Family Home Evening

Last night Paul suggested we have some fun for Family Home Evening. After a difficult dinner and a contentious ride to the ball field, we finally had some fun. On the way home we reflect upon the fact that when we work together as a family we have fun, and we are happy. When we argue and disobey, we don't have fun, and we are sad. Good lesson. I'm glad I didn't make Paul turn the van around when things continued to go badly. 

We're number 1!

Leah and Luke looked so cute running the bases. Unfortunately, Luke tripped just as I was taking the "cute picture." It made a nice action shot though!

That would be a strike Luke.

I'm not sure what look Leah was going for. Tennis player, cheerleader, gardner (that is a garden glove she is wearing). She was also wear flip flops, but quickly ditched those and went barefooted.

Night time prayers

As most well know, Luke LOVES trains. He loves Thomas the Tank Engine and his favorite story is Tootle. Tonight his prayer went like this:

"Heavenly Father. Thank Thee for my family. Thank Thee for the people in the hospital. (His way of asking for Heavenly Father to bless the sick.) Please bless Thomas. Please help him be safe. Please help him 'stay on the rails no matter what.' In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen." 

If you have read Tootle before, you will have recognized the phrase. If not, you should definitely find the book so you can appreciate how much my son loves trains. This is a very long book for a little kid to sit through, but Luke loves every line of it. 

Kindergarten art

By Leah

Leah's 6th

For several years now Leah has asked for an electric guitar. We decided childhood is the time to plant seeds for future endeavors. She is now the very proud owner of a Squire Mini Strat by Fender. It came with a white pick guard, but Paul customized it with pink. SWEET!

Yes, it is a basketball going through the hoop. Leah loves basketball. Well, the idea of it anyway. She has never played the game, but she has been known to fall asleep snuggling a basketball.

Happy Birthday Sweet Leah! 

(The ketchup stain was courtesy of me. Yes, I know . . . Jess the mess.)

Creative place settings

The latest in napkin sculpture. Yes, she really did intend for us to use this to wipe our mouth. 

Thank you. I love you.

The tragic death of a friend has prompted much reflection this week. 

Life is so precious. Each day is a gift. We never know what tomorrow will bring. 

So, thank you for being part of my life. Thank you for your kindness, love, patience and forgiveness. Thank you for your examples. Thank you for continually trying to do good and to be better. That's what our Savior asks of us. 

I love you all.

Not so normal visitor

I am suffering with a head cold, and all day I have sort of looked and sounded like I'm stoned. Normally, I wouldn't consider this blog worthy, but . . . today I didn't have our normal visitors. 

This afternoon I was resting in our "big room" in front of the television with the computer on my lap, a box of tissues at my left, and a cup of water (my fluids) on my right. Luke was watching the end of a movie in our front room when I heard the front door open and close. This is happens several times a day. Luke is convinced that the mail carrier delivers the mail 3-4 times a day, so he is constantly running to the mailbox. We live on a quiet street in a quiet town, so I have no concerns about this. I kept emailing for a few minutes and then realized Luke hadn't returned yet. I set the computer aside and went to our side door. As I walked out onto our carport I looked up to see one of our local police officers walking toward me. I don't know the officers name, but I have waved to him thousands of times (it is drivers etiquette in small southern towns to wave to everyone you pass.) I was shocked to see him, and it was apparent in my stoney glazed face. After my initial "deer in the headlights" look, I realized Luke was following him. A degree of relief followed, but I immediately realized that the officer was evaluating the situation, particularly ME. He explained that he found my son walking in the road, and he wanted to make sure everything was all right. I tried to assure him that everything was fine, and I told him about Luke's habit of checking the mail. He stared at me as I spoke evaluating my speech and body language. As he drove away, I couldn't help but notice he was radioing in about what he observed. I can only imagine what he said. Do you have any guesses?