A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words?

You know, they say that a picture is worth a thousand words, but I beg to differ. Today after school we had another family picture taken. Unfortunately it's been 2 years since the last one and we had Tanna since then. So, as I peeked at the preview they had on their computer, I had to laugh -- a picture doesn't even begin to tell the whole story. The picture showed a happy family of five. Everyone looked content and happy to be there. That is great--that's what we want it to say. But....

What the picture doesn't show is the hour or so leading up to that moment. It doesn't show me looking at the clock during an after school meeting wondering how I would get out on time. (I didn't and I ended up having to leave in the middle. Luckily I had asked permission that morning.) It doesn't show me picking Scottie up half way through his good friend Tyree's birthday party, because our appointment was the only one I could get and made way before the birthday plan. It doesn't show me calling Dave and reminding him gently that he and Mason and Tanna were supposed to be dressed already! It doesn't show me racing in the house to throw on a new outfit, fix my hair and make-up. It doesn't show Mason being dressed and ready to go - to my delight. And it doesn't show Dave trying to button up Tanna's dress, but realizing he would need back-up! It also doesn't show how quickly Scottie and Dave got ready and into the car with such willing attitudes (Thank you!!). It doesn't show how patient my family was with their stressed out Mom. It doesn't tell what a blessing this patience was to me this day. It also doesn't show how cooperative Scottie and Mason were and how quickly Tanna settled down after her pre-2 year old tantrum! Most of all it doesn't show how relieved I was to see that flash and know we had made it through another family picture.

So, years from now that picture may be passed down, but it will be without the knowledge of all the little events that led up to it. No one will know what a big deal this Mom had made of it and how well her family put up with her lack of patience!! What they will see is a happy family of five -- what more could I ask for?!!

Out of the Mouths of Babes...

Last night Mason was singing in bed to me before being officially tucked in for the night. He was bragging about a new song he knew and started singing "Yankee Doodle." The words were not all there, but the ending was what made the whole song for me...."Stuck a feather in his hat and called it 'Mac and Cheese!'"

Scottie and I laughed so hard! It'll never be the same for either of us again!

Only in Utah...

You know you're living in Utah when you teach in a school where you begin special teacher luncheons with a prayer. We talk about R.S. / Primary lessons during lunch and attend each other's blessings, baptisms, etc.

Well, it's not restricted to the teachers. A couple of days ago, I was talking to the class about what the word "thankful" meant. We got into things we are thankful for. Of course there were the old standbys - family, home, food, clothing, etc. But in the course of the conversation one child said he was greatful we could be baptized and wash away our sins. Another child asked what that was and the others commenced to explain about how you get baptized and get the Holy Ghost. Of course, this led into another conversation. One boy said that the Holy Ghost was what protected you when you were in danger. I just sat back and let the conversation happen and marveled at the unique situation I am in. Of course, I am unable to comment much in these topics so as to not mix church and state, but it's fun to be a bystander. They have no fear and I really admire their pure hearts. So, when people ask why I would want to live in Utah I respond, because we can talk about baptism, the Holy Ghost and Heavenly Father all in a school time Thanksgiving lesson. Isn't that what it's really all about anyway?

Red Ribbon Week

Ah, thank goodness it's Thursday! It's Red Ribbon Week at school and for some reason the kids have been a bit tougher this week. Red Ribbon Week is a week that we focus on the need to say no to drugs and alcohol. It's also a week I hear about all the relatives who do smoke and drink. Sometimes, it's more than I really need to know! Every year I have to have the conversation that these individuals are really good people who are just making some poor choices.

Today we had our red balloon release. The kids all signed a pledge to stay drug free and tied it to a balloon. We then let all the balloons go at the same time. It was a fun reminder of my grade school days. I remember that being such a fun day. Anyway, the kids have been excited about all of our activities this week. I figure they'll calm down by next Friday when they all crash from their sugar highs from Halloween.

The Silver Lining

You know, I think the Lord knows what He is doing. No, this is not my first realization of this, but tonight it was reconfirmed. We had just ended another difficult night of getting the boys to bed. I was done with kids, as I usually am at this point, and was grumbling a bit to myself about how bedtime is not my favorite time of the day. I went off to put clothes away when I quietly entered the boys' room. Scottie surprised me when he said, "Mom, I'm so sad I never got to meet your Grandma Gibson. I never even got to get to know her. I bet she's sad she never got to know me either." My heart was immediately melted and I told him I was sad that he never got to meet her either. But, I did explain that I'm sure they spent time together before he was born and that he just couldn't remember it. He replied, "I'm still sad I never got to know her here. I bet I would have liked her." We continued talking about other grandparents he never got to meet, as well as the little time I had to spend with my Great-grandparents. I finally left him to go back to sleep as he said, "Mom, I just have so many questions."

And so, the Lord knows how to keep us falling in love with these little ones. For all those tough moments, even just one silver lining seems to make it all worth it!

Two Days In a Row!

Wow, this is a record for me! Two days in a row on the computer! I actually looked forward to coming down and trying again. We'll see how long this keeps up.

I'm very impressed with how fast Mark got his blog up and running. Trust me, that peer pressure is very powerful!

Anyway, we just ended another hectic night. They all seem to go that way. I have the best of intentions for a great nighttime schedule, but something always happens to throw us off that well intended schedule. We did get a family dinner in -- we're really working on improving in that area-- Family Home Evening, and cookies delivered to the neighbors. Hey, the kids even got their nightly shower (a must when your kids are as active and messy as mine are!) -- even if it was only about 5 minutes-- at least they're clean. But, we missed homework time and reading time. Ah, who needs it?! Just kidding -- It's one of those guilt buttons that gets pushed when it doesn't get done. So, tomorrow we'll have to double up and therefore, another hectic night!

Bedtime routines? Kim's family sounds so happy and loving at night. Ours is a bit more chaotic! It usually ends up with Mom using her louder-than-June Cleaver voice. But, we do say prayers after all the preparatory stuff is done. Both boys always ask for the angels to watch over them. This helps them to know that the bad guys will be kept away for another night. They also sleep in the same bed -- the bottom bunk. Yes our top bunk is perfectly great, but they're too scared to sleep alone. As it is right now, Mason sleeps at the head of the bed with his feet pointing toward Scottie. Scottie is at the foot of the bed with his legs up by Mason. This is the newest sleeping arrangement. We've found that there is less tapping/hitting/pinching if they sleep in opposited directions. Everyone knows that sleeping in a bed together is still a great advancement for kids who were once in our bed, then on our floor, then on to the walk-in closet. We still have to keep the dimmer switch on low for their overhead light and have all the doors open. This way their mother will be at their beck and call when she bearly drifts off to that deep, hard-to-wake-up-and-know-what's-going-on sleep. But even with the chaos and slightly elevated voices from a tired mom, the evening still ends with our usual words: "Mom, did you get it?" "Got it!" "Did you get mine, Mom?" "Yes, Mason, did you get mine?" "Got it!" (Referring to our kisses we blew to each other) "I love you Scottie and Mason!" "Love you too, Mom" "I love you too, Mom!" So, in the end they know I do love them to pieces!

Good night to all! I'm off to bed!

Dave and I have been married for nine years (in Nov.) and are the lucky parents of three beautiful children.
Scottie, our oldest, is 8 and is our 2nd grader. He loves to draw and "play out" the newest superhero movies. At the moment he loves Spiderman, but Transformers is coming in for a close 2nd. He lives for recess, lunch recess, and FRIENDS. He is not a fan of schoolwork, but he is very smart and does well at it.
Mason is our one-of-a-kind middle child. He is 3 years old and he LOVES Barney. We thank Barney for teaching him much of what he knows, including his nursery rhymes, ABCs, and counting. Mason loves to do whatever Scottie is doing. (Scottie is good to let him tag along with the neighborhood kids.) Mason is my happy guy, who always has a new idea or news to relate.
Tanna is our little princess. She was smart enough to be born last after two brothers--a definite strategy to be SPOILED! She is 1 1/2 years old (Nov. 22nd) and has a huge personality in her little body. She's petite, but don't let that fool you--she's tough! You have to be to survive two big brothers! Tanna's main words are Mom, Dad, and No. These words can mean anything, but the Mom and Dad words are selectively used depending on which parent is around. She loves her daddy and is good to her mommy too! The best thing you'll ever get is a Tanna hug -- nothing beats it!
We have lived in Lehi for 7 1/2 years and are enjoying our adventures here. We look forward to sharing them with you!

Life With the Shanks Family

It's been nearly nine years since Dave and I began our adventures. Sadly, a lot of those unrecorded memories have been forgotten or our stacked away in the "Scrapbook Drawer". So, the time has come to get with the times and start recording some of our day-to-day happenings in an up-to-date manner. So today begins the adventure...wish me luck!!

Jill