Choco-Pyramid

Have you ever tried to construct a pyramid? How about out of chocolate cake? This was Gabrielle's request for her birthday. Not an Egyptian pyramid, just a pyramid shaped cake, chocolate of course. Jared helped with construction and I frosted it-- no easy task. Once it was together and frosted, Gabrielle thought less was more and just added a few chocolate rocks (yes, they are edible!) for a border. She also wrote her name on the cake plate. She helped decorate the table, too. We went out to eat Italian, then came home for presents and cake. Finally, the girls took the party outside and sprayed green silly string. What a mess! Since it was a school night, we ended the evening with homework. Thanks to everyone who called and e-mailed your birthday wishes!

Handy Man to Have Around

Jared is always willing to give of his time and talents to our family. He truly is a handy man to have around. He gives his best at his job, works hard at keeping fit, helps out at home, and leads our family. Among other things, lately he has built a swing for Gabrielle, killed a gigantic snake in the neighbor's yard, painted all three of our bathrooms, and he even helped me with Gabrielle's birthday cake. How did I get so lucky? Love you, Jared!

Happy Birthday Gabrielle

Gabrielle is 13 years old today! We hope you have a happy day with lots of chocolate! We are so glad to have you in our family!

Chieko Okasaki

Jared and I had the opportunity to attend a fireside given by Sister Chieko Okasaki, former first counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency of the church. It was wonderful! I am so glad we went. She joined the church in her teens in Hawaii, she became an educator (teaching nearly every grade except 3rd!) and later became a principal. She has served on the Primary and Young Women General Boards as well as her seven years of service in the Relief Society General Presidency. She has published many books and speaks to audiences around the world. She is a champion for literacy. She is now 82 years old but is still a passionate, dynamic speaker. She spoke about three things; 1. Strengthening marriages, 2. Strengthening the parent/child relationship, and 3. Reading, specifically reading to children individually for 20 minutes a day. She is known for her object lessons and this talk was no different, using a butcher's cleaver and a bottle of glue to explain the different meanings of the word "cleave". Basing the lesson on Matthew 19:5 "And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?" She explained using other scriptures (Romans 12:9, Jacob 6:5) and through following the word's etymology, that the word had two meanings of quite opposite definition. While one meaning means to split apart, another means to hold together or hold onto. To strengthen marriage, she stated, we need to strengthen individuals. We can be strengthened in Christ and His infinite atonement. She also applied the concepts to strengthening our relationship with our children, at every age and stage they go through. Finally she urged everyone to read to their children individually for 20 minutes a day. This is a program that she supports through the National Children's Reading Foundation that starts parents ready to their children from birth-- sending them home from the hospital with a kit of books, a library card, and other materials (including bibs hand made by Relief Society sisters that say, READ TO ME!") This is definitely the one area that I feel I have been successful as a mother and have a testimony of the value of reading to children individually everyday. I know what a sweet experience this is and the benefits it brings. Sr. Okasaki quoted President Thomas S. Monson's talk entitled "Hallmarks of a Happy Home" in which he outlined 4 things that every home should have : a library for learning, a pattern of prayer, a legacy of love, and a treasure of testimony. She stated that reading forms the foundation for the other hallmarks of a happy home. I agreed whole heartedly with her message and am so glad we are able to attend.

Here's a link to look at : www.readingfoundation.org

Overheard Between the Stacks

I was just wondering? Since when is it ok to speak loudly in the library? Even in your regular "inside" voice? I over hear way too much information at the public library, simply because people no longer respect the library enough to lower their voices. Or even turn off the cell phone! As I was walking in, some lady in line to check out was answering her iphone (show-off) and said, "Oh hi, yeah, I'm just at the library, pause--Oh no! I can talk!" The nerve. What I do love to hear at the library is children enjoying the library or displaying things recently absorbed in their little sponge brains. Like the little boy who was singing his ABCs at the top of his lungs in the bathroom and the little girl who emerged from out of the elevator exclaiming, "We DID it!" My favorite thing I heard at my most recent trip to the library though was this : Picture if you will two young sporty clad sorority girls browsing in the cookbook section. One finds the book they are looking for and says, "Great, here it is -- Cooking for Two Then they other chick says, "Oh, but what if we have people over??? See if the have 'Cooking for Four!'

Oh man, no wonder so many people have earbuds in their ears at the library!

Back to School

The girls had a good first (and second) day of school. We have been busy organizing supplies, packing lunches, getting back into the morning routine, and already doing homework. Madison started the 8th grade at Oakland Junior High School and Gabrielle is in the 7th grade at Lange Middle School. Gabrielle has most of the same core classes and teachers as she did in 6th grade, plus Spanish and FACS as electives. Next semester she will do Drama. Playing flute in full band continues for Gabrielle as well as PE. Madison has a full load with Advisory (Study Hall) or PE, Band or EEE, Spanish 1B, Honors Block English and Social Studies, Science, and Honors Algebra. In September she starts Marching Band practice at 7 am three days a week. I do love the structure and schedule that the school year provides. Here is a quick photo we took before heading out the door on Monday. Also one of the dogs waiting patiently for their return!

Big Dog Dad

Today is my Dad's 80th birthday. He is such a fun person. My favorite memory with my dad has to be when he fell off the roof and broke his leg, he let me draw on his cast. I drew pictures of my imaginary friends. He would always ride the roller coasters with me and let me work with him on whatever he was doing. He is also such a great grandpa. My girls love how funny and joking he is with them. He always looks good in his "Big Dog" shirts and his "Big Dad" smile. Happy Birthday Dad! We love you!