Date Night

It's late. Everybody is asleep. I'm waiting to switch the clothes from the washer to the dryer so it gives me a few minutes to tidy up and blog. Yes, I actually cleaned up first. Proud of myself for keeping my priorities straight. It wasn't easy though.

We're starting a new tradition in our household.

Fun Fridays.

We pick up pizza for dinner. {that's not new}

Settle down and relax at home. And then: Let the games begin.

Okay, that's the only new thing there.

I realized a couple of things that made me wake up and want take hold of the time we have with our children. First thing, Meagan is 13 and soon will be wanting to go out with friends on Friday nights {natural evolution of a teenager. yuk}. She's going to figure out how uncool her parents really are and want to have grown up fun with friends. I think we have her fooled a little right now. But she's a smart one and I think she's catching on. And then I realized that every Friday night we sit down in front of the t.v. to be entertained for the rest of the night. That's so wrong because I'm quite entertained by my children.

So I shocked everybody a couple of Fridays ago when I announced that we were going to turn off the tv and play a game. I think I saw John roll his eyes and then I heard Andrew ask what that meant, play a game. Addie got into the FHE mode and started delegating the prayer, song, lesson, and treat.

So we played charades using Christmas song and movie titles. It was painful at first. Really painful. But we ended up laughing really hard. I dare you to invite us over for Christmas Charades. We have our own hand mimes for Christmas themes...watch out.

Tonight we taught them how to play spoons the Hallen way. I'm embarrassed to admit that we haven't played that simple game with them yet. They've played at friends homes with other families but not with us. Shame on us. Bad parents. That was such a basic game for me growing up. My brother, Bert, could fake a grab for the spoon that got me every time. John, though, he's a sly one. He sneaks the spoon and, well, let me just say...I dare you to invite us over to play spoons. Even our cool teenager was loving the game. So fun.

Next week, creepy crawlies. Is that what it's called??? I'd asked John but he's asleep.

Oh, the washer's done.

Thankful

John reminded us at our Thanksgiving dinner today about why this holiday was first started. We all know about the Pilgrims & Indians and their first Thanksgiving, but...about 150 years ago, a few days after the Civil War ended, Abraham Lincoln made a proclamation that the forth Thursday of each November should be a day of national celebration.

I love what Elder David Bednar said in October's conference: "...we should remember that “in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments” (D&C 59:21). Let me recommend that periodically you and I offer a prayer in which we only give thanks and express gratitude. Ask for nothing; simply let our souls rejoice and strive to communicate appreciation with all the energy of our hearts."

A couple of months ago I was over come with self pity. It was a real pity party. I was feeling bad about Peter's situation, and mine. I was feeling sorry for myself. I started to let the challenges consume me. A fussy and crying 2yr old. Being in doors all day. Not being able to go to the store. Shopping. No visits from friends or family. No play dates for the other children...and many many more. As I tried to figure out how to feel better about things, I came across something: "The Lord wants you to have a spirit of gratitude in all you do and say. Live with a spirit of thanksgiving and you will have greater happiness and satisfaction in life. Even in your most difficult times, you can find much to be grateful for. Doing so will strengthen and bless you."

This was an answer to my difficult situation. I made up a little game for myself. At the end of each day I would go over in my mind the happenings of the day and think of the one thing I was thankful for that day. The first day it was Fruity Pebbles. Peter's appetite at that time was very diminished. He needed to eat but wouldn't because of the nausea or effects of chemo. He was very fussy and unpleasant. But he liked Fruity Pebbles. He ate it for every meal. I was truely grateful for Fruity Pebbles that day. After a few days of this new little game my pity party ended. I was strengthen and blessed.

It's so good to have a day that we all can reflect on our blessed lives and think of the things that we're grateful for. But try doing it every day...It's fun.

A few pictures of our Thanksgiving...

Meagan & Addie helping with the chocolate pumpkin pie. Very serious work...They really were having fun. Those are the looks of focus and concentration when you're cooking.

Sydney & Andrew having a contest on who can eat the most rolls.

Uncle Gary taking his turn at telling what he was thankful for this year.

Kendall enjoying mashed potatoes.

Forget the pumpkin pie.

The party needs to be over, but it's just getting started. Grandma, this is where you would've wanted to take out your hearing aids. Addie & Maddie were putting on a play or dance. Andrew was pushing Sydney all around the house in the dump truck {watch out!} Peter was happy.

Not in photo: Meagan at the piano playing the Can-Can. Dad and Gary at the T.V. volume up to 50. Thys deliriously happy. Cheryl & Kendall nursing. Me, Mom, yes I can can.

Where the Wild Things are...

HaPPy ThanKsGivIng...

from The HaLLens

We enjoyed Thanksgiving Day at the Wild Animal Zoo with Gary & Cheryl's family. Here's a little known secret: Best day to go to either the San Diego Zoo or the Wild Animal Park is on Thanksgiving Day. No lines. Close parking to front gates. Cool weather. Few people. Active animals. Great day!






Peter was in heaven. He saw all his favorite animals. I've never heard "wow" so many times in one day. We loved being with our cousins again. It's been a long four months...

Andrew spying on the lions

Lions spying on us.

Trying to feed the lorikeets, some of them fed on us...

Oh, so many more pictures...but so little time for posting them.

Lovely Sabbath Days

I love Sundays. So peaceful and restful. The children always end up playing games in the living room because it still only has two chairs and a piano . Plenty of room for Peter's favorite games, ring-around-the-rosie, London Bridges, and 1,2,3, go!

Sacrament Meeting was very entertaining today. It was the Primary presentation today. The Sunbeams stole the show once again. They were so cute. Andrew remembered most of his part. Addie played a song on her violin with the darling Wolfgramm family singing along. She played perfectly.

Pictures taken in February of Addie & Peter