Stone Soup

Dear Sisters,

I remember very vividly making Stone Soup at school when I was in 3rd grade. We first read the book in class and then we brought ingredients from home and threw them in the pot to make our tasty soup. I remember how wonderful I thought it tasted. I was convinced that the stone (which I think might have just been a giant potato) we put in the pot made the soup taste more delicious than any other soup I had ever or would ever taste.

Well, the other night we made Stone Soup at our house. And, yes, we put an actual stone inside. I know, kinda yucky. I did try my best though to clean it beforehand and made sure the soup boiled for a while after adding it. But, I think next time we will just use a potato because it did kind of gross me out to think of that stone sitting in our soup! :) Anyway, it was really fun and the girls got a kick out of the whole process. Fun memories!

 The hand picked stone!

I know, I know. Eliza's head is dangerously close to that hot soup!

Hope you all have a great Easter weekend!

Love,
Molly

Go for the Half?

I've just committed to train and do a half marathon with a gal in my ward the first weekend in June. Am I crazy? Have I made a mistake?

Always Learning

Sisters,
Again, I wanted to share some of the things I've been reminded of recently.  As you know, Nate broke his leg last Saturday.  He's been reliant on us to move him from the couch to his bed etc.  He hasn't really left the house much and is very limited in what he can do.  It has been so nice to see the outpouring of kindness from others.  I haven't really felt like we've "needed" help...there are many others with bigger issues they are dealing with. But, that said, I have really appreciated the little things that people have done.  His preschool class made a big card for him, several different friends have brought by treats or things to occupy his time and they also wanted to see how he was, the neighbor kids brought by a big card and some candy for him, and one of my sisters sent a fun toy in the mail.  All of these things have made his day and have made this first week more bareable.  I also had a friend come and spend a couple of hours with him yesterday so that I could leave for a bit.  She read to him and played games with him, he loved it.  I have so appreciated these small acts of kindness and have realized that even a small five minute service can make someones day.  It has reminded me that it doesn't need to be a big event to let someone know you are thinking of them.  Everyone needs to be remembered and thought of, even if it's just during a small bump in their road and not a major catastrophe.

Once again, I've realized an area I need to work on and I appreciate the examples of those around me that have reminded me of this.  Just wanted to share my thoughts.

Enjoy your day...I hope you have sunshine like we do.  Spring is in the air and I love it!!
Amy

The Lesson I Learned From my Five Year Old

Yesterday we woke up to about 1-2" of snow. This was so exciting for my 5 year old because we have had so little snow this winter.  He excitedly asked me if we could go sledding.  I told him that once the kids got home I had scouts, then Jon had scouts and then we were going to an event to support dad at the high school.  With his sweet eyes, he looked at me and said, "If we weren't so busy, would you take me sledding?"  For some reason, that melted my heart and I re-evaluated my "busy-ness".  I asked him where we would go sledding...he had some great responses and I realized at that moment that he didn't care if we waited for all the kids to join us, but that he wanted to have some fun in the snow and go sledding.  We did go sledding, just Nate and I.  We laughed and loved every minute of being together in the snow.  We raced down the hill together on a sled, then we raced each other each on our own sleds and we even had a snowball fight.  It will be a cherished memory that will last a life-time.  I was grateful to be reminded that in spite of the busy-ness that frequently runs my life, I need to take time to enjoy the little things and especially the "little people" that I am grateful to have in my life.  We were only gone an hour, but it was the best hour of my day. 

Take time to enjoy your day!
Amy

1-2-3 Magic

I read this book recommended on 71 Toes, and since it was right on the shelves at my library, I picked it up.

It. Is. Fabulous.

It's an engaging read, and I found myself nodding my head like an eager bobble head as I read it. We've instituted the 1-2-3 method, and I noticed a HUGE difference around our house in 24 hours. I kid you not. I'm sure not everyone would have such dramatic results, but not everyone is struggling like I was.

I have discovered that I am a mother who talks WAY too much. And even though I knew it aggravated the heck out of my kids, I didn't really know of a better option. In one part of the book it says that some kids would rather cut off their left leg than lose a good battle of words. We have one who carries a bone saw around with him at all times, so this book has been a lifesaver.

This book has turned a huge light bulb on around here, and although you all probably aren't stumbling around in the dark like us, you might still like a little more illumination anyway.

Happy Valentines!

Sisters,

Happy Valentines Day!  I wanted to share some of the things I love about Valentines. I know I've shared this before, but at our home Valentines has become a family event...and one the kids look forward to and love.  We always have a family dinner complete with using the nice china and crystal.  We always have steak and shrimp...which we never have except for on Valentine's Day.  I also decorate the table in a fun way and we have angel food cake with strawberries and cream for dessert.  We love it.  

Another thing I love is the sugar cookies...what is Valentines without sugar cookies?  Nate and I had a great time making and delivering cookies yesterday.

One more of my favorite things includes getting valentines ready for the kids to take to school.  Tom is very creative and this is the one time during the year that the kids beg him to help them make a creative valentines box.  This picture is the one that he and Em made for the big day.  She really wanted to make a dragon.  It turned out great and she was so excited to take it to school.  They had a great time making it together. Now we'll see if the kids feel okay putting their hand in his mouth to deliver valentines! As a mother, I love seeing the kids so excited about something creative that they are doing with their dad.  Now I'm anxious to see what they'll come up with next year!!

 

I'd love to hear about some of your Valentine's traditions.  I hope you all enjoy your Valentines day!

Love,

     Amy