Five Brown Kids

You might think my little kindergarten countdown is really cute, but seriously, it's my lifeline this summer. Jaxon may be the cutest, smartest, fastest kid on the planet but that doesn't make him any easier to care for day after day, after day. Five years and six months down, just 30 days to go.... I can do it!

Today I was released as primary president. Almost three years ago the bishop asked Tyrone and me into his office. I was seven months pregnant with Scotia. He called me to be the primary pres and I looked at my huge belly and my swollen ankles and feet that had constant pins and needles and wrists that couldn't bend and then looked back at him in total disbelief. Then I accepted. Scotia was born five weeks early, and when she was two weeks old and still less than five pounds she stayed home with Nana while I went to church and was sustained and set apart. In those early months Tyrone still worked a Sunday or two a month. Before Primary I would drop Scotia off in the RS room with anyone I knew and tell them I'd be back in two hours. It turned out I really was called. We got organized and got going. Worked a lot and had a lot of fun too. I worked with wonderful teachers who showed up every Sunday for two hours of trying to teach gospel lessons while keeping children in their seat...

Our little house has been full for the past three weeks, after a wonderful week at the beach our first set of guests left on Sat. On Sunday we had the mission president and his wife over to say goodbye before they head home. They are the parents of some of our good BYU friends so it's been fun to visit with them over the past few years. Monday eve Tyrone's parents arrived. We had swim meets, and swim practice and preparation for the baptism all week. Courtney and her kids arrived Friday afternoon just in time to get ready for the baptism. Although I only have one picture as proof that they were here, we had a great time with the Ricks. The boys and men all went to see "Night at the Museum 2" at the local IMAX theatre, while the girls went out for ice cream. After Courtney and I ran we spent most of Saturday at the pool and then surprised Emily for her birthday. Willie grilled on Sunday and it was great. The Ricks left at lunch time on Monday, and that eve the Fosters...

I read this book over the weekend. It can be summed up in a quick scripture, "but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear" (D&C 38:30). Or being prepared can save your life.... This book outlines the ways people react to disasters and traumatic situations and how you can give yourself a fighting chance by being prepared and thinking ahead. Look for the fire exits and stairwells at hotels, read the brochures in the airplane and make a mental note of exits and practise, practise, practise, staying calm and acting. This is a recommended read for everyone! Editorial Reviews From Publishers Weekly - Ripley, an award-winning writer on homeland security for Time, offers a compelling look at instinct and disaster response as she explores the psychology of fear and how it can save or destroy us. Surprisingly, she reports, mass panic is rare, and an understanding of the dynamics of crowds can help prevent a stampede, while a well-trained crew can get passengers quickly but calmly off...

This tastes just like the stuff my mom made growing up, and I loved it! 4 cups cubed, cooked potatoes, chilled Combine: 1cup mayonaise 2 tbsp vinegar 1 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp sugar 1/4 tsp pepper Add: ( any of the following to the potatoes and then gently mix in sauce, a little at a time, you may not need all of it) Diced celery Diced onion Sliced tomatoes Cubed cheese Tons of sliced dill pickles No hard boiled eggs!

I can still remember my baptism and now I have a child old enough to be baptized! I may be a bit biased but it was all around wonderful. The speakers were excellent and right at Taye's level. We had wonderful and loved friends and family and teachers there. The water in the font was warm! We sang primary songs loud and clear for the opening and closing songs and the Elders showed a video of Pres. Hinckley bearing his testimony while Ty and Taye were changing. Taye was totally emotional the whole time, with tears dripping down his cheeks and the spirit was wonderful. Fabulous evening! Taye is in the first generation of black Mormon kids whose parents grew up in the church, went to primary, participated in youth activities, served missions, attended BYU and got married in the temple. Both sets of grandparents are long serving members too and I can feel this groundswell of faithfulness moving through the generations.

In addition to grandparents, the Ricks are in town this weekend for Taye's baptism. Today we hit the farmers market, an afternoon at the pool and then Emily's surprise party before we came home for a pre-dinner rest. Here's how Scotia fell asleep...