This Week's Funnies

Ezra has been having a hard time with cleaning up. We have tried everything from no dessert, to being put in his carseat while we finished cleaning at a friend's house to no stories at bedtime (a consequence I will never repeat because it's my favorite time of the day). We have been trying to get creative.

The other day I told him if he didn't help, there would be no snacks until dinner. He'd just have to wait. Dinner was an hour, maybe an hour and fifteen minutes away. I took him out for a walk in the stroller on a few errands in the neighborhood, thinking it would be good to keep this tired, hungry boy out of everyone's space or he just might hit something. It worked, he behaved, but when I reached into my purse to grab my wallet, he spotted a sandwich. YUM! He quickly grabbed for it, forgetting his consequence.

"No buddy, you're going to have to wait until dinner," I reminded him.

His eyes immediately filled up with genuine tears and he said, "You're going to let me die?"

Poor little guy! I assured him he wasn't going to die, but he still didn't get the sandwich!

Ava just spoke in sacrament meeting for the primary program. She was so proud to stand up there and not need help with her lines. Everyone could tell the words were her own, not edited by mom, and when she was done there was a big giggle from the congregation. At the end she asked me if she'd done a good job. "Then why did everyone laugh at me and no one else?" She asked. I assured her it was because she was so cute.

Mark is walking, yup, walking. And clapping. And kissing. When did this sweet angel baby get so big? Mike can make him giggle and laugh like there's no tomorrow. He loves chasing around balls and yaps and yaps and laughs at them. Too cute.

Fitting It In

We're just trying to fit in a few fun things as a family before we leave this beautiful city!

Castle Island, where you can see the ships come in and the planes take off simultaneously.

Hiking with good friends.

Lake Cochituate. Relaxing. Warm water. Nearby. Lots of fun.

Why Do I Follow Jesus Christ?

I feel that between Ava's sweet description of Jesus a few posts down, and Ezra's singing, "I belong to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know who I am, I know God's plan, I'll follow Him in faith..." I wanted to share a heartfelt thought about my Savior too.

I was doing my scripture study a few nights ago and came across a question in a guide book I am using as I read. "Why do you choose to follow Jesus Christ?" It was late and I was tired but I want to share the thoughts that I jotted down, my first impressions.

First of all, I follow Jesus Christ because he is real. Very real. I know that He is the son of God, that he loves and cares about me, that he atoned for my sins. How can I not follow him? He blesses me daily. His big picture plan for my family is intricate and beautiful and perfect and I am grateful every day for it as I watch it unfold. I follow Jesus Christ because he protects me and my family. He gives us guidelines which keep us safe from the baseness of the world. He has lent us health and strength, for which I am grateful, knowing it is a gift He has given and we may one day not have, but will love Him regardless. I follow Jesus Christ because it makes me happy. He gives me perspective. He helps me find joy as I serve my family and others. I am grateful for his example and sacrifice and I love learning about him as I study my scriptures and the words of our modern day prophets. I hope I can follow him enough, be enough. It's a good thing I've got time to work on it.

Ezra's Show

Ava's primary program is coming up. We've been practicing all the songs at home to get ready. Check out Ezra's enthusiasm for helping with this project, and notice two things:

1. He is using the antena on the radio as his microphone
2. He has lined up his "babies" as his audience.

Love that boy.

Utah Fam

Yes, we made it to Utah this summer. Three months ago actually. I was hoping to get more pictures from family because my camera died while there, but we are going to put up what I have to represent because we love these people!! Thanks for the great time fam! Can't wait to see you next.