CELEBRATE EARTH DAY - APRIL 22

Being aware of our earth and the beautiful creations made me want to find out more about Earth Day. There is so much we can do to protect our beautiful earth and all that the Lord has created. It is our duty to take care of it. You hear so much about being green but I am going to be "pink" because I like pink better than green. Here is my bag (it comes as a set of different colored bags that I saw Andy had last year. I loved them and ordered some for myself). I get so many compliments from the store checkers on my bags. Besides, a person can only use so many plastic bags - most of mine are used for grandbabies dirty diapers!!!ha ha IDEAS: Shop fresh - Not only is this healthier and more wallet-friendly than shelling out for processed items, it's also a good way to reduce the amount of packaging you end up throwing out or recycling. Eschew the dollar store - I know dollar stores are pretty popular right now, but I'd think twice before buying from them anything that I'm going to eat or use with food. My mom always said, "You get what you pay for", and I think she's right. I've checked the plastic bottles and dishes from the dollar stores, and they're frightening for two reasons: they're made in China and they don't indicate whether they're BPA-free. Same thing goes for metals--who knows what kind of alloys they use? Cook more for dinner - I always make extra servings of dinner so that we can have the leftovers for lunch the next day. Homemade lunch beats cafeteria or--ugh--fast food any day. Setting aside the extra servings for lunch means time and money saved, and most likely a healthier meal. HAPPY EARTH DAY!!

Scott and his machine

This is after playing Yahtzee and he was getting ready to push his machine to his room. Beka had stayed all day and then Cory came up to spend the night with Scott. He probably will go home Saturday. Tomorrow he gets to have something to eat - just liquids though.

Playing Yahtzee

Scott had a booster of morphine and was able to get out of bed and walk down to the play room. We all played a game of yahtzee and then he got tired and went back to his room to lay down. We had a good time playing the game but he was still a little bit quiet and tired.

Visiting Scott in Hospital

FHE Treats

For FHE we worked in the yard awhile and then came indoors for s'mores. After eating at Hu Hot I just had to have a S'mores Maker. Trouble is - we could only eat two each and we were stuffed. This little "maker" also has bowls for having fondue or an ice cream party with different toppings. What fun is that? Come on over!!

Pinewood Derby

Dad and I went to the Pinewood Derby at Cory's ward. Cory was in charge of all the weigh-ins and checking in each boy with their car. The round table in the background is loaded with derby cars. I should have taken a picture of that but missed it. Cory and Beka are conferring about racing stuff in this picture. She conducted the race and Cory was doing the draft work on the board while Jake ran the track. This track is one that Cory made himself and brings for the derby races each year. They are so involved in scouting with the boys. It was a fun evening with lots of laughs and cheering going on.

Derby Boys

Grant and Scott after racing their cars. It is such a big night for cub scouters and they love racing the cars they have made. Treats afterwards were donuts and cookies and punch. Not a real big deal but lots of sugar which little boys love.

Buddies

St. Patty's Day Kids

Mom's and Daughters

To Mothers

A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for. -- Anonymous

Carli with her hat

This is my time with Carli. The other picture is Avery trying to put her WSU "pink" hat on. Erin had just dressed her and he thought she should wear her hat. The two boys are such big - big helpers. Bodee just can't stop loving her. As soon as I walked in the door yesterday Bodee kept telling me "Carli's home, Carli's Home" He has tons of kisses for her and Avery seems to like going through her drawer and picking out outfits to put on her. There no such thing as too much love!

Carlie Marie

No smiles yet but just one darn cute little girl. I went over to feed Carli and spend a little holding time yesterday. Just had to take one more picture for my wall. She is doing well and hasn't had one apnea spell yet. She has the monitor with her at all times which is a small band that wraps around her tummy. It gives Erin relief becauses if she has a spell then the alarm sounds which is loud like a smoke detector alarm. She sure looks pretty in pink though. I think Erin is having fun picking out her outfit for the day - which most are pink I think. Barbies all over again!!

Two Silly Boys and One Sweetie

I tried so hard to get these two little guys to sit by Carli for a picture and they were being so silly. This is the best of four anyway.

> >IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck >(written after she found out she was dying from cancer) > >I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day. > >I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. > >I would have talked less and listened more. > >I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded. > >I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. > >I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. > >I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. > >I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. > >I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains. > >I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life. > >I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. > >Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle. > >When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.' > >But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute. look at it and really see it...... live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!! > >Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what. >Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us! >

High Adventure

Cory and Beka just gave us a stick with tons of family pictures on it. They are all very good. These are just a few. This one picture is the boys on their biking high adventure (I think) on the islands.

Cute Little Boys

The Five Bigger Boys