Valentine's Week

This Valentine's Day, we did things a little differently.  Every family member had to earn their dinner by answering quetions about other family members (What is their favorite toy, book, thing to do in their spare time..).  It turned out really fun.  And in the end, we had yummy pulled pork sandwhiches and homeade potato chips - YUM!  Everytime I read the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet there is a line in the family section that sticks out to me, "Concern yourself with the needs of other family members."  I want my kids to always show interest in their siblings!  That is the goal anyway. 
Jared and I got to go on a long over-due date night last night (Thanks To All of the Rust Girls).   We went shopping, to the temple and out to eat.  While we were at the temple I learned (re-learned) a few things.  We were introduced to two different sealers.  In the process of events we learned that both of them were mission presidents.  One was jovial, and wanted to talk and create connections.  The other was somber, business-like, and professional.  Both were very useful to the Lord.  I think that when we are obedient, our personalities, although different, are enhanced. 
As I sat and looked at "the temple mirrors of eternity" I realized that I am defined by my family relations.  I am only as useful as what I give to others.  I also realized that, in a very real sense, spiritual strength comes from ETERNAL FAMILY TIES. 

When my deep thoughts were through, we enjoyed Applebees, all the way from appetizer to dessert.  Jared said, "I don't want any dessert, but you get one."  And then he proceeded to eat 3/4 of mine.  Thats okay, I am only as useful as what I give to others, RIGHT?!  :)

Sam turns 6!

Today was Sam's birthday!  He is now a 6 year old with the mind of a 20 year old.  In an effort to make birthdays into more of a tradition that a cheap toy handout, we have been doing family activities instead of presents.  Sam's activity was a neighborhood treasure hunt.  He had several clues (scrambled names of people in our neighborhood), when he figured out the name, he went to that person's house, and told them it was his birthday.  They in turn gave him something to bring home.  The end result was ice cream sundaes with the works.  We have such a fun neighborhood that we had to invite all of them spontaneously to have ice cream sundaes with us. 
We love Sam! 
*Often times I will go into his bedroom long after he should be asleep and he is lying there with his hands behind his head thinking, and he proceeds to tell me all of his deep thoughts. 
*Every night at dinner Sam asks me if every item that we are eating is healthy.  He pays attention to what he eats (I wish I had his self control). 
*He is pretty sensitive to other's needs.  He likes to sit in front of Daniel's swing and read to him out of the Friend.  The other day we were riding in the car with Elise Leavitt, he said very quietly, "Lisey, I am sorry your grandpa died."
*He recently told our neighbor that he wasn't afraid of death, there is no pain there....
THE LIST COULD GO ON AND ON AND ON........