Wise Words

A few weeks ago our kids had their first experience in living without electricity. The lights suddenly went out, and while it was only for three hours, we learned some valuable lessons through the experience.

Like most families we are continually building and rotating our food storage. With the frequent moves we participate in though, we have found it necessary to "customize" our food storage in such a way that will fit our family best. Food therefore is packaged in boxes that are easy to move and water is stored in five gallon, or smaller, containers. The nice thing about that size is ones ability to throw a few in the back of the car if leaving urgently, not to mention the ease of rotating the water each spring by using it for your flowers or yard.

Out of the things we have thus far stored, I realized something on that day without electricity. The thought came,"what if we had to leave the house immediately? What then?" This thought continued to press on my mind for many days later. I therefore have followed the great example that so many of you have shown us, added with some great advice from incredibly knowledgeable members of our current ward, and fixed the concern that was so pressing on my mind.

For Steven and I the best route was purchasing a 72 hour pack that was already formed. Sorry, but combined my lack of excitement in shopping with a list of items such as whistle, light stick, swiss knife, and ponchos, and you will find me hiding in the closet.
Initially I bought the three oldest kiddos a backpack, then later remembered a wonderful friend who works at the Children's hospital. She always has a surplus of numerous items so I gave it a shot and called her up. Immediately she brought backpacks, including one for Haley J so we could store formula and a blanket. The kids had a blast packing their own personal emergency kits and it was a great opportunity to explain what each item is used for and why we our counseled by the prophet of our church to be prepared. I am so grateful for the wise counsel of our leaders and for that fateful day with three hours of no electricity.

Missing my quadrennial anniversary

On Feb 29, 2000, Lynette Darden agreed to marry me. There was no hesitation or reluctance in her answer, believe it or not! I don't know what possessed her to do so, but I have been blessed ever since. She has been a more amazing wife and mother than I could have ever imagined. She is patient in raising our children, and even more patient in her handling of me. In her loving arms I have become a little more patient, a little more understanding, and (hopefully) a little more responsible than that day when she put an engagement ring on her finger and decided she would tie her fate to mine for all eternity. The fact that she actually went through with it is equally amazing!

I just wanted everybody to know that I know what you already know- She is awesome. (You should also know she is probably incredibly embarrassed that I am posting this!)

This day only exists every four years- and this year isn't one of them. Despite the fact that it is like waiting for Brigadoon, I still wanted to say; Happy belated, but not really, kind of imaginary, randomly celebrated engagement anniversary Lynette! I would ask you again everyday! Here's hoping you will always want to say yes- even if I still leave clothes strewn on the floor :)

Pie Tie

It seems from the time I was in high school I have inherited a "sixth sense" when it comes to winning things. In our 8 years of marriage we have won some great things:

Our first was a large amount of free ice cream from Cold Stone after offering a winning name and ice cream concoction. Steven and I did that one together. It was Cheesecake ice cream with raspberries and white chocolate bits blended in. We named it "Berry White".

After that I won a radio contest from my office desk at work. The prize was a steak dinner for two and tickets to see the musical "Show Boat".

Steven won an online contest to see the premiere showing of, "God's Army".

Of course, there was also the trip to New York for our anchor for the day video submitted to the "Today Show".

Looking back, I think my ability to win things all began when I rubbed off my first lottery scratch ticket and instantly won $50. Now, I don't believe in gambling, so you might be asking yourselves why I would be buying lottery tickets? (See post below)

Anyway, last night Kadyn and I both entered a pie contest at our church's annual, "Chili and Pie Bake Off". We both were a bit risky and chose pies that we had never before made or tasted.

Kadyn picked one of Emeril's favorites called, "Mile High Chocolate and Butterscotch Parfait Pie". It took a great deal of preparation but she stuck with it and completed every step all by herself. It had a graham cracker crust with a chocolate ganache layer, butterscotch layer, chocolate mousse layer, topped off with a whipped cream layer. It was pretty incredible and tasted as good as it sounds.

I went with a Southern Living Chocolate Cheesecake Pecan Pie. It was fairly easy but incredibly tasty too.

They took a piece of each pie back to the judges and later lined them each up with a number. Mine was number 3 and Kadyn's number 4. We went and stood by our pies and the girl announcing the winners came over and said, "Lynette, your number 3 and Kadyn's 4"? I said, "yes, is everything alright"? She walked away giggling and I didn't understand until they announced that there was a third place winner, with the second being canceled out due to a tie for first. The tie for first was, you guessed it, pie number 3 and 4. Kadyn was SO happy. She jumped up and down in excitement and then quickly ran away. Everyone began to laugh.

Apparently on the opposite side of the gym a game of dodge ball was being played, with the bishop verses the kids, and Kadyn didn't want to miss out. Surprisingly enough, Kadyn won that as well! You know what I loved best? Initially it was the experience of preparing and baking the pies with Kadyn. Last night however Ryley changed that. You should have seen her. She could not have been more proud and excited for her sister. It was a great night for the whole family.

Lynette and the Lottery

During my junior year of high school my sister Liz and I shared a car. My parents gave us each a credit card for gas and emergencies. One fine day I ran in to pay for gas and the gentlemen at the counter said, "would you like a game card. It's only a dollar and I can add it onto your gas amount?" Wow! Of course I would like a game card! Who wouldn't?

I went back to my car and in excitement scratched off the surface. I had immediately won $50 dollars! Wow, and so it began. For the next six months of my life I bought a "game card" or two with each and every visit I made to pay for gas. That amounted to a large amount of cards and more importantly to note, if your calculating numbers, it amounted to me not only losing the $50 I had won - but paying out about $50 more.

Luckily fate soon stepped in or the madness may have never stopped. My Dad asked for a ride to Jiffy Lube one day to pick up his car. We walk out, get in my car, and the following conversation takes place. Keep in mind of the probable 100 "game cards" I had purchased, I had not thrown away a single one. They all laid scattered around my vehicle.

Dad: (My dear father looking all around my car in complete bewilderment) "Lynette, what are all these"?

Lynette: "What"?

Dad: "These sweetie. All these cards"? (Now holding one up)

Lynette: "Oh Yea!" (With excitement) "Dad, did you know that you can buy these game cards at the gas station and actually win money by doing so"!

Dad: (a small smile appears, but mostly still his look of bewilderment) "I know all about it Lynette. It's called gambling"!

Lynette's mind: (Gambling??? Now that's a term I recognize. I don't believe in gambling though.)

My dear father used this as a learning moment and proceeded to explain to me (his "baby" of five) the many different types of gambling and (seeing the large number of cards scattered about) the reasons why we choose to refrain from doing so.

I am happy to report since that day forward I have been gamble free.

Valentines 2009

Valentine's Day is one of my very favorite holidays. I think it's because January seems so long and cold, and then suddenly, you are thrown into a fresh new month where a holiday centered all around love is just weeks away. I hang my Valentines wreath and hand towels on February 1st and then immediately begin planning what new treats and activities to try for that year. Steven begins his search in finding the perfect card for each child. We don't frequently go out on Valentines Day but with how conveniently it fell on Saturday this year we decided to be crazy and go for it. We definitely have restaurant "favorites", but Saturday we decided to try their Brazilian restaurant, "Texas de Brazil". It was very tasty and took Steven back to mission days in Rio. Oddly enough I think his favorite part of the meal was not the many meat choices, but rather, the rice, black beans, and guanana. We had a great day and returned home to spend a fun evening of treats and games with the kids.

Five is Fantastic

Kadyn turned five on Monday. To celebrate we went to the zoo on Saturday and returned once again (she celebrated her 4th birthday here as well) on Monday to the "Incredible Pizza Place". She was tall enough this visit to be a passenger in the go-karts and we are happy to announce that with Mom at the wheel we were able to take first place in the race. Those ten year olds didn't stand a chance. We returned home for cake, ice cream, and presents. It was a great celebration. You know the birthday girl must have had a great time as well when she exclaims as we exit the pizza place, "Wow, this was my best birthday yet - and I haven't even opened presents".

On a personal note. I am still in awe that our little Kadyn is growing up so quickly. Her smile and tender spirit have blessed our family immensely. It has been a wonderful experience to see her individual personality develop over these past few years, bringing with it individual strengths of her very own. We admire Kadyn's tender side and the kindness she shows to all around her. Surprisingly enough, her tenderness has an added combination of determination. When Kadyn sets her mind on accomplishing something - it will, without a doubt, be accomplished!

I'm really not sure what I'll do this Fall when my little Kadyn heads off to school. I'm excited for her to experience new things, but for me, it will be a bitter sweet day that I'm hoping will take forever to come. We are so grateful for the joy she brings to our lives each and everyday. Happy Birthday Kadyn. We love you!


(This is Kadyn's face deciding whether or not to hold that tarantula. Guess what? She decided yes. It scared me so much to watch, I missed the picture.)

Snow Day Yea!

Ryley received a free day from school on Friday due to the inch of snow on the ground! I'm certain the cancellations for the greater Memphis area were focused mainly on ice issues. The girls therefore had a friend over for the day and enjoyed playing outside for as long as their little bodies could handle it. On Saturday we attempted Red Lobster with the entire clan. It went really well too. We were somewhat nervous it wouldn't run smoothly, especially upon hearing of the 45 minute wait. Our fears were quickly put to rest when individuals leaving the restaurant would stop at our table to tell us what well behaved kids we have. It was nice to hear and made me recognize the importance of not worrying so much when heading out. We had a great Sunday. Steven and Kadyn made the most delicious apple dessert I have ever tasted and we relaxed with games and stories. We even attempted a family picture, which didn't end up to bad, but my favorite by far was this one taken of little Thatch.