Flower Tote Bag

Q: What do I do when I'm trapped at home?

A: Make stuff out of stuff I already have.

My kids have been sick, so we've spent the entire week of Fall Break at home. Needless to say, we were getting bored! Today I taught Marinne how to make this little bag.

I have seen these material scrap flowers, and thought I'd try them. I rather like them, and think I'll make more for hair clips.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

My cute mom had a birthday, so my sisters concocted a "Lari and the Chocolate Factory" party. It included a variety of chocolate desserts, dancing, and pictures of my mom as Willy Wonka (thanks to photoshop and Amy).

Yeah, the Smiths are a little "silly", but life is never boring!

Student of the Month x 2

Marinne was selected as Student of the Month for her class, and Blake was chosen out of the whole school as the P.E. Student of the Month! We are accumulating a nice collection of free kid meal certificates that we need to use!

A Good Reminder

The other night when I couldn't sleep, I came across a talk by Neal A. Maxwell. It was a good reminder of the characteristics we should be developing.

He says,

"We are to be:

• Meek and Humble - those who shine as lights in the world have no need to seek the spotlight! The world's spotlights are not only fleeting, but they employ inferior light!
• Patient- not hectic, hurried, pushy.
• Full of Love - not demanding, dominating manipulative, condescending, or harsh.
• Gentle -not coarse.
• Easily Entreated - not unapproachable, inaccessible, and nonlistening.
• Long-suffering - not impatient, disinterested, curt, easily offended.
• Submissive to God - not resistant to the Spirit, counsel, and life's lessons.
• Temperate - not egoistic, eager for attention and recognition.
• Merciful - not judgemental and unforgiving.
• Gracious - not tactless, easily irritated, ungenerous.
• Holy - not worldly."

I think I should post these words somewhere in the house, so I can remember how I should be!