The Book of Mormon

Last weekend we finished reading The Book of Mormon again. It was our sixth time reading it together with the twins.

Before Lincoln and Rachel could read, we would look at pictures from the Book of Mormon and talk about the stories that went with them. We did this nearly every day from the time they turned two. When they started first grade, we began reading together before school each morning. The first time we read it cover to cover, it took us a solid year.

Some may wonder why we do this. Many years ago while preparing a church lesson I came across a quote by President Marion G. Romney that had a great effect on me. He said,

"I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein.

*The spirit of reverence will increase.

*Mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow.

*The spirit of contention will depart.

*Parents will counsel with their children in greater love and wisdom.

*Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents.

*Righteousness will increase.

Faith, hope and charity - the pure love of Christ - will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy and happiness."

I can testify that these things are true. I have tested this theory and it works! We have ups and downs like most families, but respect and consideration outweigh contention. Our children are obedient for the most part, and there is a continual feeling of peace and love in our home.

If you are not reading the scriptures daily with your family, I invite you to start. If you have never read this marvelous book, I invite you to learn more about it and other teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by visiting lds.org

Girls' Day Out

What to do when the boys are spending the day at winter camp?

....Have a girls' day out!

First, get all dressed up. Wear a pink hat because it's a special occasion.

Next go shopping and spend a little more than you planned.

Then, go to lunch with your mom and sister. Talk about important girl things like school, dance, how you are going to decorate your room, and how old you have to be to tweeze your eyebrows.

Stop by Grandma's for a visit. After all, she's one of the girls too!

It's been a long day so head back home. Get a foot rub then paint your toes red.

Happy Valentine's From Little Cupid

Lincoln, A 4th Grade Babe

"A lot of girls at school like Linc", Rachel stated while sipping on a cup of hot chocolate. "Really?' I answered, trying not to sound surprised. She went on to tell me some of the top secret details that only a twin sister would reveal: One girl wrote, "I love Lincoln" on her folder. Someone else asked Rachel if Lincoln was available or not. Another told Rachel that she thinks Lincoln is cute.

Later that week, I was talking with a friend on the phone and she mentioned it as well. She said that she had received information from a very reliable 10 year old source, that Lincoln is indeed a 4th grade babe.

"Lincoln?" "Are you sure about that?" Mark said with a chuckle when I broke the news to him. The proof came the very next day. I was doing my weekly bedroom cleanliness inspection. I bent down to look under the bed, and there in a neat little pile were two love notes.

My favorite said this:

Hi Lincoln,

I was wondering if you like Kansas City Chiefs & Utah Jazz

Yes or No (circle one)

PS Do you like me?

Yes or No (circle one)
PPS Do you think I'm cute? Yes or No
PPPS Do you want to hang out some time?

Please send back. From J_____.

I wanted to have a mom/son discussion about what he thinks about girls. I waited for Tuesday night. Mark is at church and Rachel is at dance so Lincoln and I usually pop a bowl of popcorn and play a game. We were in the middle of Clue when I casually asked him if he liked any of the girls at school.

"You mean besides Rach?" I nodded. "No Mom." "Well do you think any girls are cute?" "No Mom." "Well if you were going to think a girl was cute, who would it be?" "Nobody" Then he said, "Mom, do you mind if I plug my ears while you ask the rest of your questions?"

Hmmm I said to myself. I guess this conversation is over.

Lincoln has a sweet heart. He is a fast thinker which makes him funny. He is a good athlete and an "A" student. I know he is missing a few teeth, sometimes his clothes don't match and he can be kind of goofy, but if I were a 4th grade girl, I would probably have a little crush on him too.

To Wii or Not to Wii part 2

"I need an extension" was my answer last Monday night when the twins asked me for a decision concerning their Wii crusade.

What they didn't know was that I had already decided (thanks to the unanimous response of friends and family) to go ahead and make the purchase. It turns out that making the decision to buy a Wii was only half of it. Actually finding one was an adventure all its own.

I made a friend at Costco who gave me a tip on a day and time to be there. Unfortunately I got there too early and by the time I came back, it was too late. I have made phone call after phone call. "Nope" "Sorry", and "Haven't seen one since before Christmas" have been the standard answers.

This morning I sat down to make my usual calls. The last place on my list was a Target near our home. "We just got ten in this morning" said a nice lady with a heavy spanish accent. I wanted to jump through the phone and hug her. I hurried to Target just in time. As fast as they could be brought from the back room, they were snatched up.

I have to admit that I was a little troubled by the two middle age men behind me in line. They were unkempt and over weight. Why aren't they at work? I wondered. Maybe they can't hold jobs because they are addicted to video games, I answered to myself. Why are they here together? Maybe their wives got fed up with their addictions and kicked them out. Why are their clothes worn out? Maybe they spent all their money on video games and they don't have any left to buy new clothing. Suddenly I had an alarming image in my mind of Lincoln in forty years.

Luckily for Lincoln, my conscience stepped in and scolded me for judging, then reassured me that it will be ok. I took a deep breath as I swiped my debit card.

So now I am sitting here with the best surprise that Lincoln and Rachel will get this year. I think I will wait until Valentine's night to give it to them. Maybe we will send them on a treasure hunt or something fun. I hope they appreciate all my efforts, I hope that this will be a good thing, and most of all I hope that that in forty years Linoln's wife still likes me.

Everyone Needs a Mark

The best decision I have ever made was marrying my Mark. We fell in love at the tender age of seventeen. The first time my dad met Mark he said, "Kimberly, that young man is a gentleman." Dad was right.

We started dating in April of our jr. year of high school and we didn't have a first kiss until about ten months later. I kept waiting for it to happen but night after night he would give me a little kiss on the cheek and that was it. We held hands eveywhere we went, but no kisses. One night we had been to a Jazz game. I had driven us in my familiy's very big, very blue station wagon. I thanked him for inviting me and leaned over expecting the regular kiss on the cheek. Not this time. He kissed me right on the lips. Right in the station wagon. Right in his driveway.

After that I knew I wanted to marry him someday. We graduated high school, went to a year of college, then Mark left to serve a mission in Hawaii. He fell in love with serving the Lord on those islands and that feeling has never left him. He has a solid knowledge and testimony of the gospel and he lives it.

The two words that best describe Mark are humble and gentle. He never gets angry, he just doesn't know how. He has not spoken a critical word or raised his voice to me or the kids. There have been times when I have deserved a scolding (like when I didn't lock his car and the stereo got stolen) but harsh words never came. A few weeks ago, I turned a batch of whites into pink and he still hasn't mentioned it. Linc grumbled a little bit about having to wear pink underwear, but not Mark.

After 16 years of marriage, he still makes my heart skip. I think he looks even more handsome and distinguished with a little gray here and there. I love his smile and the way he makes me laugh. I love the way he rarely calls me by my name, instead he calls me Soleil. (the French word for sunshine) He has a calming nature and he makes me feel safe.

I appreciate the kind of father he is. Rachel and Samantha will have a hard time finding someone who will measure up to their dad. Lincoln has an excellent role model to follow.

Overall, we make a good team. Oh, I know he's not perfect. He has an unbreakable habit of leaving his socks on the floor and today he will vote for the wrong political party, but I have been blessed.

Many years ago, a friend said to me, "Everyone needs a Mark". I agree.

14 Days of Valentines

A big thank you to my sister in law, Carrie! I already knew that she is a gourmet cook, an amazing pianist / singer and down syndrome advocate. I did not know that she is also a romantic. A few weeks ago she sent us a challenge to put together 14 days of Valentines for our sweeties. (see her ideas by clicking on the scarehair link)

So this week I got busy. I used most of Carrie's ideas but added a few of my own. I had a great time! If you haven't started yet, don't worry. It doesn't have to be fancy, just heartfelt.

Day 1
I am one lucky girl! (Love letter & snapshot of our wedding day)

Day 2

For just the two of us. (Formal invite to a special night on 2/15. Dinner out (Johnny

Carino gift card) Dessert in. Include candles, bottle of cider and two glasses.)

Day 3

Three beautiful children. Pictures of Lincoln, Rachel and Samantha with love notes from them.

(I found cute heart frames at the dollar store.)

Day 4

Four family night treats at Baskin Robbins

Day 5

Five necessities for our next date (2 movie tickets, popcorn coupon, 2 boxes of candy)

Day 6

Six ways you melt my heart. (Order heart sugar cookies from Schmidts. Have them write little sayings on them like KB loves MB, etc.)

Day 7

Seven sticky notes.

(Write little love notes and hide them in different places like in his wallet, by his toothbrush, etc.)

Day 8

Meet me at eight for a dancing date.

(Our stake Valentine's dance. I have a new red tie to go with the invitation)

Day 9

Nine items for breakfast in bed.

(3 egg omlet with ham and cheese, toast, hashbrowns, fruit & juice)
Day 10

Ten fingers to give you a massage.

(I bought a little book about tips and two oils from Bath & Body Works)

Day 11
(This is my personal favorite) Eleven reasons why we love our Dad - Family Home Evening

Day 12

A dozen ways to show my love for you. (Coupons I made)
Day 13

Thirteen love songs. (A cd I put together of our favorite music)

Day 14

This has always been a family night for us (apparently we need a little help in the romance dept.) We order heart shaped pizza, we get helium balloons to decorate with and then we exchange small gifts) So our evening without kids will actually be on day 15 but hey, who is going to complain about an extra day?

I found a lot of fun things at the dollar store and the 1$ bins at Target. (cute gift bags, ribbons, balloons, candles, cardboard hearts and stickers) I also bought a bag of kisses and dark chocolate m&m's to add to a couple of the days.)

This was so much fun to do! Thanks Carrie.
Happy Valentining!