The Look

A little while ago, we had family home evening on the Word of Wisdom. At the conclusion of the lesson David went to Smith's and we played the "what's okay" and "what we don't put in our bodies" game while picking out a treat. We taught #1 how to look on beverage containers to see if things we do not drink (Alcohol, Tea leaves, coffee beans, harmful drugs) are in the drink. She became very good at it. We had to put a stop to the game as we got to the checkout and the burly tattooed biker in front of us was carrying a case of beer and the mother behind us had enough unacceptable liquid to fill a bathtub... it's not nice to point kids!

In a slightly related story, on Tuesday, one of our friends told us a story about how he was able to finally kick a habit he had for years and how much better he felt about it. While drinking an interesting beverage, #1 looked at him, squinted her eyes, and cocked her head to the side. He said that the Spirit slapped him, and he went cold turkey on the spot. Sweet.

Under Construction

Stage 3 of the playroom is in full construction mode, with mudding, taping, and dreams of sugarswearing fairies dancing in our heads. We are improving with time at our effectiveness.

All aboard.

Props to Lisa and Jennifer for jumping in on the reading train. In other news, what graduate degree would not be complete without some painful stupid horror story to strike fear into the hearts of future attendees? BYU informed me that I would not be able to graduate unless I paid them about 600 bucks. When we got to the bottom of the pile of... laundry, we learned that I was being charged for their secretarial error. But I should have known that because it was an eight-point-font footnote at the bottom of the 300 page graduate handbook, which they told us we didn't really need to read... After two appeals they cut the charge in half. Ye-ha. Another thing to tack on to the list of lessons learned from this degree: you can always pay for other's mistakes.

Absolutely sweet site

A friend of ours (props to Whitney) introduced us to a site called "Good reads" where you can track the books you have read, want to read, then rate and write reviews. It is a blast. A great way for children to see what and when you read books and how you felt about them. Also a sweet site to keep track of what your friends are reading and find other good reads. (Steve and Lisa I think would particularly like it.) It is going to take some time to update from the spreadsheet, but I've got the collection started. For those who want to join and sign David up as a friend, please contact me.
Love to see what you like! Beware, reading is addictive. Feed the children first.

Did I Start with a Prayer?

CBS informed me this morning that my March Madness bracket took 70th place in the world for their bracket challenge. I looked at the site, and it looks as if I would have taken Davidson to the sweet 16, I could be 10,000 dollars richer right now. Should have started with a prayer. So close! For now, I will be content with a record that will stand unbroken (smack talk) in the family for generations to come. 7 of 8 elite eight, and all of the final four, two, and champion. 48 total correct picks. Proof that doing diligent match-up analysis based on guard play, depth of scoring, and rebounding pays off (particularly when a monstrous amount of luck is involved). Now clap and watch me do a jig...

The Church of Nintendo?

Elder Ballard's comments were mostly directed to us young mothers but he also addressed parts of his talk to children. I decided to share his prophetic counsel with #1 and #2. After listening, pausing the play back, and discussing it, I began to put the computer away. #2 stopped me and said, "Can we listen to Elder Bowzer again?" Ballard...Bowzer...I can see how the confusion may have happened. #2 was calling President Monson "President Monster" just a short time ago. One at a time, #2 will know all 15!
What did #1 and #2 learn from Elder Ballard? Clean up your toys when you're done playing with them. Give your mother a big hug and say 'I love you'. When you're older you can make your own bed. Do other chores all by yourself without being asked. Say thank you after good meals and when she reads stories to you. They began doing as directed even before their breakfast was finished!

General Conference

General Conference is always a wonderful time to get answers to questions. Day 1 was no exception. Aside from the personal revelation family members received, some particular talks stood out. Elder Scott's discussion on abuse is another masterwork for the ages. Elder Nelson's discussion made quite an impress on Melissa - but she just forgot what she liked about it. Our first liked the ties (that was what she drew as she played conference bingo) and our boy liked jumping on the trampoline... and siblings. Oh wait, she just remembered (checked her notes!) she liked... stuff.

Betty gets dusty

Betty, the illustrious trophy for the Hoffman March madness trophy is not moving from my office, one could say she is getting dusty. Thanks to all those who participated this year, it was the closest of any year yet. Usually only Steve and I have a chance to win it after the first couple rounds, but this year the competition was intense (though Steve and I still ended up in the lead). See you all next year for the same fun and intensity! What think ye of a point redistribution?