Perfect Score

Aubrey was invited to attend her school's SOL Perfect Score Recognition night. This is to recognize the children that placed perfect score (600) on their SOL tests from last year - 3rd grade. And she did AMAZING!! She had perfect scores in: Math, History and Reading. We really are proud of her and her academic accomplishments! It's obvious that she LOVES school...and she really works hard to get good grades. "Love you sweetie! Keep up the good work! :)"

{Aubrey with her school vice principal & principal}

{Jocelyn helping Andrew walk around during the program}

Outdoors With Friends

This weekend, we spent some good quality time as a family and with our dear friends - the "N" family. A few hours after the conference at church had ended Saturday, we met up with them at our favorite walking/running place: Lee Drive. The guys took off on their run while us girls and our kids went on an hour walk. It was sunny and in the low 50's. I wouldn't say it was warm by any means, but it felt really good getting out into the fresh air and surrounding ourselves with nature.

I am SO ready for spring to get here...this winter has been rather cold! Throughout our walk, we saw patches of snow still on the ground from our last storm that came through a few weeks ago, along with many broken down trees. And speaking of trees, Jocelyn had her first experience squating down and peeing in the woods. If you ask me, she won't be wanting to do that again for a very long time!

Sunday after church, we headed over to the "N" family's home for dinner. We've kind of turned it into a tradition to get together for a Sunday family dinner at least once a month. They threw burgers and hot dogs on the grill, we brought yakasoba chicken and we all dug into chips and dip and salsa. It was 10 degrees warmer than on Saturday and the kids had so much fun roaming around in their yard. Of course the Radio Flyer and swing set was a hit and Aubrey had a great time pulling the younger kids around - all the while wearing a S.W.A.T. hat! She cracks me up! This also happened to be Andrew's first time being pulled around in a wagon. He didn't seem too excited about it like I thought he would be, but he didn't seem to dislike it either. That is his character though to the T. He's so laid back and easy going - and he's not afraid to let you know when he's had enough.

For the past year or so we have become such great friends with the "N" family that our kids are always begging to see them again. Jocelyn even calls them her cousins! But when you don't have immediate family close by, what's a girl to do? :) We have learned that through our moves away from relatives that some friends can really be called family too! And we love them as if they were.

Stake Women's Conference 2010

We had our Stake Women's Conference today in celebration of Relief Society's 168th Birthday. The whole set up was amazing - blue & gold themed: balloons, Happy Birthday sign, table settings, gift bags & presents with inspirational "gift" quotes, RS printed motto and goodie bag for each person as well as a beautiful cake spotlighted at each table that a talented sister took the time to make. It was a lovely sight and it felt so good being there! I didn't feel the need to drag along my camera but I now wish I would have. The room was full - almost 200 women showed for the event and it was so much fun.

First, each ward presented what they were going to contribute for the year as a gift to the Relief Society. So many great talents were shared! Hand made quilts for nursing homes & less fortunate countries, focusing on the less active sisters and how to "feed my sheep", kits put together for those re-entering society after crimes, etc.

We were then introduced to my dear friend (Annette)'s sister - Lori - who was the guest speaker. She recently moved from Utah to the desert in New Mexico. I really enjoyed what she had to say and here are my notes:

The best invitations we receieve come from the Lord. (Example: Come Follow Me.) He needs us to help build the kingdom of God. The Relief Society is one of the largest and oldest Women's Organization in the world, claiming more than 6 million members in over 170 countries and territories. All over the world, no matter where we live, we all share the same things: love, desires and prayers. Women in other countries that don't have the things we do still feels like they have so much when having the gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives. The Lord always works in our lives when we allow him to be in ours. We may feel that the Relief Society is there for us (and it is), but we are also there for the Relief Society. The Relief Society is a gift to all of God's daughters. If we allow the Lord to mold us, form us and shape us (like the clay and the potter), we can become the women we want to be. Examples of women working and forming the clay in the desert to create pots. Clay and the potter: Isaiah (not sure which chapter or verse) & Jeremiah 18. The advesary will tempt us and try to keep us from doing the important things in our lives but the Lord is more powerful and will never lead us astray, and helps guide us to truth and righteousness. We need to have the light of Christ within us in order to shine that light to others. We can strengthen our testimony through prayer and scripture study. Alma 5:34 - fruit of the tree of life. The scriptures are a spiritual IV. Even on hectic days, make time for the Lord and remember to read scriptures and say a prayer that you will remember the things that you have learned and read. The kingdom of God is within each of us. Invitation: search, ponder and pray. Our ultimate goal: strive for eternal exaltation.

*She said so many more amazing things, but this was all I was able to jot down.

After her wonderful talk, we were treated to a yummy buffet luncheon and cake for dessert. Each time I attend one of these special events, I am just blown away with of all the countless efforts and talents that is put into creating such an amazing get together. I hope you were enlightened with my notes as much as I was being there! 

Here are some of the "gift" quotes on the wrapped presents that were displayed across the room:

*Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. ~James 1:17

*Let us share our gifts and talents with others, bringing brightness of hope and joy to them, and in so doing lift our own spirits. ~Robert D. Hales

*I pray that the Holy Ghost will bless you with a greater vision of who you are, why you are here, and the unique gifts you have to bring to the Relief Society organization. ~Mary Ellen Smoot

*Relief Society blesses every woman who accepts the gift of activity in that sisterhood. ~Spencer W. Kimball

*Come unto Christ and lay upon every good gift. ~Moroni 10:30

*Neglect not the gift that is in thee. ~1 Timothy 4:14

*Our opportunities are many: to exercise faith, share sisterhood...and develop individual gifts. ~Ensign Jan. 1993

*His promised gift helps me to find an inner strength and peace of mind. ~Hymns, no. 128

*Relief Society actually came as a gift of God. ~Barbara B. Smith

*To every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. ~D&C 46:11

Walker

For the past few months before taking his own steps, Andrew has taken his play table to a new level - using it as a walking toy around the house. I found it rather funny, especially when he whines when the toy gets stuck and needs help readjusting it in order to keep moving. What a funny little guy! :)

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Seriously?

{Jocelyn enjoying her chocolate donut}

Why is it that colds seem to suck your brains dry and leave you left feeling stupid?

Aubrey forgot her school lunch at home so we all piled into the car to drop it off.

When asked by the secretary who her teacher was, I gave a blank stare and tried for the life of me to remember. (tap, tap...anyone home?) This would have normally slipped off my tongue easily. But instead, I offered up the assistant principal’s name instead. (Long story short – we aren’t on the best of terms (we don’t both agree on the same definition of the word: honesty) and I saw her peaking around the corner, so I have a feeling that’s why I said her name on accident.)

I like the secretary. She’s genuinely nice and doesn’t get on the political bandwagon. It’s too bad she’s retiring! They need more people like her.

So she kindly asked, “What grade is she in?”

4th I replied.

And then she listed the right teacher’s name. Duh! To ease my embarrassment, I chuckled as I backed up to quickly leave, and made an apologetic comment that my children have taken my brain.

I thought I was rehearsing in my head on our way home what I should have said back at the school instead of making a fool of myself. But apparently I was talking to myself outloud because Jocelyn was quick to interrupt me saying, “Mommy, are you talking to yourself?”

"Why yes---yes I am." [scary!]

The original plan was to go straight home. But I felt that a treat was in desperate need so Starbucks it was. A mini chocolate donut dipped in white frosting with sprinkles for the misses and an apple fritter for me. Of course, I shared with Andrew. And I believe he loved it just as much as I did. I'll vouge for him that he did-he enhauled every piece I gave him. I think that a treat every once in awhile is definitely a must. Especially being a mom. But I also love seeing the spontaneous smiles these treats bring to my children's faces. And I can't possibly forget that to my rescue, the sun is out today (a miracle!) and it has truly lifted my spirits. Hopefully I’ll be able to find my brain around here somewhere...

Otherwise, I’m NOT leaving the house until I do!!

March Menu #1

Monday (1) ~taco salad
Tuesday (2) ~crockpot southwestern chicken over rice
Wednesday (3) ~spaghetti & meatballs with french bread
Thursday (4) ~sweet & sour chicken over rice
Friday (5) ~chicken broccoli biscuits (wasn't previously made due to change in plans)
Saturday (6) ~yakisoba chicken
Sunday (7) ~chicken & dumplings and side salad
Monday (8) ~homemade burritos, rice, corn
Tuesday (9) ~leftover night
Wednesday (10) ~pork chops, mashed red potatoes, veggie
Thursday (11) ~chilidogs & fries
Friday (12) ~salmon, brown rice, veggie
Saturday (13) ~homemade chicken noodle soup (wasn't previously made due to being sick) & biscuits
Sunday (14) ~homemade lasagna, salad, rolls

Let The Fun Begin

Andrew took his FIRST steps!!! I can say he's been interested in walking for awhile - it was just a matter of time before he made it happen. I was holding his hands and walking him over to his daddy when I decided to let go and see what he'd do. To my surprise, he kept walking! Took 4 more steps until he made it into his daddy's arms. It was such a happy moment and I know I've got myself a busy road ahead with a walking boy but I couldn't be more excited! I love these moments when I get to watch my babies waddle all over the place as they slowly figure out their steps. I'm sure it won't be long before I have a hard time keeping up! :)

{Andrew right after he took his first steps. It may be a little while before I get an actual photo of him learning to walk but I'll post one as soon as I get one.}