Easter Traditions: Sugar Cookies

Everyone knows I love making chocolate chip cookies. But the kids can't resist this holiday tradition, and so we lug out the sprinkles and frosting and go to town!

Our Own Fairytale

On a recent Sunday at Grandma Clista's House, Uncle Houston and Aunt Elizabeth worked to create a magical photo shoot with the grand babies. The kids were excited to be apart of this special homework assignment for his photography class, and the results were...enchanting!

Happy 80th!

We recently celebrated my Grandma Lopez' 80th Birthday with a BBQ and potluck feast! She is an avid gardener, walker, and reader, and she is about the best grandma you could ever ask for!

We love you Grandma!

Who loves General Conference?

We do!

It's only been recently that our family took the plunge and subscribed to cable. Prior to that, we listened to conference on-line, and before that, we'd just take the kids to the church and watch it there. Now, we are so grateful to be able to watch all the sessions of conference from the comfort of our home.

A favorite tradition is special Saturday and Sunday breakfasts, with simple picnic lunches for the break, giving everyone a chance to stretch their legs and enjoy the good weather outside.

When it was time for the afternoon session, Owen became a little testy at one point with his stuffed bear, who didn't seem to be behaving reverently at all, leaving Owen no choice but to put him on timeout!

Conference Highlights:

I really enjoyed the talk, "Come Unto Him", by our newly ordained apostle, Elder Neil L. Andersen. My favorite quote from this talk is:
"I know that I am not what I must become."
For me, this isn't a statement of discouragement, but one of inspiration.
I do know what I must become.
I know I'm not there yet.
I will never get there in this lifetime.
But I must always keep trying.

From the Priesthood session, Samuel could not stop talking about, "Man Down!", by President Henry B. Eyring.
"I testify that you were called of God and you are sent to serve His children. He wants that no one be left behind...God will give you inspiration and strength to meet your charge to help His children find their way to the happiness made possible by the Atonement of Jesus Christ."

We love hearing the words of the prophet, the apostles, and other leaders of the church. We know their messages to the world were inspired by God, and that the counsel they provide is what the Lord would share with us if he were on the earth today. How grateful I am to know that the heavens are not closed, and that we in the latter-days are blessed to have the true church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
on the earth today.

Neighborly Fun

One recent Saturday we were invited to our neighbors house for their son Otto's 2nd Birthday Party. We had a blast, loving the opportunity to get to know this family better, and the kids had fun with all the musical entertainment.

Cleavage Patrol

I love the Food Network!

And one of of my favorite shows, or I should say, used to be one of my favorite shows, was "Everday Italian" with Giada De Laurentiis. Unfortunately, Giada likes to wear low-cut blouses, and this does not go unnoticed by my Ava (a.k.a. Cleavage Patrol), who checks to make sure that Giada is modest, otherwise we change the channel.

It's been several months now, and we've given up watching that show (the Barefoot Contessa is our new favorite!). But I continue to be grateful for my sweet daughter who knows that our bodies are special and sacred.

Recently, she came out of her room with her favorite soccer shirt in tow, announcing that she was giving it to her little sister Iris because it was too small. I knew how difficult this was for her, because this shirt is so near and dear to her heart. She became attached to it as a baby, and insisted on wearing it even though it was huge.

She said, "Mom, it's just not modest anymore. You can see my belly."

Out of the mouths of babes.

The Art Docent Program

When Samuel and I enrolled the girls in our local elementary school, we learned about The Art Docent Program. It's a fantastic opportunity for parents to volunteer in the classroom by bringing the art museum to the kids, via monthly classroom presentations. We lead the kids in a discussion on various types of artwork (impressionism, cubism, etc.-), and study large reproductions of famous works of art. Afterwards, we lead the kids in a unique hands-on art lesson, using tons of cool art mediums including chalk pastels, oil pastels, and watercolors.

It's a sacrifice of time, but well worth it.
The kids always have a blast, and to tell you the truth, we do too!

If you ever hear of a call for art docents, check it out.
It's an incredibly rewarding experience for all involved.

Barnacles

I call my babies my "barnacles", because sometimes, no matter what you're doing, they're content to just follow you around wherever you go.

Luckily, Sam was home, and they left mom alone to tag around with Dad.

The Big 3-0: Part IV, The Roast

Samuel's family has a wonderful tradition of roasting the folks who hit major age milestones. And Samuel and I love to get into the spirit of gag-gifts. We plot and plan well in advance, and make sure to create something spectacularly funny for the unfortunate birthday boy or girl.

For several years now, we've been warned that there would be major pay-back for all that we've dished out. But we weren't worried. We even encouraged them.

Because we knew that if we were going to go down in flames, at least we would be the ones to light the match!

Hence, we turned the tables on everyone...

by arriving at our roast as...

The future Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Elmer!

While we were dressing, the kids reactions ranged from puzzled to mortified as they observed our transformation. Owen looked thoroughly confused, and Isabella kept exclaiming that people were going to see us!

What made things worse, was that just I was putting on the finishing touches on Sam's giant uni-brow, we heard a knock on the door. Ava came tearing through the house announcing that Bro. Faupula was at the door! Samuel and I knew he had no choice but to answer the door in costume, and he did sheepishly, while we watched Dee's jaw drop!

Not long after that we set out for the evening, but we had a few stops along the way including his parent's house so that Samuel could snatch his Dad's old man sunglasses.

Yes, he really wears these.

We then dropped the kid's off at my mom's, before we headed to the party. Needless to say, our appearance had the desired effect, and we took everyone by surprise!

Note the subtle details:

The uni-brow...
The shaved crown of the head...
The nose and ear hairs!

The blue eyeshadow...
Smeared lipstick...
The famous red hat!

Amongst the many gag gifts, we received...

Sunblock for men. Specifically formulated for the bald spot on top of the head.

Sam sadly noted that this would actually be a very useful gift!

Instant abs!

And miracle-grow for hair!

I was treated to a bevy of mature motherhood products, including a hat/wig combo, a bottle of prune juice, a wipe stick (don't ask), and a nursing/slinky bra.

The party was a hoot and Samuel and I had a blast!



We were even serenaded by our brother-in-law Bill!

Thank you everyone for an unforgettable roast!

Note:
The next day, Ava looked at us and heaved an enormous sigh of relief.
"You're back to normal!"

The Big 3-0: Part III, Samuel's Turn

Sam likes to say...
"I married an older woman." and "She robbed the cradle."

But really he's only 2-measly weeks younger than me. And not long after I turned 30, he followed suit to my delight!

As a surprise, Owen, Iris, and I worked our heinies off in the garage to clean things up and move things around.

Our goal?
To make space for his car.

We finished in plenty of time, and even made a cheeky sign to greet him when he came home!

Happy Birthday Samuel!

Because he loves breakfast, he chose to eat at Venita Rheas for an early morning meal. He had a monstrous turkey and avocado omelet with fresh squeezed orange juice.

We were all stuffed to the gills, when the waitress surprised us with Sam's birthday treat: A huge mint-chocolate chip ice-cream cake!

Of course we couldn't turn that down. So we all settled in and did our best to make Venita proud!

We love you Daddy!