Friday, October 14, 2011

Soccer Days

So, I'm not sure if I'm a officially a soccer mom, but Andrew's workin' it on the soccer field! I'm also not sure how much skill it really takes to work it on a team of five-year-olds, but he's sure having fun out there. When he scored his first goal of the season he was jumping up and down, pumping his fist, excitement exploding from his body!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Assuming the best

I have a list of "to blog" items, but this keeps coming to my mind. So, pictures of adorable kids and fun things we've been up to are forthcoming. In the meantime, a few of my thoughts...

Last week, Mike and I were at a Wendy's together and as we stood in line, it was obvious we were going to be there for a while. The young man behind the counter was talking himself through each order, careful to get everything correct. The line was getting long, but people were patient, understanding and helpful. At one point he addressed those of us in line and said, "Sorry for the wait. Thanks for being patient, I'm trying my best." I thought he was so cute, so transparent, really just trying his best! He was the kind of guy who probably won't ever own the Wendy's or even run the Wendy's, but he can take the orders if people will be patient, understanding, and helpful.

As I stood in line thinking about this hard working young man, I was reminded of the single, most important advice I've ever been given. When Mike and I were temple workers in the Chicago temple, we met with the temple president as part of our training. In that brief meeting with him he said, "Always assume everyone is doing their very best." It sounds so simple, but there are so many times in life when our feathers get ruffled, we get annoyed, we want others to be more efficient, more understanding, have more common sense... be more like us. But if we can assume that others are doing their very best, we will have very few problems with those around us. We'll feel less frustration, more compassion, who doesn't want that? So here's to assuming that we're all trying our best, giving others the benefit of the doubt, being a little kinder, more understanding, and all around just nice.

Friday, October 07, 2011

Last night

This was the scene in my backyard last night and it made me incredibly happy! Such a big girl swinging on the big kid swings and loving it.
Meanwhile, the boys carefully crafted a "snake trap" and were waiting behind the tree to capture the unsuspecting fellow. It's heaven to be a boy in the woods...until your mom makes you come in for dinner and a bath.

Thursday, October 06, 2011

Criss Cross Applesauce!

Did you know that apples are Michigan's largest and most valuable fruit crop, with a value of about $100million annually to the apple grower? I didn't, nor did I know that we live in a fruit belt and EVERYTHING grows here! We've enjoyed so much fresh fruit and veggies this summer from the local farmers. I hosted two of my MBA friends (who also enjoy living in Michigan- lucky me!) for a day making applesauce. I think we grossly underestimated the project, but it was a great day none-the-less.

Gretchen had to leave to pick up her kindergartner, but Lori stayed until the bitter end. The only thing not pictured in the pic below is the heat of my steamy kitchen! When I went to make grilled cheese for dinner for our neglected children, the butter in my cupboard had melted! And yes, Lori was still at my house at dinner time.
We canned 46 quarts of the most delicious applesauce. No sugar added, some with cinnamon, and it's been a hit in my house! Tanner called it "apple pie sauce" the other day and is constantly asking for a bowl.