A Different Kind of War

So last week, family night didn't go so smoothly. But this week, we had a lesson in strategies of war. To tell you the truth I was completely surprised how into it the boys were. Maybe it was because they were finally realizing how exciting reading from the Book of Mormon can be. But, I'm gonna say that it was Jaren's dramatic storytelling and fine illustration that kept the boys so glued to the story from Alma 52. (Yes, honey, I fished your drawing out of the trash).
Two thumbs up for daddy!! It was truly a memorable evening! We got to finish our storytelling with yummy Zucchini Bread.

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...

If I had a Friday Favorite...

This would be it.

Aidan did not know I was taking this picture until after I took it.

Nothing's better than ending your day with some searching in the scriptures with The Friend as your companion. He can be such a good example for me.

Elder Fort

All the boys in the Sr. Primary are preparing to sing a verse of "Called to Serve" for the Primary Program. Last week when they practiced Aidan made an oh-so-important realization: he was the only one NOT wearing a full suit. And that disturbed him. So, he asked for one for his 8th Birthday. How many 7 yr. olds do you know ask for a suit for their birthday? I was cool with that! Then, Aidan told me that he "wanted to look like a missionary for the performance and missionaries wear suits." So, he got his new suit as an early birthday present so he could wear it for the Primary Program.

Words cannot express how proud I was at how handsome he looked in his new suit:

The LDS First Presidency and the 12 Apostles

My sister introduced me to this and I thought it a great way for anyone to learn not only their names but a little tidbit about each member. I could listen to it over and over again!