2.27.11

This was a big week, the cake for the boy scout auction week. So for all you that were unable to attend our kitchen baking and then decorating sessions or the ensuing auction here are your pictures! We began the project on Tuesday night. Carefully selecting just the right recipe. I figured why not make a real cake since it was just the trial run. So Harold selected a basic white cake and we mixed it up. It turned out beautiful and even dumped out of the 9x13 pan completely. I knew we were going to be successful at that point. I was brave and cut the pieces for our air plane cake and tentatively set them together. I showed Harold, got his approval, and then he put it in the freezer to firm up for our frosting the next night. Wednesday I finally finished our books for taxes. HALLELUJAH!!! and Harold and crew decorated the cake. We had discussed frosting much. The boys wanted camo I was wondering how exactly to make black, olive green, and tan frosting. But was informed by our much read dad that planes are camo to the sky not the ground. oh yes, that would be the case being they work in the air. Thank goodness for informed husbands. 
So we were able to come up with blue frosting.  We applied the first coat of white to set the crumbs on the cake and then froze again. While on our second freezing Harold painted halved popsicle sticks black with water color paints for propellers. We were making a WWII era bomber thanks to our tour of the Hill Air Force Base in December.  After completing the painting process we removed the cake from the freezer and applied the blue coat. the propellers, some marshmallows for gun turrets and toothpicks for guns. It was a super fun process I was so thankful to have it done as Wednesday night turned Thursday into quite a day and we would never have completed a saleable cake that day. Greg, Harold, Anna, and Aliza were major donors to the cake auction as the kids helped Greg bid as often as they thought he should. We enjoyed a lot of cake when they came home. 
 
The next set of pictures shows the boys and girls taking care of their tractor collection. They are washing their tractors. Greg thought it sounded cute and requested proof. I thought it was very much water on my carpet. And a lot of extra laundry. But they have washed tractors for three days and the  tractors are clean and the kids are occupied for a while. Good thing they are clean as Mr. likes to sample them in his mouth. Not that I was concerned but you know it's always nice the kids watch out for each other.
 







So this week was another adventure in parenting and life. We have learned much and are living by the scripture. All these things are for thy experience and if thou shalt endure it well thou shalt be exalted on high.  We are so thankful for the many prayers on our behalf and the kind thoughts and conversations. I'm always amazed at the kindness people show us and the love that is shared with our family. While I wonder if I am stretched as far as I can and think surely I can handle more, I think too "Be still and know that I am God" and "all things shall work together for thy good." 
I am so grateful for the seven healthy happy bodies who are so busy enjoying, sampling, and living life. I am thankful to have them in my home, I am thankful to watch them grow, and to be their cook, made, boss- even though Addy is now telling me I am not her boss- we will establish that in her mind correctly soon I hope- and Jon's informing me mom you just don't have much information on bow hunting. He was telling me how I would not be a good bow hunter because I am his mom and would surely not know about such a manly thing.  He was quite impressed with his aunt mary for being brave enough to sky dive. I have no desire to jump out of planes, so I was not so cool. 
The greatness of family! 
So with gratitude and more life experience we continue on making memories and trying to enjoy the journey. And hoping for spring to descend like a lamb soon as we are tired of being so cold. Much love and best wishes to you this week. 

2.26.11

the last thing- when I write these I am so anxious to just get it out of my mind re-reading it doesn't help finishing it but when I walk away I realize oh I forgot the important application or this is the rest of the story.
two things
1. "It is not the design of heaven that we will be rescued from all difficult situations. Rather, it is the Lord's will that we learn to handle them. The sense of being overwhelmed is very much a part of the journey." Joseph Fielding McConkie Feb ENsign, Finding Answers. Dang it, I guess I'm really living!
2. I don't just think I will be the saviour of my children's educational journey. How Satanic is that? I think and am trying and relying on the promise that instilling in them faith and the sources to look for truth i.e. prayer and listening for God's answers and that their is a God who loves them very much is the shield and armor and foundation that I am trying to pass on. I alone am not and should not be able to control my children's lives and choices just by my example and wishes but in concert with the all powerful all knowing God I have faith that although life is hard and in some instances lacking He can and make up for all that is missing. Why else would he allow us to be parents? So that is my testimony in a nut shell and my mind is now calmer and I thank you for being the unwitting receiver of such a storm in my mind. Aren't friends great? And computer is better because you can politely disinterestedly delete without being rude or anyone ever knowing. Best to you. Next week pictures and results of the cub scout cake auction or cake plane is in the freezer awaiting butter crream frosting and camo detailing. Harold watched the cake show and knows just what and how he wants me to make his masterpiece. thank goodness I talked him out of making a world like shakespeare's all the world's a stage themed cake. 

( I think I had a miscarriage this week and was recovering and processing that new experience.-11.26.28)