Back To School Brunch

Dena, a.k.a. Wonder Woman and her side-kick

Lovely Ladies Lunching

She was the first girl I noticed on our house hunting trip to Nor Cal. Sitting in the pew in front of me at church with her well-behaved, perfectly bronzed, looking like life-guard prodigy children. And she--she had the nerve to have golden skin, blonde hair and blue eyes... GREAT! I thought, exactly the combination that makes this dark haired, pale skin girl from a land-locked state feel insecure!!

That was two years ago and the picture perfect Cal-i-fornia girl is my friend. Dena makes me feel accepted and loved. But I'm not the only one that feels that way. Dena puts on a  PAR-TAY where everyone feels acknowledged, regarded and welcomed. She had a back to school brunch today and invited some of the "girls" from our church congregation. All of these women have inspired, taught and loved me these last two years.

 Diane D. oversees all of the needs of the women in our church congregation. She is a light to all of us.

 Deana J. welcomed me straight-away and impressed me with her ability to create beauty. She invited me to my very first Halloween dinner party. This girl can also PAR-TAY!!

 My very first phone call in our new home was from Pam I. She was hookin' me up with car-pools and friends for my kids...definitely an angel on earth.

And Marney M. is my lovely newly wed, new to California friend. And BTW- she ROCKS as a new step-mother to four children!

Tongue of Angels

Courage

My Courageous Kids

Winter 2010, Provo, UT

This picture is nearly three years old now. It seems like yesterday. They grow up so fast. 

Today was the first day of school for the youngest three. In all honesty, I was a bit more melancholy this year. Maybe because Sarah is a Senior this year, maybe because Natalie started middle school, maybe because when it comes right down to it- I'm a B.A.B.Y.!!

I've realized that these children are courageous and strong. They have and will continue to face hard things and come away the conqueror and at times- the fallen. But I know they will get back up. I love the words of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, in his talked titled; Come What May and Love It, he suggests four principals to help in times of trail, times that require your utmost courage. 

First:  Laugh. Sadie demonstrated this when she was preparing for her first day of school. She left me this note last night:

Wanted: A ham sandwich and a PUPPY!

 Second: Seek for the Eternal

The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints Temple, Oakland, CA

Third: Understand the Principal of Compensation

 The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.

 

Fourth: Trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ

 

Courage.

Let's Get It Started

 Seriously, a blog? I feel I'm betraying an oath of womanhood that doesn't own a smart phone, home school or take pictures of beautifully decorated tables with perfectly cooked meals. But I felt the same way about layering shirts. I thought; "how could you wear something that looks like your underwear isn't tucked in?!" Now, I wear them too. They've grown on me, I see their purpose and I lived in Provo, UT, and "when in Rome... ". I no longer live in Provo, but feel the strong desire to blog. In fact, I woke up at 4:00am this morning thinking of all of the "clever" things I could post. But now it's 9:12am and I haven't had much sleep- so, this is what you get.

A Blog needs a catchy title. My daughter Natalie, creates raps. She made up a rap that ended with "home slice". I wasn't exactly sure of the meaning, but it sounded cool. I looked it up this morning.

Natalie- Homeslice!

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=homeslice  

Perfect for a blog title and multiple suggested meanings. Home Slice was not an available blog title. I added a couple of "I"s to make it work. I hope it doesn't lend itself to the confusion that already exists among "catchy" blog titles.

 Tahoe

This past week, we took our summer "vacation". We loaded up the 151,000+ odometer reading van, rented a Thule for all our gear and went camping at Lake Tahoe.

Coolest kids on earth!

Not as cool as our kids

Scott discovers the night mode on the camera

Yep! Our kids doing the dishes

Nothing beats reading by campfire and headlamps!

The Chef

Nutella and blueberry pancakes-can life get any better?!

Until next time...homesliiice