29.8.08

Bye Bye Summer, Hello School!

Summer has been very busy for us here at the Duke household. We have had fun with family, friends, and swimming lessons! Here are a few pictures from the summer and it's events.



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Since we're done with all of this, it must mean it's time for back-to-school! Here are a few pictures of the boys from their first days of school! It's so weird to have them all in school now. It's just us girls in the afternoons now! CRAZY!!!

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If you're wondering why I have no pictures of Adam in his class, it's because he was too cool to even look at me! When I left and said, "Goodbye," he just gave me the cool guy head nod!!!! Oh joy! I was lucky to just have him acknowledge me, I guess!


I got a little carried away with Campbell's pictures. I just couldn't help myself! He was just the cutest little kindergartner! I can't believe he's so big already! Monday is his 5th birthday! He's just such a great kid!


Last night was back-to-school night. I met all of their teachers and learned about what they would be doing this year in school! I feel like we are just so lucky to go to this school! I don't know if there's a bad teacher in the whole place! My kids love it and that is more important to me than anything!

26.8.08

I am grateful for the priesthood.

It's back-to-school time. Life gets so crazy this time of year. It is so hectic trying to gather school supplies, get your schedule back in order and mentally prep your kids (and yourself) for the new school year. This year, we have the added chaos of returning to school ourselves!!!


We got a phone call the other night from our home teacher. He wanted to know if he could come home teaching and help Lain give the kids their back-to-school priesthood blessings. I had almost forgotten!!! I am so grateful for his diligence in remembering. We really like the kids to have those. I think it's important for them to see that the blessings of the priesthood extend beyond being sick or injured.


They came on Thursday, looking all sorts of snazzy in their shirts and ties. The boys were excited. We visited for a while, then called each boy in for Lain to give him a father's blessing. It was so special. Each one of them received a personal message from their Heavenly Father to bless them throughout the year. What would we do without it? I can't even fathom it!


When the boys were finished, they turned and asked Lain and me if we would like blessings to help us, too. Hmmmm... now there was a thought. We were going back to school. Why not? I sat and listened while Lain received his blessing. It was so comforting. I knew we were doing what our Heavenly Father wanted us to do right now. I know we can make it through these stressful times. Of course, I also know it will not be easy. When it was my turn, I was nervous. I am a private person and really didn't want these people hearing what my Heavenly Father had to say to me. I always cry. I really hate that about myself. But, I knew I had some nerves that needed calming. Lain gave me a very special blessing and I was instantly comforted. Am I still nervous? Yes. BUT, my insides aren't turning inside-out anymore! Baby steps. There were things addressed in the blessing that I hadn't even discussed with Lain yet. I knew this was a message to me from my Father.


Do we even recognize the great opportunities provided to us through the priesthood? I have been thinking a lot about it lately. This is the same priesthood that blessed the lives of so many people in the Bible. We are fortunate enough to have it in our homes! That is amazing! As a member of Christ's church, even if the priesthood is not available to us in our homes, we know someone who can bless our lives through it's power. And those blessings are without number or limits. I have seen miracles in my life and in the lives of many people. Things deemed impossible by the world have been made possible by the power of God.


The boys started school without drama. Lain and I have been trucking right along with our stuff. Would it be possible without receiving blessings? Maybe. But, I know that the peace I have right now could only come through the power of the priesthood and my Heavenly Father's enduring love.

21.8.08

Addicted to the Olympics

Since the gymnastics are over, I thought everyone would enjoy one more balance beam routine...






Or, if you're more of a floor routine kinda person...








I seriously don't know how he keeps his package all wrapped up!!!! Anyway, have fun laughing!!

17.8.08

Yummy, Chewy Goodness!



I have been given a plethora of zucchini by all of my wonderful neighbors. I think my kids were getting tired of it as a side dish. I decided to make my Great Aunt Mayme's zucchini bread recipe with what I had left. I loved this stuff growing up and my kids loved it, too! So for all of you with extra zucchini this time of year, here's the recipe:


3 eggs
1 cup oil

2 cups sugar

2 Tbsp vanilla

2 cups peeled and grated zucchini, put in blender

3 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda (3 tsp w/double)

1 Tbsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp baking powder (2 tsp w/ double)

3/4 cups nuts (optional)


Beat eggs until light and fluffy. Add oil, sugar, zucchini, and vanilla. Mix well. Add dry ingredients. pour into greased and floured loaf pans. Bake at 325 for 1 hour or until done. Remove and cool.




It's best if you only fill your loaf pans about half full. I overfilled mine this time and the bread fell in the middle. I use the smaller, disposable pans because I love the way the quick breads bake up in them. PLUS I usually give away at least one loaf. A double batch will bake up 5 loaves this way. It is so yummy!

4.8.08

Nosso much time for blogging!!!

Where oh where have I been?
Lessee....
Oh.
Yeah.
Remember how I am going to school? Well, I have been back and forth about a zillion times trying to get all of my stuff together for financial aid and such. It's a lot of fun.
PLUS, my husband has a broken foot. He is now in a cast and on crutches. That does not fare so well in sales. I have been his chauffeur! Oh joy. It's a good time when you get to drive around the valley with four kids in tow. I cannot listen to Harry Potter or Eragon one more time. Santa has got to bring some new movies this year! My car seriously looks like a McDonald's explodabomb erupted in it! SICK!!!
In addition to the car service, I have also taken on his responsibilities at the house. I mowed the lawn for the first time in my life. I don't mind outside work, but HAS ANYONE SEEN MY YARD?!!!! It's all hills. It was so long I had to keep stopping to bag it. I mowed half on Friday night and the other half on Saturday. Thankfully, it ran out of gas before I had to do the big hill!!! My eyes were swollen because of my allergies and I was itching all over. I loved it.
My in laws got here right as I finished, so we spent the rest of the weekend with them. It was a nice break from our usual weekend stuff. We had a great visit. My mom got here yesterday and will stay until tomorrow. I love it when she visits, although, I think the kids love it even more! She spoils them so much!
We leave to go down to Southern Utah Wednesday. Lain is trying to get some accounts down there. We'll probably be there once a month now. That's nice. I like that idea a lot. I will thoroughly enjoy that escape every once in a while! We will be back on Sunday.
That, mah frenz, is what I've been doing lately! Can I pleeeeez get some sleep now?! Oh wait, it's only 4:30!