Brian's Attempt to Keep His Dignity in Tact (what is left of it)

I just read Cathy's blog and was willing to let it go at that. I figured I had lost all credibility by letting the TV out of the house (all though that will be changing soon - we are actually selling it and getting a slightly smaller one that will fit in the armoire where it can be locked up and hidden away). I wanted to go to bed with what dignity I had left in tact. I told my neighbor the other day what I had done in taking the TV out and he said, 'I don't know of any husband that would do that - you must really love your wife'. Well, that is true, I do love her, more than she knows. But that being said, I was on my way to bed when I popped my head into the kitchen to see her laughing. She was not laughing at the TV comment but at the idea that one of my brothers or friends would catch word of her latest entry. The thought that they would not only laugh at me putting the TV away for a few weeks but really the thought that I might cry during family reading time! It never crossed my mind but I am sure it would my little brothers' minds. So, I had better make it clear right here and right now that although I participate in reading time (when I am home) I do not cry! Cathy and the kids have cried during it but that is where it stops. Zachary and I are usually playing something else and having a good time. Let the emotions stay with her when she teaches.

Now, our children know that the classics are important to their dad. I read them too after my children do and we have discussions about them. I do enjoy taking the lessons from the main characters in the classics and applying them to our lives today. These have become great discussions with my children and I treasure the moments I get to discuss these things with them.

As for the TV, plasma or LCD? 42 or 46 inches? Sony, Toshiba, Panasonic, Phillips, . . - we shall see!!! Get ready for March Madness!!!

A Sunday Night Snapshot

Since this blog has ended up being a kind of written family history, I thought it would be fun to "capture" what a typical Sunday night is at our house. Tonight has gone better than some, so I dare to share.
Some of you might not know, but we are doing an experiment in our family. We moved the TV out into the garage. It was a huge sacrifice for Brian since he is missing so many basketball games, but he must love me big time because he has not complained much. I know it pains him, though. He must just really trust me. He knows he'll get his TV back sometime.
Here is the reason why we did it. You know that commercial when the mom faces the huge, bloody, scary-looking gladiator and says matter-of-factly, "I'm sorry, I'm going to have to block you." Then he dejectedly bows and leaves the house. It's a commercial for the protective features of some cable service, I think, but it accurately describes what I am doing. Our TV watching has been getting out of hand and I can tell the kids would rather passively sit and be entertained than just about anything else. So, I'm sorry, but it had to go. It was getting in the way of what matters most to us.
It has been really interesting to see what the kids and Brian do instead. They have been actually really happy and easily find things to do. Josh has been a little lost, wandering around watching everyone else, but he'll get creative soon out of sheer boredom I think.

Brian has been playing piano every night and has been playing tonight, even arranging some of his own music. He is a brilliant musician and now we get to hear some of his creativity. Here he is reading to Zachie. Something he doesn't always get to do.

Brandon has been playing piano also, trying very hard to learn the piece of music he got from a youth fireside, something about being strong and courageous. He is really getting good at piano because he is determined to learn a song that is much harder than he can play. He has also been reading way more and really enjoying rereading his Childhood of Famous Americans series, in addition to some books that Grandma W. sent for Christmas.

Tonight Katelyn has been reading a ton and writing in her journal. She has also been playing with Josh and Amanda and Zach. She is such a good big sister.
Josh and Amanda listened to our family reading time, had dessert, brushed their teeth, got tucked into bed and then when we left started playing again. Here they are being cute so they won't get into trouble.
The best part of our evening was when we all gathered around so that I could read aloud. It sounds very "Little House on the Prairie" to do this, but it is so enjoyable--even the little ones beg me to do this. They all find something to do with their hands, then they listen and we all laugh and talk and think together. Sometimes we even cry. We have the most amazing discussions. Right now we are reading "Little Women" and "Man of the Family." We have a vote on which one we read first. Usually the two boys vote for "Man of the Family" and the two girls vote for "Little Women." Then we let Zach break the tie. Tonight he just pointed to me and said, "That one." We all laughed because it didn't really matter as long as Mommy read.
I hope you don't think we are anti-technology or trying to live in another century or something. We aren't either. We just want something better. It has made my family much happier and maybe that is why I am not afraid to give you a snapshot.

Brian just told me about the game he missed and that he can't wait to get a TV. These are his words, "I love you sweetheart, but we are putting the TV back soon." So, I'll keep going as long as we can...and I'll keep you posted on whether the gladiator gets to come back in.

Thinking of Paul

It's already that time of year again. I've been thinking about Paul a lot, especially since Christmas. Remember it last year? How things have changed in a year. I am so grateful that all of us six kids got to be together during that time. Look at us now, so far apart. That really was a miracle, wasn't it? A tender mercy from the Lord. I will always have those memories to cherish.

Thinking of you guys, DeLynn. We miss him, too. Will you all take one run at Targhee for me?

Cute Stuff for Grandma

This blog is for Grandma Carling. She always wants to know what the kids have been doing and all the cute things they say. Anyone else, you are welcome to read on if you like.
This is what happens after church every week and almost every day since Zach does not want to take a nap anymore. He just falls asleep in the most unusual places. When we notice that the house isn't being destroyed for a minute, we go find him and put him somewhere a little bit softer. This is him asleep with one knee up on the tile step.

Tonight Zachie put on Amanda's yellow head band like a crown and announced, "I'm a pwince!"

At family home evening we had a few presents wrapped as part of our activity. There was one for each kid and Zach was very interested in them, as you can imagine from our Christmas Eve fiasco. He had one in his hand, so we said, "Zach, who is this present going to be for?" He yelled out, "ME!" with a big smile. Of course, he felt the same way about all the rest of the presents too. Reluctantly, he gave a present to each kid, but ended up happy about it.

This is how Brandon, Josh, and Amanda sorted the dirty laundry this week. They let gravity get it from the hallway into the pile. Of course, they had to add the work of hanging each piece of clothing on a hanger first, but they said it made the job much more fun. Whatever works.

Zach is starting to volunteer to say prayers. It is the cutest thing to have him repeat what we say. He also manages to be everywhere and involved in everyone's business. Tonight he had to come with us to tuck in each child, as he does every night. He even climbs the ladder to the top bunk to kiss Josh. He kisses them all goodnight and tells them he loves them and, "See you in morning!" Then he marches into my bedroom for "Rock-a-bye baby" where he tries to see how many books we can read before Daddy comes to put him into bed. He always insists on reading the same books over and over. Lately it is "Melmo" (If you're happy and you know it clap your hands) and a book full of nursery rhymes. His favorite nursery rhyme is "Dumpy Dumpy." He pretends to be Humpty Dumpty when he is sitting on the counter now. I just hope he doesn't actually fall.

Today Brandon, Katelyn, and Amanda all got the idea to simulate a news program. First they read a few current events from the newspaper, then they wrote up some flash cards, then they had to make a weather map and research the weather all over the U.S. and California, and then had to get suits and desks and set up a studio. Well, everyone had a job and Zachie, who really governs over all the projects, had to be the cameraman. He stood on a chair and watched the view finder and laughed and pointed. Josh didn't want to change into church clothes for something so silly, so he just went out in the backyard to ride his bike and play ball.

I just had to send that cuteness out there. There is never a dull moment around here as Grandma and Grandpa well know.

Happy New Year!

We've had such a nice and relaxing holiday break. Here's what we've done on our Christmas vacation...

A little car racing...

A little cycling...

A little imaginative play...(this is baby desus in the manger)

We've had some happy times and some tears. We were happy when we got some fun toys for Christmas.

We were sad when someone opened all of the Christmas Eve pajamas for us. Hmmm, I wonder who it was...

The boys showing off their PJs.

Brian and Brandon at the Emerald Bowl after Brandon and the choir sang the national anthem in the rain. Go Trojans!

Brandon's idea of fun--camping overnight in a snow cave near Lake Tahoe with the scouts. He says it was 70% awesome and 30% miserable. I think the 30% miserable involved a 4 am cell phone call to Brian's snow cave for help in warming up and getting more sleep. Luckily, they came home happy and without any frostbitten appendages.

Father and son--freezing and having a great time in the snow. Boys will be boys.

2009 was full of fun adventures. We can't wait to see what 2010 has in store for us. Have a wonderful New Year!

We'll Have a Green Christmas, Without You

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

A boy scout in a lemon tree?

We are having the most unusual Christmas with our fruit harvest, unusually warm temperatures, and nowhere to go. On Saturday, we mowed the lawn and cleaned up the yard.Yesterday we played at the park. Today we climbed trees, wrapped presents, and checked our grapefruit (they should be ready any day.)

Even our roses are hanging in there, still producing beautiful buds.

Last night we went caroling with a big group from our ward and the kids were confused at not needing snow boots, hats, and gloves. It is even more confusing to see that the hills and the grasses are getting greener, even if the trees have lost almost all of their leaves. But, just to prove to you that we got some snow...Of course, it melted in a few minutes. But, it surprised everyone in the area since they haven't had snow in about 10 years.

We even went to our version of Temple Square to see the lights... Notice the Nativity scene under the neon blue palm trees? The Oakland Temple is behind us.So, things are a little different here, but we are still feeling the Christmas spirit. We hope that you all are too. We miss you and will be thinking of all of you! Have a wonderful Christmas!

'Tis the Season

Well, the countdown to Christmas has begun and our household is busier than ever with preparations for the upcoming week. Josh and Amanda have written their letters to Santa and put them in the mail. Brandon and Katelyn helped by taking dictation and then editing until the letters were perfect. They were even complete with illustrations. I'm sure Santa is going to love them.Katelyn is busy making more decorations for the Christmas tree. Her presents are already purchased or homemade and wrapped under the tree. She has been singing up a storm. I think baking is next on her list.

Brandon has been working on his own arrangement of Carol of the Bells, a violin duet he plans to do with Dad. He is writing it down on sheet music so that Dad will be able to sight read it.

Zachary is helping out by loading the dishwasher. After all, somebody has to do the hard work of keeping this family organized.