Notice anything strange?

                                                          Behind Hannah.

                                                        Its Demon Jacob!!!

Festival of Colors

      "In India, Holi announces the arrival of spring and the passing of winter. The festival breathes an atmosphere of social merriment. People bury their hatchets with a warm embrace and throw their worries to the wind. Every nook and corner presents a colorful sight. Young and old alike are covered with colors (red, green, yellow, blue, black and silver). People in small groups are seen singing, dancing and throwing colors on each other."

( http://www.festivalofcolorsusa.com/festival-of-colors/ancient-tradition/)

  Jordan and Kyle went to participate in the merriment!  If you ask me, getting covered in dry paint and inhaling the powder is not my idea of "throwing my worries to the wind!"  

But nobody asked, so....

Third times a charm!

For some reason I thought Jacob's last Pinewood Derby was his last. I was rather pleased about that. Unfortunately, I was wrong. Michael offered Will's derby-winning car to avoid having to make one ourselves and to ensure a win (finally)... I was oh, so tempted.  

The weekend before the derby, Jacob called John and recruited his help. He consented. Hallelujah!! They whipped out a soon-to-be winning car!

So... after two unsuccessful tries at winning, Jacob took first place at his last-ever 
Pinewood Derby! He was ecstatic! It certainly helped that he only raced against five other cars, but who's counting! 

Of all my boys, Jacob digs scouting the most. I hope to find a magical potion that keeps the fire going until he receives his Eagle!

I have been so blessed to go through Cub Scouts with him! I'm not sure what I will do when he moves on.

BREAD...

I hate to admit that there once was a time that "homemade" bread did not have the appeal that it has for me today. My selfish high school mentality dreaded the thought of pulling out a sandwich made with it. I am grateful that I have outgrown at least "one" childish high school stigma.

Today, I long for homemade bread, wheat and white. It is a rare occurrence in my home. When I was asked to show the Young Women in our ward how to make bread, I jumped at the chance. 

 I recall Brenda had a friend in Hawaii who made bread every day.  She blessed her family with this talent but she also insisted on giving it to others.  It only fits, since He who gave His life for us all is referred to as the "bread of life."

Despite my distaste for homemade bread in high school, I have many fond memories of it as a child.  I remember Mom letting me knead the bread, butter the bread, and even taste the dough (which resulted in many upset stomach's, to boot)! 

The smell of bread cooking will forever remind me of "home" and brings back fond memories of a simpler time. Thanks, Mom for the countless loaves of homemade bread!

Loved spending the evening with my "girls!"

-Family Night-

Family night has always been a struggle for me, not necessarily having it, but leaving feeling I have done something good for my children.  The old "mormon" adage..."family night is the only argument that begins with a song and a prayer" has been the epitome of many of our FHE's. And yet, week after week we continue to have them, for good or bad.

My motivation has been purely selfish. It is based on the following promise from President Ezra Taft Benson:

“Now, here are the blessings promised by a prophet of God for those who will hold weekly [family] home evenings: ‘If the Saints obey this counsel, we promise that great blessings will result. Love at home and obedience to parents will increase. Faith will be developed in the hearts of the youth of Israel, and they will gain power to combat the evil influences and temptations which beset them’”.

This past Monday, family night "just happened." I hadn't prepared anything yet, dishes weren't done, homework wasn't complete. Kyle was in "need" of more songs to download on his MP3. As he began playing songs that he might download, Jordan grabbed a broom and began serenading us. Kyle quickly got the "Guitar Hero" guitar and joined in. Kaylie and Jacob joined us in the front room and the three of us laughed, applauded, made requests, and even joined in at times. At one point, someone asked if this could be our family night. I consented. Two hours later, the performance was over.

Though we did not begin with prayer, there was a prayer of gratitude in my heart for this rare occurrence...two hours of family time together, no fighting, no arguments, no distractions. Though no great gospel principle was taught, I felt a sense of love between these siblings that I have fasted and prayed for for years. I love Meghan, Jordan, Kyle, Kaylie, and Jacob far more than words can say. I greatly desire the same relationship between them as I have with my brothers and sisters. It has been those bonds of love that I have relied heavily upon and gained strength from these many years.

 

As if that were not enough, Tuesday night Kyle asked if we could do it again. "That was the best family  night ever, Mom!" It didn't work out that night, too many other things, nor may it happen again.  However, I will count it as one of the Lord's tender mercies afforded me for being diligent in setting aside time for family home evening.