Ouch!

We had an interesting night last night. I was on the phone with my Visiting Teaching companion, we were discussing one of our ladies in detail, and I was trying to find a quiet place. The kids were following me singing very loudly, and I tried to quiet them. Anyhow, they got a little rowdy (more than I have ever seen them) and they were running around like crazy chickens, singing and jumping around, with excess energy. They ran into the toy room and as they did a big toy bin was knocked down and I am guessing it landed on Daniel's head. I checked to see what happened and everyone seemed ok. Daniel was crying just a bit, then he stopped.

I finished my conversation with my companion and then I told Daniel to come to me so I could look at his head (I could see a little blood). He came to me and I found a perfect slice on the back of his head -- it was deep and wide (not good). Just then, Charles came home, and we both decided a trip to the Urgent Care was necessary.

After a quick prayer given by Sammi (at Daniel's request) we were off. We went to one place (which did not have the right equipment) and then we were directed to another location. We got in pretty quickly and they determined that staples were needed. Ick! Daddy stayed with Daniel and I took Sammi and Will out to the waiting room. They told him to lay face down and Charles held him down while the doctor squeezed his head together and put two staples in (with no numbing medicine). Daniel whimpered during the procedure. Then, not two minutes later, he walked out into the waiting room and said, "That was all there was to it!" He seemed strong, and as he kept walking to me, tears came, he felt pain, and the staples. He said, "I don't want staples in my head." He cried for a moment, and then after a lovely blue sucker -- he was all better. It will take 7 days to heal, then we go back, and have them removed. Fun!

I am certain whatever crazy-bug got into them, will not be returning for some time. It seems when playing and having fun -- there is a line that if crossed -- someone will get hurt. I think parents know when the line is coming.

Daniel has been our Urgent Care boy. From a horrible allergic reaction to cashews (choked, rash, could not breath -- went to the ER), an allergic reaction to immunizations (he was swollen and red all over), his arm popping out of socket (the doctor popped it right back in), now he adds head wounds to the list. He is the winner in our family for medical attention.

I am so grateful he is ok. He proved himself strong last night. I know I would have freaked out if someone came at my head with a staple gun! He barely whimpered and did not thrash around or scream (that was what I expected). I was amazed at his strength. He is a good, strong boy. :-)

Also, just so you know, Daddy cut his hair - not me! I do not do the army look! Luckily, it will grow. However, in this case it was a blessing it was so short, I never would have seen the nasty wound.

He is doing fine today. He talks about it every now and then. He mostly does not want anyone to laugh at his staples. He cannot lay on the back of his head either, so he is a little sad about that. All in all, he is doing well, and playing as usual! :-)

Some Small and Simple Things . . .

In about a year our TV will no longer work. I guess the world is going digital? This means our TV (which is a million years old) will be obsolete. No more PBS kids! See, if we position the antenna just right -- we can pick up a pretty good picture for PBS. I know, we are still in the stone ages, but we are not TV heads. We are movie people! I like controlled viewing in our home. However, PBS is my favorite station and I will be sad to part with it. Yes, that is tape holding the buttons on. It was given to us when we first moved to Spokane and we had nothing. Luckily, this TV will work for our movies! One day, perhaps, we will get a new TV. I just HATE spending money on silly things like that! I will just have to get my info from the Internet.
Here is a yummy cake I made the other day. It was actually good. I have not had much luck with cakes (from scratch). They have turned out tasting like corn-bread. This one was not too bad! :-)
This is why I stay home with my children -- and love it. I went out (for a very short while) to go Visiting Teaching. The kids did not want me to leave, and they were so happy when I returned. Daddy is fun and everything, but mommy is the heart of the home. It literally changes when I step outside the door. When I returned Sammi gave me this picture and a hug. Mommy is home, all is well. Another thing that makes my heart happy is if you ask Sammi what she wants to be when she grows up, she says, "A Mommy - that is the most important thing." She is right. :-)

A Child's View

Kids can be so entertaining! During scripture study with the kids last night, we had a fascinating conversation. We were discussing Adam and Eve, Garden of Eden, etc. In the middle of the scripture Daniel said to me, "Mommy, you ate the fruit." I stopped and asked him what he meant. He said, "You ate the fruit because you had us kids." Apparently, they think that all it takes to create babies is fruit-eating! Every time I grab for an apple, who knows what they think?! I think I will leave them in their innocence a little longer. Luckily, they did not probe me for more information!! I explained the Garden of Eden story to them a little more clearly. I will save the birds and the bees story for another day!!

William

Just a little more video of Sam and Dan, from long ago. :-)

Oh Danny Boy

I found a little video of Daniel at the very same age as William. He was a little walker! I was surprised at how similar and also how different they look. :-) The scratch by his eye was from knocking his head into a chair -- he still has the scar!!! Daniel is a funny boy. He is so full of energy and volume. I was getting a little concerned about his volume, until I saw all the other boy sunbeams were just as loud! He is going to be my little Kindergarden boy in the fall! How amazing! He is just getting so big, so fast.

Music Time (you may want to turn the volume down)

When Charles pulls out his guitar Daniel pulls out his drums (bowls) and Sammi gets on the piano. William thought he would give the drums a try too . . . :-) What a lovely sound!

Random Pictures

Here is the night we watched the Lunar Eclipse. Sammi thought she would work on her spelling words while waiting. :-)

My camera was not able to capture the beauty of it

I had to get William use to wearing his helmet - it was pretty silly:-)

Here is the bike set-up (ignore the lovely garage)
William is buckled in tight and ready to ride!

My Sleepy Froggy
Sam and Dan hanging out in the backyard
Sammi practicing for her class picture
Daniel taking care of Sammi's bear for her, while she is at school :-)

Signs of the Times

D&C 88:87
"For not many days hence and the earth shall tremble and reel to and fro as a drunken man; and the sun shall hide his face, and shall refuse to give light; and the moon shall be bathed in blood; and the stars shall become exceedingly angry, and shall cast themselves down as a fig that falleth from off a fig-tree."

This last week the news headlines in Idaho have been:

- Meteor falls from space and hits the ground
- Last night was a full Lunar Eclipse and the moon was red -- we watched the whole thing, pretty amazing!
-This morning we woke up to an EARTHQUAKE, located in Nevada, but felt all the way here in Idaho (very rare in these parts!)

Anyhow, as I went running this morning this scripture came quickly to my mind. I then looked at my life and asked myself if my oil lamp has been filled! I have never lived in fear of the Second Coming -- I anticipate it with great excitement! You just never know when it will happen, so it is best to always be prepared. Be prepared physically (food storage, etc.) if you can, but far more important -- spiritually prepared.

D&C continued . . .

88. And after your testimony cometh wrath and indignation upon the people.

89. For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand.

90. And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.

91. And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.

92. And angels shall fly through the midst of heaven, crying with a loud voice, sounding the trump of God, saying: Prepare ye, prepare ye, O inhabitants of the earth; for the judgment of our God is come. Behold, and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

93. And immediately there shall appear a great sign in heaven, and all people shall see it together.

"men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people"
I think of that often as I see so many people living in fear and depression. Our answer is Faith. We need to replace our fear (which can really take hold of your heart and drag you down) replace that fear, with great faith. I think many people have bits of faith, but bits of doubt as well. We need to throw out those drag-you-down doubt pieces and have pure faith, whole faith -- nothing doubting. That is the only way to make it in these uncertain times! ;-)

Sometimes, I think the day-to-day really drags people down -- in despair and forgetfulness of our Creator and the great plan they call the Plan of Happiness! Let us rejoice in the Gospel, not despair, or doubt, or feel doomed!! Sometimes a little Earthquake is necessary to "shake" the faith back into the people. ;-)

It has been very interesting watching the news and seeing how scared people are about it, I guess earthquakes are not too common around here. Growing up in Alaska they were so common you just got use to them! I gave the kids a quick lesson of "earthquake safety 101" (duck and cover) right before heading off to school, then off we went. It was all the buzz at the playground. One boy was shouting, " It is an earthquake! We are all going to die!" I tried to block my kids from his silly frenzy.

We spent last night outside in the hammock in our backyard, watching the Lunar Eclipse. The kids were a little scared at first and then I explained it to them and they were not as scared. Daniel asked me, "Mom is this a bad thing?" He wanted me to hold him tightly as we watched. Daniel, who's middle name (Evan) means, "Warrior of God" was not quite warrior-like! Sammi was loving it and thought it was great! It was amazing to watch the moon turn a dark red, a little spooky, but awesome!

Anyhow, I just thought it was all very interesting! The Earth is definitely awake and moving . . .

Happy Birthday to ME!!!!

Charles gave me a wonderful birthday present -- something I have ALWAYS wanted! He got me a brand new shiny bicycle! We went to the bike store and picked out an awesome new bike. Bike stores are pretty cool, the kids loved it there. It is nice because they make sure it is the right size for you. Along with the bike I got a baby seat (for William) that hooks on the back of my bike, and I pull the bike trailer with Sam and Dan in it. It is quite the load!

I now walk Sammi to school then from her school I run (about 3 miles) then I pick her up on the bike and go for an hour bike ride! Does one day count as a routine? That is what I did yesterday, and I plan to do it each day, give or take a few! My bootie is feeling it today! I just can't seem to give up eating cookies -- I figure I will just have to work twice as hard (or more). ;-) I will take a picture of my new bike set-up -- it is pretty funny! I may be a far cry from spandex and a gold medal, but I will keep pedaling!

As I was pedaling up a really steep hill I had to stop and get off. I never get off, but because of the drag from the trailer I felt like my front wheel was going to flip up. It was pretty funny! The kids love it in the trailer, it must be fun going over bumps and flying through the air! William seems to like it too. There are some really beautiful trails here. I was so thrilled to be riding a bike in February! How great is that!

Don't worry mom -- we all have helmets!! :-)

The Sky is Falling?

Early this morning a meteor feel from space and was seen all across the Inland Northwest. Unfortunately, I was not awake at 5:oo A.M. when it happen. Apparently, from what they know now (info is still being discovered) it actually hit the ground! Yikes! That is a little concerning, don't you think? I know the U.S. Military is planning on shooting down a spy satellite at the end of this week -- weird! They have said this "meteor" is not related. Anyhow, watch your head when you are out and about -- you may get hit with a piece of Space!!

Over and Out!

-Chicken Little

The Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting

I did not attend the training meeting, but I just finished reading the entire on-line transcript found on www.lds.org. It was SO great! It is ALL about the Family and the Proclamation to the World. I loved it! I learned many new things, and had some old things confirmed. A few things that stood out to me:

- Do not attempt to judge other people -- You just NEVER know what people are REALLY going through (even when things appear picture-perfect!)

- The theme of "Family First" came up many times. We should not over book our schedules, sports and other activities for children, including too many (unnecessary) church meetings, parties, etc. that may take away from quality family time -- "quality family time" does not include playing video games, or watching TV. ;-)

- We should have children! We should not wait until we have "money" to have children. We should desire children, and from what I gathered, have as many as we can and "multiply and replenish the earth". This, of course, often requires great sacrifice, but that is what we are sent to Earth to do! We should be seeking after and accumulating (and fortifying) family/children -- not seeking after accumulating wealth. ;-) (Children should be our greatest jewels!)

- We need to love more, be less selfish, think of others, and our needs will be filled. (Amazing how that works!)

- Homemaking is more than baking. It is creating a spiritual "climate" in which a family can grow and flourish. We have all felt that "climate" or "the Spirit" when you walk into a Heavenly Home. You can also very strongly feel when it is not a warm spiritual climate, but rather cold and Antarctica-ish -- void of peace and comfort -- Brrrr! There are some homes with a "get me out of here" kind of feeling. It takes great effort to create that warm, positive climate where families can grow strong -- but it is worth the effort!

- Though many people are not living the "ideal" family life, that does not mean that we should not discuss the ideal as to not offend those who may be offended. There is an ideal family plan -- it must be taught and preached to the world. That is exactly what the Proclamation is for.

- We need to be Strong and Immovable as families. It is a time to stand up for what we believe (about family) even when the entire world would disagree and mock us for it. The world looks down on children in general -- they are considered a burden, not a blessing. We are not sent here to adhere to the concepts of men, we are sent her to obey God's commandments, which include family, replenishing the Earth, and saving the souls of men. That is our duty, that is our purpose. Everything else is just details. ;-)

I learned so much more than this, but I grow sleepy and must rest! I hope you take the time to read over the transcript -- it is so worth the read. Very empowering.

One of my favorite quotes was by Elder Holland:

Listen, it’s always been tough. There has never been a time in the history of the world when there weren’t problems, when there weren’t things to be fearful about. That’s why we have the gospel. We can’t live in fear—not in this Church—that somehow things aren’t going to work out or that there’s too much that’s ominous out there that’s going to strike. That can be personal fear or collective fear for civilization. We just need to live the gospel and summon our faith and get answers to our prayers and go forward. And that’s the way it’s always been done.

I love it. I love having the gospel in my life to guide me (and my family) through these shaky and uncertain latter-days. Sometimes, I may fear small things, but not big things. I know God lives, I know He is aware of my every breath and concerned for my well-being. He wants me to return to Him -- I want to return to Him! I will try and stand a little taller . . .

All Done!

I am all finished with my most favorite task of breastfeeding. It is so GREAT! I am so happy to be done! Don't get me wrong, I love my children, and I will do what is best for them. When it comes to breastfeeding -- I do it out of pure duty. The amazing thing is, William has been sleeping now from 8pm-6am and not waking up! Before, when I was feeding him, he would wake up 2-3 times a night! I think he is finally getting enough to eat, so he can sleep! I am so excited and so GRATEFUL! It is funny, I am so use to waking up, I still do -- just to check on him. I was worried the first night he did not wake up, now I am thrilled! Hooray!

This also means I can be "me" again. I have been able to "take it up a notch" with my running. It is always easier to reclaim my body when it is my own and not a milk-machine. Surprisingly enough -- I still want 6 children! I will feed them too (of course). For now, I will enjoy the feeling of me, the whole me, and nothing but me!!! Hooray for being whole!! (At least for now!) ;-)

Lots of love!

Mari

Home Teachers

Last night we had our Home Teachers over. It was the first time we have had Home Teachers over since living in Spokane. They were very nice and we always (usually) enjoy having people in our home. It was pretty late and the kids were at the "breaking point" as far as being ready for bed. This meant they were not as polite as I would have had them. They were both having a really hard time sitting still and being quiet during the lesson. Usually, they are very well-behaved. Anyhow, after they left, Sammi and Daniel got a lesson about being respectful when others are speaking/teaching. I think they will do better next time. :-)

This made me think of something funny from my youth. One time, long ago, we had our Home Teachers over - they were a sweet old couple. My siblings and I were also having a hard time sitting still and listening (we would rather be playing). At the end of the lesson the Home Teachers asked the regular question, "Is there anything we can do for you and your family?" Without hesitation my little brother (John) said, "Yes, you can leave!" My parents were totally embarrassed. I knew John was going to get it after that! I do remember he had to go and apologize to them at church the next Sunday. I am not sure of all the details of what happened after that - it was so long ago. I will never forget that classic answer from John!! What a goober! ;-)

Sammi's Faith

Here is the plant that Sammi got from primary about 6 months ago. It is still alive! Now it has a flower! Amazing! It is the first plant I have not killed and I am so proud. It is suppose to represent Sammi's faith - I thought I better do my best to keep it alive! ;-)

Pictures

Brown Eyes Blue

One of the first things I noticed about Charles was his beautiful eyes. They are a very calming and charming color of brown. I love them. I was hoping that some of our children would inherit his charming eyes and color. So far, only blue. Each of our children have a very similar color of blue eyes. I also think there is a very strong "look" in our family. On Sunday I looked at our family sitting on our bench and I noticed how much they all look alike. It is really fun. It is pretty funny to me that Charles is so dark featured with a dark complextion and we have such fair children with light hair. On Martin Luther King day I was asking Sammi how we should treat people with skin that is different than ours and she said, "We have to be nice to everyone with different skin colors. Daddy has dark skin and we need to be nice to him." :-) I love children. I love blue eyes, but I also really love brown eyes. Maybe someday . . . a child will break the mold.