PREPAREDNESS

Just before we started Spring Break, Asher and Kyler had student-led conferences. Kyler was SO EXCITED about them and informed me that he only wanted his dad there.....well, he said I could be there too....how sweet! (I love his FILTHY shirt!!!!! I've introduced him to napkins before.....he just doesn't get along with them!)

He welcomed us to his class and had us sit down at his desk. Then he opened the folder on his desk and would ask us to read a paper, then he would show off his mad 1st grade skills. Kyler is nothing if not BLUNT! I loved this paper. He listed what story he would read to us and why he chose it. He chose Mary Mack and this is what he wrote, "I did it because it was the quickest story." That's our Kyler!!!

He also showed off his math skills, addition, subtraction, measuring and singing the Gallon Man song. Very entertaining!

The last item was reading a letter that Colton wrote to us.

Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you for raising me.

I am so happy.

I hope you have a girl.

Love, Kyler

I asked him about having a girl part of the letter and he said he wanted a little sister so he could tease her and trap her like his brothers did to him. I know....too much sweetness! I just love all the adventures with all our children! Even though most of it can not be prepared for! I really like to be prepared. I like to plan and make lists and know what's going to happen. Then I had children! Now I try to just prepare for the unexpected and find patience. Case in point: The other week after a dentist appointment, I took Asher and Kyler to Costco for lunch. After they ate their hotdogs, they asked for a churro - politely I might add! As they came back to the table, I asked Asher for a bite of his churro. He tore off a piece for me. Next, I asked Kyler for a bite of his churro.....Kyler didn't skip a beat and said in a LOUD, BOLD VOICE - "I DON'T KNOW YOU! YOU'RE A STRANGER. MY NAME IS BOB." He then scooted further from me and started up again, "I DON'T KNOW YOU. YOU'RE A STRANGER. 9-1-1 (as he "dialed" on his hand and pretended to call the police) HELP ME A STRANGER IS TRYING TO GET MY CHURRO!" When he first started EVERYONE turned to help the poor little child...they quickly saw he didn't need help....his mother did! An elderly couple behind us couldn't stop laughing.....neither could I! I was completely unprepared for this response! I am prepared for NOTHING to change anytime soon!

NATIONAL COLTON'S DAY (or as some people know it, St. Patrick's Day)

Yes....my first born had ANOTHER birthday! He's 15.....and dangerously close to driving and dating! Where has the time gone? He spent his birthday morning asking when he could open his gifts. I wanted to wait for Tony to come home so we were all together.....that didn't happen! He finally got to open his card and find his prepaid receipt for a video game (it will come out 3/22) and $omething el$e wa$ in hi$ card......I wonder what?!?

I think one of the best things about your birthday is the free food at Krispie Kreme, Joe's BBQ, Joe's Farm Grill and Liberty Market! Colton enjoyed (and even shared) all the yummy meals! I love this photo of him in a tree at Joe's Farm Grill (where he ordered pepperoni pizza and a chocolate shake)

7pm - Colton's Party!

16 teens showed up

They played Just Dance on the Wii, Ping Pong, and 007.

They talked and ate.

We made cotton candy!

His friends SPOILED him!!!!!!

I LOVE this gift!

10 cans of Dr. Pepper, each can wrapped with 2 $1 bills and wrapped in red tulle!

This card went very well with their movie choice...

Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures!!!

Don't you love this card....I DO!!!! It went with the Dr. Pepper gift.

Colton didn't want a Costco cake.....but he did want raspberry zingers.....

Voila! The Raspberry Zinger cake!

I think it was a very successful birthday and party!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COLTON!

ADVENTURES IN ARIZONIA

I was so proud when Kyler was released from speech therapy this past December. He has worked hard since he was nearly 3 to master speech. The only drawback to his success is that he stopped saying the cutest words/phrases! No more answering the telephone..."HeWWo!" No more "I'm KyWer....I can't say my mame very good" Fortunately he has left a couple of words to make me smile. (and I don't let anybody correct him!) The first is the fact that he lives in Arizonia! I love Arizonia....doesn't it sound like a place that would be in a fairy tale? I think it does! I want to write a story of my Prince Kyler who's castle is in Arizonia. The other is about his enemies......his MARCH-ENEMIES! (again, I threaten Colton and Asher to NOT correct him!) He has plenty of march-enemies.....mainly just girls at school!!! Speaking of school, he stopped writing Kyler on his school papers. He's not even writing Ky. He simply writes....Master Chief. The picture above was taken at breakfast this morning. Notice the medal around his neck, he received it yesterday for his participation in running club this year. Apparently you're not fully dressed for breakfast without a medal around your neck. (or without your raquetball raquet on the table!)

Our family goal is still going strong. We are at 100% of family prayer/breakfast and scriptures. Normally I make breakfast, this morning was the second morning in a row of cocoa pebbles.....NO COMPLAINTS! Today I added smoothies to the menu.....Colton complained, Asher and Kyler did not - as evidenced by the empty glass! What incentive is there to cook?!? No matter.....I challenge myself to making buttermilk pancakes tomorrow! Hopefully all the princes in the land of Arizonia will be happy!

MOTHER/SON DANCE

The boys elementary school has a great tradition - a Father/Daughter, Mother/Son Dance for 5th and 6th graders. I was only able to go to Colton's 5th grade dance, he had a conflict in 6th grade. Asher also had a conflict for his 5th grade year and this year was our only year to make it. Not sure of what the night would hold I made sure we took our photo in the van before walking in.

I'm glad I took that photo and was happier still when my son came around to my side of the van and opened the door for me! What a gentleman! We signed in at the door and then went to the food line. Here's our meal:

Asher had the cheese pizza and Mountain Dew.

I had the pepperoni pizza, water bottle and white chocolate chip macadamia cookie...delish.

We danced a little and then Asher was done. He ran off with friends - first out in the halls, then outside. The group came in and hit the dance floor sans moms! He isn't shy and had a great time...especially when he was dancing on stage with his friends!!!

I can't believe they'll be in Jr. High next year!!!

Here's a good view of the "dance floor". Asher did dance with me for the last dance. He even had the official dance photo taken with me earlier that night. Afterwards we went out with a few friends for frozen yogurt. It was a great evening. Kyler, watch out....you're next!

PRESIDENTS DAY

Monday I made a wonderful turkey dinner - complete with mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potato gratin and cranberry jelly! Delish!!! Didn't it turn out so beautiful! THANK YOU to Jacquelen for giving this turkey to us at Christmas time!!!

In other news: Asher attended a choral festival yesterday. It was a really great field trip (and he was able to miss a whole day of school!) and I was happy to go with him. The day started with a high school choir performing for the kids, followed by a Q & A session. Then off to two classes and a quick performance before the choirs all performed their final songs. Way to go, Asher!!! I can't believe he's almost done with elementary school, he's growing up too quick!

(Update: we're still going strong with our family mornings!)

REFLECTIONS

Our sunset was so beautiful Friday night I had to capture it. It was just before a nice rainy weekend. I love rainy weekends. I pretend I don't live in a desert but up in the Pacific Northwest. Then it stops raining, everything dries out and I'm thankful to live in the desert again where I don't deal with the constant damp. This last weekend I also attended a funeral. Kirk and Karen Jones used to live in our ward. About 2 1/2 years ago, Kirk was diagnosed with ALS and they needed a single level home to make getting around easier. After they moved we heard occasional updates on his health and a week ago Sunday we heard that he would be passing away within the week. I spent all day Valentine's day thinking about Kirk and Karen and their family. They're such a great family and have been great examples to me and my family. He passed away on February 15th and they funeral was on Saturday. On the back of the funeral program they had their family's mission statement printed. Again, they are such an example to us! Tony and I have given ourselves the challenge of making a family mission statement. Today I'll leave you with the Jones Family Mission Statement:

Our family is responsible for maintaining a home where we are happy, have fun are safe and care for each other. We live our lives based on Christ centered principles and values. Our family accepts who we are and recognizes who we can be. We are a humble family that seeks higher learning. Our family is doing whatever it takes to be a celestial family, to live together with our Heavenly Father and we will have joy in the journey.

FAMILY BREAKFAST - DAY 5

(Kyler and Tony photographed by Kyler!)

Well day 5 is here and we have successfully navigated through the entire week with an early morning family prayer, breakfast and scripture study!!!!!!!! The best part today was that Tony made the breakfast. (Colton doesn't have orchestra on Friday's so Tony doesn't have to take him to school. We all have a little more time in the morning on Fridays.) He browned up some turkey sausage (boys said they did not like it.....even though they ate it) and made some biscuits with butter and jam. Yummy and simple.....especially since I didn't have to do anything! It was really weird sleeping in this morning......I didn't wake up until 6:21!!!!! After breakfast I read 2 Nephi 11 and got all three boys to school. Tomorrow morning we'll be missing Tony and Asher but I plan to pray, eat and read with Colton and Kyler. We'll be sure to say an extra prayer for Tony and Asher that they don't freeze (literally!) on their snow campout!

This week has been a blessing. My mind is so much clearer. So many things that I would normally stress about have been put into better perspective. Tony and I know that we're starting our day and our family's day off the right way. I'm more focused and find even more joy in motherhood....and I really loved motherhood before! Now the challenge ahead is to keep waking at 6am, keep gathering our family for prayer, keep making breakfast and keep opening our scriptures. As Richard G. Scott said: To reach a goal you have never before attained, you must do things you have never before done. I also like what President Hinckley had to say: Please don't nag yourself with thoughts of failure. Do not set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve. Simply do what you can do, in the best way you know, and the Lord will accept of your effort. Our goal is set, it is in our capacity to achieve it and we'll continue to do our best and I know we'll continue to be blessed for it.