How to get kids to eat asparagus...

For dinner on Sunday, I fixed some asparagus (along with other wonderful things). I love it, but it is not one of Ed's favorites and Britt doesn't eat anything green unless it is lettuce! I wanted the grandkids to at least try it. So...I told them that when you eat asparagus your pee will smell like it. They were definitely interested and both Bren and Sariah decided to eat some. It was so funny to see them shove it in their months, take a couple of chews and quickly swallow. Immediately Brenny asked to be excused to go the bathroom. He wanted to test my theory. I told him that it doesn't work quite that fast!
It will be fun to check with them on Tuesday evening to hear the results.

High Priest Fireside

This is a picture of the poster board sign made to advertise the High Priest's fireside entitled "Missionary Miracles." A couple of months ago, I was popping off about the poor attendance we were having at our socials and firesides. So our Group Leader, tired of hearing me complain, gave me the assignment to plan and organize one to see if I could do any better. (I seem never to learn to keep my mouth shut.) As a result, in late February I laid out a plan that covered announcements, advertising, personal invitations, and refreshments with a specific timetable for each. Everything went according to plan until last night. Just before the appointed start time I waited outside the chapel to greet our speaker. At 7pm he still had not arrived and I began to be concerned. By 7:15pm I was in a panic because he is normally never late. Our speaker is a counsellor in the Mission Presidency and a good friend. It was so unlike him to not be to the event early. The decision was made by our Group Leader that we would have our fireside anyway since nearly 30 of us were already assembled. (In the meantime, Mark Payne kept trying to reach Pres. Dalton.) Since I was primarily responsible for the activity I started off the meeting by telling my own Missionary Conversion Miracle. I had just finished with my story and bearing my testimony and in walks Pres. Dalton. He had completely forgotten about the assignment and was on the way to the airport to pick up his son. When he got the call from Mark, he turned the car around and had his family drop him off at our chapel. They went on to the airport without him. We had a great time and received inspirational Missionary Miracles stories in their abbreviated form. As I reflect on the evening I'm embarrassed that I was unsettled about our speaker. In the room there was probably 10 or 12 of our group members that could have shared with us Missionary Miracles that would have been inspiring and uplifting. The only thought that comes to mind is; "Oh ye of little faith...."

New Wheels for Brennan

Brennan has been riding the small bicycle that he got when he was about 3 or 4 year olds. Needless to say, he has outgrown it. Britt wanted him to earn part of the money for a bicycle so that he would appreciate it more and hopefully take good care of it. Ed and I told Brennan that we would match the money he saved, as would his dad. He has been doing 'extra' chores at our house and really saving his money. This weekend he counted it out and it looked like he had reached his goal. Britt and Brennan went on Saturday to pick out the one he likes best. It was a blue Mongoose. He rode for just a short while and when it tipped over the plastic around the brake that attaches to the handle bar broke. We thought that maybe he should take that bike back and get a little better quality. This is the bike! We all like it even better. After church and dinner, Britt, Bren, Sariah, and Kiyoko (with dad) all rode to Twin Lake Elementary School to practice their bike riding skills. It is a beautiful day. We have so much to be thankful for!

Ed's New Career in Landscaping

Our front yard has needed some SERIOUS help for the past year. Ed started the project last fall but the weather didn't cooperate and he had to just leave the dirt and black plastic for several months. We found a design that we liked in a landscaping book and Ed has been working hard get everything purchased and planted. It has been a lot of work but we think it looks so much nicer - just a little more left to do!

Our next house is going to have astroturf and cement!!

The Littlest Ballerina

Today Britt took the girls shopping at Toys R Us. Kiyoko decided she wanted to have her own ballerina dress.

We're thinking it might be a little TOO BIG!

Oh, to be a kid again!

I can't remember the last time I enjoyed playing in a big pile of sand (actually this was crushed granite - it sounds better doesn't it?). Ed is landscaping a portion of our front yard and purchased some crushed granite to put around the new plants. The 'stuff' was loaded in the back of his truck and he needed to get it unloaded and put in the driveway before Thursday's Temple assignment. Wednesday evening Britt and the children eagerly agreed to help 'Papa' unload it. They each got a shovel and/or broom and began working. It was fun to watch the grandchildren and see how much they enjoyed working and playing in 'it' -pretending to be "King or Queen of the hill" - dangling their feet off the back of the truck - riding bikes through it (when they thought no one was looking) - and even just sitting in it. Somedays it would be nice to be a kid again and enjoy the simple things. Thanks kids, for reminding us that work can also be fun!
In the meantime, Ed just keeps plugging away in the backyard!

Two Little Princesses

When I got home from work last night, I was greeted by two little princesses! (Better make that ONE QUEEN and ONE LITTLE PRINCESS!)
Sariah shared her dress-up clothes with Kiyoko and they were having a fun time trying on the different outfits. I couldn't resist taking this picture!

MURPHY TURNS ONE!

Today Murphy celebrated his first birthday. There were many times when we wondered if he (or we) would reach this day.

Cost for having Murphy with us for one year...
1. Initial Cost
2. Trip to and from Utah to bring him home to California
3. Vet check up and shots
4. Life jacket and water toys for pool (he can't swim)!
5. Repair of THREE lawn mowers (he ate the pull cords)
6. Replacement windshield on Patrick's Ducati motorcycle
7. Solar lights in backyard to replace the ones he ate!
8. Replacement plants in backyard to replace the ones he ate!
9. Carpet in family room (potty training didn't come easy)!
10. Announcement cards.
11. Armrest in Acura to replace the one he ate!
12. CRATE (confinement for damage control)
13. Toys!
14. Food - some he liked and some he didn't - hamburger and chicken to 'encourage' him to eat the food he DIDN'T like.
15. Obedience training - marginally successful!
16. All of Ed's bonsai plants.
17. Trips to vet for ear infections and prescriptions.
18. New vacuum to replace the one he ate!
19. Toys and peanut butter to smear on toys!
21. Two pairs of Ed's glasses to replace the ones he ate!
20. THREE doggie beds!
21. Memories....PRICELESS!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MURPHY!

Easter Weekend

Children make holidays fun and this year we were fortunately to have our three grandchildren spend Easter weekend with us. It was a busy weekend in preparation for the special day.
Britt prepared the egg decorating and helped everyone participate - even Kiyoko who CRUSHED her egg! We tried to get Kiyoko to eat the smashed egg - but this was her reaction...
Easter Morning arrived VERY early in anticipation of the Easter Bunny's visit. Britt and I fixed a special breakfast since the children would be having dinner with their mom. Britt made waffles with apples and strawberries. I made ham and eggs and there was plenty of fresh fruit. After breakfast it was time to get ready for church - the children are always so eager to attend and looked extra special today. The girls wore their new dresses from dad. We even got Britt to pose for a picture. What a cute family! After Church, it was time to find all the hidden Easter eggs. Murphy had to stay in the house because he wanted to help (too much)!
The only thing that would have made the day better would have been to be surrounded by more family - especially Shyla and Pat - and friends!

Mom and Bob's BIG Move!

On April 11th, Mom and Bob moved into their new home that David built in Victor, Montana. Family, friends, and members from the ward were there early on Saturday to help. They spent their first night in their new home on Saturday evening.

Last week they met with their Stake President...I don't think it will be long before they receive permission to be baptised. A day we all have been praying for...