The Living Christ

Several months before Christmas I was inspired by this talk given in a woman's conference.  During the talk, Sister Marriott expressed her desire to memorize The Living Christ by Christmas.  I have had a 12 week program to memorize The Living Christ on my computer desktop for several years, waiting for the right time to try to memorize it with my children.  It's always seemed like such an insurmountable goal to do with my children.  However, this time, this year, the timing was right, and I took a leap of faith as I started with Day 1, "As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ....".  Day 1 lead to Day 2 and so forth, until after many days and lots of prayers, my two oldest and I memorized the document.  Through the process, all of our testimonies were strengthened as we  reflected on Jesus Christ, "the firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world."  This was our gift to our Savior this Christmas, because ultimately, He is The Gift.

History Fair

About a month ago Peter and Elsie participated in a history fair.  Elsie is currently in an American Girls club and they were just finishing up Kaya, a Nez Perce Indian in the 1760s.  I was amazed at how much Elsie learned about the Nez Perce.  Since I read the books out-loud, my other children learned lots as well.  In the club, she made a parflech, an abalone necklace, corn-husk dolls, an herbal medicinal spray. and a weaving project. 
I mentioned to the kids I thought it would be fun to create dioramas of something they were learning about.  Elsie immediately thought of the Nez Perce Indians.  She built a teepee, a horse out of clay along with a travois, a fire, salmon, baskets, and every detail she could think of.  She even had me hard-at-work making these little toothpick worry dolls I remembered making when I was a young girl.  It's a group effort keeping-up with this girl sometimes!

 Peter did his history project on Hideyoshi, the Japanese leader previous to all the shew-guns.  He was really intrigued by the ships the Japanese had and the ships the Koreans had when Japan attacked Korea.  He built models of those.  Originally, he had big plans to build little stick people hanging out of the boats and drowning in the water, but the logistics were much easier said than done, and he simplified his design.  He learned a lot not only about Japan's history, but also about good engineering.

 This was everyone's first history fair.  I think we all learned a lot.  I have a better idea of what a presentation could look like, and know better how to help my children as well.  The kids learned about planning, presenting, researching, and creating.

Kimball's Birthday

Kimball turned 5 at the end of October.  I thought I would include some photos here and write a little update on the new five-year-old in the house.  Kimball wanted a Lego Birthday Party this year.  He was ready to say "good-bye" to his once precious Duplos and be on even ground with his older siblings with Legos:  building, creating, trading, and playing.  He invited a few friends over and they were master builders as they hammered away on old crayons to make their own Lego crayons.  They played some Lego games, including "pin-the-head on the Lego guy", and ate cake and ice cream.  I just love all the grins in the picture below.

 Kimball's smile melts my heart - his whole face lights up.  I love this picture because his eyes tell you how big his smile is without even seeing his lips. 

 The picture below is a finished product from a combined group effort.

I have a funny story about Kimball's birthday.  I always forget to order things early when I shop online.  Hence, Kimball's presents were days late in coming.  We had one present for him (which his dad bought) to open on his birthday, and Grandma and Grandpa came through (Thank you!!) and brought over a present on his birthday as well.  He was very happy and excited about his presents.  The next day was his party, but the packages still hadn't arrived at the post office.  They also included all the birthday party favors and such.  I had no plan B.  Lucky for me, but very unlucky for Kimball, he was throwing up the day of his party.  I called all the moms and rescheduled the party for several days later.  It turned out to be perfect.  Everyone was happy and healthy and everyone (including mom and dad) was able to give him a present at his party. 
I thought I would make a list of some of my favorite things I love about Kimball:
~ His smile
~ His hugs
~ His laugh
~ The love he has for his siblings
~ His energy (when it's not overwhelming me. :))
~ He is quick to forgive
~ He can find happiness in less than ideal circumstances
I am so lucky to be a mom to this spirited boy.  He has taught me and continues to teach me so much.  Here is to a great year Kimball!

Giving Thanks

Wow, the holiday seasons are here, and life definitely does pick-up, as if things weren't fast-paced enough already.  However, I've been pondering the value of gratitude this month, and I wanted to share some of my thoughts. 
It all began when I listened to President Uchtdorf's talk about gratitude, which you can find here.  He talks about being grateful regardless of the quantity of our blessings, but rather, to find gratitude in our circumstances.  He declared, "Gratitude is a catalyst to all Christlike attributes! A thankful heart is the parent of all virtues."  Ahhh.  My heart needs to grow in gratitude as I ponder the beautiful plan of salvation Christ has made available to all.  That alone should be enough to fill my heart with deep gratitude.  Christ has broken the bonds of death and I can choose to return to live with him some day.  What a gift He has given me, and each of His children.  
I was also talking to a friend about Job.  She pointed out that after he had suffered so much, he knelt down and praised the Lord, and then said, “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return … : the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.^"
This tied right into President Uchtdorf's talk, about finding gratitude in every circumstance we find ourselves.  I thought of the need to strip myself of any sense of entitlement, and praise God throughout any trial.  Thank goodness for Job, because no matter how hard that seems, I know it can be done.
I have also been learning more about the pilgrims with my kids.  Up until this year,  I've heard the story of the pilgrims and it's sounded so trite and cliche to me.  This year, however, I've internalized their bravery and courage so they could teach their children in their religious and cultural preferance.  This was more important than any indulgence and even more important than their lives.  Many of this brave group of 50 did end up giving their lives to this cause, but they also made American history - laying the foundation for what this great nation would be built upon.  I am grateful for them, and I am grateful for the sacrifices of so many others who have given me freedoms and instilled in me character and virtue.  Most of all, I am thankful for my Savior who made it possible for me to repent and return to live again with him some day. 
Indeed, I am grateful in my circumstance, and working on being even more so.  I have been so abundantly blessed that I know it is easier for me to be grateful than others.  I also know there will be days when it will be harder for me to be grateful than it is right now, because that is life.  I hope I always remember the words of President Uchtdorf, of the example of Job, and other brave heroes who have proved to be grateful in their circumstances.

Adam David Meets Uncle Dave

This is a bad, fuzzy picture, but it was a fun weekend.  Mike's brother came to visit us and Adam got to meet his namesake.  We got together with family and .......pressed cider!  It was fun to be with everyone.

Cider, Doughnuts, and Neighbors!

My hubby grew up in a home on a couple acres of land filled with fruit trees.  He has many happy and mischievous memories of apple/pear picking with his six brothers and two sisters.  One of his favorite memories was pressing cider from their apple trees.  To continue this tradition, last year he found out a way to make one's own cider in any old backyard.  It involves a clean garbage disposal and an apple press. 
This Monday we invited some neighbors over and they all helped in the process and took home their own cider.  We munched on homemade doughnuts to keep us going.  It was the perfect festivity to welcome in the lovely fall.  I have the greatest neighbors ever! 

Here is Peter taking a load down to those hard at work.

Another lovely helping with doughnuts.

My lovely neighbor holding Adam while I flipped doughnuts.

Everyone working hard on the cider....

while the kids played and ate doughnuts.

Kid Funnies

Better than the Sunday Paper comics, a child's words and deeds can really be a crack-up!  Kimball has been saying some really funny things these last few months, and I thought I'd write them down:
- I came home from the hospital with baby several months ago, and when the baby got hungry, I proceeded to nurse him.  Kimball came over to sit by me on the couch and peered over at what I was doing.  In a very matter-of-fact tone he said, "That's gross.  His slobbers all over you."  I thought for a moment, and had to agree, I guess it is kind of gross.
- I have been trying to teach Kimball how to wipe himself after using the bathroom.  As I was proceeding to explain how to effectively go about the job, he looks at me in amazement and said, "Look at all the things I'm learning, Mom!"  I couldn't have been prouder.
- Kimball has a touch of red hair, and with it has come an impressive temper.  The value of obedience and temperance has been a hard one to instill in this expressive kiddo.  Just a couple weeks ago I finally resorted to bribery.  I promised him, if he could be obedient for 3 consecutive days, I would get him a small box of little Legos (so he could fit-in with his older siblings).  It was a great three days.  Whenever he would start blowing off steam and I could see his top was going to burst, I would remind him of those precious Legos he wanted and the pending eruption would dissipate.  One day, after he had calmed his temperament after I had sent him to his room I overheard him saying, "After I get those Legos, no more Mr. Nice Boy."  Whoaa!!  That premeditated stinker!  I must say though, I think it has helped because he has learned he can control himself when he really wants to.

Anna has also been fun to watch as she enjoys her new baby brother.  She loves him SOOO much!  Matter of fact, all the things that she loves, she really wants to share with him.  This especially is true with food.  Initially, I saw her trying to cram her no-bake cookie into his mouth.  I was right there, and so I was able to stop her before he could take a hunk of it and choke.  I thought it was cute.  Then, about a month later, she was munching on blackberries.  I had Adam laying right next to me, and I turned my head for 2 seconds.  When I looked back, I saw purple juice all over Adam's face and he was happily smacking his lips.  This time I was impressed with her quickness, a bit concerned, but still I thought it was pretty cute.  Next she tried feeding Adam milk from her sippy cup.  I found this out when I heard him sputtering in the next room.  Now I was beginning to see this could really be a problem, and I tried to explain things to Anna.  A couple weeks ago Adam was laying next to his dad on the bed and Anna was running around with her FAVORITE snack - peanut butter on a spoon.  When Dad's back was turned, you guessed it, Anna shoved that spoon into Adam's mouth!  I happened to enter the room right at this point and stopped Anna.  Yikes!  Peanut butter?  I hope his digestive system isn't permenantly ruined!  Now we are watching Anna closely when it comes to her favorite foods and the baby. 

Every Kid a Naturalist!

On Labor Day weekend my sister Michelle came up to visit.  I love it when family comes to visit, and this time was no exception.  On Labor Day our family, Michelle, and a friend of hers went on a five mile hike called The Crimson Trail.  Hubby and I hiked it over 11 years ago when we were dating.  Hiking it with 5 kids in toe is quite a different experience.  For example, it took us 4 hours instead of 2 to hike.  At times it was tedious, and the last mile never seemed to end. 
However, I got to slow down and experience nature with the kids rather than just follow a trail.  John Muir would have been proud.  At the very beginning, they were in a trance watching a spider roll up one of it's catchings to drink later.  It was so captivating.  We soon had to stop (oh so frequently!) to collect snail shells, feathers, special sticks that became wands, and moss piles (which they still have growing in their rooms).  We also stopped and enjoyed a picnic along the way, and had snacks from the trail of sour elderberries (they weren't quite ripe yet), mint leaves, and even a rose hip for the brave and bold.  By the end of the hike their pockets and hands were stuffed with treasures.
At the very end of the trail there is a little bit of mountain water hikers can walk through, but we had to be careful because the moss from the water makes it very slippery.  I went first and set a very good example of how careful they should be because I fell almost immediately while I was holding Adam.  I was so worried I had hurt him, but instead I just gave him (and myself) a good fright.  The other kids had a blast in the freezing cold water, and Kimball even rolled around in it.  Brrrr!  I was really proud of all of them, especially Kimball, for hiking the whole thing all by themselves.
It was a great day and a big thanks to Michelle and her friend for having the patience to hike with us!

   

Random updates

Well, we've been busy these past few weeks, and I thought I would post the highlights. 
First, Peter and Elsie took swimming lessons.  It was Elsie's first time, and we tried a new place this year, at someone's backyard.  The kids LOVED it.  The teacher was really enthusiastic, and the lessons got both of them really excited to be better swimmers.  They begged for their own set of flippers to practice with, and I consented, calling it a homeschooling PE expense. They were even on sale at Big 5.
 
My sister and her family (three boys) came for a short visit because they happened to be traveling through.  My sister was especially excited to see baby Adam.  I of course really appreciated the visit and had fun staying up late and chatting with my sista. 




 Theeeennnn, Elsie lost her first tooth!!!  This is always such a monumental moment in a child's life.  She had her dad pull it out that morning, but by the evening she had lost it.  After a couple of days of looking, she finally wrote a note to the toothfairy asking if she would leave her a little surprise any way.  The toothfairy was kind and left her a dollar.  She was very happy, and it was only a few days later Elsie lost her second tooth as well.  This time she just let the tooth fall out by itself, and she was careful to keep track of it. 





 
 This week we started our homeschooling!  On Monday we had a back to school bash.  It started by practicing getting up at 7:00 and getting ready for the day (chores and all) by 9:00.  Then, instead of doing school, they opened up presents.  They each had a poster-board cone (http://www.parents.com/fun/arts-crafts/back-to-school-tote-tradition/) filled with school supplies and lunchbox treats they never otherwise get (pudding cups, chips, and goldfish).  Then they opened up "presents" which consisted of many of their new year curriculum - math books, novels to read, history, a wall-pop map, and jump ropes (they were a big hit!).  That afternoon we went to an Usborne book party and decided on more books to buy for the year.  My kids go to a school online where we are reimbursed for several classes up to $150.  We are being reimbursed this year for Math, Language arts, History, and PE.  It's really fun spending the money, and the kids are learning a little about budgeting as well. The rest of the week went really well.  Peter finished up his Math book on Multiplication, and was so excited to start up division, he did a whole chapter on Thursday, and another on Friday.  Go Peter!

Adam's Blessing

It has been a busy weekend.  On Saturday our family traveled to see a cousin/niece be baptized.  It was so great to be with extended family and watch Peyton follow the very action of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Afterwards we drove home and started to prepare our own celebration for Adam's baby blessing.  My parents and sister Michelle came Saturday afternoon.  We had a fun time chatting and getting things ready for when family came to our home after the blessing for some yummy food. Some of Mike's siblings also came, which we really appreciated! Today (Sunday) we went to church and Mike gave Adam his name for the records of the church and pronounced a blessing on him.  It was a wonderful blessing where Adam was promised inherited qualities and talent and a righteous posterity.  I love these blessings because it reminds me of the great calling I have as a mother to raise these strong and valiant little people God has sent me and entrusted me with. 

 Afterwards we enjoyed a delicious dinner (the recipe of which came from here) and great conversation outside.  The weather was perfect: overcast and breezy.  Once everyone left, a huge rain and wind storm came.  We even lost some of our sunflowers and apple branches.  We were really blessed to enjoy such great weather when we did!  Thanks everyone for coming!

 

Thoughts on Perfectionism

I came across this article today from the Ensign while I was home from church with sick kids.  It was an article about overcoming perfectionism.  This vice is somehow revered, especially among women, nowadays.  I came to understand the problem with perfectionism when I was reading a book called A Nation of Wimps: The High Cost of Invasive Parenting, and how debilitating and detrimental to one's progression it could be.  If I could graph my triumph over being a perfectionist,  it would be directly correlated to the increase in our family.  The anecdote for me has largely contributed to the number of children we have had.  

The article I read explained how understanding the atonement of Jesus Christ can help one overcome perfectionism, and that only through the grace of Christ can one be made perfect.  It is so easy for me to be overtaken by business:  kids need to be fed, the house needs to be cleaned, diapers need to be changed, goals and deadlines need to be met, and service needs to be rendered.  These are all necessary things, but the part in the article that caught my attention was this:  "For those who feel physically or emotionally exhausted, start getting regular sleep and rest, and make time to eat and relax.  Recognize that being busy is not the same as being worthy and being worthy does not require perfection."  What a great reminder that was for me.  

So, if anyone happens to come over and see my somewhat messy house, a child running around half dressed, or paper plates in the garbage, know I am not striving for perfection.  Instead, I am striving for an increase in love and patience by increasing my devotion to God.  As Elder Gong (the author of the article) explained, "Impatience impedes faith."  I loved that quote because I pray for patience almost every day.  I need increased faith that as I put my trust in God, and do the things the Lord inspires me to do, that a balanced life which emulates my Savior will ensue.

Our pet crow and other small moments

Last week Anna had a wellness check doctor's appointment.  Mike said he would meet me at the clinic and take the rest of the kids (we don't all fit into those little office rooms anymore) during the appointment.  Anna got examined and her shots all done, and then we waited for Mike to come back and pick us up.  When he did arrive, the van was bubbling with excitement, and there was a box Elsie was holding that was making noise.  They explained to me they had caught a crow (in its juvenile stage).  Mike said we needed to go to the second-hand store and find a cage to keep it.  I thought it was hilarious as we went trooping into the store, noisy box and all, and found the perfect cage for $4.  It was a fun week as we learned all about crows from observation.  Here are the things we learned:
- they don't like cats or baths
- they are very messy eaters
- they'll eat cat food
- they love raspberries (who doesn't?)!
- they will also eat fish and cut-up hot dogs
- when they are feeling threatened, they first caw a lot, and then they bite
- They are social animals, when one crow begins to caw, there are many others that respond for about 10 minutes after the initial caw.
After a week of crow-sitting, we decided to take the Wild Kratts' advice, and let it go "free and living in the wild!"  I am very grateful for the Kratt brothers' good influence, most definitely. When we let it go, the kids all had to say their last good-byes by holding it.  During the process, the crow also said it's good-bye by biting each of them. Poor Kimball got bitten right on the nose!  He was very brave, but understandably a bit traumatized.  We got a picture right before it happened.

Below are a couple cute pictures I thought family might enjoy seeing. 

Anna enjoying a taste of Nutella!

Tis the season for.....Birthdays!

Birthday#1:
It all began on May 26th at around 5:30, when our dear Adam was born.  It was Memorial Day, and our family had just finished putting in a new, big sandbox.  Mike was cleaning out the neighbor's truck he had hauled the sand in when I told him I thought it was about time to go to the hospital.  Adam's labor was awesome.  I felt like the pregnant mom from the movie Big Business (for any of you as old as me and remember the film), when she tells her husband, "It's time again," in her country accent with somewhere around 10 other children swarming at her feet.  She then goes to the hospital and simply and quietly has her baby.  That clip had a familiar ring to it as I was in the hospital during labor, all until it came to the delivery at least.  So, Adam was born weighing 7 lbs. 9 oz and 19 inches long.  He was born with lots of hair and a set of good lungs.

Daddy giving him his first bath

Elsie did her own hair.

A few days later, I was home alone with the kids and Kimball decided we should make a cake for Adam's birthday.  It sounded like a fun thing to do with my younger kids at the time, so we had a bit of a birthday party that evening with the family.
These past 7 weeks Adam has proven to be a bundle of contentment and sweetness.  He loves to be held and snuggled really tight and close.  It's absolutely wonderful until I need to set him down to do something, which happens often with 4 other children buzzing around me.  However, Adam seems to have found a good niche in our family and we are all settling in quite nicely.  I've enjoyed a post entiteled "The Baby is the Lesson" which has inspired me with an extra dose of patience.  It's always chaos around our home, but the chaos is filled with love and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Birthday #2
Anna's birthday was on June 20th, and she turned two.  For her birthday, she got to move into Elsie's bedroom and sleep in a toddler bed.  Elsie was really excited to share her room.  Partly so she could play the role of "big sister" more fully, and also because that meant she got to sleep on the top of a bunk bed Mike built for the girls.  Elsie really has been a great older sister and has watched out for and helped Anna as she has adjusted to a new bed.

  Elsie is reading her bedtime stories

Anna also got other fun gifts, like new sippy cups and sheets for her bed.  She was so excited just to open a present, it didn't quite matter what was in it.  She also had a bunch of fun playing "duck, duck goose" with the family.  It was so funny watching her go around the circle saying, "guck, guck, GUCK" and run off, ready to be chased.

Anna has really grown-up a lot since Adam was born, and I feel kind of bad for all the changes that have been inflicted upon her.  Within a 3 weeks time, she got a new brother, kicked out of her room and crib, got her tongue clipped by the dentist (that was not fun!), and got her binki taken away from her.  The poor little girl has done remarkable with everything, besides the little clepto she's become with her baby brother's binki, and has been the sweetest big sister to Adam.  She gives him kisses and loves and watches out for him all the time, and then she takes his binki and runs off before she gets caught.  It's pretty cute.  Since she got her tongue clipped, she's started to talk more and more.  It's fun to listen to her express herself.
Anna is lots of fun.  She loves music and dancing.  Whenever there is any form of singing or music playing, she is dancing in circles, begging me to watch her performance.  She also loves candy.  When she's not asking for candy, she's asking for more and more spoonfuls of peanut butter.  She loves the stuff, straight from the jar!  Anna is very playful, independent, and loves to be helpful.  When it's time to go, she runs around the house, handing everyone their shoes.  She loves to take Adam's diapers to the garbage, and to help clean up.  She has been a joy these past 2 years, and I can't wait to continue watching her grow up and develop into the person she is meant to be.

Birthday #3
Peter turned 9 on July 3rd.  Someone told me he was half-way to "adulthood", and it kind of scared me.  How is it that little boys and girls grow up despite our mistakes and desires for second chances so we can slow down, enjoy the moments, yell less, and teach more.  As a mother, I sure try hard to do everything right, but it's impossible to do it all perfectly.  I never know if I'm expecting too much, or too little.
Peter had a great birthday - watching our city's firework show with extended family and cousins.  He loves fireworks and was ready to forfeit his cake and ice cream in order to insure a good spot for the fireworks.  Mike and I told him there was plenty of time and to enjoy his day.  For his birthday I was inspired by this article that explains what is going on in an 9-year-old's life, and so we decided to celebrate his individuality.  We got him some gloves and a hand-trowel for him to connect with his surroundings more.  I painted (yes, I....painted) a Calvin and Hobbes mural on his wall, since he has really shown a great interest in the comics.  I'm still not sure what Mike thought about the whole thing, but Peter has loved it.

The kids loved watching Peter's worm "fireworks"

A week later he had a friend party, which he did much of the planning for.  He wanted to roast hotdogs over a fire with watermelon and homemade root beer.  Then he wanted to play some night games and light off fireworks.  I got a big old pack of fireworks, way too many boxes of pop-its and glow-in-the dark necklaces, and let the boys (and 1 girl) go for it.  I had so much fun watching them play Ollie-on-over and no-bears-are-out-tonight, hang out while they ate their self-cooked dinner, and jump around while the fireworks went off.  Lucky for us, one of the boys' dads came while we were putting off the fireworks and took some great pictures of all the action.

This is a picture of the kids playing with their glow sticks with a 3 or 5 second shutter speed

Peter sure is a joy in our family.  He is a great older brother, and has a keen sense of his responsibilities.  He is very honest and intuitive to people's feelings.  He is a good friend and a friend to all.  I am proud of how hard he tries to make good choices.  Currently he is loving reading the Guardians of Ga'hoole series and bargain shopping (like his dad!).  He just started learning tennis, and has a real knack for trying out a wide variety of things.  I love being his mom!

To be a Lion.

I know there are plenty of other things to write about that many are eager to read, but another time, another day.  Right now I want to talk about lions.
I was just reading a children's book about elephants and found out they eat 20 hours a day.  "Whoa," I thought, "Wouldn't that be nice!"  Then I thought about lions, who sleep for 20 hours a day, and I wondered which one I would rather do; and if I had to pick, would I choose to be a lion or an elephant?
Being an elephant first sounded appealing.  Then I started thinking about food, especially elephant food.  I don't think I would like to eat acacia leaves and bark for 20 hours out of every day.  Then I thought if I could be an elephant and still eat human food, would that change things for me?  Hmmm.  I decided food is a love/hate relationship for many of us.  First off, it costs.  There's always the grocery store bill looming over me, especially when I splurge on indulgent food.  Then there are all the food choices that get tricky:  would I spend my time eating really healthy food or junk food, or some kind of ratio of both?  What even is healthy food any more?  Solely organic (yikes, that could be pricy eating 20 hours every day!)?  Vegan or at least hormone free?  Maybe a gluten free diet?  How about a raw food diet?  Who knows.  Maybe it would be simpler just to stick to an elephant diet and eat leaves and bark all day after all.  Obviously, it didn't take me long to revert to my old desires of wanting to be a lion.
I decided lions have the good life all in all.  Heck, male lions don't even have to hunt for their food; the ladies take care of that.  Maybe if I had to be an elephant, I'd outsource all the food decision making, just like the male lion does with the hunting.  However, it was the sleep that really appealed to me.  Sleep is precious; it requires nothing but a relaxed body.  One doesn't have to over-think when it comes to sleeping and lounging.  In fact, over-thinking can really be a problem when it comes time to sleep.  Since lions are on top of the food chain, there is nothing that could bother a good slumber - no intruding fear or worry.  Oh, to be a lion:  to not have to worry, to eat what's given you, and to sleep and lie about most of the day.  That's what I'd sign up for.
If anyone happening to read this would like to share their thoughts on what animal they'd like to be, please do share. I'd love a new perspective on this one. 

A Busy Week

This is posted late - I was hoping to find our card reader so I could include some pictures.  The kids have got the upper hand again!
Just as the title of this post infers, this week was full of happenings - some planned and some a surprise.  It was Peter's "spring break" through his online school, and it also happened to be his cousins' and Aunt Michelle's spring break as well - so we all got together and had a fun-filled week. My sister Michelle came with my nieces, Eden and Cosette, on Monday afternoon.  Elsie and Eden were so excited to see each other and play.  They quickly disappeared amongst the mayhem.  Cosette, being almost 3, had a fun time exploring the baby toys and the plethora of books at our home.  It was fun and cute to watch her wanderings.  Between Kimball's moodiness, Anna's clinginess, and Cosette's potty-training, Michelle and I were on our toes!  I tried to fix dinner that evening, but gave up after messing up the biscuits due to so many interruptions and called Mike to bring home some hamburgers.  The kids had a great time eating burgers and watching part of Frozen that evening.
Tuesday was a lot of fun.  Michelle and I made paper bag lunches, got the team of kiddos together, and we headed out to feed the ducks- first stop to the day-old store to get some bread.  When we got there, we couldn't resist getting all the kids a yummy hostess treat as well, and what a bargain!  Again, our trip to First Dam was a success.  The kids had such a great time throwing bread at the geese and ducks.  We went through three loaves!  It was feast day for those fowl, for sure.  It was fun watching the ducks chase each other, and when we saw the geese fighting, I cracked up.  Peter, Elsie, and Eden tried their hardest to sneak-up on the ducks and try to catch them.  They explored, climbed, Kimball found a "cave", they all found secret hiding spots, and they even found a couple green duck eggs.  They all felt like they had some great adventures!  That afternoon a guy from the city stopped by and told us we had a leak in our water line.  Surprise!  I quickly finished my laundry for the week and we turned off the water. 
On Wednesday our visitors got to enter the realm of homeschooling for a bit with us as we went to biography club.  Peter did a short presentation on Almanzo Wilder, Elsie on a fictional character, Kirsten (an American Girl), and Eden dressed up as Abraham Lincoln and she and Peter both talked about him.  Eden was the cutest Lincoln there ever was!  That afternoon my sister Michelle had to go back home, and I was left solo.  As brave as I may have seemed, I was a little scared, I must admit.  However, everyone continued to have fun, and no one got hurt, so I count that a success!  Our water situation at this point, hadn't changed much.  We used lots of hand-sanitizer, paper products, and water stored in bins and sinks to drink and wash in.
Thursday Mike started digging a hole, in hopes of finding the leak.  That evening he called and scheduled for a back-hoe to come and dig the whole pipe out first thing Friday morning.  I continued to watch kids and have a fun, busy time.  Eden joined Elsie for her American Girl Club, as they talked about Kirsten and St. Loisa day.  Eden is a no nonsense girl and wanted to dress up in an apron.  Elsie, however, needed a white robe, red sash, and a grapevine wreath to wear in her hair.  We had fun making wreaths that morning (and pruning our much needed grapes at that), and somehow we all managed to be out the door at 10:30 with homemade lunches and bottled waters in our hands.  While the two girls were at their club, the rest of us had a great time at our little park.  The rest afternoon was full of naps, reading books, eating cookies, and playing outside.
Friday morning was exciting when a back-hoe showed up at our home and dug a massive hole.  The kids were mostly captivated.  Afterwards we went to the park and played before it was time to go home.  Everyone played hard and had fun, but alas, 12:30 came and Eden and Cosette said their good-byes and piled in the car to meet Grammy part-way home.  With cousins gone, it was time to shift my attention to the bit pit in our front yard, until I realized our breaks to the van were going out as I went to get more burgers with my in-laws that evening. 
Saturday was full of first-of-the-season soccer games for Elsie and Peter, fixing car breaks, and shoveling dirt back into our pit.  I worked as hard as I could being 7 1/2 months pregnant, but Mike really wore himself out with a very long day of shoveling.  We have great neighbors that helped here and there as well.  We got a little over half done, and will finish up this week, I'm sure.  This is a lengthy post, and more info than most wanted, but it was one of those weeks I wanted to remember.

Our Family's 5 seconds of fame

Okay, I'll take what I can get, even if it is being the butt of a joke.  Our family went to a story time and got ourselves a picture in the paper.  Jimmy Fallen found it pretty funny and decided to share it with his viewing audience.  If you are really interested, you can go to this link:
nbc.com/the-tonight-show/episodes/28
It's the entire episode, but we are about 15 min. and 30 seconds into the show, and we're there for about 5 seconds, so be sure not to blink! 

Winter Snippets

 Maybe some of you are dying to know what we've been up to for the past couple months.  Regardless, I thought I'd post some of our favorites.  I was scrolling through pictures, and thought these were too cute.  For a while Elsie was really enjoying putting her castle on top of her bed and pretending to be a princess.  There were a couple evenings Anna sneaked into Elsie's room before we swept her off to bed, and they would have a good time together.  I love the smiles on their faces!

 

In the middle of February, Mike's dad still had a ton of apples left over from the fall in his apple shed.  We had just finished our last bottle of applesauce, so we decided to spend the day making some more.  At the time, we were in the middle of reading Farmer Boy and learning all about how hard Almanzo worked to help his family.  Hence, the kids were inspired and eager to help!  It ended up being great fun, and we got around 50 quarts done.  Everyone was tired at the end and pretty sick of applesauce. As a reward, we treated them to go see Frozen at the theater with Grandma and Grandpa.  It was a fun, memorable day.  We really connected with the movie, since the girls in our family are Elsie and Anna as well!

There were lots of little holidays to celebrate in February and March.  One being Groundhogs day.  I got this idea from my sister, and the kids look forward to it every year!  We spend the day (or until we can't stand it anymore) down in the basement - I bring food down the previous night and we picnic for breakfast and lunch.  We play games and build a really cool fort out of blankets.  It's always anticipated and a lot of fun.

There was also Valentine's Day and St. Patricks day.  Both were celebrated starting the day off with crepes, nutella, yummy fruit, and whipping cream.  Ummmm.  On Valentine's Day Dad always comes home with mylar balloons for the kids.  On St Paddy's a leprechaun visits and leaves coins scattered around the house and a treasure box full of chocolate coins and something green and fun to wear.  Traditions are fun and we all look forward to a day that's a little different from the others and laced with fun!

Valentine's Day

St. Patrick's Day

We have enjoyed such unseasonable warm weather!  Although Spring wasn't until March 21st, we've been enjoying hikes and the outdoors as much as we can.  We took a walk around a marsh and looked for birds.  We spotted some sand-hill cranes and red-winged blackbirds.

One evening we were headed to a really cool theater in the round that is set in a barn of all places.  It's a great small town attraction.  We were going to see the play Tarzan (which the kids LOVED - they've been acting like apes ever since) and decided to stop at the marshes on our way and enjoy a picnic.  It was really windy, and I though the picnic was ruined.  But quite the contrary.  The kids figured out cattail seeds are distributed be the wind and we had a pretty intense cattail seed war!  No one wanted to be caught down-wind with their mouth filled and hair covered in seeds.



We also enjoyed a trip to a 1st dam - where we fed the ducks and geese.  Each child got the experience of having a Canadian Goose feed right out of their hands!  They were all pretty excited - except Anna who cried out, "Owwww!"  in a whine.  She was cute to watch and really enjoyed the ducks as well. 


Although I have no pictures to document, we just recently enjoyed getting together with my side of the family.  We were able to all be together and go swimming, watch Frozen, and enjoy great food together.  It was good to see everyone.  Life changes quickly, and it's nice to keep up with my sisters' and their families' lives, as well as my parents'.  My sister Becky seems to be doing better all the time, and that is exciting. During our stay, our family stayed at a hotel, which is always a novelty - they love the continental breakfasts (who doesn't!) and swimming.  Thanks Mom for feeding us and making the plans!  During the weekend, Mike and I divided and conquered.  While I visited my fam, he visited his family.  His sister was enjoying a big weekend as she was getting sealed to her husband in the temple.  His sister also has cancer.  Although cancer is never easy, she seems to be doing really well and enjoying some great blessings.  It was eventful.
As always, homeschooling continues at our house.  I have really been enjoying gleaning some ideas off of milestonesacademy.com.  We've started a great introduction to the Alphabet through fairies, songs, and coloring pages.  Although Elsie is reading quite well these days, she's fine-tuning her writing development and Kimball is somewhat learning the sounds of the letters.  It's been really fun.  Peter is working hard on his math facts and multiple digit multiplication.  Math seems to be the focus as of late for him, but he is really enjoying reading as well.  During his free reading, he and Elsie love to read Calvin and Hobbs.  We've enjoyed learning about Columbus these past couple weeks.  I've started having devotionals every morning, trying to get us (more especially, ME) started out on the right foot.  We study a scripture and sing a song every morning.  At the end of the week Peter writes out the scripture correctly for a little spelling test.  We seem to all be enjoying it. 

Kimball has me take a picture of his pattern block works before we can put them away

One devotional we talked about healthy eating and where we should be casting out nets to get the right foods.

 And now it's spring!  We are enjoying the crocuses, weather, planting seeds, pruning, and making yard plans.