family newsletter

Marcos asked me a week ago, "Hey Mom why don't you show your boobs?" I told him I like to be modest (and I don't have any). He replied matter-of-factly , "My teachers at school show their boobs." He's right, our preschool teachers love to wear sundresses with spaghetti straps and low cut t-shirts. I guarantee if my 5 year old is noticing, so is my 15 year old. I will probably be bringing up "dress code" at the next school board meeting. Marcos is looking forward to his field trip to the post office this month. He has discovered the sour joy of raw rhubarb and has eaten half my plant. Max cut a chunk out of Marco's hair last week. The sad consequence was that I shaved his fro. I am confident you all heard the wailing and grief--he was really proud of that hair. Max started baseball this week and frankly those cute baseball pants show off his long, lean legs so well. He and Cooper spend a lot of time honing hitting, pitching and catching skills. The reading teacher called and announced that Max's reading light bulb turned on almost overnight! He has met and surpassed all his reading goals, and actually likes it. Max got giant purple ribbons at the St John Fair for his Easter chick wheat grass display and his lego creations. Mostly he just wants to see how it translates financially, since the kids get paid for prizes. He also scored $10.00 for winning the science fair. His project was to measure which person in our family did the least backwashing. Try it sometime. It is a fascinating study. Eliza started softball this week. She is having a good time with her friends and her awesome coach. She is also learning to do the laundry (thanks for inspiration Kate!) so she can take over for the summer. Because she has terrible parents, the highlight of Eliza's month was seeing "The Hunger Games, " which she insists was way less graphic than the books. Eliza's science project was a comparison between fiberglass and plaster casts. She had fun making casts and wearing them to determine which was most durable, waterproof and comfortable. Cooper chose not to do a spring sport, but is anxious to get out on the golf course, once it dries out a little. He made some sweet moolah this month with his business and learned some important lessons about the importance of keeping the customer happy. Cooper had a fun time on a recent scout trip-- there was quite a bit of gun shooting, both at targets and at other scouts. We were proud that Coop got the highest and only passing grade on a recent English exam, but wondered what the heck is wrong with a teacher that flunks all but one kid. One of the days over Spring break, Wilson worked for a local farmer. I just got a call from the farmer requesting that Wilson work for him this summer. He was impressed with his work ethic and politeness. Who was he talking about? I asked myself :) I asked Wilson to do some driving errands for me around town. He got caught by the driver's Ed teacher and got in some hot water. I took full responsibility for breaking the rules and then secretly cursed the teacher since over half the students drive THEMSELVES to the driver's ed class. We just bought a pick-up truck, "Pete," for $500.00 and Wilson is getting much smoother at driving stick shift. I'm still sore from running the Hog Jog on Saturday. I only ran it so I could eat the worlds best homemade coconut cream pie with no guilt. I was in charge of displaying the youth arts and crafts. It is always fun to do. I also can't believe I am one of those people who would say that teaching the Old Testament in seminary is changing their life, but I am. I have been making lots of rhubarb recipes lately including Grandpa's "rhubarb tonic" which is best on Grandma's biscuits. Our biggest news is that Tony and I are going with Wilson and Cooper to work in a foster home in Xian China and then to visit Mom and Dad in Hong Kong. We leave June 5th. We are really excited about the opportunity. Tony turned 44 this month. That is really old. He delivered several babies this month, and said goodbye to several of his favorite older patients. Tony is enamored with Siri and obsessed with chess. One of his birthday presents was a light up chess set. Just when you thought he could get no more nerdy. . . The youth in our ward sang I know that My Redeemer Lives a couple of Sundays ago and Tony has been trying to achieve that level of spirit in our sacrament meetings since. Tony would like to know how often you think the Bishop should interview the youth, especially the Priests.

lessons this week

Max has had a sad day.  Mom discovered him on the patio snipping chunks out of Marcos' hair.  The consequence for cutting your brother's hair is that you have to shave off the afro you are so proud of.  All of Whitman county was able to hear the outrage and sadness associated with the consequence.  The only consolation is that hair grows back and that Mom promised to shave the words, "welcome home!" in his hair when Grandma and Grandpa get home.

Marcos asked me today why I don't show my boobs.  I told him I like to be modest.  He replied that his teachers at school show their boobs.   He's right, they do.  The like to show off their boobs with low cut clothes and copious amounts if cleavage.  He couldn't help but notice, and probably enjoy.

I was on the phone today and Marcos brought out all my shoes and proceeded to try to put them on my feet like he was trying on Cinderella's slipper.  When he found one that slid on easily he beamed and brought me a flower.  This act of service was so tender it reminded me the Savior washing the apostles feet.  It made me tear up.

Wilson completed his Eagle project yesterday.  He was a good worker and a good leader.  He had a good turnout including his "cousins" Jonah, Eli and Yuhua from Spokane.  Today he chose not to go to church. so no computer for a week.  Hope the sleep in was worth it.

Last night Dustin blessed the Riplets.  We were unable to make it for the blessing but were able to go for the dinner afterward.  I loved seeing Wilson tenderly (and a little awkwardly) holding babies two at a time.  Everyone wanted turns and thankfully there are enough babies for everyone to take turns simultaneously.  I think it is funny that we are all partial to the boys :)

We made a big decision this week.  We bought tickets to go to China to work in the Starfish Foster home and visit Grandma and Grandpa.  It is a big financial and time commitment, but things fell into place and so we feel good about it.  We go in June and will be traveling with Andrea, Eli and Lily Hainsworth who were planning to go at the same time.

I went to the Friday night session of Time out For Women, which is Deseret Book's attempts to sell spiritual experiences.  I really enjoyed Brad Wilcox's talk which focused on the temple, but the music was cheesy and painful.  I learned more from 30 minutes with Betsy and Andrea than I did from the whole spiritual performance.

palouse falls

Every year I almost talk myself out of our trip to Palouse Falls--it's too much trouble, too far to drive, to much of a teenager battle. Every year I am so glad we went and this year was no exception. The weather was beautiful and I hiked down the steep face to the river with all the kids. Tony stayed behind with Marcos. So beautiful and such wholesome family recreation.