November 18th, 2012

November 18, 2012

Dear Family and Friends,

I took advantage of warmer weather on Monday and M and I painted the trim around the exterior of our door.  We had some paint left in the tray and so we ended up painting a bunch of trim around the garage doors in the home too.  It was very much a "if you give a mouse a cookie" type of day. J was happy to "help" us and play outside, and RM was sleeping.  As soon as we were done M took a nap to prepare for working all night.  I cleaned up the mess and once B-man got home we did our normal routine of homework, play, etc.  That night for FHE we talked about the miracle of the seagulls that occurred soon after the pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley.

J before the haircut.

Tuesday was a quiet day.  B-man went to piano and was thrilled to start learning his favorite Christmas song "Said Samuel."  The teacher isn't LDS, but was willing to give it a shot.  I printed out a copy for her in a much easier key, and then we are simplifying it a little more.  It was rough at first (he hasn't even learned what an eighth note is) but today (Sunday) he has got the right hand down for the first section. 

M finally finishes this sourdough loaf.  Impressive isn't it?

Wednesday was another quiet day.  We went to the church and played in the afternoon while M met with a person in the ward. That night M had a stake meeting.  Once he got home we watched "Casino Royale" in preparation for watching the new Bond movie next week.

RM before the haircut.

Thursday was another busy day.  We did some work around the house in the morning; I gave all the boys much needed haircuts.  I also had a dental check-up before lunch.  I was so happy to have no cavities.  That afternoon M went with the young men's president to pick up turkeys for an activity that night and I worked with B-man on homework and piano.  We had food from the freezer because we were both so involved in things.  That night M went to mutual, when he got home we watched "Quantum of Solace" and I must admit that I understand the plots much better now. 

RM did not like getting his neck hairs trimmed.

Friday we tried to get some things done too.  We hung a picture in the library, and then when RM was sleeping we put the second coat on the exterior trim.  It looks really good, and it feels good to know that the worst is at least protected from the elements.  There were a few spot the paint was peeling so badly that we could see the bare wood.  Then M came in and went to sleep. When B-man got home I took him over to a friend's house nearby so he could play.  The little boys and I had a fun time together at home. When I went to pick up B-man for dinner, he had conspired a way to stay longer.  So RM and J and I had a quiet dinner together at home.  Then the sister missionaries knocked on the door and I made the executive decision to wake up M so they could talk "business."  B-man came home and all the boys went to bed.  Then M was off to work.

J after the haircut.

Without all the hair he looks totally different.

RM enjoying a snack.

Saturday morning was busy.  We ate breakfast and then got ready to take some friends to the airport.  The car was totally full with both families, but it was a fun little adventure.  We then drove straight to B-man's swimming lesson.  J and RM played with their cars on the pool deck for the thirty minute lesson and then we headed home.  Sadly M was already sleeping by the time we got home.  The rest of the day we worked/played around the house, and then once the jobs were done we went outside and played a lot outside.  At one point we went to a park close to our house and there was a big group of boys from the neighborhood playing "guns."  They were so cute and when picking teams they included RM and J and even let them carry around little toy guns.  They thought they were so big.  J and B-man also rode their bikes or scooters down a big hill in a line with the boys.  They had a great time.  When RM's hands started to get frozen I called it a day so we could go home and eat dinner.  We had a cozy dinner and then I ran to a birthday party for a friend.  Then I ran home so M could get to work.  I have to admit I was happy to miss the bedtime routine!

Today has been a good day. M couldn't leave work early, so he missed church.  J was a little crazy during Sacrament meeting but we made it through.  Primary was a blast.  I'm so glad it went well after last week's craziness.  Now we are home and the boys are reading or sleeping or otherwise quiet.  It's so nice.  M is sleeping and once he wakes up we will have dinner and have a quiet night.

We love you all!

The Clark Crew