Gutter Boats

When I was growing up my mother had a great knack for making things up that were super fun. She sometimes made these boats that often doubled for pirate hats. Today was one of my I-want-to-be-like-my-mom days (these happen often) but today I actually was like my mom and we made boats. Thanks Mom! :D

S had a marvelous time floating them in the gutter while attempting to help them catch the shallow current toward the storm drain. A couple of boys came and watched and S gave them boats of their own (Yay S!). Eventually, about five minutes per boat, they all sunk. They are now decomposing in the garbage can right next to the flotation location.

Moment of Happy

T has come in several times as I have been on the computer. The first time he came in he pushed the door as wide open as possible and then said, "S gsucmbur couch." Which I interpreted as "S is hogging the couch." So I said, "Would you like to show me?" He said, "Yes." He took my hand--or at least my two smallest fingers and delighted with the feeling of importance we walked out to the couch hand in hand. I got things smoothed out and returned to the computer for a few more minutes.

About two minutes later he came in with tears streaming down his cheeks and he said, "Mom, S on the couch." I went again hand-in-hand to investigate. S left him plenty of space, but I got his crayons and his drawing book and got him settled. Then I returned to the computer.

A minute later he comes in and says, "Mik, Mom" (milk). Again, hand-in-hand we walked together. In years to come I know I am going to look back at moments like that and feel immense gratitude. How I love my little ones.

fyi

In case you didn't know Bishop M. is moving to Queens. Today they release Bishop M. and W was released from being a counselor. Our new bishop is Bishop Anderson; first counselor Brother Yau; second counselor is Brother Johnson.

It was a really great experience and our love of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Bensonhurst Saints has increase exponentially. We have received so many kindnesses and love from those around us.

So many times in Church when I was wresting with three unruly children I had someone come up to aid me (or at least offer), which I needed greatly--even when I refused help at the time--and probably should not have.

I personally learned that following the Spirit is vital--even when it may not seem to make perfect sense at the time. When you sense the need that someone may possibly need help that it is the time to really reach out and help them, even if those you know may think it unnecessary.

I know the Lord loves us, His children, so dearly. He has a plan for us. Many times he sends us as his angels to help those in need. I hope that I can always be ready to reach out to serve those in need.

Validation

After playgroup S turned to me and said something toward the effect of:

Mom, you were so good at playgroup. Good job.

It's nice to get some positive validation, even if it is from your five-year-old.

Tonight's Funny Moment

R is having fun with his relatively new found ability to write--and the spelling gets creative. As you can see in the note. I was sitting outside their door, making sure they did not sneak out (as they love to do (mostly because T has figured out how to climb out of the crib). This note came slowly out from under the door. . . I told them there were no more minutes and that was time for the time to go to sleep.

Ode to Mother's by S

Yesterday I overheard R and S playing with cars. It went something like this:

S: She can do amazing things, can't she?
R: Yes
S: It's because she learned it from her mom.


When the R and S sang with the primary kids, S (at least to me and one other person in the room other than W) sang louder and pretty much drowned out all the other 20 primary kidlets (although I am not exactly sure the Sunbeams were singing). Um, it was . . . bribery; not the drowning the other children out--just singing loudly and happily. Maybe next time I need to a: not bribe her or b: offer a smaller bribe.


I just came in from the other room. S was singing softly and had T wrapped up in a blanket and was feeding him banana in between his sprints to and from the blanket. She is such a dear little mother.

To you wonderful, dear mothers (especially Grandma O and VDG) thank you for all you do! We love you! You are doing great work and are great examples to us. Where would we be without you?

Great News

We are pleased to announce that W passed his part 2 boards test!!! Some of you may not have known that W has been studying like crazy lately, but he has been studying for a very long time (which has made it very, very long for me and our kidlets).

Hooray!

W's birthday was a little while ago and I wanted to just say how dearly grateful I am for this dear man I married. He is very thoughtful to people. He loves the Savior, Jesus Christ. He learns at the speed of light. If he is very interested in something he can read about it and just do it--and it usually turns out great. He is a wonderful father. I love seeing him laughing with the kidlets. I love to see him reaching out to help them whether it be cleaning their room, getting them food, picking them up, comforting after they've hurt themselves, or just about anytime. W, I love you!!!!

F.H.E.

Tonight as Wayne, the kids, and I were eating dinner R said, "You know what comes after this, right S?" Then he slowly and quite deliberately said, "B-E-D."

S's voice went up about an octave and she delighted said, "Family home evening?!?"

Then we had F.H.E. about tithing. W asked R what tithing was and R replied, "Money we give to other churches."

Then for about the 100th time we explained tithing. :)

Then a moth flew into the room and the concentration on F.H.E. evaporated.

Oh well. Maybe another time!

the girl with the beet red face

Ran as fast as I could go
Felt my pulse ebb and flow
Determined to beat my best
Put every muscle to the test
Heart is pumping
Brain is thumping
Each footfall on the steep
Concentration all the more deep
Make-up melting from my face
Vanity again, sadly displaced
Perspiration dripping off my brow
I think I'm sweating like a cow.
"You can do it!" says my friend
My weariness it somewhat mends.
Smiling at the passerby
They look like they want to try.
Face is truly quite beet red
Feet are falling, nearly dead
My soul is pleading I can, I can
My feelings soaring I ran, I ran!

This is practically punctuation-free poetry. All my dear English majors--please imagine the proper punctuation. I wish the photo was me--but it is a copy of my dear sister-in-law Chelise's photograph finishing a triathlon (upon which I used my photo shop skills to focus the picture on the non-red-faced runner--Chelise). I wish I looked that good. :D Also, I did not finish any races--this poem was how I felt while running a short run tonight.

Dear Friends

My friend Heather W. came back to NYC. She brought her adorable bundle E. I loved her cute pouty lip--so dear! Even after a very long baby day Leolani was able to coax some sweet smiles out of her. It was so great to have you here, Heather!

I also got to enjoy the company of Celeste R. and Leolani K. I looked forward to seeing them and enjoying our conversations very much!

First we went to Popover's and then went to the Magnolia Bakery where we had some delicious cupcakes and Key Lime Cheesecake (all were scrumptious).

"My idea of good company. . . is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company." Jane Austen (Persuasion)