Thursday, August 22, 2013
Garden Talk
It's harvest season again. Pears, grapes, plums,raspberries, and apples are growing. Nathan has done a great job on our garden again. We enjoy fresh cantaloupe, beans, spaghetti squash, red and green peppers, cucumbers, and buckets of tomatoes. I took Caleb out to pick tomatoes with me last week. While we picked and talked he told me, "When I was a baby I could speak tomato!" I guess even I could pick up on that language, they don't tend to say a whole lot!
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Testimony and Teaching Moments
The past few fast Sundays I've been impressed by the courage of children who are willing to share their testimonies. I started thinking about my four boys sharing their testimonies on their missions and hoping that I've prepared them. At Family Home Evening I tried to help Caleb (it was his turn for the lesson) share a simple testimony by asking him questions and prompting him to say it in "testimony form". I think I'll try to teach each of my boys to always end the lesson with their testimony.
Before Benjamin was born, we tried to get the boys excited for their new baby brother by asking them what they'd teach him. Usually they talked about teaching him his ABCs, to walk, to talk, to ride a bike, all about Star Wars...lots of important things. Caleb usually included that he'd teach the baby to not eat his legos and Star Wars toys. Now they'll often stoop down by Benjamin's face, to teach him things. The other day, they were showing him how to chew food when he gets teeth. Since Daniel taught Liam and Caleb the cub scout hand shake, Caleb keeps taking Benjamin's hand in his and while shaking it explaining this is the 'cub scout way'. Daniel and Liam show him how to read in the mornings. (I love watching them. There have been mornings when I'm nursing and Liam is doing his reading. Liam wants Benjamin to see the pictures so he'll hold the book out over the open part of my nursing cover to make sure he doesn't miss out on anything.) They've shown him how to put on and tie shoes and brush his future teeth. They've also showed him their toys. I love seeing them so excited to teach their little brother.
On Wednesday, I was playing with Benjamin on the floor, after a diaper change. Caleb ran into the room, put his head down near Benjamin and told him, "Benjamin, Jesus is really alive. People can see the owies on his hands and feet. He was resurrected." Then he ran out again. Two seconds later he ran back to us and added, "The prophet is righteous and good," and he ran out again. A third time he ran in and said, "You need to keep the commandments and be righteous like the prophet." After a final run out and back in he said, "Right now you can watch us in the prayers, but when you're big, you need to fold your arms and close eyes....and don't throw things at your brothers. I love you and Jesus loves you." So sweet. I guess my four year-old already knows how to share his testimony. He covered some of the most important aspects of the gospel...Jesus Christ lives and was resurrected, Thomas S. Monson is our prophet, we need to live righteously, and say our prayers, and love each other like Jesus loves us. That is a more complete testimony than many adults have. I hope he can always share his testimony so freely.
Benjamin is lucky to have such great teachers...and so am I.
Continuation...
Daniel came to me this past Sunday and told me that he had figured out how to share his testimony and that he'd told it to Benjamin. He then asked me to type his words for him. Here's Daniel's testimony:
Before Benjamin was born, we tried to get the boys excited for their new baby brother by asking them what they'd teach him. Usually they talked about teaching him his ABCs, to walk, to talk, to ride a bike, all about Star Wars...lots of important things. Caleb usually included that he'd teach the baby to not eat his legos and Star Wars toys. Now they'll often stoop down by Benjamin's face, to teach him things. The other day, they were showing him how to chew food when he gets teeth. Since Daniel taught Liam and Caleb the cub scout hand shake, Caleb keeps taking Benjamin's hand in his and while shaking it explaining this is the 'cub scout way'. Daniel and Liam show him how to read in the mornings. (I love watching them. There have been mornings when I'm nursing and Liam is doing his reading. Liam wants Benjamin to see the pictures so he'll hold the book out over the open part of my nursing cover to make sure he doesn't miss out on anything.) They've shown him how to put on and tie shoes and brush his future teeth. They've also showed him their toys. I love seeing them so excited to teach their little brother.
On Wednesday, I was playing with Benjamin on the floor, after a diaper change. Caleb ran into the room, put his head down near Benjamin and told him, "Benjamin, Jesus is really alive. People can see the owies on his hands and feet. He was resurrected." Then he ran out again. Two seconds later he ran back to us and added, "The prophet is righteous and good," and he ran out again. A third time he ran in and said, "You need to keep the commandments and be righteous like the prophet." After a final run out and back in he said, "Right now you can watch us in the prayers, but when you're big, you need to fold your arms and close eyes....and don't throw things at your brothers. I love you and Jesus loves you." So sweet. I guess my four year-old already knows how to share his testimony. He covered some of the most important aspects of the gospel...Jesus Christ lives and was resurrected, Thomas S. Monson is our prophet, we need to live righteously, and say our prayers, and love each other like Jesus loves us. That is a more complete testimony than many adults have. I hope he can always share his testimony so freely.
Benjamin is lucky to have such great teachers...and so am I.
Daniel came to me this past Sunday and told me that he had figured out how to share his testimony and that he'd told it to Benjamin. He then asked me to type his words for him. Here's Daniel's testimony:
May 5, 2013
I want to bear my testimony that I know this church is
true. I know that Jesus Christ is our
Redeemer and he died for our sins so we can repent. Jesus is our shepherd and we’re like the
lambs and we have to obey his commandments.
Obeying his commandments is like following the shepherd through these
hard tasks. I am so thankful that I can have a new brother here. It is a big responsibility to have another
brother but I know that my baby brother came from heaven and came to a good
family. I can teach him about the
commandments and about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I will close my testimony in the name of
Jesus Christ Amen. –Daniel Brady
General Conference
Isn't it wonderful to stay at home with family--often in your PJs, and listen to wonderful gospel messages?! I love General Conference weekend. It is our tradition to make homemade cinnamon rolls that we enjoy while we watch. Yummy. Hopefully, the sweet rolls help our boys see conference as a sweet experience.
One speaker mentioned that we new have an MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Mexico City. Liam looked confused, "How did that happen?" I was surprised at the interest. Liam clarified, "How did it get empty?" I had to laugh. Liam had heard, Mexico City has an "empty sea". I explained MTC, but I was happy that he listened closely enough to ask the question.
Daniel went to the priesthood session with Nathan last night. He is only 8 so maybe it was a little early, but Nathan invited him and he wanted to go. He came home and told me that our prophet Thomas S. Monson told us to pray and read our scriptures diligently. Daniel came home with red cheeks. I asked him if it was hot. He said everyone was sweaty. Then he proceeded to peel off his Sunday clothes and tie--underneath he was still wearing his play clothes. He told me he didn't want to have to change again when he got home. I love the way my boys' minds work. How funny.
Yesterday President Eyring quoted the scripture, "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you, seek ye diligently and ye shall find me. Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you." Caleb memorized that scripture for primary and he was so excited to hear it.
As for me, I loved Elder Holland's talk. He is such an amazing speaker. What a great weekend.
One speaker mentioned that we new have an MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Mexico City. Liam looked confused, "How did that happen?" I was surprised at the interest. Liam clarified, "How did it get empty?" I had to laugh. Liam had heard, Mexico City has an "empty sea". I explained MTC, but I was happy that he listened closely enough to ask the question.
Daniel went to the priesthood session with Nathan last night. He is only 8 so maybe it was a little early, but Nathan invited him and he wanted to go. He came home and told me that our prophet Thomas S. Monson told us to pray and read our scriptures diligently. Daniel came home with red cheeks. I asked him if it was hot. He said everyone was sweaty. Then he proceeded to peel off his Sunday clothes and tie--underneath he was still wearing his play clothes. He told me he didn't want to have to change again when he got home. I love the way my boys' minds work. How funny.
Yesterday President Eyring quoted the scripture, "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you, seek ye diligently and ye shall find me. Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you." Caleb memorized that scripture for primary and he was so excited to hear it.
As for me, I loved Elder Holland's talk. He is such an amazing speaker. What a great weekend.
insufferable
After hitting Caleb on the head with a pillow, he turned to me and said, "Mom, you're insufferable!" Yes, Caleb is not yet 5 years old. Where did he even hear that word? How did he know how to use it?
Liam's Happy 6th Bird-day
This year Liam decided on an Angry Birds themed birthday party. I have to admit that I've never actually played angry birds myself, so I had to ask my resident pros (mostly Nathan and Liam) about it.
This cake isn't the cutest, but angry birds really aren't that cute.
Liam's friends and cousins ate pizza and made angry bird treat cups.
Liam's friends and cousins ate pizza and made angry bird treat cups.
Happy Birthday Liam!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Caleb
This morning Caleb told Liam that he wants to be a fireman when he grows up. A little while later he said he wasn't going to be a fireman, he'd be a missionary instead. Later he said he'd be a "dad-missionary". A great moment for me as a mom.
It's funny because I told Nathan on Monday that I felt like our Family Home Evenings haven't been sinking in for the past few months. But I guess the Lord rewards us for trying anyway because on Monday our FHE was on missionary work and testimony. The boys wrote letters to Nathan's cousin Conner on his mission in Boston.
Today Caleb pushed the button on the pack 'n play to turn music on for Benjamin. With a surprised look, Caleb turned to me and said "Mom, there aren't any drums." I had to laugh. Nathan has trained his boys to listen for the drums. Caleb was shocked that the quiet sleeping music didn't have drums! Imagine that.
It's funny because I told Nathan on Monday that I felt like our Family Home Evenings haven't been sinking in for the past few months. But I guess the Lord rewards us for trying anyway because on Monday our FHE was on missionary work and testimony. The boys wrote letters to Nathan's cousin Conner on his mission in Boston.
Today Caleb pushed the button on the pack 'n play to turn music on for Benjamin. With a surprised look, Caleb turned to me and said "Mom, there aren't any drums." I had to laugh. Nathan has trained his boys to listen for the drums. Caleb was shocked that the quiet sleeping music didn't have drums! Imagine that.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Caleb's Comet Comment
Saturday our family drove to the bench area in Layton to get a better view of the Panstarr Comet. We located it near where the sun had set. Daniel and Liam thought it was pretty neat, although we couldn't really see the tail. Caleb was also impressed. He said, "Wow! We can see McDonald's from here."
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
The Long Awaited Brady Family Update
In February of 2011 a job with the Utah State Legislature, as an analyst, opened up. Although we'd loved our time in Sacramento (9 years), we'd hoped that we might someday live closer to family. Nathan tried to warn me that it was unlikely he'd get the job, as there were 238 applicants for the one position. We prayed that if it was right, Nathan might get the job. We were thrilled when the job was offered. In June 2011 Nathan started work, so we rented out our Sacramento home, said a teary goodbye to great friends, and moved to Utah.
Nathan's parents invited us to stay with them in Orem, while we looked for a house. It'd been a few years since Grandma and Grandpa raised their four boys, but they were very patient with our crazies! Grandpa told me once that he knew it was morning when he heard gunfire! (With or without play guns, everywhere my boys play is a war zone-or a Star Wars zone. I didn't feel too sorry for Grandpa since he is the gun enthusiast in the family.) On August 1, we put an offer on a home in Layton, but it was a short sale and didn't go through for 6 months. In the mean time, Daniel (2nd) and Liam (K) attended Cascade Elementary (the same elementary that Nathan attended from Kindergarten through second grade). Although we were eager for a home of our own, we felt that we'd been led by the Lord. When I witnessed Grandpa having a mini stroke and was able to get him medical help, we again felt assured of the Lord's hand in our lives. Finally, the papers were completed and we moved to Layton (with lots of help from family and our new ward) on January 23rd, 2012. We have loved our new home and neighbors and never plan on moving again!
The boys adjusted quickly to their new school and have loved the neighborhood with lots of friends to play with. They also love the UT snow. Our neighbors in CA laughed when the boys would rake leaves from their yards to dump in ours, so they could jump and play in them. Here, the neighbors laughed last year when, my boys would go out to shovel the tiniest bit of snow off the driveway and even collect enough to build a snowman before everything else melted off a few hours later. This year they've loved the winter wonderland, digging snow forts, throwing snowballs, and going sledding.
Being an hour between both sets of grandparents, has allowed us to make lots of great family memories. We went with the Bohman side to Bryce Canyon, magma lava tubes, and hiking up to the Kanaraville waterfalls. With Grandma and Grandpa Brady we've done lots of rock hunting including Garnett hill in Ely, pyrite cubes at Pelican Point, fossil horn corals at Skull Valley, and trilobites outside of Delta. We also got to go to the Steed family reunion (Nathan's grandparents) in Bryce Canyon, exploring Kodachrome Basin, Grosvenor Arch, and The Devil's Backbone. It was so neat to hear Great Grandpa Steed share stories of his family, and explore where he grew up.
Nathan has really enjoyed his new job. He is a policy analyst for the Utah State Legislature, covering issues relating to Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement. He writes legislation, researches issues and policies nationwide, and he was asked to manage the Legislative Intern program this year (supervising 70 college interns). In church he has been a teacher to Liam's primary class, until just recently when he was asked to teach the men in Elder's Quorum.
I (Michelle) have kept busy arranging, rearranging, and decorating the house (my kind of fun)! I have enough walls to paint, curtains to make, and rooms to redo to last a lifetime. I have also kept busy as Daniel's scout leader, and helping in the boys' classrooms. I had actually started to enjoy running (a new concept for me), when I got sick and found out I was pregnant, back in June. With nearly 5 years between Caleb and this new arrival, it's been an adventure!
Daniel, Liam, and Caleb have been so excited for the arrival of the new baby. Daniel and Liam told us from the start that they hoped it would be a boy. When I asked why, Daniel said it was because he wouldn't want a girl to bring Barbies in his room. Very important! Caleb hoped we'd have a girl, but we later found out that he thought he'd marry her! I tried to explain to him that we're not that kind of family. I guess having a fourth boy saved us from that one. Liam loves all babies, and told me that he wants to be a babysitter when he grows up. At one point Daniel thought we should name the baby 'Daniel' after him. (Maybe that's not such a bad idea for a mom who can't seem to say the right name for any of her boys.) While we anticipated Benjamin's arrival (boy #4) we enjoyed Caleb's prayers in his behalf. In one prayer he asked that, "Baby Benjamin will be cuter than a baby duckling." He also prayed that Benjamin wouldn't eat his legos or Star Wars action figures. It is so fun to hear what kids are thinking. Caleb told me one day that he was sure Benjamin was swimming in my leg. I did feel a lot of aches and pains (although not so much in my leg). Liam told me that I should swallow some toys so that the baby would have something to play with. The boys all went along with the idea and decided that my aches and pains were simply Benjamin playing soldier. There were times that I did feel under attack.
On February 6, 2013 at 1:02 PM, Benjamin Thomas Brady arrived! He weighed in at 7 lbs. 8 oz. and measured 20 1/2 in. long. He has strong dark eyes, lots of dark brown hair, and a deep dimple in his chin. He reminds us of Daniel and Caleb as infants, although he has his own look. He is a good tempered baby, but even just after delivery, showed off his lung capacity. I told the doctor that he had to be loud to fit in with his 3 brothers. His brothers beg to hold and kiss him. They sing him lullabies when he cries. They think everything he does is cute (sneezing, stretching, sleeping, looking, and bathing). Nathan has given him the nicknames "Benjamini" and "Bitty B" (like his initials BTB).
Caleb, who will be turning 5 in May, keeps us laughing. He loves to play Star Wars with his big brothers. He has done a great job in preschool. He loves being read to and is beginning to read on his own. Each day Caleb tells us which animal he is pretending to be for the day. His favorites are squirrels, humming birds, armadillos, mudfish, baby puffer fish, roly poly bugs and baby alligators. He recently gave his first talk and has recited several memorized scriptures in primary. (I tried to prompt him on his first scripture, and was asked in no uncertain terms to sit down and let him do it himself!)
Liam turns 7 this week (March 6th). He is at the top of his class. He is an excellent reader. He loves playing games on the Wii. For most kids, playing computer games doesn't require energy, but Liam can't hold still. He jumps up and down for the entirety of the game--great exercise! He also loves Angry Birds. Liam has always looked out for his brothers, and his new baby brother is no exception. He worries any time Benjamin even whimpers. He does his part to keep him smiling by putting on puppet shows for him. Liam is always surrounded by lots of friends.
Daniel, who will be 9 in May, was baptized by Nathan last June. It was such a special day. We were so thankful to live close enough for grandparents on both sides, as well as great grandparents, and lots of uncles, aunts, and cousins, to be there. Before he was baptized Daniel met his goal to read the entire Book of Mormon. Daniel was busy this year playing soccer, Jr. Jazz (basketball), skateboarding, and tennis. He has also earned his Bobcat, Wolf, and fifteen beltloops awards in the cub scout program. He loves science especially tornadoes, volcanoes, and tsunamis. He loves going rock hunting.
So there you have it. The Brady Bunch in a nutshell. Nathan and I are constantly thanking the Lord for bringing us here. We feel so blessed to have such wonderful family, friends, and neighbors. You've loved, motivated, and inspired us. We are most grateful for our knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ and his atonement, which allows us, despite our shortcomings, to continue to learn and grow. We hope you are all well and that you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Nathan's parents invited us to stay with them in Orem, while we looked for a house. It'd been a few years since Grandma and Grandpa raised their four boys, but they were very patient with our crazies! Grandpa told me once that he knew it was morning when he heard gunfire! (With or without play guns, everywhere my boys play is a war zone-or a Star Wars zone. I didn't feel too sorry for Grandpa since he is the gun enthusiast in the family.) On August 1, we put an offer on a home in Layton, but it was a short sale and didn't go through for 6 months. In the mean time, Daniel (2nd) and Liam (K) attended Cascade Elementary (the same elementary that Nathan attended from Kindergarten through second grade). Although we were eager for a home of our own, we felt that we'd been led by the Lord. When I witnessed Grandpa having a mini stroke and was able to get him medical help, we again felt assured of the Lord's hand in our lives. Finally, the papers were completed and we moved to Layton (with lots of help from family and our new ward) on January 23rd, 2012. We have loved our new home and neighbors and never plan on moving again!
The boys adjusted quickly to their new school and have loved the neighborhood with lots of friends to play with. They also love the UT snow. Our neighbors in CA laughed when the boys would rake leaves from their yards to dump in ours, so they could jump and play in them. Here, the neighbors laughed last year when, my boys would go out to shovel the tiniest bit of snow off the driveway and even collect enough to build a snowman before everything else melted off a few hours later. This year they've loved the winter wonderland, digging snow forts, throwing snowballs, and going sledding.
Being an hour between both sets of grandparents, has allowed us to make lots of great family memories. We went with the Bohman side to Bryce Canyon, magma lava tubes, and hiking up to the Kanaraville waterfalls. With Grandma and Grandpa Brady we've done lots of rock hunting including Garnett hill in Ely, pyrite cubes at Pelican Point, fossil horn corals at Skull Valley, and trilobites outside of Delta. We also got to go to the Steed family reunion (Nathan's grandparents) in Bryce Canyon, exploring Kodachrome Basin, Grosvenor Arch, and The Devil's Backbone. It was so neat to hear Great Grandpa Steed share stories of his family, and explore where he grew up.
Nathan has really enjoyed his new job. He is a policy analyst for the Utah State Legislature, covering issues relating to Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement. He writes legislation, researches issues and policies nationwide, and he was asked to manage the Legislative Intern program this year (supervising 70 college interns). In church he has been a teacher to Liam's primary class, until just recently when he was asked to teach the men in Elder's Quorum.
I (Michelle) have kept busy arranging, rearranging, and decorating the house (my kind of fun)! I have enough walls to paint, curtains to make, and rooms to redo to last a lifetime. I have also kept busy as Daniel's scout leader, and helping in the boys' classrooms. I had actually started to enjoy running (a new concept for me), when I got sick and found out I was pregnant, back in June. With nearly 5 years between Caleb and this new arrival, it's been an adventure!
On February 6, 2013 at 1:02 PM, Benjamin Thomas Brady arrived! He weighed in at 7 lbs. 8 oz. and measured 20 1/2 in. long. He has strong dark eyes, lots of dark brown hair, and a deep dimple in his chin. He reminds us of Daniel and Caleb as infants, although he has his own look. He is a good tempered baby, but even just after delivery, showed off his lung capacity. I told the doctor that he had to be loud to fit in with his 3 brothers. His brothers beg to hold and kiss him. They sing him lullabies when he cries. They think everything he does is cute (sneezing, stretching, sleeping, looking, and bathing). Nathan has given him the nicknames "Benjamini" and "Bitty B" (like his initials BTB).
Caleb, who will be turning 5 in May, keeps us laughing. He loves to play Star Wars with his big brothers. He has done a great job in preschool. He loves being read to and is beginning to read on his own. Each day Caleb tells us which animal he is pretending to be for the day. His favorites are squirrels, humming birds, armadillos, mudfish, baby puffer fish, roly poly bugs and baby alligators. He recently gave his first talk and has recited several memorized scriptures in primary. (I tried to prompt him on his first scripture, and was asked in no uncertain terms to sit down and let him do it himself!)
Liam turns 7 this week (March 6th). He is at the top of his class. He is an excellent reader. He loves playing games on the Wii. For most kids, playing computer games doesn't require energy, but Liam can't hold still. He jumps up and down for the entirety of the game--great exercise! He also loves Angry Birds. Liam has always looked out for his brothers, and his new baby brother is no exception. He worries any time Benjamin even whimpers. He does his part to keep him smiling by putting on puppet shows for him. Liam is always surrounded by lots of friends.
Daniel, who will be 9 in May, was baptized by Nathan last June. It was such a special day. We were so thankful to live close enough for grandparents on both sides, as well as great grandparents, and lots of uncles, aunts, and cousins, to be there. Before he was baptized Daniel met his goal to read the entire Book of Mormon. Daniel was busy this year playing soccer, Jr. Jazz (basketball), skateboarding, and tennis. He has also earned his Bobcat, Wolf, and fifteen beltloops awards in the cub scout program. He loves science especially tornadoes, volcanoes, and tsunamis. He loves going rock hunting.
So there you have it. The Brady Bunch in a nutshell. Nathan and I are constantly thanking the Lord for bringing us here. We feel so blessed to have such wonderful family, friends, and neighbors. You've loved, motivated, and inspired us. We are most grateful for our knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ and his atonement, which allows us, despite our shortcomings, to continue to learn and grow. We hope you are all well and that you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
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