Why I wore pants to church on Sunday

Some Mormon feminists encouraged Mormon women to wear pants to church last Sunday in support of the Mormon feminist movement. After much reflection, I decided to wear my nicest slacks instead of a skirt to church. I didn't do it because I want women to be ordained to the Priesthood. I also don't feel unequal to men in the church. I don't have an inferiority complex and I do fully sustain my church leaders and have a strong testimony of the gospel. Wearing slacks goes against Mormon culture, but not Mormon doctrine, plus, I love my slacks!

There were two main reasons that I chose to wear slacks instead of a skirt:

1) I support people being different, especially those who are different in a Mormon culture that too often emphasizes uniformity. I believe there is lots of room for all sorts of people, especially in the church. Liberals, conservatives, gays, democrats, republicans, homeschoolers, working moms, stay-at-home moms, people with mental disabilities, the poor, the rich, women who wear pants to church and those who choose to wear a skirt. Which leads to...

2) We should not be as judgmental as we sometimes are. We are all at different places in our progression, and that is okay, in fact, it is to be expected. I hope that all who come to our church feel welcome, whatever their manner of dress. It so happened that there were 3 women investigators who attended our ward in pants, and I was glad that they weren't the only ones not wearing a skirt.

Will I wear slacks go church again? Probably not. I think I can show the most respect and draw the least amount of attention to myself in a nice skirt. But I will definitely think twice before judging others because of the choices that they make, whatever they may be.

Ballet

Today Elise had her two performances of "The Nutcracker". Oh my. It was incredible! And she did so well! I'll have to let her tell more about it, and post pictures when I get them.

Tonight my story is about the wonderful community at Elise's ballet studio. Last June I suggested to Elise that she pray with her class members before they performed, and after the performance I asked her if she had done it. She said she didn't get the chance, because one of the older girls invited her to pray with them.

Again this evening I asked her if she had the chance to pray before she performed, and she had--with her onstage family (in the party scene), by suggestion of her "mother", who truly is a wonderful mother. I love that prayer and faith and kindness are such important parts of the atmosphere at our studio. I hope we can find another such studio when we move!

Laughter & tender mercies

For as long as I can remember I have absolutely hated to be laughed at. Even in good fun or silly teasing. I still cringe when my parents or brothers bring up embarrassing things that happened nearly 20 years ago. Or when I mis-speak and the kids giggle--it just rubs me wrong. I can't explain it, and I don't like it, but there it is. Stephen always laughs at himself (as do the rest of us), and the kids laugh at themselves (usually). But for some reason I have a really hard time laughing at me.

So today I said something like, "Bring it in to the computer" when I meant to say, "bring the computer to the table". And the kids giggled, because Mommy did something silly. I totally expected to feel annoyed, but you know what? I laughed! And I meant it! I wasn't bothered by it at all!

I justly attribute that little tender mercy to the Lord softening my heart. These last few weeks I have made a concerted effort to roll out of bed and land on my knees--before I get babies up, before I check my phone, before I ever get on my feet--and say a meaningful prayer. For as long as I can remember I haven't missed my night-time prayer, but for some reason the personal morning prayer has remained elusive. But not any more. I've also made sure that I read my scriptures as part of my morning activities. If I can't get to it because I sleep in too long, I'm sure to do it at breakfast (which usually leads to the older kids pulling out their scriptures, too--not a bad gig!). And doing the little things really makes a difference in my life--and consequently in the lives of my family and in the atmosphere of my home.

I'm so grateful for the big blessings I receive when I do the little things.

Random snippets of my life

George (the she-gerbil) escaped again. This makes the 9th time. And Nancy has gotten out twice now (if you count this very moment). Guess where I found George this morning? If you guessed under my bed at 5 a.m., you would be right. Oh, how I hated to tell Stephen! He kind of hates the gerbils anyhow, but still the wonderful, wonderful man caught her--twice, since I dropped her when he handed her off. Oops.

You want to know what else? The lady at the pet store today told me I was lucky that she went under my bed and not out to the garage. Lucky?? A rodent is under my bed and I am lucky?!?! 

***

While sitting in the car with the babies while the older kids were in ballet the other day (big breath--that was a long introduction!), I realized that a part of me will miss car seats in a few years. It is nice to put the little ones somewhere and know that they can't get away.

***

My dream house is going to have some white board walls. Then it will always be okay to draw on the walls. Doesn't that sound fun?

***

Church callings aren't always about who will do the best job--sometimes they are about what a certain person needs to grow. We have the opportunity to let others learn on our time--just as we are learning on theirs. That thought helps me be a little kinder and more understanding, to my kids and to others around me.

***

This last Monday was kind of a horrible day. The kind that makes me want to move to Australia. Someone was whining all day long. And I was grumpy and rushed and kept hurrying the kids from thing to thing. Tuesday was as good as Monday was bad. I'm pretty sure me getting up early and reading my scriptures and praying had something to do with it. I think the babies were as whiny as ever, but I was so much better equipped to handle it.

Also, we didn't go anywhere. It was wonderful. I had time to have bad, good and great moments with my kids--not just the bad hurry-get-in-the-car-I-TOLD-YOU-10-MINUTES-AGO-TO-GET-READY moments of rushed days. Wednesday, Thursday & Friday were also pretty awesome. Sometimes I need to scale back our activities so we can just be home together. And read my scriptures. And pray.

QOTD--Lincoln

Lincoln has taken to answering "Yes, Sir!" when I ask him things. For example,

Me: "Lincoln, do you want a quesadilla for lunch?"

Lincoln: "Yes, SIR!"

***

Me: "It's time to clean up!"

Lincoln: "Yes, SIR!"

He's also picked up a bad habit of mine...when he sees something extraordinary or out of place, he says,

"What the heck?"

QOTD (last Sunday)

In Primary on Sunday Sammy's teacher was talking about searching, pondering and praying to receive answers. She started telling about a 14-year-old boy who had a question so he searched the scriptures, pondered what he should do and then went to pray in a grove of trees near his house. She asked, "What do you think happened?"

Sammy shot his hand into the air (which is unusual for him--usually he likes to think of an answer first), and when he was called on, paused for a moment in thought, and then said,

"Joseph Smith went into the forest and prayed to ask what church was true. He prayed in the forest and a pillar of darkness came around him and then he saw two Personages in a pillar of light! And one said to the other, "This is my Beloved Son, hear Him." Jesus said none of the churches were true, so he joined none of the churches. Read on in the scriptures!"

(Here is the link, if you are so inclined to do as Sammy suggested)

More choreography

Here is what Elise looked like close up--she made those hair ribbons herself! She is the music box dancer in the song.

Here is her dance:

And here is her with her award for the best choreography!

She's got...Choreography!

As part of summer ballet (let's face it--when we move we won't buy a house until we find a ballet studio. Then we'll buy a house next door to the studio) Elise participated in a choreography workshop. She practiced her piece for hours and hours and had feedback from different instructors and her peers. This is her solo piece:

I was so good--I had the tripod all set up with the camera ready to go...I was enjoying the performance when Mason kept talking to me. I kept shushing him until I realized he was telling me that I hadn't pushed "record". Duh. So you don't get all of her dance. Sorry.

Elise's primary talk

If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

One day my Mom, brothers, and I  were at Target shopping for clothes in the girls section. There was a big picture  close to the ceiling where everybody in the store could see it. The picture was of an immodest girl who looked about 13 and she was only wearing a bra and underwear.  I thought about my little brothers standing by it, so I took my brothers over to a rack full of clothes away from the picture, and we played hide-and-go-seek in it. Later, I thought about what I had seen in the picture. One night I was talking to my Mom about it, and she said I should write a letter to Target. I was a bit nervous at first, and I had to go through five pieces of paper to get it right and perfect. Then I brought it to activity days and had all of the girls sign it. Then we sent it off to Target.

Every time you see something bad you should tell a parent,  If you see your friend being immodest, you can tell your friend that you think they should wear something that covers them more.

I know some times it is really hard and sometimes you feel too scared to tell your parents about it. Just be bold and tell them about it, or ask your friend to stop.

My mom always turns off the radio when there is bad music, and we always cover the screen and mute the computer whenever there is a bad commercial when we are watching a show. I know that if you are good and do good things that are pleasing to Heavenly Father then you will be happy.

Sammy's primary talk

I know that we should look at good things and spend our time on good things.

13th Article of Faith

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

It's good to watch General Conference

It's good to look at pictures of family or Jesus

It's good to listen to tape stories about prophets

If we watch, look at, or listen to good things, then the spirit stays with us, and we feel good.

It's bad to watch commercials or movies with killing and bad stuff

It's bad to look at pictures with people that are immodest or naked

It's bad to listen music with swear words in it

If we watch, look at, or listen to bad things, then we break our covenants, the spirit goes away, and it makes us feel bad.

I know that Jesus Christ is real. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. I know this church is the true church of Jesus Christ.

Why I do what I do

"To be a righteous woman during the winding-up scenes on this earth, before the Second Coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman's strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times. She has been placed here to help to enrich, to protect, and to guard the home--which is society's basic and most noble institution. Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help to save the home, which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife."

The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 326-27

Random life happenings

I'll let the pictures tell the stories of the week...

Me practicing Elise's doll makeup for her performance in a couple of weeks

Lincoln was rocking (hard) on his rocking moose and tipped backwards into our window seat. Ouch.

Every day the kids go to the garden and collect veggies for faces. Then they put the face pieces in the fridge...it's a little surprising to open the fridge and see limp chives and basil leaves.

Lincoln LOVES shoes. Especially my high heels. I really need to pull out the boy dress-up!

The kids and I have been playing Monopoly over the last couple of weeks. It's hilarious to play with the kids because of the high drama that goes along with losing money. The kids really look out for each other--whoever had the most money would slip 100 bucks to someone who just lost money. Once Mason sold a property to Elise for $1 because she really wanted it. They love to get houses and hotels, but always knock the rental price down for each other. But not for me. :)

This evening we heard Sammy calling out, "Help, help!!!" We found him face down on the garage floor...pinned up in a box. This is after Stephen picked him up and brushed him off. Sometimes I wonder what is going on in his head!

My sweet Sammy

Mason and Sammy have been doing pre-ballet this summer (it's free for boys) and have really enjoyed it. They are doing it because it is free, but I think that Mason would really enjoy tap. He has the energy and the rhythm and I think he'd have a great time. I told him that if I could get another piano student this fall that I'd sign him up.

Sammy just came up to me and in his sweet voice asked, "If I take piano lessons could Mason take tap?"

Me: "I need a paying student so that I can pay for tap."

Sammy: "Well, how much does it cost?"

Oh, my sweet, sweet boy!!!

The strength of the Lord

Several thoughts and experiences have come together for me over the last couple of days. I'm reading the book of Mormon in The Book of Mormon, where Mormon is describing the awfulness of the Nephites as they battle with the Lamanites. In Mormon 3:3 he says that, "...they did not realize that it was the Lord that had spared them....And behold they did harden their hearts against the Lord their God." And then, in verse 9, "...they began to boast in their own strength..." From the time that they relied on their own strength they were beaten and, in not many years, destroyed.

Contrast that with Zeniff in the book of Mosiah, where he says, "Yea, in the strength of the Lord did we go forth to battle....And God did hear our cries and did answer our prayers; and we did go forth in his might."

And again in Alma, "...in that selfsame hour that they cried unto the Lord for their freedom, the Lamanites began to flee before them."

So, back to me...because we all know it's all about me, right? :)

Stephen is gone at a conference (in Boston--wish I was there!) for 5 days. Have I mentioned that I need Stephen? I need his sense of humor and easy-going-ness and everlasting patience...and I need him to tuck the kids in at night, because, frankly, I'm pretty much fried by bedtime. This is his first trip away from home since Trevor has been born, and I've been pretty worried about how I would react to so much kiddo time with no breaks. Pretty sure that Stephen was a tad bit worried, too.

Well, I read the scriptures in Mormon in the morning on the day that he left. I realized that if I tried to do this weekend relying only on my own strength (or lack thereof), I was doomed to fail. But, and this is a very big 'but' (don't laugh at that ridiculous phrase, k?) I didn't have to do it alone. Oooooh, aaaaaaah, ding! Ah-ha!

I DON'T HAVE TO GO IT ALONE.

I'm pretty sure that intellectually I knew that fact, but it really hit me hard when I actually understood it--when it became relevant to me and my situation.

So this weekend I've made a point to pray earnestly every morning for me and my kids. I've done better with reading the scriptures in the mornings. And you know what? I have been amazing (if I do say so myself). I have had patience and haven't lost it by bedtime. I've kept a reasonably tidy house, made meals, run errands--all the normal stuff--and been patient through it all...even bedtime! It truly is a miracle.

I'm pretty sure that I can't keep it up (oh me of little faith!), but Stephen will be home soon, so when I slip up (which I include in my self-improvement plans), it will be okay. This weekend I needed this particular miracle. "And God did hear [my] cries and did answer [my] prayers."

So when I feel alone and at the end of my rope, I just need to rely on Someone who is a lot stronger than me. Because He really does care about my little family. Isn't that a wonderful thought?

Random snippets 7.22.12

Mason is very quick to apologize. Sometimes he's so fast that you aren't through being upset with him before he says "sorry".

***

Over the last couple of months I've turned the laundry over to Elise. She does a great job!

Saturday night I was downstairs and noticed that there were wet clothes in the dryer. I'd reminded Elise several times earlier in the day to be sure to start the dryer, so when I saw the wet clothes I sighed in aggravation and started to call to her in an annoyed voice. I checked myself, however, and scolded myself out loud for getting upset with my 10-year-old who does all the laundry. Still out loud, I said, "Elise is amazing. How can you get upset over something like this???"

I was glad I talked out loud to myself, because when I turned around Elise was standing there with her head hanging down. I apologized, gave her a hug and told her how wonderful she is. Because she is.

***

Lincoln calls Sammy, "Mommy", so the other day when we were all hanging out in the living room together, I decided to try to teach him to say "Sammy".

Me: Can you say 'sssssssssssss' like a snake?

Lincoln: Ssssssssssssssssss

Me: Good! Try this 'Ssssssssssssss...ammy'

Lincoln: Ssssssssssssss...mommy'!

***

Saturday I taught Elise how to make strawberry jam--and she did a batch all on her own! She was super proud of herself. At the same time (don't know what I was thinking!) I taught Mason how to make pizza/spaghetti/whatever sauce. I tell you what--fresh basil makes the sauce! Mason was really proud of himself, too.

I must say, I was quite proud of myself, too, because I was relaxed and even had fun through all the chaos! Dinner was a little late, but the trade off (of having fun together) was well worth it.

***

Lately Sammy has been disappearing downstairs for hours at a time. When he comes upstairs he always has a new creation to show me. Yesterday he made a marble game out of recycling salvaged from our bin. He gave it to our neighbor for her third birthday.

TD in the tub-ish

Trevor needed a bath after dinner...many long years ago, my friend Michell introduced me to sink baths...

Cheerios

Trevor got the Cheerios out last night. He was having so much fun, and they were already all over...I let him play for awhile while I did the dishes...

...and when I turned around, he had moved on to other open cupboards!

Lincoln's first haircut!

I think I've trimmed it before, but today I took about an inch of curl off--a little more in the back. Sorry, Mom, I couldn't wait until September! I mean, really--look at that party in the back!

Random life snippets

Being sick and having to stay home from church results in my doing my family history...aka, blogging. This is the third Sunday in a row that my family hasn't been together at church! First Elise, Sammy & Lincoln had hand, foot & mouth. Stephen stayed home with them because I was playing organ that day. I left Trevor, too, because it is difficult to play the organ with a wiggly 7-month-old. Last Sunday Mason had hand, foot & mouth, so I stayed home with him and Trevor. Today I am sick, so kept the baby home with me. Yeeha.

Anyhoo, here's the fun we've been having!

We passed 100,000 miles on the van! It's all that driving to ballet and back...

I love walking in on scenes like this:

Here is my sweet baby Trevor! Yesterday we discovered that his two bottom middle teeth have come in! That explains the fussiness the last few days...

Sometimes I get preoccupied doing other things and so the 2-year-old has to step in and take care of other important responsibilities.

Lincoln is pretty sure that if he can't see me, I can't see him...with his binky in his mouth. Sometimes he walks through the kitchen covering his eyes so that I won't notice that he has his binky off of his bed. 

Um...maybe I need to get some more boy dress up in our dress-up chest!

This kid is just CUTE!! His hair is getting so long that he has to brush it out of his eyes now. This morning Elise combed his hair and put a bobby pin in it to keep the hair away from his eyes. He wasn't very happy with me when I took it out. :) It curls so beautifully when it is humid out!

Independence Day

Independence Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. Growing up we always had a huge party at the farm, ending with the big Corvallis fireworks display over the Willamette River. I love fireworks! The booming and colors and oohs and aahs just make me happy. And since my birthday is the 5th of July, I always say that the fireworks celebrate my birthday early.

We started the day off with a flag-raising ceremony, pancake breakfast and bike ride (long for me, around the parking lot for the kiddos) at the church.

Aren't their t-shirts awesome??? Mason wanted to "hand salute" the flag, so chose to wear his Scout uniform instead of his flag shirt. I went on a 16-mile bike ride just before the breakfast. It was very fun!

In the evening we had some friends come over for a BBQ. The highlight of the evening was when we read the Declaration of Independence together. I printed off 6 or so copies and highlighted different parts on each copy, so we read it like a reader's theater. Some of the parts we all read together. It was really nice to remember why we celebrate July 4th. 

I told the kids that I had $20 to spend on fireworks, and with the money they chipped in we had a pretty good fireworks display! I was pleasantly surprised at how good the fireworks were! I remember them being pretty lousy when I was a kid.

Mason, of course, was more interested in learning about how the fireworks work than actually watching them. It was kind of hilarious--as soon as he would light one, he'd walk away and sometimes not even pay attention to it! The kids in the top left corner are singing "Christmas, Christmas" while waving their sparklers around the little tree in the front--which they decorated with flowers from the backyard.

*Trevor actually was part of all these events...there is just no photographic evidence of that fact*

One of those people

When I grow up, I want to be the kind of person who others can call when someone needs help. You know, the Janell Watsons or Brenda Paynters or Cailynn Brinkerhoffs of the world--those marvelous women you can always count on to have charity and do the dirty work with a cheerful and a non-judgmental heart.

At church I'm the compassionate service leader, meaning that it is my calling to have and show charity. From setting up rides to chemo to recruiting for housework for invalids to arranging meals for new moms, I'm the go-to person when someone has a need in the ward. It's a calling I hope I'm growing into.

Tonight I had the experience of going into someone's home who doesn't have much. What a humbling experience. I've never been without food--and some to spare. Never.

This woman has a teenage son and an infant daughter. Her husband just went home to their home country. She was working and going to school, but with such a little baby and complications from her cesarean, is home recovering. She is all alone with a newborn baby and a teenage son and no income. She can't nurse her baby because of the medications she is on as a result of the delivery complications.

I have a confession: I am on WIC. A few months ago, after over-spending on our food budget for many months, and beating myself up about it every. single. month., I prayed and pondered and talked to people I trust (particularly my Dad, because I inherited my distrust of government from him) and took the plunge into government assistance.

It wasn't an easy decision for me. I've looked into it every year since we started back to school--so since 2008. I'd review my decision to stay away from government programs annually, and until this year, couldn't bring myself to do more than look into them.

But now I'm one of "those" people. The kind who suck government resources while talking on their cell phones. The kind who make you stand in the checkout line forever. The kind who has so many children you think I'm irresponsible.

Only...I'm not.

And really, whose place is it to judge? Do the people in line behind me, impatiently tapping their toes, know my situation? Do they know that I'm a darn good mom who just needs a little help right now? That my kids will grow up and be amazing contributors in society? Do they know that I shop at thrift stores, but mostly rely on clothing I squirreled away during our seven years of plenty? That I hate the shame of receiving help from the government? Do they even need to know those things? 


At what point do we stop judging and start being kind?

At the store the other day I was filling a bunch of WIC vouchers, and it was taking forever. I was blushing and feeling so ashamed as the line grew behind me. I apologized to the man behind me and he said, "Don't worry, honey, I'm retired! I could stand here all day!" Oh, bless you, kind man!

So next time you are waiting in the grocery line and are unfortunate enough to be stuck behind someone like me...think of me. Think of this struggling woman, doing her best to make ends meet. Think of how you would want someone to treat your own daughter.

The world can use more people like Janell Watson, Brenda Paynter and Cailynn Brinkerhoff. When I grow up, that is my goal!

Sammy's primary talk

Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

I’ve been doing things for Mason when he was sick. I filled up the water bottle for him because Dad didn’t do it—I just noticed it would be something to do, so I did it! And I’ve still been helping out. It makes him feel good. I like to help out because he feels sick, and I like to do it.

I know Jesus Christ is the Savior. I know he can help you like you can help others.

QOTD

Sammy: "Chickens are pinned to the silliness board in my head. They're just pinned there!"

In which Claire does a Very Brave Thing

Stephen had his comprehensive exams spread out over 3 days last week, so he is taking today and tomorrow off. It's so fun to have him home! We worked hard all day Saturday--moving wood chips, mowing the lawn, gardening...the weather was perfect and we had such a great time!

BUT--on to the Very Brave Thing...


The reward for the kids filling up their marble jar this time was going out for breakfast. Today was the day! We had a delicious breakfast at IHOP...

...and afterwards talked with the waitresses (no, IHOP doesn't offer field trips in their kitchen), followed by watching some workers across the street. It was pleasantly breezy, and I was admiring Lincoln's lovely locks when I noticed something. Something that I hoped wasn't what I thought it was. 


But IT WAS. 


IT WAS A TICK. 


ON MY BOY. 

Shiver. Shiver shiver shiver. Gag. Bleh. Eew. Don't panic! Breathe. It's okay. 


And here is the Very Brave Thing that I did: I pulled that tick out. 


I calmly went to the car, got out the first aid kit and pulled that nasty bugger off. It hadn't quite stuck it's head in (though I was prepared for that), but did pull off some skin as it desperately clung to my boy's scalp. And then I crushed it. 


I didn't throw up. I didn't panic. But shiver. Shiver shiver shiver. Eew!!!!!

Elise is turning 10!

We wish you could make it!

Memorial Day

For FHE tonight we--being the 3 older kids, Stephen, my mom and SIL Marni--shared memories about my grandma, whom my kids call "Mormor".

I remember that when I was a teenager I used to love to make chocolate chip cookies, well, I liked to mix them up and eat the dough, but absolutely hated putting them on the cookie sheets! Grandma would always do it for me. One year she found a neat contraption that made putting the dough on the sheets easier, and bought it for me. And always canning with her. She always helped me--and often did it for me!

Stephen remembered that she always remembered that he liked root beer, and so whenever we would go and visit she would have a case of it in the downstairs refrigerator just for him. She'd push it on him (not a hard sell!) and send it home with us. Mom remembered that Grandma even sent it with her when she would come and visit us in Portland.

Grandma always remembered little things like that. She would make 3 different kinds of potato salad so that everyone could have what they liked best. Mom said that one time she mentioned to Grandma that she liked her milk room temperature, so Grandma would pour a glass an hour before dinner and let it sit on the counter so that Mom could have it just how she liked it.

Elise was pretty choked up, so we skipped her until she could talk.

Mason remembered getting pushed by Mormor on the Peach Place carts. (this picture is from 2007)

Sammy remembered her giving the 3 older kids quarter books and all the state quarters to fill them. That's actually the last activity they got to do with her.

Marni remembered that just after she and Scotty were married they needed a few more household supplies and she mentioned that she was going to go buy some tin foil. Grandma told her to come with her, and took her down to the garage and loaded her up with tin foil, napkins, saran wrap and other stuff like that. Marni said that she and Scotty still haven't had to buy tin foil!

Lincoln was just over a year when Grandma passed away, but he was the only one who came to the funeral with me. I was pregnant with Trevor when Lincoln and I flew out for the funeral, and I like to think that Grandma got to be with Trevor for a little while before he came to earth. I'm certain that she is close to my family still. Sometimes I just feel like she is near me, cheering me on through the rough days.

Elise pulled herself together and said that she used to love playing barbies and dolls with Mormor. They would dress them and undress them and have so much fun together. Elise cried the most (not counting me or Mom) because she knew her the longest.

We love you, Grandma!

My handsome boys

I'm home from church with Trevor and his cold today, but snapped some photos of my other boys before they left for church. Lincoln picked out his clothes this morning--I didn't realize he chose the same thing that Stephen was wearing until after he was all dressed! He insists on carrying his scriptures, just like the other kids.

I have to brag a little...both Mason's suit and Sammy's jacket (and both ties and pairs of shoes...and possibly the white shirts...) were thrift store finds. I love my Value Village!

Mason is getting baptized!

Trevor

Love this baby!!

He and Lincoln have adjusted to each other and both are sleeping through the night. Can I just say that I LOVE SLEEP!!!

Elise

I don't seem to get as many pictures of Elise as I do of the younger boys.

Hopefully this is going to be our "Empty Tomb Easter Garden"...I'll post pictures if it turns out how it is supposed to.

She is really enjoying playing the piano. Here she's with Sammy, Lincoln and Johanna

We went to the Como Zoo & Conservatory a few weeks back. You wouldn't believe the weather we've been having! Sunny and in the 70s! I'll take it!

Sammy

Sammy just turned 6 years old!!

Never was a boy so excited! A few days earlier we went to the thrift store and found lots of goodies for him. I even scored a bike off of freecycle a few months ago, and after Stephen pumped up the tires it was good to go. I love how exciting birthdays are--just knowing that it is YOUR day makes even the most mundane things fun. Sammy got to choose his birthday dinner, and he chose baked veggies--specifically asparagus, potatoes and yams with homemade bread, butter and jam, "Because I wanted to choose something good for my body."

Sammy is such an incredible helper with Trevor. When I ask him to help he never deserts his post until I relieve him--even if Trevor is fussy and won't be happy.

Painting on a beautiful day

Mason

Mason snuggling with Trevor

How Mason cleans his room...

Meet Cassini, the spacecraft currently orbiting Saturn (notice Saturn on the table next to him? When the orange started to stink and drip juice I made him throw it out.). Mason is determined that he is going to create spacecraft using tinfoil and cardboard and then sell them based on their size. He has also made a model of the Messenger, the spacecraft orbiting Mercury. I'm not quite sure who is going to buy these incredible works of art...I'm not sure a "Spacecraft Stand" would do quite as well as a lemonade stand...but I did just buy him his own roll of tin foil, and you have never seen such a grateful boy!

He took off his front wheel after it finally popped...

And perhaps what makes me the most excited: He has discovered books! Not just product manuals, but STORY books! Hooray! He just finished "The Last Battle" in The Chronicles of Narnia.