The Book of Moon 2011

Here is this year's chapter in "The Book of Moon."

CHAPTER 23

The Moon Family rejoices and is blessed.

BEHOLD, in the twenty-third year of the Tom and Terri Moon Family, there was much rejoicing.

2 And it came to pass, Cameron, having served honorably in the wilderness of Florida for the space of two years, did return home. Yea, the Moon Family was filled with much joy and rejoiced at his return. And, he did tarry for a short time, before traveling to the land of BYU in Rexburg.

3 And it came to pass, Courtney continued in her rebelliousness, and became eighteen. Yea, she accomplished high school, and worked mightily over the hot months that she might travel to the land of BYU with her brother. Yea, she did heed not the warnings of her mother and her father, and found favor in the eyes of a young man.

4 And it came to pass, Maddy continued in her love of her horn and Phantom and of bacon. Yea, she marched upon the wilderness and blew her horn. And she took possession of her sister’s bedroom on the first morning of her leaving. Yea, she rejoices much in her new room. Now, Maddy, being fifteen continues to gain knowledge as a sophomore in high school.

5 And it came to pass, Mckenna being eleven; increased in knowledge, insomuch that she became a sixth grader. Yea, she did prosper in middle school. And she did continue playing music, yea; she began to learn the bass clarinet. And she also rejoiced at having her own room.

6 And it came to pass, Tom, having labored diligently and with much love, for the space of nearly 6 ½ years, was released from his calling of Bishop. Yea, he did hearken to the words of his wife, and began to finish the basement. For, lo, Cameron and Courtney have no place to dwell in the home.

7And it came to pass; Terri did continue to find joy in her family. For, family is the most precious and desirable above all things.

8 For behold, the Moon family’s burdens have been made light, Insomuch that the windows of heaven have opened and poured blessings upon them.

9 And, verily, the Moon family makes an end of writing concerning these things for a time.

Merry Christmas!

Family time

Yesterday, our little crew decided to take a spontaneous trip. A little adventure to a place not far from here. The girls had new shoes to break in for the pioneer trek in August, and Tom wanted to have some much needed family time. So we packed a lunch and drove off in our newly cooled Suburban. (Thanks, honey!)

Palouse Falls, is about 90 minutes from here. The drive there was desolate. I think we only passed a handful of cars. When we arrived, I was surprised at the crowds milling around the parking lot and viewing area. I am not sure where they came from.

After Tom talked to the park person, he was confident our little group would have no problem hiking to the falls. We started out, confident we were up to the task. Within seconds, Maddy started expressing her discomfort. "I'm cold." "I'm hot." "This is hard." And my favorite. "Are you trying to kill me?" I was tired of hearing her whine, I felt like we must have been on the trail for an hour or more when I turned around and saw the car not too far from where we were.

I was trying to help her down a particularly rocky part of the trail when she said.

"If I die, I'm going to sue."

"Who are you going to sue? Heavenly Father for putting the rocks here?" I asked.

"Yes, and he will have to give me Eternal Life. I deserve it." She answered.

I took a few steps away from her and looked at the clear blue sky and wondered when the lightening was going to strike.

"Maddy, I think I am glad I won't be your Ma for the trek."

"I know," she said, "My company is going to hate me."

I thought for a minute and asked, "What if (crush boy) is in your group?"

Without hesitating, she said, "Then, I will stand there and look cute."

Honestly, her comments and observations had us laughing for most of the hike. We had ourselves convinced that we were going to be on an upcoming episode of I Shouldn't be Alive.Especially when Tom tried to talk us into a very narrow, complete drop off on one side part of the trail. We backtracked the way we came and made it safely back to our car and enjoyed a wonderful picnic. All in all, it was a day we needed. Being together, laughing, sweating, a little whining and eating. What more could I want?

The Book Of Moon 2010

CHAPTER 22

The Moon family continues to endure and prosper.

NOW in the 22^nd year of the Moon family, they did labor not in their basement or their wilderness. Yea, their weeds grew and did multiply abundantly across the land.

2 And it came to pass that Cameron did continue in his labors. Yea, his heart did swell in his love for the people of Florida. And he did wrestle with the gator, and he did eat its flesh and beheld that it tasted like unto chicken.

3 And it came to pass Courtney danced across the field, carrying her flag. Yea, she rejoiced in traveling across the wilderness. And Maddy, also marched across the field, carrying her large horn. Yea she did murmur at her afflictions and did rejoice mightily when the football team was defeated.

4 And it came to pass that Courtney became infected with senioritis. Yea, her hand did cramp from her writings to places of learning. And also, her schedule was full. Yea, she did not fall into idolatry. And she did find joy in the suffering of her father, for she did enjoy mocking him all the days.

5 Now, Maddy being fourteen became a freshman in high school, notwithstanding her small stature. Yea, she did partake of bacon and ice cream, and her mother was filled with much envy toward her.

6 And it came to pass; Mckenna began to be a fifth grader. Yea, her friends were numerous throughout the land. And also, she continued in the traditions of her family, and is learning the clarinet.

7 And it came to pass that Tom did continue in his service as Bishop. Yea, he did attend meetings, which begat visits, which begat service, which begat increased love, which begat meetings…

8 And it came to pass that Terri’s burdens became lighter. Yea, she did run and not faint, for she did run 3.2 miles and perished not.

9 Behold, the Moon family has old chariots. Yea, all their chariots have many, many miles on them. And yet, verily, verily, the Moon family prospered in the land, and received all manner of blessings. Yea, they did find joy in one another, and in their loved ones.

10 And again, the Moons’ make an end of writing concerning these things for a time.

Our latest project

Several months ago, my niece posted on her blog a bench she had made from plans she found on a do it yourself woodworking blog. I was curious, and after a lot of snooping around, found some plans that were just what I had been wanting in our laundry room/mudroom.

I had in our house plans, a place for built in cubbies for the kids stuff. (I would have posted a before picture, but was too embarrassed by the piles of shoes, papers, and other junk that was lying all over the floor.) The plans I found, were really close to what I had pictured in my head. Her plans were for only two lockers, but I found it was very easy to adapt it to three. Her bench was designed to have a shelf, but I wanted a place for each kid to have a basket for their shoes. Again, it was simple to change to what worked for me. I am definitely someone who likes to follow a recipe I was so glad to have someone post a plan that was easy to follow.

I know I am making it seem like I made this myself, but I couldn't have done it without my hubbies skills, and patience. He was willing to try to help me build something that was very out of our comfort zone.

It didn't take to long to build this, it sat in our garage for weeks waiting for me to fill in the nail holes, sand and paint. We got it done just in time to be put in full use for the school year.

Thank you Ana! It might take me some time, but I will be working on my sweetie to build something else for our home.

Why I broke the Sabbath....

Sunday, after dinner my very busy husband asked if I wanted to go with him to do a quick visit. I jumped at the chance to be with him. I kinda like him, so I grab any opportunity I can to be in the same vicinity as him. We drove around looking for a street that was nowhere to be found. After chatting and driving for awhile, he decided to try another time and we started for home.

I was gabbing away when he stopped and asked me if I saw the tennis ball in the street. I said no and he started backing up, telling me it had moved and looked up at him. I unrolled my window and heard loud kitten mews. I opened my door and saw an impossibly small kitten crouched on the road. I scooped her up and looked around for anymore. When I didn't see or hear anymore, I climbed in the car and tried to think of what to do. I didn't have anything, and by the way she was yelling and searching, I knew she was hungry. I told Tom to head over to the Pet emergency place by rd 100 to see if they could help us. They gave us a bottle, told us she was about three weeks old, a few instructions and sent us on our way. I had to run into Walmart to buy some kitten formula. I don't shop on Sunday, so I felt strange buying the formula, but she wasn't getting much from my fingers.

We didn't tell the girls until I walked in the house with her in my arms. Kenna and Maddy fell instantly and totally in love with her. Courtney is a bit of a hard sell. She claims she is a dog person, but I've caught her softening up a bit.

It has been almost ten years, but I am back to two to three hour feedings. She seems to be getting stronger and thanks to our dog Roxie, she is well groomed. Roxie has taken to cleaning her like a momma cat would do. I am most grateful.

Tom keeps telling the girls that she gets to stay for two weeks and then she has to find another home. He's so funny!

What Mother's Day looks like in our home this year...

I spent most of the day eagerly waiting to talk to Elder Moon, serving in the Orlando Florida mission. I was not disappointed when, at 3:47 pm our phone rang. I will need to apologize to the Relief Society president and another member of our ward that called and got my obviously annoyed response before 3:47 pm.

He sounded so good! For the next hour plus we grilled him on every aspect of his life. He is working hard, eating good, falling to bed exhausted every night, getting hot in the Florida steamy weather, serving and all around loving his life right now. I am now refreshed better than any spa day could do for me. I know my son is happy and healthy. I know he is learning and growing and his testimony of the gospel is expanding daily. For me, as his mom, that's all I need or want.

I love Stake Conference Sundays!

Yesterday was Stake conference. I love these few Sundays a year where I get to sit by my husband and he doesn't have as many responsibilities, which means he gets a much deserved relaxing Sunday.

He actually came home from his duties right when the potatoes hit the table. (A rarity, believe me.) We talked about the meeting as we passed the rolls. This is where I try to find out if the girls heard anything, and also to help jog my memory of the talks and messages that were given, so when it is my turn to share what I got out of the meeting, I will have something to say.

When it was Mckenna's turn she said, "I learned that you shouldn't play games during Stake conference." I turned and gave her dad the look that said, "You are in trouble mister."

We found out later that Courtney had been paying attention, at least to President Wamsley's talk. He spoke about a post-it note from his little grand daughter that had been on his mirror for two and a half years. It said something like "You are handsome." Courtney decided to post her feelings for her dad.

Awww! Isn't she sweet!