Warren's Thanksgiving Parade

"Lining Up"
Warren awoke with a burning desire yesterday morning to have a parade wherein he could throw candy (see the video at the bottom for a quick fulfillment of that dream). So we called some friends, gathered some pumpkins, costumes and other festive stuff and today we had the first ever "Friends and Neighbors Thanksgiving Parade." Our parade route was four houses long and back. Afterwards, we all played in the backyard and ate pumpkin cake. It was pure childhood fun. Happy Thanksgiving.

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"Ready to Go"

"All Done"

November 8: Hold to the Rod

We have been reading about the Iron Rod (represents the Word of God) that leads to the Tree of Life (love of God/Jesus Christ) for scripture study. Inspired by that story this is what I found this morning when Warren excitedly got me from making breakfast: an "iron rod" of masking tape leading to a "tree," made from a brown towel trunk, green block leaves, and a box containing pears and...cheese. I suppose there's always room for personal application of the scriptures.

"And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit...it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit." 1 Nephi 8:11-12

"And it came to pass that they did come unto me and partake of the fruit also." 1 Nephi 8:16

I am always touched by the simple faith of my children and the joy they have in learning and living the scriptures. Warren repeatedly says they are his favorite book and often asks for me to read them to him multiple times a day. So, if you feel like you'd like more joy, more peace in your life, take a cue from Warren--and from the parable of the Tree of Life--and experience the love of God by reading His word. I think I understand how Lehi must have felt, wanting his family, in my case, a lot of my extended family to "partake"; if you are reading this, consider it an invitation from me to take a leap of faith. "Come unto me [Christ] all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28). Ask God what His plan for you is--He'll answer. I love you all.

-Bekah

November 7: Welcome Home Andy!

After 5 days in San Diego for a Neuroscience Conference, we are so content and excited to have Andy back. Yes, life goes on without him here, but it sure is better with him here! Here is a random list of times I missed Andy:

1. Setting out my toothbrush and wishing I could put toothpaste on yours, too.
2. When I felt no peer pressure to floss my teeth, so I didn't a few nights.
3. Reading scriptures alone at night.
4. Sleeping in the center of the bed.
5. Sitting at the computer without your familiar presence on the couch, on your laptop,
behind me. (Like you are now...)
6. Unloading the kids from the car after G-ma/pa's Jennings house on Sunday night.
7. Getting Avery out of bed in the morning.
8. At the dinner table.
9. Not having any reason to cook--I like leftovers, and the kids just want PBJ's.
10. No Ron Paul updates each night--I started checking myself!
11. When I deliberately didn't open the window before going to bed each night.

We love you Andy/dad!

This video is the kids reaction when he walked into the backyard to greet the kids.

September 11: Just stories

Last night for family night we collected cans for the food drive at Montessori House. Here is Warren’s original door approach: “Can we have some cans because people are flying planes into people.” Yeah, we worked on that a bit before we went out. He did a good job, telling people his school and that they were having a canned food drive and would they like to give some cans?

Anyone who has been around Warren lately knows that he is pretty interested in tornadoes. So yesterday, Lindy had him over to watch a National Geographic special on tornadoes that she had taped for him. He didn’t say much about it yesterday, but today, he was telling me all sorts of tidbits from the movie, like, (in a super-dramatic voice) “Mom, an F-5 tornado is the worst kind of tornado there is,” and also all about the girl who hurt her leg being picked up by the tornado. And, “Mom, the storm-chasers who follow tornadoes get as close as they dare and then make a short video so they can get away safe.” And, while holding up a block with the number ‘5’ written on it, “This is the number of the strongest tornado. It can come and get you even if you are hiding in a basement. There’s nothing you can do, but pray.” We’re not sure if that is his unique thought or a quote from the movie, but either way, it’s pretty hilarious.

Abigail is really getting into the whole doll phase. She now changes diapers for her doll, puts on diaper cream, puts it to bed, brushes it’s teeth, tells me when Dolly (pronounced Dough-lee) is hungry and then proceeds to breastfeed her. It is so funny! It is also insightful, since Dolly’s feelings, moods and needs usually mirror Abigail’s.

August 4: Grandma Lindy's Birthday Dance

Warren says: "I love my family." I echo that sentiment. It was so f un to get all dressed up 50's style--or what we thought was 50's style--and party with family. It truly is bliss when your family and friends are no longer different groups of people.

Abigail says, "Mom and Avery." Yep, that pretty much sums it up. Avery was really diggin' that pretzel.

Warren says, "I;m running those [Sugar Daddy suckers] around to people." At the party we had 17 little cases of Sugar Daddy's and warren took it upon himself to deliver them to people all throughout the night.

Abigail says, "I love Abigail because I'm funny." Abigail is a crack-up and fills a room with her delight in the small things.