Waiting for her turn
Clayton tried to capture the jump on film
Pleased as punch!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Divisional Track Meet
Madison was able to represent her school at the divisional track meet last Friday in the High Jump. I was a little surprised when she told me, but very excited for her too. Dan made her a mat from couch cushions and mattresses, and then we held a pool noodle for her to practice jumping over in the living room. They don't get a lot of practice time at the school, so she was a bit nervous. On the big day she managed to clear the first two heights no problem, then had trouble with the third. All in all a good showing for her first time jumping and considering how tall some of the other grade three girls were. They practically stepped over the bar! The boys and I went and cheered her on, and she was proud of herself for doing her best. I think getting a team jersey might have been the highlight for her!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Making a Point
Today when we picked up Clay from school, I turned around to find Malcolm and Spencer had stripped - and I mean completely. I ordered them to put on their underwear for the ride home, then I made them sit in their room after giving them the lecture on why we wear all of our clothes, especially in public. When I returned to see what they were up to I found this:
They had proceeded to put on every item of clothing from their drawers. What cheeky little things!
This then progressed to everyone (even the neighbor kid) getting involved and a royal rumble ensued in the bedroom. What rainy day fun!
Holiday Monday
We had a weekend full of hiking. Sunday afternoon we walked the trails of Bert Flinn Park, and Victoria Day afternoon we decided to go out to Golden Ears Provincial Park and hike the Lower Falls trail. All in all, it turned out to be 5 hours of walking in total, making for tired kids and completion of requirements for a cub badge. Yay!
Obedience in All Things
Sometime lessons in obedience come in simple ways, even when you still can't see the reason. On Sunday, my hubby was handed the key to the church building and informed it was our week to clean. Not a big deal, it's a good opportunity for our kids to learn the value of service and the importance of respecting the church facilities. But this time we had an extra duty. Could we please clean the ovens? They're getting pretty dirty. Oh, and one more thing - DO NOT use the self clean feature.
Why not? I asked Dan. Is there something wrong with them? Do they not work? Oh no, there are a few R.S. sisters who are concerned that with the amount of debris in the oven the smoke will be so great that the alarms may be set off. After all, on self-clean these ovens reach incredible heat levels. So, Dan agreed that UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES would he use the self-clean.
Wow, I thought to myself, these ovens must really be in bad shape. Did someone spill something and then burn it on? I couldn't even imagine the state they must be in to cause such concern, especially considering that we are only allowed to heat things up, not actually bake anything.\
On Monday morning we went bright and early to the church, armed to the the teeth with cleaner and scrubbers and other supplies we might need. Since the spray must sit for a while, we thought we would play ball and run around the gym. A good energy waster on holiday Monday.
I entered the kitchen and opened the ovens with trepidation. After all, cleaning ovens ranks right up there with toilets for me. I dread both. What I saw caused me to reel back in disbelief.
On each oven there was a small patch of residue on the bottom surface area about an inch in diameter.
This can't be! I thought to myself. Maybe someone had come before us? After all, if my oven at home looked like that it would be a time of rejoicing, a miracle of wonder. Could these ladies have grossly exaggerated the problem to such an extent?
Dan stood beside me with what I imagine to be the same look of amazement on my own face, then he voiced my thoughts. Couldn't we just use the self-clean and be done with it? After all, we've used ours numerous times on much worse and guess what - no smoke. We debated and pondered and sighed.
But we couldn't. He had promised that he WOULD NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES use the self clean feature. Cleaning this in the old way was crazy, ludicrous - but expected.
So we did. Even though there are no hood fans and I could not figure out how on earth to get the fan in the ceiling turned on. Even though waiting for the spray to work was three times as long as actually cleaning the oven. Even though I could think of a lot better ways to spend my holiday Monday.
Obedience in all things. There must be a blessing in this somewhere.
Oh, and a lesson - check the ovens before agreeing to anything suggested by elderly ladies with perfectly clean homes who worry about these things but don't have the desire or energy to do it themselves. Hee hee.
Why not? I asked Dan. Is there something wrong with them? Do they not work? Oh no, there are a few R.S. sisters who are concerned that with the amount of debris in the oven the smoke will be so great that the alarms may be set off. After all, on self-clean these ovens reach incredible heat levels. So, Dan agreed that UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES would he use the self-clean.
Wow, I thought to myself, these ovens must really be in bad shape. Did someone spill something and then burn it on? I couldn't even imagine the state they must be in to cause such concern, especially considering that we are only allowed to heat things up, not actually bake anything.\
On Monday morning we went bright and early to the church, armed to the the teeth with cleaner and scrubbers and other supplies we might need. Since the spray must sit for a while, we thought we would play ball and run around the gym. A good energy waster on holiday Monday.
I entered the kitchen and opened the ovens with trepidation. After all, cleaning ovens ranks right up there with toilets for me. I dread both. What I saw caused me to reel back in disbelief.
On each oven there was a small patch of residue on the bottom surface area about an inch in diameter.
This can't be! I thought to myself. Maybe someone had come before us? After all, if my oven at home looked like that it would be a time of rejoicing, a miracle of wonder. Could these ladies have grossly exaggerated the problem to such an extent?
Dan stood beside me with what I imagine to be the same look of amazement on my own face, then he voiced my thoughts. Couldn't we just use the self-clean and be done with it? After all, we've used ours numerous times on much worse and guess what - no smoke. We debated and pondered and sighed.
But we couldn't. He had promised that he WOULD NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES use the self clean feature. Cleaning this in the old way was crazy, ludicrous - but expected.
So we did. Even though there are no hood fans and I could not figure out how on earth to get the fan in the ceiling turned on. Even though waiting for the spray to work was three times as long as actually cleaning the oven. Even though I could think of a lot better ways to spend my holiday Monday.
Obedience in all things. There must be a blessing in this somewhere.
Oh, and a lesson - check the ovens before agreeing to anything suggested by elderly ladies with perfectly clean homes who worry about these things but don't have the desire or energy to do it themselves. Hee hee.
Friday, May 20, 2011
A Mother's Lament
A Mother's Lament
(to the tune of Home on the range)
Oh, give me a home
Where we might find a comb,
Where brothers and sisters all play!
Where seldom is heard
A negative word
And the floor stays clean through the day.
Home, home's where we live
But, sometimes, what we wouldn't give
To change it a bit
(At least clear space to sit)
And teach them all how to forgive.
Oh, give me a place
Where everyone has some space
That doesn't infringe on the others.
Where "thank you" and "please"
Are heard more than a tease,
And the children listen to their mothers.
Home, home should be cool.
Never stubborn and late for school!
Where laughter rings out,
Smiles beaming throughout,
And finishing chores is the rule.
But what would it be
If things went perfectly?
Wouldn't that be somewhat of a bore?
Our children might smile,
But all of the while
We'd miss lessons that come when we endure.
Home, home's just a test
To see if we'll all reach our best!
We learn patience and love,
Kindness, and a lot of
How to act when, deep down, we're depressed.
So, give me a home
Where my children don't roam,
Where they feel they can be who they are.
Where always, right near,
Is a listening ear,
And everyone's treated like a star.
Home, home is okay.
It's a "work in progress" each day.
But we all play a part,
And we give it our heart,
And we wouldn't want it any other way.
(Can you tell we had one of those mornings? This song came into my head on the drive home from the school. Sports day - what kid doesn't want to go to sports day? An hour late, lots of tears and use of the words "stupid" and "dumb" and "baby games". Completely blindsided. We lived for track and field day as kids - no desks, no work, outside in the sun, hot dogs for lunch and ice cream treats at the end. The best day of the year, but not for my eldest son. Phew, what an enigma that kid is!)
(to the tune of Home on the range)
Oh, give me a home
Where we might find a comb,
Where brothers and sisters all play!
Where seldom is heard
A negative word
And the floor stays clean through the day.
Home, home's where we live
But, sometimes, what we wouldn't give
To change it a bit
(At least clear space to sit)
And teach them all how to forgive.
Oh, give me a place
Where everyone has some space
That doesn't infringe on the others.
Where "thank you" and "please"
Are heard more than a tease,
And the children listen to their mothers.
Home, home should be cool.
Never stubborn and late for school!
Where laughter rings out,
Smiles beaming throughout,
And finishing chores is the rule.
But what would it be
If things went perfectly?
Wouldn't that be somewhat of a bore?
Our children might smile,
But all of the while
We'd miss lessons that come when we endure.
Home, home's just a test
To see if we'll all reach our best!
We learn patience and love,
Kindness, and a lot of
How to act when, deep down, we're depressed.
So, give me a home
Where my children don't roam,
Where they feel they can be who they are.
Where always, right near,
Is a listening ear,
And everyone's treated like a star.
Home, home is okay.
It's a "work in progress" each day.
But we all play a part,
And we give it our heart,
And we wouldn't want it any other way.
(Can you tell we had one of those mornings? This song came into my head on the drive home from the school. Sports day - what kid doesn't want to go to sports day? An hour late, lots of tears and use of the words "stupid" and "dumb" and "baby games". Completely blindsided. We lived for track and field day as kids - no desks, no work, outside in the sun, hot dogs for lunch and ice cream treats at the end. The best day of the year, but not for my eldest son. Phew, what an enigma that kid is!)
Daughters of God
Last night we had a member of our Relief Society speak to us about one of her favorite subjects - women of God throughout the ages. She is working on her PhD in World Religions or something along those lines and know reams of stuff about history and languages etc. - a very learned woman. She presented 6 women from various point in time and we listed characteristics they all possess - bravery, humility, intelligence, stoicism, charity, hardworking, diligent, etc. 2 of them were Jewish and the rest were Christians and each had a very strong spiritual foundation. She then summed up by explaining that each one of us has the same spiritual heritage and the same Father in Heaven and we, as women, are endowed with these same characteristics and the ability to be strong, courageous, intelligents, spiritual, beautiful women. It was a powerful lesson and, to a history buff like me, fascinating.
The women highlighted:
1. Queen Esther (Old Testament)
2. Anna the Prophetess (New Testament)
3. Paula, a wealthy Roman widow
4. Leoda, the Holy Oblate
5. Lady Anne Carway
6. Sister Marjorie Hinckley
3 I had heard of, 3 I hadn't and they were fascinating. I recently read an idea to go through the scriptures and pay attention to the women mentioned in an effort to understand our place as daughters of God. This gave me a new spin for that - taking note of the qualities they each possessed. What an interesting challenge that would be! Number 4, Leoda, was described as a woman who observed admirable qualities in others then tried her best to emulate them, especially charity, the noblest of all virtues. As a result, she became one of the most respected church women of her time (700 A.D.). It made me wonder how I could change if I observed the qualities of women in the scriptures and women around me, then tried my best to improve the qualities I am lacking in. And there are many!
The sister presenting the information finished with Sis. Hinckley who she claims as one of her greatest examples. She shared this quotes and I love it:
"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."
— Marjorie Pay Hinckley
Very interesting night. I love it when I come away from RS feeling inspired! I only wish I could share the information on each of these women that she shared with us. They were truly fascinating and amazing individuals guided by the Spirit.
The women highlighted:
1. Queen Esther (Old Testament)
2. Anna the Prophetess (New Testament)
3. Paula, a wealthy Roman widow
4. Leoda, the Holy Oblate
5. Lady Anne Carway
6. Sister Marjorie Hinckley
3 I had heard of, 3 I hadn't and they were fascinating. I recently read an idea to go through the scriptures and pay attention to the women mentioned in an effort to understand our place as daughters of God. This gave me a new spin for that - taking note of the qualities they each possessed. What an interesting challenge that would be! Number 4, Leoda, was described as a woman who observed admirable qualities in others then tried her best to emulate them, especially charity, the noblest of all virtues. As a result, she became one of the most respected church women of her time (700 A.D.). It made me wonder how I could change if I observed the qualities of women in the scriptures and women around me, then tried my best to improve the qualities I am lacking in. And there are many!
The sister presenting the information finished with Sis. Hinckley who she claims as one of her greatest examples. She shared this quotes and I love it:
"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."
— Marjorie Pay Hinckley
Very interesting night. I love it when I come away from RS feeling inspired! I only wish I could share the information on each of these women that she shared with us. They were truly fascinating and amazing individuals guided by the Spirit.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Make-It Monday
Really Very Nice and Good Banana Bread. This is what this should have been named, according to kids. It is really the best banana bread I've tasted in a long time, and it makes 4 loaves! Plenty for everyone. I think adding nuts would make it even better, but it's good without too.
Sour Cream Banana Bread
3/4 c. butter
3 c. sugar
3 eggs
6 ripe bananas, mashed or pureed in food proccesor/blender
1-16 oz. (500 ml) container sour cream
2 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tsp. baking soda
4 1/2 c. flour
1 c. nuts (optional)
Heat oven to 300 degrees. Grease 4 loaf pans.
Cream butter and sugar. Mix in eggs, mashed bananas, sour cream, vanilla and cinnamon. Add salt, baking soda and flour. Stir in nuts. Divide into pans.
Bake 1 hour, or til toothpick in center comes out clean.
Enjoy!
Sour Cream Banana Bread
3/4 c. butter
3 c. sugar
3 eggs
6 ripe bananas, mashed or pureed in food proccesor/blender
1-16 oz. (500 ml) container sour cream
2 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tsp. baking soda
4 1/2 c. flour
1 c. nuts (optional)
Heat oven to 300 degrees. Grease 4 loaf pans.
Cream butter and sugar. Mix in eggs, mashed bananas, sour cream, vanilla and cinnamon. Add salt, baking soda and flour. Stir in nuts. Divide into pans.
Bake 1 hour, or til toothpick in center comes out clean.
Enjoy!
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