Sunday, April 27, 2008

Sunday, April 27, 2008

I cannot believe how fast time is flying. We are almost to May and I feel like it's only February. I was excited to get Kevin's voicemail on Friday morning announcing the new addition to our extended family. Kevin, congratulations on a healthy little girl. I am looking forward to seeing some pictures!

We had a routine week, so there's not much to report. Dave started back to his referee activities with Spring training for the local high school football teams. He helped officiate at a scrimmage yesterday morning. He is hoping to get a similar assignment for next week as well. Since he is involved for the entire year this year, he will have many more opportunities to work the games come fall. This poses a challenge for babysitting needs on weekdays when he has games; but, we'll make it work somehow. He definitely needs the "OUT" and we can use the extra money.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Life was pretty normal for us this week. I don't know what else to report except Matthew is loving playing baseball, Alyson has been ailing from "I'm bored" syndrome, and Rachel is spending a lot of time with friends playing outside and down at the park. Apparently, Alyson doesn't like to play with Rachel and her friends, but Alyson's friends all had other plans this week. On top of that, Mom is getting tired of playing Rummikub and "Go Fish!".

One funny for the week:

I've talked a lot with my carpooling friend about my kids and often how much Alyson likes to eat out. In fact, someone sent me an email where you can calculate your age by your dining out preferences (i.e., how often in a week you like to dine out). It worked for me and I thought I would see if it would work for answers Alyson would provide - "I like to eat out every night". In an effort to save money, I've been clamping down on the dining out funds. Well anyway, we had to rearrange our carpooling route last Monday to help Dave who needed to be at a meeting half-way between our home and my office about 5:30 p.m. We agreed that my friend,aka "Shana", and I would meet Dave at the meeting and swap cars (and kids). I got all settled in my seat and the first question that came at me was from Alyson - "Mom, can we go to McDonald's for dinner?" Shana and I looked at each other and busted up. Knowing I didn't want to cook that night, I respond "I think that could work into the plan." Then feeling like she was on a roll and might get her way again, the next question from her was "Mom, can I have fake nails like Shana?". Maybe you had to be there...

Have a great week!

Monday, April 14, 2008

Monday, April 14, 2008

Guess what? We are all in one piece this week! National news showed aftermath of local tornadoes. We experienced the storms without too much damage - just no power for several hours, half a night in the downstairs closet, and five very exhausted people. We all got up and went about our lives the next day as normal.

The highlight of the week was for Dave and I. Saturday, we helped with the stake youth conference themed "Life Choices". Part of the conference was the life-sized game of "Life". Dave played the part of a Car Salesman. His responsibility for the day was to try to sell as many youth as possible the most expensive car they could (not) afford. Each youth was given money and a credit card to make purchases throughout the game. The game had several parts where they were required to make large purchases - one being a home and the other a car. Dave played his part so well you would have thought he did that for a living! Many of the youth and leaders commented about how successful Dave was as a salesman. Everyone seemed to enjoy his enthusiasm. Can you all picture him playing this game?

I played the part of the "Court Clerk". My responsibilities included collecting taxes, dishing out refunds, collecting speeding ticket fines and divorce fees. I think the best part of the event was all the comments from the kids like ... "kids are expensive", "you mean, my car insurance doubles when I get a speeding ticket?","the government pays me to have kids?...Let's go get more!" and so on. The funniest ones to watch were those forced to get a divorce when they wanted to stay together. There was one kid who begged for a divorce - he just couldn't stand who he was paired with (it was a mutual dislike). Then he seemed a little miffed when he found out it would cost him $50,000, his home, his car, and half his life's earnings.

The event was all organized with help from the Dallas area LDS Employment Services. The local director has the game which she uses to teach youth all over the area about the importance of a good education and good financial practices. I was very impressed and was glad I had the chance to help with the event.

That's enough for now. This week should be another quiet week for us. Matthew continues with his baseball and the girls try to keep up with school work amidst friend time. I hope ya'll have a great week!

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Sunday, April 6, 2008


Dear Friends and Family,

I'll try to be ... Alyson was watching over my shoulder as I typed this and she finished the thought saying... "like Jesus". Not exactly what I had in mind, but a very true statement. We should all try to be a little more like Jesus everyday.

I've enjoyed the parts of General Conference I was able to catch this weekend. Due to baseball games, birthday parties, and internet issues, I didn't get as much in as I was hoping. I enjoyed several talks today, but I must admit the one by Elder Ballard about motherhood was especially important for me. I learned a lot from the sessions and appreciate the messages shared.

As for my family, the last couple weeks have been filled with:
School
Work
Baseball
Bicycle riding
Dog training (Pokey was neutered last week; this has made life a little more interesting. He wanders around with this cone on his head because he can't leave the incision alone. Hopefully we can take it off tomorrow.)
Play dates with friends
Making messes - trying to clean up messes (ask Dave, Peanut Butter is hard to clean off a mouse!)
Playing "Rock Band"
Arts and crafts
Trip to see "Horton Hears a Who" (Highly recommended for anyone interested - no matter the age)

I'm sure there's other things to report. Oh, I forgot to tell you...Rachel scored a 100% on her Reading TAKS test. This is a standardized test given to all 3rd graders in Texas. This is an awesome achievement for her. The next round of testing occurs at the end of this month - next subject is Math.

I hope you are all doing well!