the house slowly. Dustin didn't want left overs so settled for eggs and toast. Daria and Ken ate chicken left overs. I settled for my favorite oyster salad. Now every time I make this it's usually on a "whatever" night and the same thing happens. Everyone chooses something different and then when I sit down with my delicious salad my kids eyes get swirly and they flock around me like a bunch of seagulls around a school of fish. Then I hear moans and groans about "why didn't you tell me we could have oyster salad?" (as if!!! They know they can have one but they chose something else). Then the begging begging begins, "Just one bite, please" Sounds funny really but my kids do have strange food tastes. I ate what I could of the salad and Dustin gobbled down the rest. How many kids do you know like oysters? On top of that last week I found out that both of my kids like brussel sprouts to my pleasant surprise. I don't cook them because Ken doesn't like them. I did however buy a bag for myself to snack on. As you mom's know anytime a mom snacks on something the kids automatically want to try it. Before I knew it Dustin hogged the brusselsprouts. Strange days in our home for sure, and now I'm sure all of you feel better knowing our eating habits.

I did it! I finally finished our taxes. It feels a bit liberating to have them done. For most of our marriage we had someone else do our taxes because we had so many complicated scenarios that we would rather someone else figure it out. Last year however we didn't have anything out of the ordinary so I did the taxes on my own which were fairly easy. This year however was not a easy. The company Ken works for had some changes last year forcing the sale of certain stocks. No problem I thought. Well, if it was cut and dry it wouldn't have been a problem, but after several weeks of phone calls, research, and finally a call from the nice Turbo Tax man, I finally figured out how to report the information. It's mind boggling and reminds me that I still have no desire to be an accountant or CPA.

So yesterday, just like last Monday I did laundry again. (Obviously my Saturday cleaning day is not working out so well thanks to soccer games and choir practices) I realized that after finishing ALL the loads of laundry that I never saw Dustin's soccer shirt or muddy soccer pants from Friday nights practice. So later I asked him if he knew where they were. He happily replies "Oh, their in my drawers." I sat there with a smile on my face of course, not knowing what to say. The idea is to put clean clothes in the drawers and dirty clothes in the basket. Well, at least he got part of it right!

Daria has been practicing with the our church's Stake Children's Primary Choir this past month. This weekend our church is hosting a Palm Sunday Choir Concert so Daria will be singing with the children's portion. It should be pretty good and it is fun to watch Daria because she loves to sing. The group she is in will be singing the descant portion to "Beautiful Savior".

One thing I forgot to post last month: As many of you may remember, as a young boy Dustin spent most of his time dressing up as various people; firemen, Spiderman, Helaman's warrior, Luke Skywalker, doctor, Batman, Power Rangers, Davie Crocket, race car drivers..... Ok, ok, the list could go on forever. Most of that has faded now and sometimes I miss the funny things he would come up with. So last month Dustin came down the stairs clearly dressed as someone other than Dustin, and said "Mom, do you know who I am?" by the look of it I was going to say Joseph Smith, but instead said I had no idea. Then Dustin says "I'm George Washington!" It was so cute! Because of Presidents day they had been learning a lot about good ole George and honest Abe. Anyway, Dustin even slicked his hair back. When he came out again he said with a discouraging voice "don't you have a wig I could wear??" of course he was referring to the type of wig that George Washington would wear. "Uhhh, Dustin, no I don't happen to have a colonial wig laying around for you to wear." The fun never ends around here!

Signs of Summer........Not!

Already we've experienced a few signs of summer. Last Friday night we ended up outside with all of our neighbor friends, eating pizza, the kids playing and eventually watching a movie on the garage door, thanks to Michelle and KC's projector. It was fun, and even funnier to watch the drivers slow down wondering what we were doing. We dubbed it our own neighborhood drive in. Saturday I was even able to wear capri's. Ahhhhh, visions of long summer days .... until yesterday when it was 34 degrees in the morning. Is it winter? is it Spring? who knows!!!!

Usually I make Saturdays our "family cleaning day". Although it's easier for me to clean the house on my own during the week while the kids are in school, I realized that it does not benefit my children who need to learn responsibility, work, and service, thus Saturday morning cleaning day. The idea is if we all work together the house is clean in no time at all. The rule is that no one gets to play until it's all done. I have to say, the kids are always very helpful (complainative but helpful) and we get it done quickly. But this Saturday came and went with a multitude of activities and I just couldn't bare to sit on a dirty toilet again, so Monday became cleaning day this week. I washed and folded 3 loads of laundry, cleaned 3 bathrooms, did the dishes, (Dustin emptied the dishwasher, he was home with a sinus headache.), vacuumed, mopped, grocery shopped, and made dinner. By 6:00pm I was pretty much exhausted. But, that meant that Tuesday I could wake up to a clean house and of course clean toilet seats.


Along with the buddings of summer comes more school fundraisers. I have HUGE issues with school fundraisers. I know, I know, the money goes to a good cause (well sort of, I mean moonwalks for game days! field trips to Disney on Ice - whatever happened to field trips to the Science Museum??). I would rather there be an option to donate money if you don't want to sell items instead of being coerced into buying cookie dough or stuff I would never buy anyway. The kids are all for it of course because if everyone in the class sells something (Oh wait, they want each kid to sell at least two things) then they get a ride in a limo. The problem is, Ken can't sell stuff at work, and since I don't work that just leaves the block, and everyone else on the block has kids in school too. I suppose I would have more leverage to complain if I were on the PTO board, and I don't really want to be. Still it's frustrating!

So this week we had a scare. The other day after school I couldn't find Dustin. No one seemed to remember if he got off the bus or not. Talk about horrifying! We looked everywhere, called out his name. I finally called the school which they were alarmed as well. I even went after the bus which was on the other block, but was stopped short when Daria called me to say that Dustin was found hiding under a bush. I know he had no clue how serious such a thing would be and once he realized how serious it was he cried the rest of the night. At the same time I had him write an apology letter to his teacher since she was notified at school and was equally worried.

Soooo...... with that over, the rest of the week felt like a breeze. Daria completed her very first heavy duty test at school. The night before she was very funny, full of a ton of energy. I'm assuming she was feeling anxious and it was being translated into energy. Funny how we all handle stress!

Today was another cold day. We'll see what tomorrow's weather will bring. Will it be winter or summer?