Happy Independence Day!!!!

"The science of government is my duty to study, more than all other sciences; the arts of legislation and administration and negotiation ought to take [the] place of, indeed, to exclude in a manner, all other arts. I must study politics and war, that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history and naval architecture, navigation, commerce and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain." -John Adams

The generations of increased ignorance and apathy about true freedom and the proper role of government stops here! My children will know the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, will read the Federalist Papers, will know of the continuance of the war in heaven, and will overcome! They were born at this time in this place for a specific reason, and I will do everything in my power, and above my power, so help me God,

to help them achieve their divine purposes.

Dog for a day

Adam likes puppies (shown here with his second cousin, Jalice)...

Emmy likes puppies.......

Noah likes puppies, but he's allergic to dogs!

We have never really considered getting another dog after we had to put Eddie to sleep when Emily was a baby. 1) Dogs are a big hassle and a heartbreaker 2) Our son Noah is very allergic to dogs!

Kiley called David and asked if we wanted their puppy. Their landlord asked them to find it a new home. David told Kiley probably not, but said she could bring it over for a few minutes the next day to see if Noah would break out in hives as usual around a dog. That way, the kids wouldn't think we were too mean.

The next morning, Emmy told me that she had been praying to Heavenly Father that Noah wouldn't break out and that we would be able to keep the dog. I told her that it probably wasn't going to happen. Nonetheless, I was impressed that she had been praying about it. That's the first time I'd ever heard of her praying about something on her own.

Kiley brought the dog over and everyone played with it. Guess what? No allergic reactions from Noah, even after about an hour! I figured the Lord had answered Emmy's prayer and the dog stayed. (The picture of the puppy and Noah above is a non-benadryl picture!)

Later that night, Noah started to show signs of allergy. Red, swelling eyes, and red, itchy skin. The dog also started showing signs of being a big pain in the neck. Pooping on the carpet, trying to pee on the carpet even after just going outside, and whining incessantly. Luckily, Kiley had another family on the waiting list after us. The next day I dropped the puppy off to go to her new home. It was a VERY long night.

So after I thought about it, I realized that the Lord not only answered Emmy's prayer, and let her have some time with the dog, but he had also answered MY prayer. My prayers always include asking for less stress and more energy. These things are not compatible with a new puppy. Thank you to a kind and merciful God!!! :)

What is a dad?

What IS a Dad?

A dad can fix just about ANYTHING!

A good dad chooses a super-awesome step-mom for his kids! ;)

A dad does his daughter's make-up on Halloween!

A dad is SILLY.

A dad is there for all the important moments!

A dad pushes the trike around- even when he's not excited about it.

A dad gets frustrated, but loves his kids anyway!

A dad knows his children's spirits from the beginning...

"My dad is Santa Claus and the tooth fairy!" -Emily

"My dad takes me on walks... and does other fun stuff with me, too." -Noah

I ride on my dad shoulders....

and fall asleep. -Adam

I wanna be just like my daddy someday!

Happy Father's Day, David! We love you!!!

What is a Grandpa?

A grandfather gives a child her first impressions about life....

A grandpa is tender and mild.

A grandfather is strong and protective.

A grandfather is a teacher, and a friend.

A grandpa watches the circle of life continue on and on...

"Dear Grandpa. It's Father's Day today and I would like to say, 'Happy Father's Day' to you. Love, Emily"

"Dear Grandpa, I miss you. I hope I get to come visit soon. Love, Noah"

"Dear Dad, I think you are a wonderful father and grandfather. Thank you for being the rock of our family that you are. You have made a tremendous influence for good on me and my children. I love you! Greta"

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!

"Marriage between a man and woman is ordained of God and... the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children." The Family- A Proclamation to the World

"Nevertheless, neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 11:11

"If a man marry a wife by my word and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, it shall be of full force when they are out of the world" D&C 132:19

"Children are an heritage of the Lord" Psalms 127:3

"Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children." The Family- A Proclamation to the World

I am so blessed to have two wonderful parents who have been committed and devoted to each other for forty-three years and counting! Thank you both for your loving example! Love, Greta

Mother's Day flowers and memories...

My good- looking mom mowing our lawn! Those were the good old days. :)

My beautiful mother and her beautiful flowers

Flowers for me from David and the 16th ward :)

A handmade gift from Emmy

My sweet, creative daughter's card for me

Flowers for my pots was a perfect Mother's Day gift to myself! :)

Being a mother is the ultimate gift and challenge of life. My children have taught me more in their short lifetimes more than I'd learned in the 28 years prior. I am grateful to be a mother in Zion, and to have a mother who nurtured and taught me in priceless ways.

Kidschool

Painting with feet- the kids went wild on this one!

An Easter craft

Noah found a friend

Science is more fun in the bathtub!

Relaxing in a "bird's nest"

A trip to Willow Park zoo

Adam found some glasses at Sally's to keep him entertained!

Storytime!

Over the homeschool year, we developed a tradition of meeting with our friends once a week for "school", going to storytime at the library once during the week, and doing crafts at Grandma Patty's once a week. Combined with Mom's yoga class/ playgroup, Emmy's dance class, and playing with friends, we had a great variety of outings along with our at-home learning. The natural learning that occurs in young children is astounding. No curriculum required- just a little guidance from Mom and Dad! The precious innate desire of my children to learn and discover has been preserved this year.

"The term 'education' comes from the word 'educe', meaning to draw forth. True education is that which is drawn from within the person. (It) can be encouraged. It can be brought forth by enticing, by inspiring, by rewarding, and by loving."

-Dr. John L. Lund