Fall Break Fun!

5 fun things we have done on Fall Break so far...

1. CONFERENCE: My sister Emily and her husband went to Utah for Conference. We got to keep her 3 kids for the weekend. It was a full house, but my kids had so much fun.

The visit did make watching conference a little harder this year. But the kids actually gathered around more than usual to name an apostle that they recognized and they wanted to listen to what they had to say. For FHE the week before, we gave the kids each a cup full of pictures of the First Presidency and the Apostles on popsicle sticks. We sang the Apostles song over and over and then quizzed each other. The kids had fun playing with their sticks all week and remembering the names. It made conference more interesting for them and since they knew more about the speakers, they wanted to hear what they said.

2. VISIT TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. We went to visit Eric at work and he gave us a short tour. The kids were so fascinated by the jail. They just couldn't believe that all the "Bad Guys" in town were right there on the 2nd floor at dads work. They asked so many questions- especially after they saw all the police vehicles in a special parking area.

3. GOING TO THE ZOO. The kids checked out each exhibit carefully to see who could spot each animal's poop first (or 'Doogan' as my kids call it). They kept shouting things like: "Oh... look at how much doogan is in his cage!" or "Look at the shape of that doogan!" Oh... the things that fascinate my children.

Liberty wanted to know the name of every animal and got so frustrated with the exhibits that did not have a sign with their name on it. She kept asking zookeepers or the animals: "What is this animals name??" Finally, Tommy answered her: "Liberty, I know how you can find out the name. In James Chapter 1 verse 5 it says: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. That giveth to all men liberally and abraideth not and it shall be given him. That means if you want to know the answer to something, all you have to do is ask Heavenly Father and he'll tell you." It made me smile and I was happy that Tommy remembered something I have taught her.

When it was time to go home, I asked the kids if they had fun and Jack said: "Are you kidding??! That was the best day of my life!"


4. CREATIVE PROJECTS. We collected rocks and made some Halloween friends. My kids love making stuff like this and play with them for hours after.


(sticking your tongue out like Liberty while working improves your painting skills)

The kids also made stepping stones for the yard. (Thank you Grandma English for the kit.)

5. BEING TOGETHER. We have had so much fun just spending time together this week. I love it when all my kids are home- And the week is not over yet.

Great work!

A couple weeks ago, Liberty was busy working on a picture at my desk. She spent so much time on it and finally came out with the picture behind her back and told me she made a surprise for me. She proudly held out the picture and the first thing I noticed was that it was decorated with the roll of postage stamps that was sitting at my desk. I reacted to the stamps, raised my voice and explained to her why that was wrong. I didnt even acknowledge her hard work and art. Then, her bottom lip stuck out and she started to cry. She said: "You hurt my feelings." and "You made my heart sad!" Then ran to her room.

I felt so bad. In a year from now, will those postage stamps really matter? Or will her feelings be the things she remembers? Really, in perspective, the stamps are a small thing when compared to my daughter. I should have praised her picture first and explained later about the stamps.

So, last night when Liberty came in from playing outside and said "Mom, I made you something outside. Come see!" I didnt react to the permanent marker all over the stucco on the front of the house. I hugged her and praised her work. (But made sure to explain later about not doing that again.)

It's Just a Booger...

For several days now, Liberty has said: "Mom, I cant breath out of this nose!" (Pointing to her right nostril). Being the good mom that I am, I kept telling her to go blow her nose and she would be fine and didn't give it anymore attention. After several days of her whining about her nose, I finally decided to take a look. I tilted her head back, thinking I would find a big booger, and saw something fluorescent green instead shoved up in her nostril. Since I couldn't reach it, I told her to blow as hard as she could this time. She blows and an airsoft BB comes shooting out of her nose. Wow! I would have hard time breathing with that in my nose too! Why did she put that up there anyway?? Man, I felt bad for ignoring it for so many days. How uncomfortable.

Happy Birthday Jack!

Jack wanted a Pokemon birthday this year. It was a fun theme. Just when I think Jack has enough Pokemon things, he asks for more. I guess you "gotta catch 'em all!" Here are some of the Pokemon pictures from his party.

The Party Masks...

The Birthday Cake...

New Pokeball...

Jack's other birthday request this year was cousins. And that made it fun for everyone. Harris, Kimball and Abby came for a sleepover and it was so much fun. My kids idolize them and they were sooo excited to have them come. Even though they are much older than my kids, they play so cute together and my kids love them as though they were siblings. Jack said this made it his best birthday ever.

the sleepover. ..

Grandma English also came for a visit and brought more cousins and that was also a treat!

Both Grandma's contributed to Jack's gaming collection so he is in heaven and busy with his new games.

Happy 7th Birthday Jack!

For Grandma, continued...

More Article of Faith #10.

(Don't mind the Oreo's on her lips and teeth.)

For Grandma

The kids are doing a great job learning the Articles of Faith this year. It has been one of their goals for 2008. Grandma Farley has all the grandkids pass them off to her. She has a big chart to keep track of all 29 grandkids and the ones they have passed off. My kids are always so excited to call Grandma & Grandpa the minute they have it memorized. They love the praise, the fancy award letter and the dollar they get for each one. This month, they are learning the 10th Article of Faith. I think it is my favorite because I love hearing the kids say all those big words (you should hear Liberty sing 'paradisiacal' and all the other adult phrases- I'll post it when the girls are ready). Jack is ready to pass off #10, mom, so this is for you...

Rescue at the Pool

After many trips to the pool, I thought I could relax a little and read a book last time we went swimming. Afterall, the kids are much better swimmers now... okay, only Jack can swim, but the girls are less afraid of the water and I thought they could touch the bottom everywhere in the shallow end.....

So, we went to the pool after school last week, the kids jumped in and I set up under an umbrella with my sunflower seeds and a book. While I was reading, Liberty made her way to the opposite side of the pool to play on the steps. A toy she was playing with floated out of her reach and she jumped in after it, where she could not touch the bottom or make it back to the side. I look over and Liberty is struggling completely under the water. I started screaming her name to get the attention of the employee standing closer to her, as I ran to the other side of the pool. Fully dressed, I stepped onto the pool steps, still 10 feet away from her, and slipped with my slick flip flops, and fell into the pool, slicing my toes open on something. It was quite the sight- daughter needs rescuing and suddenly mom does too. (I'm sure I would make a great life guard) So, I tried to get up, catch my balance and get over to her, but the employee beat me to her- boy, was I glad he was there. He pulls her out, coughing and crying, and men working-out behind the glass wall overlooking the pool come out to comment on the situation. With my clothes soaking wet, my foot all bloody from my fall, Liberty crying on my lap and an audience around me, I start filling out the "incident papers" from the clubhouse. Jack looks up and says "Mom, why are you wet?" He missed the whole thing.

So... my girls need swim lessons. And maybe I need a lesson or two in "saving your drowning daughter from the pool" or just "how not to be so clumsy."