It's Spring Break

It is tradition among the Williamsfam5 that on the first 70 degree day of the year we go to Fanci Freeze. I must set limits on our attendance at this favorite mom and pop burger and ice cream shop, so 70 degrees it is. We were lucky this year to have just two warmish days to begin our Spring Break off on a great note.

I should now post pictures of a fantastic trip to Seattle, but since I have none (as they are on Brooklyn and Aaron's phones), you will just have to take my word that Aaron and Brooklyn had a very fun daddy daughter road trip with Christopher and Emilie Eshbaugh. Complete with REI garage sale-ing and Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream. And the Space Needle was pretty cool too, so I hear.

The boys and I had our own sort of adventures right here in Boise. First, archery at Fort Boise.

 

Then a date night with just Mom and Lucas (Ian was sleeping over at a friend's house.) On the advice of his elder siblings, Lucas chose to go to Chuck a Rama for his date activity and proceeded to have 4 rounds to the all you can eat buffet. Totally entertaining.

 

Next, movie night in mom and dad's room and sleeping in dad's spot. Complete with Breakfast in Bed.

Ian rejoined us the next day and we proceeded with our mom and the boys weekend with more movie watching and major amounts of snuggling.

Then, Spring actually came! There is nothing more beautiful than tiny blooms amist the stillness of winter. Although the trees are still naked, we have color at our feet upon coming home these days.

Sometimes we still forget we are going to pray before we eat and although we try and fold our arms and close our eyes reverently, cheese makes prayer time a little unruly.

It snowed last night. We are half way through our two week break and the sun is shining and it is snowing anyway. That won't keep us from going to Camel's Back Park and making the most of the bright days though. Becky and Brenda joined us today for one of the most exciting park days we've had. They make everything a little more fun.

Brooklyn and Ian took it upon themselves to make sure Becky (Ian's charge) and Brenda (Brooklyn's charge) keep their momentum on the swings.

Aaron continues to be the coolest rock and roll, snowboarding, house selling, eclectic husband around. I have taken note of the lack of photos I have available of my dear spouse. I will make it a goal to try and snap some shots of him once he returns from

 
http://treefortmusicfest.com/

Boise's coolest musical extravaganza.

Watch out Portland and Seattle, Treefort has launched Boise to hipster levels of cool.

Photo Journalism

In an effort to not be overwhelmed with keeping up the journaling of williamsfam5 events I quickly post pictures to document life's recent happenings. Thank you iPhone.

Ian is growing into the scientist his "mad scientist" personality lends itself to.

 

Brooklyn continues to make our home a happy place. (Please note the fake fireplace she provided.)

 

Our newest adopted family members, Brenda and Becky are getting used to Boise. And Becky caught a cold. Brooklyn donated one of her handmade pillows and fleece blankets to keep Becky cozy.

 

Ian's class (taught by me) has been volunteering at the Create Common Good farm, promoting training and employment for refugees in Boise.

 

Brooklyn's class went to McCall for a week to be scientific at MOSS to study snow pack. Brrr.

 

Many of my friends (especially via facebook) have donated generous offerings to B & B. THANKS!

 

My boys are awesome and as sweet as these treats. We love living near Goody's.

 

My Right Arm and a Heavy Red Head

Right now Lucas is sleeping on my right arm. As I type I have a spot on my forearm that is aching from the weight of his heavy, red head. This boy can sleep. I'm sure he will grow to develop other memorable characteristics, but at eight years old his amazing ability for instant, sound, and uninterrupted  sleep is legacy worthy. As an infant I could change his diaper and entirely swap out day clothes to pajamas without him so much as cracking an eye. As he learned to talk he would call out to me in the car to let me know, "I going feep!" Or would occationally ask permission, "Mommy, I go feep now?" It was a regular occurance and would amaze friends and family when they would witness his immediate slumber after his announcements. He no longer snores, thanks to the removal of his tonsils when he was six, but he still has a deep, soothing rumble as he breathes. I hope I never forget the feeling of him sleeping here next to me. My heart swells with his every breath.

I figured it out!

I've often struggled to figure out the focus of this blog. Why am I writing it? Who am I writing for? Who is the audience? Well, I figured it out today. I am the audience and it's about my little family and our adventures. I have started a new blog for something a bit more focused still: http://refugeesinboise.blogspot.com/

I have recently become engrossed in the lives of the sweetest people! Please read my new blog to learn more about it.

I'll be back to write about what's going on with my family.

Now that the election is over, let's talk politics

I am a moderate. I find it hard to align myself with a political party. I am usually disgusted to the point that I am hopeless that politicians will do anything that is not in their best interest and the needs of our country are rarely addressed.

I also agree with aspects of both the Republican and Democratic Platforms. This is another reason I cannot favor either one.

Regarding health care reform I guess I identify more with Obama's plan. Just like good roads to drive on, disaster relief, and national security, I believe healthcare DOES fall into the category of things the government provides it's citizens. I like the stipulations put on my health insurance company last year. I like that I no longer have to pay for my annual exam, and I am happy contraceptives are covered. I am comforted by that "preexisting conditions" will not hinder my children (namely the one with a rare medical irregularity in his cervical vertebrae) and they will still be able to get insurance, regardless of conditions we are unable to control. I am glad there is no cap to what my insurance will pay if we encounter a life threatening disease and would not have the means for treatment. I have traveled to countries where the government does not provide for nor protect their poorest citizens and it is heartbreaking.

However, after reading this post Dear Senator, Congressman, and/or Mr President I see reason for more change and equity among women within the women's reproductive rights issue. If dollars are the issue, I'd be willing to revoke my 100% coverage for annual exam and contraceptives knowing it would help another women struggling on the other side of reproductive issues. In my view, if government is going to help one side, they should also help the other - or just get out of the reproductive business. What do you think about my friend's post?  

Lent

I usually do something for lent. I was raised Catholic and that's the part that stuck I guess. (And my love for Palm Sunday. I miss those long slender palms handed out at the doorway that one Sunday of the year. I miss shaping them into a cross, or inventing other shapes I could create.)

ANYWAY...

This year I struggled to decide what to "do" for lent. Since I am no longer a practicing Catholic, I decided I can just make up my own rules for the 40 days. But this year I just couldn't nail down my goal until today. Yes, I know I'm late, but as aforementioned, it isn't part of my religion anymore anyway. I figure it's a bonus now.

CARPE DIEM will be my theme for lent 2012. Each day I will find someway to grab hold and do something I love.

YESTERDAY: My blog helped me define my goal for today.
TODAY: I watched my K/1 Spanish class listen to books and plays written by my 2nd/3rd grade class. They have worked for MONTHS on this performance and it was an hour of bliss. I loved it!

getting more out of life...

As I chatted with a friend at work today we were having a Carpe Diem kind of discussion.
I found a silver lining in the downturn of the economy -
When I was in my 20s I thought life was great and would only get better in my 30s and so on.
In some ways it has, in many it has not. In fact, I would say I am less optimistic now than I was a decade ago. However, because I no longer believe there is any security that the future brings something better than today, it helps me to make the most of things now. Life might only get harder, so I'll make the most of things now.

CARPE DIEM items:
1. Working for something I care about = Teaching Spanish & Global Studies at Foothills School
2. Helping & Creating = www.originallynew.com
3. Watching my flowers bud in the yard. Spring is coming!
4. Making sure my family knows I love them.
5. Finding ways to help in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

What do you do to seize the day?