for a freshly cut lawn

Our winter grass was ready for its first trimming today. I was sort of dreading it, as it is hard, sweaty work with our old push mower. But! Then Mike reminded me that we have Oliver, who is fully capable of mowing the lawn. And my sister-in-law let us borrow their electric mower, which made the job so much easier. Today is a beautiful day, and I am thankful for hardworking kids and generous family (and really pretty grass, too).

a month of thanksgiving

Happy November! It's my most favorite month of the whole year! Not only does our weather improve drastically in November, but today marks the beginning of my month of Thanksgiving. Every year, during the month of November, I focus on gratitude, and then I post here on my blog something I am thankful for, every day for the whole month. I've been doing it for years and it's the best thing I do for myself. It puts my challenges into perspective, makes me more content, and definitely brings me a lot of joy. Plus, feeling extreme gratitude and contentment is a really great way to enter the holiday season. Have you ever tried it? Why don't you do it along with me? I promise you will see a happy difference in your life.

And so, I am thankful for November, for the opportunity it gives me to take stock of my life and focus on all of the really fortunate blessings I've been given.

Here's a quick look at our Halloween:

We had Kip from Napoleon Dynamite and a banana.

And a really sweet Dorothy and an Obi Wan Kanobi.

The kids had a lot of fun, but I am always so glad when Halloween is over. :)

our only safety

My Sunday School lesson yesterday was titled, "How do the commandments help me learn to be more like Heavenly Father?" I wish I had shared this quote from Elder Eyring with my class:

"The Master knows what it is to have the cares of life press upon us. And He knows that both the trials we face and our human powers to deal with them ebb and flow. And so He offers us the covenants to 'always remember him' and the warning to 'pray always' so that we will place our reliance on Him, our only safety. It is not hard to know what to do. As the forces around us increase in intensity, whatever spiritual strength was once sufficient will not be enough. Both the need for spiritual strength and the opportunity to acquire it will increase at rates which we underestimate at our peril."

I believe that Heavenly Father gave us commandments and covenants to keep us safe, and as Elder Eyring said, we need them now more than ever.

In a talk by Elder Christofferson referenced in my lesson, he says:

"Sadly, much of modern Christianity does not acknowledge that God makes any real demands on those who believe in Him, seeing Him rather as a butler 'who meets their needs when summoned' or a therapist whose role is to help people 'feel good about themselves.' It is a religious outlook that 'makes no pretense at changing lives.' 'By contrast,' as one author declares, 'the God portrayed in both the Hebrew and Christian scriptures asks, not just for commitment, but for our very lives. The God of the Bible traffics in life and death, not niceness, and calls for sacrificial love, not benign whatever-ism.'"

At any rate, yesterday left me with a greater desire to turn my heart to God, to keep His commandments, and to commit myself more fully to Him. After all, He knows what is best for me. He, who created this earth and this life, knows what I need to help me return to Him.

Yesterday was a happy day at our house. Mabel gave a really well-written talk in Sacrament meeting and Oliver was ordained a deacon. I really love the people these kids are becoming and I am grateful for their happy, helpful influences in our home.

happy birthday Oliver!

Oliver turns 12 today, which is kind of a big deal. But you know what? Oliver is kind of a big deal, too--if it is possible to be a big deal in a really quiet, easy going kind of way. To illustrate his easy going-ness: one item on his birthday list said "whatever you want." I mean.

Since the day he was born, he has been a good kid. I know I can count on him to be mature and responsible and obedient.

My dad was in town last night, so we celebrated a little early with dinner out at Johnny Rocket's, Oliver's favorite. Tonight we'll dig into the humongous brownie and chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich cake that Mabel made for him. And then we'll go around in a circle and say all the things we love about him. I'm pretty sure it will be hard for each of us to choose just one. We love him so!

here we go!

Oliver left first, bright and early this morning. Because he is now in 6th grade, he will have an extra hour of instruction in the afternoon, so it will be a longer day than he is used to. Other than that, he is at the same school with the same friends as he has been for the past two years. He attends a public school in our district with a more rigorous academic curriculum than our regular neighborhood school. He is doing well there and I am grateful for that option.

There were a little more jitters in our second group. Mabel is off to high school! She will be a third generation Warrior, as she gets to attend the same high school that Mike and his mom both attended, where she will be doing the International Baccalaureate program. She is nervous, but I know she'll do great. She is bright and kind and so capable. She is excited to be out of uniforms, but of course that led to a little outfit stress this morning. Ha!

Elliot will be in all day first grade, much to his chagrin. I know he'll love it once he's there (he is especially excited to eat lunch in the cafeteria), but he thinks that all day is going to feel really long. It probably will. I sense an extra early bedtime tonight.

And Stella is ready in her cat pants to take on third grade!

Hooray!

baseball

It's my most favorite season of the whole year--little league season! We'll be at the baseball fields every night this week, and I don't even mind. Oliver took last year off, but he's back this year and I am so glad.

He pitched for the first time on Saturday, and I was a nervous wreck! Man alive, the pressure of the entire game is on the shoulders of those pitchers. I know Oliver was feeling it, but he bore it well.

I stole this picture from my friend because it is adorable and shows exactly how little league should be-- lots of friends and lots of smiles. Elliot even has his two best cousins on his team. Oh, it's so fun!

Oliver turns 11

Oliver is dependable, obedient, and hard working. And yesterday he turned 11! It's hard having your birthday on fast Sunday, but when the day was done, we grilled some steaks in his honor and Mabel baked him a cookies-n-cream cake. And then we went for a family walk, even though it was too hot outside. Oliver is an easy kid, and he has been since birth. I don't think he's ever given me a moment's trouble. I'm not sure what we did to deserve him, but we're sure glad he's part of our family!

happy weekend

It's the weekend! Hooray!

Here's a bit of good news: It was the slightest bit crisp outside this morning. Granted, it didn't last long, but that means the end of this blasted summer is on its way. Oh, it felt so good!

Other news: I've been lining the top of that wedding dress all week. I'll be sad to see it go, it's so beautiful. It makes me happy knowing that there are dresses this gorgeous in the world.

And still other news: Oliver turns 11 this weekend! He's such a great kid, with the best and lowest expectations for his gifts. He makes being his parent really easy. Mabel is going to bake him a cake and we might go to the skating rink to celebrate.

I am dreaming of apples and sweaters and jeans. What are you dreaming of this weekend?

Have a good one!

first day

They're off! Mabel and Oliver left early this morning to catch their bus. They are in 8th and 5th grades this year. Last year, when they started at their new school, they were understandably very nervous. This year, I think they are just looking forward to seeing their friends again. And their bus driver. He's our favorite.

Stella and Elliot left a while later, for 2nd and kindergarten. Their school is just across the park behind our house, so we go out the back, through our gate. They were pumped. Elliot is in the half day class, so I'll be back to pick him up soon enough.

And now the house is quiet. And the beds are made. And this freedom feels really great. Hooray!

Mabel and Oliver go to Dallas

We live near lots of Mike's family here in Arizona, but there are no cousins Mabel and Oliver's age. Their best cousins live states away, and they don't get to see each other very often. A few weeks ago, we came across some air fares that we couldn't pass up, so we booked them a weekend in Dallas with my sister and her family.

Mabel and Oliver have flown many times, but never by themselves. They were nervous, but I was able to take them to their gate and watch them board the plane. When they got to Texas, Leslie was waiting at the security point to pick them up. She is the best host and they had tons of fun.

Thanks for having them, Les!

happy weekend

It's the weekend. Hurrah! And Easter weekend. And General Conference weekend, too! Plus, my parents are coming into town today. Our only plans are to stay cozy at home and eat ham. It's going to be fantastic.

Except that we sent Mabel and Oliver off to Texas yesterday to visit cousins for a few days and we already miss them like crazy. But I know that they will have so much fun with my sister's family. They've never been to Texas before, and they had never flown alone, either, so yesterday was a big day.

I love General Conference. It happens every six months, and without exception, I find answers to questions that I have, or counsel that directly relates to my life. If you have a bit of time this weekend, I invite you to watch. Let's meet back here next week and talk about what we heard. Find out how to watch it here.

Have a good weekend!

happy weekend

I decided to strip the paint off of my floors. For lots of reasons, but the main one being that we had a water leak and had to replace part of it. So rather than match the paint on the new section (probably a 2 hour job), I decided to strip it all off and do something different (feels like a 200 hour job). I hope it's worth it. I finished up the stripping and sanding this week. I'm not sure my hands and wrists (and knees) will ever be the same, but I am excited to try a white wash.

In other news, Oliver's car, the Blur, placed third in the Pinewood Derby. Always a fun time, that derby.

And Mabel is competing in state Geography Bee this morning. Eek! I'm so nervous for her.

This weekend is going to be a busy one, unfortunately, but I am hoping for a nap anyway.

Have fun!

at this very moment

Some things I want to remember about life right now:

That Mabel is better at applying makeup than I am. That I have to wake her up half an hour earlier than Oliver on school days so that she can monopolize the bathroom. That she cannot for the life of her pick up after herself (but that she has lots of other more important talents, anyway). That she is turning into a teenager right before my very eyes.

That Oliver is balanced on the edge of being too old for his little brother and sister, but much to my relief more often than not, he falls to their side. That he will spend hours with them in the basement coming up with intricate play scenarios. That he is taking to tennis like he's always held a racket.

That Stella has lost all of her teeth (one more after I took that picture). That she still talks in a half whisper, pausing for breaths between syllables. That she is the best reader in her class and that she gives her love unabashedly to anyone within arms reach.

That Elliot will change his clothes fourteen times a day. That he doesn't think it's weird to wear a full baseball uniform, including cleats, to preschool. That he falls asleep on my lap every Sunday before sacrament meeting even starts. That he still whole-heartedly claims the position of baby of the family.

These are good days. There is so much I want to remember.

Halloween

Elliot loves dressing up. He wears this get up on a regular basis, and was stoked to add a real holster, cap gun, and spurs to the ensemble for Halloween.

I was hard pressed to choose a favorite costume this year, but I think Stella wins. She is practically perfect in every way as Mary Poppins. Her hat was a great find in a New Orleans antique store (with a few flowers glued on), her umbrella was from the French Market, and the rest of her outfit was found at thrift stores and Old Navy. She's been dying for high heels, and she needed new church shoes anyway, so we splurged on these new patent leather pumps from Payless.

"For only $300 you can sign up right now for my 8-week program. Break the wrist, walk away." We love Napoleon Dynamite at our house, so Oliver's Rex costume was a no-brainer. We tried to convince Elliot to be Kip, but he wasn't on board. Alas.

Mabel was a gypsy. She is a lover of accessories, so something that required layers and layers of jewelry was right up her alley.

The whole crew. I took Stella and Elliot around our neighborhood for trick-or-treating, but Mabel and Oliver have outgrown me. They both chose to go with friends this year. Mike stayed home and frightened all of the little children as he passed out candy in his horse head mask.

It was fun, but let's be honest, we're most excited for Thanksgiving around here. Bring on the pie!

happy birthday Oliver!

On our way to Ike's for Oliver's birthday dinner Saturday night, we went around the car telling him what we love most about him. There were lots of "he's funny" and "he plays with me." I said that I loved how obedient he is. Really, I only have to ask him to do something once and he will do it, usually without complaint.

Oliver is a good brother with a big, generous heart. He'd give you the shirt off his back and make you smile while he did it.

We love our Oliver!

back to school

Today was the day. The kids went back to school. Hooray! I think it's going to be a good year. Mabel and Oliver started at a new school, and were understandably nervous about the change. It will be quite a bit more rigorous than what they are used to, but they are bright kids and I know they will do just fine. Sending them there was not a decision Mike and I made lightly, but after lots of study and prayer, we felt really good about it. It is a smaller school, just fourth through eighth grades, and I am happy that it eases us through the junior high years. We feel really lucky to have this option.

Stella was off to first grade at our neighborhood school. She picked up right where she left off last year, and had a really good day.

Next week Elliot will start preschool a few mornings a week. And then what am I going to do with myself?! Probably lay down on the couch with a good book. I am completely looking forward to it.

week in review

We had a good week. My parents were in town until Wednesday and we love when they come to visit. It means eating out and staying up late and pretending we're on vacation, too. We even managed to squeeze in a quick game of backyard baseball. Oliver is gearing up for baseball season. Hooray! Baseball season is my favorite. His first official practice was on Thursday, and Elliot wishes so badly that he was old enough to play.

This weekend will probably find me and Mabel up to our elbows in flour in the kitchen. We have quite a few things to bake for her girls camp fundraiser on Saturday. We're even trying out a couple of new recipes. I'll be sure to share them next week (but only if we liked them).

Have a good weekend!

lunch, a cry-baby, and the olympics

Elliot and I ate lunch with Oliver and Stella at school yesterday. (Mabel was eating at a friend's house.) Oliver played it cool, barely looked at me, and didn't utter a single word almost the entire time. But Stella. Stella was sparkly and giggly and had a smile plastered on her face as big as could be. Once her class was dismissed, she led us to the playground where she took Elliot's hand and helped him on the slide. It was pretty sweet. The whole experience left me feeling really grateful. There are good teachers and sweet aides at our school who take care of my children all day long. I left feeling really lucky, and slightly emotional.

I seem to be more emotional about everything these days. I'm blaming it on the Olympics. They always turn me into a blubbery, patriotic mess. My plan this weekend is to hunker down on the couch with some hot chocolate and watch as much skiing and figure skating as I can. How about you?

for Oliver

This morning I had a quick errand to run across the park. Oliver was dressed and ready for school, so I asked him to do it for me. Here's the thing about Oliver: he is always willing to help. He is such a kind, obedient boy.

If Elliot is upset about something, Oliver will get him to laugh instead. If Mabel is working on a school project, Oliver will be there to assist her. If Stella needs someone to play with, Oliver is her guy, even if that means playing with Barbies. He is such a good sport.

When he was four years old, he was inches away from being hit head on by a very large pick up truck that was barreling down the road. I still can't even really think about it. But he was saved that day, saved for something special, I just know it. I can't wait to see where this life takes him.

I am thankful for his calm presence in our home.

the costumes

Halloween is not my holiday, but I have to admit that it is pretty satisfying to outfit the children in the exact costumes of their dreams. I think everyone was pretty pleased with the way they looked this year, and for that I am grateful. If only we could skip the trick-or-treating and the candy part of this holiday, then I would be all set.

First up, Oliver as "Ralphie Parker" from A Christmas Story. He sort of already looks like Ralphie, so we just went with it. He's totally going to shoot his eye out with that thing.

Next is Elliot as Troy, the red Power Ranger. Can you believe that the Power Rangers are still around? Elliot found them on Hulu and promptly fell in love. He's worn this costume everyday for the last week and it is my favorite.

Mabel wanted to be an elf from the Lord of the Rings. This is the only costume that I made this year, and the smile on her face when she tried it on for the first time made all of the hours of sewing worth it.

Stella is Little Red Riding Hood. She was having a tough time deciding between a basket for candy (more accurate to her character) or her trick-or-treat bag. Last I heard she had decided to carry them both. :)

The whole gang.

Happy Halloween!

p.s. I'll see you back here tomorrow for the start of my month of Thanksgiving posts. It is my favorite and I hope you'll play along!