That man is the richest whose pleasures are the cheapest.

That man is the richest whose pleasures are the cheapest.

Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds upon the heel that crushes it.

Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds upon the heel that crushes it.

Who is Nelson Mandela?

We were playing a game at dinner with "family conversation cards" ... the question was, "Who do you think the most important person alive today is?"  First Bryce said, "Adam Sandler".  I asked him, "What about someone like Nelson Mandela."

Bryce, "Who's Nelson Mandela?  Is he that guy on Jeopardy?"

Tie Tying

Here's something to remember...

Bryce is on the freshman basketball team this year, and has to wear a dress shirt, dress pants and tie on game day.  The night before he needed this "outfit", he informed me of the requirement.  A call and quick trip to GAP secured the clothes.  The next morning, 5 minutes before we needed to leave for school, he asked me in a panic to tie his tie.  I have never tied a tie.  We quickly googled "How to Tie a Tie" and found a great, slow-motion video on youtube.  So there we stood in front of the computer, Bryce shifting from one foot to another as we watched the video and tried a couple times to tie the darn thing.  It was crooked, but passable and out we ran!  Susan later gave me some great advice:  at the end of the day, loosen the tie and slip it over your head like a necklace.  Then slip it back on for next time (haha). 

A fresh start

Ok, hi kids (or whoever is reading this)... I have lapsed in my journaling as you kids have been growing up.  I was oh so faithful writing every little thing in Bryce's babybook, writing here and there in Katie's, haphazardly in Jack's, and a pathetic paltry amount in Ryan's.  I'll say sorry now (you can talk about it later with your therapists).  Here's my attempt to capture some of the many great memories we've made together... my friends tell me that our stories are wacky and legendary...if I could just remember them!  I'm going to ask a few special friends to help me remember so we have proof of all the things we've done and survived.  Let me start by saying I could have never imagined my life with four kids ... I started out as a defiant, independent girl looking for excitement in life.  I had no idea I would find that excitement with my kids and their adventures.  As all parents will say, you have changed my life so profoundly, so completely, and I have learned how to be a better person because of you.  Just by being the little darlings you are : ), you've taught me things I wouldn't have learned otherwise.  Oh you know, all those pesky things like patience, mercy, self-sacrifice, responsibility and overwhelming, beautiful love.  I thank God for bringing you into my life; He gives us the best gifts in the form of people to love and who love us back.