Tokens & Tickets

It was finally that dreaded (oops, did I say that?), I mean wonderful, time of year when we raise funds for the girls school by visiting Chuckie Cheese.

As you can see, this is their absolute favorite event of the year!

Owen is my timid little man.  He's very interested in things, but gets nervous when it comes to actually participating.

Take this monster truck ride, for instance.  Gabriel pretty much rolled with the homies, while Owen actually tried to jump ship!

{As I looked at this post a second time, it struck me that one day these boys will actually be riding together in a legit vehicle on the street!  At least I hope it's legit...and please, please don't be a monster truck!}

The kiddies had a blast, and for our trouble, the school raised some money and we walked away "richer" with several tootsie pops, stickers, and bracelets.

A win-win!

Colorful Peacefulness

I have no idea if that makes any sense to anyone, but when I look at this picture those are the words that come to mind.  So much color, and so much peace.

I love home!

New Doors, Same Great Place...

We were surprised to find that the Sacramento Temple now has new doors!

They are stunning, as is the rest of that beautiful building, but it was especially great that the kids were able to to see more!

We usually visit with the kiddies in the daytime, so it was fun to see them explore the grounds at dusk.

Owen and I had a nice little visit before we left.  I asked him if he wants to go inside the temple and his answer is, and has been for awhile, "Moroni!".

I love it!

It's a Dodger Thing...

I don't know how long ago it was, but I believe with Bella we scored this Dodger T.

I love that it's been in the family for years, and it's one of those pieces I don't think I'll ever be able to get rid of.

I'm surprised it still looks brand new...

...but if Gabriel's any indication, the reason it looks so great is because by the time I realize they're finally big enough to wear it...

...their actually too big!

It's fun to come across small articles that remind you of your history, and most importantly, of your family.

Helping Hands

In May members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will have the opportunity throughout our state to participate in Helping Hands, by going out in force to complete a project within our community. 

As I was putting this event on our family calendar, I thought how blessed I am to have "helping hands" of my very own.  While there sometimes seems to be more messes to clean up than I can count, I wouldn't trade it for the world.  They are learning everyday-as am I!-and it's surely an experience we'll all look back on fondly.

On the Same Page...

Here's a sneak peek at what any given night is like as we settle in for Family Scripture Study.  It's not always the most reverent, but we've all taken great strides in making this time special for the whole family.

It helps that everyone has their own Book of Mormon...

...and an opportunity to read.

I have to admit, there are times when Samuel and I are just too tired to see this through.  After hours of chasing these rascals around, there is nothing we'd like more than to plunk them all in bed and flop on the couch with a sigh! 

It's then that I'm grateful for what Elder Bednar recalls of him and his wife's efforts to have a gospel-centered home:

Sometimes Sister Bednar and I wondered if our efforts to do these spiritually essential things were worthwhile. Now and then verses of scripture were read amid outbursts such as “He’s touching me!” “Make him stop looking at me!” “Mom, he’s breathing my air!” 

Sincere prayers occasionally were interrupted with giggling and poking. And with active, rambunctious boys, family home evening lessons did not always produce high levels of edification. 

At times Sister Bednar and I were exasperated because the righteous habits we worked so hard to foster did not seem to yield immediately the spiritual results we wanted and expected.

He notes that what was most important about his families time together was that they were consistent in their efforts.  Not perfect, consistent!

Now that is something we can shoot for!

 

Movie Night

We are at our scraggliest best and loving every minute of hunkering down for a family flick.

This is home at it's comfiest...

Rain...

Meant a trip to the mall...

...and all things play!

For both the young...

...and the hopelessly old.

{Isabella enjoying a guilty pleasure:  

A romp in the play area that she is officially to big to be in!}

We indulged Owen's love...

...of moving stairs!

And just had an all around great time being together as a family.

I love you guys!

Stop, Drop, & Roll!

On Monday Ava came home all a-twitter and a-buzz with information from her school's fire safety training.  She had so much to share that we thought it would make for a great 

Family Home Evening Activity!

We reviewed proper safety protocol and practiced some drills including the classic:

Stop, Drop, & Roll!

At the conclusion of our meeting she presented us with a certificate!  

The Elmer Family has successfully learned the rules of fire safety and prevention and we are all official...

Jr. Fire Marshalls!

Thanks Ava!

Mr. Potato Head is tasty...

So says Gabriel.