This Easter Stunk!

I'm grateful for one word: flexible.

Easter did not go as planned this year. Not one part of it. Some things were little and some things were big. It is the tradition of the family being together and the love and security we feel with one another, celebrating the only thing that matters.... The Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

There were however, some moments worth salvaging: The program at church was uplifting and inspiring. Justin sang the most beautiful song with the choir I have ever heard. The boys went on a treasure hunt prepared by Mammy that was fabulous. Easter dinner was delicious. Our family read a new Easter book together the week leading up to Sunday, and that made the true meaning sink in even better for us and the boys. I love our tradition of us wearing matching outfits and taking pictures- I have no idea how, but we managed to squeeze in a few family pics. The girls (GG, Aunt Cindi, Mom, and me) spent lots of the weekend yapping- something I love to do:). We found 16 of the 18 hard boiled eggs that the Easter Bunny hid- it could be a lot worse. It was cold and drizzly outside and it felt good to stay in and warm up by the fire Papa made and relaxing as we took turns using the Chi Machine. Naps, card games, and hugs we enjoyed from GG our Easter visitor.

Amen...

“This is our one and only chance at mortal life – here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey – now.” -President Thomas S. Monson

Time

Despite the unnecessary craziness that has gone on this week, I wanted my family to focus on the little things that are important to them. I had a great conversation with each and thought I would jot down a bit of what we talked about:

Justin: I have really been enjoying food lately. Burgers, ribeye, and pizza. Food is a normal highlight. It's been great to read magic tree house to the boys- (I think all 3 escape and go on adventures together and then come back rejuvenated for reality). Work is good. Busy good. It's been challenging with lots of new things to learn. I got to climb into a 120 foot raised water tower and look out to see an amazing view. It was windy and cloudy but beautiful nonetheless.

Alisa: I've really had to make an extra effort to focus on what is really important. Busy schedules, stress, drama, and other things that are distracting have really been taking a toll on me. I see it in the way I talk to my kids, brain fog, headaches and exhaustion- a few signs among my red flags. I KNOW now that when these things start to happen, that I need to change something. The healing process is a long journey and to me, it is best if things are calm, peaceful, and simple.

I walked out of our church building and the most delicious fragrant smell hit my nose at 100 mph. Fluffy white bunches of flowers on a bush was the greeting by the door. I was instantly transported to my childhood in my hometown, Farmington. I was lazily laying on the lawn of my grandparents house. I was under the apple tree, in full blossom, taking in deep breaths of the spring air. It was a tad bit chilly and I was wearing my light green windbreaker trying to get away with shorts as a chilly breeze blew. The day was so carefree. In between a few branches of the apple tree I stared up at the blue, blue sky and watched clouds roll by...lions with crowns, big lacy gates with a walkway that stretched to a castle door, and funny faces with tiny elf ears joined my afternoon.

As the week grew more and more hectic, I simply would think of my memory, go on a free vacation for a few moments and shortly feel better.

Nathan: I am writhing a book at my school about my cousins. I ride Tanner's bike and we all go to the mailbox. I liked when we all went swimming this week and dad taught me how to swim. I love all President Monson's talks in conference. I love the temple and he talked about the temples.

Kendall: I liked floating on my back at the pool and eating sandwiches there. I like listening to Jack-in-the-Beanstalk in the car. I liked playing hide and seek with mommy because I'm a good hider.

Good Eats.

I've been in love with those cute bento style lunches and found this blog that does it on a much easier level. I'm addicted to the kids reactions every time we have one for lunch.

This Day

I want to remember this day. Not because something momentous or earth shattering happened but because it was a plain good day.

Morning- Went for a walk around the lake at clemet park during the wee hours and watched the sunrise with mom. Breakfast- no milk, so we all ate eggs and toast. Justin left for work and the kids and I put the soundtrack to Spirit on and started to half clean and half dance. Went from room to room picking up. Grabbed an Aesop Fables book and had a little time out with the kids in the bottom of my disastrous closet next to the shoes. Read more stories. Bathed the boys.

Noon- Papa came over. Made grilled cheese and tomato soup. Justin came home from work to join us. Justin went back to work. Went with Papa to get some paint samples. Stopped by Papa's house and the boys and I went to work weeding the yard- the boys love this because they get to use sharp clippers and dangerous dandelion digger tools. Swept the deck and ate fudge bars. Put on the Backyardigans and took a 40 minute nap.

Evening- Made meatloaf and rosemary potatoes. Ate. Ran to Home Depot to get a few supplies with the fam. Went to Redbox. FHE, jammies, stories and bed for the littles. Patience running a bit thin at this point after lots of whining. Cut Justin's hair, did more laundry and watched a movie on the couch with herbal tea and chips with Justin. Ahhhhh, bedtime.

Squish.

Kendall and I were sitting on the floor, eating our sweet potato- tomato lunch on the coffee table one afternoon. We were watching the movie, Spirit, and Kendall was telling me why his favorite part was when the horses ran so fast.

He then gabbed all about Nathan squirting him with the "panty hose" outside, and how much he loved doing his "homework."

At a good stopping place after we ate and he finished talking, I went to switch out a load of laundry. When I came back in the room, I found this utterly exhausted boy had ran to get his blanket, climbed up on the couch and was fast asleep.

Gingerbread Boys.

I had just finished reading the Gingerbread Man story to Kendall and it dawned on me...we've never made these cookies before.

Off we went making some dough so that when Nathan got home from school, we could roll it out and have them baked and cooled by the time Justin got home from work.

We all sat around the table after dinner and decorated.

That night some pretty gooey masterpieces were created and eaten. Yum.

A Gift.

Nathan has been having a very difficult time going to sleep lately. I'm not proud of the fact that I went against my instincts and let him watch the Michael Jackson, Thriller, video after learning the dance at a birthday party, but what's done is done.

Justin and I felt we had exhausted many of our options and another sleepless night with a shaking boy made me feel so sad.

I dropped Nathan off at school and spoke with his teacher to let her know what had been going on just in case he fell over from lack of sleep. I worried about this situation all throughout the week and though it seems like no big deal, it was all I could do not to think about what trick I was going to try that night and obsess about it. After all, as a mom, we just want to fix hard things and make them better rather than let our kids go through them.

This thinking is a myth. It is the hard things that help us grow and make us stronger, and even if it seems silly to worry about "little things", like kids struggling to make it through the night, Heavenly Father is aware of our struggles and needs.

I felt like I really wanted to take Kendall to the library and even though I was going against the physical needs of my body to get some rest, I took him anyway.

We turned the corner to the children's section and there sitting behind the desk, was my tender mercy, Trish. She happened to be subbing at my library for the first time in 4 months. Trish reminds me of a very tall fairy that kind of floats and flutters around as she walks. Then she starts talking and you just fall in love with that sweet little voice. It's like ribbons of brown velvet going in and out your ears, putting you in a trance. You want to keep asking her questions just so that you can hear her talk and you never, ever want her to stop. Soft and soothing followed by giggles and twinkly eyes behind her fairy glasses.

I unloaded my situation on her and proceeded to go into story time with Kendall. Story time was over and by the time I had come out, Trish had a huge pile of children's books and a movie to help me out with our little dilemma that was taking place at home. Those books, coupled with a few of my own has made a difference. It has sparked new ideas and our bedtime routine, though not back to normal, sure is a lot better. And every time I put Nathan to bed, I think of my little fairy who saved me without even knowing it.

Yes...This is What I'm Talking About.

Interview

Nathan
Age: 6

Favorite Color: Every single color but my most favorite is RED.

Favorite Treat: ice cream, cake, brownies, cookies, suckers, pumpkin pie, candy canes, Christmas desserts, Halloween desserts, Valentines candy, March candy, October candy

Favorite Food: tortillas, quesadillas, pretty much everything from every restaurant except bad restaurants.

Favorite Family Outting: Going to states, playing with cousins, and hanging out together.

What makes you happy: When all of you guys have so much fun with me.

How do you help others: Carry stuff for them, doing what they ask me.

What is one thing you want to do this year: Go to Texas, cuz I want to see Jonah (cousin).

Kendall
Age: 3 1/2

Favorite Color: Blue and Purple

Favorite Treat: Chocolate

Favorite Food: Scrambled eggs

Favorite Family Outting: Go get ice cream.

What makes you happy: Smiling

How do you help others: Pick up

What is one thing you want to do this year: Make a sand castle.

Recharged Batteries!

Oh, how much I welcomed conference this year! I have always looked forward to it, but this year, especially. I was even a bit melancholy at the end of the last session as it came to a close.

The kids did great. We pulled from our conference basket and in between games, note taking, singing, and snacks, I think they learned a bit...at least I'm hoping.

Nathan took this picture of us after one of the sessions. He told us to sit up, smile, have fun, and click. That was that.

I'm looking forward to re-watching my favorite talks and setting some goals for the next 6 months. I love our prophet, President Monson. He is pure Awesomeness!

Spring Break 2011

Spring break this year was just the way we like it...low key and relaxing. The kids played and played outside and loved every minute of it! A major highlight? Playing fetch with Belle, the huge black lab that loves to lick, I mean give kisses.

This must have been some game.

I love this picture of Claire, my niece. It captures her true personality. Happy and so beautiful on the inside that she just can't help but sparkle on the outside.

Our favorite way to eat waffles. Vacation style. Whipped cream, strawberries, and buttermilk syrup.

Fooled Ya!

The kiddos were all about pulling a prank on their dad, so after carefully taping the bills and loading the roll on the holder...they were ready for some action asking him every 2 seconds if he had to go to the bathroom.

We pulled one on the kids too. Wormy apples and egg sundaes. Delish!