The Haskins Family

Thankful for:

2012-01-25T12:57:00.000-08:00

cardboard
kitchen windows that overlook the back yard
chickens that go back in their coop at night
my dad-he's coming tomorrow to make over my laundry closet!
dead electronics cum homeschool science activity

Puppy Makes Pancakes

2011-10-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

I totally rocked preschool homeschool for about fifteen minutes last week. Puppy and I read Curious George Makes Pancakes, then we made "pancakes" complete with blueberries. Puppy even fashioned a griddle out of construction paper and flipped pancakes with an honest-to-goodness pancake turner. He never gets that job! Our fantastic blueberry pancakes were then smothered with syrup--just like a pancake ought to be. This was a really fun activity for a little boy who doesn't like all those adorable (to me) printables that you find on the internet. This boy just wants to PLAY! The only problem was we were having so much fun that we distracted the older children from their SERIOUS studies.

Mike's New Hangout

2011-08-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

Michael really likes it under the kitchen sink.

What the Girls Are Up To

2011-08-08T10:12:00.000-07:00

Lauren made this doll for a friend who was having her tonsils removed. She works so hard on her things!

Caroline sewed herself a little kitty cat doll. It was her first big project.

Liffy shows up every morning with a new crocheted dishcloth for me. Hooray! I needed some of those!

Puppy

2011-08-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

In his wimmin wrunks.

Ain't She Great?

2011-06-01T07:37:00.001-07:00

Lauren wrote a persuasive essay for school. For your reading enjoyment, I present to you:

Why You Should Have Children

By: Lauren Haskins

Can you wait until Mother’s and Father’s day? Children take this kind of thing seriously. You may think children are hard. Children can be at times, but mostly they're sweet and loving. Here is a small introduction on what we'll be talking about today-first, I explain how being a parent helps you become a responsible person. Next, I explain how children are "a blast to the past." Lastly, I want to discuss other people’s opinion about children. I believe children can be exciting and fun.

Having children helps you become a responsible person. Children need to be taken care of. First, it's part of life to get sick. Children need extra help when they are sick. Children also need to be cleaned up after. Kids do make messes, and they can be stubborn and not pick up. Last, children need to be fed. This makes you responsible for this one reason—children can be very picky. This makes it your job to satisfy their every needs.

Having children also provides you with "a blast to the past." Children can be a window showing you your childhood. You're able to play games such as tag, baseball, and childish board games. Children love cartoons—they'll expect you to watch. You may not always want to, but you will find they are funnier than they seem. Lastly, you read books to your children. My mother reads children’s books to make sure they are appropriate for me to read.

Some people believe that children have downsides. They think children make a lot of messes. Children also get sick a lot and their stomachs are weaker than grownups. Children also need constant attention and can also ask for things in a negative way. All of these reasons are why being a parent is so satisfying. Children need a lot of love and care and they need good people to give children that care. Even that seems hard sometimes, but I think parenting brings a lot of happiness and love.

Children start new lives and many new opportunities. I believe children are fun and exciting! I believe there are various reasons you should consider having children. I have described the joy of having children to the best of my ability. Remember, children keep this world alive. Happy Mother's and Father's day!

Flying Kites

2011-04-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

We fly a kite for Puppy's birthday. The girls were flying a kite when they heard the news of a baby brother. He brings so much joy and sweetness to our lives!

Easter Sunday

2011-04-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

Easter

By: Liffy Haskins

This is a little story about Easter. Jesus did many miracles for people. Before Jesus died he atoned for our sins. He also had the last supper with his apostles. That is why we partake of the sacrament every Sunday. The bread represents his body and the water represents his blood. But three days before Easter, Jesus died on the cross. He died on the cross because lots of people didn’t believe him; mostly, the king did not believe him. Lots of people were very sad after Jesus died. The people that were very, very sad were his parents and his apostles. On Easter, Jesus was resurrected. And that is Easter’s real meaning.

Three Years

2011-03-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

Puppy's Birthday is today! Let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we?

Three years ago. Daddy is surprised at how much he likes being the proud papa of a baby BOY!

He walked at nine months, and on his 1st birthday he amazed us by climbing up the slide!

At two he was fascinated by oo-ahs. But I couldn't find an oo-ah, so the girls and I took him to a zoo with some farm animals. I think he had a good time, what do you think?

And now? Well, this just may be our best year yet!

Piano Baby

2011-02-01T18:21:00.000-08:00

Mikey-Mikey Sitting Up

2011-01-14T12:05:00.000-08:00

I LOVE THIS BABY! (it's a good thing he's cute, though)

Caroline says his eyes look like M & M's. Funny Mikey.

Even Michael Has Homework Already!

2010-11-12T12:09:00.000-08:00

Lauren and Michael

He's already doing fifth grade math! Seriously, though, isn't Lauren just so cute doing her homework while holding Michael?

We really like the new table, but the floor is not holding up at all to more regular use, just look at that! Someday...

Two Boys

2010-11-12T11:35:00.000-08:00

James and Michael

When I hold Michael (which makes it sound like I sometimes don't hold Michael--hah!), James likes to climb on my lap and say, "Two boys," in a very satisfied way. (Someone help me, I still don't know how to punctuate properly; and I think I gave all my style guides away long ago.) I think he's glad there are two boys. I'm glad, too.

12 Years Ago

2010-10-16T00:58:00.000-07:00

I love this picture. After three years of waiting, we were finally married! When the children see this picture they say two words: temple and happy. I think that just about sums it all up.

12 years and five children and a whole lot of water under the bridge have given us more perspective and understanding. We love the family we have created and look forward to seeing where it all leads.

A Small and Simple Thing

2010-10-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

James Built a Temple

James tells me that this is a temple. We've taken the children to visit the Los Angeles Temple twice since Michael was born. In August, just before Liffy was baptized, Lauren gave a us special tour of the temple grounds based on the tour she led for the primary back in June. What a great experience that was for her. I'm so grateful for inspired Primary leaders who had the older Primary children lead the younger children on the tours. She learned so much about the temple from it, but the most important lesson she learned is that testimonies are strengthened when they are borne. We enjoyed spending that afternoon at the temple with our family.

Our Family (I promise we're all there)

On Steve's birthday we took a special trip to the newly re-opened Visitor's Center at the Los Angeles temple. What a lovely place to spend an afternoon. The Church has created a marvelous center for learning more about the Gospel and its purpose. There were so many things to see and do, we're going to need to take a second trip!

These early experiences with the temple clearly have an effect, since James now builds temples out of blocks. I hope the time spent learning about the temple will carry my children through more treacherous stages of their life.

Look Out, Here He Comes!

2010-10-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

Michael rolled from back to tummy today. Mama's so proud!

Playing with Baby

2010-10-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

Funny Michael

Tummy Time

A Girl Is Baptized, and A Boy Is Blessed

2010-09-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful eight-year-old girl...

And a perfectly wonderful 17-day-old baby boy.

I wish we had gotten a picture of the two of them together! We had all the family in town, so we added a baby blessing on to the baptismal program. Liffy was pleased to share her special day with her new baby brother. She loves him so very much. We all do!

We were grateful that most of our siblings and spouses were in attendance. We missed Christian and Emily, though! We were also very happy to have Grandpa Russ and Grandma Loraine there. The weekend was beautiful, cool for August, and we were able to enjoy the company out in the beautiful backyard.

Our Sweet Arrival

2010-07-24T18:46:00.000-07:00

Michael Andrew

10 lb 5 oz

An absolute joy.

We already love him so very much. Watching the older children care for him only adds to our love for them all. It's a tub of love around here!

The Clean-Up Crew

2010-07-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

I have two children who are terrified of lizards. One of them tends to walk around on furniture instead of the floor, for fear of stepping on a lizard. I'll bet you can guess who uses that excuse for jumping from table to sofa to chair!

Yesterday when we came home from Grandma Pickle's house all the kids ran out to the cement to ride their scooters. Seconds later they came running back into the house screaming like a bunch o' crazies. "A LIZARD ON THE CEMENT! IS IT DEAD OR ALIVE?!!! IT HAS NO TAIL! AAAAGGHHHH! WHAT WILL WE DO?"

Fortunately, we have some heroes in the house whose initials are neither M nor D. Because, of course, M & D are both too busy rolling their eyes at the wimps who are screaming about a lizard. Puppy (NOT James, ask him) ran to the kitchen where he found not one, but TWO dustpans, marched into the family room, said "I CLEAD UP ISSSS" (translation: I'll clean up the lizard) whereupon Caroline, remembering that she is NOT one of the aforementioned wimps, seized one of the dustpans and they both tromped off to the cement slab with heroic zeal. Within moments they returned triumphant, Caroline announcing "We threw the lizard into the bush!" with Puppy echoing "Eesh!" behind her. "Ip, Ip, Hooway!" Scooter-riding has been saved!

Denouement:
Drama never quite being over, a few minutes later Liffy was on the couch weeping because she had lost a VERY important heart button (intended to be a gift for Lauren, so it really was important). Puppy, assuming she was still upset over the lizard, took her face in his hands, leaned in close and said, "I clead up, kay? Isss don. I clead up. Eesh." (translation: I cleaned up, okay? The lizard's gone. I cleaned it up. It's in the bush.)

It' good to have some heroes in the house.

I Finished Something!

2010-05-05T21:48:00.000-07:00

I made this onesie and receiving blanket set for one of Steve's former co-workers. He'll probably wear it to a court appearance. Just kidding -- it's for his baby. It was fun to make (can you find the matching cars?), but I really wish I could figure out how to do things before the night before. Also, my zig-zagging could use a little work. Some people just straight-stitch around the appliques, but I worry about fraying, since I'm not overly fond of the ragged look. I think I get a little better at this every time. Maybe someday I'll be impressed by the handiwork, and not just amazed that I actually completed a project.

If You Can't Live at Camp Bullfrog...

2010-04-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

This is the girls' re-creation of a picnic down at the pond. The white pole standing up at the right has about fifty branches of leaves taped to it-- I think to represent a pine tree. I'm wondering if the real Camp Bullfrog needs a picnic table down by the pond. One with benches, so pregnant mommies have somewhere to sit.

Let's do it again for real!

We Had a Great Saturday (Finally!)

2010-03-10T17:32:00.000-08:00

Saturdays have been a little rough lately--I've been tired after a long week, Steve just wants to relax, the kids are tired of school and want to PLAY, which means a whirlwind hits our house and destroys it every weekend. So a couple of weeks ago, even though there was a doozy of a rainstorm, we parents decided to manage our day a little better. Saturday morning I took the kids to a couple of thrift shops, which they love, and found some great books-including a fairy tale book that I have been looking for since Lauren was 3. The girls love to go to thrift shops and each found something cheap, but lovely to bring home. Lunch was Souplantation. Up, down, up, down, up, down. Cheap way to feed kids pizza bread, though!

Afternoon took us to the library for a wild animal show. Among the animals were an alligator, tarantula, parrot and porcupine. They even had a wallaby! That was pretty fun. The star of the show was a screaming hairy armadillo. So funny!!! I have never heard of such a thing, but I'm telling you, we were all in stitches.

We then came home and made bread dough sculptures. I have no idea where the energy for that came from, but there it was, and we made some very fun sculptures. Here is a sampling:

Lauren hard at work.

The result: a diorama showing a comparison between a wallaby and a kangaroo

Liffy made a pair of ice skates. The detail was fantastic, too bad it doesn't show very well.

Our exotic animals: the screaming hairy armadillos, wallaby and kangaroo.

Caroline made a bunny's backside. Love the fluffy tail.

James made faces and ate bread dough.

Then we ate up all our creations with homemade chicken noodle soup. The kangaroo and wallaby belong to Lauren, so they have taken up permanent residence on the library table. She's giving Mort and his grape bread sculpture a run for their money.

As I said, it was a great day.

On Flexibility

2010-02-22T19:40:00.000-08:00

It's rather hard to see what's going on here, this baby is camera-shy. Let me see if I can explain: the middle is the face, on the right is the baby's trunk (did you know I was has having an elephant?) and then right above the face is - a foot! Just looking at it makes me uncomfortable. We've already signed him/her up for the circus!

Fun with Picnik

2010-01-13T21:17:00.000-08:00

I enjoy playing around with easy photo editing tools (uh, NOT photoshop) and find Picnik.com to be the simplest, even if somewhat incomplete. Look how cute that picture turned out to be with all kinds of fun things done to it! The funky shadows look intentional, when really mommy was too tired to get up and pull down the blind for the sake of the picture. That's why I'll never be a photographer instead of just designated picture taker of much admired subjects. Just. too. tired. (I also like that it sort of hides the peeling paint on the kitchen wall. Unacceptable really, since I don't live in a centuries-old Italian villa.)

I Wasn't Eating, So I Took Pictures

2010-01-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

Lunch!

Enchiladas, Rice and Beans

Get it in there!

Make sure you get that bit on your arm! Nothing wasted!

Glare at your mother!

I can use utensils, too!

Get a drink.

Lunch is over!

How the Haskins Girls Celebrate Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T07:44:00.000-08:00

Veteran's Day pancakes honoring our favorite veteran. JACK!

We love you Grandpa. Thank you for you service in World War II.

p.s. I came down the stairs this morning to this. The only thing I did was take the picture.

How the Reagan Library Can Increase Its Patronage

2009-11-03T21:38:00.001-08:00

They could give out $72 gift certificates to the gift shop on your birthday, just like Disneyland does. After all, isn't it every nine-year-old who wants to go to the Reagan Library for her birthday?

Yeah, probably not. September 2008 we took the kids to the Library to see the Emancipation Proclamation and Lauren told us she wanted to have her ninth birthday at the Reagan Library. She anticipated the big day with the help of her Ronald Reagan calendar.

We gathered up the grandparents and some aunts and uncles and a good friend and trooped off to Simi Valley on Halloween morning. Lauren received a special jar of jelly beans, and bought herself a Nancy Reagan pen. Liffy bought a copy of the Declaration of Independence so she could read it, and Caroline bought a US presidents ruler. They like to look at it and sing the Animaniacs song.

I think we're raising a bunch of nerds, and I couldn't be happier about it.

Caroline Margaret is named after Margaret Thatcher, and Liffy finds bloated federal spending amusing, but adores Ronald Wilson Reagan. Look at that face!

A Pioneer, A Race Car Driver, and Two Penguins

2009-11-02T21:17:00.000-08:00

Sometimes after I download the pictures from a special event and I find that I didn't even come close to getting all the shots I wanted. Take this Halloween for instance: three obvious photo ops are conspicuously missing: 1) a good full-body shot of Caroline's costume, 2) the two penguins in a special shot of their own, and 3) Lauren with her doll Sarah, after which we patterned the entire costume. I had two opportunities to get these taken, and I failed both times. Notwithstanding my photographic amnesia, I still have several photos to show you.

The School Parade

Liffy as a macaroni penguin. We saw them at Sea World this summer. She loved the funny feathers on their heads. We think they're great. She even flapped her wings as they paraded around the blacktop. It's always fun when Liffy lets her silly side come out.

Lauren dressed up like her pioneer doll, Sarah. Sarah went everywhere with us on our vacation in San Diego. Do you think she like the macaroni penguins, too?

This little guy was the hit of the year. He was so cute as a tiny little penguin. When he runs it makes the tail flap. He ran A LOT when we were trick-or-treating.

Caroline was Daisy from Mario Kart. Her dress was a devil to make, and I can't believe I didn't get a full shot of it. The tiers turned out beautiful, I'm glad I got that far--the sleeves and zipper almost made me swear. Fortunately, it's just a costume, and it turned out pretty lovely after all that. This picture is pretty sweet, though, don't you think?

James was happy to hold hands with anyone who could lead him to candy. He really liked Grandpa Don and Uncle Joel, though. Thanks for coming down, Joel!

Caroline with her haul. She made a lovely little Daisy.

I made all the costumes this year; thanks Mom, for coming to stay the whole week so I could get these done. I'm pretty sure I won't be doing it again, but it was really fun to do this year. I have never made an animal costume or a princess dress, so I really stretched my skills. Lauren's costume was the easiest, but my new sewing machine did allow me to add a small surprise: at the bottom of the apron I monogrammed the name SARAH! Lauren loved that little detail.

Thanks kids, for making Halloween fun for this ol' mamma of yours (and for sharing the candy).

My New Hobby

2009-10-07T20:13:00.000-07:00

PUPPY COLLAGES!!

Can you blame me?

I Must Have Good Stuff

2009-10-03T22:33:00.000-07:00

They're already putting dibs in on what they want when I die.

See Puppy Walk

2009-10-03T22:31:00.001-07:00

I'm trying to figure out who he looks like walking like that. It's so funny (and adorable)!

Puppy Unloads the Dishwasher

2009-09-30T10:04:00.001-07:00

I love this kid!

Puppy Falls Down (or Rock On Puppy)

2009-09-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

James broke his leg at the park on Wednesday, September 23. The girls' response to hearing their brother had a broken leg--Can we sign the cast?!!! Don't worry though, sisterly love abounds. For proof I submit as evidence the following exhibits:

Exhibit A:
Liffy drew a comic of what happened:

Note the cookie in his hand in frame 1.

Exhibit B:

Caroline mugs for photo with invalid

Exhibit C:

The girls worked hard on a get well sign. They also put together a large box of fun toys to help stave off boredom.

Oh, how we love our little Puppy! But don't worry, Puppy will be just fine:

Exhibit D:

Sometime during the Summer...

2009-09-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

We went to the Huntington Library to visit the art galleries. Caroline was at Grandma Pickle's house for a visit. The rest of us packed up our gear (Lauren actually did all the packing) and headed out for a day of masterworks. You judge the results:

Liffy had a birthday tucked into all that too:

Liffy had a Max and Ruby themed birthday party. Every one had a role to play. Liffy was Ruby, Lauren was Bunny Scout Leader, Caroline was Louise, James was Max, I was Mrs. Huffington and Steve, of course, was Mr. Huffington. Being Mr. Huffington came with the very special privilege of participating in the "Mr. Huffington" game. What is the Mr. Huffington game you ask? Well, I did, too. Lauren told me that at the school carnival Mr. Huffington wore his swimming suit and they would throw a ball and Mr. Huffington would splash into the water. A Dunk Tank! I told Lauren that if she could figure out how to make it work then they could certainly play. If you look at the bottom row second picture from the left you can see what they rigged up. The bucket went on the top of the ladder, we had to throw a beach ball at a knot on the swing rope (harder than it seems, by the way) and then the person at the top of the ladder would dump the bucket on the person standing below.

As you can imagine Steve was no longer willing to be Mr. Huffington. He does not like to have water dumped on his head. Not to be deterred, Lauren graciously agreed to be Mr. Huffington. BUT, he had to be Bunny Scout Leader, and he had to wear a skirt. As you can see from the photo on the top left, Steve would rather wear a skirt than have water dumped on his head. The game was a huge success--lots of laughter and fun. I love handing the party planning over to Lauren. She has a great imagination! I'm in charge of the cake baking, though, so we had cupcakes with pink frosting and yellow buttercream roses.

All in all between birthdays, outings, cousin camp, a San Diego vacation, and just hanging out at home we had a terrific summer.

Hey, You Remember Cousin Camp?

2009-09-17T21:56:00.000-07:00

We had such a great time with our cousins and second cousins and aunts and uncles. You could probably just call it a family reunion, but everybody has one of those. And we can't be like everyone else, now can we? I loved having all that family around, with time to talk and play. I felt a real understanding of why family is the key to happiness in our mortal journey. And the kids had a great time.

Lauren Also Made a Comic

2009-08-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

She actually made this the same day, but my scanner was giving me fits and I couldn't get it on my computer. I love the third frame. She captured James exactly!

This Is How Last Night Went

2009-08-07T19:51:00.000-07:00

Click on the image to read it better.

Summer

2009-07-14T10:42:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pictures to let you know how summer is going at our house.

Here is the dollhouse version of Liffy's Birthday Party.
Should I get an over-sized picture of the First Presidency for my living room?

The birthday feast.

I bought James a wading pool.

A wading pool is not just a wading pool at our house. The pool only survived one afternoon.

Oh my goodness that child can get crazy.

But oh so sweet. This is her cousin camp list.
And a close-up.

Cinderella

2009-06-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

This little boy thought the Tiny Fairy was a wonderful dancer! So did the rest of us. Liffy danced her heart out for Village Dance Art's production of Cinderella. Doing a formal production is a brilliant way to conduct a dance recital. The performers knew that they were part of something bigger than just their class, and it gave them more to work for. I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than to watch a show for which so many young people (and their teachers and parents!) have given such a tremendous effort. They were all fantastic. I can't wait 'til next year. Will I have more dancers in the show?

simply beautiful

Little Village, Little Town of Mine

2009-05-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

This post has been a long time coming. This year mom invited the girls to participate in the Tollberry Theatre production of Fiddler on the Roof. She could do that 'cause she was the DIRECTOR. It seemed a perfect opportunity for my girls to participate in a theater production without quite as much time commitment (although it seemed like plenty!) I don't know if I can ever thank Mom enough for getting my girls involved.

The show itself was awe-inspiring. I saw three performances, and wished I could have seen the rest. It is so fun to see people you have known for twenty-odd years going on a stage and using all their talents to put on a beautiful and entertaining show. Especially when these are people who usually don't search out center stage. (Tom excepted, but he was MAGNIFICENT. Really, he ought to have been discovered by now, but let's keep him our little secret, shall we?) I loved seeing my dad and Brother Howard, the youth are so cute, and Marty Page?! Well, let's just say he's The Russian to us now. I don't know the woman who played Fruma Sara, but she was terrific. And I loved hearing Alyson play. The Russian dancers were amazing! I couldn't believe they could jump over each other like that!

The girls just loved participating with all of those kind people. The young girls took my daughters under their wing and made them feel very comfortable. Lauren really got into it, and by the last performance was accompanying Grandpa Innkeeper in every village scene possible. Elizabeth looked so beautiful in her headscarf and sang every word. Caroline's usual flighty nature was left outside the theater. She was a serious performer. If she was supposed to pretend to sweep, then her broom never held still. If she was supposed to freeze, then not a muscle moved. She wept at the Anatevka scene every single time. All three girls were very focussed even when not performing. They were never silly or giggly. They loved coming out and watching the scenes they weren't in, especially the dream scene and the bar scene.

For me, Sabbath Prayer is an especially moving scene. I think of my daughters and pray for them to be good mothers and wives, with husbands who will care for them. What a beautiful ritual to hear your parents praying for your future happiness.
The performances were amazing, but the Fiddler love didn't end there. When we got in the car on Sunday to go home, all the girls were still wearing their costumes. That was fun when we stopped for a bathroom break and we looked too much like a fundamentalist family for my comfort. After we returned home, the girls went off to school, where Lauren made a book about the entire play. She worked so hard on it. It will be in the cedar chest until I die, I love it so much. Caroline had the cd on permanent repeat while the girls were at school. That's seven hours, by the way! Sometimes she would even watch the movie the entire time they were gone. (She always skips the train station scene and the Anatevka scene. Act 2 is just too much for her sweet little soul to bear.) Liffy would change back into her costume almost immediately after getting home and the cd would start over from the beginning. We would all wake up singing a different song every day.

Mother's Day the girls organized a three-man performance on the deck. They had costumes, props, a canopy! They would change costumes for every scene, even switching around roles throughout. Lauren played Tevya. Her "Rich Man" was spot on. They even carried Caroline around on a chair during the wedding scene. Caroline played all the leaping Russians. Lauren was the Russian who tipped over a chair to start the dancing. They loved clanking mugs for "L'Chaim". Once again the girls were having a ball, but were totally serious. They had every detail worked out. Liffy was Grandma Zeitl and Fruma Sara and Golde for the dream scene. She was so cute! Matchmaker is probably their favorite, and Liffy did a great Zeitl with scarf over her head.

Memorial Day weekend found us at camp again; this time to see Uncle Joel return home from his mission. When we arrived at 11:00 pm, out came the canopy and the bag of costumes. Sunday afternoon the whole family was treated to a grand performance. Once again, they were all seriousness, and they did a bang-up job. This time they even had the original bed from the dream scene. How fun! They even let James get in on some of the tavern dancing. Poor Ronan got a little beat up, though, when James tried to bang mugs with him. Everyone was so impressed.

What an experience for my children. I hope that we will have more opportunities like it. I am so grateful to Mom and Dad for always providing lifelong memories for my children. Our lives would be completely different without you.

2009-04-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

What We're Doing This Weekend

2009-04-18T14:15:00.000-07:00

Steve is in beautiful Washington DC. He has been working very hard for several months on a case that will be heard by the Supreme Court on Monday. He will enter this building as a member of the Supreme Court Bar. Now that seems like something to write home about. Way to go Steve!!!

I, on the other hand, have decided to have this hung around my neck on a lanyard because three of the kids are running fevers. The baby isn't, but he has a runny nose again, and his cough still hasn't gone away. It looks like church is out of the question, AGAIN!

Happy Birthday, My Little Boy

2009-03-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

You made it to the top! We love you so very much, little James. Your smile makes everyone's day a whole lot brighter!

Look-Alikes

2009-03-05T15:49:00.000-08:00

Lauren wearing James

Love and trust

And a great big smooch!

Glad Someone Is Paying Attention

2009-03-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

As Lauren was walking into school today, she turned around and yelled, "Mom! The fourth is Ronald Reagan's anniversary!" Sorry, Mom. You tried.

GIVEAWAY!!!!!!

2009-02-03T08:48:00.000-08:00

Announcing our very first ever giveaway! Leave a comment (if you can figure out how) and if you answer to MOM and your birthday is today, then this fabulous metalwork bird-adorned tealight holder can be yours!

Happy Birthday, Mom! We love you so much! See you soon!

Love,
From all of us!

When the Moon Hits Your Eye...

2009-01-28T18:21:00.000-08:00

Some of it will splatter on your chest, some of it will smear across you sweet chubby cheeks, and SOME of it will land on your head!

Then your mom and your big sister, who are charter members of the James Admiration Society, will laugh their heads off and run for the camera, because, of course, you are the only baby ever to make a mess while eating pizza, and prove once and for all, that THAT'S AMORE!

God Knows Everything

2009-01-23T16:17:00.000-08:00

Sweet cat, sweet kid, right? So why have I wanted to send Ned back to the frozen north (a.k.a. Camp Bullfrog)? Let me put it this way: Two weeks ago I found myself poring over the different rake options at Lowe's. I finally decided that the garden variety rake with strong, solid tines was my best option for raking cat POOP out of the decomposed granite path and the GRASS. I have garden beds, I have sand piles, I have paths, I have another sand pile, I have grow boxes--so why was the cat POOPING on the lawn?!!!

Every day found me outside scouring our vast lawn for POOP. Have you seen the baby? I have enough POOP to deal with, thank you very much. Remember when I was buying Immodium last year for the other cat? No thanks. I was feeling very done with excrement. Nobody had any ideas for me (that means Mom and Steve) and I was ready to pitch a real fit. Here we were with weeks, endless weeks, of 82 degree weather, and I couldn't send the kids outside to play unless I went first and raked up the POOP. (Did I mention one of the cats sometimes needs Immodium? Fun.)

Then I remembered: "Cry unto him when ye are in your [backyard], yea, over all your [pets]." Alma 34:20. I prayed mightily to God. I told him that I knew he could inspire the cats to poop (yes, I used that word) in far more appropriate places as per the list above. I told him that I love the darn animals, and so do the kids, so please, please, please I didn't want to have to give them away.

Today, three days later, I went outside. He truly is a God of miracles.

Playing Library-January 12

2009-01-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

by Liffy

Me and my tow sisters Like to play Library in our Library/dining room. I like to be the libraryin. Whene we play Library in Library/dining room we make the rules like asaktly like a reel Library. We keep all kins of books in the Library/dining room. Like moms and dads books also history books to like Abraham Linkin and Ronold Ragin book of history and Lots of other kind of books in the Library/dining room. Like in a real Library in our prutend.

Walking

2009-01-05T17:04:00.000-08:00

The cutest little walking nine-month-old I've ever seen (except for that other one, of course!) He practices all day long. By the end of the day he walks better than he did that morning. Just as a matter of record-keeping, his first step was taken at Camp Bullfrog on November 26, and full walking was achieved on December 31 at Grandma Pickle's.

Oh, I do!

2008-12-15T17:39:00.000-08:00

I had no idea I would love a boy this much! I'm so glad I was given a chance to find out just how sweet a little boy could be. The way this guy lights up a room is just incredible. Whenever James sees a familiar face he breaks into this grin (see above) and holds out his arms (again, see above). He does this for Mom, sisters, Dad, grandmas, grandpas, neighbors, kitties: you get the idea. He has a special gift for love and good cheer. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for Baby James!

It's Christmas Time in the City

2008-12-10T22:20:00.000-08:00

How do I know? The tree is twinkling, the carols are playing, there is waaay to much chocolate in my kitchen, and the girls are frantically making gifts into the wee sma's. When they get up in the morning their eyes are drooping from lack of sleep, but I think they are having a great time. They are so delightfully clever and sweet.

2008-11-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

Baptism

2008-11-03T21:12:00.000-08:00

Lauren is now an official member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: baptized and confirmed. We are so proud of her decision to follow Jesus Christ's example. The baptism did not go off without a hitch (in fact it had a couple), but she was a real trooper, even when she had to put her wet dress back on for a second round of dunking from her immersion-happy dad. In the car on the way home she said, "I feel different." When I turned to look at her I was shocked to see that she actually LOOKED different. The glow of the Spirit lit her entire face. She is so beautiful. Here are some pictures that capture the spirit of the day.

Lauren and Steve before the baptism

Lauren after her baptism: can you see a difference? Well, I sure do!

JAMESIE CRAWLS!!!

2008-10-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

He did it!

To Mormon Mommies Everywhere--HOW TO GET YOUR KIDS TO ENJOY GENERAL CONFERENCE

2008-10-08T10:12:00.000-07:00

Rent a cabin in Lake Arrowhead over conference weekend. Leave kids at home with Grandma and Grandpa who will take them to Mimi's, Carl's Jr., Islands and bring Costco cookies and Sun Chips. It's that simple.

Okay, so maybe they don't actually watch any conference, but if your cabin has dish network, then you get to watch it all you want. I love conference. I wish my Ensign would come sooner, so I could get to marking it up. So many lovely things were said.

And, of course, no post about conference weekend would be complete without:

A TEMPLE IN ROME!!!!!

I thought this would take many more years. O thou of little faith! I think the Disney Cruise is out, and the Italy trip is in!

High Hopes

2008-09-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

The Bunny Days of Summer

2008-09-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

The kids are experiencing a resurgence of interest in Bunny-bun-bun-bun-bun. James tries to get in on all the fun.

Nothing is safe anymore!

Especially if you are cute and furry.

Let's all be bunnies!

Per Carolyn's Request

2008-09-12T18:41:00.000-07:00

Overheard at park day:
"My sister-in-law showed me her post-baby tummy. I felt so sorry for her, she had stretch marks! Like all over!"
If I spoke "bloggish" (and I don't), I believe that would call for an "ahem". Instead, let's just say I have high hopes for the resurrection.

Speaking of "High Hopes", here's something fun for you all!

Reading Blogs Isn't a Complete Waste of Time

2008-08-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

I made these for a friend.

He's a winnah!

NOT THIS TIME!

2008-07-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

Crazy kids decided to have a water day. Another time when "no" meant "yes". Two hours after paying $100 to have my bathrooms cleaned (don't ask), this is the sight that mocked my most recent attempt to civilize our home. *sigh*

p.s. They were charged a $1 entrance fee to Mommy's Water Park ex post facto. They forked over the cash without even batting an eyelash.

Lauren Crochets!

2008-06-29T23:11:00.000-07:00

Tonight I taught Lauren how to crochet a chain. She informs me that it is so easy "mom". Well, it wasn't when I tried to teach her two years ago. Hooray for growing up!

It's The Little Things

2008-06-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

Liffy gave a talk in primary yesterday. Not only did she say the words OUT LOUD, she read the whole thing herself, too! And it was in her daddy's handwriting. All in all it was quite a feat for my quiet little girl.

Oh Happiness!

2008-05-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

Why would I ever want to deprive myself of a single sweet Baby James smile? They are admittedly plentiful; he smiles at the drop of a hat, or the singing of a song, or in this case, the singing of Ten in a Bed when the little one says "roll over, roll over". I think he must relate to it!

Confessions of a first-time blogger

2008-05-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

So, I spend hours reading other people's blogs, why not write my own instead? I don't expect I'll let anyone read it, but it's far more engaging than clicking from site to site and reading about everyone else's fun and exciting lives. Maybe if I can edit the details by writing it all down, I'll be able to recognize the great parts of my own life. But why is the baby waking up again?