April 2014 General Women's Meeting

March 19, 2014

2:50 pm
A Great Day!

Spotlight for today was...Donatello.  0:)

Science Experiment for today.  Turgor Pressure.

Here is the wilted Celery.  We were able to see the blue water go up the xylem tubes and we were able to see as the water spread to the cells and the stalk began to stiffen.  Fabulous!

Lucy with Piano Practice

Kellie working on Math...

I took some time to read Thoreau's esssay on Friendship...

And on the Duty of Civil Disobedience...So very inspiring.  I wish I would have read this one 20 years ago!  At least its never too late to stand for something.

Here is our lovely and lively looking celery stalk.  Amazing!

Confession for the day:  I have never made instant mac and cheese.  I can't imagine eating it.  This is just good ole noodles and homemade unsalted butter mixed in with  good old cheddar. 0:) MMMM.

Here is Grandma for our Wednesday piano lessons!

My visiting teachers came today, also.  Jane and Joyce.  Love those women.  They are so very inspiring.  I am so very grateful for them both!

Colin is napping now.  And its hot dogs and smokies on the grill tonight for dinner.  The children are all ecstatic because I've not bought hot dogs or smokies all winter.  0:p

Also, as an aside.  My dear little Colin is sleeping all night, in his own little bed, in the little boys' room.  Sigh.  Life is so very good!

This morning I came in the bathroom and teased and tickled Lucy while we were brushing our teeth.  She said, "Stoooop, Mom."  To which I replied, "Do you know, Miss Lucy, that I have slept all night long, and that Colin is sleeping in his own bed?  I may NEVER STOP AGAIIIIIN!"  So true.  Sleep feels oh so good on me!  0:)  Hello World!!!!  I am alive again!

Here's to another day of Making it Matter!

March 18, 2014

Today I was up at 3:00am.  Colin wanted to sleep in Charlie's room, and sleep he did.  I was up at 3:00, same as always, expecting to hear him up and crying.  So, I worked on collecting the Ward History.  He didn't make a peep until 6:30.  For real?  So, tonight he is in with Charlie, again.  And I will not, hopefully, be up at 3:00 waiting for him to cry.
The day has been fabulous.  The children all did well with their schedules and spent most of the day making paper dolls and paper doll houses and pets and pet houses.  Really, I think they went through an entire ream of paper.  No kidding.
I was busy making a lap desk for myself.  I've always wanted one, and I found some scrap wood.  So, I just put one together while the children were playing.  Well, Colin actually helped me while the others were playing. 0:)  Lucky Lucky Me!

Here is Colin falling asleep on  my lap while I was writing on my new lap desk.

Adorable little boy!

It really has been a great day.  I know 9:30pm isn't really late, but I'm so tired tonight.  The boys went to bed with no problem.  I think Colin enjoys hearing Tom Swift, too.  Girls are asleep already as well.  I'm going to bed.  Although nothing out of the ordinary, or extra spectacular occurred today I totally feel like its been a great success.  In every way, today we were able to Make it Matter!
Sweet Dreams, All.
0:)

March 17, 2014

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!\ (And Happy Birthday, Laura)

Charlie talked me into making green pancakes for breakfast.  Poor little guy.  He is so tired of oatmeal. 

Charlie working on his Little Bear reading assignment with me...

For Spanish he chose the first Tinker Bell movie, today.

A great way to keep a 5 year old boy busy with practice counting...Excellent!

I think he ended up counting to 235, or something crazy like that.

Poor Colin.  He was soo sleepy he fell asleep sitting with Kellie.

So cute!

Everyone getting ready for dinner and a Family Date Night!

Just in case anyone missed that we are Irish!

This was the remains of Friday's science experiment on Osmosis.  Lucy tried eating a raisin, but said it was yucky because it just tasted like water.

Here is everyone making their leprechaun masks...I think these pictures are all out of order...sorry...

Here is my Cassi Leprechaun.

All my little leprechauns, except Colin, who refused to wear a mask..0:)

Looks like thats all the pictures I can put on in a day! 0:)

For Activity after Family Home Evening we watched Darby O'Gill and the little people.  Its a yearly thing.  We love that movie!

Here's the last of the pictures....

Good Day, All!

MIM!

March 16, 2014

New Calling...Ward Historian.  I've been studying and reading the current Ward records.  Thank goodness for Joyce Backstrom who has blazed the way for me.  I have a call in to find out if the Stake President has requested the Basic or Comprehensive format.  Comprehensive would be much more fun and faith-promoting, but we will see what is wanted.
I spent a great deal of time crying today.  I will miss serving in the Ward Mission.  The investigator's lives are so intertwined with mine now...I hope that in some ways it remains to be so.  I have grown to love them all so dearly.
I also hope I do the Ward's History well.  I'm going to try to keep my own digital records in a private place also.
Not much to report for today.  Little Charlie slept in my lap for all of Sacrament meeting and then awoke at the end, sad, that he had missed the chance to color and make a paper airplane. Its not difficult to see what's important to little boys at church...
The girls were very concerned to see me cry.  They have such sweet and tender hearts.  I am ever grateful for their compassion toward me. I Love them each and every one.
There was one phrase in my setting apart which was especially meaningful to me.  It made me feel that perhaps Br. Harker is inspired.  0:)  The wording was just as Heavenly Father speaks to me.  Very tender, loving, and kind.  Very precise in words and meaning.  I am grateful to be known of The Lord.  I love Him so dearly, and I am thankful for His patience, mercy, and kindness.
My private thoughts and feelings during this time have not be admirable.  It is a struggle for me to do something new.  Heavenly Father knows my heart.  I am grateful for Him, and for His understanding and kindness.

Here's to Tomorrow!  Another day to try to Make it Matter!

March 15, 2014

Another rough night.  I think Colin may be getting sick.  His nose is a bit snotty and he seems to have a small temperature.  Poor little guy.  Maybe that is why he has been having a few difficult nights.
The children went with McKay to clean the chapel this morning.  They love going with him.  Colin and I slept, finally.  After the chapel cleaning they all went to Telus Space and Science Center, followed by a McDonald's happy meal.  Really?  These children get way too much take-out.  That makes twice in one month.  Granted the other time was due to us all being sick, but still.  Anyway, everyone had a great time.  Then, this afternoon Cassi had a Stake Activity Day.  It was about the temple and the stakes of the church...from what little I heard at the end...
Dinner was leftovers.  McKay and I will be finishing our date tonight.  We stopped in the middle of Emma because Colin was not feeling well and was sleepy. 0:(  Poor little guy.
Surprise.  We had a call from someone in the bishopric tonight to meet with us tomorrow before church...It occurred to me that Liz is leaving and they will probably need more help in Nursery.  Who knows.  We will find out tomorrow.
Sorry no pictures today...

March 14, 2014

2:00pm
Whew!  Last night was a nightmare.  I spent no more than 5 minutes in my bed.  No lie.  As soon as I thought Colin was settled, I'd get up and lie on the bed, but  no sooner would my head hit the pillow and then he would start fussing.  I actually ended up sleeping in the play pen with him from exhaustion.  Crazy.  He will never remember the sacrifices to try to help him adjust to things...I just couldn't live with myself though if I did things any other way while he is so small.  When he is 3 he can fuss all he wants.  Right now, I just want to make sure he knows he is safe, and feels it.  When he is 3 he will be aware enough to know it...at least the others have been by then...
Today has been crazy.  The children have been above and beyond fabulous.  I have a new member of the church coming over tonight for a new member discussion with 3 of her children...so I had to get the library in order. 0:/  Worst.  Job. EVER.  Except maybe mucking out a stable...that's probably worse.  Anyway.  The children helped a lot.  Cassi went upstairs at one point (before I got to the library) because she and Lucy were arguing and she just needed a time out.  The spectacular part is that she wasn't rude to Lucy or ugly.  She totally realized she was about to loose it and so she just said, "I'm sorry.  I need to go for a time out."  As I saw her walking upstairs and asked what was wrong, she just answered in a very controlled tone, "I just need a time out."  I replied that was absolutely fine and I'd see her when she was ready to come back.  Then, I went down to the library to get to work.  She shortly returned and said she was sorry to everyone and explained, again, that she had just needed a time out, but that she was ready to help out now.  FABULOUS!!!!  All my crazy days ARE doing some good for them.  Its the little things, you know, that are the give-aways of how well I'm doing at this parenting thing.  So proud of her.
Anyway, the library is in order.  Colin is supposed to be napping, but isn't.  I thought I'd better get something down today before things go all crazy.  I still want to do a batch of indexing.  I'll need to get a snack tray ready for our guests tonight...and do something in the kitchen for dinner...and...I want to make peach cobbler for McKay tonight because he's been wanting cobbler all week.
The children are having a Friday Party because Cassi finished reading 3 books this week from her schedule.  She also read 3 other books, but they were not part of her schedule.  They were the Geronimo Stilton series, which she adores right now.
McKay, of course, is at work.  Working...Very...Hard...0:)  Thank you, Sweetheart!
I'll try to post some pictures later this evening, if there is time...
Until then...
MAKE IT MATTER!!!!! 0:) (Sorry.  I didn't mean to shout.  I'm just so excited!)
9:54pm
Well, the new member discussion didn't work out.  She had to work late.  She phoned after she was home and we rescheduled for next week.  Same time, same place.  However, she requested that I phone on Thursday to remind her. 0:)

Here is Little Colin fast asleep for his nap.  He finally fell asleep.

Everyone enjoyed the fresh fruits and crackers and cheese!  Its been a long winter.  I rarely buy anything other than apples and carrots for munching on during the winter.  Strawberries and grapes were a real treat!  Also, crackers and cheese were a treat, too.  I think I enjoyed it all as much as the children. 

Next was our Science Experiment of the day:  Osmosis.

We put raisins in a glass with water.  The children all guessed what they think will happen by tomorrow (Even though I had just explained the process of Osmosis, they didn't seem to connect the dots that That was what would happen.) Tomorrow they'll get to see what happened and how it all works.

Here are the raisins up close...McKay would be much better at photographing these things...but alas...

And...To my Sweetheart's delight!  Peach Cobbler for date night.  This was my bowl.  It had one scoop.  McKay's was filled and overflowing with the rest from the bread dish and I put LOTS of whipping cream on his.  He was delighted.  We watched Emma, the movie reproduction of Jane Austin's book.  We never get tired of it...who could?  Mr. Knightly is fabulous.  And the characters are so fabulous, in general.  

McKay is currently reading and singing to the girls.  After he will sit and read quietly to himself in the dark until they each and every one fall asleep.  He is so wonderful.

Charlie fell asleep before I could get upstairs with Colin's sippi cups of milk for the night.  Colin is watching Mickey Mouse as I fill in the blanks for the day.  Its been a wonderful day.  I'm so very tired.  0:)  I hope that means I did something worth being tired.  Here's to Tomorrow and another chance to MIM. 

 Make it Matter!

March 13, 2014

Making it Matter...

It appears that nearly the entire week has passed.  I can hardly believe how quickly time's waves pull away from the shore.  Sunday was church.  Monday...Family Home Evening.  Tuesday...harder to remember.  Wednesday...Grandma came and we did piano!  Whew!  I am grateful there are constants or I would remember nothing.  Last night the Sister Missionaries came and ate dinner with us.  They are delightful young women.  McKay and I said very little.  The children all chattered away and twitted like little darling birds.  The Sisters seemed to enjoy it.  I love to watch the children as they prattle away about whatever pops into their dear little minds.  They are so animated and delightful. 

Colin is sleeping in his play pen, now.  Big boy. However, I do still climb in with him a couple times during the night to help him feel safe when he wakes for a diaper change or a drink of milk.  I feel better than I have in years, despite being tired still.

I must own that it is an amazing wonder to sleep for any small amount undisturbed by a little one's tossing, or snuggles.  I will forever miss the little breaths upon my neck and the dimpled arms about my neck.  Also, the soft warm cheek pressing against mine.  However, my body is aging and I can feel it's desperate pleas for rest and sleep.  I am grateful we had all the children close together for many reasons, but right now I'm grateful it means a good 3 hours sleep all together after only 10 years, instead of maybe 14.

Today will be one of wonders, I hope. 0:)

I forgot to mention.  My new little laptop arrived yesterday and it has already assisted me in being more focused and productive.  I hope to improve this week...Wish me luck!  I'll check in again this evening, and try to remember to post pictures...

OH!  I just remembered something!  Saturday Evening.  McKay ironed his shirts and we all sat around in the basement watching The Wind in the Willows.  It was a wonderful, comforting, cozy time.  I realize it's no trip to
Disney World, but I'd prefer it more than any other thing.  I love to be with my husband and children.  Life is so very good.  Every. Single. Day.

Today we did a Science Experiment on diffusion and spoke about Biology and Botanists.

For the experiment we put vanilla in a balloon and blew up the balloon.

Next we put the Balloon in a shoe box with the lid, and left for a trip to the Lake. 0:)

+

We took a couple loaves of bread, some baby carrots, and some celery...PICNIC LUNCH. 0:)

It was +5 with a whole lot of wind.  Everyone was running around just to try to keep warm!  We had a great time!

Poor Little Colin.  He insisted on running around, too.  But he was soooo cold.

Cassi and Charlie needed a picture of their findings by the Lake today.  It was an easy trade off for me to keep from feeling the need to bring them home...along with anything else they were destined to discover.

Lunch was over.  Everyone was FREEZING....FROZEN....0;)  So, we all took our trek to the car and started for home!

...Where our science experiment was waiting....

Charlie was the first to take a sniff.  Hmmm....What's that smell?

Cassi was next.  Hmmmm....smells alot like a balloon, but there is another smell...

How did the Vanilla smell get out of the balloon?

DIFFUSION!!!!

Charlie gave us a few more examples of diffusion as we were getting ready to sit on the couch...as is typical for him....0:/

Next it was time for Devotional.

The Scripture story was on how the Children of Israel asked for a king, and The Lord warned them, but gave them Saul.  We spoke a bit about kings and living in a democratic country.  We also spoke of how Russia is threatening to invade the Ukraine right now.  It was a sobering thought for them all, as Olga (our neighbor boy's grandma) was only 500 miles from the shooting which took place there earlier in the year.  I am so in LOVE with these darlings!

We had our theme song:  Duty to God and then a prayer.  I started crying during the theme song, though the children didn't notice.  They have started all gathering around me with their arms about my neck and swaying together as we sing the theme song.  As we sang of how doing our duty to God takes us where Angels have trod, I couldn't help but feel that being mother to these wonderful children made me feel the part.  Not because I am an angel, but because THEY are angels.

Next we did spotlight.  Today was an Italian artist, Cimabue.

We also looked at his picture of Madonna and Child enthroned...

Colin is down for his nap, and I'm off to try my hand at indexing.  Life is so good.

0:)

Making it Matter...February 8, 2014

Today Mckay and I took the children to Bearspaw Lake to play in the snow for our family date.  We all had a wonderful time. McKay built snowmen with the girls and Colin while Charlie and I hiked around the lake looking for Mr. Wolff's laboratory.  Strangely, he seems to always be out when I am with the children.  Afterward, we went to Chapters, the bookstore. Our two favorite places on the same day! So delightful! 

McKay thought the snowman needed better vision.

The children thought Daddy needed a payback for pelting Mommi with snowballs and wrestling her into the snow. 0:) I am such a protected and loved Mommi. 😜