Tonight

The wind is howling and snow a blowing.  Kids are off to bed.  I’m snuggled in my blankets with a good book and a bit of hot cocoa.  :)

Holiday Shelf

We have a little holiday shelf that we change out every month.  Since Easter is sneaking in the month of March, I thought I would put up a little St Patty’s decor for a bit.  I took down my shrine of Stephen and I. 

One of my favorite parts of the display is that gold book. It is William Shakespeare's Works and is filled with love poems.  A $2 find from an antique store.

Anyway, I went to change out pictures and Rebecca informed me that she hated the “Kiss me I’m Irish” picture of her that I had taken a few years ago.  SO, we snapped a few new ones and chose one for the wall….

We had a really hard time getting a kiss picture because she couldn’t hold her giggles in.  Oh how we LOVE holidays around here!

Nature

We were hammered with wind and snow over the weekend.  When we woke up this morning we were left with huge fluffy drifts in the backyard, and that glittery, shimmering effect of the sun on the snow.  It was beautiful!

In November we went to California and spent a day at Sea World.  As we were walking over to a show I noticed this gorgeous tree FILLED with huge blossoms and humming with bees.  I couldn’t resist stopping to take a picture.

The beautiful blue sky, the intricate blossoms, even the oval, green buds were just gorgeous all together.

“The supreme beauty of the natural world reminds us of the power and perfection of God.  When we are in nature we have feelings of hope, peace and reverence.  In nature we can see the handiwork of the perfect Artist.”  - Tom Reese

I am so grateful for this beautiful world we have to live in, for each detail that has been added to nature.  Even if it’s just glitter across the snow, it brings me joy!

Marriage

This totally made me smile….

Snow Day

Do you know what happens when you flush ice cubes down the toilet?  When you sleep with your pajamas inside out, (even Mom sleeps with hers inside out)?

 

Do you know what happens when you sleep with your fingers crossed and do the snow dance and do all kinds of other craziness?…

You get a Snow Day!

And then you drag out all of the snow gear , and even the goggles incase your eyes might get cold.  AND you make a huge mess of snowy clothes and start smelling like a bunch of wet dogs.

And then homemade cinnamon rolls HAVE to be made to put good smells in the air.

 

And oh my goodness they were a good batch of cinnamon rolls!

And then you snuggle under blankets to watch movies and play video games. 

And then immediately start the process over for another snow day tomorrow.

Working Out

I have been trying so hard to work out and get in shape.  Basketball twice a week is not cutting it!  I have been thinking about this clip lately. 

He is so awesome!  I just have to be like him work hard and never, ever give up.

My Writer

Ashley is always making to do lists, writing letters, stories, drawing pictures, … just constantly has a pencil in her hand.

The other afternoon she was busy in the craft room.  She was hole punching a way, and then I noticed that she had gotten into my ribbon.  I started to freak out, and then noticed what she was making.  I really couldn’t get mad.

The closed eyes and folded arms, the spelling in her sign, and that wild hair swished all over the page.   She knew what she was doing.  She wanted it hung prettily on her bedroom door.

 

I think I need her to make me a sign for my door AND a few to do lists for my day.

My Parents

I took one look at Saturday’s agenda and knew that there would be no way I could get all my kids to their games, scrimmages, birthday parties, a baptism, youth dance…. SO I made a little call to my mom and dad … AND up they came to my rescue.

The kids LOVE my mom’s personality and stories.  She cracks up at what the kids say, they laugh at her, and they ALL end up in giggles.

 

The girls did a make over on my dad.  Jerrica was in charge of the back massage as Ashley tackled his hair.  My dad has a lot of hair just like Ashley! 

He also still has his natural color with very few grey hairs.  I remember when his dad (my grandpa) passed away.  He was in his 70’s and had this small patch of grey hair.  I think my dad will be the same way.

Anyway, we enjoyed having them stay and help us out this last weekend.  We couldn’t have done it without them.  Thank you guys!!!

Faith in God

Kaylee girl is almost 12 and is finishing up her Faith in God.  I am so proud of her!  It made me smile as I walked by last Sunday and saw her working on it before church.  Of course I had to take a picture!

I am so glad that we have goal setting programs in the church.  I believe that a goal strengthens individuals in so many ways.  Our self esteem is increased as we reach and strive.  We also learn about all the hard work that it takes to achieve something, and then that wonderful feeling of accomplishment. 

The definition of a goal is putting forth effort toward a desired result.  If we don’t have a desired result, we will not be putting forth effort.  We will be wasting time, going no where.   Grateful for goals and grateful for Kaylee’s example!

Valentine’s Day

We had our traditional fondue Valentines dinner with the photo books of 2012.  I always beam from ear to ear as they sit looking at them and reminiscing.  Some of the pictures they have never even seen before.

I use Blurb and just drag each of the kids’ picture folders of 2012 over into Blurb and create a photo book.  I do a little write up in the front cover page highlighting achievements and favorites.  The books have around 250-300 images.  I do mix it up so that the eye isn’t exhausted looking at little images on every page.  I pick a few favorites and do full page spreads every few pages….

I hope that answers some of your questions.  We LOVE our photo books! 

Another tradition is sending the kids to school with red Valentine’s lunches.  I save the candy boxes and use them for their sandwiches or tortilla roll ups.

We made a variety of homemade Valentines.  Rebecca made these bookmarks out of paint strips and then signed the back.  They turned out cute.  Here is the link where I found the idea - Bookmarks

Ashley made these Valentines.  Glow in the dark bracelets are fun, BUT I will NEVER do them again.  We had to put a connector on each one and had a hard time not breaking them and starting the glowing process as we would force it on the end.  Here is the link for that one -Glow Stick Valentines

Holidays always mix up the boring drum of the regular week.  I especially enjoy Valentines and all of the expressions of love.  I am sure grateful to all of my family and friends for always making me feel loved!

Jacob

LOVE this boy!

I spent the weekend running him around to various activities and errands.  He is always so grateful for the rides, just really a sweet boy!  LOVE you Jacob!

We Finished!

Ash and I tend to go the rounds.  She is very creative and has her ideas, and then I of course have my own ideas.   Her cousin Sydney made a puppy similar to this one, and I thought how cute and easy that would be to make. 

I didn’t take into account that I would be doing this project with Ash.  I would say, “Let’s put a pink or red collar and bows on him for Valentine’s day”  To which Ashley would decline and then choose blue, her favorite color.

“Ashley, let me print your name out on the computer for the tag”.  She then told me, “No mom, I have a cool cursive “y” that I want to write in my own handwriting.”

As I started gluing the mop on to the box, I reminded her how hot the glue gun was and that I needed to help with this part.  It then looked like it would take all night if I didn’t have her running the gun as I would stick the mop rope everywhere.

We did make a pretty good team.  She however, kept me informed that this was HER project and she would be making all of the creative decisions.

Her hair kind of matches the dog with the craziness.  AND the streak of black paint on the side of her face, I can only hope that the paint didn’t get on her uniform.

I should have taken a picture from the back.  I really liked his little tail.  We shoved the plastic mop connector part into the box and then draped mop yarn in and out of it, so the tail sticks up cute.

 

I have a feeling that he will be hanging around Ashley’s room collecting treasures for a while.  She is quite taken with him.  I’m just glad that we are FINISHED!  :)

With Reading

Comes Writing….

“I Love My Dad He Rocks”

Jerrica is writing up a storm.  She is constantly making cards and even made a Goldilocks and the 3 Bears book.  I love trying to figure out what she has written.  It’s like a word puzzle.

Getting Ready

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.  We have been busy making a box for Ashley, she is the only one that needs to bring one to school.  The other kids will decorate bags at school.  I tried talking Ashley into some of the old ones down in the basement that I have saved.  Why do they always want something new?!?!  I shouldn’t even save some of the stuff I save.  It never gets used.

Ashley finished her cards last night and informed me that she needed 12 more.  I informed HER that she only has 15 in her class and she had already finished 15 cards.  She then let me know that the crosswalk guard, librarian, gym teacher, Spanish teacher … principal needed cards.  I stopped her right there at the principal and said that “No one gives cards to the principal”, which she quickly replied, “That’s exactly why I should give him one because no one does!” 

The boys are getting ready too.

 

They are always together downstairs lifting weights or off with friends at Lifetime working out or in the kitchen making protein shakes.  The little girls keep saying that they are trying to get muscles for girlfriends for Valentines Day.  :)

Oh the preparations for holidays!

Games

I was in the mood for Blokus the other day.  It was on a cold wintery day and I just felt like snuggling up to the fireplace with a good puzzle game.  Of course a slew of kids volunteered to come and play with me.  Kaylee is smiling here, but not for long, Nathan won EVERY round of this version.

We then tried our hand at this 3D version, which Ashley and I teamed up and showed the others how it’s done!
 

We ended the night with a little Othello.  The winner would stay and keep playing opponents.  I love that you think you have lost the game, when with just a couple of flips it ALL changes.

Winter sure brings out all of the puzzles and games.  I think the reason I had so many kids was so that I could always have an opponent! :)

Othello Game

Blokus Classics Game

Jerrica’s Date

I always smile at what each of my kids want to do on their dates.  Jerrica had quite the date planned for us today.  We started out at the library with

Storytime, Sonic and then Swimming

When we finished those three, she did something that she NEVER does.  She took a little afternoon nap and

Slept

Oh my goodness, I LOVE her! 

Links in the Chain FHE

An anchor is defined as something “that provides stability or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation.”

I shared this piece from Russell Ballard’s talk at a fireside given at BYU in 1992-

“Have you ever watched a large ship weigh anchor? It is fascinating to see and hear the massive links of chain screeching against the metal bow of the ship as the anchor is raised. Now, the metal links of the anchor chain are incredibly heavy, but their weight is slight when compared to the total weight of the ship. Still, if an anchor is placed properly on the bottom of the sea, it can a hold a giant ship fast, even in rough seas.

Just as ships need anchors to keep them from drifting away on the open seas, people need spiritual anchors in their lives if they are to remain steadfast and not drift into the sea of temptation and sin. Faith in God and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, is the main anchor we must have in our lives to hold us fast during times of social turbulence and wickedness that seem to be everywhere today.”

We then discussed how important the massive anchor chain is.  Suppose a beautiful sailing ship having been manufactured from the finest materials and reinforced for the roughest seas.  The mast and sails are sturdy and seaworthy.  The anchor is above standard size, weight, and craftsmanship.  BUT for some reason the chain attached to the anchor is inferior and weak.  Visualize what would happen the first time the anchor is lowered, or the first time a strong wave pushed the anchored ship out to sea.  If any link of the chain holding the anchor broke, the anchor would be left to rust on the bottom of the ocean floor, and the ship would drift aimlessly perhaps even be destroyed.

We then came up with the links that we need to strengthen in order to keep us with our Heavenly Father.  We made our own paper chain with the various ideas that were mentioned in our discussion.  We also talked about how easy it might be to neglect one link and then what happens to the chain as that one link is weakened.

Of course our chain is on our fridge by my little reminder poster –

Making paper chains, being together as a family, and discussing the gospel made for a perfect Family Home Evening.

Phone Pictures

When I made the kids photo books I LOVED all of the pictures that were on their ipods and phones.  They were glimpses into their lives.  I knew that I had a slew on my phone that just sit in my phone.  I thought that I should try out the instagram thing to help get them out of the phone, BUT I haven’t spent enough time with it to figure it out.

The other night was a Kaylee date night and I snapped a picture with my phone, but have been sad that the memory of the night will just stay lost in my phone.  I need to post these random little pictures that I snap here and there so the memories are not lost.  The picture is dark and grainy, but I can see Steve and Kaylee and a flood of fun feelings and memories come to mind because of this little glimpse.

Kaylee and I grabbed Chick-fil-A to go and then headed over to Big House sports to watch Stephen’s volleyball game.  Stephen is an incredible volleyball player and so fun to watch!  I also had a friend that I play basketball with playing on another court, which was fun to watch her as well.  Kaylee is so cute with her comments.  We kept each other laughing the entire date.

It was just a great date!  :)

(And now it’s not only on my phone, but will actually be blogged into a book! :)

Stages

It seems like you go through stages in life.  I couldn’t wait until all of my babies were out of diapers and I didn’t have to buy anymore.  I thought that we would be rich for sure without buying bulk diapers.  Yet, that meant no more babies in my house.

Then there is reading.  It takes so much patience as pre-schoolers are sounding out words.  I couldn’t wait until they were all reading and I didn’t have to sit and endure the phonograms.  Well, Jerrica is reading.  She is by far my youngest to learn how to read.  She has always LOVED stacks of books.  Now she has to read out loud with me, and with Steve, and with her older siblings EVERY day.  She reads a lot each day and because of it has gotten really good.

It makes me sad that soon she will just sit and read her book, and won’t want me to read her pile of picture books.  Yet, I couldn’t wait until they were all reading.

Here’s another stage that I’m dreading going through SIX times…

  You want them to achieve these different milestones, yet each of them make me sad because they are getting older and more independent. 

I just need to embrace each and every stage, since they are gone in a blink of an eye.

Super Bowl Day

Ash has had these clothes sitting in the corner of her room since she found out they could wear football shirts to school instead of her uniform.

I was explaining to her on the way to school that the two coaches for the teams were brothers.  I then said how hard it’s going to be for their parents to cheer.  Who are they going to cheer for? 

Without skipping a beat she said, “The mom will cheer for the 49’ers because moms are in their 40’s and the dad will cheer for the Ravens because boys like the color black.”  I smiled at the 40’s comment, thinking that not all moms are in their 40’s.   BUT to Ash, I’m her mom and thus all other moms are like me and my age.  :)