Yesterday's Talk

I spoke in sacrament meeting yesterday. I only had 5 minutes, so I typed what I wanted to say so I stayed within my time. I thought some of you would enjoy reading it. It takes about 5 minutes :).

Some names heard in our house are: Monsy, Mister, Dee-dah, Deets, The Great Big Handsome Guy, Millie, Mils, Millie May Miss, Millie Bop, The Cute, The Little Sweet, Tafty, Taftster, Rafty, Goose, T-Bob, T-Bob Slim Pants, The Flying Geeko, The Big Handsome, Hunty, Sunny Boy, Slugger, Bob, Sarah Kathryn, Sarah Kate, Schnips, The One-eyed Watcher, Kate-Bug, Bug. All of these names remind Jeff and I of a particular child and a time in their lives or a habit they used to do or just a fun name that brings a smile to our faces.

Meaning no disrespect, I thought about the many names that the scriptures or we, ourselves, refer to Christ.

Names, titles, and concepts of Jesus in the scriptures:

Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Stem of Jesse, Branch, Righteousness, Messenger, Redeemer, Holy One, Blessed of God, Jesus of Nazareth, Son of the Highest, Lamb of God, Savior, the Word, the bread of Life, the living bread, the light of the world, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth, and the life, the true vine, the Holy One and the Just, the Prince of Life, by whom are all things, and we by him, the spiritual rock, captain of man’s salvation, who gave himself for our sins, bare our sins in his own body, the head of the Church, the hope of glory, the mediator between God and men, in whom is salvation, Advocate, Holy One of Israel, Immanuel, Messiah, Jehovah.

I love the name the Prince of Peace. I love the thought of peace and love it sung in "For Unto Us a Child is Born" in Handel’s Messiah.

The title makes me think of peace in our minds, hearts, homes, families, schools, nations, and world. Peace during sickness and other physical hardships. Peace during afflictions and adversity. Peace by repentance and choosing a new path.

By following the example of Christ we can receive peace.

The knowledge of resurrection, made possible by Christ, can bring us peace.

The knowledge of Christ and His suffering and resurrection in my behalf bring much peace to my mind and my heart. I find much peace knowing I can repent and forgive because of Christ. I find peace in the resurrection knowing that some of my loved ones who suffer so much with their physical body will be restored to a perfected, painfree body after the resurrection. These and many other reasons make me forever happy for that babe born in a manger.

In December of 2005, I read "Shepherds, Why This Jubilee?" written by Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. I highly recommend this book. It’s only 76 pages long. The message of the book touched my heart after a year of loss in my own life and the lives of my family.

Many of us have experienced a Christmas after a death of a loved one or a Christmas with many challenges or maybe every Christmas is tough. Elder Holland so beautifully and briefly addresses these in his book. I would just like to share a sum up of the book in Elder Holland’s words that was really so comforting to me then and today.

**Christmas is a time of comfort, whatever our circumstances may be....life will have its valleys and peaks, its moments for the fall and rising in the lives of all of God’s children. (There) are sad experiences, with difficult moments for years and years to come. But because of the birth in Bethlehem and what it led to they are not tragic experiences. They have a happy ending. There is a rising after the falling. There is life always. New births and rebirths and resurrection to eternal life. It is the joy of the stable forever. Jesus has one answer for us all–one answer to all the "whys" and "what ifs," all the "would haves" and "could haves" and "should haves" of our journey.**

The answer to all that is: John 11:25, 26.

I know that Jesus was born. I know that really happened. Not just a story that we tell because it’s a good story, but it really happened. I know Joseph Smith restored the work that Jesus started and that President Hinckley is now continuing that work. In the name of Jesus Christ.

Christmas Music

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the music. Kate, Hunter, and I went to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Broadcast and Concert. This was amazing. The First Presidency attended and the whole experience was amazing. The Choir sounded beautiful and The King's Singers were awesome. We had a great time. At the end of the concert, the First Presidency presented The King's Singers with their complete geneology and then The King's Singers sang "Danny Boy" to President Hinckley to thank him for their experience performing with the choir--that was tear jerker. Just a fantastic morning of beautiful Christmas music. I'm looking forward to Kate's Christmas Concert on Saturday.

My Very Own Personal Tornado

In case you can't tell, this is a photo of Mons in the DRYER. He likes climbing in while I'm folding clothes and handing me more items to fold. He is a tornado. I gave birth to a tornado. I thought my other nippers were busy, but this guy wins the prize. He has discovered that a chair will allow him to get to ANY kitchen drawer. The other kids were satisfied with emptying drawers and cupboards that they could get from the ground. Not Monson. Yes, the chairs have opened a whole new world to him. I love the trick where he pushes the chair to the fridge and pushes the water dispenser button until there is a very large puddle of water on the floor. I'd lock the dispenser, but apparently I have a ghetto fridge. Anyway, whenever I tire of keeping him from the chairs and the possibilities they provide, I move all 7 kitchen chairs in the laundry room and close the door. That should be good until he starts opening doors by himself. Or can ask an older sibling to do it for him.

Millie's thoughts on snow

This weekend Mother Nature dumped a whole lot of snow on us. While driving to church, Millie loved the snow and exclaimed, "Now we're dashing through the snow!" She is loving the whole Christmas experience--lights, movies, music, ornaments, blow-up yard decorations, Santa, and presents. I just love her absolute joy and enthusiasm for life. Just don't any of you offend her or she will threaten to take away your Christmas. I have heard this threat myself a couple of times already!!

The Birthday Girl

Hey, any of you recognize this girl? It's me, Amy, a LONG time ago and today I'm celebrating my birthday. I'm hoping one of my brothers (who shall rename nameless) loves me enough to send me a scanner for my birthday!! Hee-heeee!! Oh...and I apologize for being such a bad blogger. Blogging is like SO many other things in my life...cyclical!! I'll be better...to avoid the mocking. Was there a month of November...I'm pretty sure it was just Halloween.

Then and Now

KATE AND WHITNEY IN 2000

KAYLA AND MILLIE YESTERDAY

Our girls have had a great time playing dress ups with their friends and especially cousins. Millie has been having fun playing with Kayla every Wednesday. We switch houses each week and Millie has a great time. So much fun having cousins and especially cousins that live close.

These little numbers from Disneyland have been good to us. One could be Snow White, Cinderella, or Tinker Belle. It's so fun to see Millie dressing up like Kate used to. Although, Millie doesn't like to as much. I remember Kate being a ballerina for Halloween when she was three. She wore that costume every day 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after Halloween. Millie... not so much. She just wants to TALK about dressing up for Halloween. And talk, talk, talk, talk, talk about the Halloween decorations in the yard down the street.

Red Ribbon Week

This week is Red Ribbon Week...a week set aside to teach the children about being drug and violence free and making good choices and being in charge of their lives. Tuesday, the kids all wore red (naturally). Wednesday was have bad hair--not bad habits--wear your craziest hair. Sooooo, Hunter created the tri-hawk and mom brought it to life. So THAT is how Hunt and Taft went to school on Wed. Kate went wearing EVERY SINGLE BOW that we own in her hair. I didn't get to photograph this...she had violin in the morning and removed them all right when she returned from school. Today the three of them wore pajamas to school. Mils wanted to participate and so she stayed in pjs until about 1pm and then she couldn't handle not being ready for the day any more. Whew...I was getting sick of seeing her in pajamas too.

Pack Meeting fun

Tonight was Pack Meeting. Hunter received his Wolf award and the other kids had fun painting pumpkins. I made sure Millie used washable paint only!!

Child Labor

You know, one needs to train their children at a young age to work. I've got the one year old vacuuming these days. Maybe I should have him do the toilets tomorrow...he does have an obbession with them.

The Birthday Boy

Hunter is 9 today!! Happy birthday, Hunt!!

Celebration VII

On Saturday Kate and I enjoyed a day together shopping, rehearsing, eating and attending the Celebration concert. The state Suzuki Association organizes this concert every 3 years. All the instruments that have a Suzuki program participate by each group playing 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 songs. Then someone writes a piece all the instruments play together. This year Kurt Bestor wrote that song, "Jubilate." More than 3, 000 students come from all over the state to play and they've all learned this song written by Mr. Bestor. He was very fun with the kids during the rehearsal as he worked with them to play together. The concert was in the Conference Center which is hard soundwise. The kids really have to watch the conductor rather than listen to each other because of the size of the building and the speed of sound. Anyway, this was a fun opportunity for Kate. After the concert she told me about a girl in her section that fell sound asleep. The sound of her violin crashing (it really is a loud sound) to the ground didn't even wake her. Someone by her just picked up her violin, passed it to a volunteer parent, and left her to sleep. I chuckled at this because it made me think of the time Hunter fell asleep at one of Kate's recitals long ago. He was sitting in perfect Indian style, with his arms folded, and his head tipped back. Next thing I know, he is sound asleep. After the recital he told me he was trying so hard to stay awake, but he was just listening to the pretty music and got so relaxed that he dosed off. Anyway, I think the sleeping girl did wake to play with the violins...they were last.

Welcome to my state's Autumn

MY FRONT YARD FRIDAY NIGHT

The kids had great fun raking up all the leaves from our maple tree and jumping in them.

Then...

MY BACKYARD SUNDAY MORNING

The kids could have made a snowman Sunday morning, but we had other obligations (church) . By the time we returned, the snow had melted. Gotta love fall!!

::Requirement 5a, b, c, d, and e::

::Done, done, done, done, and done:: Grandpa came over to help Hunter finish earning his Wolf badge. Hunter had fun, Grandpa had fun and a very useful tool box was created. Thanks Grandpa and great job Hunter.

Map of Egypt

I just needed to document this work of art. It is a map of Egypt that Kate made with a couple of other students in her class. The medium is salt dough. Although it can't be seen well in the photo, I love the crocodile headed toward the water with a lamb in its mouth.

Thunder or rocks falling...

Crash of thunder.

Amelia says, "Mom, what was that? Did rocks fall?"

I have to admit, it did sound like rocks falling. Love The Cute.

Conference Weekend

I love, love, love, love Conference Weekend. I think it started when I was little. My grandparents would always drive up from California and then take one of the
grandchildren to conference with them. In addition to that, all the cousins and aunts and uncles would get together for meal in the evening or something. So much fun!

Now I love General Conference for the spiritual feast that it is. I love listening to the talks and feeling so revved up about being a better person, mother and disciple. So much deep doctrine in this conference. I just loved it. I loved Sister Beck's talk about the responsibilities of a mother. I am blessed to be one and want to be "stong and immoveable" in teaching my children the gospel so that they can know the doctrine and teach by the spirit on their missions and as they grow up to be parents of their own. So many great things that she said. And Elder Oaks' talk--this one piqued Kate's interest. This is so hard deciding between the good, better and best things in life. Anyway, loved the whole weekend. I am so grateful to be a member of the church with this blessing of modern day revelation.

Haircut

Check out the haircut. I decided it needed to be done after two people at the school's Fall Festival thought he was a girl. He was dressed boy-ish...so I figured it was time to cut the hair. This is never fun since Mons wiggles all over. Oh well...I do think the front is a little crooked though. This picture was taken right after the haircut, which is a good thing. Now his face is covered with marks of a newly walking child--scrap on the chin, ding on the nose, and bruise on the forehead. Crawling was much safer. He makes me laugh at how grown up HE thinks he is. Funny boy.

Soccer Season Ends

So you know...the soccer season has come to an end. The season was fun while it lasted. Hunter improved a lot and I enjoyed watching his team figure out how to play like a team...I still know next to nothing about soccer though. Don't ask me what offsides is and don't ask me why games will end in a tie. It's all a mystery to me.

Math

Following this post is another post with a link to see if you can pass eighth grade math. It was kind of fun to do. I have always liked math. I am hating it now for my kids. Our school district introduced a new curriculum several years ago called Investigations. It is an inquiry-based math program--each child discovers their own strategy to solving math problems among other fuzzy, make you feel good things. To an extent I agree with this method, but some of my kids get overloaded with all the possible strategies and miss out on some of the repetition of traditional math. I could go on and on about this, but I won't. Near the end of last school year, the district allowed each school to choose its own curriculum, since Investigations, standing on its own, didn't meet the state standards. Anyway, I still have to put up with Investigations. Investigations is our schools primary program, while Scott-Foresman is our secondary math program. This is supposed to represent a "balanced approach" to math. Well, we will see. Personally, I like the old ways. I really enjoyed knowing I got a right answer and checking my work. My children born with the "math chip" seem to do fine with this, but we'll have to see how this year goes.

Can You Pass Eighth Grade Math?**THE TEST

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 10/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

Taft's Exciting Week

Taft has had a really exciting week. He started out the week by being nominated by his teacher to be the "Student of the Week" from his class. Good job, Taft!! His teacher said, "He was selected for helping his classmates remember the rules by being an example." TODAY, Taft lost his very first tooth. Sorry about the gruesome picture. All through breakfast he complained his tooth hurt when he ate. I examined it and decided that tooth better come out, but I didn't have the stomach for it. Luckily, Hunter did. He pulled that baby right out. Maybe Hunter will be a dentist--he does enjoy going to the dentist you know. Amelia is perplexed by a missing tooth. She said Taft keeps "pulling out his tooth and now he can't crunch with it."

Taft also layed the guilt thickly on Jeff today. Taft asked me the location of his dad. I responded that he was bow hunting. Taft then said, "Why? Doesn't dad like to be with his kids? Doesn't dad like to be with his rotten kids?" You know, comments like this bring Jeff to his knees with guilt.

Happy 60th, Dad!!

Look Who's Standing...ALONE

This is for you, Jeff, traveling in far away eastern places.

Kindergarten Taft

Taft's first day of Kindergarten!!

Amelia sporting her backpack and wanting a bit of the action, too.

I had to post these pictures right away so Taft's dad, who is all the way in China, can see him on the first day of Kindergarten. I can't believe he's going to Kindergarten. The last few weeks have really had me looking back on life with the beginning of a new school year, our anniversay and Monson's 1st birthday (pictures to be posted soon). Taft is my baby. I know I have had two more babies since him, but he still seems like my baby. I'm not really sure why this is because he is a very capable person. I mean he decided to try out for swim team this last summer and totally made it. He just wanted to do it--no pressure from us--and he swam every day and improved that skill so much. He does things that Kate and Hunter never did at this age. I do know one thing, he is a subtle momma's boy. He had no problem going to school though. He is very excited.



I laughed at Kate and Hunter imparting their words of wisdom about Kindergarten on Taft. He should be good to go there. Hunter told him about how you know when school is almost out, how to make new friends, and "you don't have lunch, you have to have lunch at home." He shared some good insights. What is it about us older siblings that we think we need to impart our wisdom on our younger siblings?



Anyway, I'm excited for Taft. I can't think about it too much though or I get a little emotional. I hope he has a great year and enjoys Kindergarten as much as Kate and Hunter did.

Another **Remember When**

Jeff and I are celebrating 14 years of marriage today. That seems like a long time, but sometimes it feels like I just met him, while sometimes I feel that I've always known him. I just wanted to do some "rememberin'" about our time together. Remember when:


**David introduced us to each other? We actually met. We were not just hearing about each other.


**we snowmobiled with James and Carrie?


**we snowmobiled at the cabin over New Years?


**our dates started after BYU basketball games?


**we caught all those striped bass with Dave and Sarah at Powell?


**you proposed at the cabin? Was there any other anwer but "YES?"


**you painted that wall while we were on a date?


**when the temple workers took us to the wrong sealing room?


**that boat wouldn't start at Powell?


**that boat started on fire at Strawberry?


**you purchased a great big fishing boat that starts...and I don't mean on fire?


**we lived at Casa Linda?


**those people backed into our car at Casa Linda and gave us money and made Thai food
because they felt bad? That food was SPICY!


**we felt bad for ourselves because we didn't have snowmobiles?


**you received your only grade that wasn't an "A or A-" from that cursed lab assistant?


**we graduated with Sherri from BYU?


**we begged that guy...I'm thinking his name is Cleave...to rent to us at Orchard Creek?


**you were Scout Master? I could ask this one 3 or 4 times.


**you used to dig for potatoes at our quaking aspen house?


**Kate was born? It was just you and me. And then, there she was and she was just so beautiful and that bottom lip sticking out was so stinking cute! And you found my first gray hair.


**you had to carry Kate around on your forearm with her head smashed into your hand?


**we went to Canada? What were we thinking?


**Hunter was born? Remember the doctor? You imitate him perfectly. And remember the anesthesiologists? You imitate him perfectly, too.


**Taft was born? It was like a day at the office.


**Amelia was born? She came to us needing a haircut. She IS the Cute!!


**Monson was born? Who would've believed he'd come 10 days early, a day after Gage, right during the bow hunt, and with no backup plan for our other kids?


**Sundays were actually relaxing?


Thanks for the good times, Jeff!! And thanks for helping make the best of and being supportive during those not so good times!! Love you...--Amy

Moon Sand

Taft told me this morning that he wants "Moon Sand" for his birthday and it's only $29.99. AND it doesn't dry out. For those of you who may not watch "Dora," this moon sand was an advertisement during the episode that Mils and Taft watched this morning. My kids have always been lured in to those types of TV ads. Funny...I guess I need to start skipping the commercials since all the TV they watch is usually DVR'ed.

**Remember When**

The first picture is of Kate and Hunter today. Today...going to their first day of school. Sixth grade for Kate and third for Hunter. The second picture is the two of them on Kate's first day of Kindergarten. I remember that day in 2001. Doesn't seem like six years ago.

**I remember driving Kate to school since we moved just before the beginning of school and I really wanted her to have Mrs. Shumway at Bonneville Elementary.

**I remember Mrs. Shumway teaching the class to "show love."

**I remember having some time alone with Hunter before Taft came along the end of December.

**I remember what great friends Kate and Hunter were...well they still are today. They are always so good at coming up with a game that will appeal to the girl in Kate and the boy in Hunter.

**I remember they really liked to play Barbie Rescue Heroes. That's what they called it. I can't believe how much they have grown. They are such great kids. I love to be around them and their kindness and funniness. I hope they have a great school year. I sure have had an amazing summer creating memories with them!!

Metal Lions

Another Taft conversation...this time with his dad.

Taft**Dad, are metal lions real?"

Jeff**No.**

Taft**Well, then my dreams are weird!**

Madder than a pea!

I just wanted to share an exchange between Taft and myself.

Taft**I'm madder than a pea!**

Me**Oh...do peas get mad?**

Taft**My peas do when they have to get eaten by me.**

Funny Taft...he doesn't really like peas.

Wiffle Ball

Many nights, after dinner, we enjoy a game of backyard wiffle ball. It's our version of baseball with a plastic bat and ball. Jeff is the pitcher to be feared and the only one playing in the field. The rest of us hit and run the bases. Above--Kate is hitting--and yes, she hits and throws like a girl. We are trying to rid her of it. It is a good thing she is fast or she would never make it on base.

Hunter running the bases. He is "rounding third."

Ghost runner on third. A part of the game that we adopted from my brothers own game of wiffle ball.

What Millie does while we are playing wiffle ball. Turns over bricks looking for potatoe bugs.

What Monson does while we are playing wiffle ball. Crawls around playing with other balls.

Taft taking his turn at bat.

Note to Bob and Nick: NO TREES WERE INJURED WHILE PLAYING THIS GAME!

Minnesota Recap

Okay, I am the worst blogger!! I've had this post in draft form for many days and another post for well over a month that I probably will never finish. Having said that, here are some pics of our trip to the great Midwest. These are in no particular order and it was quite an ordeal to actually get there.



Saturday, June 30, we all woke up, finished packing, and put the house in order. This was a very leisurely morning. For those of you who know Jeff and his travel habits...well, this was no small feit. More than once I have been running to the gate to catch our plane or worked up a major sweat hurrying so fast to get on the road. Not this morning though. I should have known something was up. We arrived at the airport in a very timely manner. That COULD be attributed to Jeff's habit of speeding. Anyway, after unloading 11 pieces of luggage (clothes for seven for 10 days and a couple of carseats), we were politely informed by a sky cap that our flight had been canceled. WHAT??!! From now on, I am always calling from home to check on the status of any flight I will be taking. Most probably do that and I am completely sold on that now. I'll skip all of the boring details, but after many tears, fits, and trying alternate routes, the seven of us were on a plane headed for MSP Sunday, July 1 at 6am. Did I mention that we had to load all of our luggage back into our car, drive home and then get up at 3:00 in the morning to get to our destination? Despite all of that our kids were so good!! They were great travelers.



The fun hadn't stopped yet. We landed aroud 9:30am and were trying to make a baby blessing at 1pm. One would think this would be enough time...but NOT when the airline losses your 11 year old girls luggage and has sent it on a flight just behind your flight. Not to mention troubles with our car rental reservation. We made it to the blessing just as sacrament meeting was beginning. Thank you to all those who threw clothes off and on my kids to make this possible.



Minnesota was fun!! We had so much fun with the family and visiting extented family!! We drove 2 1/2 hours to Brainerd to enjoy a lake that I don't remember the name of and all of the other activities on the resort. The first picture is Mils enjoying the beach. It really bugs me to see that picture placed right there, but I don't know how to move it and I'm just trying to get this self-imposed monkey off my back.


Kate, Hunter, Tucker and Abe enjoying a game of King of the Platform? These kids got along so well. No one ever got sick of each other. They just had a great time spending loads of time together.

Monson liked the beach. He may have tried some sand, but didn't have much of an appetite for it. Maybe he didn't like the tecture.

Hunter, Abe and Kate slowly make their way into the ever so slightly chilly water.

Our newest MN cousin Caleb. Isn't he cute? Apparently, my dad has started calling him Sumo Nick. I don't know what that's about.

All the Lamoreaux granddaughters. In 2006, we were balanced with 4 girls and 4 boys. Just one year later that ratio is not so equal--4 girls and 8 boys. Kate is great to play with the smaller girls or with the boys. I'm not sure how that'll be in the coming years.

Picture for Jeff--he requested a photo of a loon (the MN state bird) that filled the entire frame. How'd I do?

Some of the guys fishing. I think Jeff may have had the best time on this trip. He loves to be able to walk out the door and have fishing right at his feet. This was the case. Luckily, our kids enjoy it too.

Ella, our MN cousin, helping her dad craft. I love her look of concentration. I loved getting to know her better. She says the funniest things. She also loved feeding Amelia. Amelia didn't love it so much...what 3 year old would? During a couple of meals, I looked at Mils and she had this pained look on her face. In addition, her mouth was stuffed full of food. Then I observed Ella feed her some more. FUNNY!! Why Amelia kept opening up for more food is beyond me!!

Taft is showing off his big fish. He wouldn't hold it though. That was just asking too much of him. He won first and second it the "Biggest Fish Award" and landed himself $15.00.

Hunter took a moment to show of Taft's big mouth bass, too.

What a great time!! Let's do it again in another five years!!

Our 10 month old

Monson is 10 months old today. How the time has flown! I kind of miss those days when he was smaller. He doesn't like the burrito wrap any more. And he likes to be upright when being held. Or standing in my lap. I miss his mohawk...maybe it's time for a haircut. One of his favorite activities is finding crumbs after a meal dropped by his siblings during mealtime. Apparently, they are a special treat that he enjoys.;) I guess I need to have the crumbiest child vacuum after we eat. That'll serve three purposes--Monson won't choke on stray food particles--I won't have to vacuum after every meal--and my children might be cleaner eaters.

Track

I just wanted to include this great action shot that Jeff captured of Kate doing the long jump at her last track meet. Pretty impressive, isn't it?

Random thoughts

I have been noticing many more motorcycles and especially scooters lately. I attribute that to the price of petro. Let's not even talk about have much it costs to fill up the Armada. Funny thing though, while Jeff and I were driving to Costco the other day, we saw a man riding a scooter with 4 rolled up pieces of sod tied to the back of the scooter. I never really thought a scooter would be an efficient way of hauling sod. We had a great laugh thinking that if he brought that many rolls of sod home a day for a month, he might be able to fill up his yard. After we left Costco, we saw another funny scooter scene. A lady in her sixties, riding a pink scooter, with a pink helmet. Very color coordinated. I never really pictured somebody that age enjoying the scooter scene. Apparently, she was very into it. My mom is not too far from sixy and I just can't picture her going to and fro on a scooter. Although, she does enjoy her rides on her tandum bike...so who knows.



The other night, Jeff and I were sitting on the front porch enjoying the sunset and weather. A car drove slowly past our house, really checking out our home. It then turned around and drove slowly by again. The driver then asked us if we liked our house. We told him yes and then Jeff said, "Why? You want to buy it?" Then the driver told us he was the original owner of the house back in 1991. He told us about all his memories of the house and all the work he went to putting in the yard and especially the sod. I guess I'm not so much attached to the house, mostly just to the people in it. I really like the house and the big yard--I would like a bedroom or two more. Anyway, that's beside the point. After further discussion, we discovered many more connections to these people. Our old home teacher was now his home teacher. Her father used to live in our ward. Her brother still lives in our ward. Her sister is selling the empty lot down the street. And finally, his company bid on some stickers (Remarks) for American Crafts quite a while ago. Anyway, kind of funny all the connections we have to these people. I would have invited them in to take a look at the place but it's such a wreck. Which brings me to another point. I feel as though I'm playing catch up every day. And I don't know where to begin. I'm losing control of my house to say the least. Oh well...I guess I'll reclaim the house when summer is over.

Gage and Millie

Here's Gage showing Millie some love.

Grins

Many of the people residing in my house give what we lovingly refer to as "grinners." It's a big, goofy smile that shows all your teeth and your eyes are big and wide. As Mils was leaving church on Sunday, she was pretty excited about the Littlest Pet Shops that were waiting for her in her car seat. She told me she was so happy to see them and then told me, "I'm so happy. Look at this grin on my face." And then proceeded to smile this exact grin, while looking over her shoulder.

Spa Party

Kate had a birthday party with her friends. She wanted to have a spa party. All the girls gave themselves a facial and pedicure. I painted toe nails and they painted their own nails. Then Grandy made some delicious food for the tea party after their pampering. Pretty fun time...though I'm not sure I'm ready for a bunch of giddy teenage girls to hang out at my house anytime soon.