After a little school work, we decided to go to the mountains. We went hiking and exploring.
I was hoping it would be an inspirational moment where we would talk about educational goals. We just played in the stream instead. And THEN we saw…
some ladybugs.
There were many ladybugs.
We saw ladybugs in the trees,
ladybugs on the ground…
and they were irresistible.
So, today we climbed rocks and found serendipity beetles.
It was a good day.
This is where we went today. Look! Sarah and Bryan were there, too!
Now it’s time to settle in for a little nap and maybe when we wake up there will be some rain.
(Honk shoo)
I’ve been thinking about some of the good things my parents taught me. Today I used the door slamming response.
1. If a kid slams a door, he will need to close it quietly 10 times.
2. No candy before noon.
3. It’s a good idea for kids to have a little spending money and freedom.
4. As kids get older, they need lists of tasks to do, and if you write them on a yellow legal pad, it seems more cheery.
5. Bedtime stories are important.
6. Pulling weeds is a good activity for sorting out grumpy or idle thoughts.
7. Kids should learn to walk and talk quietly through the house.
8. Kids need space to think and read and create.
9. Outdoor exercise is a good remedy for grumpiness, laziness, and boredom.
They’re home. And now we are home. It’s been a busy month.
Loving the monogram! This stick has a hole drilled through it so we can make it into a pen.
Paige is a great big sister. Her room is a favorite place to be. Mark just loves playing with her tiny animals and ello building set. Paige stopped playing with such toys years ago but graciously keeps them within easy reach for Mark. Whenever Mark gets a little bored he seeks for her and asks, “So, do you wanna play li’l critters?” I really don’t know what Mark would do without her kind and gentle nurturing.
We had a wonderful day with you, Mark, beginning with a doorway decorated with balloons.
They were red, of course.
You walked into Mom’s closet and said, “Let’s look in the mirror and see how big I am now that I am 4.”
You opened gifts of Legos, playdough, and little critters while wearing your pajamas.
And then you were off to play.
Maria, our neighbor, decorated our door in your honor.
Maria visited over the fence during the pinata fun.
During scripture study, you asked, “Mom, now that I am 4, does this mean I can read?”
In the afternoon, we let you drive the little truck over to the grassy field. We played catch. You learned to throw a baseball (step, throw!) and fielded lots of grounders. Good job!
May all your wishes come true, little man.
I am late wishing you all a Happy Mother’s Day. We made these hand prints yesterday. Paige’s hand was too big for the mold. These turn my heart. That little fluttery feeling is about the best thing about being a mother, next to the kisses from babies, giggles, homemade cards, and fingerprints on my door frame from little ones looking for me in the dark.
It was so nice to talk to my mom, the temporary mother of 180 missionaries.
These library books are overdue. We try to max out our library cards so we don’t have to go as often. I think they are an impressive sight, stacked in the entryway and ready to go.
