Family Home Evening Talents

Each Monday night, we have Family Home Evening. It is a time for us to have some planned family instruction and fun time. We start with a song and prayer--the kids usually all lead the music, waving their arms to the beat. Then we have family talent time, where anyone can share a talent. These were last nights: Warren played, "I'm an Indian"--his first song to have both hands playing at the same time and doing different things. Abigail frog-hopped across the room from "lilypad" to "lilypad." Avery announced, "Chugga, chugga woo woo! Avery is a potty-train!" My kids have not yet understood that to be potty-trained is not the same as a train. So, they just all think that Avery is a potty-train. After talents, we have a lesson; last night's was about forgiveness and repentance. Afterwards we invite one of the children to share their testimony--basically what they know about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ--with us all. It is always a sweet surprise to hear the sincerity as they speak of knowing that God loves them. Next we always practice some skill; last night it was "the morning routine." We had the kids start out in pajamas in bed and go all through getting dressed, making beds, potty time, praying and breakfast--except our "breakfast" last night was dessert. Bumpy dessert--Jennings family standard, what else? We end with another song and prayer, and then play a game if there is still time. Last night it was a quick puzzle. And that is family night. You don't have to be a member of my faith to have it! I encourage you to do it no matter who you are! And it doesn't have to have as many parts as ours. Just pick a time and be committed to it. If you want to see our "talents", you can watch them below. :)

What it's Like to Be a Kid

Madeleine at 1 Month

A month ago Madeleine, you joined our family. Life was good before you came, but the love, peace, happiness, unity and laughter you brought with you make life even better now. Warren, Abigail and Avery all love to hold you, as evidenced by W's list to do during Spring Break--"huld Madlin." Dad loves to hold you, too. One night after caring for your needs and calming you, knowing Dad had work to do, I said, "It's okay if you set her down now." Dad looked back sheepishly and said, "Oh, I know. But I just want to keep holding her." He did. Even more notable is that I love to hold you. My mind is such that it is constantly racing ahead to the next thing to do. But your sweet spirit invites me to slow down, to linger, to live in the moment.

When you came you had huge cheeks; those were gone within the first few days, though your cheeks still draw loving comments and kisses from all. When you were born, you were our little blob; now you hold your head up, especially to look over our shoulders. You can turn your head and follow my face and voice around the room. I noticed that over a week ago. When you were born, your brief smiles seemed accidental and fleeting. Now--to the wonder and delight of anyone who notices--you smile in response to sustained attention. As promised, you truly bring happiness to those around you. You spit up a lot, and I am constantly checking over my shoulder before I go out to see what surprise you have left me there as evidence of your love :)
You are so content. Content to eat (and you eat in about 20-25 minutes, much faster than some of your siblings did as newborns). Content as we do our best to get you to burp--usually a well-rewarded experience. Content as you are awake and held by siblings, propped in the boppy, rocking in a swing or on a walk. Content as you drift off to sleep for a great nap; you never wake up after just a few minutes. You repeat this little cycle every 3 hours, give or take 30 minutes, and you only awaken once during the night, usually at 3:30. I guess you are what people call, an "easy" baby, or a "good" baby. But I don't like that last name--even if you were cranky and unpredictable, I'd still say you were good.
You bring out the good in others, you remind me to speak softer and gentler. You calm wiggly children. You inspire acts of service, and bring smiles to everyone who sees you. Thank you for these gifts and for choosing to come to Earth. I am so happy you are my daughter.
Love, Mom

Queens Pizza

On the recommendation of iheartmesa, Andy and I stopped into Queen's Pizza for dinner last night. Remember that I am an adventurous pizza eater, a bit of a pizza snob. In our marriage of almost 7 years, I think we have ordered pizza on our own maybe one time? I love to make pizza at home and load it up with anything that isn't pepperoni or plain cheese. For an example, check out this entry. So I was still a little leery of eating out for pizza, but I was encouraged by the fabulous aroma of last week's visit to Queen's when I picked up a menu and the friendliness of the owner.
Well, I was not disappointed. We ordered the Queen O' Clubs--a 16" thin crust--but thick around the edges--topped with olive oil, fresh garlic, mushroom, basil, tomato and balsamic vinegar (that last ingredient wasn't listed, but I could taste it and it was fabulous.) My mouth has not been so happy in a long time. Really. I get happy just thinking about how good it was. It was $17.95. We also ordered cheesy garlic bread, and it was awesome, too. Topped with rosemary and the perfect blend of soft and crispy, it was so good.

Queen's is located at 125 W. Main, right in the heart of downtown Mesa. The bottom of their menu says:

"Support your local pizzeria! Say no to bad chain pizza, call 480-964-1609."
They have awesome takeout specials, like an XL 18" cheese pizza & 1 dozen wings & free garlic cheese bread all for $19.99 with FREE delivery! (I suppose you could ask to pay extra and upgrade your pizza to one of their gourmet offerings.) That is what I will be eating next time I order pizza. They have other takeout specials, ask when you call.
One of the reasons I say that I love where I live is because we are close to downtown Mesa with it's funky blend of businesses, it's few restaurants, the library, MAC etc. Well, I've decided to put my money where my mouth is and start supporting more of the downtown life. If you like good pizza, I encourage you to do the same.

Going Green

Every St. Patrick's Day, my mom and her twin put on a party. This year it involved eating green eggs and ham, green grapes, green Hi-C, sausage and bran muffins (they were brown--just pretend.) We all wear as much green as we can and take a picture (note Sam's multiple layers of green shirts.) Then we played some goofy games and ate golden treasure (convenient that chocolate comes wrapped in gold.) Our families love any excuse to get together.
On another related note, we are using cloth diapers for Madeleine. Andy's cousin Julie uses them and we talked a bit about it, so she offered me all of her stuff her son has outgrown. I'm not I would ever have tried it if I'd had to make the initial investment, but since that was covered, we've been doing them. Here's why: I like that I am not throwing away diapers and I like that I am not buying diapers. Basically I'm a little bit green and cheap. Maybe my water bill will skyrocket and prove me wrong for both reasons, or maybe once Madeleine's only food source is not me and her poo stinks I will not be able to stomach it, but right now it is easy. And they really are cute.
(But I have no problem with other people using disposable diapers. I don't think I feel strongly enough about either to try to talk anyone into using either one. So please don't feel any pressure.)