Be a Cork

Problems or trials in our lives need to be viewed in the
perspective of scriptural doctrine. 

Otherwise, they can easily overtake our vision, absorb our energy,
and deprive us of the joy and beauty the Lord intends us to receive here on earth. 

Some people are like rocks thrown into a sea of problems. They are drowned by them. 

Be a cork.

When submerged in a problem, fight to be free, to 
bob up to serve again with happiness.

Richard G. Scott

Finding Joy in Life

Ensign May 1996

September Snapshots

Anne's hair is back in a ponytail in this picture and it looks a little silly, but I had to document her obsession with taking her "princess-ess- esses" in to her bath with her. It is a must in her little world. 

Handsome chaps right there.

My sister gave him the nickname Gus-Gus. It fits.

I love him.

Now, if this doesn't melt your heart .... 

(Brandon is teaching an FHE lesson on Faith. We have been doing a series of lessons specifically directed to William, as he has chosen to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in January, after he turns 8.)

I love having a front row seat the building of their relationship. Love it.

This boy just absolutely adores being with and near his family. He sits by us, cuddles with us, plays with us, laughs at us ... you name it. We don't mind ourselves.

Playing in the warm rain, having the time of our lives.

This is me about the same age as Anne. She insists that the picture is actually her.

Spending a slow morning together ...

... and doing a little cuddling.

When Marie was a baby she used to crawl around with this little sign in her hand every single day. She loved holding this sign. When going through our toys in September this sign was one of the toys that didn't make the cut to stay. So, Brandon snapped a picture of Marie with is to capture the memory. And then we all said goodbye to it.

Spotlight at School -- Marie

Anne-ecdotes

We commonly watch Music and the Spoken Word on Sundays before church. Well, I turn it on and listen while we all go about our morning of getting ready, straightening, preparing meals, etc. One particular Sunday I had to stop and snatch a picture of Anne, as she sat mesmerized watching the choir sing. Afterwards I found out what had her so entranced. She stood up and came to me and said, 

"Mommy, do you know what they do when they sing? This ...

and this ...

and this."

Future member of the choir right there. She has the facial expressions down, that's the hardest part.

Donut Falls

Deciding to go on one of the most popular hikes in UT on Labor Day was perhaps not the most wise decision Brandon and I have ever made. The hike was unbelievably crowded and the grandeur of the destination was dampened by the huge amount of people all around the falls. Seriously, I thought we were at Disneyland in December. Even still, it was wonderful to get up into the mountains and enjoy the beauty of our Heavenly Father's creations as a family.

First Day of School Eve and First Day of School

Something I love about traditions as my kids get older is finding out what the memorable parts are to them and refining the events to meet their expectations. Our Back to School Eve party has varied over the years, this is our 5th year to hold it (last year was not documented, sigh), 

What does William remember the most? He remembers the last couple of years when I served a casual fondue style dinner. He requested the pizza dip from said menus and I obliged. Beyond that not much went into the decorations or planning. It was just that kind of a year, and I am perfectly at peace with that.

For dessert I hit one of my own cravings for dulce de leche with apples, pears, and whatever shortbread like cookie I found at the store.

Our theme for the year is "Have I done any good in the world today?" which I tied together with a book we had from the library called, Have You Filled a Bucket?

We played a game where William had to transfer Legos from one box to a bucket by himself. Then we worked as a family to do the same. The lesson learned was, of course, that we should help each other, it's much easier!

After that we talked about what we can do at school and at home to be Bucket Fillers.

After the games and silliness, we settled down to give all the kids and Mommy a priesthood blessing, administered by Brandon. Definitely my favorite part of the night.

The next morning was the big day! William started 2nd grade at his new school, Leadership Learning Academy. We were all very excited, as we had met the teachers a few nights before and they seemed fabulous. William had already decided they would all be his favorites.

And armed with a backpack like this? What could go wrong, really?

The afternoon came it was FINALLY time for Marie to head off to Kindergarten. She was born ready to go out into the world to learn and, therefore, didn't think the hour could come soon enough.

I just love her in her uniform skirt. So darling.

After school we had some apples and dulce de leche and I got to hear all about their fantastically wonderful first day! So much fun!