Update: Greener Home

We've eliminated all paper towels and plates.

I got rid of (donated) all the tupperware/ plastic ware. 

We've switched 98% to bio-friendly cleaning solutions. I still have this one spray I use on mold in the shower... it just can't be beat.

I use reusable bags now and rarely forget them in the car.

Our garbage disposal is used a lot!! more!!!

I try to use the dishwasher sparingly, like once a week.

All plastic film and wrap on foods are recycled at Wal-Mart or Target.

Sooooooooooooooooo.... drumroll please....

For the past 3 weeks we have had 1 bag of garbage each week!!! And sometimes it's only 1/2 full.

Next to implement: composting. But we'll see, that seems complicated. 

Holy Week

Celebrating Holy Week this week has been lovely. I love taking the extra time to talk about what our Savior experienced His last week on earth.

Palm Sunday we learned all about the importance of palms. Sometimes it's easy to think they just were waving branches- but palms were on the money, no part of a palm tree was wasted- it was a symbol of necessity and luxury. Both laid at the feet of The King.

We talked about how such adoration could turn so violent and cruel. (Sidenote- we've been enjoying on Sundays at my dad's a show on Netflix that chronicles what happened with the apostles after Jesus was crucified. It's been really interesting, albeit glamorized and very Hollywood.) It was a different culture, way of thinking, and time period.

Holy Monday was the cleansing of the temple. In my mind's eye I had the children cleaning the whole house with splendid attitudes. Instead I just challenged them if they saw something that might help around the house, to do it, and feel good about doing something that would help our home be more like a temple. Much better!!

Spy Wednesday we did some reader's theaters I made based off 3 parables Jesus taught in the temple. Poor Nina was out (strep we didn't know about) but they got really into their parts and did a wonderful job.

Sidenote I always review and ask questions about previous days' information. To Ella I asked, What did Jesus ride into Jerusalem on? And each day she responded quite enthusiastically , A BIKE!!!!

Spy Wednesday we did motions to the story of Mary anointing Jesus before Holy Week. I like it because in the same scripture Judas is brought up. Spy Wednesday is all about Judas' betrayal, but I wanted to focus more on attitudes. How were Mary and Judas alike, how were they different?

Spikenard was extremely expensive and probably supposed to be used as a dowry for Mary. Yet, she gave everything to Jesus. We talked about consecration and Maria brought up a good question, "What are things Christ might ask us to give when it comes to consecration?" We talked about health, homes, jobs, life and even things like desires of the heart.

Maundy Thursday was the last supper of Christ and His beloved friends. All day I was struck with thoughts of how I would order my day if it were to be my last. I asked the children what they would want to eat if they knew it would be their very last meal for earth life. Lemon Pasta and Agvolemano!

Eli wanted hot dogs but changed his mind when he heard I'd make Greek soup.

It was a peaceful dinner. Learning through eating.

Maundy is based off a French word that was based off the Latin word for command. And the commandment to love one another was given during this meal. I pray my kids will always love others and themselves!

Good Friday I'm going to take the kiddos to a Black Baptist church and hear my friend DeSean preach. I'm really excited. It will be good music!

She makes me laugh out loud....

Maria, my dearest Maria.

At dinner she randomly breaks out in song, Daniel Tiger:
"If you have to go potty- stop and go right away. Flush and wash and be on your way!"

Then she adds, quite dramatically, "But foreal... did they realize they skipped a step. HELLO!!! WIPE!!! Does the tiger not wipe?!?!?! It's disgusting."

And it is Maria. It really really is.

She is also currently obsessed with all things Stranger Things. I love to hear all the random facts about the actors/actresses she knows.

She is always flawless when it comes to "knowing" about a subject. She has a meticulous mind and fantastic memory! I wish mine was as good!!

Go away buggies, go away....

When the girls get sick, it's horrible, but I just don't worry as much. Perhaps it's because they are mellow usually, so it's not that big of a change.

However, Elijahmoo, sweet boy... it's a 180 difference. We go from constant movement to flat out slab of sickness on the couch. My heart always tends to beat a little more nervous when he is down.

The little ones got well pretty quickly. 2 days and temps were down. They drank coconut water the entire time and were plenty hydrated.

Then of course my precious Nina caught the bug but couldn't quite kick it. Ended up being strep and she was miserable. Just started the antibiotics and doing better already. Phew!

Maria had a light runny nose and day of stomach aches off and on.

And I did an absurd amount of laundry!!!

But each and every single load I was so very grateful to have sweet babies to do laundry for, and for a working washing machine and dryer!!

God is good to us and I'm grateful for the sickness to help me appreciate the health!

The countdown is ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Library Performance: DoggPound

These guys did a fabulous job teaching all about hip hop and breaking.

We had a good time watching them and listening to fly music.

Man. I wish I had arm muscles!!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

I had to call 1-800-GoIrish because I didn't want any leprechaun accidents in the snow. They are so little and there was SO MUCH SNOW!!! So I kindly told them to let me arrange the morning... rainbow fruit, green notebooks, and rainbow tic tacs.

Eli told me it was better than the mess the leprechauns would have brought.

We got to spend the night at Papa's and spent the day together at the library, visiting Yaya Sofia, and enjoying pool time at Silver Bear Swim School.

We love our Yaya!!! From cleaning their faces, to feeding them, to telling them how wonderful they are, to always handing out $20's and $100's.... sheesh!!! She is such a blessing and safety in our lives. (Same can be said about Papa!!) 

We enjoyed her comment, "I hate skeeein!"

We thought, why does she hate skin?

"I hate skeeeeein!!!!!!"

Skiing!!!!

No Michael Flatley. But!! There was loooooooooots of shamrock CAKE FROM COSTCO!!!! Thanks Papa!!

Welcome Spring!!!

I guess the snow didn't get the memo that it was "spring" forward.

Talk about a huge blizzard.

Shoveling was a beast!!!

But we got to spend the night at Papa's and binge watch a crazy show called, "Nailed It." They take people who want to bake masterpieces and end up with these hideous creations. It's pretty funny.

I wonder if Heavenly Father looks down on us and thinks, "Nailed It." when it comes to life.

Blessings Blessings Blessings

I freely admit that I am a sinner. I know I sound like my Yaiya, but I make so many mistakes it's ridiculous.

My biggest problem are my thoughts. My thoughts tend to spiral and I get so upset. It does no good to get so put out in my mind. But what does this have to do with blessings?

I asked Jody if we could get the kids a basketball hoop and he gave the go ahead. I worked on it and ran into a problem within 2 hours. A big problem. I said a prayer and not 5 minutes later my neighbor, Dave, appears. He grabs a few tools, makes a few adjustments and voila... the axel and wheels are installed on the bottom of the hoop. SUCH A BLESSING!!!

Day 2. I am having more problems. The screws aren't fitting right. 2 hours. I said a prayer at the beginning of the 2 hours and by the end I was ready to call it a day and try again tomorrow.... when Shanna and Dale show up. Bearing beautiful clothes for Maria. They of course, being the most wonderful Christ-like people EVER help me out. AND THEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Put together the entire rest of the hoop for 2 hours, in the dark and cold, and haven't even eaten dinner. And it's their daughter's birthday.

There is a story in the Book of Mormon where The Lord sees fit to "chasten" a group of people, Alma the Elder and the followers who believed in Abinadi. The Lamanites capture them and enslave them. They give them grievous tasks to bear. But God hears their prayers and delivers them. Granted before He delivers them, He strengthens them and makes it so their burdens feel lighter.

The past 2 days have shown me that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. My burdens were made so much lighter by good friends who have good tools and good hearts! Who were willing to help with a beast of a project just to make my kiddos happy. My thoughts were spiraling... I can't do this. Why can't I have help? Why does this have to be so hard?

Not only did Buzz put it together, but he really got the kids involved. Shanna and him were praising Eli for hammering, giving fist bumps, telling the girls how wonderful they are. If only the whole world could have a Buzz and Shanna in their life.

I feel so blessed. I know God watches over us. And sometimes we won't get the way we want, but He will help us and find another path for us. A better route. A miraculous blessing for our eyes to be opened and to know. He lives. He loves us.

Spirit Week at Van Gorder

Monday: Take a Cruise