Look Mom, We're Aliens!

Their words, not mine.

Father's Day - The Aftermath

I know this is a little late, but I wanted to post about our Father's day, lest Marty forget sometime in the next 12 months how deeply he is loved and appreciated.

If I had done my job as family photographer on Sunday, you would see close-up shots of thickly sliced homemade French toast - stacked high, dusted with powdered sugar, topped with piles of strawberries and a swirl of whipped cream... a tiny crystal pitcher of maple syrup... steaming sausage links lined up on a crystal platter... and a goblet of milk, all served to Marty in bed on a beautiful wooden tray complete with heirloom white cloth napkin and red rose cut from our garden.

{Insert photo of Marty's three-hour uninterrupted nap here. Oh, and presents.}

Fast forward several hours to dinner, and you would feast your eyes on broiled sirloin steaks, gigantic baked potatoes adorned with sour cream and chives, and succulently ripe slices of summer watermelon. And of course, dessert: Tillamook mountain blackberry ice cream, accompanied by homemade shortbread cookies and chunks of Ghirardelli dark chocolate.

Unfortunately, I was a tad busy, and didn't manage to snap any photos until the next morning; hence all you get to see is what was left of my kitchen. You'll just have to use your imagination.

Jesus Loves Grace

Lately, I've had the privilege of watching Grace's spiritual side blossom. She has really enjoyed family scripture study for the past few months. She got so excited when we read the book of Alma - she misunderstood and thought we were reading the book of Elmo. :)

She is also learning how to behave during Sacrament Meeting. When the sacrament is passed, she can be heard repeating softly to herself: "Jesus loves Grace." Sometimes she sings Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam, producing giggles in the row in front of us. Last week she got a little rowdy, and I gently encouraged her to quiet down. She looked me in the eye and said "Shh. Is a quiet time, Mommy."

Grace is very particular about what I play on the piano now. Every time I try to practice the choir songs I need to learn, she stands next to me shouting I Am a Child of God!!! until I play it for her. (All three verses.) She'll often sing along.

This week, she took her first turn at family prayer. She actually asked us if she could say it. Barely audible, she repeated each sentence I said: "Thank Thee for scriptures.... Thank Thee for a prophet.... Please bless us to be safe...." She was so very proud of herself. A priceless moment.

And There Was Silence for the Space of 24 Hours

Well, almost.

Marty took the boys on a father-son campout last weekend, leaving Grace and I alone to spend a little girl time. We picked up Chinese food, watched a chick flick, and did some scrapbooking. {Okay, Grace went to bed early - having skipped her afternoon nap - and I movie-watched and scrapbooked by myself. Not that I'm complaining.} I had to laugh at Grace's fortune cookie message, though: "Impatience may be appropriate at this time." That about sums up her life these days!

The boys returned Saturday afternoon with dirty clothes, and tales of "the one that got away." And there hasn't been a moment of silence since. Well, it was nice while it lasted.

Hello, Summer!

Break out the popsicles and bring it on.

Summer Means...

Fresh salads


Joyriding


Baseball


Tree-hugging


Swimsuits and Ponytails


More time to laugh

And it all begins tomorrow!!!

{I'm so ready.}