"Silent Sunday"

I was a great Sunday.  I was able to hear every word in Sacrament meeting.  I didn't have to play the dot game or distract/entertain a young child.  I didn't have to say, "You are going to have to wait till after Sacrament Meeting to get a drink!"  I didn't have to play with anyone's hair or scratch their backs.  I didn't have to "Shush" anyone.  I just sat their and listened in peace. 

 And this is why...

(Payton asleep on the chapel  floor)

This has not happened in about 5 years.  Payton never falls asleep, EVER!

It was a great Sunday!

"Staycation"

With the Economy the way it is, I thought it best for a "Staycation" this spring break.  Well, the economy and the fact that half our family was going on a scout trip.  The girls and I decided to stay at a more local, cheap place for our staycation, The Weenig's Bed and Breakfast (half the Weenig family were on the same scout trip!)   We had one big slumber party.  The accommodations were fabulous and there were many activities to do right outside our door, no long distance driving necessary.  We did not stray far from the house and all it's comforts.  We enjoyed breakfast in bed, jumping on the trampoline, and catching up on all the T.V. on Tivo.  Our other day trips included going to the movies, going to the beach and having dinner with friends.  The girls and I had a blast, even though we were about 5 miles from home.  As long as we packed our bags and didn't sleep at home it counts as a vacation, I mean "Staycation"!  Thanks for all the fun Weenigs.

"A Day at the Museum"

My parents always made sure we had fun adventures when we were younger.  Whether it was at the beach, Yosemite, Irvine park, the Big Bear cabin, we were always exploring and learning something new.  I want to instill this yearning for adventure in my kids as well.  That's why we took my kids for the first time to one of our family's favorite museums, The Los Angeles Natural History Museum  .  It has been a while since I have been there and it has not changed one bit!  My favorite part of the museum is the Habitat Halls that show African and North American mammals in their natural environments.  The kids were in awe of the huge elephants that were right before their eyes.  The kids loved the Discovery center.  (This wasn't there when I was young.)  The focus of the center is hands-on interactive learning. There were terrariums filled with live insects, reptiles and amphibians (yuck!)  We also played "Paleontologists" and dug in the “dig pit” where the kids excavated fossils.  It was so great to see my kids enjoy the museum as much as I did when I was little.  And I am glad my mom and sister Marie were there to witness it too.

 

"Easter 2009"

We have been doing the same things for Easter since I can remember.  Ever since I was little and even now that I am grown up with my own family, not much has changed with our traditions.  And that's the way I like it!  It all starts with finding the perfect Easter Outfit.  The girl's dresses were a beautiful, spring combination of pink and green.  And R.J.'s tie matched perfectly.  Then, the decorating of the eggs.  We still use PAAS Egg Dye.  More dye gets on their hands then on the eggs.  The next morning there is always excitement to see what the Bunny has left for us.  Our Easter bunny always brings the kids a "Summer" themed basket.  Once again there were new bathing suits, sandals and beach towels.  I woke up to find my Easter goodies in a brand new Coach bag and Rob got a gift certificate for a massage in his!  After our egg hunt we watched, "None Were With Him" a video with clips of the Savior put to the words from Elder Holland's talk.  We wanted to make sure after all the fun and prizes the kids remember the true meaning of Easter.  And really understand the atoning sacrifice the Savior made for each and everyone of us.  To complete the day we went to Grandma & Grandpa's house.  There we spent time with brothers, sisters, aunts. uncles and cousins.  There was another huge Easter Egg hunt.  Everyone wanted to find the Big Golden Egg with the cash but, the honor went to cousin Summer.  It was a memorable day spent with family and for remembering the gift Christ gave to us!

"Sweet Dreams"

I woke up this morning staring into the face of my sweet baby. I watched her peacefully breath in and out, in and out. All the while trying not to make too much movement in fear of waking her up. I think I love my kids most when they are sleeping. Not for why you think, because they are quiet and motionless. But, because they look happy, not a care in the world, they are perfect right at that moment. I had to capture Payton's perfect moment. The sound of the camera made her stir into different positions but she fought the light of the morning and kept her eyes sealed shut a little longer not wanting to give into the day. Last night she found her way in the dark to my side of the bed. She had a nightmare. Usually she is okay to sleep on the couch in our retreat but not this time, this nightmare was different. She needed to sleep with the protection of Mommy and Daddy surrounding her. She had to sleep in the middle. Since I had kids I made a promise to myself, never to deny them my bed and arms of comfort when they had a nightmare. My mom taught me this a long time ago. She never forced me to return to my own bed. Her bed was always a place of comfort, a place where bad dreams were not allowed. It didn't matter how many of her children found their way to that bed at once, all were welcome! When Payton finally woke up, I asked her what her dream was about. She said, "I can't remember anymore." Then she snuggled deeper into my arms. Mama's bed only allows "Sweet Dreams"!

 

"It Only Happens Twice a Year"

Only 2 Sundays out of the year do we spend all day in our P.J.s!  We love General Conference Sunday and all that comes with it.  We don't have to wake up to the sound of an alarm clock, no early morning 

meetings, no rushing to get yourself and the kids ready for church, no shoving

 down breakfast or eating it in the car to make it to church on time, no preparing for lessons and no sitting on the pew husband less, giving my kids the "Eye" that means be reverent!  Just a day with the whole family sitting together listening to the words from our inspired leaders of the church. 

 All the while being in the comfort of our own home.  Our Conference traditions always start with a big breakfast.  This year we made "Magnolia Hotel Puffy Pancakes"

(thanks for the recipe Karen Uda)   with fresh berries, powdered sugar and cream   on top.  And during Conference the kids stay focused on the talks by playing Conference Bingo with M&Ms, and writing in their 

Conference Journals.  I love when the kids share with me what they write about.  This year Payton is into sketching

 and did a great job drawing Pres. Monson!  The count down is on, only 6 more months to another perfect Sunday.  

"April Fool's"

This morning we woke up to Green Milk! Payton just about had a fit when I tried to poor it into her cereal. I know it wasn't spoiled, I just bought it. I was so confused. Then, I heard little giggles coming from Madison. She then yelled, "April Fool's!" I must admit we completely forgot about that holiday. Good thing Madison didn't. We all had a good laugh at her little joke. Come to find out she only put food coloring in the milk. So, we all enjoyed green milk with our cereal. I'll have to remember that one for St. Patrick's Day!

"A Good Boy"

The day after R.J. turned twelve he got his first taste of "Giving Service as a Youth", no more Primary Service for him.  He's in the big league now!  Youth Service is big time, the weak need not show up.  4:30 Monday morning even before the sun came up, we went to help out at the Interfaith Community.  The Interfaith Community  focuses on the needs of low-income and homeless people.  That morning we

 prepared a home-cooked, hot meal for about 150 people and put together sack lunches for them to take with them all 

while wearing a adorable hairnet.  R.J. did a great job helping out.  He was in charge of the egg casserole and made it all by himself.  It's hard for me to remember that he's a competent,  young man now.  But, the mommy in me 

wants to come out and help him do EVERYTHING.  I am learning surely 

but slowly to step back and watch him in action, mistakes 

and all!  We had a great time together 

with the youth.  My favorite part was watching the youth serve these sweet people who are in need of some help.  You could see genuine concern in the kids eyes while they put food onto their plates.  And when the people said, "thank you" I know they truly felt they did some good to help someone else.  I am so grateful I got to witness R.J. giving this kind of service!