Scripture Power

During the morning session of Conference on Sunday, there was a story told (can't remember by who) and I am embarrassed that I don't remember the whole story. Anyway, this member was relating her blessings of paying tithing. She had said it blessed her business and blessed them with enough food to eat, and then she said that the biggest blessing was that her kids loved the Gospel.

I immediately thought of my kids. They have really started to love the scriptures (and will NOT let us go to bed without reading them together every night) as well as Family Home Evening, tithing and all of the stories we talk about and they learn about at church. For everything that happens in our lives we have a scripture story to relate it to - and the kids are usually the ones to relate the stories.

The other day while doing laundry, I found Kambree by my bed reading my scriptures out loud (obviously in her own words:). It was such a humbling sight to see her and know that she loves the Gospel and already is developing her testimony. Dominick loves this Gospel so much too, and is constantly telling Kambree about the scriptures and answering questions she asks while reading them - oh, and is always a Stripling Warrior in battles!

It really is one of the greatest blessings to know that your children love and live the gospel - now I just have to figure out how to make sure they never stray!

Whistle While you Work

I can't believe that I put this off for so long. Between Aaron and my childhoods, we just couldn't agree on a game plan for chores and frankly I was too lazy to let me kids clean, because it was so much faster and easier to do it myself at night.

Anyway, I had already decided that we would start on Saturday - and then at Enrichment night learned even more tricks and suggestions to help, so I was prepared. We normally would get up and clean first thing on Saturday, but since we went to the circus we just thought we would post-pone for this week. Not so. The kids had already seen the chore charts and were so excited to actually clean that despite how tired we all were - as soon as we got home the kids wanted to clean.

For a long time Dominick has loved to clean the toilet and bathtub, but I always hesitated (which was stupid, I know). So, he wanted those and others. Each one gets to pick 5 chores and we help supervise and assist when needed (and finish or correct later if required). The really great thing was, that our kids are awesome cleaners - and were upset when the chores were done and they didn't have any left (even bringing Kambree to tears wanting to do more:).

Here are some pictures of the very successful first chore day and let's hope for many many more successful day's to come!

Circus 2008

Two years running we have taken the kids to the Circus and it has not let us down! This year we went with our friends the Meier's and had so much fun. Kambree and Lucas hit it off from the beginning and had so much fun together - I have a feeling he was using her for her food!

Dominick was lucky enough to get a sword (again - same one as last year). He narrowly missed getting one when he had a bad day at school. Luckily he made up for it on Friday with a near flawless day at school - which is a huge deal for him and deserves a reward (we are so proud of him). Kambree wanted cotton candy and a funny hat!

I think the circus is so cool - we were able to see seven motorcycles in the circle cage (that is until one crashed) then we saw six, which was still cool. Crazy humans, funny clowns, and talented animals, which are always my favorite. You can see how cool the elephants were this year, even finishing up with one elephant on his two front hooves - so cool!

Anyway, afterwards we couldn't have asked for a better afternoon. It was sunny and warm and the kids (despite being surrounded by druggies) had so much fun running and playing in the little plaza with Stella and Lucas.

These are my favorite times!

Marble Fun

This was a fun family activity that the kids enjoyed so much! We had so much fun I thought I would share some pics.

More Easter Fun!

This was Easter morning, and Kambree was so excited (as well as Dominick, but I only have a video of him). You can see that Kambree cleans up well. I feel bad, because I ordered Dominick this navy blazer that he has wanted forever - but just my luck it didn't make it by Easter. So, he didn't want a picture. It is so fun that he likes to pick out clothes now!!

Beneath the kids are having fun painting with the paints from Grandma Luana! This is when Dominick told me that he wants to be an artist - he's pretty good too!




For Easter dinner, we went to the Thomas' house and the kids were able to color eggs and then go find them in the yard. They had so much fun, and it looks like Dominick was happier that he was a little more successful in this hunt!

Dennis and Jennifer are so nice for hosting us for just about every holiday and weekend game night - we really owe them!








I wonder if the boys are tired of pictures!?!

The Magic Lamp

It was only a week ago that our little Kambree would scream bloody murder when left in her bed at night (even though Dominick was just above her and every light in the house was on but hers). There was no way that I was going back to laying on her bed until she was asleep every night.

So, Aaron and I thought about a night light - nope! Unfortunately, a night light doesn't give out enough light to cover ALL of the dark corners in the room. It also makes shadows on the wall, and that just won't due.

Thinking of anything but leaving her light on all night, we decided to tell her that we would take her to Target (a child's wonderland) and let her pick out a lamp that would keep the monsters away.

Well, lucky for me Target was fresh out of the Hello Kitty, Dora and Princess lamps (what are the odds all on the same day) but there was a little $10 lamp that was perfect for her room. She agreed and the magic begun!

That night she was so excited that there were no monsters in the corners of her room - but mostly Aaron was happy because he was the one up with her in the night.

We love the Magic Lamp!