Thomas

I met with Thomas' teacher this week and we both chuckled when she brought up a reading comprehension test the Thomas recently took. It was a multiple choice test where he was to fill in the bubble next to the correct answer. He got all 20 questions correct, but apparently Thomas didn't read the directions because this is what his test looked like. The letters A-D were the bubbles. Thomas' notes are in RED...

According to the selection, what was the reason the Pilgrims did NOT have regular meals when they first came to America?

A. There was not enough food. -No way

B. They had a lot of work to do. -Yes

C. They were too cold to sit and eat. - Only in winter

D. Tables had not been invented yet. -Silly-but true

What is the MAIN idea in the paragraphs 11 and 12?

A. Buffalo horns made the best spoons. - uhh-NO!

B. Spoons were first made from clamshells.- funny-but true.

C. Pewter and silver spoons were very valuable. - Nuh-uh!

D. Spoons were made from many different materials. -YES!

Which of the following sentences BEST describes the main idea of paragraph 20?

A. Scratching fleas was common. - no

B. It was rude to have lice or fleas. -funny

C. Scratching at the table was bad manners. -Yes!

D. It was impolite to share food if you had fleas. -very funny

According to the selection, which of the following was MOST necessary for eating in colonial days?

A. a fork- the opposite!

B. a chair- NO!

C. a barrel- I don't think so!

D. a spoon- Yes

Based on the selection, how did Pilgrims put salt on their food?

A. with a knife- YES!

B. with a salt shaker- Laugh!

C. by dipping food into the salt- the opposite

D. by dipping their fingers into the salt- NNOO!

In the selection, if a Pilgrim family had only one chair, who would sit in it at mealtime?

A. the father- Yes

B. the mother- No

C. the oldest son- Maybe so! -(no)

D. the youngest child- No-way!

Thomas' Second Pinewood Derby

This week, Wayne has spent his spare time helping Thomas' pinewood derby car design come to life. Thomas sketched a slick, simple design; no tail fin like last year. He and Wayne got to work sawing, and shaping the car, painting it a slick red with a royal blue "T" on the hood, adding some weight, adding the wheels, and aligning it just right. It looked like a winner and both Thomas and Wayne were pleased with the way it turned out. Wayne could give a lot more detail, and maybe he will, but for me it was nice seeing them create Thomas' car together, and that process and cooperation is actually my favorite part.

It's amazing what a big deal this race is for the kids. It's really the highlight of the year for the Cubs & today's race was really fun for all of the Cubs. Thomas' car ended up taking 1st place at the Pinewood Derby. Next up: Regionals!

Caroline and Wesley

Last night I was tucking Grace and Caroline in bed and we got on the subject of Jesus' resurrection.  This is how our conversation went...

Grace: Because Jesus was resurrected we all can be resurrected.

Caroline: I do not want to be...what's that word again?

Mom: Resurrected

Caroline: I do not want to be 'nesurrected.'

On Easter Sunday Caroline and I watched "Testaments," a beautiful movie of Christ, his life, death, resurrection, and visit to the Americas.  I had a clue what was bothering Caroline, but I asked...

Mom: Why don't you want to be resurrected?

Caroline: I don't want to get bleeded all over.

Mom: Oh, Caroline, resurrection isn't how Jesus died, it's what happened to his spirit and body after he died.  We'll probably all live to be old, like 100.

Caroline: Or 67.

Mom: Even older, and we'll go to sleep one night and wake up in heaven.  We won't die on a cross like Jesus.  I promise.  When we die our body is buried and our spirit lives, and when we are resurrected we get our body back and never get ouchies again.

Caroline: Like your mommy?  She was...what's that word?

Mom:  Resurrected.  No, my mommy hasn't been resurrected yet.  She's like an angel watching over us and blessing us.

Caroline: I know.

~~~~~~~~~~

Wesley was flipping through his Red Sox book yesterday....

Joy in Service- Easter thoughts

Recently a friend from church who I'll call Mary, lost her best friend, her father. Feeling a desire to support her and show her we love her, we asked the children at church to make cards for Mary. They traced their handprints, drew pictures, and wrote simple uplifting words of kindness. I took Caroline, Grace, and Wesley with me to deliver the cards along with some spring tulips. As we drove to Mary's house, the girls talked about how they worked on their cards with their friends at church and recalled this woman's name and circumstance. When I brought a dish to Mary's father's memorial service, I asked Mary if she got the cards and flowers. She said she'll save them forever, and went on to recite some of the sweet messages from the children. She said it was so touching and meant so much to her. Isn't it wonderful that service doesn't have an age requirement? We're all on this earth together to help one another know the Lord's love. All one has to do is look into the eyes of a newborn to see that heaven is near.

As I think of service, I am so thankful for the countless examples of service in my and Wayne's heritage, in our present family, and among our friends and loved ones.  Our family has found joy and gratitude in giving and receiving such kindness.  When asked to share a time when someone has shown kindness to them, this is what our children shared.  Christina remembers when she started going to her new school that a girl befriended her. Thomas remembers when his friend Michael gave him 50 cents to get ice-cream at school.  Grace said that today her friend, Josh helped her clean out the candy in her jacket pocket.  Caroline said that her Sunbeam teacher, Sister B taught her about Jesus.  All of our children acknowledged in their own way the gift of Christ's atonement.

This Easter, as we celebrate the blessing of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, may we find ways to show our gratitude by forgetting ourselves in His service. This world could use all of the joy that service brings, and the realization that this joy is nothing less than a measure of the Lord's healing love.

Happy Easter!

What's on your family playlist?

Now that my early Mother's Day gift has been sent to my siblings, and my secret project is out, I can do some explaining...

I was playing around on iTunes the other day and got in a sentimental mood thinking of the songs that used to play in the house I grew up in, in the family van on road trips, and in general all through my childhood. We had plenty of Mormon Tabernacle Choir and instrumental music, but I was thinking of a less reverent mix. I made a playlist labeled "Remembering Mom" because like most families, my dad was at work all day, so we were most influenced by mom's musical taste (we'll make one with you in mind, dad:)).  I love the memories that come to mind when I blast this playlist and go about doing what otherwise would be mundane housework. My kids get a kick out of some of these songs too.

Wayne had some printable CD's on hand, and had crafted a CD holder out of a Cheerios box to hold the CD in when it went to print.  I used this classic picture of my mom on the top of the CD's.
For posterity I'm posting the thoughts that come to mind with each song. 

1.  "Hooked on Classics"

2. "Top of the World"- this was a favorite Carpenters song in our family. We memorized it and sang it at the top of our lungs on road trips. Think 8 track tape and a VW van.  This very well may have been playing when we swerved to miss an oncoming car and my brother Dan flipped from the back of the van to the front.  This was before buckle up laws.  It was probably Dan's best acrobatic move to date.

3. "Little old Lady from Pasadena"- favorite Beach Boys song. I'm sure we only knew the line "She's the little old lady from Pasadena!" I especially remember singing this at our grandparents' house when we were there on many occasions to swim on hot So. Cal summer days.  Grandma brought out lemonade or popsicles and in season we'd eat fresh blackberries from their yard.

4. "Time Stand Still"- My brother, Dan was an incredible drummer and a huge Rush fan through his teenage years. He also went into minimal conversation mode through those years. My mom, seeking to somehow bond with him, went with him and my dad to a Rush concert to see what the fuss was all about. As you read through this playlist you'll realize just how far from her comfort zone (or my dad's really) Rush was, but that's the beauty of the story. She had a great time and was impressed with the drummer. We were all impressed with our parents, and that outing has become a beloved parenting moment.

5. "Sweet Caroline"- Mom, along with all her friends, loved Neil Diamond's voice. If she were alive today she'd have his voice on her GPS.  This was a favorite song.

6. "Sing"- Another Carpenters favorite. My mom taught this song to the primary kids in our ward and it was a hit with them too.

7. "America"- More Neil Diamond. This played a lot at our house, especially when we were in the So. Cal dance festival and this song was the big group number.

8. "We Got the Beat"- the Go-Go's. Mom was in a girl band for a church talent show. They lipsynced this song and had one of the best acts of the show. This is on my to-do list....it looked like a blast!

9. "Part of the Plan"- Dan Fogelberg.  This song reminds me of when my mom taught the older teenage girls in our ward.  They adored her and called her "mom." She saved their wedding announcements and kept in touch with them over the years. She was a good leader and friend.

10. "It Takes Two"- Donny & Marie Osmond.  We were faithful watchers of the Donny & Marie Show. We'd throw down our big mexican blanket from Tj, add a huge bowl of air-popped popcorn, and gather to sing along and enjoy the show.

11. "Teach your Children Well"- Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. I loved hearing this song and still do.

12. "The Golden Rule"- Carol Lynn Pearson (My Turn on Earth). This song is hilarious, and we sang it so loud and often you'd think it would sink in.

13. "My Story"- Carol Lynn Pearson (My Turn on Earth).  We sang this tune a million times as well.

14. "What One Man Can Do"- John Denver. We listened to a lot of John Denver. I especially remember these songs on road trips and camping trips.

15. "Annie's Song"- another John Denver favorite.

16. "I am your Child"- Barry Manilow. Mom loved Barry Manilow. We had nicknames for him that I won't mention, but at least us girls had fun learning some of his songs and singing out with mom.  

17. "We've Only Just Begun"- Yet another Carpenter's favorite. Did I mention that we loved the Carpenters? We did.

18. "Greatest Love of All"- I probably need to apologize to my brothers for putting Whitney Houston on the playlist, but we all remember mom making an amazing slideshow (pre-you could do this via computer days) for her RS class. The stars of the slideshow were the kids from church, so she was essentially showing this to their moms. She set the slideshow to this Whitney Houston song as well as "I am a Child of God." It was beautiful.

19. "Moon River"- We loved old movies and Breakfast at Tiffany's was one of our favorites. Audrey Hepburn sings this in the movie and on this recording. We memorized it and sang along.

20. "You Are So Beautiful"- Joe Cocker. Mom wanted us all to feel like we were beautiful inside and out. She didn't remember that being an important message in her childhood home, and so she tried to offer us self confidence. This song reminds me of her desire to get this message across to her daughters.

21. "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again"- Phantom of the Opera. Mom LOVED Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables. She blasted these soundtracks over and over and over and over. I always think of mom when I hear this song.

22. "End Title (Karen's Song)"- from one of mom's favorite movies, "Out of Africa." 

Project in the works....The Beantown Menzies' playlist.  What's on yours?

Signs of Spring

Traditions.  Traditions can give us a sense of belonging, they can strengthen family unity, and can be simply a fun way to celebrate together.  We're careful to make sure that our family traditions are worthwhile, and something we all enjoy.  Traditions are as big as how we celebrate Christmas and as small and simple as gathering each evening for family prayer and scripture reading.

Inspired by the LaP family, we started a tradition of finding signs of spring...

Tonight we decorated a poster with things that remind us of spring. Christina thought of a robin, umbrella, picnics, caterpillars, and green trees. Thomas thought of baseball, hummingbirds, and frogs. Grace thought of tulips, easter eggs, bunnies, and butterflies. Caroline thought of green grass and pansies. Each picture is labeled and there's a line underneath for whoever sees the object first to sign their name and the date. The LaP family now has children living all over the USA, and they call mom to tell her when they've spotted a crocus, a daffodil, a rainbow, etc., and she keeps their signs of spring paper up to date.  It's a fun and simple way to celebrate saying good-bye to bare branches, snow, and the chill of winter, and to celebrate discovering all of the beauty that spring ushers in...as a family.

Happy Spring!  Love, the Beantown Menzies

Bedtime

Caroline was sleepy all through scripture reading tonight. When we were done, Wayne stood her up to go to bed and she literally fell asleep standing up. Such talent, such poise, and such peace! Apparently Caroline inherited the gene for falling asleep anytime, anywhere from her daddy. It cracks me up. I actually moved her hair so you could see her sleepy eyes & she didn't flinch.
She's all set for bed with Wesley's blanket (she's too tired to realize it's not her favorite blanket, the triangle blanket) and her favorite kitten, Mango. The dress is a princess dress I made for Christina for Halloween '99 and Caroline would live in it if I let her even though it barely fits anymore.

Sweet dreams, princess!

"We'd be lost without you."

The flower people really could improve business by marketing the "We'd be lost without you" bouquet such as the one that arrived at my doorstep today.  I think this bouquet meant more to me than all of the flowers I've been given on Mother's Day, my birthdays, and our anniversaries because while those are very appreciated and really just as beautiful, the "We'd be lost without you" bouquet came completely unexpected and out of the blue.
It was a baseball hat day (no shower yet)... I'm up to my eyeballs in laundry, made un-fun insurance calls, cleaned spills, wiped tears & messy faces, hands & bums, carpooled, calendered, changed diapers, put dinner in the slow cooker, tutored, cleaned, cleaned & cleaned some more....and then along came this gorgeous bouquet of flowers with the card saying, "We'd be lost without you."  In the middle of this crazy day in my crazy life, I'm smitten.   And for the record, I'd be lost without my sweetheart too.  After 13+ years of marriage he can still give me butterflies, make me weak in the knees, and feel the opposite of lost---found.

Sometimes we don't get very far...

I can't say we're perfect in our family Book of Mormon reading, but we've come a long way.  We do read nearly every night, and we read until we can liken the scriptures to our lives and learn something.  Some nights, such as tonight, we don't get very far...try 4 verses due to a couple of tired and giggly little ones.  Tonight they attacked Wayne with hugs and kisses.  It's a good thing that the Book of Mormon is full of life lessons.  Tonight we read Helaman 15:1-4.  We read about Samuel the Lamanite teaching the Nephites to repent and that the Lord chastens his people out of love for them.  We applied it to our lives....repentance is a tremendous blessing; an evidence of the love the Lord has for us.  Lesson learned, even under loving attack!

Birthday Flowers

My birthday tulips bloomed just before our trip to FL, but my sis-in-law, Emily reminded me that I meant to post the blooms so you can see what color tulip Grace picked out.  It's no surprise they are brilliant.  It's been so fun having tulips bloom in winter!

Christina's first play

Saturday night was Christina's final performance of two of her middle school's play, "The Return of the Glass Slipper."  Christina was in the chorus.  She sang and danced in the opening act, at the ball, right after the ball (she tried on the glass slipper), and in the finale.  Wayne, Thomas, and Grace sat in the audience and enjoyed Friday night's performance.  Saturday night I watched/volunteered help backstage.  Christina lost her voice, so she said she mouthed the words to the songs, but she gave it her best and did such a great job.  We were all so proud of her.  A mom can gush, right?

Christina's friend, Nicole came with us to Saturday's performance.  She's in Christina's church class and I love how genuine and kind she is.  Because of Christina's laryngitis, we ditched the cast party and the three of us went to Vini Testa's.  We had a bite to eat, shared a couple cannolis, and had fun girly chit chat.

I didn't have my camera, but Nicole had hers.  As soon as I get her pics, I'll post them here.  I think it's wonderful how these girls support each other in doing good things.  In the meantime, I've included Christina's well deserved "Congrats!/Way to go!" flowers.

Skating sisters

When we arrived home after picking up Grace from school, Grace hopped out of the car and gleefully said, "Grass!  Let's play on the grass!"  She and Caroline made a b-line for the grass and then found an ice patch and began ice-skating.  I told the girls to go in and get their tutus on and lets get some photos of ice-skating in our yard....perhaps a rare occasion.  They were happy with the idea and were back outside in a flash singing and skating/dancing on the ice.  They have no formal training, but they have come up with some darling dance moves on their own.  I love watching these two sisters be girly through and through.

Joyful news...

JOY... My brother and his wife just had their first baby after many, many years of trying to get him here.  My heart is full and I'm the aunt!  I can only imagine their joy.  I broke the news to our kids tonight and Christina said, "Yeah!  I prayed for Mari last night."  Caroline thought that his name (Desmond) reminded her of Jasmine (Princess Jasmine of "Aladdin").  Grace thought of pie- proof she's Jake's cousin.  What can I say?  It was late and the little gals were in quite a loopy mood.  Nevertheless, they were all happy and giggling thinking of their new cousin.  Congrats to Adam and Mari, and welcome to our crazy, big 'ol family, Desmond!  We LOVE you already!

JOY... Of the four new cousins arriving from today through July, we found out today that there will be 2 boys and 2 girls.  Joy x 4!  That will make the grand total of cousins- 35 (both sides of the family, not including step-cousins).  So, correction...JOY x 35!

JOY... means having Grace as your big sister.

Honoring

I'm a little late getting started with this, but I like this challenge and site, so I signed up.  Honestly, I think simply studying the Book of Mormon daily is truly honoring, as is attending the temples President Hinckley was inspired to dedication worldwide.

Nevertheless, if you're interested, this is a wonderful way to honor our beloved prophet, President Hinckley.

Hinckley Challenge

Baptism Preview

Last night our Primary hosted a Baptism Preview for the primary children who are turning 8 this year and their families.  We offered quite a bit to the children and families to help them prepare for the childrens' upcoming baptisms.  As Rachael said, "It's a budget killer, but it's nice to spend generously on the most important event."  That said, we focused our efforts on the most important things....the handouts and the dinner.  I'm thankful for the cohesive group of women I'm serving with in the primary that made such a nice event really special, and a pleasure to help put together.

We had 20 adults and 22 children in attendance.  We served chicken fettuccine alfredo (Lee's yummy dish), salad, garlic bread, and the children brought their favorite dessert.  The food was really good...a diet killer.  We gave the kids binders (Lee did an awesome job) filled with information for baptism day as well as a journal for them to record information and their feelings about their baptism and confirmation.  I made a fishing game as a family home evening baptism/confirmation teaching tool.

The program included comments from the bishop on the baptism interview, a tour of the baptismal font and dressing rooms, talks on baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and brief introductions to the Faith in God program.

I gave the talk on the Holy Ghost and I thought I'd post a story I shared, partly so I'm sure to have it documented somewhere....

When I was 16 or 17 yrs. old I got a phone call from my mom.  She calmly said, "Becky, I've been in a car accident.  Jonathan (my brother who was about 6 or 7 yrs. old) is with me.  We're at the high school.  We're o.k.  Will you call dad and come pick us up?"  Being the dramatic teenie bopper I was, I started crying and essentially lost my mind.  I couldn't think of how to reach my dad, but I did remember our dear friend, Doney's phone # (I think I still know it by heart), so I called her.  Hardly able to speak between hysterics and sobs, I somehow gave her my mom's message.  She contacted my dad.  I hopped in our yellow Thunderbird and drove to the high school.  There were 4 lanes on the road in front of the high school.  Three lanes were blocked off by the police.  There was a fire engine, ambulance, and there were several police cars there.  Paramedics were loading the passenger of a small sedan into the ambulance.  I looked toward the high school, and there was our minivan just a foot or so from the principal's office.  The driver of the sedan was going about 40 mph, and because he was busy fiddling with his radio he didn't see my mom in front of him.  He rear-ended our minivan which started what my brother Jonathan described as "a ride he didn't want to go on again."  On impact, my mom turned the steering wheel to avoid traffic in front of her.  The van miraculously missed a light post as the minivan caught air and then bounced along the front lawn of the high school, coming to a hault just a foot or so in front of the principal's office.  I cried at the sight and worried for my mom and brother.  As I drove closer I saw my mom and brother standing on the sidewalk with our home teacher, Br. Sherrill.  Suddenly all of the anxiety I felt was lifted, and I felt calm, not because I saw that my mom and brother were o.k., but because it was obvious to me that the Lord had been looking out for them by sending Br. Sherrill, to offer support and help.  Turns out Br. Sherrill jogged on a regular basis.  He had a certain path that he always took, but that day he felt directed by the Spirit to go by the high school.  He taught me a great lesson that day, which I passed on to the children at our Baptism Preview.  I taught the children that the Holy Ghost can be our guide to lead us to safety, to lead us to help those in need, and to lead us back to our Heavenly Father.

"And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit." -D&C 11:12

When March brings 6+ inches of snow........... we roll with it!

My mom's dear friend, S. Van's sister used to be married to Robert Redford.  My mom adored him and was quick to adopt herself into the family, calling him, "Uncle Bob."  We all called RR Uncle Bob and an autographed headshot of U. Bob graced a wall in our home for years.

Well....meet the Beantown Menzie's Uncle Bob.  He doesn't have the former Uncle Bob's rugged good looks, but he seems to bring as much attention as mom's Uncle Bob would bring if he were standing on our front lawn.  Oh, the fun we had getting our U. Bob here!  We simply adore him!