Alec Speaks

Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints comes with a lot of responsibility and one of those responsibilities is speaking to the church congregation starting at the ripe old age of 12. But this is only after years of giving talks to just children your own age in a smaller setting, before you have to do it for the big people.
Our congregation right now averages 300 people every week and today my 12-year-old son Alec got up in front of those 300 people and gave his first talk.

First, a little background. Whenever my kids have any kind of assignment to do, I'm a very hands-on mom. I have to see what they're doing and can't keep my opinion to myself. So when Alec was asked to speak in church a few weeks ago, I told him he needed to write down his ideas as they came to him and then put them together.

After he wrote down his ideas, he sat at the computer typed it up and then said, "I'm done. Can I print it?"

I at first said no, obviously, because I hadn't read through it and changed things and added things yet.

He said, "No, mom. It's fine. Can I just print it and read it to you?"

Fine. I let him, ready to make changes that I was sure his talk needed.

As he read what he had written, I was amazed and actually couldn't say anything. He had written a beautiful talk that came from his heart, his love for his family, and for his Savior. He included personal stories, a scripture, and even made us laugh.

When he was done he looked at me waiting for my critique. I was teary eyed and said, "Alec, that was so good!" It was clear he didn't need my help at all.

Today as we sat in church, my stomach had butterflies for him. I told him sitting in the congregation is a lot different than sitting up in the stand and actually looking out at hundreds of people who were all looking and listening to you. Sophia told him to imagine everyone in their underwear (eww). I told him that wasn't necessary, but just pick out a couple individuals to look at as he spoke and not think about all the people.

When he stood up and started speaking, I was all giddy. My friend was sitting behind me and was talking, apparently not realizing my son was at the pulpit. So I turned around and said, "Shh. Alec is speaking!"
He apologized and properly gave his full attention to my son.

Alec didn't seem nervous at all. He delivered his first talk like a pro. I wanted to applaud, but controlled my excitement. I realized my baby boy is growing up, which is both thrilling and scary at the same time.

The "Weigh" It Is

It's that time of year again when I can no longer hide behind sweaters, coats and jeans. I can no longer where long-sleeved shirts to hide my arms or support pantyhose to suck everything in. The weather is too warm for that. So like every year around this time, I start exercising knowing I can't hide behind my wardrobe for a season. Once I dust off the treadmill and start using it again, I always wish I had started earlier. But I've been very good at working out lately, watching what I eat (except on movie nights. You have to have treats at the movies) And I've noticed my clothes are fitting less snug, which helps me stay motivated.

But there's something very frustrating that happens when I start to weigh myself -- the pounds come off soooo slowly. I know I shouldn't weigh myself every day, but I can't stop myself. This wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the fact that Chris weighs himself all the time too, only his results are much different.

When he decides to lose weight, do you think he's on the treadmill? No, he doesn't exercise at all. He just drinks Diet Pepsi in place of a few meals and then announces, "Oh, look, I've lost 5 lbs."

Where if I want to lose 5 lbs, it's after weeks of massively cutting down on calories and being diligent about working out six days a week. I even attempted to do yoga for the first time and it didn't end well. I tweaked a muscle in my back from trying to make my body do things it obviously didn't want to do and was so sore. But I did get a massage to relieve my aches, so I guess it was worth it.

Enough talk about how men just have to basically go to the bathroom to lose weight while women struggle for every ounce.

A more fun topic is my day today. I went to the mall to try to buy Chris a Father's Day gift, but like usual when trying to buy him a gift, I had little luck. He says he needs nothing and wants nothing, which is frustrating when I know I have to get him something. But in my frustration, I did come upon a cute pair of strappy heels, which I bought so my shopping trip wasn't a total loss.

After a torrential downpour of rain in the morning, the sun came out and we headed to the pool for a beginning of summer party. The kids danced, ate burgers and cupcakes, had water balloon tosses, hula-hooped and swam until they were exhausted.

Dancing in the Conga line!

Then Chris and I went to dinner with friends at Red, Hot & Blue where they showed us all the fancy things their iPhone does. Chris knew what I was thinking and said no, I couldn't buy him one. (sigh)

After a yummy, calorie filled dinner we headed off to a goodbye party for our friend Christie. I'm going to miss her and am so sad how friends keep moving away. She was a great shopping partner.

I thought our evening was over, but Chris decided he wanted to see a manly movie and went with a friend to a late-night show, which was fine since last night I had a night out with the girls and saw The Proposal. It was a great movie that had lots of laughs, including a hilarious lap dance and Ryan Reynolds' amazing abs!

Springtime Happenings

I'm so behind in posting what's been going on, so I just decided to post pictures to help me get caught up.

Selena had her end of the year picnic for preschool. I can't believe I'm all done with babies and preschool. Starting in September, I'll have all my kids in school -- I can't be that old! Selena and Marlee had a great school year together and they'll be devastated if they don't get in the same kindergarten class in the fall.

Selena loved her teacher, Ms. Vanessa, who was so motherly and sweet to the class.

Sophia had her Enrichment Fair and loved showing us all her fun projects.

Alec is a little more reluctant about showing his school projects at his Enrichment Fair, but did a great job on his report about why we should have sports in middle school.
We've had days off of school when we've invited friends over. This day the kids enjoyed a picnic outside, since my kitchen couldn't fit all of them
The girls had some friends over one night and they danced to Hannah Montana, while Alec tried to get noticed.
Our neighborhood pool opened and the kids couldn't wait. The water is totally freezing, but they don't care. They jump in and swim as long as they can. I've been working on my tan, but have yet to get in the pool. I figure by July the water will be warm enough for me to swim in.
The girls think the best part about watching Alec play baseball is going to the Snack Shack and eating snow cones. Alec had an exciting game where he was asked to pitch. My friend said, "Oh, Alec is pitching." I said, "No, Alec doesn't pitch." Then I looked up and there he was on the pitcher's mound! They ran out of pitchers and he was asked to step in. He did great for his first time -- struck out three batters and got his team out of two innings. He loved it.
Selena has lots of play dates and they involve a lot of dressups, makeup and lots of snacks.

We attended a neighborhood street fair, where the best part is eating strawberry shortcake.

We've been busy with lots of activities and can't wait for school to be over for everyone so we can go visit family out of state. But even with all we've had going on, I still have found time to watch the preview on the internet for the New Moon movie coming out in November -- I totally squealed and can't wait to go with all my friends. I think I might need to get a new shirt for the occasion!