Boys Birthday, Part 1

Ethan and Jonah woke up to pancakes and oj, as requested by the pair of them. Later that morning they opened one present each. We usually wait until after dinner to open presents, but Jonah was student of the week and wanted to bring something to show his class, so they got to open something!

For dinner they requested stuffed crust pizza. I had to try 3 different places (on the phone) until I found Pizza Hut that does a fun one and it was a hit.

The boys knew exactly what kind of cake they wanted. Ethan wanted an Angel Food cake, with blueberries (and maybe other berries too?) and Jonah wanted a yellow bundt cake with strawberries. They were super easy to make, besides the fact that there were two of them, and they loved them.

Good choice, boys! Ethan- blowing out the candles!!

Jonah! 9 Candles!

 Opening Presents!!

 A big box of crafts! Perfect! Thanks, Grandma!

Ethan got rescue vehicles and finished them in 2 days! Love!

Ethan got super excited about this one, since it was on his "maybe" list.

In total, after spending most of their birthday money on nerf guns, they have 4 nerf guns and 1 nerf bow- enough for a good Nerf battle (if they don't lose all their ammunition in one week). 

Jonah got a microscope. He has had one before, but it broke and this one came with a lot more prepared slides he could check out!

Overall, a very successful birthday!

Happy Birthday, ETHAN & JONAH!- a few days late

Ethan and Jonah,

            You are 9 Years Old Today! WOW! Your are growing up so fast. Everything has been so busy lately with the end of the school year, that I tend to forget that your birthday was coming. But, I remembered! Often! I hope you have a wonderful, happy, happy day today!

             Ethan, I love how your teacher at school tells me that you are doing wonderfully! You did something super well the other day and she told me about it, beaming with a unique pride that only teachers can get. I am so proud of all of the hard work you did this year in third grade. Good job! I love you!

            Jonah, I love how you quietly go about your business, reading books, taking AR tests, getting things done, crafting things- without bothering anyone. I love how you are still good friends with Andrew and hope you still will be next year. And I love how you are still friends with Ethan- whispering secrets and flying airplanes notes in Church. I love you!

         Happy Birthday, boys! 9 years ago you were born in the Utah Valley Hospital. You were 5 1/2 weeks early and born blue and grey, but here you are right now- healthy and happy, taking a Sunday nap (Jonah) and listening intently (Ethan) to Dad reading the Hobbit. I love you two!! Happy Birthday!!

xoxo,

Mom
          

Mother's Day

I can't pull up any pictures to download on blogger, but here is our Mother's Day in Highlights:

A Saturday Morning of shopping,
A new candle,
Magenta potted flowers for outside,
Coming home to a mostly clean house
And a scurrying to put away craft stuffs.
A fun date night-
Cafe Rio,
Barnes n Noble.
Sunday Lesson Prep.

Breakfast in Bed-
Eggs, toast, OJ, yogurt,
Grumpy kids not wanting to take pictures
8 am Church
Kiddos singing Mom songs-
Me tearing up
(Not so usual) 
Ethan home with pink eye (seriously?!)
Me teaching YW
How to receive Personal Revelation
A spontaneous poem from a Young Woman
Written and Shared
Touched hearts.

A Nap.
Yummy dinner cooked by Josh.
A walk in the park.
Dessert- Angel Food cake
Cards, presents, chocolate
and Flowers.
"Mom, you get two birthdays!" says Asher.
Yes, yes I do.
Aren't I lucky Mom?
Such sweet kids and such a sweet husband!
One of the best Mother's Day ever-
Thanks, guys!


 

To All My Children,

 

Dear Children,

              To those of you who are here now, who have made me a Mother, who call me Mother and who give me a chance daily to learn, grow and experience the joy of Mothering, To my sweet 4 children- my 10 year old, my two 8 years olds (so soon to be 9) and my six year old. It is only for such a short time that you will be these ages. Time seems to fly on the wings of a very large bird- it's flapping seems so slow and deliberate, but it moves swiftly and surely. Within a few short months Elizabeth, you will be 11, Ethan and Jonah, you will be 9 and Asher, you will be 7. I will no longer have a sweet 1st grader to call my own. I will no longer have twins who have recently baptized or a fourth grader in the cusp of young childhood.
            But, I will have a sweet 2nd grader- 2nd graders can be so fun and cute! I will have 2 fourth graders, who have been around the block in Elementary School and are ready for another lap. I will have a fifth grader, who knows her stuff, who knows how to work hard and who has friends to cheer and uplift her. You are growing and learning and I am so very proud of you.
            Children, I want you to know that you are my children. Nothing can ever change that. Heavenly Father has given you to me- to take care of, to teach, to raise in righteousness, to honor and to love. I want you to know, Elizabeth, Ethan, Jonah and Asher, that I honor you- you who have made me a Mother. And I love you. Very Much. Happy Mother's Day. I am so grateful for you.

Love,
Mom

    

No Greater Honor: The Woman's Role

With Asher home sick again- this time with Pink Eye- I wanted to write about Womanhood and Motherhood. As I was searching my files for my boys' birth story, I came across a talk that I had printed out and filed away almost 8 years ago. Some of it was highlighted and underlined and as I reread it, I realized why I had saved it. It hits on the important role of Mothers and of raising a new generation. Entitled "No Greater Honor: The Woman's Role" by N. Eldon Tanner, it was given at General Conference on Oct. 7, 1973. Even though this talkwas given even before I was born, it's teaching still remain true today and I love that. I love that 30 years from now, Elizabeth can print out a talk that Elder Bednar gave this past Conference and read it to her children.

N. Eldon Tanner says "From the beginning God has made it clear that woman is very special, and he has also very clearly defined her position, her duties and her destiny in the divine plan." I love how he says that women are VERY special. With the world today telling us that women are inferior, that their role in
the home is not as important as their role out in the world, and that children are a burden, it is good to hear affirmation of the importance of our role as women. "We must never forget that one of woman's greatest privileges, blessings, and opportunities is to be a co-partner with God in bringing his spirit children into the world." He continues: "As we enumerate the many important responsibilities a woman has in connection with her duties as a wife, a mother, a homemaker, a sister, a sweetheart, or a good neighbor, it should be evident that these challenging responsibilities can satisfy her need need to express her talents, her interests, her creativity, dedication, energy and skill which so many seek to satisfy outside the home."

I remember now why I printed and highlighted this talk. I was trying to come to the decision of really trying for a fourth baby, even though my twin boys were only 16 months at the time. I really wanted to write a book. After reading this talk, I put that desire on hold and put my Faith in God. Along came Asher, and I am oh so very thankful for him. What the Prophets teach are true. They stand the test of time. If we read and do what they say we will be blessed. Beyond Measure.

Mothers (and Scarlet Fever)

 

 Asher, water day 2012

 I spent a part of this morning watching Mormon Messages on the couch with Asher. Early Friday morning Asher awoke, throwing up, with a fever and covered in tiny red dots. We had no idea what it was. Josh googled his symptoms and there were 800 possibilities. 

Thankful to have not taken that sub job I was offered the day before, we headed to the Dr. "I think it's Scarlet Fever" the Dr. said right away. I guess the red rash gave it away. (Scarlet fever is strep throat plus a rash, one in 1,000 kids get it).

We headed home after getting some meds and were a bit sad that he had to miss the Father and Sons Camp Out that night as well as the fact that I wouldn't have alone time with Elizabeth. There always comes the good though! I have gotten to spend a lot of time with Asher and it's really been a blessing. I've been feeling kinda blue lately (our home is still for sale in MD and our foster care caseworker has been super swamped with cases) and a good dose of Asher's humor, smile and laughter has been enough to boost my spirits, make my heart smile and generally remind me of the good things in life.

About his red bumps, Asher said: "Mom, you have the same red bumps- only they're pimples!" Thanks, Asher!

Speaking about the good things in life, one of the Mormon Messages we watched was called The Women in Our Lives. It touched my heart (I may or may not have cried). I love to hear President Hinckley, one of my favorite Prophets, speak about a topic so dear to my heart- Mothering.

Asher: "I know why we have tissues next to the couch." "Why?"  "Because people cry alot." Who, me?

I have a Mother who is beautiful and kind, wonderful and amazing. I have a Mother-in-Law who is both smart and wise, talented and funny. I am so lucky that I get to be a Mother. My children have taught me more than I could ever learn on my own. As I see the world through their eyes, my heart is softened, my faith is strengthened and I yearn to be better because of them.
 
*** More on Mothering throughout this week.

***Thank you to those who may have contributed to Get Ben to the Fringe Project! He made his goal and he will be going!!

Get Ben to the Fringe!

 

 My Brother-in-Law, Ben Abbott (Josh's brother) has written and helped produce a one man play called "Questions of the Heart: Gay Mormons and the Search for Identity." He did the show at UC Berkeley and it got wonderful reviews. Now, his play was accept to two fringe festivals- one in Cincinnati and one in Indianapolis. He just needs to get there! Ben started a two week campaign to raise the money needed to do just that. So far he has done really well and needs only a little bit more to reach his goal! We are so excited for him and his chance to take his play on the road! You can read more/contribute to the case here:

Get Ben to the Fringe!

Ben's Show Page

Thank you!!!

Asher's 1st Grade Program

 Asher's School had their 1st Grade program- Seussical- the other night. Here are a bunch of first graders pre-show. Nine of the kids in this shot are members of the LDS Church and it always amazes Josh and I how many members there are here compared to Gaithersburg, MD where there was only one other family in the whole school that were members.
Needless to say, there are often daily Parent volunteers in the classroom.

After the show!! Asher did great! I loved it! Ethan and Jonah, our resident 8 year olds thought it was too goofy. The Parents ate it up! The music teacher, Mrs. Wilson, always does an amazing job with these shows. They do them up to 2nd grade and then stop- which I understand now because of Ethan and Jonah. They just couldn't handle it!

Asher's Video here.

Here's another short clip as well.

National Infertility Week

It's National Infertility Awareness Week and I want to write a little about it. 

When you look at our family, with our 4 kids, including a set of twin boys, you wouldn't think that we are the image of infertility. 

But we are.

It's been 18 months since our last miscarriage and we haven't conceived again.

Despite going to a very good Dr. who said keep trying, keep trying, keep trying.

Despite trying.

And we are okay with that- with our infertility.

There are other ways of growing a family:

Adopting.

Foster Care.

We've been led, through quiet thoughts and small stirrings, to do foster care.

And we're extremely excited. 

I washed blue and white onesies yesterday, folding little sleeves and tucking little bottoms.

The bottles got a bath as well and the kids were thrilled. 

"Ooh, can I feed the baby?" asked Elizabeth, our 10 yr old.

"Can I change the diapers?" asked Asher, the 6 yr old. "I just want to try it once."

And our season of infertility will be covered with so many laughs, and giggles, spit ups and dirty diapers and bottles,

That we will be hard pressed to remember this barren time,

The time when the babies stopped coming. 

Going Gluten Free (this week)

Hard Boiled eggs are gf- right? I love the smile on Asher! He has been without 2 front teeth for 4 months now and finally one is peeking out!

Today is Day 4 of our going Gluten-free for a week challenge. I had talked with a few friends at the school about how helpful/easy it was for their children to go gluten free (although one of them is allergic to gluten and one is diabetic). I also talked to my sister Larissa, who has friends with kids who have really benefited from a gluten free lifestyle.

With my boys being hyper/full of super energy and Jonah still working on finding a good medicine for his ADD (although he is adjusted finally to his current one) I thought I would try it out!

I mean, why not? After several weeks of trying to attempt it- I was busy/it was testing week and the teachers were handing out snacks/I was busy- I sat down one day during a quiet testing hour at school and wrote out a week's worth of gf meals and snacks.

What I have learned so far is this: it is more expensive to eat gf (which I suspected). It's a little more time consuming as you have to spend more time in the kitchen and prepping for meals. The kids love, love, love having new foods to try in their lunches (sometimes it's a hit, sometimes not so much). Yesterday Asher even said "I can't wait until lunch time" which he has only said on a few other occasions. I am guilty of making the same 2 or 3 lunches and I have learned that it is good to buy them a new treat/fruit/dessert/main dish a few times a week.

I haven't seen any big changes in behavior yet. Yesterday after school went super well- they did their homework/practiced piano/went swimming but I can't tell if they just got it all done because they were motivated to go swimming. Probably. Whatever works! Yesterday morning Ethan and Jonah were up to their usual antics (someone got hurt). This morning was ok- Ethan was hyper even after losing some sleep. We'll see how this afternoon goes, although it's busy with Scouts and Activity Days. 

Wish us luck!

More of Josh's B-day

Here are a few more pictures of Josh's birthday on the 9th: Josh, presents and Asher

Blowing out the Candles!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

 Happy Birthday

to my dear, sweet Mother!

I love you, Mom! xoxoxoxo

I would never have thought...

 
 Out for Dessert for Josh's Birthday. These boys are my Joy! (Asher, Jonah, Ethan)

And Elizabeth too- hopefully she won't be mad that I'm posting this! (Josh was there too- he was standing in line)

I'm blogging a lot this week. This week the kids have their State Testing at school, so I haven't had any sub jobs. It's hard to administer tests as a substitute. It's been strange to not be at the school with the kids and I miss it.

Two thoughts for today:

-I would have never thought that I would see my friends who are foster parents go on to foster not just one, but two children while we wait to foster. It reminds me of how, when trying to get pregnant, my friends, one after the another, would be pregnant with not just one, but two and sometimes three children.

-LDS Adoption Connection.blogspot.com has a great video on adoption and how it felt for one LDS Mother- Tamra- to place her son for adoption. It made me cry, although many things do lately. Check it out: A Birthmother's Story.

Happy Thursday! Make your weekends be warm, full of some work, some play and some good memories!

Learning to Wait

I am back on the topic of foster care, as it has been looming large in my life right now. The past couple of years, with all of my children in school, have been ones of relative rest for me. Yes, we have had hard times, but they have not been the continual day to day trying times that parenting very young children can bring.

I am about to return to that stage of parenting and am hopeful and excited. It can't come soon enough. Until it does though, I am going to try and relish the days that I have now- quiet at home. I am not going to take as many sub jobs. I am going to re-read the talks from General Conference, read some blogs on Mothering and spend some time reflecting on my past Mothering experiences, how I got here and where I am going.

Just like a pregnant Mother does not know when her child will arrive, we have no idea when this child will arrive. We are powerless, for the most part, to rush these arrivals. And we wait. And we learn. We learn patience, submissiveness, kindness and we draw closer to God. Our lives are in His hands.

 Mother's Day is coming up- maybe that will be the day! We will wait and pray and hope!

---On a side note, each child placed in foster care has had a rough life, whether they be 2 days old or 16 years old. If you feel inclined to buy something- whether it be a small blanket, a small book or a toy, I will send those items along with them when they return to their families. 

Fostering- Getting Close

General Conference was amazing. It was so good to hear the words of our Prophets, to listen to the stories they tell, to feel of their love and to feel encouraged and uplifted.

In the last General Conference (Oct. 2012), Dallin H. Oaks gave a talk entitled "Protect the Children". Recently, as I have contemplated doing foster care and what types of situations these children will come from when they come into our home, I was reminded of this talk and especially of a story that Elder Oaks retells. He states:

" Jeffrey R. Holland recently shared the experience of an LDS police officer. In an investigation he found five young children huddled together and trying to sleep without bedding on a filthy floor in a dwelling where their mother and others were drinking and partying. The apartment had no food to relieve their hunger. After tucking the children into a makeshift bed, the officer knelt and prayed for their protection. As he walked toward the door, one of them, about six, pursued him, grabbed him by the hand, and pleaded, “Will you please adopt me?”<sup>8

There are so many children out there in need of love, hope and faith. I hope that when we get our sweet foster baby, I will remember to pray.</sup>

Happy 34th Birthday, Josh!

Happy 34th Birthday, to my bearded/now not bearded Joshua!

I love being married to this guy and I love how strong a view on Marriage we both have!

We can't believe that he's 34! I'm a year and 4 months older than him, so it always seems like he is exactly the same age as me. He's just turning 34 now? What a young 'un! The kids think it's hilarious that I am older than him, since to them being older means being wiser and Dad is always the one who knows the answers to your questions/fixes things. (Asher once said, Mom you are not the boss, Dad is! Do you even know how to fix a bike tire?) 

Here are just a few things that Josh and I like to do together:

-Go to Barnes n Noble, Grab a few books we've been wanting to read/look good and sit down and read them together. I like to share everything I learn. Josh is patient with me and listens.

-Go to Barnes n Noble (again!), bring a board game and play while having a treat from the Cafe. 

-Go to In N Out, elbow our way into finding a seat and then eat and eat and eat! (I love In n Out!)

-Go to the Movies. Usually it's just the $2 movies unless we have a gift card, etc!

-Swim in the pool when all the kids are in bed.

-Go scorpion hunting together (in a black light they glow iridescent so we find them and spray them). Our highest count was 12 or 13 once. They freak me out but I like to be around Josh and he makes me feel protected!

-Watch random shows on Netflix: Foyle's War, Alfred Hitchcock, Studio C, you name it.

-Read together. We'll take turns reading a good article or family history. It's fun!

-Go to the Temple. We try to go at least once a month and then sometimes get a treat after! We really love going!

-Do Creative Dates. We'll see up a Movie Theater in the van and do fun board games as well.

I don't know why  I wanted to write about what we do together, but I want you to know that I love spending time with this man! He is funny, kind, happy, wise, brilliant, talented, dashing (with or without the beard) and I am so glad to have him in my life! Happy Birthday, Babe!

-Also, thank you to all of those who read Elizabeth first blog posts and commented on them! She was thrilled to see comments on her posts!

Easter!

 Here are a few shots from our Easter day, albeit blurry ones.

 Elizabeth and her basket.

Ethan eating a Peep, complete with head gear for searching for the baskets. Every year the Easter Bunny hides clues as to where they are hidden. This year they were in a cabinet in the garage (good idea, Josh!).

 All 4 kids ready to go to Church: Jonah, Ethan, Asher and Elizabeth. I ended up taking Elizabeth home right after Sacrament because her pink eye was flaring up. I played the piano for the Choir and was oh so glad it was over. On to the next song!

 We ended the day with a trip to the Temple and a walk around it's grounds with it's lovely Spring Flowers. It was perfect because just the night before they had taken down all the chairs from the Easter Pageant and it had left a big, empty field with lots and lots of rows where the people sat. The kids starting running before they even hit the grass. And they even found some spoils left over by the crowds: 2 blinking disco lights, a chain, a paper clip and a dime. Yep, the kids were thrilled! We wore them out and took them home where they fell into bed exhausted from a wonderful Easter Day!

________________________________

*On a completely different note, Jonah met with a new Dr. a week ago and is now taking Intuniv for his ADD. It is not a stimulant like the others (Concerta and Vyvanse). It's side effect is that it makes him sleepy. A lot. The first day he came home from school and slept from 3:30-5:00 and went to bed at 8. He has rough days and good days so we'll keep watching him.

Good Friday

A painting at the Mesa Temple's Visitor's Center. Don't you just love it?

We've had a rough pink eye week: first Jonah, then Ethan and now Elizabeth. They trade off and overlap days of missing school. I have been home most of this week. Elizabeth wrote her first blog post about it on her new blog. You can check it out at: beanieboosrock2.blogspot.com.

We had our foster caseworker E. over to see our new house and let us know what changes we need to make to pass our home inspection. He left us with a long list of things to do (move the rocks under the pool fence, lower the water temp, lock up anything that says 'keep away from children') and I started to feel a bit overwhelmed. I am excited to be moving forward though!

Our home is Maryland is back on the market. Our buyer walked away. Hopefully it will go better this time, since we know exactly what the bank wants to get for the home.

Josh and I went to see the Mesa Temple Pagent in Spanish for date night. It was muy bueno and I enjoyed chatting with a few ladies in Spanish. I never get to use my Spanish so I take any chance I can get it! We also stopped by the Visitor's Center and saw the Liz Lemon art show. So neat!

Life is good. Josh was gone for a few days this week to Atlanta, Georgia for a pretty cool technology Conference. It's neat that he gets to do fun things sometimes. We're excited for Easter. It seems to have rushed up on us but Easter is always a special time of year. This year I've had the chance to teach the 12-13 yr old girls in Church all month about the Atonement, about having Faith and the Resurrection. What better way to remember Him, than to teach of Him.

The Supreme Court this week held hearings in defense of Same Sex Marriage. Such a big case to hear on such an important subject. Some good thoughts on the subject can be found on my Father-in-laws blog: judyandlloyd.blogspot.com. Have a Happy Easter Weekend!

My Sister Larissa

 Larissa and her two kiddos

Christine (sis-in-law), Larissa and Amy (sis)- pics stolen from Larissa's blog.

I am so lucky to have 4 beautiful, talented and wonderful sisters! One of these is my next younger sister, Larissa. She is 18 months younger than Molly and I and it always seemed like we were a threesome. My Grandma Betty would buy us matching identical dresses, so we were no longer a set of twins, but triplets being so close in age. Once, the school asked if Larissa wanted to skip a grade (she is super smart!) and be in the same grade as Molly and I. I was quite against this, since I already had to share my grade with someone, but it amazed me how ready she was to skip that grade.

Larissa lives in Central California with her hubby and two sweet kids. She not only stays home with them, but also writes grants, is involved in the Republican Party, serves in the Relief Society and helps with Emergency Preparedness in the Church. She is very active in her Mom's group and has been with the same group for 5-6 years. She eats really healthy, is super fit and is always making yummy, healthy, nutritious food.

She is an amazing sister and I love having her positive influence in my life. Oh, and she always remembers everyone's birthday and sends sweet little gifts. Larissa, you amaze me! Love you!

Not Shrinking...

 

A couple of weeks ago, Elder Bednar of the Quorum of the Seventy and an Apostle of the Lord, gave a talk to the Youth of our Church. It was posted online and Josh and I watched a copy of it. Elder Bednar quoted Elder Maxwell when he said "It was better not to shrink than to survive..." speaking of his bout with Cancer.

Tuesday, while driving home from the dentist, with a pain in two teeth, and a possible estimate for 2 root canals and 2 crowns (the price of which would deplete our savings), I began to think of this talk.

I was very disheartened.

And just like when a few bad things happen to you in a row and you start to think you are having a bad day, I began to crumble, just slightly. And the words "I will not shrink" pressed into my mind.

I will not shrink from getting two root canals if I need them (I got one yesterday).

And I went on from there:

I will not shrink from not getting pregnant (a bitter, sour cup) and will meet with our Foster/Adoption Case Worker next Tuesday.

I will not shrink from working on short selling our home even though we now know we need a lot higher offer for the bank to approve and it will most likely go back on the market (after a year and a half).

I will not run away screaming- emotionally, physically or mentally.

I will not shrink from both Ethan and Jonah (and Josh) having ADD and get them the help they need.

And most of all, I will not shrink from my Father in Heaven. There is no "pavilion" that is covering my head and hiding me from Him. He knows me. He has been there for me and He is still there for me, as close as He can be.

Because not shrinking is a lot better than just surviving. There are things that Heavenly Father wants us to learn. Character Traits to be etched in our souls. Understanding given to our eyes. Patience and Endurance added to our souls. "And when you have endured all these things, I will exalt thee on High." D&C

We cannot expect to gain a place in Heaven, without going through trials here on Earth to strengthen and to teach us."What is to give light must endure burning." Victor E. Frankl. I write these words as a reminder to myself when I am challenged beyond what I think I can endure. I can read this post and remember. Remember to not shrink, to be present and to learn all there is to learn.

Spring Break!

Our Spring Break was last week (Arizona does it super early!). We stayed home for half the week and then headed to California to stay with my Grandma and then my brother for a couple of days each. The trip went well and we enjoyed seeing everyone! We kicked off our great vacation with a visit from my cousin Heather and her cute family from Washington. So good to see her! The rest of this post is filled with pics of family, so feel free to skip this post if you want to! (btw, Josh had to stay home for a Conference he was in charge of so I drove the 6 hours there all by myself. Even though our DVD player broke after the first 2 hours into it, the kids did amazingly well (thanks to a good downloaded book) and the drive went smoothly both ways- blessings! There may be many more trips to California in our future!

(My cousin Heather and her cute little baby girl)

Grandma Betty playing checkers with nephew Cash

Larissa, Gma Betty (she turned 89 on last Monday!), Mom, Dad, Christine, Fox, Amy and Tommy. They were not happy to stop eating and smile for the camera!

The 12 cousins who were there! They had tons of fun playing games and eating ice cream cones!

Making Silly Faces

More of the kids.

Grandma with her birthday cake!

Grandma blowing out (not 89) candles!

Lots of playing in the backyard- Jonah!

Croquette with Grandma

Ethan

I didn't take any pictures at Tommy's except a few on my phone but we had a great time spending time together and even went to the beach (although it was cloudy and cold!). And there you have it! A fun, fun, fun Spring Break!

Me and Presidente

My Mission President- President Pelton- and his wife and daughter were in the area the other day. A few of us old missionaries got together with their family to watch a Spring Training Baseball game (pitched by one of our own) and have some good barbeque for dinner (thanks, Elder West!). We weren't able to go to the Baseball game, but we made it to the dinner. Hermana Pelton wasn't feeling well and wasn't there, but President and his daughter were (she's going on a mission soon herself) and it was so great to catch up with them and tell old Missions stories. I learned new things about Presidente that I hadn't known before. What a great experience! I loved, loved my mission and will always have fond memories of the land (Spain), the people (native and missionaries) and the chance I had to serve.

Working on Fostering

Light coming thru the Darkness

Last Thursday I made a call to our foster care/adoption case worker. It was the call I had been thinking about and dreaming about the past 5 1/2 months. And boy, was I nervous! As I expected, I got his voice mail. Half relieved, half disappointed, I left him a message- giving him both of my contact numbers. I didn't expect him to return my call quickly as the next day was Friday and they weren't in the office (huh?).

But, call he did. And I missed it. He said that he would call again on Tuesday. I waited until 2:30 pm on Tuesday (they close at 4 pm) and gave him a call. He said that he would need to talk to the Director and see if there was anything extra she needed with the papers for the Dr. and then call me back. On Thursday. Because he was working on some recertifications and such. I said that I would call too to follow up. Maybe I was being a bit intense? Who knows?

1 pm comes around on Thursday. I am subbing, the kids are out of the classroom and my phone is dying. I give him a call. He just got back from lunch, so he is in (note to self). He says that he has not gotten to our file at all, that he has been super busy (Arizona is super loaded with foster care cases, (thus the availability of newborns) and that it will probably be until Monday or Tuesday until he even gets to us. 

If it takes until next Thursday until he gets to us, it will have taken 2 weeks for our caseworker to have  opened our file. And leaves me to wonder:

-How long will this process really take?
-Once we are certified and get a child, will we get the help that we need?
-Why the heck does Arizona not have enough money to hire more case workers?

A quote that I read a little while later on someone's foster care blog really struck home to me and calmed me down: " It’s so easy to get frustrated with “the system,” but equally as easy to parent and love these kids."

I hope so!

Pinewood Derby!

 Jonah and Ethan showing off their Pinewood Derby cars after the races. Jonah's is a pie slice (called Slice) and Ethan's is the yellow angry bird (Speedy).

 Jonah: excited to see how his car does.

Here's Ethan's car getting ready to race- a blurry pic from my phone.


Our very first Pinewood Derby has come and gone! The boys decided on what they wanted their cars to be- Jonah wanted to have a slice of pie and Ethan wanted to be a slice of pizza. We couldn't figure out how to do the slice of pizza so we switched it to an angry bird.

Josh helped the boys draw their design, trace it on the wooden block, cut it with a saw, sand it, smooth it, paint it and do a few fancy things to make it go faster (not to be disclosed at this time). They spent a lot of time on it together and were very proud of the final product. Asher often wanted to help and get involved.

The boys did really well and had fun. Ethan won a few first places and Jonah won a first place and lots of second places (there were quite a few races run). While there were 1st, 2nd and 3rd places overall, each Scout got a certificate. Ethan got Best Detail and Jonah got Most Creative Design.

It was a fun event and we're excited to do it again next year and do even better with some experience under our belts!


-----Happy Birthday, Tommy!-----------------------------------------------------------------