I'm No Longer a Failure

I have arrived! I have done it! There have been times when I thought that I might exit this world, never having truly made it . . . but I have now done it! I could make my mom's butter rolls when I lived there at home, so I thought I'd have no problem getting married and replicating the process. Hmmph. 16 years! For 16 years I have struggled with that stupid roll dough. My Mom's always turn out delicious. My sister Michelle graces us with the same delicious rolls for Easter and Thanksgiving. I hang my head, and bring the jello. Yes, I followed the recipe. Mom's original recipe, and Michelle's modified recipe. Nope, I still ended up with a sticky goo. Yes, I added more flour (but not too much! Just until the dough forms a ball and clears the bowl!) Still goo. Made the rolls numerous times while talking to my Mom on the phone - still goo. It rises fine. The dough tastes the same. Even the rolls taste pretty good, but the dough is goo, and hard to handle, and I'm so frustrated by the whole experience by the time I get the dough in the pans, that I refuse to try again for a month or more. "Just put a little flour on the counter before you roll it out." Roll it out? I can't even handle the dough, let alone roll it out! "Put a little cooking spray on your hands so the dough won't stick as much." I have cooking spray clear up to my elbows, but I'm still stuck fast! "Okay, instead of cutting out the dough, and then folding them, just try squeezing out a little section of dough, and then tuck the edges under." Aaaaargh! Still goo! I can't lift it, tuck it, nada! Goo! Goo! Goo! I've nicknamed my roll dough, Claw dough. I have to just grab a clump of dough, and shake it off my hand as best I can, dropping it very ungracefully into the pan. 16 years!!!!!!! But no more. I have arrived. As I made the dough today, I all of a sudden looked at my glass measuring cup and wondered if it actually measured correctly or not. Bingo! I was getting a good 1/4 Cup more of water in my dough than I needed. No wonder it was goo! It was amazing to watch the dough clear the bowl as it mixed (it used to clear the bowl and then settle back down into goo). It was amazing to take the dough out of the bowl after it had risen, and be able to form a ball of dough in my hand (Touch that stuff before? Are you kidding me? It would have sucked me under into gooey land forever). It was amazing to roll out the dough (Yes! I could actually roll it out, and it didn't even stick to my counter or my hands or my rolling pin). (Look at those cute little hands helping his Mama!) No more claw dough for me! I can now make my Mother's Butter Rolls like she does! I called to tell my Mom my success. She was ecstatic for me! Nothing could have made my Mother prouder. She told me that she was sorry it had taken me so long to figure it out and that it was amazing that I hadn't given up long ago. Well Mom, there are some things worth striving for, and your Butter Rolls are one of them!

Is Jesus Coming?

I love weather. I love blustering winds, and pelting rain. Maybe some of that comes from being an Arizona girl. With the long stretches of heat, it's nice to break things up a bit. Yesterday afternoon, the wind picked up and began blowing quite nicely. By evening it was rather blustery, and as we got ready to tuck all the kids into bed, it was howling and rattling, and tossing the trees all around. It was quite exciting! As I stood at the back door, watching the wind unleash it's fury on the trees outside, Joseph sidled up to me, slipped his hand in mine, and asked, "Is Jesus coming?" That boy thinks like his mother! Extreme weather always fills me with excitement for Christ's triumphal return! Not yet, sweetie. But soon. I hope He will come soon!

Spring * Sprang * Sprung

Since our front yard is still in transition - it's a big pile of dirt if you want to get technical about it - I go looking for spring's colors in the back and side yard. It won't last for long. Spring quickly turns to summer here, and in some ways has already begun heating up (except for yesterday when we had 35-40 mph winds that kicked things up, and brought us a bit of a chill). So, I'll enjoy it while I can . . .

Whirly Derby

Joseph entered his first Pinewood Derby yesterday. He designed the car himself. Painted it himself, and was so excited to get it put together that he put the tires on by himself before his dad came home from work. It all worked out well, and the best part about it all was that HE built the car himself. It raced pretty well, taking 2nd place in most of the races, and overall placed right in the middle. Yes, he was sad that his car didn't take 1st place, but he was a good sport and congratulated the winner like we had talked about ahead of time. Then, he went and comiserated with some of the others who didn't win either - showing true empathy for what they were feeling. He is still a little sad over it, but has already begun scheming for next year's model. It's hard to pour your heart and soul into something and not achieve the winner's distinction, but Joseph, YOU and your car are winners in my book. Good race!

A Little Mud Goes a Long Way

If there's mud to be found . . . a little boy will always find it! And he'll enjoy every minute of it's gooiness squish.

All State - All Star

Learning 4 songs, on one's own, for the trombone. Difficult. But she did it. Waking up at 5:00 a.m. to get ready. Difficult. But she did it. Getting on a bus full of students from other schools, knowing no one to sit by. Difficult. But she did it. Going to Higley AZ, still not knowing anyone, and meeting tons of new people from around the state. Difficult. But she did it. Playing the trombone all day, until her lips felt like they were going to puff up and float away, and having only a small lunch break, and two tiny potty breaks. Difficult. But she did it. And the result was amazing!!! Rebekah was chosen as the only sixth grader from our school to represent her band at the All State Festival of Performance. There were approximately 128 members of the All State 6th grade band. There were 12 trombonists in Rebekah's section, and she wasn't the only girl! They practiced their music separately and then practiced together for the first time on Saturday under the band director, Jill Mahoney. Jill Mahoney actually teaches in the Peoria District, but formerly taught at Marshall Ranch Elementary. They performed four songs: Latin Fiesta, Overlords, Maesong, and The Red, the White, and the Blues. Of the four, Overlords was Rebekah's favorite (mine too), having a rather upbeat feel. The Red, the White, and the Blues was fun too, as it combined classic American songs like Yankee Doodle Dandy, America the Beautiful, and You're a Grand Old Flag with a contemporary sound and blues accents. We were able to sit in the 3rd row, just below the trombone section, which was really fun to be able to see Rebekah that close up. They sounded great, and she looked beautiful! When I asked her what was the best part about her day, she responded that it was nice to listen to a trumpet section, who cared about being in the band, and played their very best. She was among some of the best band members in the state, she being one of them. I really liked what the director, Jill Mahoney, said at the end. She told the kids that it had been a delight to work with them, and that they are the leaders in their school band, and that now they have a responsibility to go back to their schools and lead out even more. It was an exhausting, and a long day for Rebekah, but I'm glad that she had the opportunity to go and to grow from the experience. We're proud of you Rebekah!

Crazy 8's

Just for you Aubrey :) 8 favorite TV shows: 1. Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood (I miss it now that it's off the air) 2. West Wing (it always made me feel so smart to listen to those characters talk!) 3. Good Morning America! 4. Ace of Cakes 5. 6. 7. 8. 8 things i look forward to: 1. New carpet throughout the house (No, this is not an announcement) 2. A cup of hot chocolate 3. Having the front yard's landscape completed (I'm seeing some progress) 4. Getting the books at the library that are on hold 5. Getting our garden planted 6. Going to bed 7. Having uninterrupted talking time with Erik 8. Working on my family history 8 favorite places to eat: 1. Arby's 2. Outside on my back patio 3. With my family around the kitchen table 4. Carlos O'Briens 5. Panda Express 6. Mexican food 7. Place with burgers and fries 8. My Mom's!!!! (Everything tastes better when you don't have to make it yourself) 8 things on my wish list: 1. To visit every state in the United States 2. To visit Nauvoo 3. New carpet 4. Leather furniture (we have lots of allergies around here) 5. To go to the Manti Temple 6. Some new clothes 7. A waffle iron 8. A canvas painting of the Mesa Temple 8 favorite movies: 1. Sarah, Plain and Tall 2. Skylark (sequel to #1) 3. Leprechauns 4. Sabrina 5. Disney's animated Robin Hood 6. The Best Two Years 7. Supoort Your Local Sheriff 8. Special Witnesses of Christ 8 people i tag: 1. Rebekah 2. Alison J.W. 3. Nicole 4. Kate 5. Callie 6. Oh, really, I hate actually tagging people. 7. I hate providing guilt, so please, if you'd like, 8. post your favorite 8's too. Thank you.

Top O' The Morning to Ye

(A little Shamrock green from our flower garden for you.) Well, the Leprechauns have struck again, turning unsuspecting people's milk green early this morning. There was always one day in the year that Joseph would fast breakfast willingly, and this is the day. At the first sight of Leprechaun tainted milk, he would refuse to have anymore breakfast. Last year he embraced the idea of the green milk, but this year James' trepidation began. When the green milk magically appeared, and he was told that a Leprechaun had done this, he held onto my leg in fear, carefully scanning the room with his eyes for the Leprechauns themselves. His little nerves calmed down once his older brother suggested that they make a Leprechaun trap, and reminded him that Leprechauns carry around with them a pot of gold. It's St. Patrick's Day! Let the Irish merry making and mischief making begin!

Bishop Brewer

I won't say much here because most of what I would say is very personal, but I would like my friends and family to know that yesterday Erik was ordained the Bishop of our ward. Our former bishop, who served for about a year, was made our Stake President last weekend. Both Joseph and James slept through Sacrament Meeting, and never even saw their Dad leave our pew and head up to the stand. They didn't hear my testimony or their Dad's. If every Sunday is going to be like that, we ought to do just fine! Jalen Andrew, who wasn't feeling well at all yesterday, wasn't too thrilled with the new call for his Dad. He was missing his Dad pretty bad. He is, after all, a Daddy's boy. He and I wandered the halls of the church, and to every man dressed in a suit, that would pass by, Jalen Andrew would lift up his hands. They all picked him up, and held him for a little bit. I won't lie, there will be times when it will be tough not having Erik around as much to help with the family, but with all the kind "fathers" in the ward, it will all work out alright.

Still Growing

Jalen Andrew has learned successfully to walk down the stairs on his own. He holds onto the wall, but is able to walk down the steps. He also has learned some new words. I told him that I loved him, the other day, and he repeated back "Ba boo." So we sent love messages to each other over and over again. "Love you." "Ba boo." "Love you." "Ba boo." Very fun!

Brotherly Love

Yesterday somebody asked Joseph at school if Christine was going to wear a coconut bra when she performed the hula for the talent show. He told us about it at dinner last night, and the look of disgust on his face was sincere as if to say, "What an idiot! You're talking about my sister!!!" I love it. The lack of respect for each other is so intense here at home, that I have to catch hold of these glimpses of how they treat each other in public, to know how they truly feel about each other. ************************************************************************************* At the talent show assembly this morning one of the 8th grade boys who was MC-ing did come on stage wearing a grass skirt and coconut bra to announce Christine's number. It was tactless and degrading; I was actually surprised that they let him do that. The gym erupted in laughter as the kids found his get-up funny. But then, Christine's music came on, and the gym became instantly quiet. It was with grace, beauty, dignity, and poise that Christine came on stage, and the power and energy that she brought was overwhelming.

Kavahei

There are times, as a parent, when you are privileged to look at your daughter with new eyes - different eyes. Times when it matters very little if she made her bed or not that morning - Times when it really doesn't matter if she's getting an A or a B in Algebra - Times when you don't see any of the little day to day things that usually bother one so much. There are mornings when one puts on their "supportive - mother" hat, grabs the camera, and prepares to feel proud of their child. And then, in the moment, when the music starts, and she walks onto the stage, the camera is forgotten as I am transfixed with beauty and mesmerized with her steps. I've watched her dance to this song, 20? 30? hundreds of time? But today it is different. Today she is performing in front of the entire school, her teachers and her peers - and yet her stage presence goes un-faltered, as if she is completely unaware of their presence, their staring eyes. She wasn't there, you know, on a stage, in a school, in Arizona, surrounded by land. She was HOME. Home to that place that she's never visited - that place she's never lived or seen - that place that courses through her veins and lights up her mind, her spirit, her body with an energy and a passion rarely seen. She was on the islands, the waves lapping about her, the wind dancing in her brown hair. She was home. And I cried. I cried to see her at such peace. Knowing, as only a mother knows, the pain, the hurt, the insecurities that she's gone through. But none of that was there today. Today she knew who she was. Today she stood there in majesty and glory - not a person - but a nation, a culture, a people. I wept openly, happily - I'm weeping still - for the baby in my arms, the child at my side, the girl battling her mother to be an adult, my daughter, my gift from God, whom I adore and love deeply. I weep because she is still a child with much to do - high school, graduation, dating, college. And yet as she danced, she was not a child, but a woman - a woman of grace and beauty - a woman who held her head proudly as any Polynesian Princess should. Today, Christine transformed into Kavahei. Oh, how she would roll her big, brown eyes if she saw me now - crying and pouring through her baby album. Honestly I never thought I'd have this day. I was always glad to watch her grow up and move on into the next stage of life. But today, oh today, can't I hold on to yesterday? My little girl has grown! I miss her! I miss my curly headed helper girl, the one that was so strong willed that we clashed even though she was so small. I miss her 4 years from now when she'll head to college, never looking back - just like the first day she walked into kindergarten. I miss the sound of her laugh, her continuous conversation, her Hawaiian music blasting out the rest of the house; I miss her falling asleep in my arms as I rocked her in the rocking chair; I miss the years that she'll return late at night and wake me to tell me she's home (though those days haven't come yet, I know they'll come and go in the blink of an eye). Where has my little girl gone? She has vanished before my very eyes. The wind has blown, and Kavahei has danced upon it. (Photos archived from 1997)

3-11-09 Let the Process Begin Again

Erik and I have known that there is atleast one more child that needs to join our family. I've fought it a little, not because I didn't want to adopt again, but because sometimes I feel floored by how much I have to do each day. I know how much work one more person makes. This weekend, after Stake Conference, I couldn't deny the feeling anymore, and so today I took the first step to re-certifying again. It feels good.

The World is a Scary Place

The world is a scary place out there, although not for the reasons you may be thinking. First of all, there are loud jet planes that fly overhead. They make a cool sound, but when it catches you off guard, it sometimes makes a person jump. Then there is the tractor across the street, churning, churning, churning the dirt, and making a big growling sound as it goes. Then there are trains that occasionally pass by, nowhere close actually, but the strange sound drifts across the morning air, and a young mind doesn't know what to relate the sound to. He can see the planes and the tractor; we waved at the tractor and the driver as we walked past on our morning walk, but he's never seen a train - somehow he's always sleeping when we pass one. And then, there is the worst sound of all, the screeching of a bird as it glides from one tree in the yard to another. It is so loud! It is so close! And it's alive! I'm sitting on the ground weeding, enjoying the sounds around me, and the company which I'm keeping, but the bird again glides and screeches. Almost instantaneously I feel a warm, little head leaning on my back, burying itself within the comfort of someone familiar. I smile as I tell him reassuring words, and identify with words the sound that he hears. At this moment, there is nowhere else I would rather be. This is why I became a mom. It's moments like these that make all the frustration and laundry worth it. "It's okay, little man, you can lean on me for awhile. Soon you won't be afraid anymore, but until then, lean on your Mama and find comfort."(Picture archived from October 2008)

Elder Russell M. Nelson

This weekend for our Stake Conference, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles came to release our stake presidency and put in a new one. We were able to hear him speak on Saturday night, and then again on Sunday. For the Saturday night session, somehow Erik scored some soft seats, only 5 rows back, right in the center. It was really neat to be that close to Elder Nelson, and to see his facial expressions. He is a very witty man, and had us laughing quite often. But he also has a great love for his Savior, and for each one of us. That is what I noticed most, was the great love that flowed through him. Sunday we got nice hard metal chairs to sit on, but it didn't diminish at all from the feeling of being in the same room as an apostle of the Lord. It was an incredible feeling, both Saturday night and Sunday, when he walked into the room. Immediately everyone stood out of respect, and within seconds everyone was silent. It was absolutely silent. I didn't even hear any babies crying or children talking, where just moments before Elder Nelson entered, the church was full of noise as people visited with each other. Indeed our Stake Presidency was released - President Farley, President Walsh, and President Webster. They were great, and we loved them dearly (still do). Our new stake presidency will be great as well - President Williams, President Miller, and President Perkins. It was quite the shock for everyone that President Williams was called since he has only been in about a year as our Bishop, but we have no doubt that he can do it. As I don't want to misquote anyone from the meetings, I'm simply going to list a few things that meant something to me, but I won't credit their having been said by any one person. * Things that seem to matter so much, matter so little, but the eternal things matter so much. * How can the Lord bless you if you won't keep his commandments? * Christ like love is always manifested by service. * Find a need and fill it! * On enduring to the end - It would have been easier not to do it, but we kept going.

"We are the Champions!"

Christine's basketball team played their tournament games this past week and weekend. They went into Saturday's games undefeated, and left the games with the first place trophy. Their last game was against Coyote Hills, and Paseo won the game 31 to 26. It was a pretty intense game, as they were neck and neck most of the time. They were tied at the end of the game, and went into overtime. It was so intense that Joseph wouldn't watch when the "Ladie's Storm" was getting ready to shoot a basket. He would bury his face in my lap, repeating over and over again, "I can't watch! I can't watch!" But they did it! As you can imagine, they are pretty pleased with themselves right now (we, parents are quite proud too).

Snips & Snails & Puppy Dog Tails. . .

"Will you help me write my will?" Joseph asked me Monday night as we prepared to have Family Home Evening. He had forgotten to take his medication that morning so the question didn't surprise me. Obsession with death is one of his OCD tendencies. "Sure," I answered nonchalantly - best not to act surprised by such things, "but why do you need to?" "I might die tonight," he answered. "You might," I answered back, "but you probably won't. You have too many important things to still do here on Earth." He was clutching three of his stuffed animals, his puppies, Patches, Patchie, and Cutie, and had them wrapped in the blanket he got from his birth mother. "I just want to make sure that my animals are taken care of," he reported. "Oh." "When I die, can you put Patches on top of my casket? [Patches was his very first stuffed animal, and is his most beloved. "Sure," I said, "but a strong wind might blow him around, or a hawk might come and carry him off." "Oh no," he lamented, "I don't want a hawk to get him! Can you put him in the casket with me, snuggled up on my shoulder?" "Yes, of course." "And when I get resurrected will he still be there?" he wondered. "Well," I answered, "he would be decomposed by then." [We don't mince any words around here]. Joseph looked at me horrified. "Joseph," I reminded him, "you can't take Patches with you when you die . . ." "I know, I know," he interrupted, "just my family and my memories." "That's right," I added. "But I'll miss him!" he lamented. "I know," I assured, and then, "but guess what? When you're a Heavenly Father, and you get to create, I bet you'll create a real dog, just like Patches. And you won't be allergic anymore, so he'll be able to stay with you." That did it. Hope had returned. "And Cutie, and Patchie too?" he asked. "Yes, son, even them!" (left to right: Patches, Cutie & Patchie)

J-E-A-N-E-T-T-E . . . . . . . . W-I-N-S

That's right everyone, listen up, because I have set aside this particular posted space for a little bragging rights. Erik and I spent our two years of dating, at my parents' house playing Scrabble. He won all the time. I didn't let it bother me because I was in the market of making him mine. It worked. Letting him win all those games, finally paid off, and he proposed. We've spent the last (almost) 16 years playing games in the evenings. Our favorites being Scrabble, Boggle, Big Boggle, and Uno. There have been occassions, here and there, in the word games when I actually win. Doesn't happen very often, and more often than not I'm not the overall winner for all the rounds we play. We have some great friendly banter that goes on, and we don't give each other much slack (we challenge each other's words all the time). The dictionary is our friend! He just wins most of the time, and it's not that I'm not smart . . . he just knows some really funky words, and then he makes up some doosey ones too that often CAN be found in the dictionary, and then of course, there's the fact that we play at night (generally after my bedtime) and my motherly brain can't turn off enough to concentrate properly Truth be told, it's actually been a long time since we've sat down to play a game, so last night we took some time to play Scrabble. In Scrabble if you can use all of your tiles to make a word, you get an extra 50 points. I think that in all the times we've played that game, I've only ever used all of my tiles once. That's pretty pitiful odds, especially since Erik uses all of his tiles all of the time. Last night was no different. I was so excited that I had a 7 letter word on my little tile holder, but the man I'm married to, used the coveted spot on the board where I was going to lay out my word, to put his own 3 letter word. Yes, he could have put his word elsewhere, and I pointed that out to him. But no, he left it there. I finally had to dismantle my 7 letter wonder, and use it for 3 and 4 letter words instead. It was a sad time for me. Erik was fixed in his resolve though, and was not going to let my womanly guiles persuade him to just give me the extra 50 points anyway. He won. 264 to 216. Perhaps feeling a little compassion for my sadness, he offered to let me start the next game. I didn't want to, and I tried to get him to go first, but he obviously didn't like the tiles he had picked and was hoping that I would lay down some useful tiles. I, amazingly, had 6 letters, that if given enough time, I could maybe manipulate into a longer word, and had one odd-man-out tile that I didn't need. I was hoping that he would start and give me something to go on - then maybe I could actually use ALL of my tiles. But nope, he was determined that I - the loser- go first. Obnoxiously, I layed down my odd ball tile, the letter "I" in the center of the board. He laughed at my gall, and then I saw it! I could use that "I" to make a different word. Still laughing, he told me that I could use the letter "I" as my word if I wanted, but with fake irritation I snatched back my "I" tile, and announced, with much dejection (fake of course) that "No, I would make a different word, just for him." And then . . . I laid it out. S-U-L-K-I-E-R Count them. 7 letters, in deed. I got my points doubled because I had gone first, and then was given an extra 50 for using all of my letters. The shock was clearly evident on his face. The irony of the last game's near miss, and then having a 7 letter word right off the bat this game, was too funny. But that wasn't it! I went on to make two more words using all of my letters both times. L-O-V-I-N-G-L-Y and G-A-S-O-L-I-N-E. 3 words * 1 game * 150 extra points. It was a miracle! The game was nearing completion, and I had in my possession the possibility of laying out all my tiles again. I just needed an "S" strategically placed. But no dice. It didn't work out, and I finally had to dismantle the possible word. Erik began bragging that despite my amazing words, he now had more points than I. How could this happen? A stroke of luck like that, and I was still going to lose? But as I placed my final tile on the board, making a mere 4 point word, Erik exclaimed in disbelief. I had won! Erik's score? 342. My score? 343!!! To quote Erik, "UNBELIEVABLE!!!" Yes, I agree. It WAS unbelievable, but boy oh boy does victory taste sweet. Mmmm. Mmmmm! This kind of victory may not come for another 20 years, at which time I'll be 57 and he'll be almost 60. Therefore, being the good sport that he is, he agreed to pose for this picturesque moment - knowing full well that I would post it on the blog. Thanks dear. I love you! And although you are usually a WINNER in my book, last night, I'm proud to say, You were a great LOSER!!!

The Week in a Wink

It's not easy being the 2nd in command, the 2nd to come of age, the 2nd in line, the one who gets to watch her older sister have all the perks. Sorry, Rebekah. I know it feels awful, and if it's any consolation, I've been there too. It was hard for her to be happy when Christine's 3 hours produced straight hair, and Rebekah's 3 hours with Mom produced about 16 braids. It's been even harder to watch Christine flip her hair around all week, and hear all the compliments she gets from everyone. Rebekah wouldn't talk to either of us, Christine or me, for at least a day, but finally came out of that funk. For what it's worth . . . 1) Your day WILL come. 2) I think you look beautiful, and always have. You will always be my African Princess! 3) These past 11 years, your hair has always been the compliment magnet. It still is. 4) I'm proud of you for working through this, and coming to the realization on your own, that you like your hair. I do too (and it's not just because I braided it). *********************************************************************************** Jalen Andrew will now point to different body parts when prompted, namely hair, feet, hand, and belly button. He has been practicing the "fff" sound, and while I was sitting in the recliner with James, reading the other day, Jalen Andrew brought over James' shoes, and announced "fff." That's right, Jalen, the shoes go on the "feet." He has also learned a new word "bu-ball" which stands for both the basketball and the football. *********************************************************************************** We finally got the floor mopped on Monday (thanks Erik for your assistance) not that it matters much, now that Jalen Andrew insists on using utensils to eat his breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner . . . the food is everywhere. He especially likes to eat yogurt, which inevitably gets smeared all over his face, hair, clothes, etc. He is a good eater though, and likes a variety of foods. *********************************************************************************** Jalen Andrew is so funny. When I guess what he wants either by his pointing, or the different sounding noises that he makes, he immediately lays his head down on my chest, as if to say, "Okay, you know what I want, now take me there." The kids marvel sometimes that I can know him so well, when he's not really "saying" anything. I disagree. He says plenty, just not with words. Oh, by the way, he counted to 3 the other day. No, he didn't say the words "one, two, three" but the intonations and rhythm were there, and he was pointing at the animals in his book, just like I do when I read to him. What a smartie! ********************************************************************************** Out of the 3 games that the Paseo Storm Girls' Basketball team played this week, they won all 3. As of right now, they are undefeated. I feel bad that I didn't get to see any of the games, but I'll make up for it next week. ************************************************************************************ I ask, "What are you doing?" as Christine rummages through my drawer. "I don't have any white hair things!" she answers as she continues to rummage. "Well, I don't either," I begin to reply, and then stop as I realize what she meant. Not hair accessories that are the color white, but hair accessories that go in "white" (a.k.a. straight) hair. Oh! "Yeah sure, help yourself." ************************************************************************************ Erik and I both got to the Temple yesterday for Stake Temple Day. He left at 5:00 in the morning, and was able to get 3 sessions in. I left later with my friend Suzi, after the kids got home from school, and was able to do 11 initiatories. We actually saw Erik as he was leaving the Temple, and were able to take his parking spot. Good timing. I LOVE the temple. It is so peaceful there, and the answers to life's questions become so much clearer there. ************************************************************************************ There were a couple of days this week that Jalen Andrew and I spent several hours in the backyard weeding. It felt good to be out there digging in the dirt. I love it, and the yard looks so much better (if you know which spots to look at). There is still so much to do. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever catch up on everything that needs to be done: yard work, budget, laundry, cleaning, reading, etc. etc. *********************************************************************************** Following Erik's endoscopy last week, they put him on Protonix for his reflux. It worked great in helping him to be able to swallow, but left him wide awake when he should have been sleeping at night. Hes' trying out Nexium now to see if that works as well, without having to deal with the insomnia side effect. *********************************************************************************** It's ALL about James, don't you know?! He was chosen as Superstar for the week in his kindergarten class, and was able to take in pictures of himself for the bulletin board, and brought in a snack to share with the class today. I asked Mrs. Galler the other day how he was doing in class, and she said that he is her role model student. Everybody likes him. He listens, and follows directions. I just shake my head in wonder. The difference in him is astounding! *********************************************************************************** In connection with Dr. Seuss week the school librarian has given the younger grades a reading calendar for the month of March, that encourages them to read in a different way each day. One day they were to read underneath a table, another time under the covers with a flashlight, etc. In this picture they were to wear a hat while reading. I started out only reading to James, but soon Joseph came in to listen. When Jalen Andrew caught sight of what was happening, he brought his own book, climbed anxiously onto my lap, and began "reading" to himself. ***********************************************************************************