High Priest Social

Jeff was put in the bishopric, and therefore became a high priest when he was 26 and I was 19. This means we have been going to high priest activities for more than eight years. Jeff is usually the youngest guy there, and I always get picked for the game/participant/embarrassing moment because I happen to be the wife of the youngest high priest.

Our current ward has an exceptionally great high priest group- with lots of couples that we regularly spend time with. This past month, they had a high priest social night. For the first time in a long time, I actually wasn't slightly dreading the activity. Don't get me wrong- I always love spending time with the high priests and their wives- I just got tired of feeling dumb when I was singled out for something silly.

We had a great dinner and played games afterwards. It was an absolute riot! The favorite game of the evening was, "Do You Love Your Neighbor?" Between running around and trading seats, we were dying with laughter. The best moment of the night however, was when someone said they "didn't love anyone with back hair" and Mindy Jensen got up to change seats. Apparently she misheard the statement, but everyone was practically rolling on the floor. I don't think she'll ever live that joke down.

I wish I would have had my camera to take pictures of the evening, but I'll just say it was a very memorable night with lots of good friends and I'm glad we could be a part of it.

Not Your Typical Temple Trip

We took a trip to the temple this month, fully expecting it to be a normal, enjoyable trip as always. The kids were off school early, and Jeff had the afternoon off as well, so we went down on Friday. We got there just in time for me to go through an endowment session, and Jeff went to run some errands with the kids. I finished about 5:45, and Jeff and I traded places. I decided to take the kids to play at the park for a while so they could run off some energy before we started the long drive home.

There is a park just a couple blocks down from the temple, but it's not very big and it was pretty crowded so I decided to see if I could find a better park that was also more out in the open. I went down the main road about a mile and saw a big park right along the main road. This area around the temple isn't the greatest area, but I figured we'd be fine since we were out in a very public, open place. Our car was parked right in sight of the park.
The kids immediately jumped out and went to play. To say we were out of place was a pretty big understatement. We were the only white people there and we were getting quite a few stares, but I decided we would just stay for a little while anyway. After all, we spent nearly eight years in Philadelphia- and this park was NOT ghetto compared to many others I'd seen in Philly! The kids had fun playing and made some cute little friends. I met one little 10-year old girl named Summer who was telling me how she would walk to the park to play every day until 7:00 at night. She was telling me about the ducks- when I asked her if she ever fed them, she told me that they didn't have enough money for extra bread. It broke my heart. What broke it worse though, was seeing kids yelled at, and treated roughly by their parents. So many little kids kept coming over to play with me and the kids- and I really think it was because I was smiling and talking and playing with them. I think some of these little kids are so starved for love and attention that the simplest thing, or the smallest compliment would make their faces just light up.

I guess all these different things should have made me more cautious. We only stayed at the park for 45 minutes, but it was 45 minutes too long. When we walked back to the car, I went around to my side to put Emily in her carseat. I was completely shocked when I saw glass all over the ground. Someone had completely shattered the driver's window and the last window on our van. I immediately opened the door to see if my purse was still in it's place- I had had Jacob put it back on the floor between the middle & back seats to keep it out of view. Just as I thought, it was gone. Nothing else had been taken, not our dvd players, or the case of dvd's. Only my purse had been stolen- which had my wallet, spare key, driver's license, $60 cash, cards, gift cards, temple recommend, insurance cards, membership cards, gym cards, $20 worth of stamps, my receipt holder, and my checkbook.

I immediately called the police- and was forwarded to an answering service which said that I would receive a return phone call within the next 48 hours. SERIOUSLY?! It was starting to get dark at that time, and I certainly wasn't going to stick around the park. So we tried to get as much glass out of the way as possible and I drove back to the temple, and proceeded to call my bank and all the other companies. I'd never been so grateful to have an iphone, and so grateful I had kept that with me rather than in my purse!

I was able to get everything cancelled immediately, and had a hold put on our bank account since for some crazy reason I had a checkbook in my purse- I never keep a checkbook in my purse. Just about that time, Jeff finished his session and came back out to the parking lot. We went to get our car vacuumed out- there was glass everywhere! We also stopped to grab something to eat since I hadn't eaten since about noon. Ironically enough, we stopped at Subway and happened to run into about 6 cops who were there as well. They were able to come out and file a report for us. They also informed me that that was NOT a safe area, there are shootings there all the time, and all sorts of crime that goes on. I was told later that approximately 75% of all the crime in the entire city takes place near that area.

We then taped up our windows with plastic and started the long drive home. It gave me a lot of time to sit there and think. I was so upset when I saw the windows- I was so shocked and just felt violated! And yet, as I sat there thinking about everything the overwhelming feeling I felt was gratitude. Sure it was upsetting to have our windows broken and my purse stolen, but I felt so incredibly grateful that it hadn't been anything else. After hearing from the police and others about the serious things that go on, I was so grateful that it had only been windows and a purse, not me or my children. It could have been so much worse. Looking back now, I know so many things I should have done differently, and I'm grateful to know these things now.

The next day was spent getting a new driver's license, opening a new bank account, scheduling a window repair, and starting to get all our direct mortgage/bill/loan/online payment accounts (more than 20) switched. It's been quite a hassle. But anytime I started feeling upset about the situation, I immediately felt guilty for feeling that way, and remember how blessed we were and how grateful I was that it wasn't anything else.

I did get a phone call about 2 weeks later. I missed my phone call, but they called Jeff too. It was a bank in Georgia. The lady was calling from our bank- and said there was a woman with my ID and checkbook trying to cash a check at the bank. But they saw the freeze on the account and were calling to confirm. Just at the time Jeff told them that it was NOT me, and that my purse and ID had been stolen, the teller said that the woman just drove off. Crazy! Thankfully the bank kept my ID, and I sure hope this is the last of the problems. It should help if they don't have my ID.

So that was our eventful moment of the month. We got our windows fixed that very next Monday, so we only had to be rednecks with taped windows for a couple days. It was definitely a good conversation starter. Once again, I am so grateful for a kind and loving Heavenly Father who was watching out for us.

Marjorie's Birthday Lunch

On Saturday, a few of us girls met up at a local restaurant to celebrate Marjorie's birthday. We always have a good time together with great conversations and lots of laughing. Birthdays are a great excuse for a get together.

Nicole, Me, Marjorie, Val, Ashley (Shelly had to leave early)

Musical Presentation

A couple weeks ago, Caleb's kindergarten class put on a musical presentation of a book they've been reading. Emily and I were able to go that afternoon and watch the show. It's always fun to see your kids perform. I love seeing how excited they get and how proud they feel. The class did a great job and it was fun to watch Caleb and get to know more of the kids in his class and their parents.

Blog Books

I've found it interesting how frequently this particular subject has come up in conversation lately with friends and family, and decided to do a post on it in case there are others who might find the information helpful. :)

A few years ago I was thrilled when I found a company that would turn your blog into a book. I downloaded the Blurb program and went to work. However, it quickly became apparent that it wasn't exactly a quick, easy process. Add that to limited funds, and my blog book projects started to sit there and fall behind.

A couple months ago, I started looking back through my own blog and realized I have been keeping this blog for over 5 YEARS! It's basically 5 years of our family history and so precious to me. That's when I had a panic moment- what if something happened? I would be devastated if something happened and I lost it all.

I started looking into options, and learned that there is a way to back up your blog- by importing it to your own computer (basically downloading your own blog to your computer). It's a pretty easy process, but when I did it- it didn't seem to be working very well for those early years, and when you download the blog it doesn't include your pictures because they are just images that are hosted on another site. It seemed pointless to me to download the blog without pictures- sometimes those tell just as much of the story as the actual words.

So once again, I started looking around for different options and stumbled across this site.

Blog2Print

Basically Blog2Print is a company that can take your blog and turn it into a book in less than 10 minutes! You create a login, select your blog and the dates you want included and create your book. It's not quite as fancy as the Blurb program, but it's fast and easy. The program is completely free to try. You can create your book and see how you like it- you only pay for the book you order or download. They even have deals, so you can create your book and wait for a sale to order it.

The thing I really like about Blog2Print, is that they offer a download option. If you really want a backup copy of your blog, but don't want to make and purchase a book, you can make the book through Blog2Print and order a digital version for $7.95! You can save it on your computer and have a copy of your blog entries complete with pictures. You can even print it out yourself if you want. This can be a good option even if you do take the time to make beautiful customized blog books.

I really like the idea of giving my kids copies of our family blog so they can have a copy of our family history, but let's face it, the cost of having 5 books printed every year is expensive not to mention the space it takes up to store all those books. I love the idea of being able to give the kids a CD/DVD that can be printed into books if they want- all for the grand total of one $7.95 download fee. (You can download many years of blog posts for that one fee if you want)

Maybe someday I'll want to go back and create books that are a little more professional looking with each page customized, but right now I'm loving this option that allows me to have a nice blog book without investing hours and hours of time. And I absolutely love the digital download version and the peace of mind it gives me.

Caleb's Kindergarten Concert

At our elementary school, the kindergartners put on their big choir concert in March. It was so fun to watch Caleb in his first performance. It was a little stressful getting to the high school- there were a few issues with shirts, sweaters, pants and shoes for one particular child who also happened to be the star performer of the evening- but we did make it just in time for Caleb to line up with his class before they walked in on stage.

The concert was a lot of fun. Those little kindergartners have so much energy and love showing off everything they've learned. I give major kudos to the music teacher for being able to teach the class! The kids did great on all sorts of fun instruments and Caleb even had a solo during one of the songs. It's so fun to watch your kids perform.

Emily loved watching the program too- she didn't like sitting in her seat as much as she loved leaning over the seats in front of us.
I'm not sure what was up with all of Caleb's funny faces in the pictures we took afterwards- he really was happy and had fun. He just likes to make faces in pictures! I love how both Jacob and Matthew are holding onto Caleb in this picture- they were so proud of him. I also love Emily's cheesy little grin.
This picture totally cracks me up...kids and cameras...sigh. And I love how Emily is trying to get away from me so I won't hold on to her. I just didn't want her to fall, but this little girl is independent and doesn't want anyone holding her back!

Dads and Donuts

Matthew's preschool class had their "Dads and Donuts" day at preschool this month. From what I heard, they had a lot of fun together. They played games, read books, did a project together and of course enjoyed some donuts. I'm so glad Jeff was able to go. Matthew absolutely loved having Dad there with him.

Puddle Jumping at the Park

Nothing says springtime like giant old puddles. The weather has really started warming up around here and we've had some beautiful days. So of course, we've spent lots of time at the park with friends.

On this particular day, Matthew and Emily apparently thought the puddle looked more fun than the slides. Emily started the whole thing, and I about died when I looked and saw her wading though the middle of the biggest puddle around. Of course Matthew immediately joined her and a couple of their friends joined in as well. I ran over and got them out the first time, but the temptation of splashing through the water was just too hard to resist. At that point they were already wet, so I figured I might as well just let them play in the puddle and have fun. When they got cold enough that they were done, I took them home and put them in the bath.
I will admit, it was fun to watch them. They were having a blast-laughing and playing together. This picture pretty much sums up Emily's feelings about the whole thing- pure joy! She was just laughing and giggling the entire time. It's a good thing summer is around the corner- I'm sure we'll put that water to good use!

Projects

I feel like I go in spurts when it comes to projects- sometimes I'll get a bunch done in a short period of time, other times there will be months between completed projects. I guess it depends on everything that is going on, but I was finally able to get some projects finished that I've wanted to do for a while.

The first project was a revamp on the wall flower decorations I did for Emily's room about a year ago. These were the original ones. They were cute, but I felt like the base needed to be bigger. I decided to make some frames to go around the flowers and thought it would not only make them bigger, but also give a nice finished look.

Before:

After making a calendar frame a couple months ago using the same method (baseboard trim) I thought it would work fine for the flowers too. The hardest part is getting the measurements right on and fitting the frame together. With the help of some wood glue and staples, it wasn't too bad. Then came the sanding, painting, and attaching them to the flowers with the staple gun.

The finished product! I know it's not a huge difference, but I loved the bigger size and I loved the finished look of the frame around the flowers.

After:

Before:

(In our last rental home)

After:

I really like the change. I wish the photos did justice- they look so much better and cuter in person. And yes, after having Emily's room blue in our old home, I loved it so much that I ended up painting her new room blue again. I just loved the colors together. I did find it interesting that both Emily & Matthew's rooms had hardwood floors.

The next project was curtains for Jacob & Caleb's room. I've seen striped curtains everywhere lately and love them! I thought they would be perfect for the boys room downstairs. After looking at all the options, I decided to make them myself. It seems that most people use paint, but I decided to buy some blue fabric and ribbon and do fabric stripes instead. Again, the pictures don't really do justice, (and the snow reflecting in the window gave the room a strange blue tint) but they look great and really make the room- not to mention keeping it a lot warmer! I still have a few more things to do to the boy's room before it's finished, but at least the curtains are done.

I wanted a flower arrangement to match our formal living room, but couldn't find any in the colors I wanted (and definitely not in the price range either!) so when the craft store had flowers half off, I picked some up and put together the arrangement.

I finally got our 'homework/family central station put together. I'm sure other families have the same issue- kids' papers/homework/etc that is out and in the way. I keep our papers organized in our office, but the homework/spelling lists/etc were driving me crazy. Not to mention trying to keep track of all the dates of field trips, tests, projects, etc. And I've always loved having a specific place for keys & phones so you're not running around trying to find them.
Now the boys have a place to store their papers, spelling lists, and projects in between the times they need them. No more papers sitting out on the counters- I detest that! And I found a dry erase board just the right size to fit the space next to it. This is dedicated solely to the kids and is filled with reminders of homework, tests, library days, forms due, picture days, concerts, scouts, basketball, baseball, no school days, dentist/dr appointments, primary reminders, etc. It's been a huge lifesaver. I don't have to remember EVERYTHING the kids are doing right off the top of my head, and I don't have to fill the family calendar with homework dates. Plus the kids like being able to see what they're doing. This probably won't work when all the kids get older and everyone has more things to keep track of, but at that point I hope we'll have more space and a great system of schedules and calendars for everyone.

My favorite thing about this calendar is how it was made. The magnet mount makes it a breeze to write on-just take it down when you need and stick it right back up when you're done. I put the magnets up with removable adhesive, so there won't even be any evidence it was ever there when I finally do take it down.

The main level bathroom is also finally finished. It's a smaller space but I finally found some wall art that I really liked. Then I made a wreath to match the colors, and put up a wall shelf. It's a little hard to get a good picture with the angles and small spaces, but after being bare for so long, it's nice to have some bright cheery color.

Date Nights

I'm pretty sure it's this way for most couples- having the chance to get away for a date is the best! We're grateful to be in a place with lots of great babysitters, lots of fun things to do, and lots of great people to do things with. We're also glad that our kids LOVE having babysitters come over.I don't always take the camera- I need to do better- but these are a couple dates we've enjoyed over the last month and a half.

We had a couples game night with a few other couples, (Meikles & Andersons). We put the kids to bed, picked up the babysitter and played games at the Andersons until about 1am. Racko was the favorite, but the best part was the story telling and laughing.

One Friday night we headed out with the Bassetts for bowling and pizza. It wasn't the best bowling night for me, but I did end up with a couple strikes at least. I think Ken cam out the victor of the game, and Jeff and I were tied at 117. After bowling, we headed to a pizza restaurant. The pizza was alright- the breadsticks and dessert pizza were yummy!

Jeff & Ken

Shelly & Angela

Another night, we went with Dave and Rachael Switzer to a fun little downtown restaurant. Jeff and I really don't go out to eat much, so it was fun to try a new place. The food was excellent and we ended up running into two more couples who were there too. Dave and Rachael are so much fun to be around, I don't remember the last time I'd laughed so hard. We finished off the night with some downtown activities and dessert. That night, we actually just took the kids over to their place- they have 4 kids, and their oldest daughter is one of our most favorite babysitters. We took pizza over and the kids had a game/Wii/party night together while we were gone. It was hard to get them home when we got back.


We've been able to do quite a few dates on our own- whether it's a business party, shopping for basement/home improvement supplies, or just a quiet night to talk, I'm grateful for any time I can spend with Jeff. There never seems to be enough time together when life gets going, but I'll take whatever I can get!

Random February

We got a fun surprise in the mail one day- our invitation to the Forman Panaca Family Reunion. We've never been able to go because of living so far away, but we're excited to hopefully make it this year. My favorite part obviously was the picture at the bottom of Grandma Forman holding a shotgun with the caption "Be at the family reunion, or else..." We sure love this feisty grandma of ours and can't wait to see her again!

Jacob had some fun surprises this month as well. One afternoon, he received a fun package in the mail from Aunt Nettie and the cousins. They had made him an awesome 'lei' for his baptism, completely filled with candy and coins. He thought it was amazing!
Our friends the Bassetts also stopped by with a really fun candy bar poster they made for Jacob's baptism as well. This kid sure had a fun month and felt very loved.
I guess it was the month for fun mail surprises! My amazingly talented friend Jordan made this adorable 'supergirl' cape and a skirt for Emily. I had done some bracelets for her new niece and she sent this as a thank you. Emily absolutely loved it and wore it around forever. It was hard to convince her to let me take it to wash it. We're saving the skirt for her birthday in March.

I don't know about other moms, but I love bed-head hair. It's so cute to see the wild, crazy hairdos the kids wake up with sometimes. Judging by the looks of this hair, I'd say Emily had a pretty good sleep!
Matthew is still going strong with the tinker-toys. He loves these things. This was one of his latest creations, a 'cage' for his animals.
We've been trying to squeeze in all those last dentist appointments before our flex-spending account ended for the year. So between all the kids' appointments, Emily and I had a lot of time to spend in the waiting room. Emily loved the little table and chairs and especially the books. The funniest thing was that every time we'd get to the dentist office, the first thing Emily would do is pull off her shoes and socks. She must have felt right at home, because she would NOT keep them on for anything! I'm sure everyone at the office probably wonders if she ever wears shoes. She doesn't do it anywhere else, but apparently she likes to be barefoot at the dentist office.

Caleb and Matthew have come up with a new game they like to play. It's called, "Mixed-Up" and involves two boys and one clothing item- either a shirt or pants. It's pretty funny to see those little pajama pants of Matthew's completely stretched out to the max- it's even funnier to watch them try to walk around that way. These boys are crazy but they sure have fun, and they think it's hilarious.


Matthew had a 'sports' day at preschool. All the kids got to wear their favorite team jersey to school. Matthew was thrilled to be able to wear his "BYU" or "B-I-U" jersey as he calls it. I got this jersey from a friend back in Philadelphia and all three of our boys have worn it and loved it. Thanks again Deborah!