A love of primary songs passed through generations

Tonight I am especially grateful for a father who loves music. As I was tucking my boys into bed I started to sing "Whenever I hear the song of a bird" and Trey said that's the song that Grandpa always sings to us. My heart was full as I remembered fondly the nights my dad would tuck me into bed and sing me that song. I am so thankful for the truths that I have learned from Primary songs and the testimony they have given me of the love that my Heavenly Father has for me, that I am a Child of God, that "He sent His son to die for us and rise with living breath", and that Families Can be Together Forever." I've always said everything you'll ever need to know you can find in a primary song and I know it now more than ever. Thanks Dad, for taking the time to teach me these songs and to feel the spirit of them so that I can teach them to my children and I know they will teach them to theirs.

Whenever I hear the song of a bird
Or look at the blue, blue sky,
Whenever I feel the rain on my face
Or the wind as it rushes by,
Whenever I touch a velvet rose
Or walk by our lilac tree,
I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world
Heavenly Father created for me.

He gave me my eyes that I might see
The color of butterfly wings.
He gave me my ears that I might hear
The magical sound of things.
He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:
I thank him reverently.
For all his creations, of which I'm a part.
Yes, I know Heavenly Father loves me.

My attempt to end a day full of screens.

So, I'm sick. LeRoy gave his rotten cold and I feel like crud. Needless to say, the boys have spent a ridiculous amount of time on screens today between the computer, television and CARS learning game thing. I knew from the beginning that LeRoy would be at work late for his Baseball meeting which always helps with bracing myself for a long night. At five o'clock I decided enough was enough. I fed the boys cereal for dinner because that's what mom's do when she's sick and the dad's not home and they thought that was so funny that they were eating cereal for dinner. Afterwards, Trey told me toys were boring. I told him he needs to learn to make it fun. So this is what we did..............

The hats are made from a car track that the boys got for Christmas a couple years ago from Grandma. Hey, at least they still play with it....kind of.

I set the timer and ran....

Now the kids are in bed having brushed teeth, read scriptures, and sang songs. I just wish LeRoy would get home with my french fries and ice cream so that I could watch American Idol. Yes, I think I just heard a car door shut!

What a good dad!

We have always been very blessed when it comes to bedtime at our house. It's probably one of my favorite things about my kids. We enjoy our time together reading scriptures, saying prayers and singing songs. Tonight I put Rachel to bed while LeRoy sang to the boys. I came and got on the computer to check things. I thought it was odd that LeRoy had gone and turned on the television yet. I went to go check on them and this is what I found..........

Even though he was sick today, he still came to church to substitute a class of rowdy 6 year olds. I am so thankful for his love and support in my calling. I don't know what I would do without him. I love you, LeRoy

Rachel's Resourcefulness!

Just a few pictures to share Rachel's ability to get what she needs: food, sleep and entertainment! She's a master climber and knows where to find food. She fell asleep for the first time on the couch today while Kyler was watching Caillou and LeRoy was showering. Best of all, she is the best little player! She likes to play with the boys, but she enjoys playing on her own as well. What a kick!

More baby Clay!

Just look at that sweet face! He's such a good brother. He told me the other day that he wants thousands and thousands of brothers and sisters. I told him he would have to be lots of help. "I might need thousands of arms.......I think we would need more moms and dads," he said.

I want to hold him for real, Grandma!

He's here!

My sister had her baby yesterday! His name is Bernard Clayton and he weighed in at 8lbs 9 oz and was 21 inches long. He already seems to be getting the hang of nursing and he burps like a true boy. I was really hoping that seeing him would relieve some of my baby fever. However, the opposite seems to be true just as my dad predicted it would. Thanks for the warning, Dad. I look forward to getting to be an auntie and all the fun times ahead. Congratulations, Alyssa! I am very proud of you.

I just love his little mouth. What a cutie!!

Ever try playing a board game with a 1 year old?

I tried to tell LeRoy to play at the table, but he didn't listen. So, I decided to make a blog out of it in order to keep from getting frustrated at him. Poor little Rachel, it's so hard being the littlest.

Boy, do these make me feel like a kid!

I was really excited when my bread dough recipe made a loaf of bread, a dozen rolls, and a package of hot dogs into pigs in a blanket.

Rachel preferred the ketchup. She wanted her hot dog whole not cut into pieces, but obviously that is not an option.

Trey loved his, but notice Kyler peeling the bread off his. He's such a funny eater. He loves my bread and hot dogs, but not together.

She finally did it.!

After weeks and weeks of taking a step or to here and there, Rachel finally walked about ten feet from the dishwasher to the toy room. And, boy, was she impressed with herself! She was all giggly and excited! What a crack up! I actually originally grabbed the camera to take pictures of her getting herself a Dr. Pepper. She was pulling the cans out of the box one by one. Once she saw the camera she wanted to get it, so I kept backing up and she kept on coming. She still prefers to crawl because it's faster, but I don't imagine it will be much longer. What a big girl! Man, I can't wait for my sister to have her baby so that I can get a fix!!

Look, Mom, I'm really doing it!