Words...

gullible: THE word for the week at the Hancock house, of which too many of us exemplify, to which others of us like to point that fact out.

Sure: "Mom, did you know that when Dad says, 'Sure' it means 'Yes.'" - Jenna

Tember: an act of pretending something that you want to remember. "Let's tember that this is that and that is this." (Still don't get the word...not to worry. You just have to know Jason. It's his word. He's said it for years...probably at least 3-4 years. He can't seem to remember the word "pretend." He has mixed up "remember" and "pretend" to make the lovely word, "tember." Use it in the place of "pretend" and you'll know how to use the word "tember."

Jumping Jacks: the repetitious act demanded by your parents when you can't seem to stop pestering your siblings. How many have YOU done today? Let's just say that certain Hancock children have done too many to count...today.

Spring Break Report (March 23-27)

The beginning of Spring Break found us wishing for the sun and getting lots of rain. Chad was still suffering from jet lag. (It took him about a week to feel back to "normal" and be able to stay awake in the evening.)

Gratefully, we had planned a trip to Great Wolf Lodge for the end of the week. So, the beginning of the week was spent "earning" the trip. The kids had to earn 50 points to "buy" their "ticket" (My neighbor, Sheri, made some "official" Great Wolf Lodge tickets). Earning the points, involved doing specific chores. The kids worked really hard (from a parent perspective: it was glorious!!!). On the Wednesday before the departure, everyone had earned their ticket. (Swoosh!)

We had a GREAT time at the Lodge. Chad had to work all Wednesday, so we didn't get there until 8:30pm. It was a HUGE hotel with an indoor swimming/waterslide park. They had little refrigerators in the hotel room, so we were able to bring our food. Our neighbors, the Hutchinson's, were also there, which added to the fun! Spending time with our family was priceless. We definately made some good memories!

We (ok, Chad) had this brilliant idea to bring our toaster and bagels to eat for breakfast. (Chad can't live without his bagels. Ok, he can live, just not as pleasantly.) The only problem: Julie forgot to pack the toaster! Raw bagels just aren't the same as lightly toasted bagels. Chad sacrificed and ate his first breakfast bagel...raw, cold. When we came back for lunch, Chad decided to drive to the local Walmart (about 10 minutes away) to buy a cheap toaster. The $6 toasters were gone (ugh!). He had to buy the $14 toaster (ugh!). Then, he got caught in construction traffic (he was in the same spot for 25 minutes!!). When he got back to the hotel, all his stresses were washed away as he ate his freshly toasted bagel with melting strawberry cream cheese. Some things are just worth the trouble. Now, we own a "travel toaster." Chad will never have to live with raw bagels on the road ever again.

April Fool's Day - a little late

It's time for me to play "Catch-up" on the blog...again.

On April Fool's Day, I sort-of lost my luster when Trevor's curiosity got the best of him. I had been hiding the Family Fun Magazine with the new ideas for April Fool's Day. Trevor had been warned to stay away from the magazine (he likes to browse it too) until after April 1st. Well, he just couldn't resist when he saw the magazine calling to him the night of March 31st. Temptation is a terrible thing!

We still pulled off one good "April Fool" with our grilled cheese sandwiches. We took them to a couple of neighbors. Our favorite response was: "Hey, why did you put frosting in the grilled cheese sandwich?" (The cake and frosting did have the appearance of a grilled cheese sandwich. Here's some pictures. See what you think:

Jenna must have learned about April Fools at Preschool. For 2 hours (yep, no exaggeration), I heard, "Mom, Do you want a cookie?" To which I had to reply, "Yes." (If not, she would repeat until I said, "Yes.") Then, she would giggle and burst into "April Fool's." Ha, ha! Tee, hee! Jason and I were excited when the boys got home from school so they could be the recipients of Jenna's joke.

Spiderman...Spiderman...Does What Ever a Spider Can...

Who needs Spidey when you've got Jason. I think the pictures tell it all:

Yeah, he made it to the top, went down the slide, and came back to climb. Again and again...

Mormon Holiday

Chad has lovingly deemed General Conference Weekend as the "Mormon Holiday." Mostly because regular Sunday meetings are cancelled...especially the "extra" Sunday meetings. You also get to stay in your jammies all Sunday...if you want.

There's just nothing better than sitting in your PJ's, watching and being uplifted by GA's while you build blanket forts, play legos, and color the apostle's ties with your children. That's where you'll find us at 9am-11am and 1pm-3pm tomorrow (ok, maybe 9:15 and 1:15...oh, the power of the DVR to rewind real time tv! This little luxury has become a necessity for my sanity. And no, we don't fast forward the music!).

We also can't seem to listen to Conference unless the TV's volume is at an all-time high. Maybe it's that we secretly want the neighbors to hear it. Maybe it's that we want to hear it, no matter where we wander in the house. Possibly it's the only way for the spoken word to sink deep within our souls. Or maybe it's just that loud so we can hear it over the ongoings of our children. I'm pretty sure it's the last "maybe."

Anyway, I was grateful for the messages of today and am looking forward to what I will learn tomorrow. Feeling the Spirit in your pajamas while surrounded by family and the apostles (on TV) is the tops.

How Do You Spell "R-E-L-I-E-F?"

Chad came home after a week away on a business trip. Can you tell where he was from the "treasures" he brought home? We were all SO excited to have him back with us...safe...

An Olive Wood Nativity Set - definitely hand carved.

An Olive Wood Chess Set. The boys were really excited to have a chess set with "Big" pieces. Although the horse all gave us a laugh. They all took turns playing. Chad was surprised how good Trevor is--they haven't played for awhile. I guess Trevor has learned a lot at Chess Club.

Jenna knew right what to do with her "treasure." Hopefully, the video will load and you can see it. (I didn't load, so a picture will have to do. It was a scarf with "jingles" on it. She put it on and immediately began to shake her hips.) She took it off, only to sleep. At least I can hear where she is...

We all just didn't feel "complete" with Chad not here. It was a grand adventure for him--once in a lifetime. Gratefully, he took pictures as I don't think I'll ever travel there. It's in a area of unrest. Kinda scary for me to have him there. However, he said he was safe. He's got a nice case of jet lag now, but we're glad to have him...HOME.

If you didn't guess already...he was in Israel.

Who Needs Spellcheck when You Have Trevor?

Thank heavens for Trevor, the spelling genius. My apologies to any who have read my blog and found my many spelling mistakes. I really should spellcheck my "blahing," since I can.

Don't worry though. Trevor is coming to my aid. Solving my spelling errors - especially when it comes to Star Wars characters. ("Vader" is apparently not spelled like "radar.")

He really does have a knack for spelling. He's my walking/breathing spellchecker. It comes in handy.