Morbid Discussion

Ryan was talking to my friend who is a massage therapist today. He was telling her how he was going to become a scientist when he grows up and that he was going to invent a new machine that combined a lawnmower and an aerator. She asked him if he would invent a new machine for her. So he started talking about a vibrating massager that she could use that would also have a robot that would work at the same time. Then he said, "...but you won't see it cuz you probably won't be around anymore." Wondering if he meant she'd move away or something more permanent, she asked, "You mean, I'll be dead by then?" He replied, "Yeah, probably."

I was doing one of my Dad's really good laughs at this point. (Which means I was laughing silently with my shoulders shaking.) She gave him a little math lesson to show that she really should still be around, but it was hilarious!!!

Toothless Grin

Ryan's front snaggle-tooth is gone as well as it's neighbor. We had to enlist the help of our dentist since they were wiggley then not so much and every attempt I made to get them out involved begging, pleading, tears, frustration... (and that was just me). Nevertheless, here is his adorable new grin. (I'm not going to lie, I think it is absolutely charming!! I especially love to watch him talk!!)

Ryan sidenote: we spent some time this morning going through pictures and letters from when he was a baby. I think he's a pretty good mix of his birthparents and has similar interests (at this point) as well. It's so good to remember what a blessing my children are and how I wouldn't have either of them if it weren't for their amazing birthfamilies.

April Fools

I'll admit, I've never been much for April Fool's pranks, but this year I decided to have a little fun. For breakfast we had cereal but before I poured their cereal into their bowls I added a few drops of food coloring (also to their milk glasses). When we sat down to eat and I poured the milk in they giggled and thought it was a great start to the day.
They were even more thrilled when I told them we were going to "trick" Scott for dinner. I fixed meatloaf and cooked it in a cupcake pan then we topped them with blue/green mashed potatoes. They loved using the frosting squirter thing (can't remember what you call it) to pipe the potatoes on top of the meatloaf. They thought it was hilarious and wouldn't let Scott into the kitchen until everything was set. Then they watched him take a "surprised" bite and cheered, "April Fools!".
My kids are easily amused (I guess I am too). I may have to get a bit more creative next year.

(Warren joined us for dinner and got into it just as much as my kids.)

Fun with Fondant

Last night during the Priesthood session we gathered at my Mom's house for dinner and fun. Cassie, one of my sisters, brought cupcakes with fondant frosting for us to have fun with. I've never before used this kind of frosting and I discovered that it's quite fun!! You roll it out like playdough (tastes better, of course) and cut it up to decorate.
The kids thought it was great fun and got very creative with it.
Here are the results of their creativity.

A Necessary Evil

Every spring I mourn as I prune my raspberry stalks and my rose bushes. Even though I know I am doing the right thing and the best thing for them, I struggle to not feel sorrow as I cut of the growing parts of the plant.
It makes me think that Heavenly Father probably feels similar things when we are being "pruned". He knows we will be stronger, happier and more successful if we choose to grow through it. I'm sure he has moments of quiet encouragement talking us through the difficult patches and then takes a relieved breath when we begin to thrive again.

Ryan's Faith

Last summer I bought Ryan an Adidas exercise outfit (jacket and pants) from costco which he loved. Sometime in the fall he lost the jacket. I searched high and low, cleaned out closets and under beds, checked the school and church lost and found, etc.
I decided it was long gone and not to worry about it anymore.
Last Thursday something Ryan remembered that it was missing and started lamenting again. I told him it was gone but smiled that night as he prayed specifically that he would find his blue jacket with the three white stripes down the arms.
After that I'll admit I totally forgot about it.
Yesterday afternoon there was a knock on the door, Ryan answered it to find Sean and Warren holding his jacket.
I reminded Ryan of his prayer and thanked the boys for being an answer to that prayers.
Ryan is such an example of faith. He was not even surprised when the boys showed up at our door, pleased, but not surprised. He's such a good boy.

Karate Belt Promotion

This weekend Ryan and Isabelle each earned a new belt in karate. They were very excited especially because they earned a medal for doing chores at home. Grandpa Allen joined me in cheering them on. Good job, guys!