A Favorite Quote

(Shannon, Mom and Stacy during our girls only weekend in California.)

I can't sleep. Here is one of my favorite quotes that inspires me daily. It is by Elder Marvin J. Ashton from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

"Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another's weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other."

Today is my mother's birthday. She has always been and still is such a great example to me. Through the years I have seen her act and speak in a charitable way and I have always looked up to her. Thanks mom for being who you are and for teaching by example. I love you!

FYI "The Mormons"

PBS and/or KSPS is doing a story on "The Mormons" tonight at 9:00 p.m. The previews show the temple, a couple, missionaries, etc. but they don't mention interviewing anyone so I don't know how fact oriented it will be, etc. I just thought I would let people know because I would be interested.

Bedtime

For me, some of the most hectic yet most endearing moments occur during bedtime. My kids have a very hard time getting up in the morning so if I don't stick with the schedule they really drag the next day (and so do I). I also like to have enough time to read stories, sing a song, snuggle and just visit. Austin has outgrown most of that but he has added goofing around with his sister (they are just enjoying each others company), Alexis likes to visit and snuggle, Luke and Kate like all of the above and Ellie likes to stay up as late as possible.

Sometimes Kate will hum herself to sleep. It is the sweetest thing. Saturday night Kate sang me a song that she made up as she went. It went like this:

There were five balloons.
One was rainbow colored, one wasn't, one was rainbow colored, one wasn't.
Then they got away!
Then they went to the store and got five more balloons.
One was rainbow colored, one wasn't, one was rainbow colored, one wasn't.
They were going to have a par-r-ty, a par-r-t-y, a par-r-t-y.
And get lots of party stuff and a cake.
They got their car and drived under and over the great, big tree.
Then they were at the par-r-r-t-y!

(The next morning she added the following:)

Then they stopped in front of the car.
They went up on the tree
and then went in the house
and had a par-r-t-y at the friends house.
Their mom and dad picked them up
and they had a good time.

The end!

I love when bedtime brings such special gifts!


When I was young and sharing a room with my siblings, my dad would go to sleep at 9:00 every night, unless of course we kept him up by giggling too much. This would end up with him checking on us and upon looking in the room, suddenly finding us fast asleep or hiding in the closet.

Most of my siblings had an ongoing problem with wetting the bed. So, my parents were taken in with a product that was promised to help stop these accurances. Here is how it worked: a floodlight was placed up above the head and a mat with a pillowcase covering it would be placed underneath the victim. When the mat got wet, the light would turn on and a buzzer would go off. This was not a quiet buzzer either, it was the kind that could wake the dead. Of course, it had to be. But, sharing a room with two sisters, two spotlights and two buzzers, it often made bedtime a crazy and very entertaining time. We laughed about it then and we laugh about it now. I also have to say that it worked! In the long run we got much better sleep! Thanks Mom and Dad!

Love For????

Can you say,"Christmas Story?" Yes, because of her love of being pulled around for hours, this is what we are resolved to. Luke will string a rope through one of our sleds and pull her around like she's the queen of sheba. She wasn't going to be left out of sledding down the hills with the bigger kids either. I am amazed at how much children can withstand the cold. I love to sled and have my fun but, I'm ready to come in after awhile. Ellie definately has a love for the outdoors whatever the weather may be.



I have a love for music especially when I'm working out and I need extra motivation. What did we do before ipods? I also love technology! Remember big, stereo consoles that doubled as furniture with 8-track tapes and phonographs? We had one in our house. What about boom boxes and walk-man's? In my college days, walk-man's were new. I remember having a friend that was somewhat well-off, (they were not mainstream yet, ha ha) who walked around campus with his ear plugs in. Yes, there's nothing like a tiny piece of technology with countless hours of songs and listening fulfillment to enjoy. You can even connect it to little speakers in your home for all to hear if you so desire. I love it!

Questions

I saw this on a blog or two and thought that it looked fun.

10 years ago: I was pregnant with Luke, lived at my in-laws (while they were on their mission), in Primary, vacationed in Europe with my husband

5 things on my list of things to do today: make cub scout lists, exercise, laundry, check my kids assignments on-line, call Carrie

Things I would do if I suddenly was a Billionaire: go on a Carribbean Cruise of course, travel, finish decorating my house, buy a plethura of socks (so they never wear out) Ha! Ha!, buy a Car Wash (the drive-through kind), treat family, friends and complete strangers, donations

3 of my bad habits: 1. Procrastination 2. Procrastination 3. Procrastination

Places I have lived: California, Utah, Washington, British Columbia, Idaho

Jobs I have had: receptionist, transcriptionist, preschool teacher, weighed tomato trucks, gymnastics coach, mowed lawns

Things most people don't know about me: I had buck-teeth as a kid (thank goodness for braces), I love to dance, I sing to the radio (all the time and as loud as my kids can stand it), and I love to watch "I Love Lucy" episodes.

President Hinckley's Funeral

I will always remember President Hinckley as seeming so personable and witty yet very spiritual and dedicated.


President Hinckley's funeral was a very touching, emotional farewell. He was remembered in many ways, including his charm, humor, service, dedication, optimism and leadership. His daughter said, "He wore out his life" in service. What a great way to be remembered.

Pinewood Derby

Last night was the Pinewood Derby! It was a crowded arena full of spectators. Dads and boys alike were anxious to see the other competitors and start the races. The cars were adorned in vibrant colors and design from the Red Baron, a Shark, and many roadsters to a pin-striped car with a driver. As each car took its mark and the whistle blew, the crowd roared in anticipation. Many cars raced down the track in high hopes. But alas, it was the top three that endured the strenuous workout. With a lot of luck and a little bit of dad know-how Luke was able to get in the top three with his cousin Thatcher at second and his friend Tanner taking first. What a night! All in all it was just fun to be there and enjoy the great sportsmanship, Right Dads?