Taking a Peek

I do not cook or bake often; however, these past few days I have had a strong desire to make cinnamon rolls. I was a bit nervous that they would turn out small and hard like they have for me in the past, but Mmm look at this peek into the oven window. They turned out beautiful and were enjoyed by eager fingers and mouths. If this feeling of fulfillment keeps up, I may try baking more often. (At least as long as the weather is cooler than 90 degrees!)

Field Trip

On a field trip with the preschool group. We enjoyed fun things at Cabela's: animals, fish, fudge, and camping. Unfortunately the children move so fast I just can't capture all the cute things they were doing.

Super Saturday

This last Saturday was our Relief Society's "Super Saturday" activity. I was put in charge of this advent calendar. My sweet Mother-in-law made this for all her children and we have loved it so much, I offered the idea for this activity thinking other young families would enjoy it as well. I was very excited to see the finished product of a few of these calendars and see that they turned out to be very cute!
This has been a special tradition and a wonderful way to celebrate Christ's birth. Mary and Joseph travel on the path and at the end baby Jesus is taken out of Mary's pocket and put in the manger. The children love it.

"Rain is Falling All Around"

On Sunday the Austin Texas Stake held a special fast for the area because we are dangerously low on water. We fasted for rain to come and relieve the area. After church we drove to Lake Travis (where Austin area gets its water) to see how it looks before rain comes. The lake is about 50 feet below what it should be. (link here to see)

July 2007

We visited Mansfield Dam two years ago before the drought started and the lake had received so much rain they opened the flood gates.

September 2009

Below is the picture of the lake. I wish I could have shown how there is land exposed in the middle of the lake as well making islands were there were no islands before. You can see the dirt strip around the lake where the water level used to be.

Now, the reason I post this, every day of this week has had a forecast of rain and it is now raining and sprinkling. Are prayers answered, I think this is a resounding YES!

"Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation 0f God, and for his arm to be revealed." -Doctrine and Covenants 123:17

Little Scientist

David has been coming home with his pockets full of rocks. His teacher said that he spends most of his time exploring and digging in the ground. I was impressed with the rocks he found, they were all fossilized shells. He loved telling us all about them and how old they are. He is a great explorer.

The Temple

We took our monthly trip to the San Antonio Temple last Saturday and I was the lucky one who was to walk the grounds with the children while Clark went in first. We explored and took the opportunity to take pictures of each other in front of the temple. We felt the Spirit and enjoyed the peace that filled us. As we sat in one spot, David stood and gave a talk on the importance of the temple. I love the joy that fills my heart at the temple.

My three sweet children.

David took this picture so that I could have a picture of me.

Here are my boys, preparing for the temple.

My sweet little girl that has a heart full of love and is excited for the day she too can go to the temple.

"As a child of God I've learned this truth: A family is Forever."

Lunch with Only Two

The days have been so quiet with David gone, but normalcy is starting to come back into our lives. Rebecca often pretends while she eats, especially with David. She is starting to do it again. Here she is being a kitty. She is so patient, sweet, and kind. I love having this time to have with her.

Benjamin loves sitting "crisscross applesauce" all the time, even when he sits in his chair for lunch! I love his little toes.

Our sweet little boy always with a smile.

Again, our sweet kitty and apple, of course. Rebecca is a great example of pure love.

Fast Learner

Last week was David's first week of school. Everyday he brings home a folder that we check and also contains pages that he practices (words, numbers, letters). One of the papers in the practice section was on learning to tie your shoe. We showed David how to tie his shoes and let him practice, and I figured in a few weeks he would start to understand it and get the knack of it. I don't remember how old I was, but five seems pretty young.

To my surprise, David picked it up after only a couple times of us helping him. This morning he surprised me by doing it completely by himself, and even adding the double knot! Perhaps I am just his mother, but he amazes me at how quickly he is picking everything up. What a smart little boy!

Our children amaze me in how quickly they learn.