A Family Affair

We rented a front loader and went to town on our back yard. In just two days Dave transformed our sloped yard into two levels: one for patio and the other for yard. I was quite impressed and as you can see the kids had quite a good time.

There is nothing quite as much fun as a mountain of dirt in your very own backyard. The kids climbed and climbed. Even Miles joined in the fun. In fact he was so enamored with his construction, machine wielding, dirt moving Dad, he wanted Dave to hold him all weekend. He could not help but look at him with adoration. It was the first " my dad is cool," moment.

Max went through a new pair of pants about every 45 minutes and I just gave up on Miles, but learned diapers can hold a lot of dirt too. Our beige carpet took a beating anytime Max decided to walk in dirt caked pants, shirt, and body into our house. I finally made a rule that no one could enter the house with out my express permission. With my poor kids camped by the back door, I'd here the first quiet and to increasingly loud request, "Can we come in the house yet?" They'd strip down by the door, take the clothes to the laundry room, and change. With in five minutes all would be back outside dirtying another outfit. It's alright, I've decided that laundry is a hobby. As with most of my hobbies, they are neglected!

First Day of School (a little late)

Although the first day of school was a about a month ago, I have not yet shared the details of the very important day. This is our most important first day of school yet--Amelia went to Kindergarten. I feel like she has been ready for two years, so now she is super ready. Dave, being the cute and fabulous Dad he is, went to Target (where he never goes) and picked out all of Amelia's special school supplies. Even a pink back pack, Hello Kitty lunch box, and a pink water bottle.


I felt like I missed out a little on the whole first day experience. Amelia drove with her Daddy and I followed. However I could not find parking on the very busy first day. So I came late with Max and Miles in tow. School had already started and the parents were already being ushered out of the classroom. I gave my sweet daughter a quick hug and kiss and was off. I was reassured because we feel great about her school and know that she is anxious to learn.

In fact just 3 weeks into school and Amelia's teacher is giving her difficult addition and subtraction and has taught her the principle of multiplication. We were listening to classical music on the way home and Amelia said, "I love this. It makes me think of people on their tip toes. I can picture it like a movie in my head." I love that my kids are curious and love to learn. (parental bias may be included in any and all comments)

Max had his first day of school too. He is in Pre-K. Where he plays with the big kids. Max's new favorite thing he got upon entering school is a watch. He loves to tell us what time it is and especially what we do and do not have time for. It was a busy morning and he asked if we could go ride his bike at the park and I, in true mom fashion replied, "Max, I don't think we have time." To this his immediate response was, as he looked at his watch, "Yes, we do have time." And he was right. We did have time to ride his bike.

A Weekend Away at Conference

In the darkest part of my first trimester Dave had an interview with the relief society president of our ward and somehow after talking about the needs of the sisters, she agreed to watch our kids while we went to Utah for Conference. I don't know if came about due to Dave's plea for some time alone or rested under the mantel of her calling to succor the needs of the sisters in the ward. Either way, I did not complain or ask too many questions. I just took all parties at their word and enjoyed.

Finally the day arrived and we were off. Well, after arranging rides from school for all kids, packing clothes, medicine, pillows, special blankets, familiar snacks, sleeping bags and signing our first will (a little morbid) we drove to the airport. I was exhausted.

We arrived in Salt Lake just in time for a lovely walk on a warm fall night and enjoy a quiet dinner. The next morning we woke early from habit and took tracks for the first session of conference. Due to the warm weather from the night before neither of us brought a coat. Less than 12 hours later, the lovely warm fall day metamorphosed to cold, dark, and raining. We arrived wet to the conference center--no coat and no umbrella.

Saturday was dedicated to conference. From morning to afternoon to priesthood, Dave and I quietly shared and listened. Watching at the conference center helped me to have more focus and clarity. I was able to take notes and have the spirit teach me about what I must do. Simply more. More prayer. More listening to the spirit. More teaching with my wonderful children. More consecration to the gospel.

Sharing this with my husband, feeling the spirit together, talking, having full detailed conversations over wonderful food was just what we needed. In our busy lives it is easy to forget, but conference is the perfect time to remember. Sharing it quietly with Dave I loved remembering together. Talking together. Eating together.