Saying Grace in a Restaurant - Priceless!

Sometimes we forget the really important things in life.

Last week, I took my grand-children to a restaurant. My six-year-old grand-son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Nana gets us ice cream for dessert. And liberty and justice for all! Amen!"

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!"

Hearing this, my grand-son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?" As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my grand-son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer." "Really?" my grand-son asked. "Cross my heart," the man replied. Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, I bought my grand-children ice cream at the end of the meal. My grand-son stared at his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already."

School Pictures

Rion - 7th Grade - so serious!

Hailey - 3rd Grade - Miss Smarty Pants!

Chase - Kindergarten - The year can only get better from here!

School Tears

Found out yesterday that Chase spends the first 1/2 hour to hour at school crying that he wants to go home. Poor little guy! Today we sent him off to school with a teddy bear in his back pack and a picture of Mom & Dad in his pocket. Hopefully that does the trick!

Avery's bday present from great grandma!

Comic Relief

If my life could be summed up by a comic, this one would TOTALLY be the one.

Can anyone guess which one is Chase?

Piano Practice

I can't believe I just used this phrase while Hailey was playing the piano..."Hailey, practice what you are supposed to practice and NOT the He-Man theme song!"

Christien, Brandon and Rion chillin' in the shade on a hot day!

Growing garden and our poor peach laden tree. Time to prune it after harvest!

Pioneer Day Celebration

We had a wonderful time at the Pioneer Day Celebration at the Stake Center this year. Unfortunately, I didn't get too many pictures. I did get this one of the Youth Choir...

...one of Miss Avery snoozing away....

...and a few of Rion square dancing. That was the best!

...complete with video!



So grateful to all of the Pioneers for what they sacrificed. We are all blessed because of what they went through.

First Tooth!

Avery cut her first tooth today! Woo hoo!

Progress

Avery pulled herself standing today!...even with her splinted leg. Nothing can stop her!

Someone is getting into my ribbon!

Miss Avery in good spirits, even with a broken leg.

Sisters forever

Happy 9 months to Avery!

Avery's new toy. Cost me a whopping $.25.

Quote of the Day

Chase: "Jesus is invisible in the dark, huh mama, and in the day he's white...but only on our planet."

Someone sure loves his little sister!

Piano Recital

Hailey had her first piano recital tonight. She was nervous, but did SO well. I love this first video because she realized that she was in the wrong position, changed where her hands were, then started over. Calm, cool, collected. Great job Hailey!

Salon Time!

This is what happens when Chase goes with me to get my hair done.

Check out this hooded towel I made last night!

Love it when they tucker themselves out while playing!

Bath Time

Chase: Mom, I found something in the bath.

Me: Oh yeah?

Chase: Yeah, it's a booger. I'm trying to catch it.

Me: Uh...Ok, let me know when you get it.

Chase: I can't it just splitted up.

Me: It split up?

Chase: Yes. I can't find the big one.

Me: Ok, then just finish up and get out.

Chase: And let it go down the drain? Won't the water come back up?

Me: No, Chase. It will just go down.

Chase: So only toilets it does that?

Me: Uh, yes Chase.

Chase: Ok. Can you come drain the water for me?

Me: (Ewww!) Uh, no, you can pull the plug.

7 months old today!

Respect

Sometimes it takes someone else to make me realize how special my own kids are, and how well behaved they are. (most of the time) I was at the orthodontist with Rion listening to a conversation next to us. The daughter was very rude to her mother, saying how she didn't want to wear her rubber bands to help her braces do what they needed to do. When the mother replied, "But if you don't wear them, then you'll have to have the wire," the daughter did a high pitched, "I don't WANT to wear the wire." I looked at Rion and his easy going nature and just smiled. I really do have good kids who are mostly agreeable. I'm so grateful for that and for the respect that they have for us as parents.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Valentine's Day Dinner

Nothing like a big steak and lobster for Valentine's Day Dinner!

Complete with a yummy smoothie. MMMmmmm.

Happy Birthday Hailey!

Happy 8th Birthday Miss Hailey!

Hailey's Birthday Present

With Hailey turning 8 this year, we decided it was time to get her ears pierced. She was so excited to do it the day before her birthday (as a surprise) during Family Home Evening.

Such a happy girl! I love the look of relief after the first earring was put in! Enjoy the earrings Miss Hailey!