Collin's Day that makes all the other days worth it

Today at Collin's school the 4th grade had a Medieval Banquet. They started by calling all the guests by name as they entered the room. They've each had a part in society while they've studied the Medieval ages. The serfs and peasants for example have had to get out and put away the text books when it's time to study, they also helped clean up the feast today when it was over. Collin has been a knight and sometime a few weeks ago was knighted in a ceremony that I also went to. The picture below is preparing for the dance they performed today. Some of the kids are dressed as Lords, even a few performed as court jesters, musician, poet, and juggler.

The food consisited of chicken drumsticks, bread, cheese, grapes, apples, and grape juice.

Way to go room moms for making this a fantastic event!

These are the two fourth grade teachers Mr. (King) Wendling and Ms. (Queen) Jensen.

These are the knights preparing for the joust. Two points if you hit the noodle to the chest, one point to the helmet. Collin lost his shield in the joust so his opponent won. How is that possible when Collin has been practicing since he was born? Before today school has been, well, school. Today it was a great experience to remember forever. If it could only be like this more often. Thank you to Mr. Wendling and all the parents for making it happen!

Happy Birthday Grandma

The gang's all here for Grandma's birthday.Ross made steaks and Connor and Breanne made cards.

I made the cake.

Too bad we didn't get a picture of all 55 candles.

That really is a fire hazard.

Hope you enjoyed your first 55 times around the sun!

We all had a great time celebrating.

Before and After--the down side of no training wheels

Breanne free of scars and bruises.

This was at Pack meeting a few weeks ago before learning to ride without training wheels. After. We're not sure yet what will happen to the front teeth that are somewhat loose.

The gums are black and teeth bloody. Her black lip appears to be growing, we'll see.

This is not the actual fall...but you get the idea.
Earlier today you could find Breanne saying,

"There's lots of fun things to do in the world, and I'm doing one of them!"

She was exuberant and joyful about the new opportunity and independence she'd found. Tonight as she bled on my shirt you could hear her whimper, "I'm never riding my bike again."

Anyone else feel like a five-year old too?

Who taught you how to ride a bike?

I have a theory that we always remember who taught us how to ride a bike. Do you?

For me it was the missionaries, if I remember correctly it was Elder Horrocks.

I had a bike with a yellow banana seat and I loved it as much as I loved the big wheel before it. Once I could ride a bike I was no longer confined to going down the neighbor's driveway on my big wheel or roller skates, now I could really go somewhere--like around the block.

Breanne found this new freedom yesterday when Jen L. taught her how to ride her bike. Ok, I'm a little disappointed it wasn't me who held the seat for her the first time she went off on her own, but I'm still happy that she's found her freedom from training wheels.

Jen, can you coach her on swim team this summer, too?

Thankful

Today I'm thankful. Not just for the everyday normal blessings that I give thanks for, but for the blessings that are sometimes hard to see.

For example, today I'm grateful that pnemonia hasn't killed my husband, though I'm guessing there have been times this week when he thought it probably was and perhaps wished it had. I'm thankful that he's still alive to be my cherished companion in this game of life.

I'm thankful that Spring Break is over and my kids are going to a great school, with incredible teachers tomorrow. Can you believe they get paid pennies to be in small confined spaces with 30 kids at a time when I have to put myself in time out after spending 2 hours with the three that I birthed?

I'm thankful to teach primary to 6-year olds and to get hugs around my legs when I'm least suspecting it.

I'm thankful that I have two eyes that see perfectly, for the surgery, doctors and technology that went into making that possible. I have two arms that are strong, able to lift, manuever, hug, cook, clean and care. I have two ears to hear the singing of those same three children that I birthed, ten fingers to type and keep in contact with you on blogger, and two legs that I can run, bike, swim and injure from overuse. Yes, I'm thankful for my legs, though I now know that the term "pain in the butt" came from someone with true sciatic nerve issues.

I'm thankful for great neighbors and friends who teach me by example to love, care, and listen.

And for great family who make me laugh by sharing themselves and their funny blog posts.

Today I'm thankful!

Mom Song

This is funny!

Do you have a giggle story?

Here's a short cut to Courtney's experience singing in church.
http://staceystuff7.blogspot.com/2008/04/treasure-moments.html

I think Lindsay's comment is nearly as funny.

Anyone else have a giggle story? Thanks for the laughs.

Relearning Empathy

A few years ago I took the Love and Logic parenting class offered at the nearby rec center. I remember one of the steps in the process of teaching our children responsibility was to "Express Empathy." I even remember it working when I tried it.

I have had conversations with Courtney about this too. In fact I've watched her evolve and change and express empathy to her children, to me, and other people, in ways that surprised me. She's been a great example to me.
Now again, I picked up a book, Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child, by John Gottman that has brought this point to me again. In fact, I've read lots of parenting books that when I think about it also shared this advise.

I remembered today why--because it works! I'm commited to show empathy to my children and you can hold me accountable.

My hope is that someday I'll find what it says on page 125, "You'll recognize your interactions as precioius opportunities and you'll value aspects that others might miss. And when you look back, you'll see your relationship with your child as you would a treaured string of pearls."

Miracles Do Happen

I believe in miracles. I want to take just a second to share a miracle that I experienced just today. It happened early this morning before school. At our house this can be a crazy time with crying, fighting, and me nagging the kids. "What about your piano practice?" "Did you make your bed?" "Do you have your lunch?" Any of this sound familiar?

Not only was Connor up and ready for school on time (with his belt on-small miracle) he was pleasant and kind. Then to surprise and comfort us all Connor put all the clean dishes away and unloaded the dishwasher. This is Collin's job.

If you haven't seen a miracle for awhile and you could use one to renew your faith--Please enjoy mine. And you might find that miracles are happening all around you. Open your eyes wide and enjoy the moments. I'm glad that I am.

Which conference talk was your favorite?

I really liked Sister Tanner "delighting" in so many things.

I also liked Elder Ballard speaking on how to help young mothers. I have to say I especially liked his advise from the pulpit for mothers to fill their own bucket with things they enjoy in order to have something to give.

And I was really touched by President Monson sharing some personal experiences of his wife. I had no idea she was in a coma for 27 days? He reminded me, if I remember this right, that my husband needs to hear me say kind words of affirmation.

Those were just a few things that stood out to me. Anyone else?

Cyclists are Awesome! I gotta become one.

I finally got my bike off the trainer in my basement and on to the open road this morning. True to form, I couldn't get my tires pumped without calling my incredible cycling neighbor down the street to help me. After trying for 45 minutes on my own, I finally got the gumption to call Mike. Even at 8:30am on Sat. morning he happily greeted me in his driveway and showed me what I was doing wrong with the bike pump. Within minutes I was off on my first outdoor ride of the season.

I usually like to go riding with friends. First of all it's fun. Second it's safe. And third, I just have a hard time getting my butt out the door unless I have someone counting on me. But this morning I missed the group from the Rec center because I was having so much trouble with the air pump. By the time I got it all figured out they were long gone so I went on my own.

The wind was obnoxious, but for the most part I was enjoying myself out on the trail by Thanksgiving Point until...my chain fell off. Stan, from the Velo club, had taught me how to keep riding and get the chain back on by continuing to crank the wheel. It didn't work today. I managed to twist my chain so that nothing I did would put it back on. As I prayed and walked carrying my bike next to me I called Ross on my cell. (So glad I brought that today) Eventually some awesome cyclists came by and asked if they could help. Remember I told you, cyclists are AWESOME! (I don't even know their names still, just Tracy and her husband from Draper, who've both run the Boston marathon in the rain) Anyway, they were like angels who ended up taking my bike apart in order to get my chain untwisted and then were able to put it back together again right. As I thanked them for spending their time and effort with me and giving me great help he reminded me of what I already knew. "We would expect the same from you." I'm thinking, well, that would be great, if I knew for example, how to put air in my tires.

Mostly I just want to say thank you... To all the incredible cyclists out there, including, Stan, Mike, Tracy and Tracy's husband. For now I'm still a wanna-be, but my resolve is stong, someday I'll learn enough to give back and when I do I'll truly be a cyclist.

It's Opening Night

Tonight is opening night. Collin is Drake, the butler. He's a little nervous. The kids have been working for a few months now. If you're interested please come to one of the performances at AF Junior High tonight April 3, or tomorrow the 4th, or Monday April 7th at 7pm. They anticipate Monday to be packed so tonight or tomorrow are best. Tickets are $2 per person. I may even have one or two extra tickets if you want to come, just let me know.

Learning the same lesson over again

One of my favorite books of all time is Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. I've read it front to back at least once, and I open it from time to time because I know it will give me just what I need. Today was no different. (Perhaps someday I will really learn the first habit and be able to move on.)

From Habit 1: Be Proactive (pg.88)
It's the nature of reactive people to absolve themselves of responsibility. It's so much safer to say, "I am not responsible." If I say "I am responsible," I might have to say, "I am irresponsible." It would be very hard for me to say that I have the power to choose my response and that the response I have chosen has resulted in my involvement in a negative, collusive environment, especially if for years I have absolved myself of responsibility for results in the name of someone else's weaknessess.

From page 93 still Habit 1: Be Proactive
"Look at the weaknesses of others with compassion, not accusation. It's not what they're not doing or should be doing that's the issue, The issue is your own chosen response to the situation and what you should be doing. If you start to think the problem is "out there" stop yourself. That thought is the problem. "

pg. 91-92 "At the very heart of our Circle of Influence is our ability to make and keep commitments and promises. The commitments we make to ourselves and to others, and our integrity to those commitments, is the essence and clearest manifestation of our proactivity." "As we make and keep commitments, even small commitments, we begin to establish an inner integrity...By making and keeping promises to ourselves and others, little by little, our honor becomes greater than our moods. The power to make and keep commitments to ourselves is the essence of developing the basic habits of effectiveness."

April Fool's Day

Has anyone ever known me to celebrate this holiday? I can't even think of a time I ever have...until now. At the urging of a neighbor friend, (who grew up with 4 older brothers--she's got some practice with this holiday) I decided to do a prank on my family. The only thing I could think of is one I saw my mom do on the missionaries when I was a kid. Does anyone else remember this?

I frosted 2 sponges stacked on top of each other with loads of chocolate frosting and left it out on the table for the kids and Ross to salivate over until near bedtime. (We waited to cut into it until Collin got home from dress rehersal.) I ended up giving away my secret to Ross and we let Collin cut the cake. After several minutes of trying to cut it I had to finally tell them, "April's Fools" to which Breanne immediately came undone crying uncontrollably while Connor surprised me by saying, "Oh, well the frosting's still good." He dove in head first and started just licking the sponge clean. He had it all over his hands and face in less than 2 seconds. Breanne quickly followed. Collin seemed like he was still in shock when I pulled out my back up plan, brownies. We spent the rest of the time eating frosting, brownies and talking about what the kids had experienced at school for April Fools. Breanne can hardly wait to pull a prank tomorrow, but hopefully we convinced her to wait until next year. Maybe by then I'll have the gumption not to give away my secret to Ross. Having already done the only trick up my sleeve I'll probably need a year just to think of the right prank. I'm taking suggestions.