A World Without Danger

Hunter's been at it for weeks, nonstop (and Robyn has enjoyed watching every 'epiosode' of it)! At first I thought he was creating some character from Star Wars. But, when he "borrowed" some ribbon from my box and created the headband I knew I was wrong. Don't recall any jedi wearing headbands...Yesterday I asked him about his character and what their mission was. That's when I learned that he wasn't ONE character but FIVE!! He proceeded to tell me that when he wears the headband, he's Ulrich. When he "flies" with his arms out like this, he's Aelita! When he kneels down and puts his arm out like this, he's Odd. When he holds both hands out and fights you with "deadly fans" he's Yumi. And finally, when he scrunches his eyebrows and swings his "light saber", he's William (the presumed bad guy). He would be Jeremy too--but he's just the computer guy and doesn't really fight. These characters create the Xana always fighting to save the world. And, the theme song called A World Without Danger (which isn't half bad) is played over and over and over and over.....again in our house as Hunter (and Aidan) fight to save the world!

You have now been introduced to the world of Code Lyoko Some French cartoon...I could be wrong about that too. All I know is that it's not American. And I'm not even sure how my kiddos got introduced to them.

I have been told that the basic hero known as "Superman" is soooo yesterday! Hunter has moved on. Though, I know he still enjoys them.

The FRUIT of our labors

Yep--just ONE perfectly big, ripe strawberry.

We keep losing so many to the outdoor critters. But, I must say that they are producing quite well this year--if only I can get more than one! Eventually I'll get around to constructing some sort of critter-proof fencing...is that even possible?!Robyn sure enjoyed eating that whole strawberry all by herself. Apparently she prefers getting the whole thing all at once rather than me dicing it up for her. Go figure...

This Little Girl

Recent events in our ward family have given me great cause to reflect upon the life of this little girl. We're very blessed and thankful to have her as a part of our earthly family. This week I have put my worldly stresses on the "top shelf" as I've spent my days hangin' out on the floor with her. And I find that that's all I want to do...One particular song has become my anchor this week as well. I have to say that it is by far my favorite arrangement of I Am A Child of God by InsideOut


We extend our hearts and prayers to the "B" Family. May our Heavenly Father bless you with much comfort and peace during this time.

Be Prepared...

...for absolute craziness!! I've never seen so many scouts in one place!!

I'm talking about the local Scout Fair that we attended as a family this passed Saturday. We had a HUGE storm that dumped LOTS of rain on us that was actually a mixed blessing. Our Saturday was jam packed with stuff--so much that there was no way we'd be able to participate in it all. But, the rains canceled just about everything we had planned--except for the scout fair.

This was our first year to attend. I'm still not sure how it all works but from what I saw it looked like various packs/troops/districts set up their own individual "booth". So there was everything from rocket launching to "The River of Death" to rope-making...Can't even begin to name them all. We were there for over four hours and we didn't get to it all. But, here are some highlights:

Tennis ball launching
Volcano making (for those of you who know Aidan, this was right up his alley)
Preparing for balloon races...which didn't go too well for them :-}
"Riding the Rapids" (two other scouts would bounce on either end of the kayak to simulate rapids). Here is a fine example of "hunkering down."
Casting...Aidan got lucky while Hunter never could get that ONE fish he was eyeing.


Robyn did amazingly well the whole time. I don't think she fussed or cried once. With all the action going on around her there was plenty to keep her distracted.

There was so much more but I would never try to post it all here. Until next year...

Good Friday

Definitely Good. No school. And only a half-day at work for daddy. To celebrate such a good day we picked him up from work and ventured over to the Houston Temple. I must confess that in our three years of being in the area we hadn't taken our children to go see the temple. I know...terrible.

We enjoyed a picnic under the shade of the trees and read the Easter Story from the New Testament. (Side Note: In prepping for this "Friday FHE" I read the story in each of the four gospels trying to figure out which were the best scriptures to share. Time and time again I kept saying to myself, "I don't remember that detail...who put that scripture in there?") While the boys were more interested in exploring the temple grounds--as well as a nearby ladybug--we did get a good lunch and spiritual thought in even if Aidan had left his lunch at home. We had enough to share.


Father and Daughter. The last picture of them together was back in August. It was time for an updated one.

Father and Son. Priceless.

Very seldom does anyone take a great picture with me in it (I'm always soooo critical of how I look). But, this one--wow, I love it.

I like how we're not looking at the camera...

Is she happy or what?? (I believe her brothers were making all sorts of silly faces)

My boys...

Checking out all the pathways.


I hope that this trip to the temple may become a yearly Easter tradition for us...

Bon Appetit

I've had this china pattern of Noritake Squirewood for some years now. My oldest sister help me get started. However, I only had 2 complete place settings plus two extra dinner plates. It was enough for Jaren and I to use but not enough to actually entertain or to let our children "learn" with them.

For years I've pondered about adding to my china but the cost of even just one plate always kept me dreaming but never purchasing. Some years ago this china pattern became discontinued. It was becoming harder and harder to even find the pieces. Then, I ran across a person on Ebay selling this entire china collection for a steal-of-a-price. I couldn't pass it up...

Now, I have 17 complete settings (though I only have 10 goblets) and since then I've been obsessed with how to properly set the dinnerware out. I even went and bought some cloth napkins to complete the look (more on that story later). Course, we use the wine glass as the water glass (instead of having a separate wine glass) and the teacup for hot chocolate (as Aidan so quickly pointed out). Simply because we don't drink wine, coffee or tea.As far as the flatware is concerned (this is the pattern Oneida Satin Aquarius)...I'm slowly getting more and more pieces. When I can get to an Oneida Outlet store I'd love to get more. Right now, I certainly don't have the flatware to go with all 17 place settings (mmm, going to have to fix that). I'd need more napkins (and goblets) too. I can never have enough!

Now, I just need some people to feed! Any volunteers!?

Course, I'm still trying to figure out how to store all this china...