Fall Break Fun!

5 fun things we have done on Fall Break so far...

1. CONFERENCE: My sister Emily and her husband went to Utah for Conference. We got to keep her 3 kids for the weekend. It was a full house, but my kids had so much fun.

The visit did make watching conference a little harder this year. But the kids actually gathered around more than usual to name an apostle that they recognized and they wanted to listen to what they had to say. For FHE the week before, we gave the kids each a cup full of pictures of the First Presidency and the Apostles on popsicle sticks. We sang the Apostles song over and over and then quizzed each other. The kids had fun playing with their sticks all week and remembering the names. It made conference more interesting for them and since they knew more about the speakers, they wanted to hear what they said.

2. VISIT TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. We went to visit Eric at work and he gave us a short tour. The kids were so fascinated by the jail. They just couldn't believe that all the "Bad Guys" in town were right there on the 2nd floor at dads work. They asked so many questions- especially after they saw all the police vehicles in a special parking area.

3. GOING TO THE ZOO. The kids checked out each exhibit carefully to see who could spot each animal's poop first (or 'Doogan' as my kids call it). They kept shouting things like: "Oh... look at how much doogan is in his cage!" or "Look at the shape of that doogan!" Oh... the things that fascinate my children.

Liberty wanted to know the name of every animal and got so frustrated with the exhibits that did not have a sign with their name on it. She kept asking zookeepers or the animals: "What is this animals name??" Finally, Tommy answered her: "Liberty, I know how you can find out the name. In James Chapter 1 verse 5 it says: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. That giveth to all men liberally and abraideth not and it shall be given him. That means if you want to know the answer to something, all you have to do is ask Heavenly Father and he'll tell you." It made me smile and I was happy that Tommy remembered something I have taught her.

When it was time to go home, I asked the kids if they had fun and Jack said: "Are you kidding??! That was the best day of my life!"


4. CREATIVE PROJECTS. We collected rocks and made some Halloween friends. My kids love making stuff like this and play with them for hours after.


(sticking your tongue out like Liberty while working improves your painting skills)

The kids also made stepping stones for the yard. (Thank you Grandma English for the kit.)

5. BEING TOGETHER. We have had so much fun just spending time together this week. I love it when all my kids are home- And the week is not over yet.

Great work!

A couple weeks ago, Liberty was busy working on a picture at my desk. She spent so much time on it and finally came out with the picture behind her back and told me she made a surprise for me. She proudly held out the picture and the first thing I noticed was that it was decorated with the roll of postage stamps that was sitting at my desk. I reacted to the stamps, raised my voice and explained to her why that was wrong. I didnt even acknowledge her hard work and art. Then, her bottom lip stuck out and she started to cry. She said: "You hurt my feelings." and "You made my heart sad!" Then ran to her room.

I felt so bad. In a year from now, will those postage stamps really matter? Or will her feelings be the things she remembers? Really, in perspective, the stamps are a small thing when compared to my daughter. I should have praised her picture first and explained later about the stamps.

So, last night when Liberty came in from playing outside and said "Mom, I made you something outside. Come see!" I didnt react to the permanent marker all over the stucco on the front of the house. I hugged her and praised her work. (But made sure to explain later about not doing that again.)

It's Just a Booger...

For several days now, Liberty has said: "Mom, I cant breath out of this nose!" (Pointing to her right nostril). Being the good mom that I am, I kept telling her to go blow her nose and she would be fine and didn't give it anymore attention. After several days of her whining about her nose, I finally decided to take a look. I tilted her head back, thinking I would find a big booger, and saw something fluorescent green instead shoved up in her nostril. Since I couldn't reach it, I told her to blow as hard as she could this time. She blows and an airsoft BB comes shooting out of her nose. Wow! I would have hard time breathing with that in my nose too! Why did she put that up there anyway?? Man, I felt bad for ignoring it for so many days. How uncomfortable.