Like Monopoly With Cows

We have a fantastic tradition in my family of Sunday dinner/game nights. These are especially fun now that all of my brothers are married so I have sisters! The itinerary is always the same at our house. After dinner, the uncles wrestle with our kids and get them completely wound up so that putting them to bed resembles a circus act. Hey, it's tradition. And I wouldn't change it. With the children safely, if not quietly, tucked into bed, we settle into the family room to begin the friendly rivalry. And there is always dessert. If Kelly makes it, it's mouthwatering and fancy, like last week's chocolate-raspberry cheesecake. If David and Constance make it, it's chocolate chip cookies, for which they are famous and with good reason. If I make it, it's Breyer's ice cream from Walmart. ;) To each his own. Mint chocolate chip tonight.



This week, the game of choice was The Farming Game, a family classic that we've been playing for probably 15 years. It's a lot like Monopoly, except you own a farm and buy things like hay and grain and cherries which cost more money to maintain than you ever make off of them. And there are early frosts and droughts and Mount St. Helens. And just like the past 15 years, Danny won. It's okay though, because we all know in advance that he's going to win (sorry David, but it's true) and he's a really good sport about it.



Best of all, there is always much laughter. Here, my sister-in-law Constance is rocking out to tunes like "Oh Susannah" and "When the Saints Go Marching In" on Grace's piano. Funny how the adults get more entertainment from the kids' toys than the kids do. Kelly and I joined in on "Rockin' Robin." I tell you, it's almost as good as karaoke.



The ever photogenic Danny.



My brother David. Youngest child - can you tell?



David's broker. I think he may be the key to solving the Wall Street crisis.



Yes, my family is awesome. A little peculiar, but awesome.

Pigtails

One of the many benefits of having a little girl. What more can I say?

Heaven on Earth

General Conference was everything we had anticipated and more. The children were excited and involved as never before because of the preparations we had done all week.



We hung this poster above our kitchen table, and reviewed the leaders’ names at mealtimes. The boys learned most of them very quickly. All week long, I overheard Isaac muttering “M. Russell Ballard, Joseph B. Wirthlin, President Kimball”… Well, President Kimball died more than 20 years ago, but no matter how many times I explained that, the boys still included him in the lineup. (The illustrations beneath each photo were added after Conference was over - our Family Home Evening project on Monday.)

Come Saturday, we prepared our special breakfast and settled in to the family room for a peaceful weekend of spiritual feasting. And what a wonderful Conference it was! Two days of heaven on earth. There isn’t enough time or attention span to list all of my favorite talks or insights, but I’ll include a few from our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson:

“This is our one and only chance at mortal life – here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come; then they’re gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we’re to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that elusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey now.”



“Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today – of the here and now – doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future. If you’re still in the process of raising children, beware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon, and that you will, to your surprise, miss them profoundly.”



“We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us. Send that note to a friend you’ve been neglecting. Give your child a hug. Give your parents a hug. Say 'I love you' more. Always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.”



And most importantly, President Monson testified of Jesus Christ: "His life is a legacy of love.... He is our Master. He is our Savior. He is the Son of God. He is the Author of our salvation."



To watch this talk or others, go here.

General Conference is always amazing, but the best part this time was the boys’ eagerness to learn what the Lord wants them to do, and do it. When I asked Jacob what he liked best about Conference, he said “feeling the Spirit tell me it’s true.” That says it all.

What’s in YOUR Washer?

I’m quite accustomed to the usual assortment of coins and rocks that any mother of boys would find in her washer and/or dryer. But it seems that my children are getting more creative lately. In the past two weeks, I’ve retrieved a yellow crayon, two Ziploc bags, a few peanuts, a Chuck E. Cheese token, a googly-eye, and several dozen raisins.

You’d think that with all this stuff the dryer wouldn’t be hungry anymore, but it still eats Grace’s socks.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Yep, this ranks right up there with Christmas for me: the semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Twice a year, the Church holds this two-day conference in Salt Lake City, which is broadcast all over the world in many languages. Where we live, we can watch it on TV at home. As a family, we look forward with great anticipation for this time when we can hear from our Prophet (President Thomas S. Monson,) the Apostles, and other Church leaders. The famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir provides much of the music for the Conference. It is a special weekend of instruction, edification, and encouragement to follow the Savior and live His gospel. Our faith is always strengthened, and we come away with a greater sense of who we are and our purpose in life, and a deeper love for Jesus Christ.

The Conference is broadcast here at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time both days (each session is different) if you want to watch.

So, this week has been full of excited preparations for the weekend. Jacob gave a Family Home Evening lesson about prophets on Monday, and we put up a poster of the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles in our dining room so the kids can review their names. There has also been much buzz (among the younger set.....okay, and the older set) concerning cinnamon rolls, orange julius, and Conference Bingo (with M&Ms, naturally.) Our kids can't wait. Isaac actually frowned at me this morning and said, "Awwww...I wish Conference was tomorrow!"



Last Saturday, we women kicked off the General Conference experience with the Relief Society broadcast (a special session for women, held every September.) As always, the music and talks were uplifting and inspiring. A few of my favorite insights from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf:

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before. Everyone can create; you don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty. Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty."



"You might say, 'I’m not the creative type. When I sing, I’m always half a tone above or below the note. I cannot draw a line without a ruler. And the only practical use for my homemade bread is as a paperweight or as a doorstop.' If that is how you feel, think again. And remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe."



"If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of creation, not only by providing physical bodies for your children, but also by teaching and nurturing them."



"The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper, and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before – colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter. What you create doesn’t have to be perfect! So what if the eggs are greasy and the toast is burnt? Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you, whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside."



"The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. Sisters, trust and rely on the Spirit as you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness. You improve not only the world around you, but also the world within you."

Quirks

There are many unusual things about our Isaac. For one, he loves to clean. And he does a more thorough job than most of us. (You should see him fold laundry - he's a professional.) He is our designated fly-swatter. He wears shorts and a T-shirt when it's forty degrees outside. He has a perfect (and left-handed) golf swing. He is very partial to Dr. Seuss books. He cares for all the worms and roly-polies in the neighborhood, dutifully moving them back to the grass when they stray too far. He has a natural gift for sensitivity and charity. If I give him a treat in the afternoon, he asks me if he can wait until Jacob gets home from school and share it with him. He can read The Very Hungry Caterpillar all by himself. He loves to play Candyland, and beats me every time. He is extremely patient (for a 4-year-old.) His favorite song is I am a Child of God. He sucks his tongue in his sleep. And he wags it back and forth when he colors. It keeps time to the rhythm of his coloring - faster when he scribbles, and slower when he's trying to stay within the lines.



I love you, Boo. And all of your little quirks.

Welcome Home...and Goodbye

After a two-week vacation in California, my camera finally made it home last week. It was a very joyful reunion! Unfortunately, after only 25 exposures, it decided it needed a return trip to the Golden State. Meaning, Nikon didn't fix it right the first time. So, sadly, I am once again without my favorite inanimate companion. Thankfully, Dad was kind enough to lend me his D70 for a photo shoot I had agreed to do for some friends. And for capturing Jacob's birthday festivities... and random shots like this

and these:

Please come home soon, Camera (needs a name, don't you think? Suggestions?) I miss you!

Good to Know

Jacob (as we were driving): "If you go on the highway and you crash into a real moose, your car will get really busted."

One less thing he will have to learn in driver's ed someday.

Date Night

It was late Friday evening, and the sky was overcast. As per tradition, Marty and I watched Numbers at 9:00, after which Marty disappeared. Up to something...

A little while later he called me into the kitchen, then led me out back onto the patio, where I was greeted by a long row of candles, a makeshift fire screen, and two deck chairs. And two plates piled high with marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Now this is perfection.

There was a strong "tropical" breeze which made the candle flames flicker, and the faint aromas of FreshCutGrass and Pumpkin Spice. (Did I mention they were scented candles?) Think beach-house in Tahiti. (Not that I've been there.) Marty even arranged a distant lightning show for our viewing pleasure.

We roasted/scorched several marshmallows and watched the brilliant flashes in the sky and thought how lovely it is just to be together. We had just finished cleaning up when the raindrops started to fall.

Yep, I'm the luckiest girl in the world.

Where Do French Fries Come From?

I came across a tasty-looking recipe for homemade french fries a couple days ago, and decided to make them for dinner. As I'm slicing the potatoes into 1/4-inch strips, in comes Isaac with the inevitable question, "Mom, whatcha making for dinner?" French fries, I tell him. You should have seen the look of shock on that child's face.

"You can't make fries!! You have to buy them from the store!"

(What have I been teaching my children all these years?)

I patiently explained that you can indeed make fries - they are made from potatoes. He didn't believe me. And he wouldn't eat them.


This same dinner yielded a lot of laughs (Marty has found his calling in silent comedy) and some interesting quotes from the boys, like:

Jacob: "Dad, do you know what your brain needs most to run?" (Marty gave an answer, which Jacob deemed the wrong one.) "Water!... Well, I'm gonna get some more water so my brain can keep running."

And a little later:

Isaac (flying a green bean through the air on his fork): "I'm heading for Texas... now I'm flying over Texas...." And a minute later, with a new green bean this time: "I'm blasting off for Canada!"

Not that we encourage our children to play with their food. However, we find that it improves their geography skills.

Life Lesson # 741

Those packages of meat at the grocery store are NOT childproof. Ask me how I know.



I turned around after bagging some bananas at Walmart to find a gaping hole in one such package (which I swear was far out of reach in the back of the cart) and Grace intently examining a handful of raw fish.

Thank goodness for baby wipes and hand sanitizer.

The Trilogy

Somehow, birthdays always get stretched to three days or longer around here. The festivities began Friday night, when we took the kids and Jacob's chosen friend to Chuck E. Cheese (proof that I truly love you, Jacob.) Two hours of children screaming, dancing robotic animals, mediocre pizza (definitely an overstatement,) and trading tokens for tickets. Apparently, at this age, the games are just a means to an end. The goal is to collect as many tickets as possible so that you can leave with as many Airheads and tootsie rolls as possible, because you know that your mother would never let you have that much candy if it weren't your birthday. Anyhow, we all survived and are looking forward to many Chuck E. Cheese-free months, if not years. (I did beat Marty at skee-ball though. Let it be written.)

On Saturday, we all drove to the Air Force Base for the much-anticipated air show. (Okay, technically this was not for Jacob's birthday - it was more of a present for Marty.) It was a gorgeous day, and we actually ran into several people from our ward there. (Nothing like a free, family-friendly event to draw the Mormon crowd!) Our favorite act was the jets - F15s, I think - you'll have to ask Marty for specifics. We saw many spectacular demonstrations, including the dropping of real munitions, and a terrific sky-diving show (not at the same time.) We also got to tour a C130 that, ironically, was named Christine. Just before we left, the Thunderbirds flew in to practice for the next day's show. What a treat it is to see them! Their low flyover was timed perfectly, as I had just warned Grace to stay with me and she was running away with a mischievous glance over her shoulder. I've never seen her U-turn so quickly. (Sorry, no pics of the air show. My camera is taking an extended vacation at the Nikon repair shop in El Segundo. Not happy about this.)

Finally, the actual birthday arrived. On Sunday, we had the family over for dinner and cake.

And presents, of course. This was the Year of the Hot Wheel and the Lego.

Jacob remembered the backhoe cake I had made for Isaac's birthday (copied from Family Fun,) and requested a race car cake, thus carrying on the Hot Wheels theme. Check out the spoiler! Marty did the paint job, um, decorating. Awesome, huh?

Our version of partying - we're such rowdies, you know.

Isaac and Uncle Danny share a special bond. And I think it has something to do with the goatee.

And with this magical moment, you are officially seven, Jacob. At least according to Isaac, who is convinced it is the cake that makes you one year older.

Happy Birthday, Jacob!

In honor of your seventh birthday, here are seven things we treasure about you, Jacob:



Your passion for life. You just want to see it all, do it all, live it all. Right now. (You've asked us many times why you can't go straight to college.)



Your artistic ability. And wild imagination.



Your fearless determination. When you really want something, you go for it.



Your dramatic enthusiasm.



Your patriotism. You are very into all things American: the national anthem (which has been your favorite song for years now,) the U.S. flag, and the presidential election.



Your fierce independence. You are not one to follow the crowd, but prefer to blaze your own trail. And you are not easily persuaded to do something you don't want to do. (I'm trying to see this one in a positive light.)



Your love for your family, and your righteous desires and goals.


Happy birthday, Jacob! We love you tremendously, and we're excited to watch you growing and developing the special characteristics that make you you. And we can't wait to see what you'll do with your life. Look out, world.

That Which Ye Sow...

Well, most of the time anyway! This was our third year planting a garden, and we're finally starting to get the hang of it. We grew zucchini, bell peppers, jalapenos, bush beans, sugar snap peas, green onions, carrots, shallots, yellow onions, cucumbers, several varieties of tomatoes, a jungle of raspberries (two if you count the canes coming up from the neighbor's yard,) corn, and a cantaloupe plant, which oddly enough, has two watermelons growing on it. Oops.

We also grew strawberries for a few weeks until they - shall we say - opted for early retirement.

I'm not into planting tons of flowers yet, but we did add some marigolds and nasturtiums for color. And one lonely-looking purple morning glory under the crabapple tree.

The kids planted a wall of sunflowers, ranging from 3 feet to 10 feet tall. They also raised a volunteer cherry tomato plant, which naturally is doing much better than the ones we planted on purpose.

.



Every year we learn a bit more, and consequently, harvest a bit more. This year we learned that certain plants (corn, cantaloupe-watermelons) don't do so well without sunlight and water. Hmmm... I think I read that in a book somewhere....