Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Reading and Random

1.  I love reading; I've tried very hard over the years to turn my non-reading kids into readers.  I'll let them read anything - even dare I confess it - Captain Underpants, to get them to catch the reading bug.  Nolan caught it and always has a good book to read.

A while back he finished reading the Book of Mormon - I was ridiculously proud, because although I gave lots of encouragement, he ultimately was the one who had to read it.  The older he gets the more I can see how essential it is for these teens to have their testimonies growing. 

Today he was chatty when he got home from school.  He is normally quite silent and stingy with the information he is willing to share, so I sat there and soaked it in, appreciating the moment of free flowing information.  He has two girls at school who want him to ask them to the upcoming dance.  He's 11.  We talked about how he felt, what he wanted to do and then we talked about the counsel from the prophet; 14 is the age to start attending dances.  He seemed relieved.  There is safety and comfort in following the prophet.

Anyhow, I sort of went in a different direction there then I intended; my purpose in telling you Nolan finished the Book of Mormon was to lead into something he said that I always want to remember.  The boys and I were driving out to my parents and Nolan and I were discussing personal scripture study and how it was important that he continue to read a little bit every day.  Then he said, "Mom, it's so hard for me just to read a little bit.  When I read it's so real.  It's like I'm the main character in the story and everything is happening to me".  Awesome!

Family Picture August 2011

2.  Lately I've been reading non-fiction.  Our book club read Driven - the Larry H. Miller Biography a few months ago and ever since I've enjoyed reading life lessons others have to share.  Currently I'm reading Katie Couric's The Best Advice I Ever Got - Lessons from extraordinary lives. One quote in there I love - "Along the way, you're bound to encounter people who are naysayers and buzz killers.  Maybe they're insecure, maybe they're bitter, maybe they simply lack imagination.  Those people need to be strained from your life like sand from a colander of freshly washed seashells."  Great Metaphor!

3.  Spencer is gone for the week.  He's in Regina attending a conference.  I hate it when he's gone; life doesn't seem to run as smooth.

4.  Yesterday during dinner, Jarom took a scoop of Mayo.  Looked at it and said it looked like a pile of bird poop.  I looked at it and thought, you're right, it does. 

5.  A couple of weeks back I finally got to talk to one of my best friends from Winnipeg I hadn't talked to her for a long time.  We chatted for hours and then because it was after midnight we hung up.  After I was so "homesick" for her and all of my good friends from Winnipeg.  I was reminded how much I love talking to her and how much I miss our chats about life and parenting.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Cooling Off


Man alive it has been so stinking hot here all week long - like Vegas hot.  Alright not quite that hot, but it has been warmer than normal - hotter than all summer. 

Barrett discovered the hose and thought it was awesome.  He whipped the hose around, but mostly he sucked on the end.  Since I'm aiming for mother of the year, I stood there and watched; took a few pictures.  I know I'm awesome, just ask my kids they'll tell you.  I've been getting rave reviews all week.


Saturday, September 10, 2011

Guess what Jarom started...


That's right folks. FOOTBALL!!!  He was so excited the first time he was dressed up in his gear he could barely hold still long enough for me to click a couple of shots off.

This is his game face.  Wednesday is his first game.  We're all so excited to see him take down his first tackle.  It's going to be awesome. 

Thursday, September 08, 2011

Week-End Wanderings

We had big plans for the Labor Day Long Week-End. 


We've been counting down the days until we got to go and see this smiley guy. Man alive is he ever cute. He turned one. We had to go and celebrate.


We also wanted to see Rachel and Paul's beautiful new home.  They have a spare bedroom, we are going to use it lots. 


Rachel sure knows how to throw a party.  Don't you wish you had such a marvelous party thrown for you?  Cute cute Jungle theme.


The Birthday Boy didn't hold back during cake time.  Somebody has a sweet tooth.  Good old Strate genes!


We got to see Patrice; Nikolas just adores her; he thinks she is the greatest thing since sliced bread.


Paul got a BBQ.  I don't think I've ever seen someone so excited to get something.  It was fun to watch how elated he was.  Then he treated us to some awesome BBQ'ed chicken. 



All cousins have to have naked tub pics.