Final Friday: Ultimate Pajama Party

The best part about the end of the month.....Final Friday! We have started the tradition this year (two months running) of hosting a family party for our friends and family. Last month's disco party was not as disco-y as I had hoped, for lack of a great disco ball I am sure. This month was GREAT!




Our regular neighborhood families were in attendance, as well as our real family from a few streets down. I am so glad they come to play. Faith and I got the party started building the beginnings of a full room forth, and then the boys helped as they arrived. There was room enough for every one to fit inside. Jamie entertained us all with a Crocidile story, and it was true, I was just as entertained as the kids, if not more. Jamie is a good storyteller. We had popcorn of all kinds, including Pirate Bootie (cheetos meets popcorn). The night was ended out with a boisterous pillow fight! Awards go to Cole Hohne for his amazing flying attack from the chair, he almost knocked me over. Better luck next time buddy.

Let's go WILD

Last week we took advantage of the weather and the wildlife, enjoying our time at Zoo Boise. It was our first time seeing the Africa exhibits.

You can't rightly tell from this photo of Danny, but we were parked right in front of the monkey house. One of the baboonish monkies came down from his perch in the fake tree to sit on a stump right in front of Danny. He got himself into a thinking man pose and just stared at Danny. As politely as possible, Danny stared right back.

At some points I couldn't tell whether there was more wild animals on the outside, or the inside of the glass.

FHE: Be My Valentine

February passed fast, but luckily we had a head start on getting our valentine's cards out, thanks to a well planned FHE. Faith was sooo good at putting the sprinkles on. She knew just were all the stickers should go and what design the glue should go in. Hey, you can't go wrong when making homemade Valentine's cards for grandparents!

Silly Fam Photos

It was simple, but fun enough for 2 yrs and 8 months. Here is the catch up of some past fun.

Pick your Battles; Part 2

Obviously, with the economy going bad, people going sour, and all around evil is becoming accepted, I have chosen to pick my battle as a mother.
I decided I don't want to read the news,
my kids don't need TV or even the vast majority of movies,
the economy can only effect us as much as we let it,
and the pop culture of the world is not 'in' in our home.

We have made some tactical maneuveurs lately for our family to help fortify our home -

• we read the Book of Mormon as a family daily, without fail - Faith is a creature of habit and has made sure this is a nightly routine
• we have Family Home Evening every week: this week we sang songs for most of it, but it was effective
• we have weekly Family Fun nights - in the last month we have had silly picture night, ice cream run (using only spare change), and 'do as I am doing'
• monthly Final Friday Family Fun - why not invite good friends to enjoy the fun we have? last month was disco night, this month was pajama party
  
• we do not have the TV on for more than 2 hrs each day - makes more time for letters, coloring, reading, singing, and cleaning
• we are reconsidering everything on our budget and categorizing it as a 'want' or a 'need' - today we cancelled our Netflix; although it was nice to have a movie when we wanted it, the library is free, and movies aren't all that great anyway, lately we have only been watching them because they are here but we would rather read books...funny how easy it is to be lazy sometimes
• we 'make it do, or do without'- this has translated in lots of ways mostly which has become our groceries and other supplies, last week I worked my magic with orgigami because we had run out of staples and tape and wouldn't be getting any again until March, worked just fine
• we have made a change toward being positive in ALL things - after all, no one wants to hear you gripe about things anyhoo. it has a remarkable effect on the gloom around you as well. we just like it better
  

I just finished reading this in the Doctrine and Covenants 27: 15-18
Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.......and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also.

I love the "rejoice" scriptures. There is reason to be happy. If for no other reason, than the promise that we can be where Christ is in the end, if we remain faithful and put on His armor.

Married to a MASTER

This morning Josh presented his Masters project/dissertation/SOAP note. He passed. Not only did he pass, but one of the toughest faculty members in his department told him he did "excellent." Best of all, he is done with his Master's requirements! Now he just has to finish out his rotations and pass the Boards. Josh has been very dilligent with keeping up on his study for tests weekly and generally being one of the most prepared students, I really do not worry about him passing his certifications. He probably does. I am so proud of him! Here we are, one step closer to being almost done with school, almost....

Early Morning with my Little Man

This morning Josh gets to sleep in...well, that is kinda true. He has been a champion helping me get Danny into a better night time feeding schedule; meaning, when Danny wakes up at night and it is not my designated time to feed him Josh goes in and comforts him. Josh held him off for more than an hour this early morn, so after feeding Danny, I stayed up with him. It is unusual for me to be up early with the kiddos. Generally Josh is our early riser and has the kids from when they wake until 6:30am when I get up. I wonder now, what does he do while I sleep?

I have enjoyed this little quiet time with Danny. My son is so beautiful! He grumbles and growls and just figured out how to do the "Oooooo" with a little circle mouth. He, like his father, is extremely jealous of my attention. If I am near him at all on the floor he scooches over to me and cuddles his head into me...so loving. When I put my face near his, Danny grabs my hair to pull me closer so we can stare at each other forhead to forhead.

In short, I am in love with my son, and I think he loves me.