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. 

A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF...

SUNDAY

Ducks are BACK!

I love this boy (coon hat and all)!

Neither of us looks too thrilled, but I am hanging on to these few-and-far-between moments while they last!

Monday

How often do  you find a score of a deal on a scout uniform? Jacob and I spent Monday night searching for a costume for his Wax Museum on Thursday. We made a stop at the scout store (Blue and Gold on Wednesday) and found this discontinued uniform! Couldn't find a Lebron James jersey... too bad he didn't choose Lord Baden-Powell.

Wednesday

Jacob and Gavin Shepherd

Good friends are hard to come by these days...my kids are blessed with good friends right in our neighborhood!

 

 

 

 

 

Jacob received his Webelos award tonight!

Wednesday Night

Jordan finally got a job! Ice cream is in the genes.  He is working at an ice cream store called Sub-Zero at the Provo Mall.  Sub Zero uses Liquid Nitrogen to instantly freeze ice cream, at -321 degrees Fahrenheit! Tonight was his first night of work. After 10 minutes of training, he was left to man the store by HIMSELF! The manager came back later and gave him another 10 minute training on how to close the store and left him to shut down.  

Should he be concerned?

He's thrilled with the uniform, though!

Later Wednesday night 

(or should I say Thursday am)

Still no Lebron James uniform...so Jordan took Jacob to Walmart and got a blank jersey.

(Thank heavens for Walmart and thank heavens for Jordan!)

A new jersey, some iron-on's, and voila'...wax museum costume ready to go.

Give him a break, it's 12:00 am!

Thursday

 5th Grade Wax Museum...

Jacob read a biography on Lebron James. The 5th graders dressed up like the person they researched and invited the school and parents to come walk through their "museum". They chose a "pose" and held it as long as they could. Jacob was one of the lucky ones and didn't end up nearly passing out!

Albert Einstein meet Lebron James...

Friday

Jordan returned from the State DECA competition in Salt Lake. Over 1,000 students from all over the state attended the two-day event. Jordan and his best friend Skyler have participated in DECA since they were sophomores. Tonight he came home with 2 medals-one for being a finalist and the other for placing in the top ten. They competed in the "Travel and Tourism" category. Woot, woot! :)

There is nothing I love more than these kids! 

The camera did not document the many other events of this week i.e. Kaylie's two days of high-fever, headaches, and chills, Kyle's 5 man domination in the stake basketball tournament (Jordan and Sky couldn't make it because of DECA), 2 visiting teaching appointments, 1 home teaching visit, 2 doctors visits, and lots of homework!

Stake Conference...with a new twist!

I was thrilled to hear that all kids, 12-years old and older, are now invited to attend Saturday evening session of Stake Conference
(I'm not sure the kids think the same way).

We celebrated afterwards by going to Cold Stone with the Poulsen's!

(Don't judge me, there is no "Grandpa's" in Utah)

 Stake Conference always inspires me to be a better mother, daughter, sister, and friend!

So easily said, not so easily done!

BASKETBALL...

I have had a great love of basketball ever since I ran up and down the gym in jeans at the Atlanta chapel on Ponce De Leon.  You can imagine the great surprise that awaited me when I joined the freshman basketball team in Olympia, Washington and found out that you don't just run up and down the gym and hope to get a basket.  What?!? There are actually plays? 

Fast forward "MANY" years, pounds, shin-splints, and backaches later....

I now live vicariously through my children. Everyone of my kids have chosen to play basketball at one time or another.  I absolutely love to watch them play.  It is not just about my inability to play anymore, I love the sport, the competition, and camaraderie! I have spent the last 2 months going to Jacob, Kyle, and Jordan's basketball games.  I do my best to make everyone of them.

Yesterday, Jordan and Kyle's team was eliminated from the playoffs with an "admirable" loss. They looked awesome. Unfortunately, so did the other team.  It has been an added benefit to see my boys play together.

  As a mother, it does my heart good to see them passing the ball to each other, encouraging each other, and buoying each other up!

Jacob still has a few games left. Despite their 0-something record, Jacob plays with both heart and soul.  He was born with a competitive nature.  I am sure the Lord knew he needed that, being the last of 5 strong-willed children. 

 

Yesterday, his team played the best I have ever seen them play. They didn't lose by "too" much.  At the end of the second quarter (2 seconds left), Jacob threw up a last-second shot and banked it in! I wish I could have recorded it! The surprise look on his face was priceless! He couldn't stop smiling or talking about it, for that matter.

I succumbed to temptation before Christmas break by participating in a Faculty-6th grade basketball game. I paid for it all break. Yes,the "dream" is over...I no longer can play.  Watching my kids will have to be enough!