Christmas Countdown Part II

Counting Christmas down has been a joy and we has been a great memory building experience for our family. I love that the holidays are all about family and it has been a blessing and joy to center our focus on the Savior and us as a family. Doing the Christmas countdown activities is a lot of work and sometimes get a bit tricky with school and bedtimes; but the smile and excitement on the kids' faces makes everything worth it. I love getting to soak up the magic of Christmas through their eyes. Here is the rest of our activities:

15. Wii Pictionary

16. Wreath decorating for Papa Bear's Grave

17. Painting our own nativities

18. Gingerbread houses

19. Trip to Bass Pro and to see Santa Clause

20. Christmas Tree Popsicle Ornaments

21. Making Homemade Snow Globes

22. Flu Bug

23. Flu Bug

24. Christmas Program and visiting the cemetery

Changes and Challenges

It is almost mid January and I haven't finished our Christmas countdown and our other family Christmas festivities, but life threw us a curve ball and certain things have been pushed to the side. After Christmas Madeline had a foot surgery. Madeline's left foot was pigeon toed and she was walking on her tip toes. The bones in her foot were starting to get stiff and rigid in this position and to prevent Madeline from being pigeon toed for life, it was time to go in and correct the problem. In my mind I was thinking it was like a broken foot. You go in have it fixed and then get a cast for 6 weeks. The plan was that Madeline would have a walking cast with walking boot for 6 weeks. That seemed simple to us and something very manageable. However, when the doctor got in the operating room he realized that he needed to do more work. Grant calls me with shocking news. Madeline was going to have a cast and it would be on for six weeks, but it would be a full leg cast. I was immediately overwhelmed, my daughter was not going to be mobile for 6 weeks. After her full leg cast Madeline will then receive another cast, a walking one, that will be on for 4 weeks. Fear came over me and I asked how am I suppose to be a full time mother and a full time nurse. The care that Madeline was going to need overwhelmed me and I wasn't sure how I was going to manage. I was worried about my bad back and the burden of lifting her and assisting her with all her needs. I have been thrown curve balls with Madeline before and I have learned that whatever challenges come I can handle them as long as place my faith in my Savior and trust in the fact that with Him I can do anything. So we brought Madeline home from the hospital and I shielded myself with faith and trust and went to work doing what I do best-love my daughter.

We have been at this for a week, and there have been days that I thought would never end and wondered how am I going to do this for 5 more weeks, and then there have been days that have flown by and went about in a normal fashion. My back has been sustained and has been able to carry the burden placed upon it. I was fearful, but this has been a testimony building experience of what the power of prayer can do. Don't get me wrong I have my eye on Feb 2, the day the cast comes off; but until then I know I can be the full time mom and full time nurse that Madeline needs because I am not doing it alone. When you have the Savior beside you, there is nothing that you cannot do.

I have always admired Madeline for her faith, courage, and strength; but this experience has increased my admiration for her. In a lot of ways Madeline's independence has been taken from her, she is at the mercy of her family to take her from place to place and to assist her in going to the bathroom. Through this and through the pain, Madeline has maintained her smile and her spark. Today we had a tender moment between Mom and Daughter. Madeline was on my lap and I was talking to her trying to calm her down. I looked her in the eyes and told her that I am sorry that it is hard that she is not able to walk and do all the things that she loves to do. I told her that I was sorry that she had to have a full leg cast and to be in a wheel chair. I told her that I was sorry that it hurt so much. Madeline then reached up for me to hug her and then she just cried and I cried too. My heart just broke in a million pieces and at that moment I just wished that I could trade places with her. I can't take the pain away, I can't take the cast away, and I can't snap my fingers and have her foot completely healed; but what I can do is give her love and to fill her days with magical moments. Madeline is my hero; she is full of strength, courage, dignity, and faith. My life has been enriched and blessed. It is my greatest joy to be her mother and see her spark, the spark that only Madeline can have.

Signs of Christmas

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.

Always Be Prepared

A scout is always prepared for anything.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!"