I Hope They Call Me On a Mission!

Several people have asked why I haven't posted about my parents. The reason was at first, when I was in shock, we couldn't. We were asked not to talk to anyone about it so my dad could talk with his clients before they found out from, say, my daughter who told her friend who happened to be a client of my dad before he had a chance to talk to them in person. Since that time, I've been; excited, in a state of denial, and teary.

So to take a few steps back, my parents have been called to be missions presidents in Nagoya Japan! This means they will be over the LDS mission efforts, & missionaries in a chunk of Japan. They will live in Japan for three years. I am so proud of there willingness to serve. Over that time I think of the client base that could have continued to grow, family milestone that will be missed, and the everyday phone chats and interactions. But despite all of that, I also think of; an exciting three years for them. Meeting general authorities, engrossing themselves into a new culture, learning {a lot of learning}, loving & caring for a ton of young missionaries. I also think of the fabulous fabric they have in Japan, the awesome washi tape {I'm in love with these items}. And I also think of the blessings. Blessing they will be part of, blessings they will receive, blessing that will pour upon all of us while they are serving.

We've been teaching them how to skype, and blog. This way we'll all be able to stay in touch.

Today Katheryn and I put together a Nagoya Japan Mission Blog for them. This way, not only we can know what's going on, but the parents of the missionaries they're over.

I Hope They Call Me On a Mission

Time Out

So I'm sure you were all wondering how our day was. Well let me show you:
Kimball had, had quite the day, and ended up in "TIME OUT". {This was after he threw his shoes at me.} The way time out goes here is; once you gain control and say sorry you can get out, 1 min. or 10. Well he was throwing quite a whopper of a fit. Finally he stopped, so I went over to talk to him. And I found him like this. A SLEEP IN TIME OUT! I'd say poor kid, but I'm really thinking, poor mom. ;)

Craft Hope

Awhile back I came across this fabulous group called Craft Hope. It's a blog that is set up to do services for others in need. We've done all kinds of fun projects that have been sent around the world. The latest project was knitting red scarfs for orphans that are collage bound. Each year 25,000 students 'age out' of the foster care system and the Orphan Foundation is "committed to helping them become tomorrow's successful citizens." A red scarf is placed in a Valentines Day care packages for each of them. Here's the one I sent with a little note:

I love the pattern. I can't wait to see the next project! I don't know what the next project will be, but I can hardly wait. If anyone else wants to do it next time, let's get together.

Australia Day

We love celebrating Australia Day. It is so fun incorporating Australian holidays into our family. While I was quizzing the kids about why we celebrate Australia Day, the kids looked at me blankly. I got all kinds of answers. I started going over in my mind, how we do this every year and I'm just not doing a good job teaching them. Craig being the fabulous hubby he is saw me turning this over in my head and decided to help the kids out. We were talking about England, the discovery of Australia, I asked "who discovered Australia?" Craig piped up "Christopher Columbus" McKay and Abby looked at him totally puzzled. McKay countered with "Christopher Columbus discovered American in 1492." Obviously we have a lot of work on Australian history in front of us.

We love having our traditional Aussie dinner. For some reason, making this very simple Australian meal takes me ALL day. I know the words "over exaggeration" are going through your minds. I mean look at the table there's not enough there to take all day. But for some reason it does. Every year I think, oh I'm doing so well on time I'll totally be done early enough this year. I'll get the mess washed up, before we eat. And yet it never happens.

This is the biggest culprit. Meat Pies. So good & totally Aussie. And totally worth it {at least once a year}.

And lamingtons. My ultimate favorite dessert. . . ever!

While we were in Australia last time, we picked up a rugby ball. The boys threw it around a little in the dark, on the ice. On one of the "bounces" McKay totally slipped on the ice and fell right on his rear end. {and being the fabulous mother I am, I laughed} Poor kid.

Someone HAD a Birthday!

Over a month ago now, Josie turned 6! I can never understand how time flies by, and yet it seems like they've always been with us.

For her birthday she wanted a "friend party" this year. So I sat down with her and we drafted her list; Abby, McKay, Kimball, Grandma, Katheryn, . . . the only ones in the family not on the list was Craig and myself. We celebrated by heading to the movies and Bajio {her favorite restaurant}.

Grandpa couldn't make the party. But before we sang "Happy Birthday" gramie called him so he could sing with us, then he had a little chat with the b-day girl.
Josie's "friend" party filled with loving family. It turned out to be "the best birthday party ever!"

Happy very late B-day JoJo!

planing for next year

When I was making my post about the best books in the world, suddenly my mom shouted yes. and said that we don't have to do wax museum this year. but then I remember that next year I have to do a state poster. I asked my mom what state I should do. then she started singing we've got more bounce in California. I THINK I KNOW WHAT I AM GOING TO DO. California so easy. I'l bring my surfboard.

the best books!

I never knew that I like books. It is the best book In the world. I even have on my ipod.

I am going to the movie. and I cant wait for It.

TODAY!!

"Today is your day, your mountain is waiting, so get on your way." ~Dr. Seuss

It Craigs first book singing! YES TODAY!!!

Good Luck my dear author!