Mountain Climbing

I saw a post from a friend on FB about how the Lord gives us mountains so that we can learn to climb. It has meant a great deal this last week with the loss of Jon's job and our insurance. It has almost become a mantra. WELL!

Every now and then as we climb our mountains the 4 year old slips and drops a speaker on his head, ending up in the ER for 4 stitches and to make sure the paralysis on the left side of his face is temporary. And these things often happen when we are uninsured and our husbands are at Priesthood session working the equipment. Moral of the story: Gratitude for good doctors, the priesthood, neighbors who run when the 6 year old shows up shirtless and scared in the rain, and finally really understanding how little money matters when your child is hurt. He may not even have much of a scar. Whew. He is in very little pain and was given a stuffed beaver with a matching band-aid. Very cute. He was such a trooper, only crying for a moment when he had to have 2 shots in the lesion (It was right under his eye, after all).

I am so thankful he is and will be fine. A little battle worn, slightly more nervous about heavy objects falling on faces, but we will all recover.

Jonathan Growing-Up

Jonathan turns 11 this month, and so was awarded his Arrow of Light this week in pack meeting. He really worked hard and had a great deal of fun getting there. He and I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time together the last 3 years in cub scouts. Now that he is moving into scouting, Jon will take over for the most part. We are so thankful for the scouting program. Jonathan is becoming an amazing young man an we are so proud of him. It makes the "tweeny-tude" worth it. We could not ask for a sweeter kid.

After the "ceremony" All the boys lifted Jonathan in the air. You can't see him, but there is an adult under all those boys "just in case." It was Awesome! He felt like an all star.
Chief "Fire Hat," as dubbed by Jonathan, preparing for the "ceremony." See Jonathan just waiting to see what happens next? Every time Brother Winn is in charge the kids listen. You really never know what he will do next. It will be different now going to pack meetings in a new ward. He put on a really good show to honor Jonathan.

This is the ceremonial "Arrow of Light Dance" around the parking lot with Chief Fire Hat and Jonathan in the lead.

His Cub Scouting Pelt hanging from his Arrow. He also earned 8 more pins that night, and his 24 belt loops are not yet attached. He really enjoyed Cub Scouts. Jon was just called as the Assistant New Scout Master in the new ward, so he will get to be there for Jonathan's first year. They were both really happy about that. Jon is such a good example and loves that stuff. They will really have a good time bonding over the next year. Jonathan is an amazing big brother and example. We are really proud of him, and his feelings of self worth have really grown on his scouting journey. Way to go Buddy!!! We sure love you!

Happy Birthday Joseph!!!

Joseph Turned 8 this last week. He had a party with all his best buds, it was really fun. They jumped on the tramp, decorated cupcakes, had a treasure hunt, opened gifts, and it was only 45 minutes into an 1 1/2 hour party! AAHH! Lucky us, we moved into THE BEST hide-and-go-seek house EVER, so they did that for 30 minutes, then spent the rest of the time sticky hand slapping each other. How that was so entertaining was beyond me until I saw one land on a cheek and stick as the kid twirled around. BOYS! Joseph got Bionicles, Bakugan and lots of other fun things including a 3-D art kit that has kept him quiet for 2 days. Nice! Here are a couple of pics, the one around the swing set was the treasure hunt. Jon made it up, the boys absolutely LOVED it. He is so good at stuff like that!

Happy 8th Birthday Josey-Bear!!

July...I'm already tired!

8 swim lessons, and Austin still has dry hair. He did finally get his lips underwater to blow. He is an expert kicker!!

Joseph really loves swimming, too. His claim to fame: CANNONBAAAAAAAAAALLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Moving day is in a week, can one every truly be ready to move? Things still need to be packed that morning, and until you clean the house for the next occupants, you can't move. By the time you are finally ready, it is done. Seems like the chicken and the egg dilemma to me: what are you ready for first, the moving or the un-packing? So no, we will never be ready. :) Jessica, if you read this, I would love to hear your thoughts on the topic. You are much better at the satirical truths we all feel but just can not express so eloquently.

ANYWAY! Cheese making class went well, we also learned yogurt, ice cream and butter. Good stuff! All very easy. To make butter, you put 2-3 cups heavy cream in a quart jar, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for about 30 minutes. (You may want to take turns). Then rinse it in cold water a few times, mash in salt, draining butter milk as it surfaces while adding small amounts of salt to taste. It is really good! If anyone wants them, I will post the other recipes here, too. That is, if I have any friends left to read my blogg... :)

June Jamboree!!

June was fun!! We have had a TON of doctor's appointments, that was not so fun, but then we learned to fish! Uncle Tony has 6 poles and the patience of a saint, so it was really great. Two of the boys had swim lessons, the other two are currently in them. We are spending the last 3 weeks of summer in the pool. Yeah for Rec Center memberships!

I have decided to scrap book digitally. (No patience for little scraps of paper and clean-up) This is my first page. It is just a collection of pics Jon took to keep the boys busy on our reunion weekend. Photoshop is fun!

Water Monkey #1 enjoyed swim lessons so much he went up 2 levels. He is a self proclaimed expert at the "Superman Swim" Are you loving the ears as much as I am? Such a cutie!

Josh is so funny with his goggles. When you put them on with your eyes closed, apparently you can't see very well. He LOVES swimming. His doctor asked: "If you could do anything in the world, what would you do?" He quickly chirped: "GET SOAKING WET!!" Thus the swimming lessons. Doctor ordered. Love it!

The best part was as we sat around the table at 11PM eating our first family caught fish, the fish stories began. It is innate, I have determined. The one we cooked was about 9 inches. Have the boys show you...at LEAST twelve! Jonathan is so handsome. MAN! we have some good looking kids!

It is so fun fishing with the boys. We have been twice, and will be heading out for our third trip Saturday. The weekend before school starts we are taking the fish up and having a cook-out with Uncle Tony. They are so excited! Me too!

Joseph's first fish. He reeled in 2, one was the biggest we caught.

Every time the bobber moved Austin would shout "I got a bite!!" The pole was at least 2 times taller than him. He did actually land one, wish I had a picture of that, his eyes were huge!

Josh caught 3!! He was the hero of the night.

Father's and Son's! They had fun. Josh was VERY sleepy when they got home. I am so thankful to have a husband who loves to spend time with his boys. He is so much more patient than I am. Thanks, Huney!

May Memories

This year was the 4th annual "Reunion at the White House." No, we aren't nearly popular enough to get to have a private party at THE Whitehouse, but Grandma remarried a White, so we play with the name. It is every Memorial Day, and we a great chance to spend A LOT of time together. I love having a Grandma who really enjoys parties, and who thinks a family is the best place to raise grand kids. Happy 78th Birthday, Grandma! She looks great, doesn't she? (She's on the bench with Grandpa)
Although all reunion activities are within 15-30 minutes from home, we spent a good amount of time in the van. Austin was a good sport, considering he hates having to use a booster seat. At least we can move this one around. He is so little, we only moved him out of a car seat 2 months ago.

Three Little Moneys Swingin' in a Tree
It is difficult to keep Joseph out of trees. He is, luckily, just as good at getting down as he is at getting up.

Josh at Field Day. They danced to "Ballin' the Jack," and it was really cute. He performed it again for us last night. He LOVES singing and dancing, though you can't tell here.

I love my boys!!! Summer is almost here (YEAH!!) so I get to spend a lot more time with them. Lucky us, Daddy gets to work from home 2-3 days a week, so we can all hang out tons this summer.

Here comes Summer!!!

It's been an eventful and really fun few weeks, and due to a Facebook addiction, it is time for catch up. Since we have not taken many pictures, and really only had fun in normal. unplanned, uneventful ways, there's not a whole lot to tell. Josh practices his vocals a little louder than some of us can handle for long periods of time on a near daily basis. Thankfully we have transitioned from "You look like a monkey..." to "Put your shoulder to the wheel, let no one jerk." Yes, still working on it, but it is much less annoying than some other things he likes to sing. In fact, I really like that one. Austin now realizes that when a piece of paper "says", it isn't actually speaking, but contains information. That was a really fun conversation when so many of the words needed for explanation denote autonomy. Go ahead and try to explain it without personifying a sheet of paper, and see how far you can get when someone as literal as a 4 year old is listening. Joseph has found great joy in Club Penguin. So have I. No fighting (unless you consider throwing water balloons confrontational), and he can do it on his own. Jonathan is saving up (and has been for over a year) in the hopes of stashing his very own $100 bill. He is excited and may be knocking on neighbor doors with cookies for sale as well as participating in the block yard sale to accomplish his goal. Feel free to place orders for Jon's cookies any time :) That is all the advertising he is getting out of me.

We love summer around here and I want to organize a bi-weekly hike club to get these boys out in nature a few times a month. Let me know if you may be interested. We are thinking of getting together around 9 AM, hiking, eating lunch, and being home by 1 PM or sooner depending on the hike. We also want to organize a multi family camping trip for June and July (Fathers and Sons is May 29 and 30, and there is a Cub Scout camp in early August, also) We will talk around the ward and even announce in RS if allowed. Help in planning would be great as well as hike, camp site and bear avoidance input.

In reference to hiking, here are some delayed pics of our first family hike. We went to Dixie Rock with my little sis and her adorable kids. It was so much fun we are making it an Easter family tradition. In a year or two we want to rock rock climb and repel, too.

If you see us on the way to the park or running through sprinklers this summer, no invite required, please come and join us!!

Go Blue Blaze!!

We just got the notice, Jonathan's soccer team is going to Tournament! YEAH!!! This is their first time, and we are all really excited. Whether we make it out of city or not, this is huge for them. Lucky us, our coach wanted an underdog team. He is the head of sports at BYU and has done awesome with these boys. Not to brag or anything, because that wouldn't be nice, but during the last three games our team has made about 12 goals totally. Jonathan has personally made 9 of them. His personal best is 5 in one half. Coach benched him the rest of the game because he was getting cocky. The next game he kept his cool much better, and had learned that no matter what he was doing, if anyone tripped or fell(including on the other team), he was assigned to help them up and ask if they were OK. (Told you our coach is awesome) He still makes 2-4 goals per game, but is made to play different positions so he learns to pass and assist.

The best part last game was when JJ got off-side for the 4th time in one game. (off-side is when you get closer to the other side's goal or goalie than their defenders or the ball. It is an unfair advantage.) Coach yells, as loud as he can, "Jonathan, yer KILLING me!" He got back in line, smiled, and says, not nearly as loud as the coach: "Sorry, coach." Love it!

GO TEAM!

Rock On!

Many of you know we own Rock Band and play it often (you have not lived until you have heard Austin sing "Dead or Alive"). Here are the boys, our official band name is Psycho Skwidz, and we play "weakly" in our TV room. This is not a limited engagement, but it is standing room only, and we expect you to join the band should you happen upon a performance. It may be a challenge wrestling the drum sticks from Austin, or convincing Jonathan to give up the bass, however. Our favorite songs: 29 Fingers by the Konks, Paranoid by Garbage, Run for the Hills by Iron Maiden (totally clean, awesome drum line. It doesn't even sound like heavy metal). Many thanks to Jess and Dan for our intro to the wild world of rockin' in the house. We do not allow the kids to stay up until 2 AM playing, however. Mom and Dad do on occasion, though.

This is a pic of Austin's B-day party shared with his bud Aaron (in the blue and black coat). We went on a treasure hunt for ring pops, and the kids were totally impressed with their colorful tongues. They were so fun. A 1 hour party is perfect. Enough time for some good times, not enough for Mom to need a Valium.

SWEET!

Remember those swell toys we used to play with like Slinky's and sea monkeys (if your mom let you have them, I have still never actually seen a sea monkey)? I found this sweet link about where some of them came from. Check it out!http://blogs.static.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/24089.html

Thank heavens for wall paper. Without it, we never would have needed wall paper cleaner, and my kids would SO miss out.

Happy Birthday Austin!!

Austin is now 4, though he will not believe it. Ask him, he will tell you, in no uncertain terms, he is 5. His party is not until Thursday when he and his "best fwend" Aaron will share one. He is totally into Mickey Mouse and puzzles. We finally took all of his puzzles out of his room a few weeks ago, because we would get up at 2 am and find Austin in the hall, putting puzzles together. He got a 2' X 3' double sided for his birthday. It is a challenge for him, but he seems to have it under control. Good thing, he's getting another on Thursday! In case you haven't heard, he has told Aubrey he is marrying her. Dot and I think it is cute, Aubrey just giggles. They are both incredibly tiny (note Austin in the Disney shopping bag), we think Austin thinks Aubrey is also "5". She could be, but they let her get baptised, so probably not. He did not get the puppy he was hoping for, maybe next year. You know, when he turns "6".

More Memories

Another therapy picture. Jon and I went out to dinner with my father's family for a "last meal" before my brother reported in for his next big adventure. As Dad is dying of pancreatic and esophageal cancer, as well as a dependency problem, he won't we here when his son gets back. We had some really good conversation, and did a lot of healing. There's just nothing like bonding over unlimited shrimp to heal a few hearts. It is amazing how quickly forgiveness can come when understanding is reached. I highly recommend it, and think they would, too.

Jonathan's first trip on roller blades. He really enjoyed himself and it was fun to watch, only falling once or twice, getting right back up with a big grin every time. Once again he lead the way showing his brothers how to do it, and coaching them from the side lines. We have no doubt he is going to be not only an amazing leader, but all of his brothers' biggest fan. He loves them all so much, and is amazing to watch when they need him. Sometimes it is a challenge having such a strong headed and determined young man finding his place in the world, but those very traits will help him stay strong in the face of adversity, as well as keep him from falling into peer pressure. He is on a good path, taking his calling as first born incredibly seriously.

We have never know Joseph to turn down a challenge. Or adrenaline rush for that matter. He not only put on blades for the first time, but took on the nasty grade on the cul-de-sac. Thank heavens he doesn't know how to stay upright quite yet! He kept trying, and got pretty good there at the end. His looking a challenge in the face, and getting up when he falls has proven to be a gift in the face of his challenges. He is just one more amazing kid we have the honor of loving and learning from. There have not been many days with out a serious grade heading either up or down. He meets them all head on and still has the strength to keep going the next morning. How he does it is beyond me, but he is one of my greatest heroes. We would not be the same without him.

What could possibly be more fun than 10 little superheros and a little piggy running around? Not much. Josh turned 6 a few days ago, and wanted a superhero bash. It was totally his idea and he ran the show. They ran around making all kinds of noise, it was really fun. He got 10" Batman and Joker figures, nearly squealing when he opened Batman. I was thrilled: finally the hero...sweet glory! Jon always picks the favorite toys since he kinda knows what boys like. It was Mom's turn this year! We ate pizza and brownies, decorated door hangers and had no candy. YEAH! He also received lots of fun toys from friends, all of which he LOVED. He was like a pirate hoarding his loot for days afterwards. Grandma gave him 6 gold coins and a treasure box. He really liked that, too. Now he has 14 gold dollars and wants to buy himself more. It was Grandma's idea for helping us to get the boys to save. She is so smart!



We are incredibly blessed and learning more every day. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes I wonder if we are going to make it. Sometimes one of us asks, "Why, me?" the answers come on angels' wings in quiet moments of prayer. "Why not you? He who the lord loveth he chasteneth. He also strengthens, watches over and heals. He wants you all back." I have no doubt we are watched over. Some really hard things have happened the last year, things I was not sure we would survive emotionally or spiritually. But we did make it, and we are all stronger, more aware of those around us, and more thankful. As the clouds now part and the sun shines through, it is clear it never really stopped shinning, it was just hard to see through the tears. There was always a joy, a hug, or someone else to love, and "that has made all the difference." The storms will come, but as one of my favorite hymns proclaims: "Though outward ills await us here, The time at longest, is not long Ere Jesus Christ appear, surrounded by a glorious throng. Lift up your hearts in praise to God; Let your rejoicings never cease... Though tribulations rage abroad, Christ says, "In me, ye shall have peace. (Though Deepening Trials, #122)" Nothing has been truer, nothing more needed. He lives, and gratitude is ours. I love him and await the day to fall again at his feet, finally through the pain, finally fully healed, praising him with those glorious throngs. And knowing, with our family there, we will never part again. "I glory in my Jesus." 2Nephi 33:6

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
Isaiah 41:10

March Memories Part 1

March has already started with a bang. My brother is heading out on a long journey that will take him away for at least a few years. We got together with our little sister and Grandma for a little shin-dig at KFC (an old family favorite). It was fun, we took the first picture we have had together in 8 years. Yes, I am the shortest member of my family.

While my sister was in town, we took our families to the Draper Temple open house. It was neat being there together with all of the kids. Eight children are, however, a little tough to keep track of. We all made it out and really enjoyed being together. Except when my brother-in-law had all 8 kids plus three that who seemed to not have any parents any where to be seen. Apparently he got a few dirty looks. Our guess was that the people ahead of him thought there was more than 1 set of octuplets in the world. He he handled it with finesse and made sure all adults who were part of the trip understood how uncool it is too leave one guy in charge of 12 kids. The Temple itself was amazing. They have the most beautiful chandeliers, and the wood was incredible. Even the base boards are marble. The colors are so rich and well used. My cousin, who is not of our faith came with his mom, too. It was really special to share the experience with them. If you have not gone yet, and can, it is a really neat opportunity. Did you notice the camera's flash makes the Saviors robes look illuminated?

Just our family went to Chuck E Cheese's to use the kids' report cards for free tokens. That was also fun. The kids love it there, and we love that we can take them for really cheap. We shared all of the tickets this time so all of the boys got a fun sucker. It is so great to see them getting along and working together.

It is such a blessing to have a family. The kids are a joy, and we are really working on making memories this year. It is a blast so far, and we look forward to many more. We are looking for more inexpensive ideas for family fun. If you have any ideas you love, will you go ahead and leave a comment and tell me about it? Thank you for sharing our lives with us and being a part of our family.

A Month of Memories Part 1

It has been a blessed month full of neat memories. We are so blessed, and I am thankful for our health, safety and joys. The 4 biggest of which are our boys. I do not have the picture, we forgot our camera, but there is a family in the ward whose boys ours play with. Their dad is going through chemo, so his kids all shaved their heads to match him. You will notice, our children also shaved their heads. Jonathan didn't want his friend to be the only one in class without hair. Many of the kids in the ward have shaved their heads in support of what their friends are going through. They are a neat family and our prayers are with them. Also, without planning it at the same time, my sisters girls cut their hair off (into a-lines) in order to donate 11 inches each to Locks of Love. We are getting a picture this weekend of all the kids with their chemo support hair do's.

This is Joshua's first play. "Run! Run! As fast as you can! You can't catch him, he's the Gingerbread Man!" He had a blast playing the part, and was SO fun to watch. The girl right behind him is Abby, his first crush. She really is adorable. He goes glossy eyed when she talks. Poor kid, he doesn't have a prayer!

We had tons of fun at Cheryl's baby shower! The food was yummy, ALOT of awesome friends came to support her and she made out with hundreds of diapers, tons of lotions and other baby needs as well as some REALLY cute baby clothes. Thank you to all who came, it really meant alot to all of us.

Joseph is excited to announce that he finally lost his first tooth! The tooth fairy brought him a gold Susan B dollar to put in his savings jar. Isn't he cute?

A Month of Memories Part 2

My step brother came in from Kansas for a visit. It was only the second time I have seen him since I was 10 and he was 5. I like him alot better as an adult! Here we are with Dad at Grandma's house.

Last, but definitely not least, Jonathan carried the flag for the first time in his pack meeting flag ceremony. Then he received 3 pins, a belt loop and his Webelos badge. He is now working towards his religious square knot and Arrow of Light.

It has been a month of blessings and memories. We are sure blessed. The other night Jonathan said to me as I tucked him in (for the 3rd time): "Mom, we are a happy family!" We really are. It gets hectic, but we have each other and the boys are all doing so well in all areas of their lives. They are making new friends, getting along better and just becoming awesome young men. We are so proud of them!

Disposable Baby SHower!!

No, Cheryl's baby is not disposable, she wanted me to make sure you knew that, just in case there were any doubts. Melissa, Beth and I will be giving Cheryl a baby shower this Friday at my home. It will be an open house from 11:30-12:30 in the morning and kids are welcome. Melissa will be making lunch and we will have yummy Costco cake. As this is baby #5, she does not need a whole lot, but she does REALLY need the disposable stuff (lotions, soaps, DIAPERS and wipes). As her babies come out around 8 # plus, she is not really in need of alot of tiny diapers. If you would just like to come and wish her well before she goes into hiding in a few weeks, please feel free. You can come eat lunch and visit, gifts are not necessary, she would rather hang out with you that have you not come. Please also pass the word around to anyone you know who knows her and may like to come. And in case you are unsure, it is pink. And she won't give me the recipe... :) Love you Chezelle!!

So there has been a lot going on around here, and in the process we have started thinking seriously about what we are going to do in June. The new owners will be moving in, and we get to start a new adventure. Many people are curious as to what exactly is going on, and we can now answer with some certainty: We are moving! Yeah, that's really all we've got. At least when someone says "What's happening with the house?" we don't have to say "Dunno." School gets out May 28, so we are giving ourselves two weeks to move, turning the keys over June 15. We looked at a 5 bedroom on a 1/3 acre (something we could not have looked at seriously 2 years ago, but with things going the way they are with us and the economy, it is perfect.) It is in our stake, one ward over. There are 5 boys, 3 teens. 'Nuff said about the walls, but paint goes a LONG way. The structure is good, needs a little work, though. No mold and no pet piddle=keeper. We are waiting to put in an offer because they are asking $97 per square foot, and in the shape it is in it's not worth it (there has to be a law against that many prepositions in a sentence, but I can't remember it.) Our RE agent says hold out for something better at that price unless we can talk them down $10 a sq ft. That puts it way under 200 which sounds amazing, but they may not take it. Who wants to pay more than necessary, though? So, while we know we are looking seriously come mid March (probably after we take my bro to Vegas), that we are moving by June 15, and that we are staying in the school boundaries, we'll have to send out postcards or something when we figure out more. In the meantime, if anyone hears of a house on 1/4-1/3 acre, btwn 2300 and 2800 sq ft with 4 bedrooms under 250, give us a shout out! Maybe we can be neighbors! Oh, and it can't have metal pipes, so needs to be newer than 1985. (nickle and aluminum allergies)

In the mean time, here are some more pics.

This is our babysitter. He's kinda like a big brother for the boys, they love him and he doesn't cry after spending 3 hours with the kids, so we really like him, too. He calls the kids "fun." They run around shooting nerf darts and playing hide and go seek while we are gone. You would not believe the places I have found nerf darts in my house.

Ok, really bad pic of us (we had been playing all day, shoulda worn hats), but it was taken at the Bountiful temple 11 years after Jon and I posed here for a wedding pic. The best part is a cute couple who had just been married an hour before took it for us. She wants 5 boys. SWEET! She also had a fabu dress. And a really good anniversary date.


The boys with some of Maggie's kittens before they went to their new homes.

Needless to say, they learned what "hose off" means, and we are really thankful the yard was in within a week. Joseph gets himself in more trouble that any other child on the planet, I am sure of it. Josh is his partner in crime. Why? Because "Josey is reewy smart!" At least they stripped totally down. I didn't even have to wash underwear....

This is Kylie, she is my bud Cheryl's girl, and you can see why we have a 13 cow bid in on her. It was up to 15, but "There was a little girl who had a little curl..." One day she actually started telling Josh to do something. He looked her in the eye, gave her a "what the..." look and went in the other room. They are perfect for each other. Sh has also told me before "Josh won't do what I say!" Good luck with that one kid...