Summer of the Monkeys

This summer, the kids and I have been reading the book, "Summer of the Monkeys."  While Nathan and Kassi are typically playing around, jumping around, or making so much noise that we have to encourage them to leave the room (helping us imagine the monkeys in the story, Drew and Jesi and I have been loving this story and the time we have been able to spend together with a good book.

We have laughed about the crazy adventures of Jay Berry and his dog Rowdy trying to capture some escaped circus monkeys.  We had way too much fun visualizing Jimbo (the highly intelligent $100 monkey that leads the monkey gang) outsmarting Jay Berry and wearing his breeches when they came up missing, although I don't think it ever mentioned him wearing the breeches, only eventually returning them as a thank you for the coconuts that he managed to sneak off with.  We have been so concerned about Jay Berry's sweet sister who walks around with a crutch and has a twisted leg that can only be cured with more money than the family could ever possibly save up.  We have loved reading about Jay Berry's family, including his grandfather who is determined to help Jay Berry capture these monkeys.

Today we read chapter 14, in which Daisy finds a "Fairy Circle" where she encouraged her family to enter and make a wish, as legend has it that a wish in this special spot will surely come true.  I think I was the only one that cried much, which made it very difficult to read out loud, but Drew and Jesi were almost moved to tears as we read about how Jay Berry (who for years has dreamed about owning his own pony and .22 gun) & has made it very clear that his desire to catch those monkeys has been for this intention, decided that more than wishing for anything for himself, he wished for his little sister's leg to be healed.  And, it seems that rather than wish for her own ability to walk and be healed, Daisy unselfishly wished for her brother to have his own dreams fulfilled.

While we have yet to read the last few chapters, I hope that reading this story will help my children remember how it is better to give than to receive and that as they seek to help & love others more than themselves, their lives will be so richly blessed.  And, I hope that they will always enjoy picking up and reading an uplifting book - one that will make them laugh and cry and have their heart changed for the better.

Once again, I have been inspired to do a little better about recording my feelings and experiences in our family on this blog so that we can look back, laugh, cry, and always remember how sweet and short life is, even if many days I just have to laugh because I feel like my home is filled with sweet, silly, & smart little monkeys that often are able to outsmart me!  I guess that explains why Nathan was feeling so proud of himself this morning when I found him on the kitchen counter after he successfully unpeeled all of the bananas and threw the peelings all over the kitchen floor.  I guess if he'd actually eaten the bananas, I might be worried that he really was a little monkey :)!

August 2012 - We did finish our book and LOVED it.  It was a sweet story with a wonderful ending and we will never forget reading it.  We were however, highly disappointed on our trip to McCall as we watched what was supposedly the same story converted to video.  The movie was a big disappointment as they took out most of our favorite parts of the book and changed the story so much.  We would definitely recommend the book to anyone.  If you haven't read the book, you might think the movie is okay!?!

Father's Day 2012

 It sure is a good thing we take a lot of pictures around here because Andy and I can't seem to remember anything unless we write it down or take a picture!  I had to rewrite the last couple posts when Andy reminded me that we went to Tucanos for Jesi's birthday and not mine!  So, unfortunately we don't have a lot of pictures from Father's Day and therefore few memories have lasted the test of time.  But, our favorite memory is probably that the kids sang in primary and Drew played a song on the piano that morning for prelude.  Doesn't get much better than that!  I'm sure we ate some yummy food that day, but we have no recollection of what it was, so I guess we can leave it to the imagination!

 I found this beautiful picture while attending part of Women's Conference in April and I had the hardest time not giving it to Andy early.  It is a painting by Jay Bryant Ward, who has painted another one of my favorite paintings called, "Under His Wing" that reminds us of Kassi.  We have a painting picked out that reminds us of each of our children.  Although this painting doesn't look much like Nathan, it sure reminds me of the sacred role that Father's play in raising their children and teaching them who they are.  And, raising Nathan has brought that joy into our hearts once again as we have recently been experiencing that tender moment when a child yearns to learn how to pray.  This painting started as a painting of Jesus with a little boy, but transformed into this unique portrait of Joseph teaching Jesus how to pray.  So very precious.

And, thanks to these pictures, we remember how excited Kassi was to draw this picture of our family for Andy for Father's Day.  She did explain who was who at one point, but unfortunately I didn't write it down, or if I did, it is probably in our files of no return :)!  I'd be happy to be any of these cute characters though!

My mother-in-law reminded me this Father's Day that it was the 1st Father's Day without her own father and  she felt bad for my having lost my dad.  I am so grateful that I had a father who taught me and my siblings through his loving example, what our Heavenly Father is like.  Shortly after my dad died (a little less than a month later), I was asked to speak in church on Father's Day.  It was very emotional and hard, yet such a wonderful opportunity for me to pay tribute to my father's life and example and share my testimony of our Savior's sacrifice and how He has made it possible for us to be with our families forever.  I remember a sweet woman coming up to me afterwards and saying that she was grateful to hear of a father who was so exemplary and how it reminded her of what our Heavenly Father must be like.  She then explained that her own father was not a role model for her to follow and she was so grateful to know that there were good men out there.  It really made me grateful to have had that time on earth with such a wonderful father to look up to.  And, although it was cut a little shorter than I would have liked, I know that I will see him again and that knowledge is such a blessing in my life.  

I am also so grateful to you, Andy for being that kind of father that our children can look up to and expect to be there for them whenever they need you.  You are such a wonderful father and  you teach us so much with your kind, patient spirit.  I don't know how I could ever raise these sweet children without you by my side.  Thank you for all that you do and are!  We all love you very very very much!!!  

Happy Belated Father's Day!

And, thank you to my own father, Andy's wonderful father, my stepfather, our grandfathers, and all of the wonderful men in our lives who have loved and strengthened us.  We love you all!

Mother's Day 2012/Heidi's Birthday

 I have been amazed to hear over the years how many women hate Mother's Day.  It saddens me to think that this day is one that is loathed by so many wonderful, exemplary women who have done so much good in the world, whether in their own family, or in the lives of others of Heavenly Father's children.  I can't even imagine how heartbreaking it must be for many women who have not found the right man to marry and for those women who are married, but have not been able to bear children.  I know that this day must be extremely hard for them.  I guess what I am trying to say is that every woman, no matter how seemingly small her influence may be, is capable of so much good and has more influence than she could ever imagine.  And, I wish I could express to each of them my heartfelt thanks for their lives and examples to me and my family.   And as for any women who are concerned that they just aren't enough or feel guilty about their mothering abilities, please read on.  Kassi taught me a sweet lesson this year that I will never forget!

It is tradition for us to take family pictures on Mother's Day.  I always tell Andy I really don't want any gifts for Mother's Day other than the chance to spend time with my family and take a few priceless pictures of my kiddos, and of course hear them sing to me with the primary in church.  This year was the first year Kassi would go up - which is amazing to me.  Our extremely outgoing, spunky child was too shy to get up there in the past, whereas, Jesi, our extremely shy little girl went up the first time she was old enough.  I'll always remember how tiny and sweet she was holding Drew's hand on the way up the isle.

 I will explain the popcorn balls in a minute :)!

 I had to take a picture of my children's creations.  Jesi made an adorable "Made with Love for Mom" book at school complete with her picture, drawings, and coupons to be used throughout the year as well as a clay little bowl.  I was amazed this year when I saw that each of the kids had written a card.  Andy purchased these beautiful flowers and I loved this creative little gift Jesi thought up on her own.  She "invented" this pen holder for me, made from a piece of a milk carton.  It was adorable how excited she was about her new invention created especially for me on Mother's Day!

 Probably my favorite memory from this Mother's Day was the picture above.  I was putting all the cards and flowers together for a picture when Kassi came and put this picture of Jesus on display, saying in her sweet voice, "This picture is for you, Mommy!"  (It is a pass along card from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, www.mormon.org).  It was SO sweet.  I think she gave me the most precious gift for Mother's Day this year by reminding me that I don't have to be perfect.  I just have to remember that Jesus loves me and He loves me despite my imperfections as a mother.  I remember loving that moment when I realized that she knew how much I love the Savior and it all seemed to click in my mind, why I am able to love Mother's Day.  I am anything but the perfect mother and I can see those imperfections in myself constantly.  But, it is because of the Savior, Jesus Christ that I can love Mother's Day and know that my imperfect attempts at being a mother are acceptable to Him.  Because of Him, I can feel like I am doing okay.  He makes up the difference if I do my part and try to love and serve those around me to the best of my ability.  He helps me do more and be more than I could possibly be without Him.  When I fall short, His atonement fills in the gaps.  Thanks to the wonderful blessing of the sacrament every Sunday, I am able to try to do a little better each week and realize my dependence on and love for Him.  I hope that my children always remember that we are all in need of His mercy and grace and that through Him, we can feel confident about being the women or men, mothers or fathers that we are.  He wants us to do our best and perhaps even more importantly, He wants us to always remember Him and that we need Him to be all that we can be.

 I just remembered that Jesi and Andy actually cut these flower from our rose bushes on my birthday, not Mother's Day, so that makes this a combined Mother's Day/Birthday post.  Andy and the kids made a yummy breakfast of Grand's cinnamon rolls, eggs, and juice.  Jesi wrote this adorable poem as well and Kassi drew me some adorable pictures.  Andy was sweet and took me to dinner and to shop for a beautiful skirt the evening of my birthday.  Andy's parents were here the weekend of my birthday and we enjoyed a wonderful bike ride, dinner, and Jesi's first violin recital with them.

 Now for the popcorn ball story.  My sister Tami had this great idea to make up a recipe book for our McConkie Family Reunion that was this past June.  It was a huge act of love.  I helped her edit it and just editing took several sleepless nights.  So, I am so grateful for her sacrifice of time and effort to make this beautiful recipe book that will be a family treasure (right in the middle of trying to sell her home, locate a new home in a different city, and mother 6 children)!  We asked people to, when able, include a memory of their family favorites and traditional recipes.  One of the recipes included was contributed by my Aunt Donna and she shared with us that these popcorn balls were made often by my grandmother, Mabel Stephenson McConkie.  She would make them on my grandparents' mission to North and South Dakota for the sweet Indian children there.  So, my children love hearing that story as they enjoy this recipe from my grandmother's kitchen!  Just one of many fun recipes that will become family favorites for our little family!  

Nathan thought these allium flowers were purple popcorn balls!  I had to encourage him to use his nose instead of his mouth.  It was pretty cute though!

I am so grateful to my Mother for all of the sacrifices she has made for me, for Andy's sweet mother, and for all of our grandmothers, and all of the exemplary women in my life.  I love each of them and appreciate all they do and are.  I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!

Jesi's Birthday Celebration

 Tucanos does a free "birthday meal" the month of your birthday.  So, we usually go in April for Andy's birthday.  We missed going on Andy's birthday weekend, so ended up going the day before Jesi's birthday for family night.  Drew eats more meat than I do and we all love the salad bar and chipa (little cheese bread in the shape of little muffins like what Andy enjoyed on his mission to Argentina).  So, with the free birthday meal, the youngest 3 kids eating free, and going right before the dinner hour of 4:00, we are officially cheap, but enjoy a really good meal for a great price!  We could probably work a little more on table manners before going next time, like how to use a napkin to wipe your face, but hey, we survived an hour at a restaurant with 4 kids and hopefully didn't traumatize anyone.  We feel pretty good about that!

 Just outside of the restaurant is one of our favorite destination spots for a family bike ride.  They often have musicians playing in this outdoor amphitheater, but this time our kids enjoyed running around and pretending like they were the stars of the show.  It was pretty fun to watch them dance to the music that was playing and just plain goofing around.  The above picture is my attempt at getting a picture of all the kids together.  You can see that Nathan and Kassi weren't too interested.

 Nathan loved breaking it down in front of these green speakers.  It was adorable, but of course every time I tried to take his picture, he stopped dancing and said, "CHEESE".  Apparently I have trained him a little too well!  He has the CUTEST little dance where he swing his arm front to back and squats over and over again.    I guess you have to see it to know how adorable it is.  Sorry!  

 Since we went to dinner early, I guess we were able to work off some of the meal dancing around before the kids remembered that their favorite little ice cream place was just around the corner.  So, we splurged and they were very happy.  Nathan chose one of my personal favorites (with a little prodding) - cookie dough.  Kassi chose bubble gum.  I thought Jesi and Drew got birthday cake, but apparently it was peppermint?  Maybe I just have birthdays on the brain right now?!?

 Nathan wasn't too happy about me stealing a bite of his ice cream.  I was happy he didn't throw his food on the ground.  He tends to do that.

The kids were SO funny trying to do the dance revolution, or whatever that game is called.  Nathan was hilarious doing his little dance to the music!  It all made for a wonderful birthday celebration!  I didn't post the picture of me at the restaurant where my expression was obviously "please get me out of here SOON before everyone in the restaurant is staring at us" because, as much as it can be very exhausting at times, I wouldn't trade being a mother to these precious children for anything in the world!  So, I guess I should just let people stare and wonder what I was thinking and answer them with a great big smile and make them wonder more!!!  Jesi, I am glad to remember that we actually did do something fun for your birthday!  At first we thought these pictures were from my birthday, but they were from yours!  That's what we get for not blogging more often and getting behind!  You are a sweetie pie and we love you so much!  Happy belated b-day!!!

Our Little Jesilyn is 7!

 Jesi, you are the sweetest girl ever, so it was only appropriate that your sweet primary teachers that you love so much would call you the morning of your birthday to bring by a gift and a yummy cupcake for you to take to school in your lunch!  So so sweet of them to think of our oh so sweet girl!

 You love the beautiful "J" necklace they gave you.

 You requested crepes with strawberries and whipped cream for your breakfast.  I wasn't surprised :)!

 Kassi got you a Fur Real kitty and a Rapunzel Doll.  You love your new toys, but you weren't too happy when Kassi decided to try to clean her ear with the sponge paint brush meant to color Rapunzel's hair.  Apparently it looks a lot like a q-tip!

 The rest of us got you a pretty white dress, a swimsuit, a purple shirt, a metronome for your violin playing, and some cute elbow and knee pads to wear with your roller skates.

 And, we made strawberry jell-o poke cake for your birthday cake this year.  You thought it was pretty yummy!

 You have grown up SO much this year, we are just amazed!  You have come so far from being our little bashful Jesi, to a very talented, confident little girl.  We are so grateful you are letting your light shine all over the place and no longer just in our home!  We were astonished that you wanted to share your talents in your school talent show, along with Drew.  I can't seem to find those pictures, but we were so proud that you got up and played a duet with your friend Lucy.  Her sweet mom played the accompaniment for you two and you did GREAT!!!  After just a couple months of lessons, you played Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star to perfection!  Drew also played a duet with his piano teacher and did awesome.  It is so neat that you two feel confident sharing your talents with others.  We were beaming as much as you were!  And, I was so relieved when it was over and I knew that you were happy with your performance!!!

 These pictures are from your first violin recital.  Grandma and Grandpa Walker came to hear you play and were not disappointed.  You were so beautiful in your new birthday dress.  You have been admiring some white dresses at Costco for months, so I decided instead of getting you a baptism dress when you turn 8, I'd get it when you turned 7, so that you could think about that important day for a whole year and learn about the covenants you will make when you are baptized.

 You can see how proud grandpa was of your new confidence with your new talent!  Before we went to the recital, Grandma and Grandpa went biking with us and we had some ice cream at one of our favorite biking destination spots.  Then they took us to dinner at our friends' yummy Chinese restaurant, "The Green Panda".  It was a wonderful evening.

 You have always been a natural helper and a natural mommy!  You saved me this one morning when my back was killing me and Nathan agreed to cuddle with you instead of having me carry him around all morning.  He has been going through a phase the last year or so where he wants to be held for an hour or two (if I'm around) whenever he wakes up and it has done a number on my back.  But, you begged him to let you hold him and he loves you too much to say no most days!  You are going to be one terrific mommy someday!

 You have been taking dance lessons for a year and a half and Kassi joined you a year ago.  You are pretty adorable together.  After your last recital, two girls we had never met before asked if they could take your picture because you were the "BEST" part of the show.  It was pretty cute.  I thought I was biased, but it was cute to see that others notice you cuties as well.

 Kassi had a hard time wanting to go to dance practice or make it through rehearsals because it was always in the evening when she starts getting tired.  Thankfully you could talk her into going most of the time.  It is so fun watching you two dance together!

 I caught you between dance performances at the recital and you guys and some of the other girls all had your feet together and you were doing eenie meenie miney mo.  It was adorable!

You were so sad when you found out Grandma couldn't come, so we let you call your friend Molly and her sister, Megan last minute and they were very excited to watch you and you were SO excited they could come!  I don't know who had more fun, you and Kassi, or all of us that got to cheer you on!!!  We sure love you, Jesi and look forward to many more years of watching you learn and grow and watching that light within you shine on us all!  Thank you for being such a wonderful example of love.  You truly fill our lives with joy every single day and you have for 7 years!!!