This Week at Our House #39

We had a pretty normal week. The mosquitoes were still bad, better on some days and worse on others. School went well. The kids are doing what they need to be doing and staying on schedule without much fuss. John is still working very hard on his games. We loved General Conference, most particularly hearing from President Nelson. I love the new emphasis on religion in the home and small group and individual study. I have always had strong views on the necessity of teaching your children the gospel in the home. I know how good it has been for our kids and I am excited to see such teaching endorsed church-wide.

1. John had his birthday on Sunday. He is such a good man, husband and father. His game is coming along well. He often works through the night to move things along more quickly. I am glad that he is working so hard for us. I know that in time, we will see the fruits of his labor.
2. This pregnancy has been challenging for me. The kids have had to pick up my slack and lend more of a hand, but they are mostly doing it cheerfully.
3. Ruth is very busy with all of her investigators. I am sure that is a blessing on a mission, even if it is very tiring.
4. Kate made John a beautiful and delicious birthday cake. She does such a good job on everything she sets her hand to.
5. Johnny has still been busy downloading all of the Joseph Smith papers. After that, he will get back to his games.
6. Adam played cookies checkers between conference sessions on Saturday. That was the first time I ever heard him complaining of a stomach ache for eating too much junk food. Kate felt the same way.
7. Rachel has made up some of the funniest songs this week. This is definitely a talent she was born with.
8. Anya is doing really well with school. When I test her, she is getting things 100% right.
9. Joseph loves our chickens and ducks and takes very good care of them. He watches them and counts them and makes sure they are all safe throughout the day.
10. Joshua's reading continues to get better and better. He is much better at sounding out hard words and reading words he does not know through context clues. He no longer cries and says he cannot read when I ask him to read things.
11. Arwen was a very good little listener during general conference. I was surprised at how well she just sat and stayed in the room and listened to all 4 sessions.
12. Nearing the end of the last session of conference Susan asked me if we were done watching tv yet.
13. Sam is talking up a storm all day long, and he is loud and boisterous and cute and fun. 
14. I had the ultrasound and this baby is a boy. Also, I am measuring two weeks ahead of what I thought I was, so if the ultrasound and the tape measurement of my abdomen are correct, then I am due Jan 6th instead of Jan 20th, and am 27 weeks along instead of 25. I will just wait and see. 

Pictures

Kate's duck gives her hugs

Josh made this very impressive and detailed crocodile out of wooden blocks

profile

he has very chubby cheeks already