Trash Day

Living in the country is great. We have deer, fox, hawk, and great Big Black Birds. They are huge! ... And they love our trash! They swoop down and dive bomb our trash cans. You can see the peck marks on the lids. They are so strong they can knock over the can and then pull all the trash out with their beaks. Claire has the right expression, just how I feel. I sent out the troops. Needless to say they were not excited.

At first they tried to kick the trash back into the trash lid so they wouldn't have to pick it up, it didn't work. They thought it was disgusting, so did I.

They finally got on board. I told them we can wash our hands really well when we get inside.{ You know I will scrub the skin off}. It wasn't fun, but we got it done.

This problem with trash has plagued us since we moved in. Most of the time I keep it in the house till trash day{smelly} I know why not the garage? It is too far for me to drag the trash. I am a wimp. I need to get the boys to help with this more often. They do sometimes , but I just do it myself because it is easier. You know how it is.

"Called to Serve"

Today our Ward Relief Society was in charge of making and serving the full time missionaries. They were having a huge zone conference. There were about 120 missionaries. We served my RS President famous Catalina chicken with Rice, Strawberry Salad, Rolls and a yummy chocolate fudge cake. Everything smelled delish! We thought we might run out of rice, but with a little prayer and strategic serving methods we made it, whew!

The boys and Claire came along to help. I am so grateful that they get the opportunity to serve. They sat the tables and helped getting water and rolls. They were the gophers for all the women there. They brought rice out and carried empty bowls back to the kitchen. They handed out mints to the missionaries at the end.

The boys heard the missionaries sing "Called to Serve" and thought that was pretty cool. I know it is cliche but I never get tired of hearing the missionaries sing this song. I thought of Grandma and Grandpa Ross, I know that they are probably singing this song allot right now too. I met an Elder Bar from AZ {senior missionary} He said this was their first day in the mission and so far the food was great. Again I thought of G&G Ross and felt a big lump in my throat. Sam wanted to know if G&G were eating in a gym like ours. I told him no, but maybe when they get out of the MTC they would.

I hope as we pray for G&G, we can feel the spirit of missionary work. It's wonderful to be able to serve beside your kids and help them to feel the importance of helping others. It doesn't hurt to make sure they know where all the proper placement of silverware, napkin and cups are either.

We have an awesome ward. So many people just willing to jump in and help, when it wasn't even on their radar for the day. These sisters are great examples to me and my kids and I thank you.

FHE......Mario Kart

We got "Mario Kart" and I think I Know what the activity for the next little while in FHE will be.

Jack and Sam were busy setting up a bracket so we could have a tournament. While we were having announcements in FHE Jack ask if everyone that wasn't involved with activity,{ie. person giving the lesson, person leading the singing,} could cut these things short so we could play "Mario Karts" longer. I said," I don't think so."

We had the tournament and much to Jack's chagrin Skip won. Jack couldn't believe it. He thought Mom and Dad would need all the help they could get. I do, because I play terrible. It was fun anyway. Blake wanted to know why we don't play Wii after we put them to bed because he sure would if he could. If only there weren't loads of laundry waiting to be folded and dishes calling my name. Then I could really get my game on.

FIRST SNOW IN 2008

It started snowing this morning and my kids were so excited. We don't get snow like we did in Denver. They had a blast. Claire's first snow and she wouldn't cooperate with pictures. Maybe she is not a Diva or maybe she is. This is the first time Sam and Blake could really gang up on Jack. Jack held his own. If you must know I was still in my PJ's, When you are the Mom you get to do what ever you want.