Friday, December 16, 2011
Working Together to Get the Job Done
Our dishwasher is on the verge of giving out. Though my first reaction to run out and buy a new dishwasher I decided to sit back and embrace the art of washing dishes by hand. We have noticed that not having a dishwasher does have its perks, washing dishes is a good way to have the kids work together and helping out around the house. And from the pictures we can see that though Madeline and Spencer seem to like pushing each others buttons, they really can work together and they can do so happily. Maybe the family that does dishes together stays together. I don't know, but when the finances allow I will be the first one in line getting a dishwasher. Modern conveniences does have its place. I just might not tell the kids that the dishwasher works.
Christmas Advent
On December 1 we start our families Christmas countdown. The kids were all giddy with excitement when I brought out the advent box. This was also the first year that Spencer got into the whole advent activity and understood what the box means. Of course Christmas is just around the corner and I haven't posted about our activities, life around here has been busy and I find myself living in my car or at the school with Madeline. It has been a juggling act to do our activities every night with getting the kids fed and ready for bed for school, but we have made it work and I am glad. There has been such a feeling of excitement in our family and it isn't the greedy kind of joy of what am I getting. Instead, it is the pure excitement that this season brings. I have enjoyed all the family time too; spending time with the kids enjoying things that they enjoy always brings us closer as a family. There are times that doing an activity every night is hard, but the magic that fills are home is worth all the time and effort it takes. I love how our focus isn't on the material aspect Christmas brings out, but our focus instead is on the true meaning of Christmas- family, love, time, and our Savior Jesus Christ. Having this focus is the greatest gift I as a parent could give my children. Who knew so much magic could be held in a little advent box.
So far this year we have done:
1. Lego Christmas trees
2. Smores in the fireplace
3. Decorate the Christmas Tree
4. First Presidency Christmas Devotional with Pumpkin Pie
5. Christmas Stories and Hot Chocolate
6. Play around of Monopoly
7. Watch Charlie Brown Christmas with Christmas Cookies
8. Sleep Under the Christmas Tree
9. Decorate the outside of the house with lights
10. Homemade Christmas ornament with paper mache
11. Eating dinner at I-hop
12. Foam ornaments
13. Popsicle tree ornaments
14. Popsicle snowflake ornaments
All of these activities have been fun and has shown me that it is the simple things in life that bring us joy and bond us together as a family.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Thanksgiving 2011
Thanksgiving this year we went to Oklahoma and spent it with Grant's cousin Darrell and his family. We left Thanksgiving morning had a picnic just just inside the border of Oklahoma and made it to Darrell's house around 2:00 that afternoon. Thanksgiving dinner wasn't planned until 5:00 that evening so Grant and Darrell went to Darrell's rental house and fixed somethings up before he sold it. The kids all played together picking up right where they left off, and Staci and I chatted for a bit. As time got closer for the big meal Kylie(?) became fussy and so I was blessed with holding her and giving her lots of attention and that was a lot of fun. Our Turkey dinner was simple and perfect. They had invited another family over to enjoy the big day. After dinner and before pie all the adults played a few round of games. Pie was equally as delicious as the dinner and after everything was all said and done the boys (Grant, Darrell, Anthony, and Joseph) open up Epic Duals (a star wars game) and began an intense battle. On Friday we did a little bit and I mean little Black Friday shopping after all the intense shoppers were taking their naps and then Grant along with Anthony and Joseph helped Darrell some more on the house while we hung out and played. After dinner that night Staci and I went out for girls night at the yogurt shop. Saturday it started out with cold rain but there was still plenty of work to be done on the house. While they were working on the house the kids played and during quiet time Staci and I looked at houses in New Jersey - that is where they are moving to this summer. :( The kids were getting kind of stir crazy so when the Daddy's came home from working they took all the kids to the lake to walk around and throw rocks in the water. I held and played some more with Kylie while Staci finished a scripture bag for Jessica. That evening Staci and Darrell surprised Grant and I with a date. So Grant and I went out for dinner and after dinner I needed a new pair of shoes so we went and did that as well. When we got back it was Darrell and Staci's turn for their date. After sacrament meeting on Sunday we headed back home to Texas. It was a nice trip and I loved how simple yet fun the holiday was.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Boo at the Zoo
Grant's cousin Darrell came into town with his family the weekend of Halloween. The driving force for everyone getting together was a BYU football game in town. The two cousins had fun chearing on BYU and this year they were able to watch BYU make it into their end zone. TCU still won which we new but it was a brutal beating like last time. The kids, Staci, and I stayed home enjoying each others company, eating lots of pizza, and watching the kids have fun together. They stuck around a little bit on Saturday and we treated everyone to a trip to the zoo. I have grown up going to the same zoo so going is not so fun for me but I enjoy going with there is fresh eyes to see things with. At Halloween time they have a little Boo at the Zoo event. I hadn't been before and thought it would be fun to try out with everyone. Darrell was kind enough to pay for the tickets to get in and I think the kids enjoyed playing all the little fun carnival games and cashing in their tickets for candy and a pumpkin that they could decorate. I will probably take the kids next year. I am not a big Halloween person I rather save my energy for Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, Boo at the Zoo it doable and the kids can have fun in a safe environment and who knows maybe next year I will be on top of things and they can wear their costumes. After the zoo everyone came back to our house for a little bit more of fun before it was time for Darrell and his family to head back home.
Anthony is Ten
Wow it is hard to believe that I have a ten year old, but I do. On November 4 we celebrated Anthony entering the double digits. The night before the big day I was reflecting on Anthony and the blessing he has been to our family and then it hit me; In two years he will receive the priesthood, in six years he will be driving, and in nine years he will be entering the mission field. I had to stop there because I have to admit that I got emotional. I will just enjoy him being ten and cross the other ages later. From time to time I think about what special mission the Lord has in store for Anthony. He is such an incredible kid with a strong testimony and a good grasp and understanding of the gospel. I just wonder from time to time who am I raising. I have said it before, Anthony is really an incredible kid who has a smile to kill and a positive attitude to boot. He excels at school and currently is doing well at leading his Battle of the Books team. He loves anything to do with numbers, in fact that is how he thinks and sees the world around him through numbers. Anthony loves church history and he is currently reading the Old Testament on his own. He has finished the five books of Moses reading every word and every chapter (that is something I haven't done). He wants to read all the books of scripture. Anthony still have a deep and abiding love for Star Wars and right now enjoys making up his own Star Wars battles and developing his own Star Wars character. Anthony still plays the piano and the music that comes from those fingers are amazing. Anthony fills our home with beautiful music. Anthony has many wonderful traits but the one that amazes me to no end is his complete obedience. No questions asked, no buts, no whys; just complete obedience. An example to me indeed. Anthony loves his sister and loves to find her at recess and play with her. Anthony truly cares about those around him, and wants to share his blessings with others. Anthony has a strong testimony of the gospel and I always feel the spirit when he bears it at Family Home Evening; especially when he talks about the Prophet Joseph Smith. It has been my privilege to be Anthony's mother a gift that keeps on giving every day. It is my prayer that I may continue to raise him in a way that will prepare and allow him to accomplish whatever great mission the Lord has in store for him; for Anthony will go places and accomplish much in his life. I treasure being his mom, and knowing that I will get to enjoy his smile for eternity.
Now on to the party fun. I am not a big friend party person but I am all for celebrating the day from sun up to sun down. Anthony got an extra bonus the weekend of his birthday. Anthony's good friend's parents were going out of town and needed us to watch him for the weekend. So Anthony had the ultimate sleepover! The morning of Anthony's birthday Anthony was treated to homemade cinnamon rolls ( a favorite of his). For lunch Daddy was able to join us for lunch at school and at the end of school Anthony was able to pass out his favorite treat (homemade cream cheese brownies) to his friends at school. After school there were balloons and a cookie cake waiting for him. After his friend came over the real fun began. I started out the fun with a page long math problem and once he solved the problem the number would lead him to page in a book. When he came to that page he found a clue. The clue lead him to the Target store where he received his next clue. This year I didn't buy presents and wrap them, I left them on the store shelves and instead gave him clues with him criss crossing the store finding his presents. He had to think carefully because whatever he guessed that is what he received. Luckily he guessed right. The employees even had fun with Anthony's adventure and got in on the fun. After his treasure hunt at Target it was off to pizza then after pizza it was cookie cake and ice cream time. The next day Anthony and his friend went off to Lego Land for a couple of hours of fun. I chose the opening time and Grant said that for most of the time they had the place to themselves which is nice because that place can be a mad house. I am pretty confident that Anthony enjoyed his day and felt like a king for the day. I love celebrating their special day and making fit their personalities.
Character Parade
Every year for Halloween the Kindergartners and Preschoolers at Spencer's school does a character parade. The kids dress up as a character from any book and they parade around the school holding the book they represent. I only make one costume a year, as it is three costumes total is sometimes a feat to overcome. I couldn't find a book with a king in it hence the reason why Spencer is not holding a book, but I don't think he mind or noticed. I am pretty sure Spencer didn't understand what the big deal was with walking around the halls at school having people look at you. He was just excited that he could wear his purple cape (after all it is magical) to school. I have been doing the character parades since Madeline was three, if Spencer qualifies for the program that he is currently in next year then we will have one more year of character parades.
Halloween 2011
This year for Halloween we had a Jedi Master, a Chef, and a King. Our ward's Trunk n Treat was on Saturday; the kids had fun running from car to car collecting as much candy as they could. Spencer really got into the whole Halloween fun this year. For weeks he would ask me if it is Halloween and if his king costume is done. Spencer loves capes and the fact that I was making him a purple (his favorite color) cape sent him over the moon. On Halloween day itself we joined some friends from church to go trick r treating around their neighborhood. Once again the kids were well treated in the candy department. Once Spencer realized that when you knock on the door they give you candy, he was gone. I was a little surprised because Spencer is not a people person, I guess there is power in his purple cape. He confidently went from house to house loudly declaring trick r treat and soon as his candy prize hit his bag he was off to the next house. Meanwhile Madeline was confused by the whole trick r treating thing. The kids have only known trunk r treat. Madeline kept asking how the people would know to have candy for her. I think for a bit she just thought this was some crazy fun that we Coopers were doing. After a little bit of explaining she caught on and enjoyed taking her turn ringing door bells. We did get to a point that her bag was to heavy for her to carry, but that didn't stop her. She just turned to her favorite person in the world (DAD) and had him carry her loot as she kept up with the other kids going from door to door. In the end we had more candy then anyone ever needed. We sorted the candy for gingerbread houses and then kept the good stuff for us. After a few weeks I was tired of seeing Halloween candy and tired of picking it up so I put it up out of sight out of mind with the hopes of throwing it away after a bit.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Ketchup
Teach me to take some time relaxing in bed. I guess ketchup really does make a good breakfast as I later discovered. I also discovered one does not need utencils to eat ketchup hands and mouth work really well at scooping up all that ketchup yumminess. After this experience I realized that I am a pro at Spencer's antics because I didn't panic I immediately went into action mode and got the camera and then put him in the tub. However, a week later and I am still finding dried ketchup on walls throughout the house. Just so you know Spencer's relationship with ketchup has been broken up and if you ask me the two are getting along better without each other.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Boys Weekend
Every fall Anthony cub scout pack goes on a campout, the families are welcome to come along as well but we usually just have Anthony and Grant go. This year I asked Grant if he wanted to take Spencer along. I knew Spencer would love it because he loves being outside and he loves camping. I then had the brillant idea that while the boys are away playing that the girls will play too, but we would do it hotel style. The first night (Friday) went well because everyone was on their own as the families arrived at different times. On Saturday is when they have their activities from sun up to sun down, and well Spencer didn't agree with their schedule. I got little reports from Grant throughout the day and the reports boiled down to the fact that Spencer wanted to go home. Grant presevered and was able to push Spencer along and find ways to include him in the cub scout fun and when everything wasn't working Grant let Spencer play in his car until Spencer fell asleep-Heaven. The rest of the pack stayed through Saturday, but we usually pack up and leave when it is lights out on Saturday, and when they got home I saw three tired boys. Next year, Spencer will stay with Madeline and I; we will try cubscout camping with Spencer when he is a scout himself maybe then he will like it.
PS: Spencer from time to time will still tell you that he doesn't want to go camping with the cubscouts and that he is all done camping
Tractor Derby
One of our kids' favorite things to do is ride on the tractors at Lowes. When we go to Lowes as a family they always ask to play on the tractors. This time Grant needed to get a few things for the tree house and decided to take all the kids himself (bless his heart). I handed him the camera because I knew playing on the tractors was going to be on the agenda.
Girls Weekend
While the boys were away at camping with the cubscouts, Madeline and I checked into a hotel for a little girls' weekend fun. Madeline had been sick with a cold that triggered her asthma all week long and there were a couple of times that I thought I was going to have to take her to the hospital; but luckily we didn't. I decided that I can take all her equipment with me so we could be miserable at home or be miserable at the hotel and so since we have been miserable at home all week long I decided to give the hotel a try. I am so glad that we did. Madeline had the time of her life, it was so rewarding to see her smile back after being sick for a week. We enjoyed happy hour in the lobby, a shopping trip to build a bear for some build a bear goodness, yummy dinner from panda express, and a trip down stairs for some hot chocolate before bed. In the morning we enjoyed a breakfast fit for a princess and then we lounge him bed playing with our build a bear loot and watching a movie on our portable DVD player. The "marshemellow" beds were divine and you know what was even better? No boys. Madeline was giddy with excitement. Our girls weekend lifted her spirits which was nice after being sick for a week. On our way home we did a little girl shopping and that evening we enjoyed some yummy broccoli and cheddar soup from Panera bread, and while waiting for the boys to come home we cuddle up to a fun Dora movie. Madeline said it was the best weekend and I have to agree, it simply was the best.
PS: There were a lot more pictures but for some reason they cannot be uploaded
Camping
Every year for Grant's birthday we go camping. This year we went the weekend before his birthday because the kids had Friday off. Our plan was to leave a little after lunch so that we would get to our campsite right when it was check in time. We wanted to have enough time to set up camp and not have to worry about fixing dinner right away. Well we left later than wanted and had a few stops along the way which lead arriving two hours after our desired time. However, a miracle happened and that was everyone happily pitched in with setting up camp and before we knew we were done and it only took us an hour. So we had plenty of time to go for a walk/scooter ride and even throw rocks in the water. We are under a burn ban so we could only use closed grills or propane stoves. No problem we have a propane stove with a griddle attachment so there endless meals that we could cook. I get everything set up to make dinner and then I ask Grant to light the propane and that is when we realized that we had no lighter. Now I need to back up a little bit. Earlier at our first attempt to cook dinner as I was gathering stuff to cook diner I asked Grant for the propane and it was then that he realized that he had forgotten to grab the propane. So we quickly hoped in the car and out we went to find the nearest place that would sell propane. We were lucky to find a nearby gas station. When we got back to the campsite we decided that since we had "everything" that we needed to make dinner we would wait a few minutes and enjoy the outdoors. Which now brings me back to having no lighter. It was dark now and the kids were ready to eat. Grant found some matches in his fishing vest because you know a scout is always prepared. The only problem he didn't have anything to strike them on, and there is also the problem that no one knows how old these matches really were. After trying to strike them on various things around us and having no luck we started to make dinner with what we had that needed no cooking. We are known to forget something but it usually pajamas not propane and matches. The kids enjoyed themselves immensely from jumping on the air mattresses to the scooter races and Spencer found his long lost best friend...dirt. That kid enjoyed rolling around in the dirt and even scooping it up and tossing it in the air so that as it came down it wrapped around him like a blanket.
The next morning Grant took the kids out for a boating ride which didn't go so well. The water was choppy which made Grant's canoe rock and that made Madeline very uneasy. Anthony was having a blast and well Spencer was bored. That goodness for modern technology. Grant called me to come and get the kids. We decided on meeting at a certain location where he would pick me up and drop me and the two younger kids off at the park to play. Well as this park was a beach area set up to play complete with water and all. Well Spencer other best friend is water and the magnetic force between him and water is so strong that there is no separating them. What started out with just getting our feet wet turned into Madeline and Spencer fully immersed in the water having a good time splashing and playing. Later on Anthony joined them for the fun. After a little bit of time the kids got cold ( don't know why it was only October). We decided it was a good time anyway to go back to camp and clean up and then we would come back to the day park eat lunch and then play until we were all plumed tired. Again a miracle of teamwork happened and it only took us an hour to tear down camp. The kids quickly ate their lunch and you guessed it they were back in the water play clothes and all. However, Daddy ended up in the water too and this was after he declared that he was not going to get wet (famous last words). They wrestled and splashed for a bit until they were all cold. Then it was off to running around in the sunshine to dry off because after all they swam in their play clothes. Grant then found a small channel area of the lake that was not choppy and so he took Anthony and Madeline out for a little boating and fishing. Spencer decided he wanted to stay behind and so waiting for Daddy to get back near water was very challenging in keeping Spencer from getting wet again. By this time it is 3:00 and we are all tired and wanting to be at home. It took longer then we wanted to get the boat tied down to the roof of the van but after accomplishing that huge task we were off for home and not too soon for a few minutes after we arrived home a rain storm came through.
Over all I think our fall camping experience was a success and we had a lot of fun together as a family.
Gator-thon
A week after Madeline and Anthony's run-a-thon, it was Spencer's turn at his school. I was a little bit late getting and so he had already started running. Since his class is in the afternoon and the school is finished by then, they had a few fifth grade classes to come out and cheer the preschoolers on and to help them run. As soon as Spencer saw me he ditched the boy that was helping him and wanted him Mommy only. He was also done running and so for the rest of the time I dragged him along and sometime I carried him on my back. There were a couple of rounds that his teachers took his hand and ran with him, Spencer was not too happy about that. He is still a Mommy's boy and when Mommy is around the rest of the world doesn't exist. He wasn't too happy when he learned that after the race I was going to go home and he would have to go back to class, he cried like it was the first day of school. However, I am sure he forgot all about the fact that I left when he saw the snacks waiting for him in the classroom, food always brings a smile and dries up any tears.
Trampoline Fun
Spencer had been asking to go camping for about a week when we decided to pitch the tent in the back yard. Well it hasn't rained since June (this was in September) and on the day that we decide to pitch the tent it rains. By the time it stops raining the ground was soaked and it was dark. Grant thought that sleeping out on the trampoline would cure Spencer's desire to go camping. Spencer was all on board until he saw that there was no tent. In Spencer's eyes when you go camping you have a tent. He thought that Daddy was going to put the tent on the trampoline. There was no consoling Spencer over his disappointment, so after a few failed attempts Grant brought Spencer in to sleep with me. A few minutes later Grant walks in with Madeline who is terrified because she is certain that it is going to thunder and rain. Grant and Anthony braved the night sleeping under the stars. It did rain, but only sprinkled. Anthony never noticed. The boys didn't get much sleep because when one would move or toss and turn it would move and toss and turn the other. Grant is a good sport, I on the other hand am smart.
Before everything went down and disappointment took over the kids did have fun jumping on the trampoline; too bad the excitement was short lived. The next weekend we pulled the tent out for Spencer to get his camping fix, I think I could safely say he was excited.
Longhorn Stampede
The kids no longer have catalog fundraising at school, which I am so happy about. Instead they do a run-a-thon. The kids can get donations for how many laps they run or just a flat donation altogether. The event is fun and the kids enjoy getting out and running. What I like is that they have other grade levels cheer on the runners; you just get a feel on school unity. Because of Madeline's heart condition she is not able to run without getting tired. Last year I carried her on my back, this year I was smart and used the jogging stroller. Though it was easier then carrying her on my back it still proved that I am out of shape. This year Grant was able to help and we tag teamed it because both of us is not in super great shape (we will have to do something about that for next year). I thought Madeline would want to run some and then sit in the stroller, but when you have your hat, sun glasses and your daddy's i-pod listening to music why would you want to get out of the stroller. For 30 minutes Grant and I ran along side the other second grade girls. Pushing a stroller on grass is not an easy task, but supporting a daughter makes it all worth it. At the end of the day we were surprised to learn that Madeline placed third in her class amongst the girls; the smile on her face was worth the 30 minutes of pushing a stroller in a grassy field. However, I am determined to get in shape so next year things will be a little easier.
After Madeline's race, it was Anthony's turn. Madeline was able to stay and cheer on her brother. I got several of the other kids in her class to cheer him on as he passed. Anthony brought his camel pack this which I think helped him to keep going. Anthony certainly is not amongst the fastest of the boys in his grade level, but when they were tiring out he just kept going. He never stopped to walk during their 30 minute time slot, he just kept going and going. He said he had one goal in mind and that was to do more laps this year than last year and he met his goal so he was happy.
Conference Time!
I know it has been almost a month since General Conference, but better late then never. We love General Conference time in our house, the kids actually get excited to listen to our prophet and leaders. Usually by the Sunday afternoon session they are all conferenced out and are just happy playing together in their rooms. What I love about General Conference is not only the spiritual feasting that we experience but the traditions that we have as a family. The traditions just make the weekend all that more exciting. This year I had great hopes in taking notes and starting the process of our FHE lessons based on the talks that were given; but I got slammed with allergies that turned into a cold or sinus infection. Because of this I was just happy to sitting up right with my eyes open. I was coherent for some of the talks and what I remember I felt that Heavenly Father answered every thing that troubled my heart. I just love that part of conference. I am so glad for the Ensign so I can go back and read and study what I missed during my brain fog.
For Conference our traditions include: 1. We start out the weekend with a trip to the donut shop and getting donuts for breakfast. 2. Getting out the 72 hour kits and updating them. It is during this time that we eat all the previous six months food, which the kids love. 3. Our Conference kits which provide excitement and learning for the kids and allows the parents to listen-a win win situation. 4. Pizza for dinner Saturday night. 5. Movie and desert making while Daddy is at Priesthood Session. 6. Enjoying our desert while Daddy tells us what he learned.
Something else this year that I thought was cute that the kids did was standing every time the prophet entered. I smiled as I sat back and watched them show their reverence and love for the Prophet. I didn't tell them, they did this on their own.
As always, after Conference I feel like I can go conquer the world; and though I was sick and felt like I was dead I was still able to raise my flag and say with excitement "I can do this!"
An Overdue Update
Wow life for us here has seem to fly by. With everything going on the weeks seem to go by in a blur and the weekends are never long enough. Lately there is something going on every night as a family; I sure cannot wait for summer when everything seems to slow down, at least I hope it will. We sure have been busy with work, school, homework, piano, and running a household. I am happy to say we have not been busy with doctor or hospital visits. We did hit our first major asthma attack but did not have to go to the hospital, just missed a week of school. The cold has made it rounds through the house and we all agreed that we did not like it so hopefully "Mr. Cold" got the memo and will not come back for a visit. I have been adjusting to my new way of life, I am still waiting for me to come above the water so I can figure things out and put together a plan that will help to prevent me from drowning. I haven't come out of the water, but I am not drowning just floating along. This year Madeline has really needed me a lot at school for emotional reasons. After I drop Spencer off at school, I go up and join Madeline for lunch and then recess. This has helped her make it through the day. Since I have started doing this a couple of months ago she has stayed in school more. I know I am doing the most important thing, but it sure poses a challenge in trying to figure out how to manage everything else when you feel that you are always up at the school. Also to help her do better in school, I have moved her bedtime to 7:00. This has been a challenge. I start making dinner while they are in school and then finish when they get home. We have dinner at 5:00 and then start getting ready for bed at 6:00. We also have do homework at this time because I am busily making dinner and Madeline is exhausted from the day at school to do homework any earlier. With all of Madeline's medications and other medical stuff getting her ready for bed is a long and sometimes tedious process. This schedule has been a challenge but we are doing it because I have a lot of help from Heavenly Father; and everyday I am able to see that with Him I can do anything. On the flip side it is nice having 2 of the 3 kids in bed by 7, but getting there sometimes is a challenge. Here are some random pictures that I took with my phone.
1. Anthony and Madeline's school had their run-a-thon to help raise money for their school. Grant and I go and our Madeline's legs so that she can participate. Madeline sits in the stroller and we run along with the kids. At the end of the day I was surprised to hear that Madeline won third place among the girls in her class. It is moments like these that I am glad for a camera phone and more important that I actually remember to take it with me and that it was charged.
2. One afternoon before Spencer's school, I took him to McDonald's for a little Mommy and Son time. I should do this more often. He was beyond excited to be going to McDonald's with Mommy and not having Anthony and Madeline around. I think he was especially excited that we were going inside and not drive thru and that I let him play in their play yard, something I never do. It was fun spending time with him and participating in his excitement.
3. Here is another time that I am glad for phone cameras. While eating lunch with Madeline at the end of the six weeks, the counselor was passing out the awards to those kids that were selected as winners of the virtue for that particular six weeks. The virtue for the first six weeks was responsibility. As a side note, Anthony has received this award every year since Kindergarten. I was glad that I was there to share in his excitement and to be able to snap a quick picture. I have to agree that Anthony amazes me with how responsible and dependable he is.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Labor Day 2011
We take Labor Day serious, we do like to have fun but we take this opportunity to Labor because after all it is Labor Day. As parents we feel that it is important to teach our kids the value of hard work and the satisfaction that comes from working hard. And so on Labor Day we work hard and then we make sure that there is time to play hard after our work. This Labor Day Grant was ready to get outside and work on some much neglected projects. The heat has finally left us, well it isn't 100 degrees anymore and Grant's summer business travel is finished. With those two obstacles out of the way Grant now has plenty of opportunity to work outside and since the kids enjoy being outside I am left to a quiet house to enjoy till my hearts content.
Safety Patrol
For the first six weeks Anthony was selected in his class to be a safety patrol leader. He gets to school when the door opens and he monitors a certain hallway. His jobs are to open the door the passing kids and help direct any kids that are lost or having a hard time finding the cafeteria. Anthony was so excited for this job and every morning he prays that he will do good as a safety patrol. I think he is one great safety patrol person.
Back to School Feast
Every year on the night before school we have a Back to School Feast. It is a night where the kids get the royal treatment. We make a nice dinner and we eat our dinner on our "fancy" china (we used regular dishes this year because "fancy" china is missing and we cannot remember where we put it). Each kid has their own crown because after all they are royalty. We enjoy a nice dinner where the kids are served by Mommy and Daddy. After our dinner I give a spiritual message and this year I chose I am a Child of God. I wanted to leave them with something that would help them with whatever challenges may come up during their school year. I felt that if each one had a testimony and a knowledge that they are Children of God then there wouldn't be an obstacle too hard for them to over come. After our spiritual message it was time for Father's blessings. This is always my favorite part of the night. The spirit is always strong before our Father's blessings and I feel that is calms the children and makes going back to school a time of excitement. Spencer this year felt that his blessing was overrated and was not interested in having one; maybe next year.
The kids are excited for school and it is hard to believe that I have a fourth grader, a second grader, and a child in his last year of Pre-K. The kids are excited to start off their new adventures and I cannot wait for Summer Vacation. Having my kids around me brings me lots of joy; but the time to myself during the school year is also a welcome treat. We just have so much fun together as a family that I cannot wait for the next adventures to begin.
The Aquarium
A new aquarium opened up in our area and originally I wasn't going to take the kids because I knew it would be on the small size and I wouldn't want to the pay the price of admission. However, the summer heat was not letting up and the kids were starting to get stir crazy. We had season passes to the water park, but the water was really hot because of the heat; and also Madeline because of her health cannot be out in the heat. So I gave in and took the kids first thing in the morning before it got too crowded to check out the aquarium. Though it is small and the price of tickets I think is a bit much the aquarium was actually nice and had lots of good features. They sure do advertise the 360 degree shark tank as being this over the top main attraction, but don't let advertisement fool you. The shark tank is really small and before you know it you have walked through the tunnel and you are left with saying "What shark tank?" The kids really enjoyed themselves and I did too. Afterwards we had a nice lunch and then home to our nice air conditioned house.
Cyber Chase
It was near the end of summer and I was trying to figure out what activities to do that would interest all the kids and more important was inside. The problem with growing up here is we have done most of the museums and with that comes a lack of interest in seeing the same things over and over. I was lucky to find a new museum near the airport that had a Cyber Chase exhibit. My kids love Cyber Chase so they were excited to learn of our adventure. The museum was done by the American Airlines and was basically a history of the company. They had different airplane parts on display and had an old airplane that we were able to walk through and explore. They even had a volunteer at a flight simulator to help the kids fly their own plane. The volunteer kept things pretty controlled so the kids didn't have a chance to crash their plane. This didn't sit well with Spencer, for Spencer wanted to crash his plane in the water and he didn't understand why the volunteer wouldn't let him. I thought the same thing, if the kids want to crash their plane then let them crash their plane. There are times that crashing brings excitement to kids; I don't understand why but it does. We spent most of our time in the Cyber Chase exhibit and then when that started to fill up with kids we went and explored the rest of the museum. The one thing I remember is seeing Madeline next to a tire from an airplane and to see the tire taller than her, I know that doesn't say much but she looked like a speck up against that tire. The kids want to go back to the museum and explore it again but this time they want to bring their dad.
Tie Dye
I had bought some t-shirts and a tie-dye kit before our summer vacation. The goal was to tie-dye some shirts that we could wear as a family at our Family Reunion. Well life got busy and that activity didn't happen. However, after our vacation our supplies were waiting for us and so it made for a fun Friday night activity. I was a little worried about fabric dye and Spencer and how all that would play out. I was surprised to see Spencer listening and following what we told him. I am happy to report that with enough trash bags and gloves we all came away from the activity without any marks. The kids really enjoyed making their own designs with the rubber bands and then using the dye to finish off their creation. Now we have fun shirts to wear to bed or just around the house. I see more tie-dying activities in our future.
I Scream We All Scream for Ice Cream
To carry on with my creative and imaginative ways to make the miserably hot summer weather exciting and fun, I decided as a family that we would visit a different ice cream place every day. A lot of the ice cream stores have dollar nights so that helped out a lot. The kids were totally on board and at times I felt like visiting ice cream stores was the best thing that ever happened to them. So every night after dinner off we went to a new and different ice cream place. I noticed that Anthony pretty much was consistent in his ice cream selection no matter what place we went too. Spencer was all about color and that is how he chose his ice cream; flavor for him came in second it was the color that mattered the most. Madeline at times got creative in her ice cream selection but she mostly played it safe. As a side note, Madeline was excited to go ice cream hoping but what is ironic is she doesn't like ice cream. Madeline would take her couple of bites and then pass her ice cream off to Anthony. One would think I would just let her share with someone, but I have learned there is great importance in holding and having your own ice cream, even if it is only for a couple of bites. The one in our family that was the most adventurous with the ice cream, was Grant but that isn't a surprise. I went for the ice creams that had chocolate and peanut butter combined how could you go wrong with that. Ice cream hoping was fun and it allowed the kids to look forward to something that day. I believe the highlight for the day was when I revealed which ice cream we would visit. We will definitely keep this in mind for next year, it might become a new tradition; but I hope we can do it under better temperatures.
Fry an Egg
This Summer has been one for the record books. I would like to think it was one for the incredible fun things that we did, but the record goes to the heat. Texas is already known for how hot it is in the Summer time, but this year was beyond hot it was just plain miserable. You got all your outside stuff done by 8:00 or else you would just melt in the heat. Lucky for us the heat wave came after our two week long vacation and so the kids were more than willing to stay inside and happily play. One has to get pretty imaginative on what to do when such heat presents itself. I thought it would be fun to fry an egg on my car. I picked a day where the temperature was suppose to be 110 degrees and then let the pan sit outside all day and then at the heat of the day I braved the temperatures to fry my egg. Taking my cues from Mr. Genius I set out for my adventure. I didn't really ever managed to fry the egg, but I did scramble it. Don't worry I didn't eat the egg, I don't trust mother nature that much. It was fun and it made one miserably hot afternoon a little more exciting.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Welcome Home
It is always nice coming home to a nice clean house after a well deserve vacation, too bad it doesn't stay clean for long. Here is to hoping that I can get unpack, organized, and cleaned up before school starts.
The Nation's Largest McDonalds
On our way home from vacation on the Turnpike in Oklahoma you pass by the Nation's largest McDonald's. The kids just had to try it out and it was past lunch time so the parents reluctantly gave in. Now doesn't that say yum to you eating at the Nation's largest McDonalds.
Corn Syrup Paintings
Before we left for vacation the kids and I had some sticky fun with a new type of painting. With a little corn syrup and some food coloring you can really let your imagination go. The kids had fun letting their imaginations lose on paper and with some extra time to dry we had three wonderful paintings to show. This was a lot of fun!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Lake of the Ozarks Day Two
Day two and our final full day on the lake found ourselves being lazy and enjoying a slow and simple life in our nice and spacious condo. For the two week vacation we have had jammed packed days full of lots of fun adventures and Grant and I were ready to just sit and be still; to use the time to relax and gear up before our long drive home and back to reality. Madeline and Spencer enjoyed painting pet rocks, Grant and Anthony enjoyed time watching the original Tron movie, and I enjoyed a relaxing morning on the padio overlooking an amazing view listening to Mormon Tabernacle Choir while updating the blog world about our amazing vacation. At one point all the kids were watching tv in their own rooms, but the kicker was they were all watching the same show but they each had a remote that they could control. Grant and I thought that was really funny that the kids would get a good kick out of the fact that they had their own tv with their own remote. They didn't care that they were watching the samething, it was all about the remote. Too bad that in reality they will not have their own tv in their rooms, the kids are lucky enough to have their own rooms. After spending half the day relaxing and just lounging around we emerged from our condo for lunch. After lunch the kids went off with Grant to try one of the 7 pools here and Mommy enjoyed a nice relaxing nap. Though we didn't do anything amazing and didn't see something spatacular I enjoyed this day the most. It was nice to slow things down rest and relax and spend time doing the simple things. However, all great things have to come to an end. After all the fun and the relaxing time we had it was time to pack the car and to get ready to leave early in the morning.
This vacation has been a blast and I am so glad that we took the two weeks to be together as a family. I feel that lots of memories were made and that great times were held by all. I am so glad that for two weeks there was nothing in our way or nothing to distract us from spending time together as a family. Getting back to reality will be hard, but I will count my blessings at being able to take the vacation that we did and to be able to give the kids a magical and memorable summer. We were able to see lots of new and different country and we were able to learn and be edified along the way. This vacation is just what the doctor ordered. And this is one doctor orders that I was glad to follow.
Lake of the Ozarks Day One
We arrived at the Lake of the Ozarks on Thursday evening. This was the last stop in our vacation and we were here on the lake to relax and get ready for the journey home and the entry back into the real world. I was able to find a three bedroom 2000 square foot condo for not too much more then a hotel. When we got to our condo the kids went crazy as they went through exploring their new temporary digs. I have never seen more excited kids about a hotel then ours. They began to claim which room was theirs and Grant and I went through opening the various doors stunned by all the closet storage we had. Grant and I looked at each other and said we could comfortably live here. The walk in closet in the Master bedroom is big enough to be considered a small bedroom. I wouldn't know what to do with that much storage at home. Day one at Lake of the Ozarks was spent with shopping (mainly for me) at the outlet malls for a couple of hours. The kids did very well considering it was shopping and enjoyed the snow cone treat at the end. I was able to get a few things for myself and get the kids started in the winter wardrobe. After our shopping exersion it was time for lunch and then off to walmart to get some beach toys and then head to one of the many beaches that surround the lake. After a few wrong turns and a few mishaps in trying to read our map we accidently found ourselves at a beach. Well the beach is no Florida or Carribean beach but the kids were excited to swim in the lake. For it being Madeline and Spencer's first time to swim in a non pool atmosphere. The water was a bit on the dirty side so I cautiously told the kids to keep their mouths shut and not to swallow any of the dirty lake water. I on the other hand do not like to swim in a non pool atmosphere so I was content taking pictures of our kids splashing around in the dirty lake water. Spencer of course enjoyed himself and proudly protested when it was time to leave. Madeline enjoyed floating around going wherever the waves took her. Anthony enjoyed floating out to the bouy and then floating back. Anthony has been working hard on the back float for scouts and the lake was good practice for him. Overall the kids were just excited to be able to swim in the lake that they didn't even notice or seem to care that the water was anything but clear. Oh yeah about the beach, there wasn't a beach so those beach toys that we bought our just Lake of the Ozark souveniors.
These two exersions plus the deathly heat wore use out for the day and we were ready (except for Spencer) to head back to the condo for dinner and a good nights rest.
Merimac Caves
Saint Louis was only three hours away from Lake of the Ozarks. Since we had to check out of our hotel in Saint Louis at 11:00 and we couldn't check into our condo in Lake of the Ozarks until after 4:00 we needed something to entertain us all. We saw a pamphlet advertising Merimac Caverns that was on our way to our next destination. Grant and I thought that would be a great place to stop stretch our legs and give us something fun to do besides sitting in a car the whole time. The cavern was also a welcome relief from the hot temperatures outside because inside the cavern it stays at a constant 60 degrees that is so much nicer then the 100 degrees outside. Back in Springfield we went to a small not as popular cavern; the cavern was nice but not catch your breath away like the Merimac Caverns. I am glad that we were able to take the kids to one of the many cavern tours that they have in Missouri. Nature is so beautiful and when you leave nature alone it does some magical things. Their is some history with the Merimac Caverns. History states that Jessie James used the cave to hide out during one of his many bank robberies. When they were exploring the cave they did find weapons and other items left behind from Jessie James. They have the items on display at the caverns so that was nice to see. Also during the civil war the Confederate troops would used the cave to make their gun powder so that was neat as well. The cave is seven stories tall and we got our exercise as we walked up hill, down hill, up stairs, down stairs during our hour long tour. However, it was the best exercise ever because the views and the formations that we saw were breath taking. The kids even enjoyed the cave and were so enthralled in it that they didn't even complain about the time it took. The only down thing was that we were not prepared for the temperature drop so we didn't have a jacket for Madeline but using body heat from Daddy we managed through the tour. Stopping at the cave was a nice treat and made what could be a mundane road trip into a magical one and was able to hold our kids over until we arrived at our next destination.
Spencer Swims Alone
Since we have been on vacation and if we were staying in a hotel with a swimming pool Grant would take the kids swimming to allow them to burn some energy and stretch their muscles. During this time Grant has been working with Anthony on his Aquant badge for Webelos and helping Madeline and Spencer become more comfortable swimming on their own with a life jacket. Anthony has done really well on his badge and has gotten more comfortable swimming without any aide. While in Saint Louis, Grant was at the pool with the kids and as costum Madeline and Spencer waite at the stairs as Grant takes a turn with Madeline and then a turn with Spencer. During this time Spencer told his Daddy this is how it is done and off the stairs he went and he started swimming on his own with his life jacket. Since then his confidence has grown and he is swimming all over on his own. Out of all three of our kids, Spencer is the most comfortable and least fearful of water so I don't think it will take him long before the life jacket is off and he is swimming with no source of aide. Madeline has come along way too. Madeline is the most fearful of water of our kids and since being on vacation she is now at the point that she will let go of Daddy's hand and swim on her own with a life jacket. She does like her dad to stay close and there are times that she will reach out just to make sure everything is okay. I am so proud of our kids they and Grant have been working hard on being more comfortable in the water. The kids have sure enjoyed their time with Daddy in the pool. It has been a nice break from Grant's crazy work schedule; I am sure they are soaking up the time they have with their Daddy. Their swimming time has given me a break as well; so it is a win win situation for all.
Saint Louis
This morning (July 26) happened to be my birthday, I don't remember a time that I was on vacation for my birthday. Because of the fact that when you are on vacation you lose track of time and what day it is, it took a bit of time to realize that it was my birthday. The kids were all excited to be able to tell me Happy Birthday and they were all excited to give me their gifts and cards as well. Celebrating your birthday brings excitement when you celebrate it through the eyes of your children. This day we were bound for Saint Louis and so off we went for the 3 hour drive from one hotel to the next. After many u-turns because of missing our exits and at times driving in circles trying to figure out where we needed to be headed we made it safely to our hotel. It is custom for our kids when we get to a new hotel for them to check out the space including the bathrooms. We also like to gather many pamphlets and plan our stay in whatever city/place we are in. After our customs were completed, the kids were anxious to try out the swimming pool and I was ready for a nap-sitting all day in a car can sure make you exaughsted. After our priorities were taken care of it was time to take Mommy out to dinner for her birthday. The only place nearby where everyone can find something that they liked was Olive Garden. We filled our tummies, but because it was a birthday we needed a treat but our tummies were too full for a treat. We decided to get it to go and Grant and I being the sneaky parents that we are enjoyed the very yummy white cake with Lemon filling after the kids were asleep. The kids picked out their own cards for me and you could really see their personalities shine through their cards. Grant did not help them but let them chose the card of their choice. Spencer's card had his personality all over it. Spencer loves letters, especially the letter "S" and he also loves the Wiggles. So he found the perfect card with lots of "S" as well as the Wiggle colors spread throughout; being a birthday card was not a priority for him. On the front of the card it says "Yessss" in nice big letters and the letters are colored in Wiggle colors. On the inside of the card it simple reads "You did it!" This is a Spencer card. Yes I made it to another year. Spencer was so proud to show me the letters "S" on his card as well as all the wiggle colors, he was very proud of his card and I was proud of his card too. Madeline's card was decorated with butterflies and on the inside was filled with her drawings. Anthony's card was sentimental but you could tell the words were from the heart. After I read his card I looked up at him and in his eyes you could tell he agreed with the author's words. Being a mother is hard and at times I wonder if I am doing a good job. Something I have learned from being a mother that at times the reward doesn't come until years later. I have this fear that I am going to screw up my kids, that they are going to see my weaknesses and that they are going to be louder than my love. However, Heavenly Father sprinkles moments like these that tell me that despite my many weaknesses I am a good mom and that my kids are truly happy and feel my love for them.
The next day we were off to explore Saint Louis. We noticed that the Saint Louis Zoo was free and hey free is always good so off we went to the zoo. It was definitely hot but the kids enjoyed going to a zoo that was different than the only zoo that they have ever known. They like looking at the animals some were the same and some were different. After we had sweated a lot and drank lots of water we saw the peguine exhibit and it was indoors. Now we know that penguins need a cold environment and at that moment we needed a cold enviornment as well. It felt so good in the penguine exhibit that I was willing to spend the rest of the day with the penguins. However, the kids quickly got over that and were begging to outside where it wasn't so cold. We were able to spend a couple of hours at the zoo before we headed over to the arch. Grant and I have seen the arch before but my beautiful pictures that were taken in the old fashioned camera (the one with film) didn't turn out so my main goal was to take nice beautiful pictures with my digital camera. This time I was guaranteed to get some pictures and I am proud to say that my goal was accomplished. Grant took the kids up to the top of the arch and I graciously stayed on terafurma and watched the stoller. The kids had a blast sitting in a small cramped cart and being wheeled up hundereds of feet just look out some tiny windows and seeing all of Saint Louis hundereds of feet in the air. Me on ther other hand had a nice safe and peaceful experience watching the many visitors coming and going throughout the museum that they have there under the arch. After my family safely joined me we took the kids through the museum where they could answer questions from the exhibits and in the end earn a Junior Ranger badge. This made the museum exciting for them and not a drag. The kids enjoyed racing from one exhibit to another answering the questions and then quickly moving on. This was okay for Mommy and Daddy because we didn't really have much time as we needed to be at our Riverboat cruise.
Speaking of our riverboat cruise it wasn't all that it was hiped to be. Sure the heat didn't make it fun, but I would have expected more (food, entertainment, etc.) for the money that you spent. We had a very knowledgable captain that shared with us the history of the various archeitecture buildings and bridges that we passed along the way, but for the most part we sat in the heat as the boat putted along at 15 miles and hour. The boat was an old paddle steam boat that they used in the late 1800s and early 1900s; so the nastalgia was neat, but nastalgia can't hold your attention or make the heat a pleasant experience. We finished up the day around dinner time and we were all hot, tired, and hungry. We cooled off in the car on our drive back to the hotel, filled our tummies with left over food from Olive Garden and we washed off in the swimming pool. After all our priorities were accomplished it was time to accomplish the last one, and to bed we went.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Church History in Missouri Part 2
The next day after touring Adam-Ondi-Ahman and Far West we went and did Liberty Jail and Independence Visitor Center. I have never been to either nor was I familiar with Church History in Missouri so I was excited to be able to not only see Church History but to learn more about Church History. When we got to Liberty Jail, Grant went to get Spencer out of the car and Spencer said in a distressed voice "No more stories Daddy." By this time in our trip Spencer had endured three days of nothing but stories and plays in Nauvoo that he was pretty much tired of it; but he was a trooper and did good at Liberty Jail and Independence.
At Liberty only part of the jail was still intack, they did have to add some rocks and stones over time. To project the jail, they built a rotanda around the jail as well as the Visitor Center. I have only seen pictures so I thought that they built a replica of the jail so I was surprised to learn that it was real thing. As you go through the tour they play audio recordings depicting the events that took place in Liberty Jail. As I sat there and listened my heart filled with gratitude for the Prophet Joseph Smith as well as a deeper respect for him and the person of character he exemplified. I think that is what I have gained most from this trip is a greater sense of character the Prophet Joseph Smith exemplified. He truly was and is a remarkable person who exemplified charity in every sense. Anyway back to Liberty. It was humbling to see the jail that the prophet spent so much time in. The room is really dark and due to all the layers of rock, stone, and wood that they put as safety measures one can see and almost feel how cold it was in there. Knowing now the hardships that the prophet endured, the sections from D&C that came from his time in Liberty mean more to me. The Prophet definitely experienced trials during this period of time, but he never lost his faith in the Lord and in the healing power and strength that comes from the Atonement. His example and the lessons I learned from Liberty fortified my strength and courage to take all my trials with the exact faith, strength and courage as the prophet. If he could endure such crucial treatment with such courage and love; then whatever trial I am asked to endure I can do the same. Liberty Jail was a place on confinement for Joseph Smith, but I think it was in a way a place of freedom for him as well. It was in Liberty Jail that the Prophet learned, and what me must all learn, is that when we place our faith in the healing power of the Atonement our trials don't confine us but give us freedom. I have seen this with experiencing the many trials of Madeline's health. Sometimes the trial seems to great but when I remember that my Savior Jesus Christ already took this upon Him and that I need to turn it over to Him, and not hold onto it, I feel freedom. I feel peace. I feel joy, despite the fact that my trial still exist. The Atonement takes away the worry and gives me room to see what my Heavenly Father wants me to see and to learn what my Heavenly Father wants me to learn so I can return as a valiant Daughter of God. Liberty Jail will hold a special place in my heart for there I learned and gained a stronger testimony of the "Liberty" one can receive when we give our trials over to the Savior.
As soon as you walk through the doors of the Independence Visitor Center you feel like you walking through the front doors of the Temple. The Spirit is in abundance there and the purpose of life emenates from the walls there. The first tour that we did was about family, and when our tour was done I looked in the eyes of each of my children and in their eyes I saw a gift; they are truly a gift and I saw some areas that I could improve on to take advantage of the gift that has been given to me. I also saw how Satan in such suttle ways distracts us from our gifts. I just wanted to hold my children a little closer and a little longer and to savor the time I have with them and make those moments my priority and to kick Satan's distractions to the curb because after all it is the moments that I have with my family that I can take with me to Heaven and when I get to the other side I want my room bursting with moments; for it is in the moments that we find true joy.
Other parts of the Visitor Center were filled with interactive displays for the kids to learn more about Church History and various prophets in The Book of Mormon. The kids really liked these interactive displays and Grant and I were able to captialize on these moments and to talk to our kids about the prophets from The Book of Mormon and hopefully in some small way bear our testiomny to them of the gospel principles that they taught us.
Down stairs they have a Church History tour for you to walk through and in a small way experience life like they did when the Saints lived in Independence. Since Spencer was all "storied" out and Anthony and Madeline were done listening they along with Grant played in a little log cabin play house that they had there. I went on the tour and gave Grant the shorten condensed version afterwards. The Saints in Independence had it hard, I just cannot complain anymore when I feel that life is hard after my experiences in Independence. Despite the hardships that they faced they never lost their spirit of love; that was intriging to me. It caused a lot of reflection in my life and I realized that at times when life gets hard the spirit of love goes out the window and without that spirit I just have this impassable obstacle in front of me. However, with the Spirit of Love abound within you don't see the obstacle you just see blessings and joy. In Heaven there won't be any obstacles because we will all be filled with the Spirit of Love. This is a goal that I have set for myself to fill my home and my heart with spirit of Zion which is love so in my journey through life I will see the blessings and joy that surround me and not my obstacles. Obstacles our Satan's tools to distract us from our eternal goal. There will be obstacles in my life, but if I fill my heart with love (the spirit of Zion) then my obstacles won't be "obstacles" but they will be opportunities of blessings and joy.
After our walk through the visitor center we took a few moments and walked across the street to the Independence Temple site and were able to see a couple of the cornerstones. As I stood there up on the hill I could see in my mind the Temple of God and though there isn't a temple there yet you can still feel of the spirit that comes from the Temple.
This pretty much filled up our day and the kids were ready to head back to the hotel and enjoy some time in the swimming pool. This church vacation has been amamzing and such a testimony building experience. I am so grateful for the opportunities that I had to see and hear such amamzing things. I am so grateful for the early Saints for their faith, courage, and most of all for their Testimony. Despite all their hardships their testimony shined and they never lost sight of the eternal goal. I am so grateful to be apart of a great pioneer heritage and legacy and I hope that I can carry the testimony of our ancestors into the hearts of our children so that the legacy of our ancestors will never die but continue on forever; then when the day comes that we all gather around the dinner table in Heaven there will not be any empty chairs.
Church History in Missouri
After our funfilled and packed few days in Nauvoo we headed south for Missouri to tour some of the church sites there. First on our list was Adam-ondi-Ahman. I heard it was off the beaten path and it was. Our route took us along some nice country roads and through some really small country towns. We were surrounded by pretty nature filled with lots of rolling hills, lots of trees, and lush green corn fields. This was all nice and "magical" in a way until we started to hear "I'm hungry." We realized that the nice view of rolling hills, groves of trees, and the nice corn fields was not going to satisfy three hungry kids' tummies. We also began to notice that as we went through each town all we would see were a couple of run down gas station with a maw and pa store attached; well that wasn't going to work either. We saw on the map that if we continued on the road that we were on that it would take us to what looked like a decent size town, a town that would have at least a few fast food joints that would appeal to our kids' tummies. However, this would take us away from our route but we saw that if we took a side road that it connected the road we needed to be on and the road we were currently on. So with a good plan in place off we went and after a few minutes we arrived at our destination and found a few good places that our kids were excited about and that Mommy and Daddy could stomach. You know it is a decent town when you see a Wal-Mart across the street.
We continued our journey through the nice country side driving up hills and down hills enjoying the view out our windows. As we were driving through some rough roads we were wondering if we missed a turn, but alas there was the sign pointing to our destination Adam-ondi-Ahman. We got out stretched our legs walked over to the look out space told the kids the purpose of Adam-ondi-Ahman took our pictures of the corn fields that will one day serve a glorious purpose and back in the car we went; but not before we were eaten alive by hungry bugs-I guess they like the smell of burger king that resonated from our bodies. Next on our stop was Far West to see the cornerstones that Joseph Smith placed for the temple that was supposed to be built there. So a quick journey up the road and off a beaten path we arrived at Far West. It was another good place to walk around and stretch our legs. We were able to see the four original cornerstones right where they were placed by the Prophet Joseph Smith as well as a nice monument that the Church has put there. We took our pictures read the plaques and off we went. At this time we decided to head for our hotel and see Liberty Jail and Independence the next day. Our kids were done with Church History for the day and were ready to splash in a nice pool.
Joplin Missouri
On our way to Springfield we saw that we would go by the outskirts of Joplin so we decided to get off the main road and to drive around the inner skirts of Joplin. At first there was nothing to see, but then as drove up to the top of the hill right before us as far as our eyes could see was total and complete destruction. It really was breath taking and heart breaking at the same time. The only tornado I am use to is the one that hit Fort Worth about eleven years ago; there was damage but there wasn't a wipe out. What we saw looked as if a bulldozer came through and flatened everything in a one mile wide and six mile long area. What broke my heart the most was to see children's toys and people's belongings scattered around and at some houses you would see a small pile of belongings in front of what use to be there house. How does one start over? I could imagine how overwhelming it could be to stand in front of your house and see that it is totally gone except the foundation, and knowing that somehow someway you need to start over.
I guess you do it with any other challenge that we face in life, no matter how small or how big it is all the same. You do it one step at a time only concentrating on your current step and not the other steps before you. With each step we need to remember our Savior Jesus Christ knowing that in the Garden he suffered for our pains and griefs and with a open hand extended He is there ready and willing to help us climb and accomplish each step.
My heart goes out to the people of Joplin. While there we saw groups helping with clean up, we saw people at their homes gathering what they could and sorting through the mess. It sure puts in perspective that things are things and should not cloud over what matters most. After that experience I wanted to hold my children a little closer and a little tighter, to not get frustrated easily, and create more moments that bring us together; because after all my family I get to keep for eternity my things stay here.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Springfield and Branson Missouri
Well it is Summer Vacation time and the Cooper Family couldn't be more ready to leave behind our crazy busy life and spend two weeks of fun together. I know Grant is ready for a break from work; he has been putting in some serious hours at work for the past couple of months. For the past couple of months it has felt that we are constantly going from one thing to the next with no time to breath, and so it will be nice to be able to breath and maybe slow things down a bit.
Day one of the road trip was pretty smooth for a road trip goes. The kids enjoyed their toys and movies that they packed and Grant and I enjoyed the peace and quiet. Actually the car was pretty quiet, no conversations really. Grant and I went to bed around 1:00 in the morning the night ( or morning of) before and got up around 6:00 to get ready to head out by 7:00. We figured why we didn't talk much was that we were too tired to think. We did a lot of munching to stay awake during our trip.
In Springfield we planned on visiting an underground cavern as well as visiting the first Bass Pro Shop; but when we learned that the underground cavern was a driving tour (you sit in a tram and they drive you through) and the big museum at Bass Pro was closed (making just like any other Bass Pro Shop) we were looking for new plans. We grabbed a bunch of phamplets and while doing so realized that Branson was 45 minutes away from Springfield, so why not play around in Branson too.
We toured a self guided tour of a near by Civil War Battlefield. They had 8 points of interest that you could stop at read some plaques about what happened at that point. Luckily this was able to be done all by car. The first point had a little walking tour for you to go on taking you past what use to be someones mill and home. Of course the mill and home are no longer standing but they had plaques marking their location. It was getting pretty hot so for the rest of the trip we just drove to each location and read the brief paragraph for that location and then briefly explained it to our kids. Anthony has a love for the Civil War so he was excited to see the Battlefield. For me it was a neat to reflect that 150 years ago there were thousands of troops marching on those hills and fighting in the valleys and after it the battle was over, the Confederate troops won but not without many casualties on both sides.
After our Civil War Battle tour we hopped in our car and headed for a tour of a nearby cavern. It was a small cavern and not a popular one which can be nice when you are in a tour. In fact we were the only ones, which can be good or bad. Our tour guide was friendly and very knowledgable, in fact at times too knowledgable. At one point during our tour Spencer says nice and loud "Mommy I want to go home." I think Spencer was speaking what was in everyones mind. The kids enjoyed seeing the rock formations and some fossils of long ago ocean life, but when talking to kids think less is always more. After our tour was over it was time to each lunch. At lunch we had to alter our plans alittle due to the fact that it was getting late. I had wanted to do one of those duck tours where you get a car that can drive on land and in water, but time was running out for that. We had also wanted to tour another cave, but decided to do it later on in our trip. Madeline wanted to go to a butterfly museum, the museum was closed but they had a glow in the dark exhibit that was opening up during the evening hours. One we got to Branson we headed off to a local mall for Madeline to fulfill her desire of going to Build a Bear. Madeline didn't understand that souveniors are something that you get that you cannot get from where you live. Madeline had her heart set on a bear of Build a Bear being her souvenior and there was no changing her mind. It was also a good place to burn some time waiting for the Buttterfly night show to open.
The Butterfly night exhibit was really neat. They use black lights so everything glows in the dark. The first activity that we went to was a bunggie cord maze. They put bunggie cords everywhere and you had to work your way through them to get to the other side. We did have help though; we had a nice fairy that would guide us along the way. The kids really enjoyed the maze and after a few times of doing it had the path memorized and did it with ease. There was also a movie that you could watch talking about nocturnal animals with focus on the insects like lightening bugs. This movie proved borning for Spencer; but Madeline who loves butterflies loved the movie. After the movie we went to see if we could find sleeping butterflies using our lanterns. The room was dark with uses of black light sprinkled throughout. We were given some homemade lanterns to help us find our sleeping treasures. When butterflies sleep they are hard to find because they hide or blend in ( a defense mechanism), but we were able to catch a few sleeping butterflies. We had to be really quiet so as to not wake up the sleeping beauties. Our fairy guide showed up during our tour and was able to get the kids to join her in hula hooping. Madeline and Spencer were not interested but Anthony and Grant were game for it. I learned that Anthony can hula and he is pretty good at it. He just kept going and going, he would do small tricks like jumping while still being able to hula. I would say he was able to hula for a good couple of minutes. After our butterfly tour we headed downstairs for the mirror maze. I have never been on one before and at first it was a bit intimidating. I wanted Grant to go first to guide the way. Because of the way they use the mirrors and because it is also in the dark you are not sure which in the correct path and which will lead you smack into a mirror. Anthony took the whole thing like a fish to water. He just crused right through leaving us all in the dust as if the maze was in complete light. Spencer followed him while the rest of us walked the maze with our hands out in front on us and walking at a slow safe speed. It didn't take long for Anthony to figure out the pattern and off he went with no problems, I think he even came back for us. Grant figure it out pretty fast but was staying back with Madeline helping her through.
After our trip to the butterfly museum it was time for some minature golf. This was Anthony choice of activity. The minature golf place was called Pirates Cove so it was set up in a Pirates decor; other than that it was like any other minature golf. Spencer had a blast and as usual it is always entertaining to watch him try to get the golf ball down the course and into the hole. A lot of times he would just pick the ball up and walk in down and sit it next to the hole and with the club knock it in. Spencer also would get excited when any of us would get the ball into the hole and would always cheer for each of us. Some of the course was under a cave and some were next to running streams of water, and some just had challenging hills to get over. The kids had fun and it was a fun activity to share as a family. Of course when we play minature golf we never keep score, this helps with us trying to teach our kids that it doesn't matter what order you came in just that you finished and had fun. We ended the might with a blizzard/milk shake treat and then headed back for the hotel. We were gone from 9:00 in the morning to 11:00 at night. It was a day packed full of fun and the kids had no problem going to bed that night and neither did Grant and I. The next day we were off to Nauvoo, but that is another post.
Nauvoo 2011
Grant's maternal (Thompson) side of the family was having a family reunion during pioneer weekend in Nauvoo. The purpose of the trip was not only to gather together as a family and strengthen our ties to one another; but to also learn about our pioneer heritage. Grant's family on both sides has deep pioneer heritage (mainly Joseph Knight Sr. and Parley P. Pratt) that is felt all throughout Nauvoo. Grant and I were excited about about the reunion being Nauvoo and being able to not only share with our children their pioneer heritage but the heritage by all those that lived in Nauvoo.
Thursday July 21: Started out with watch "Plain Anna Amanda." The play was very entertaining especially to the children; however under all the entertainment and laughter the play had a very good meaning behind the play. The play centered around a girl named Anna Amanda who was on a mission to be someone important. You see Anna Amanda was given a nick name of Plain Anna Amanda and to her she felt like she was not important. By the end of the play she realizes she is important and special because she is Anna Amanda. Anna Amanda learns that she doesn't need to try to be anyone else, she just needs to be herself.
After lunch and a good fun at pioneer pasttimes, we were off to show on Parley P. Pratt. It was neat to bring our children to this play and allow them to learn about their 5th great grandfather. The show was about one of the missions that Parley P. Pratt took to England with several members of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. Chills ran up and down as they bore their testimonies and shared their experiences. Inside I was saying "Amen." While watching you couldn't help but feel the Holy Ghost testifying to you that the gospel is true and through the gospel one can find true and lasting happiness.
The rest of the day was spent visiting the different sites. We visited the bakery where we were given a free cookie at the end of the tour. We saw the printing press and learned how the printing press was opperated. We went to the blacksmith and saw how a black smith worked and how they prepared the wagons for the journey west. At the end of the black smith tour we were given a "prarie diamond" ring. We made a stopped at John Taylor's home and learned more about the third prophet. We were able to learn what a devoted father and disciple of Christ he was. Our journey wasn't over yet. We made our way down to the tin shop and learned the business of the Stoddard family and how they made a living making tin pans, bowls, laddles, candle holders, and lanterns. Finally we ended our tour at the gun shop where we learned about Jonathan Browning and the contributions he made in helping the saints to defend and protect themselves. By this time the kids were exghausted and Spencer was asking to go back to the hotel. We checked into our hotel quickly and went off to the camp ground to enjoy dinner with the whole family. We ended our very full day with a play "Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo put on by the Senior Missionaries. We sure packed are day full and the kids had no trouble going right to bed.
Friday July 22: Grant and Anthony got up real early to join the family on a pioneer handcart trek. Grant said that they had a good time and enjoyed themselves. Anthony took a turn in help to pull and push their handcart. Madeline, Spencer, and I stayed behind. Infact, Madeline and Spencer were so tired that they didn't even wake up until Grant and Anthony returned from their one mile trek. After the trek the rest of the family was off to do a couple of sessions in the Nauvoo Temple. However, the Grant Cooper Family went off to visit the Joseph Smith sites. There we were able to see the first house that Joseph and Emma Smith lived in when they arrived in Nauvoo as well as the Mansion House where Joseph and Emma were living when he Joseph left for Carthage. We were able to see the hotel that Joseph built to house those saints and others coming into Nauvoo from various places. We ended our tour at the Red Brick Store where we learned more about Church History and the events that took place there. From the tour my eyes were opened to the deep love and compassion that Joseph Smith had for the people whether they were members of the church or not. Joseph Smith showed deep charity for others despite the persecussion around him. We rounded out our day with another play "Sunset on the Mississippi" put on by the Younger and Senior Missionaries.
Saturday July 23: Grant and Anthony woke up early again to go off geode hunting. We learned that Keokuk and the surrounding area is the geode captial of the world. I will do a separate post about their hunting experience. Afterwards we joined the rest of the family in Carthage. If you were unsure if the prophet was indeed a Prophet of Lord; touring Carthage Jail can change any doubt one would had. One could definitely feel the spirit in Carthage and a neat experience for us parents to be able to teach our children about the testimony and legacy of the prophet Joseph Smith. I hope our children in some way were able to feel the spirit and feel and understand the spirit of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Before dinner we went and saw "High Hopes and Riverboats" a play put on by the younger missionaries. After the play we met Grant's parents for dinner and then it was off to the Nauvoo Pagent. I have to say the Nauvoo Pagent was the high light of our week in Nauvoo. The Pagent tells of the history of the Saints in Nauvoo from the time they arrived to the time they were forced out. The Pagent also centers around the Nauvoo Temple and the purpose and blessings of the Temple. At the end the whole cast gathered around to sing "The Spirit of God" as they were singing they lite up the Nauvoo Temple in the distant hills. The spirit was so strong, chills were running up and down my spine, and the tears were wanting to run. All I have to say is the Gospel is true; our Savior Jesus Christ is real and His love is real and unconditional. The Temple is true, the blessings of the temple are amazing and full of peace. I am so grateful for the temple and the blessings the temple provides for our family. As I look into the eyes of my children and husband, love overwhelms my heart as I see eternity through their eyes.
I am so grateful for our trip to Nauvoo. I am grateful for the spirit that is felt throughout Nauvoo, and I am really grateful for the testimonies that were born by the missionaries as each site we visited. Their testimonies strengthened mine and I know that my children walked away with their knowledge of the gospel strengthened. It was neat to be able to teach our children about their pioneer ancestors to be able to walk the streets that they walked, to hear their testimonies, and to feel their love for the Savior and his Gospel. I hope as their Mom that I was able to teach them about the strength that their ancestors possessed and that through the strength of their testimonies they were able to endure their trials and to reach the Salt Lake Valley. I hope that they were able to see in some small way that our testimonies see us through our trials and that it is through our testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ that we are able to find true happiness despite what goes on around us. Nauvoo was a great testimony building experience. I know my testimony was strengthen as well as my resolve to be better and to keep the legacy of our ancestors alive in our lives.
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