THANKFUL HEART

I've been feeling kind of down the past few months. It's been a difficult time. This past week has been better, like I'm coming out of a fog and into the bright warm sunshine. Today at church I was reminded of the many wonderful things that are around me.

For starters, these 3 are the joy of my life. I'm grateful for a son who honors his priesthood and is a great example to me. Today is Fast Sunday because next week is our stake conference. He didn't want to fast but decided on his own he was going to anyway. By the time I woke up this morning, he was completely ready to go collect fast offerings. Every Deacon in our ward (16 total) came this morning to collect fast offerings. When he came home, I found him sorting his money getting ready to pay his tithing. He touched my heart today and made me thankful to be his mom.

I am grateful to be married to a man who is my best friend.

I am grateful for a kind neighbor who came to help us shovel mulch into our yard. Daren, Tanner, me and even little Camille and Abby helped shovel. We were all so grateful for the help and kindness. I am so grateful for our ward family.

At the 6th grade graduation this week, the principal said, (I guess she says this everyday to the kids on the announcements) "Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours." This phrase has been on my mind this week and I am learning that when I have gratitude in my heart, my outlook on life seems brighter.

A few years ago, a friend of mine gave me this poem. I have treasured it through the years.

I am thankful.....

For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes, because it means she/he is at home, not on the streets...

For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed ...

For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I have been surrounded by friends...

For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat...

For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home...

For all the complaining I hear about the Government, because it means we have freedom of speech...

For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking, and that I have been blessed with transportation...

For my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm...

For the lady behind me in church that sings off key, because it means that I can hear...

For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear...

For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard and using those limbs...

And finally....

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning, because it means that I am alive.

LAST DAY

Today is the last day of school. It is the last day of elementary school for Tanner. It is the last day that I will have all 3 of my kids at the same school. It is the last day of having a kindergartner. Makes me a little melancholy.
Camille was very sad to leave Ms. Jones. She has LOVED having Ms. Jones as her teacher this year. Abby is hoping to have Ms. Jones for first grade next year.

Tanner had a wonderful teacher this year, Ms. Steinberg. He said she was his favorite teacher. She made this year great for him and she is a terrific teacher! Thanks to her I know he is well prepared for 7th grade.

Abby was in tears when we left the school today. She has loved kindergarten and has loved Mrs. Ericson. Camille had Mrs. Ericson last year and we were lucky to have her as Abby's teacher this year.

Now it's time to start enjoying the summer. I am really looking forward to having fun with the kids this summer. Although, I am sure 2 weeks from now I'll be wondering when school will start again!

THE MAMA TEST

I received this e-mail today and thought it was funny.

I was out walking with my 4-year-old daughter. She picked up something off of the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that.

Why? my daughter asked. Because it's been on the ground, you don't know where it's been, it's dirty, and probably has germs I replied. At this point, my daughter looked at me with total admiration and asked, Mama, how do you know all this stuff? You are so smart. I was thinking quickly. All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mama Test. You have to know it, or they don't let you be a Mama. We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new information.

Oh.....I get it, she beamed. So if you don't pass the test you have to be the dad!

Exactly, I replied with a big smile on my face.

MY STAR

This past week Tanner advanced to the rank of Star in The Boy Scouts of America. (Actually, he earned this rank in February but was invited to go to a Jazz game and sit in a suite so he missed the Court of Honor.) He also earned 5 merit badges - Swimming, First Aid, Citizenship in the World, Art and Communications. This brings him to a total of 10 merit badges.

He also has started a lawn business. He currently mows 3 lawns (well 4 if you count ours - but mama don't pay) and he waters trees for a lady who has an acre lot with fruit trees. He saves half of his money for his mission and college. He will also be paying for half of scout camp. He is turning into a good worker and I am very proud of the young man he is becoming.

SUSHI DINNER

What is up with my kids? They all LOVE Sushi!


Daren and I....not so much.


We decided to go out to dinner last night and asked the kids where they wanted to go.

In unison, HIBACHI HOUSE!!

It cracks me up that Camille, who refuses to eat potatoes, any vegetables, etc. loves Sushi. Tanner, on the other hand, will eat ANYTHING. Last time we went to get Sushi he had eel, avocado and cucumber Sushi. Even little Abby loved her shrimp Sushi.

SOCCER VS. DISNEYLAND

Abby's Soccer Team (middle)

Abby had her last soccer game on Saturday. I still cannot comprehend how much this girl LOVES soccer! I have asked her SEVERAL times during the soccer season:

Would you rather play in your soccer game or go to Disneyland?

Everytime the answer is SOCCER. And, I just want to scream because I LOVE Disneyland and I can't believe I have a child who loves soccer more. Abby enjoys Disneyland but soccer is top dog right now and it is driving me NUTS! I guess the apple fell from the tree and rolled way down the hill because I can't imagine any child of mine choosing soccer over Disneyland.

WEEKEND

Driving to the salon:

Camille: I am SO excited. I have waited my whole life to get a pedi. I can't believe this! How much longer until we are there? I am SO excited!!

We had so much fun getting 'Manis & Pedis' this weekend. After the salon we went to Zupas and then came home to watch their favorite movie - The Sound of Music.

Abby picked off all of the nail polish on her fingers because she said when it dried, it was too tight on her fingers. I was not happy about that!