MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Benji (almost 12) has enjoyed scouting this year with his dad as scout leader.  He is full swing into "preparing" for junior high school--at least that's what his sixth grade teacher calls it.  He also became the designated Pack family babysitter.  Hmmm...are these really perks to growing up?

Ally (10) hasn't relinquished her place as Miss Creative.  She has also officially "caught up" to Benji in school by joining the 5th and 6th grade combination class.  Hyrum is the apple of her eye especially when he gives her all of the hugs and kisses that she requests.

Kayla (8) celebrated her eighth birthday by being baptized.  Her sparkling smile after coming out of the water gave us all a glimpse into her heart.  She also proved that she can do just about anything without much effort--gymnastics, tennis, math, reading.

Sammie (5) officially joined the throngs of big kids.  She loves going to kindergarten.  She also enjoys a regular diet of drawing, coloring and painting.  (We are accepting paper donations.)  

Hyrum (2) has a very curious, helpful nature.  He helps us by pouring his own cereal and milk (even if it goes all over the table).  He has redecorated the tree by eating all of the candy canes within reach.  He appointed himself our family photographer.  He's particularly good at feet and eyes.  In short, he makes us all smile!

(House painters)

(Hikers)

Chris (middle-age) has enjoyed having Ben around more the past five months and appreciates his completing some of his year-long projects (the yard is now complete and at least the outside of the house is painted).  She has enjoyed serving as primary chorister--her dream calling.  Crocheting is her new-found hobby.  Could this be a sign of aging?

Ben was laid-off in July and is still trying to determine which way life will take him next.  He has enjoyed doing things for his wife (waking up with the kids, projects, cooking), finishing his own projects and being able to 'take' the holidays off.
The trials of life continue to refine and the Lord continues to bless.  Love to you all,

The Packs

'cause Daddy said!

Ben claims that he had this fun tradition as a kid to play with shaving cream on the lid of the toilet. When my kids asked me if they could play in shaving cream, I didn't see any harm in it.

THIS IS GOING TO BE SO FUUUUUUN!!!!

WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO DO?

I LET THEM TALK ME INTO THIS?

Not even Hyrum thought it was a good idea by the end.

Little did I know they would give me a really good reason to give the table a good cleaning!

I have to admit that face painting was my idea. Each of the kids had a go at my face. Okay so even I let down my guard sometimes...

Sammie's a pretty good artist don't you think? This is her "bee" turned "butterfly"!

Ben and I may not always agree on what's fun and what's not, but we can always agree that the kids will make the most of it. Fun, in their case, is an understatement!

God Bless the U.S.A.

AMERICA, a place where you can grow up to be anything you want to be!

AMERICA, a place where anything is possible!

AMERICA, a place where we DON'T have to use hot air balloons to escape!

AMERICA, a place where we can walk hand-in-hand!

AMERICA, a place where justice prevails! (Kayla, what are you doing in there?)

AMERICA, a place where freedoms are celebrated!

AMERICA, a place where dreams are realized!

AMERICA, a place where people from all walks of life and places are welcome!

"AMERICA, we pledge allegiance to thee!"

AMERICA, a place of plenty!

HAPPY

FOURTH
OF JULY

2009

It's 1:25 a.m., I'm tired...

I guess you'll remember my angel, Hyrum.  Just one question? What are angels doing up from 11:30 p.m.+?  I thought we'd train him to stay in bed tonight, so when he woke up at 11:30 p.m. I explained to him that I would rock him, put him back to bed and then go to bed myself.  Well, I rocked him for 15 minutes, put him back in bed and for the next hour listened to him whine "Mommy!  Daddy!"  Since I couldn't sleep, I got up to do some FamilySearch Indexing.  (Note: He has only gotten out of bed by himself once.)  The next thing I know Hyrum is walking into the kitchen.  I ignore him in a matter-of-fact, not-supposed-to-get-any-attention fashion.  He proceeds to get some cups out of the drawer.  Then he climbs up on the stool, then to the stove and (under my inconspicuous supervision) finds out how to turn on the stove light and oven light.  He also discovers how the toaster "may" work.  I get him down as he is getting too close to falling.  Now he is pulling on my sleeve..."hum, I wonder what's under this."  Oh, and now he has a plate.  Could this be a request for a midnight snack?  

Okay now my head is getting a pain.  It's trying to coax me to go back to bed.  Hyrum also tripped in his delirium.  I think it's time to try going to bed, what do you think?  Wish me luck!  

Thank God for Kids

My husband and I just heard the song Thank God for Kids. So we decided to make it our "wake-up" song. That way we can start out the morning on the right note (excuse the pun). Yesterday I was thanking God for my kids...let me share just a few examples.

Sammie was walking to the car with me and said, "Mommy, I'm glad God made houses, cause the rain might get us. Or the snow. You can just get cozy in your bed with your blanket and be warm."

Kayla was headed for a friends house but stopped a few feet away and came back to give me a hug (O), a kiss (X), and an "I love you".

Benji dropped what he was doing to "save" Hyrum from inevitable danger (that he seems to be getting into a lot lately). And with his sweetest voice distracted Hyrum into doing something safe.

Ally took an ordinary soda can (from Benji's science experiment) and turned it into a pig that is sure to make you SMILE.

Hyrum gave the best "loving" with his arms around my neck, his head on my shoulder and a little tap-tap with his hand on my back. Or better yet, he climbed to the top of the table, stood up and complimented himself on a job well done with a squeal. (He's keeping me busy now!)

So "get down on your knees tonight...[and] thank God for kids!"

http://www.jango.com/stations/35946671/tunein?proxy_id=25435243&song_id=149095

Sweet start to my morning

I was having a hard time opening my eyes this morning, when I heard a tiny voice in my room say, "Good morning, Mommy!" I replied, "Hi, Sam." Then she asked the cutest question: "How are you feeling?" "Fine," was all I could say in my shock. Really I should have been able to reply with a "great" or something. I guess I was just caught off guard. She's only four!

Kids do the darndest things, don't they!