We All Need to be Good at Something

We are proud of our son.  He is an excellent reader and a very creative drawer.  Isaiah drew a picture of trees for Arbor Day that won top honors at his school.  The picture went on to compete in the state competition and if it wins will end up in a calendar for next year.  He is, of course, excited.  Neither Shelly nor I have seen the picture, but when we get a hold of it we'll be sure to post a copy.  At least here's a picture of him getting the award from his Principal. 

We also enrolled Isaiah on a soccer team.  He was quite hesitant and Shelly told him that he only had to go three times and then after that he could decide for himself if he wanted to continue.  Which he decided he did not want to.  In watching him I had visions of me at six years-old playing soccer, including being goalie and being so bored during the game that I would sit down and play with rocks.  The other quite vibrant memory is finally getting the ball and excitedly kicking down the field with everyone jubilantly cheering on the sides.  I ended up making the goal... for the other team.  Those cheers were actually everyone telling me I was going the wrong way.  

Needless to say, I didn't have much of a sports career after that.  Oh, I did try softball at eight - but it yielded similar results to the soccer experience.  This sealed the deal in my disinterest in sports.  However, I have always had some regrets about this and will be signing Isaiah up for baseball in a month.  We will practice, though first I will find someone in the ward to practice with me.  Every boy needs at least one sport he's good at.  And I want to help Isaiah find his.  I guess I haven't quite found mine yet either.  That is why I will run a marathon at some time in my life. It may be tough but at least I could say I was good at it.  

 

Communal Pool

Ok, video cameras have changed the nature of parenting.  Instead of frustration over some of sillier things your kids do, you run to get the camera.  Actually this was pretty funny.  At one point the cat was drinking the water too, while Malachi drank and Julianna played in it.  Since we can't afford a pool maybe this is the next best thing.  

Only two more weeks left of school and I am excited.  Summer school plans are not set in stone as far as class schedule.  We just plan on having fun.  Oh and planting a garden.  

Happy Easter

 

Malachi trying on the communal bunny ears.  

 

Isaiah didn't want to take his picture at first, but holding Figaro helped him change his mind.  

I love this picture, it captures a fun moment.  

I also liked this picture - my lovely wife is in it.  

She is drunk on easter chocolate.  

More Malachi, I'm enjoying the haircut Grandma Coombs gave him.  It makes him look a lot more like his cousin Spencer.    

Julianna enjoying her basket (actually she didn't get to eat any candy - she doesn't eat food yet), but she looks cute just the same.  

Shelly insisted that the photographer be photographed.  

Hope you all had a splendid Easter.  The weather alone made for a great day.  Shelly made a superb ham, funeral potatoes and fried asparagus with parmesan (you need to try it).  Next year I do hope to be more Savior focused.  Several people have commented that they put the festivities on Saturday and then focus more on Christ on Sunday.  Sounds like a good idea.  Now back on my low carb diet.  

Figaro's Birthday

Garrison Keiler said that cats were proof that God does not have a purpose for all of His creations.  Although this does appear partly true, cats do give us someone to love, even if they act like they don't need it (not like those needy dogs).  Figaro has been the best family cat anyone can ask for.  He repeatedly puts up with Malachi and Julianna's abuse, letting the children either pull his fur or carry him and is always willing to sit on our lap when we need him to or get on the keyboard while I'm trying to type - as in the case now.  

So since we were not sure of his exact birthdate, we made up one.  We celebrated it yesterday and Shelly gave him one his favorites, yogurt topped with whipped cream, as his cake.  Malachi decided that Figaro should not have it all to himself as seen here.    Trust me it's worth watching.  Needless to say we love having (and sharing with) our cat.  

Bye, Bye Birdie

My posts will just have to be less polished because I don't have the time to put them at the standard that I would like.  Anyways, over a week ago we decided to get chickens.  We've been wanting them for a while, and it happened to be the time of year when you are suppose to purchase them.  Well, we figured everything would be ok, after all our neighbors have them, they eat kitchen scraps and cheap food - how hard could it be?   

So Shelly went out and bought them and when she got back there was a message on the phone from our landlord explaining that we couldn't have them.  Note: be sure to hear back from your landlord before buying chickens.  Oh well.  We found someone in the ward who will take care of them, will split the food costs, and will split the eggs - the real reason why I wanted them in the first place.  Isaiah of course cried, but between Malachi and Figaro, I think we we're doing the chicks a favor.