Half a dozen

Sleep

2012-01-29T22:10:00.001-08:00

Any momma will tell you that there is just something about a picture of your babies sleeping that melts your heart. I have come to discover that pictures of your children sleeping lose their heart warming appeal after the child turns about 10’ish, then they become black mail. Luckily for me I still have lots of babies to take heart warming sleeping pictures of.

Kaden DOES NOT like sleeping by himself in his crib. Not surprising as no one else in the house (besides Seri) likes sleeping by themselves either. It got to the point where every night we would find him in a position like this. Having exhausted himself trying to convince us to let him out he gives up in surrender to sleep. Yes, that is a newspaper in his crib. No, I do not know why it is there.

Both his older siblings have been caught going into rescue him. Gotta love those kids. Next to the way you feel knowing your hubby loves his family is the way you feel knowing your children love each other.

Lately there has been some rearranging going on at our place. In order to make more efficient use of our space we kicked the younger kids out of their rooms and put them all in the den, dormitory style. The boys now have bunk beds and the younger two are in a queen sized bed until we procure them a set of bunk beds.

When the youngers realized it was just the two of them in a bed they requested that Kaden join them so we thought “what the heck” and are attempting to migrate him to the “littles bed”. We’ll see how well that works out and keep you posted.

Pam

2012-01-28T13:27:00.001-08:00

One of those people who touch your life forever and will probably never realize the impression they had on you.

Pam was the receptionist at Seattle Home Maternity where I have gotten prenatal care for the past three children. She was so much more than a receptionist though, she was an integral part of the place as much as the rooms, scale, and hundreds of baby pics on the wall. Guess I just took it for granted that she would always be there.

I usually tried to go to my appts. without my other children, but when they had to come she would watch them and play with them in the lobby. When seri was 10 she wrote a report on Space and was so proud of it that she showed it to Pam and Pam taped it to the side of a filing cabinet near her desk. I was totally surprised when four years later I was pregnant with #6 and saw that it was still there!

Matt loved going to all my apts. I think not just because he enjoyed them but also because it gave him a chance to talk to Pam. Everyone loved chatting with her and she had this way of making you feel like you were the only client coming in that day.

Every once in awhile someone says something and you immediately know it is something you will remember for the rest of your life. We were talking about big families and societies view of them currently and she said “In my opinion it is people like you and Matt that should have as many children as you can. Our world needs more children like the ones you are raising”. Man, I tear up now just thinking about it. Such a profound thing to tell a mom who sometimes struggles with the question of whether she is doing right by her children or not, of whether she is worth anything.

Then there is the way she held your new born child… Like saying, “well, there you are! I have been watching you grow and have been anxious to see what kind of little person you would be and you are just what I imagined.” Not like they were new and fragile, but rather like it was a long lost friend that she was finally able to see again.

My heart broke a little when we got word that she would be moving to Belize. Having done the responsible thing of working and raising her family she was off to have fun. How could you not love a woman like that? The thought however of her not being there when I get pregnant with our next is disheartening though. We attended her farewell party to let her know we cared for her and were thankful for her friendship, but I can’t help but wonder if she will ever know the impact she had on me during my child bearing years.

Merry Christmas

2012-01-08T14:37:00.000-08:00

Nope, I haven't fallen off the edge of the earth. Came close, but I am still here. I will hopefully update the blog sometime this week but in the meantime here's a cheesy shot for you :) Hope you had a great christmas!!!!

SALE

2011-11-25T12:13:00.000-08:00

in case your Holiday shopping is not complete, please enjoy 25% off all items in my shop, etsy.com/shop/onceuponahippie Code is TISTHESEASON

Doin the Puyallup

2011-11-01T13:57:00.001-07:00

With so many kids we allow them a birthday “party” every 4 years, the other years we typically went out for dinner as a family. When I realized that I was a food addict and wouldn’t be able to enjoy this activity with my family I panicked and then I got to thinking. Typically we would spend right around $140 for a nice dinner with the whole family, imagine the things we could be doing with that money instead of eating for two hours and at the end of it not having anything to show for it? We could be having tons of fun and make great memories if we refocused and used that money in other ways.

So, for Sariah’s birthday we asked her what she would like to do and she said she wanted to go on a roller coaster. Lucky for us the Puyallup Fair was in town and her wish was granted.

Here’s the princess dancing to the local band that was playing. Love that goofy grin!

Although, I must say, this expression is interesting also.

Nothing, absolutely nothing, brings my heart more joy then seeing the pure joy in my children.

This is the point where I interject that I do believe I have the sexiest hubby and cutest baby ever… Yep, I most definitely do.

By this point you are noticing that there are hardly any pics of my older two children. Best I can figure is they are to the point where hanging out with the parents and fam isn’t as fun as running around together or with friends. Thus, they are rarely in the same place as the rest of us, but they are still alive and well I assure you.

Kaden is so dang smart and funny. He spent the whole night perched on daddy’s back but eventually realized that the other children were having fun without him. The other three got on a ride and he began frantically pointing and yelling Wyah!! (Riah) and I-ick (isaac). It was so incredibly cute. He was desperate to join his siblings.

Seri’s long time friend joined us and it was a good thing she did, we put them to work as pack mules.

The Princess turned 5

2011-10-18T10:53:00.001-07:00

One whole hand, such a big event. My husband usually tell sthe children it is a big event and cause for celebration because they survived that long.

We found these cool sparkling candles thinking she would really enjoy them, not the case… I think she was a tad scared of it.

She is turning into more of a princess everyday.

Sariah is definitely practicing to be a mommy. She adores her younger siblings and is always trying to be helpful for them. T.J. at times is annoyed by her help and she is desperately trying to convince me that she is old enough to babysit him all by herself.

Kaden has rebelled against her always in his face and trying to pick him up constantly by biting her nose. I have to admit it is really funny. One of those moments when I know I need to comfort her and discipline him, but I have to stop laughing first. Poor girl has teeth marks on the bridge of her nose more often than not. I have tried to convince her to leave him alone, but she thinks the consequence is worth the action apparently.

After two years of begging we finally put her ballet and she is ecstatic. I must admit, she does make a beautiful ballerina.

So dang cute. Kaden is helping his sister blow out the candles.

Hey, that was some really good cake! We should do this more often!!!

hats!!!

2011-10-06T21:37:00.001-07:00

K. like most families these days we are finding that our dollars are not as powerful or lasting as they used to be. Indeed it seems like I hardly ever see them anymore…

I have always loved to crochet and knit (well crochet more, but if I find a knit pattern that I love I will do it) and luckily I am married to a man whose wonderful mother taught him those skills also. Our favorite activity is to sit and crochet or knit at night while watching movies. Man, sounds like we are an old retired couple doesn’t it? So, what better way to put our talents to use than to offer hand made items for sale? We are working on an etsy page, but for now have things on facebook and are putting pics of them on here.

It wouldn’t be fall without a pumpkin hat for the little one. So adorable!!! When TJ was born a lady at matt’s office knit him one and I was so in love with it. I was ecstatic to come across this pattern and even more excited when it turned out just as cute as I imagined it would.

$12.00

These eye ball hats I have been making for the last four years. I must have made a few hundred by now. I used to sell them at the farmers markets and bazaars when mom was up here doing her circuit. Funny enough I always sold more adult sized ones than I did the children’s size. Tons of fun, we let our imaginations run and came out with all different colors. We have Elmo, the Frog, cookie monster, pig, bee.. you name it. One time I even did a request for a cow with splotches on it. Very popular with the teen set. Seems each year a teenager on a sports team will buy one and then I end up taking orders for a majority of the team. I never complain though, having a lot of orders is a good problem to have :) These also sell for $12.00. If you would like I could do a matching scarf for another $8.00.

Watch for more items in the next coming days and when I get the etsy page up I will be sure to let you all know.

I like to think of this as our schools fundraiser. If schools can hold fund raisers so can home schools, right?

crafting

2011-10-05T18:24:00.001-07:00

K. So my new obsession is pinterest.com. Oh…. so very, very addicting.

The first board I came to was a bunch of wreaths and while browsing through it with Matt I made the comment that I wasn’t really a wreath person. I may have to renig on that.. Turns out, I really love wreaths. Only certain ones though.

Here are pics of my “learning wreath” after I finally wrote on the chalkboard. Still just as much in love with it as the day I made it.

And now for pics of the new wreath that graces my door.

candy corn wreath tutorial

Really easy. Take a wreath form and wrap it in black duct tape, cover with candy corns using hot glue, yeah… simple. As long as you can prevent the evil minions running around from eating all the candy corn. Good luck with that.

bow tutorial

Running, or not running

2011-10-03T16:30:00.001-07:00

I have always had an interest and a desire to run. I once tried track in high school, but I was already so heavy that it didn’t work out very well.

Two years ago I picked up running and fell in love. I ran the same trail nearly every day bringing my distance from an eighth of a mile to six miles. I watched the blackberries ripen, the leaves fall. I jumped over puddles and fallen trees when the wind storm came. I ran in 17 degree weather with snot frozen to my face….. I ran.

Then came the news that I was pregnant and that put a stop to the running. After Kaden’s birth in Oct I tried to do the Thanksgiving day turkey trot and was sooo frustrated that I couldn’t run the whole thing. Since that day it has been hard for me to get back into the love of running.

So when I was invited to run the Seafair Torchlight parade with a bunch of friends, I jumped on the opportunity. At the beginning of the race, there it was. The adrenaline, the excitement, the rush… The love of running and feeling my body and it’s power.

This race in particular was awesome in that it goes along the parade route just before the parade and so you have an audience. At first it made me really nervous, but as you run by all the kids and some adults stand at the side cheering you on and sticking out their hands for you to smack as you run by. It’s a lot like having your own fan club.

So, I am running again. Or maybe not. Just like Murphy’s law to knock you out of the race just when you begin to enjoy it.

Here is my lovely left foot. All prepped for surgery. The knot on the isde under my big toe? That would be then end of the far right bone sticking out because it is severely misaligned. A bunion, been there all my life but has gotten worse over the past few years. Mine is not painful, but when added to the fact that I wear a size 12 shoe, it does make it hard to find shoes that fit properly. So, when our deductible was reached thanks to our darling children, we decided to go ahead and have it taken care of while we only had to pay 15 %.

The photo on the left is a tad blurry, but you can see how misaligned that bone is. There is not supposed to be a gap or an angle there. It is also a good pic of what a bunion formation actually is. I have discovered there is a lot of misinformation surrounding bunions and what it takes to treat them.

And here is a pic of my new hardware. He put a steel plate over that joint and screwed it with two screws in top, two in the bottom and one running parallel to the plate. Looks painful you say? Yep, can’t disagree with you there. More annoying than the pain is the slow, so very slow,,, recovery process. Six weeks of non-weight bearing. Yeah, it’s one thing to say six weeks, an entirely different matter to live through those six weeks. There were times I literally thought I was going crazy. My mom came for four weeks and Matt and the kids really stepped it up. The kids got some great meals from friends at church and I spent the best part of a month in bed. Frustrating!!

I am thankful to have had it done and to have the insurance to cover it but I still have fears that I wont be able to run again or do hot yoga, my other beloved activity.

So, here is my nice new straight and very swollen still foot compared with my right which was identical to my left before surgery. See how the toe on my right is almost overlapping the next toe over? Yeah, not necessarily a good thing.

At my five week check up doc said everything was ahead of schedule and he was really impressed with how the healing was coming. At that time I traded in my knee scooter for this air cast and I can now walk with it for three weeks and then I can go into a normal shoe.

Just in time to let that one recover a bit before having the right one done in December. Got to get them both in this year in order to enjoy the discount right?

Here we go a’campin, again

2011-09-26T15:25:00.001-07:00

Our last camp out of the year due to my foot surgery. we have had a good run at it this summer and the ward campout was a good way to seal the adventure.

I think the part I love most about camping is the free range kids. Wait, no, it’s the lazy days without electronics and tons of housecleaning. Or… is it the fire? Nope, definitely the best part is the free range kids. It brings my heart such joy to see their bare footed, dirt covered selves running through the forest laughing and yelling. Something resonates in my spirit that says this is what child hood is supposed to be like. The freedom to explore, learn and use your imagination and body. To laugh and yell without being told you need to be quite.

Doesn’t this picture kind of remind you of the book “Lord of the flies”, in a good way that is.

Someone forgot to tell the brainiack that this was a “no school work” zone. I didn’t have the heart to break it to her.

Nana joined us and all the kids got a ton of cuddle time. Baby K was attached to this stick, wouldn’t let anyone dream of taking it away from him.

My destructive duo trying to look innoncent

At the fire bowl= skit night. we were plotting our fantastic display of talent (charades and we drew the snake).

Sariah’s most amazing primary teacher. Oh how this girl loves her teacher. It takes a special kind of lady to deal with and love this dramatic and overwhelming child of mine. Rest assured this lady can do no wrong and will always be perfect in my daughters eyes. So glad to have people in my children’s lives who truly adore them and let them know it.

The adventure was amazing, as always. So long summer, so long camping. We had a blast, hope it was mutual.

No more wake up calls, or how to kill a rooster

2011-09-23T17:24:00.001-07:00

Here is a pic of our Rhode Island Red rooster. Not sure why, but in every batch of chicks we have bought from Dell’s we have received a rooster. He’s handsome, isn’t he? Thing is, he knew it and would strut his stuff and his call all day long beginning at 5:00 in the morning. It wasn’t a huge issue for me, except that we live in a community where the houses are literally an arms space away from each other and I was sure the neighbors were going bonkers. The coop is right outside Seri’s room and every time she fed them she would threaten to kill him if he woke her up the next morning.

She finally got a chance to exert her revenge and her, Mike and Matt processed the rooster. I tried to post pics that weren’t to graphic, but for the weak of heart or stomach you may want to stop reading now.

We tried to sell him on craigslist but no one wanted him and Matt wasn’t willing to let me free cycle a perfectly good dinner.

So, here is how to process a chicken 101:

In a large pot, boil water to 145-155 degrees Fahrenheit. any hotter and you will scald the skin.

Make sure you have cutting board, really sharp knives, everything sanitized….

Something to hang the chicken from while bleeding out and plucking. We find those Plant hangar things work perfectly. Drape the area under it for bleeding or place a large tub or bucket under the hanging area.

Hubby says you have to calm the chicken first. I find this step comical considering what is about to happen. “Hey sweetie, you’re about to die, but calm down and breath, everything will be ok”.

Through friends we have discovered that the easiest way to take off the head is to place the head under the rake, step on the rake with enough weight to hold the head in place and then pull the body. Yep, pretty easy.

Hang it to bleed and then when the bleeding stops, or slows dip it into hot water until the whole body is submerged and then pull it out, don’t leave it in to long, you stand the risk of cooking it. This helps open the pores and make for easier plucking.

Now you pluck and pluck and pluck, oh… and then pluck some more.

Cut off the legs and gut the bird. sorry no pics for that step. Well, there are pics, but for those weak of heart I wont post them.

I must say home grown chickens do taste the best. There is also a certain satisfaction to knowing that we have reached a place in self-sufficiency where we can grow and process our own food.

crafty.

2011-09-16T20:19:00.001-07:00

About a month ago I was browsing one of the blogs I stalk and I came across this

click on the pic for the source.

I immediately fell in love and knew I HAD to have one of these. Seven years ago when we began homeschooling (could it really have been that long ago?) Matt and I dedicated our home to be a house of learning. This was the perfect way for me to display this intent.

After weeks of gathering the materials I sat at the table all prepared to go. I then realized that the glue gun wasn’t working. Then the baby decided he needed attention, the 3 and 5 year old were drawn to me like magnets and proceeded to hover. Not to be out done the 8 year old joined in the hovering. I began to feel frustration building and then it dawned on me why I haven’t crafted in… well, in years. So, I let everything sit and did the only thing I could. I put them to bed and then came down and continued crafting.

It felt so very good. I recognized and loved the feeling of all those creative juices flowing. The thrill of creating something out of nothing. The wonder at how it would turn out. The alone time where I just had to focus on my thoughts and not on anything else.

So, here is my version. I must say I am very much in love with it.

I felt it needed a little more splash of color so I wrapped the inner circle of the embroidery hoop with red ribbon before inserting it into the center. It definitely made it pop a little more.

I am not much of a flower person, so I made a huge ribbon bow instead. I was so excited to find the tape measure ribbon in my ribbon stash.

Even though I intend to use it all through the year and not specifically for “back to school” I really love the colors of fall and so I threw in some fabric leaves as well.

Once I buy a white paint marker I will write “This is a house of learning” on the chalkboard. I know what you’re thinking, but it’s OK. I write really small.

Embellished with a few more scrap book things and I am declaring it perfect. I sat there for a long time with a dozen more embellishments, ribbons and leaves, trying to decide if it was enough and if adding anything else would be too much. Finally I decided that yes, it would be too busy if I added more. Sometimes less is more.

It has been up for a little under a week and I love coming home and seeing it hanging on the door. I hope it will serve as a reminder to my children that our home is indeed a place where learning is of the upmost importance.

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4

our brief experience with an exchange student

2011-09-15T19:28:00.001-07:00

In June I saw an add in one of my homeschooling publications seeking homes for exchange students from Japan. As a teenager we hosted a girl from Japan and that began the period of my life where I traveled to Japan twice to live with her family. Once for a summer and then again my second year of college. I fondly remember that experience and wanted my children to have the same chance.

Yeah, our lives were crazy busy, yeah I have a lot on my plate without adding anything else, sure I was having foot surgery the week after she was to leave. Not a problem. I am super mommy, hear me roar!!! Ok. so it was a pathetic roar, but a roar all the same.

I had gotten the kids all hyped up and we were super excited about her being here. She arrived and everything was perfect, going right along with how I had envisioned it…… until I realized that the box marked “speaks little” English was an understatement and may have only included the words “hi” and “yes”.

This was a tad unsettling as I never really knew what she was thinking or if she was comfortable or needed anything. I found myself continually worried about whether she was having a good time or not.

If you know my children you know that they are a tad overwhelming and out going. Thus it was with our new guest. Sariah couldn’t stay off her and T.J. was always following her around. I got the feeling she was trying hard to be accepting but that she was also a tad overwhelmed at the hustle and bustle and crazyness that is our every day life.

She was so sweet and had brought each member of the family a present. We really enjoyed the first evening of opening presents and finding out what they were and how to use them.

Over the weekend she started complaining about being sick and I couldn’t really understand her so I was really concerned. We called her translator who talked to her and then told us he thought it was most likely a little homesickness.

The next day we met with her group and she had a chance to talk to her teacher who later explained that yes, our house was overwhelming for her and that she was concerned with the fruit flies. I had been battling those stupid things for about a week and a half and had finally resorted to putting all the veggies and fruits in the refrigerator and emptying the trash every night among other things.

So, she ended up moving to a backup home the next morning and all of us were sad and half my children were in tears.

I was angry, frustrated, disappointed… How could something I had envisioned going so well end up being so disappointing? How could she turn away my family? Were we not good enough for her? We had chosen her among the other girls and I couldn’t help but wonder if things would have been the same way had we picked a different girl.

After consoling my children I spent a lot of time in prayer and I can honestly say that I felt Heavenly Father comforting me and assuring me that those negative thoughts were not reality. I came to the knowledge that sometimes he has to step in and save us from ourselves.

I had no business trying to add something else to our lives at this time. During the short period she was with us I was anxious and concerned. The next morning as I ate breakfast I noticed how much stress had been erased and how much more at ease I was. And the fruit flies? There were less than a handful remaining. Hope I can count this as a lesson learned.

summer time

2011-09-10T07:14:00.001-07:00

Such a great, lazy, laid back summer vacation we had. It was truly over way too soon, and yet, I am so ready for my favorite season of all…. Yep, fall is on the way. Sooner or later, although here in washington you can’t tell quit yet.

Even with both arms casted Mike wasn’t about to miss out on any of it.

I sure do love this crazy boy. Life is never boring (or quiet) with him around.

Of course Auburn kids day was must have on our itinerary.

And no summer is complete without weds at Les Grove park. A playground, water park, museum that’s free for kids activities every wed., library, concerts and free lunch. Yeah, it’s all good.

As most of you know. Baby K was the last of 7 babies at church born within a four month span of each other. He sure does enjoy all his friends.

although, I admit, it is strange when they suck on each others fingers.

After all is said and done though, his best friends are his siblings. He adores each one of them and the feeling is mutual.

The best thing about summer? Hands down it is the flip flops!!! I adore flip flops and live in them as often as I can. During the first few years of our marriage it would annoy Matt to no end when I would wear them in public. His train of though was that they were shower shoes and only meant for the pool or public shower. Not sure whether to blame his retired Air Force dad or the Army for that one. No fear though, I broke him of it with my patient persistence. Now just for spite I have every member of my family except him in love with their flip flops. The preferred shoe in the Olson house :)

It was definitely a crazy summer medically speaking. Mike broke both arms at the same time, and got bit by a dog. T.J. ended up with the tissue in his ear being infected and his whole ear swollen to the size of his head, wish I was exaggerating on this one, OK. maybe just a little, but it was huge!!!!!

These pictures seriously don't do it justice but you can get an idea. It started out a little red in the morning like he had slept on it funny, been bitten or hit it on something. I wasn’t too concerned until about three when it had swollen so much. I called urgent care and they said to take him straight to Mary Bridge, forgot what they said it could be. We are not ones to freak out so I finally got ahold of the nateuropathy and they fit him in. Dr.’s opinion after looking, consulting with other docs and calling a pediatrician at Mary bridge was the same. They were worried that a bone behind the ear was infected and it’s position is close to the brain. Could mean serious trouble.

So, it was off to Mary Bridge. They were amazing and I will use them for any and all future incidents. So much better than st Francis. The dr. there immediately said the same thing and the boy got an iv and a CT scan. He was so well behaved through it all. While we were waiting for results interns and other Dr.s kept coming down just to see this “interesting” case. After awhile I think T.J. got annoyed with being a zoo animal. good news was it was just the tissue that was infected, still not sure how.

So, with all this happening our deductible was met and I figured it was a great time to have a foot surgery I have been waiting on, now that we pay 15%. So, mid August I had my left foot done and mid Dec I will have the right one done.

Crazy summer I tell you. Guess it was payback for all the years we have made it so far without any medical traumas.

I am grateful for it though and grateful we all came out unscathed. Well, for the most part….

Better late than never

2011-09-08T13:52:00.001-07:00

On the day of Mike’s scheduled birthday party he was casted on both arms and going to Laser Quest was pretty much out of the question. So, at the end of August he finally got to have his long awaited birthday party.

He requested a white cake with white frosting and crushed oreos in the batter and on top. However, since I recently had foot surgery and am non-weight bearing I was not in the mood to make a cake. I got as close as I could though.

Here they are headed into the “briefing room”. I have never played, so I am not sure what is beyond these doors. All I know is that it is a huge area and they have a ton of fun and come out all sweaty and giddy. works for me.

Singing Happy birthday.

It may have been late but I think he had a blast and it was just what he wanted. Happy Birthday bud. Love ya.

Not back to school 2012

2011-09-07T18:43:00.001-07:00

Kaden Dee – 10 months. His curriculum involves learning through play and trying to keep up with his siblings, lots of car time, and lots of snuggling with mommy.

Tristan Joseph –3, preschool

Tristan will be spending all year playing to his hearts content with occasional episodes of sitting on mommy’s or a siblings lap and reading.

Sariah JoAnne, 5 – Kindergarten

Learning to read with the Book Of Mormon

Math-U-See Alpha level

“Bob books” beginner reading set

Ballet

Co-op

Isaac Dushane, 8- 3rd grade

Math U see gamma level

Piano

Ballet

Choir

Co-op

Exploration Science

Michael Ammon Duane, 12 – 7th grade

Math u See- epsilon level

First Robotics

Exploration Science

ball Room Dance

co-op

Serenitie Ruth Michelle

Seminary

Sword Of Freedom TJED course

First Robotics

Math U See Algebra- Geometry- stewardship

BYU AP biology

Latin

competition rifle shooting

Drivers Ed.

Government course (YMCA)

Shakespeare (great courses)

For our not back to school party we celebrated with slurpees and our not back to school gifts. Daddy then gave each of the children a blessing and one for the teacher too, cause I can tell already I am going to need it this year.

As I was listening to him bless each of the children I felt the spirit so strongly. I took notes, but can’t seem to find them. It was amazing to hear how different each of the blessings were, how they were obviously meant just for that child. Such an example of how Heavenly father knows each and every one of us. Both Matt and I felt so thankful that we are able to pursue this home schooling journey with our children. We still feel so very strongly that this is the way our Father in Heaven intended for us to raise our children. Learning close to his word in a safe and loving environment with joy and excitement. It is truly such a blessing and a joy. Here’s to another exciting year!

diligent

2011-09-04T21:04:00.001-07:00

came down stairs to find that T.J. had been very deliberate and diligent in placing one foam shape on each piano key.

Almost hated to destroy his work by cleaning it up.

Celebrating the 4th

2011-08-31T19:44:00.001-07:00

I think I have mentioned in prior post, prior years , that the 4th of July is by far my favorite holiday, but it bears repeating. I love… no I adore the 4th of July!

This year we headed down to Ocean shores. Once again we stayed at a KM resort. They had great activities, the kids really enjoyed the cupcake decorating.

daddy and K really enjoyed their quiet time.

I love this picture of T.J. That little boy is just too dang cute for his own good.

We were camped right next to the playground (again) so you can guess where the kids spent the majority of their time. With the exception of Seri and her friend who spent their time playing pool in the clubhouse.

This seemed to be their favorite game. see how many people we can jam onto the slide before we all fall off. Apparently we forgot to inform Mike that he did have two broken arms already, lest he try to exasperate the situation.

My favorite shot of baby Kaden.

Kaden really enjoys camping also. He loves play time with his brother and is getting really good at standing. So dang cute, he usually claps for himself when he stands. So glad he has such a good self esteem.

Actually he just claps for himself all the time. Can’t blame him. He does have the biggest fan club around.

On the 4th, we headed to the beach to start our own little bonfire. However when we arrived we saw that some friends of ours had started a real bonfire, meaning a bonfire about as tall as I am. They invited us over and we basked in the glow of a huge fire while watching the kids run amok and watching a great firework show down the beach a ways from us. Perfect, that’s what it was.

This was taken after the teepee portion of the bonfire fell.

As if there wasn’t enough wood on that fire, the guys kept bringing in more.

The only down fall to this vacation was that we left behind our family tent. My mother had bought it when i was a teen ager and when we got married she gave it to us. It has been with us on every single one of our camping trips and has served us well. As you can see, there was no way the tent was going up again. It has been missing some poles and is now so sheer that you can see through the walls. RIP Olson tent, you brought us much pleasure.

We added another priesthood holder

2011-08-07T22:08:00.001-07:00

June 19th marked an amazing day in our home. My son, Michael was given the Aaronic Priesthood on his birthday by his father on Fathers day. What a perfect gift for both him and his father.

A young man prepared

Children’s ldS hymn book.

Though a boy I may appear, Yet a man I soon will be. If I prepare and live clean in every thought, word and deed, I will be worthy to hold the sacred priesthood of God. So I now prepare myself, I will serve my fellow men. Being armed with the truth, with the scriptures my guide,

I’ll go forward a young man prepared.

Hard to believe that my baby boy is now holding the Priesthood. I love watching him pass the sacrament and sit up with the bishopric, but I definitely feel his absence in our pew. There is this nagging feeling of someone missing and I keep having to do head count.

He is becoming an amazing young man and I am excited to see the things that await him in his life, but not too soon.

this is also one of his big birthday years and he had planned a party at Lazer Quest with all of his friends, however, the day of we had an apt with the chiropractor who did not have good news for us.

A week before, Mike had fallen of his scooter and landed with both arms locked and extended. He had been experiencing mild pain ever since but nothing major. We took him to the chiro the day after but the swelling was too big to come to any conclusions. that Monday, Doc said it was most likely badly fractured or broken and took x-rays. Sure enough both ulna’s were severely fractured, very close to a break and were displaced. Instead of holding his party we went to the orthopedic who proceeded to cast both his arms. Fun times!!

A week after he was casted he was walking on the trails near our home and was bitten on the thigh by a random dog.

Each of the teeth punctured and Mike had not had a tetanus shot as of yet. Of course this happened at 5 something on a Sat when all of the Urgent Cares were closed. So it was a trip to the ER. Did I mention how much fun we were having?

This pic was six days after he was bitten and it looks much better than it actually did.

Anyhow, it has been quit the summer for the boy. He has handled it all with amazing calm and peace. So very proud of him.

Fire house

2011-08-05T10:22:00.001-07:00

Much like the Pinewood derby, the firehouse is one of those things that you are obligated to do when you have a kid in scouting. we have managed to avoid it a few of the years that Michael was in. As mentioned earlier when Michael left cub scouts we got no reprieve as Isaac joined. Seamless…. yeah, we’re loving it.

Anyhow, Isaac wasn’t buying any of our excuses so we were off to the fire house on a cold and rainy day. Luckily, once we got there the kids realized that we had done this just a few times before and they weren’t incredibly interested. Such smart cookies. I will admit, it was a little fun, made for good photo ops and we got to eat a ton of hot dogs as they ran out last year so ordered a butt load this year and then no one came because of the rain. Yeah for us!

The only thing Sariah cared about was the dog.

faceboook

2011-08-04T10:22:00.001-07:00

I habitually leave my facebook profile up while I am away from the computer. Had to smile when I got on and saw this conversation between my mom and 8 year old.

2:18pm

Hi sweetheart! Just went to my first FA "meeting" on a conference call. Also started the food program today. So far so good. Don't have a scale yet so am winging it.

Report · 2:20pm

hi nana its isaac i didint now that you play facebook im inpreesed :)

Report · 2:22pm

Well Hi my Isaac! Yes I have all kinds of hidden skills! Ha Ha How is your day going?

Report · 2:24pm

good when every bodys chores are done we might go to the auburn splash park:)

Report · 2:25pm

That is very cool. So your chores are all done!Good for you! I hope you have fun!

Report · 2:27pm

no my chores ar not done

Report · 2:33pm

Well my Isaac I think you had better get busy if you want to go to the splash park. Good luck

Report · 2:44pm

im not worriying at all i just here a boink sound when ever you leave a message waill im wating for that boink sound im cleaning down here and up stairs cause michael is a lazy bum and sitting in front of the tv wacthing johnny test and building with knex with the babys so it looks like i am the only one wating to go but i think i know why michael dosent want to go cause he dosent want to get his two casts wet

winner, winner, chicken dinner

2011-08-02T10:17:00.001-07:00

Our first batch of chicks are now a year old and doing great. But then spring hits and something happens to the chicken farmer that is my husband. He develops an uncontrollable urge to buy a new crop of chicks. 8 this time. That brings our count to 13.

I do have to agree that I love having baby chicks in the house. Their cute little cheep just brightens my day. We got two each of four different breeds and it is interesting to see their differences. The Americanas are supposed to lay easter colored eggs and I am excited about that.

Matt wanted this batch to be used to be handled so that meant lots of play time.

Nothin like a man and his chickens. Oh how I love my “chicken Man”!

Most days sariah can be found chasing the chickens. It’s a game they play. She chases and catches them, puts them back in the coop and they escape to start it all over again.

We also participated in a meat bird co-op. A friend of ours purchased meat birds, breed them on all organic and then each family that had a share came and helped on slaughter day.

Our whole family went and participated, well not me, I had a meeting and so couldn’t attend. Sad, I know…

T.J. gets a look at our birds.

Lest the government fine our friend for selling processed meat without a license or whatever other claim they can put on it to show that they are in control and can regulate whatever they want, we paid her for live birds and then butchered them ourselves.

There were a ton of pictures taken, but the majority of them were pretty graphic and I debated putting them on the blog. If you are interested I can email them to you though. They also processed a bunny and we got a lot of pics of that too.

Seri was amazing and fascinated by the insides of the chickens. She kept exclaiming that the lungs and heart looked nothing like she imagined they would. By the way, I am counting this as a science credit. She learned more from dissecting that chicken than she ever could have learned from a worm or frog.

We enjoyed the chicken for dinner the next night. Yummy!!!

Next year we will be processing our first flock of five since they will be two years old and the chickens tend to start getting tougher and laying less after that mark. Matt also bought two turkeys that we will be having for Thanksgiving this year. Oh, and just like our first batch, one of these “hens” was not a hen at all. I now here his cry each morning and he has gone and fertilized my eggs…. stupid bird. We are debating whether to keep him and attempt raising baby chicks or to eat him.

Summer can officially begin

2011-07-31T16:57:00.001-07:00

Our first campout of the year was Memorial day weekend. We recently purchased a KM Resort camping package from friends and we were excited to use it. So we headed out to Maple Grove in Randall.

They told us to pick a spot in the woods and while driving around we were highly dismayed at the amount of mud we were encountering. Turns out the river along the camp flodded and since then they have had a hard time drying it out. We drove and drove desperately looking for a spot that was mildly dry enough to pretend that we wouldn’t be miserable while camping in it. No such luck. We ended up getting the van stuck at least four times. Finally this gentleman from a nearby site came to help us push. He was a big hit with the kids and ended up being a great baby holder a good portion of the weekend.

The kids loved picking flowers for their mommy.

Kaden’s tray became the drop off point for all the food that the other children didn’t want to finish.

It looks a lot dryer than it actually was. Here we got the van stuck twice before giving up. After debating on whether to just go home or not we went to the office and asked if we couldn’t just park it on the green lawn area. From there on the weekend got better.

They have an in door pool which we really enjoyed. A club house where they had ice cream socials, bingo and a t.v. and children’s game room. They also had a teen club house with pool tables and a tv. You can imagine how much time the children spent there.

We have truly become pro’s at camping in Wa. It is usually a variation of this set up. (You can’t see the other tent on the left side of the big tent). We set up our compound so that there is a meeting area outside all of the tents and then a kitchen/eating area. All of it is covered, because while you are out there it will inevitably rain. Reminds me much of this commercial.

We have also decided that camping here on the last Sunday of the month is a great option. The local ward has a break-the-fast potluck directly after church and we were so welcomed. How lucky was that?

As the school year ends

2011-07-28T10:44:00.001-07:00

Of course with the end of the school year comes all the performances.

Isaac took piano from an accomplished teenager we know. I loved the arrangement. She worked great with him and in the process was earning money using one of her talents and learning more about running a business, a great skill to learn in your youth.

Isaac adored her and really blossomed under her instruction. He can be heard playing at the piano quit often and is now giving his little sister lessons.

Serenitie took what is most likely her last Shakespeare class. There is just not much that the class can offer her. After three years she has read all of his works at least a couple of times, is very familiar with the language, plots, characters, etc. She would like to learn more but there isn’t a lot of opportunity to go deeper than she already has. Most classes offered are more along intro or beginning Shakespeare courses. Looks like she may have to be self taught for the rest of that subject.

They performed “midsummer night dream” and she played the character of Lysander.

As always, it was an amazing performance. It is so refreshing and inspirational to see a full script Shakespeare play done by youth. It restores my confidence in the youth of this generation in a unique way. So often we see teenagers that aren’t amounting to much because they aren’t trying or because they don’t have to since it is not expected of them. Yet, here you have enthusiastic teenagers who are excited about Shakespeare of all things, and who can perform his work just as well if not better than some adults in a play where the script has not been “dumed down” for them.

Michael had a chance to fill in as a fairy and did a great job. After years of learning and being mentored by his sister, he is ready to take classes and is pretty excited about it.

I was also really impressed with Seri’s YW leader who came to one of the performances with her husband. We always invite friends, but here in our community going to other people’s performances is just not something that is done all that often. We are so busy in our own lives that additional activities of this sort are not a priority.

How my heart gladdened when I saw that this woman had made a special effort just for my daughter. (The play was held in Tacoma about 1/2 an hr away). I told her that it was really nice to see her there and she responded that of course she would come, she wanted to support Serenitie. These are the people that influence lives. I know my daughter felt special and important with the knowledge that she was supported by someone outside her family. Special thanks to this woman, may you always be comforted in the knowledge that you are making a difference.

So, this year ends and the planning for the next is in full swing. So many ideas, so many options. Seri is mostly planning her next year on her own and I am so incredibly proud of her. Yet, at the same time, I am slightly jealous. Wish I would have had the opportunity to be the master of my own education. To take the courses I wanted when I wanted without having to drudge through the boring stuff first. To truly study what I wanted to study rather than what I was told would be important for me to learn. How grateful I am that my children are entrusted with their education.

2:15 today

2011-07-25T22:49:00.001-07:00

I sat thinking today about how sometimes I just love the life I have been given, have chosen. Just to document the random everydayness of our home I grabbed the camera and went off in search of the family members to see what they were doing.

Seri was snuggling with T.J. Apparently he had skinned his leg on something and was in need of comforting. In the past seven months or so, Seri has become amazingly nurturing of her younger siblings. It warms my heart to watch her and the way she loves them. How lucky they are to have her. I sometimes worry that because of the age difference her and the younger ones wont be that close. Times like this tell me there is nothing to worry about.

Sariah was outside, which usually means she is playing with (perturbing the heck out of) the chickens. Today, however, she was playing with Kaden through the glass. I love his belly laugh and his siblings sure know how to get him going. He thinks they are the silliest things ever.

Should have known where I would find the boys…..

Michael is caught sneaking into Isaac’s room for the single purpose of bothering the heck out of him for no reason.

Isaac is being pissy and whiny because he still hasn’t finished cleaning his room and it is after noon, so mom is really on his case. (This was before all their toys were confiscated and sold).

Of course, Michael’s intention was served and Isaac got torked off at him. I am beginning to wonder if these boys will always have this sort of relationship. Use to bother me to no end, but then they cleared it up by informing me that “Fighting is how we love eachother”. Heaven help us.

Going back downstairs, sariah has now moved inside to play with K.

T.J. is snuggling in a little closer.

Enough snuggling, let’s play!

And sariah is not about to be left out of that activity.

Having been abandoned by his sister, K begins to explore under the table. One of his favorite hang out spots. Yes, upon being told that stickers do not belong on furniture T.J. resorted to sticking them on furniture in places where mom wouldn’t notice.

Then literally, while I was cooing over Kaden I heard something in the bathroom and came upon this. Man, that little boy moves quick.

While I once again clean up a mess, Kaden gets in his snuggle time. I do love my life,

Time Out For Me!!

2011-07-12T10:43:00.001-07:00

The last week of April a group of friends and I went to Time Out For Women.

It started four years ago when my friend Lori and I began making the annual woman's vacation a priority for us to attend.

I love this trip and look forward to it seriously all year long. A chance to get away from the house and kids, to listen to speakers who speak words of wisdom that touch my heart and soul and leave me resolving to be a better, wife, mother and daughter of Heavenly Father, it doesn’t get much better.

In past years we have included my mom also. This year it was held in Seattle so we decided to spread the word and get a big group together. It was really neat because we were able to take Seri and her friend Julie for the first time.

Linda went ahead and parked herself right next to the front door so that we had a great seat!! Thanks!!!

We filled my twelve passenger van and headed up. It was so nice to hear the chatting and laughing of so many women. I love surrounding myself with friends like these.

I was able to maneuver my huge van in downtown Seattle, which is no small feat may I add, to the distress of one perturbed pedestrian and with the help of an amazing parking lot guy.

Michael Mclean and John Bytheway were both there the first night! Again, it doesn’t get better than that.

I totally had plans to post this while my memory was still fresh and to enlighten you all with all the wonderful messages of inspiration, but……. oh well. There’s always next year!

15 years.

2011-07-07T14:33:00.001-07:00

Mid march we recognized the milestone of having been married for fifteen years.

I had discovered that one of my favorite comedians, Tim Hawkin

was coming to Salem Oregon the weekend before our anniversary so I informed Matt that was where we were going.

I was totally planning on staying at a cheap motel but Matt surprised me with a room in the grand Hotel, complete with it’s own Jacuzzi tub, heaven folks, yes it was.

Friday we arrived just in time to get to the show and I don’t ever remember laughing so hard. This guy is seriously amazing. He home schools also, so he had some great material to identify with.

You will have to Youtube some more of his stuff.

After the show we went to a quaint little mexican place where we were the only guests and then headed back to the hotel.

Sat was breakfast at the hotel and then lounging around the room getting caught up on all the shows we had missed. I love the fact that we are to a point where a weekend this slow is comfortable and enjoyable. We don’t expect a lot and are quit content to just be with each other.

The afternoon was spent at the mall and walking around all the touristy shops. We fell in love with a company called S.L.A.B. ( I bloogged about it in my favorite things post).

All in all it was a perfect get away. Much thanks to mom and Julie for staying with the zoo while we were away.

Just to show how ditzy I have gotten, we were in the elevator with some other people decked out in mardi gras adornment, when they left I asked Matt “Why do people always seem to celebrate mardi gras while we are celebrating our anniversary?” As soon as I had uttered the words enlightenment came to me. Thank goodness, thought I was losing it for a moment there.

I told Matt for twenty years he gets to take me to New Orleans.

Great Wolf Lodge

2011-07-06T16:39:00.001-07:00

For the past two years I have planned a home school trip to Great Wolf Lodge. We get an amazing discount and it is so much fun to go with a bunch of other families. There is always someone for the other kids to hang out with and other moms to share good conversation with. we really look forward to these trips. Besides that Great Wolf Lodge is just an amazing vacation in and of itself. It is the one place where all the different age groups in my family are able to enjoy themselves.

In the kids club they have Bingo each night and Sariah was lucky enough to win this adorable stuffed animal. She names him “Bingo” and was smitten.

Seems we are always able to top the boards. The secret is that I am cheap. Last year we bought one wand and made everyone share. they each completed the quest at least once and the points kept racking up….

This year I conceded to let them buy another wand, it had to be pink as per request o the drama queen. We named it “Princess Butt”. Our other name is “Olson Half Dozen”.

The sign of any good vacation. If the kids go to sleep quickly and sleep soundly we are coming back!

Sariah was finally able to go across the lily pads on her own this year!

Two funny things happened to show me just how far technology has come.

Sariah was watching cartoons and started screaming because her show had gone off, “I didn’t even hit any buttons, mom!! It just went off all by itself!” After figuring out what she was talking about, I tried to explain to her that it was a commercial and her show would be back on in a few moments. For some reason she couldn’t get what I was saying and kept pleading with me to switch it back to her show. Then I realized what was going on. We don’t have tv programming and use netflix or stream video, she has never seen commercials before…

Another time TJ and I were waking up from a nap when he pointed to the end table and asked what “that” was. After playing the guessing game where I guess what he is referring to and he repeatedly tells me “no, that!!!” I told him it was a phone. He looked at me like I didn’t know what I was talking about and refused to believe me. I finally had to call a friend and let him talk to her. We don’t have a land line, so he has only seen cell phones and had no idea what a real phone looked like.

Surprise!

2011-06-23T21:17:00.001-07:00

As per my job description, today I finished the dishes and then

went in to transfer the wash loads. I remember being vaguely confused as to why the dryer door was open a tad. but my memory script told me to ignore this detail so I proceeded with the action of unloading the dryer,only to be scared senseless at the sight of a child sitting in the dryer. I swear, I haven’t screamed that loud in ages! It was one of those moments where you actually have to stop and refocus on breathing…

happiness for my heroine

2011-06-22T16:49:00.001-07:00

Every once in awhile you hear a story of trial and triumph that mends your heart and renews your faith in God and in this crazy thing we call life.

Sometimes you are even privileged to know the person and have a front row seat to the drama as it unfolds.

A little background first. When we first came to Federal Way a little over five years ago I joined a co-op for homeschoolers. At the first session I recognized one of the moms. Turns out she was a friend from high school. We weren’t really close back then, but hung out at stake activities and girls camp and such. Turns out that she had a child to match each of my older three. It was great to go places because the kids would all pair off.

When I became pregnant with T.J., Sariah started demanding a ton of attention. My friend was always there to scoop her up, give her a hug or help her with whatever project she was trying to do. She forever has a special spot in Sariah’s heart as a result. When T.J. came along and then Kaden, she would hold them and love them with such a tender grace. Everyone in my family adores her.

So, the real story begins sept of 09. She flew with a friend to have a vacation in New York. While there she and her friend were hit by a taxi and she was hurt severely. Can’t remember exactly what the injuries were, but there was something involving her pelvis and multiple surgeries and then plastic surgeries on her face. She ended up having to stay in New York for over a month because she couldn’t sit long enough to make the flight back.

She finally came home and started her new life of P.T. and dr. apts. She was amazing and never showed that she may be feeling anger or hurt. She continued to home school her four children and do everything that was called of her.

Dec. came around and she was starting to heal very well, everyone was impressed. Then her husband lost his job. This added to the stress of her accident and injury was enough to do most people in. She turned to the Lord and continued living her life with grace and strength.

Jan. and the new year arrived and her husband moved out and informed her that he had been having an affair and didn’t want to be married anymore. He was moving in with the other woman. Three heart wrenching, life changing events, in almost as many months. How she woke up every day and showed the world a smile is beyond me.

This new change meant that she was single for the first time in 15 years, had to go back to work for the first time since marriage, and had to put her children back in school, three of which had never been in public school before.

I can not even begin to express how much I admired her as I cried for her, screamed for her, felt anger at her ex, pleaded with the Lord to please stay near her and bring her comfort. Through it all, there was very little I could do for her besides listen. I felt so helpless. I would complain about Matt and with tenderness and a hand on the shoulder she would remind me that I had a good spouse, while others didn’t. I would complain about home schooling and she would remind me what an amazing blessing it was that I had the opportunity to make that choice. How could she be such a comfort to me in this time? That is just who she is.

This past Jan. she met an amazing man and they were married in March. It brings such joy to my heart to see her finally enjoy happiness. To have a spouse that she knows she will have through eternity. While life is still crazy for her and challenging with all the dynamics that come with blended families, she is still a pillar of strength and grace. I admire her, I love her, I am so very happy for her!

In her first life I had Lori all to myself, selfishly speaking. Her spouse was not around a lot, so there was always plenty of time for play dates and girl time. Now that she is happily married we don’t see her as much and girl time includes the guys most often. I would gladly trade it for double dates and dancing though.

I still tear up when I recall the events of the past two years that have engulfed her, caused her to grow, and strengthened her. She is a dear friend whom I cherish and will always look up to. She is a reminder that the Lord is always mindful of us and that his plans are better for us than our own.

3 is a magic number

2011-06-21T17:21:00.001-07:00

When I taught school, in order to help the children memorize their 3 times tables I use to play this song by School house rock. But truly, three is a magic number. It’s the entrance of them truly gaining their independence and self a bit. No longer are they your shadow.

It is also a tough age for Matt and I. I don’t know who coined the phrase “terrible two’s: but maybe their kid never made it to three, so they never saw how much more difficult the third year is.

We joke that t.J moves from one disaster to another. Oh, wait. Actually it’s not a joke at all… We hear “no, I don’t want to.” and “ Leave me alone!” on an hourly basis. Oh, my dear boy. I am anxiously counting the days until you are four.

but I will try to enjoy each smile and giggle, be patient through your tears and love you even when I feel like selling you.

A few of my favorite things

2011-06-19T11:36:00.001-07:00

Recently, I have fallen heads over heals in love with some products. So much so that I think about them way more often than I should. Three of them simplify my life entirely and the last one I just find luxurious and love the fact that I am supporting a small, hand made business that provides me with an awesome, all-natural product in which to indulge myself at a cheap price.

so, I just had to share with you.

First off is Happy Tots.

A friend of mine was over visiting and when the baby she was watching got fussy she simply whipped out one of these and gave it to her. I was sold at that moment.

I went on a quest to find the store that sold them and hit the jackpot at Target. If anyone knows where else they are sold please let me know.

All organic and apparently totally yummy, because baby K is really in love with this food. It comes in pouches like this with twist off top. You simply untwist the lid and give it to them and it immediately produces a happy baby, no kiddin.

Don’t worry, at home we still feed him finger food and with a spoon, lest he becomes a twenty year old who doesn’t know how to chew :). We have had no issues with him switching from sucking his food to chewing his food or eating from a spoon.

Point is, in the van, or on the go this stuff can’t be beat for convenience. No longer do I have to carry baby food, a spoon, bib and or wipes. shhh…. can you hear the angels singing?

Next on my “have to have” list is penagains Twist N Write .

I was at the Washington Homeschool Convention this past weekend and one of my missions was to find a cursive curriculum. In the last five minutes of the convention I found it! Not only was it just what I was looking for in every way, she was also selling these pencils for a measly buck when you made another purchase. Upon coming home the children were very eager to use them and immediately loved them, even my leftie.

I almost didn’t get one for T.J. as he hasn’t really showed an interest in writing, but Matt talked me into it and I am glad he did! T.J.loves it!

Pencil grip is something i have had to work on with each child, definitely a learned behavior and not a natural one.

Third on the list is Times Tales.

I have a long time relationship with this product. Way back when, in another life time, I taught third grade. When it came to math I was frustrated because while teaching and learning the lower times tables isn’t all that hard, there are lots of tricks and tips for 1,2,3,4,and 5, teaching the upper numbers was excruciatingly painful. That is when I literally stumbled upon this product in desperation. Within a week my whole class of 32 kids knew their complete multiplication table.

Since then I have used the technique to teach each of my children, and have taught co-op classes using it. I highly recommend it for anyone, children and adults who pause longer than five seconds when solving an upper multiplication problem!

Back then i just had it on paper, which I lent out and have been drawing out the stories ever since. At the WHO convention I was excited to see the creators of Times Tales had a booth. As I was talking to them, they gave me the new edition on cd for free for being one of their first customers. Who couldn’t love a company like that?

Rounding out the list we have S.L.A.B. On our Anniversary get away in Salem we wandered into this shop and it was love at first sight and smell. Something about the look of hundreds of handmade soaps organized into wooden bins called to my heart. It wasn’t fancy with a ton of advertising, didn’t come in fancy and cool packaging( in fact they wrapped each bar in a piece of paper and put them in a paper bag), wasn’t found in a super mall. It was simple.

I love using it. The smells filling my breath and soul. They even have a shampoo bar that my husband and I adore. All natural ingredients and oils, how can this get any better?

They also have a laundry bar that i have been toying with the idea of getting. It would save me the time of making my own.

Upon leaving I asked what S.L.A.B. stands for, Simplify life and be. Yep, I am definitely in love.

Easter

2011-06-16T11:55:00.001-07:00

While perusing a Family Fun magazine while waiting for Ser at the orthodontist, I came across this idea and fell in love with it. so cute and easy. I thought it would make a great family activity. Totally forgot that my husband is a Bah humbug (does that title apply to all holidays?) and that my kids have a pretty short attention span, so after six were done, I ended up doing the rest by myself.

I didn’t eat any, way too much sugar, but they were super cute.

Another thing I got from the magazine was too color on freshly boiled eggs with crayons while they were still hot. The wax melts right on like paint. So much easier and funner than messing with dyes and well, mess. I am kind of ticked that no one shared this tip with me twelve years ago. On a side note, I am off to subscribe to Family Fun.

I am so grateful to have good friends with a great back yard who are willing to host the Easter egg finding activities.

Kaden was super excited to figure out what egg hunts involved when the children dropped off their baskets to go play.

I didn’t get any good pictures, but Seri’s eggs all had scriptures written on them. That’s what we get for her being in seminary and memorizing all of the scripture mastery scriptures :)

Just cause they’re cute

2011-06-15T13:30:00.001-07:00

The little blue seat was used once. He didn’t like it and didn’t want to be contained. Now he takes a regular bath just like the big kids and loves every minute of it.

This is almost one that you have to see to believe. When K was born he had this dark smudge on his stomach and I kept trying to wash/rub it off. As he got older it got darker and larger and became very defined into the shape of a heart. Look above his belly button. Not such a great pic, but you can see it. So dang cute! We tell him he was sent with lots of love. If you want to see it, just ask, I love showing it off :)

Yeah, baby K kind of steals the spotlight around here…

A tale of two bouquets

2011-06-14T17:50:00.001-07:00

Way back when we lived in Germany, Matt would always bring home bouquets of beautiful flowers from the local markets. It was nice having flowers in the house, but there came a time when money was getting tighter and I asked him to stop getting the flowers so the money could be used else where.

So, the poor boy was confused when I mentioned I would like flowers from him when I gave birth to our third son. I didn’t get flowers… Mentioned it when I was about ready to deliver the 4th, 5th and 6th also. Didn’t get flowers. Although I did get rolls from Jimmy Macs for number 5. That was almost as good. It was disappointing though. I know he is grateful for the way I birth his children and for what I endure to bring them into our family, but in my mind, flowers would have made his appreciation visible.

Valentines day came around and he was all sorts of mysterious. Kept asking me if anything had arrived and I kept telling him “no”. This happened again the next day. finally he explained that he had ordered flowers, rather expensive ones in my view. Such a sweet thought. When all was said and done, the company charged him twice, was a week and a half late with delivery and then delivered something that looked no way near what the picture showed it as being. This, my friends is a $30.00 bouquet…. Sweet thought but not a good experience.

Mother’s day I awoke to breakfast and this,

Now, these are flowers! Just like the ones we use to get in Germany. I love these kinds of flowers. So vibrant and colorful and unique. Kind of like me, right? And so much cheaper besides.

Think if I have another he will bring me flowers?

Defining Service

2011-06-10T12:13:00.001-07:00

I have a problem with “Service”. Not your usual problem, but one that grates on my nerves most of the time when I hear people referring to “doing service”.

This probably wont surprise most but I am going to tell it like I see it and it may not be an opinion that most agree with.

Seems like these days when people discuss service it is accompanied by the terms “hours” or “points”. Meaning they seem to talk about it only in reference to putting a tangible value on it in hopes of attaining something. Our society has tried to encourage our youth to perform service by making it a part of their curriculum or by offering awards and honors for how many hours of service you are to perform. Even the childrens sunday school sends home papers for them to document their “service hours”. The problem is that when service is taught with a reward once the reward is gone, so too are the acts of service if they were rendered in the spirit of earning the award. There is no longer any prize at the end because the children have not learned that the service rendered is the prize and no other prize should be given or expected.

Matt and I have tried to raise our children with service as an every day part of their lives. From serving each other and their parents, to serving others in organized and un-organized opportunities. We don’t count acts of service or hours of service performed. It is so ingratiated in their lives that to sit and document it would be difficult. Then you get in to defining service. For some awards only certain acts of service count. For example one award Seri had the opportunity to earn a few years ago said that babysitting your siblings wasn’t service it was your job. Are you kidding me? She didn’t decide to have these children, her parents did. So when she offers or accepts to watch them without pay, that is indeed offering a huge service to me and her father.

Most times my children and I shy away from these awards, but sometimes you just can’t. Our society doesn’t recognize service as a part of daily life, they want it documented. For church and scholarships, no matter how much it bothers me, I find I have to document service for the childrens sake. And oh, how this bothers me…..

One day while surfing the net, I cam across an add for Save The Children and Warm Up America. I called for Seri and we both agreed that this was a way in which we wanted to serve and would have fun doing it.

A couple of days later as we were sewing the infant hats Seri mentioned that it could count as a project for her Young Womans award which defines a service project as something you have spent at least 10 hours working on. So much for fun service, now it was a “project”. But, like I said some times you just have to do it. She set it up so that all the young women could participate, got donated yarn and needles so that no one had to purchase anything. Offered crochet and knit classes at our home for those who wanted to participate and didn’t know how. Let everyone know. She then set a goal of sending a hundred hats.

The young womans night was fun. We all sat around crocheting and teaching others how to, talking and laughing. At the end each young woman had made a hat. We received two more from one girl but that is where it ended. None of them wanted to do anymore.

We announced it in church and again provided instructions and all the supplies, made it as easy as possible for people to serve and….. out of our whole church we received 7 from two ladies.

now here is where I rant, so if you don’t want to hear you can skip the writing and look at the pictures.

So now I get to explain to my daughter that her family will help her finish the hundred. So we all get busy. Mom, Michael, Dad, Seri and Nana. We watch great movies while sewing furiously, we laugh, talk and bond over these crazy little infant hats. Tag each with a handwritten tag of love for the newborn who will receive the hat and pack them up to go. It would have been a great experience if it had never been placed in the “project” category in the first place. If it had been just us working and serving for the sake of helping those less fortunate. But now I have to face the disappointment in my daughter when she realizes that others are too busy, don’t want to, or just don’t do it because their is no tangible award for them and they don’t have to.

It is just so sad to me. Even in the church we preach service, but there are sometimes (actually, a lot of times) when I feel that is only portrayed as helping someone move or delivering meals. Both of which are service, but I think our definition narrows right about there.

Our family chooses to do a lot of work for Northwest Harvest. We always offer for others to come serve with us. We are usually taken up on our offer by other Mormon, Homeschooled families. Right there that tells me that we are in like minded and good company. Everyone else is too busy. yeah, we are all too busy to offer service unless there is a reward…. Sorry, I am getting cynical again……

Working at NH is so fun though!! It doesn’t even really feel like service. One of the times we went they bagged soup and boxed it. The next time we boxed apples and when those were done we did oats which is one of my favorite things to do. The kids have such a blast. they don’t even realize they are helping other people half the time.

Last week they were doing a huge food drive at a local business and were asking for volunteers, so of course the kids and I signed up.

Again we offered for others to join us.

With all the kids in tow we went and carried signs around the shopping area collecting monetary and canned food donations. We met some great people, including a drunk, old guy who couldn’t stop thanking Seri and telling her how wonderful she was, it was kind of awkward and funny all at the same time.

He did offer a good suggestion that I think we will take him up on. he mentioned that it was great to see the kids helping but that he was disappointed that they wouldn’t get to see the direct results of their service. He said I should take them down to the Cherry street food bank and if nothing else just park across the street and let the kids watch the people that are served by their actions. i know that food bank has a sandwich brigade we can work at, think I’ll go and sign us up now.

Sock party

2011-06-04T21:05:00.001-07:00

Effective immediately: mom is tired of matching socks. Do it yourselves.

Back cracking

2011-05-26T06:40:00.001-07:00

Our chiropractor will cringe if he ever comes across this post. He dislikes the terms “cracking” and “back” in the same sentence.

Matt and I discovered him a year and a half ago and love going in for adjustments to alleviate problems and prevent new ones from showing up. Mostly, we adore Dr. Kronlund. He is an amazing guy with a great office staff.

I received adjustments all through pregnancy with Kaden and Kaden received his first adjustment at about 5 days old.

ahh, look, he is even chubby still.

Soon after his birth all our deductable was met, go figure, and we ran all the children through his office as many times as possible.

His theories fit in so well with ours. Not vaccinating, whole health remedies rather than medical interventions. I can honestly say he is the first medical professional that I have trusted my whole family to in a long time.

Thanks doc!

One of the ninety and nine.

2011-05-18T11:30:00.001-07:00

I saw Michael Mclean perform this song for the second time at Time Out For Women last month. I remember how the first time I heard it I thought of Seri and how perfectly the song described her. I came home and posted it on her facebook page. She never saw it.

This time she was with me and I was so excited he was doing the song again. I sat there sneaking peeks at her and silently praying that she would feel as if this song was being sung just for her.

It sums up a lot of how I perceive Seri sees herself. A normal teen, not special or unique in any way. What she doesn’t see is that her normalness makes her unique. Makes her incredibly special.

I am so proud of her in a million different ways and my prayers have included that she recognize how great and beloved she is.

The next Sunday was testimony and how my heart swelled with relief as she bore her testimony of how Heavenly Father loves her and has not forgotten her. How she knows she is recognized as one of the ninety and nine and is so grateful that she is among the fold. Thank you Michael.

government

2011-05-16T14:04:00.001-07:00

I was so excited to spend a day at the State Capitol in Olympia with the older children thanks to WHO.

For the boys and I, it was our second trip. Ser'i’s fourth. During the tour I have to say that I learned more from Seri than I did from the tour guide.

We spent the whole day wandering and then went on a tour of the Governors mansion.

Before we left we headed over to the law library where Seri showed the boys how to look up different laws and then find the book they were contained in.

We went to the office of our representative but he wasn’t in. Next time I will be more diligent and make an appt. We watched as an Indian group had a mini pow wow and discussed how different groups come to the capitol to get the attention of their rep or to just remind them who they are serving.

As we left I was filled with gratefulness that my children are familiar with the Capitol campus and have a working knowledge of what goes on there. Should they ever need or want to go to support an issue or whatever they wont be nearly as intimidated because it is familiar to them already. It is accessible to them. Tangibly. They realize that our State Government is their Government and exists in their reality. It is not an idea or something for someone else to do. They truly recognize that it is their responsibility to ensure the govt. is working in the best interest of those it serves.

This is so important to me for so many different reasons. I think a lot of people talk about govt. and such, but few see it as something they should be a part of. Part of my home schooling has to do with my wanting them to be thinkers and leaders. People who believe they have a voice and a responsibility to act on it rather than just follow what is dictated and leave the acting to someone else.

After coming home the children mentioned to friends that they had gone and I was surprised when all the other children in the group mentioned they had never been to the capitol. We only live an hour away. Over the next few weeks I began randomly asking kids (teenagers) if they had been to the campus or even wanted to go. Must admit I was discouraged by their responses. I understand we all want different things for our children and that my goals for mine are not necessarily the goals of others. Still, it is disheartening to realize that a lot of my children's generation are not even in touch personally with their state govt. or politics in general. It makes me fearful and more dedicated at the same time.

Softie

2011-05-14T08:56:00.001-07:00

Want to know why this baby is in such distress?

Daddy wont share his ice cream!

No Dad ! That bite was mine!

That’s better. Keep it coming.

Baby K

2011-05-13T10:21:00.001-07:00

Have I ever mentioned how completely in love with this little guy I am? I’ll tell you a secret, hope daddy doesn’t mind. Matt once told me that he is sometimes a tad jealous of K. He gets to spend all day with me, sleep next to me and I love him so dang much it makes me weak sometimes…. But what is there not to love?

A friend of mine had a “Got Milk” baby shower and took this picture. He was five months old and knew exactly what to do with that cup :)

These were taken in Jan. He was three months old.

Now for the real pic fest.

Lately he was making this incredibly cute face where his grin took up almost his whole face in a comical sort of way. After him making this face constantly it dawned on me that he looked like the baby from “Rugrats”, not that I would know.. Never watch the show. I think it enters through my subconscious while the children watch.

Well, having been through this just a few times I knew that he would eventually stop and that we had to get it captured quick. Our camera not being able to do it justice (I swear one of these days I AM GOING to get a decent camera) I asked a friend if she could snap a few. Amazing I tell you!

You have to wonder, is it hard being so stinkin cute??

He is truly edible also.

At seven months he has the greatest personality and is very expressive. He loves flirting and is highly distracting. He is always happy unless we dare to strap him into that dreaded car seat and then all heck breaks loose!

He crawls, pulls to standing positions and today he started cruising with the couches. The boy is just determined to grow up and to do it quickly. He has two teeth and adores his siblings, especially Seri. I think he tolerates the younger two, but you can almost see this look in his eyes when they have him, kind of like, “Are you done yet”?

Oh, baby K, you are just too perfect for words! I adore you little man!

On a side note, one of our friends casually mentioned that “you have too many kids when they start going by one initial”. Too funny! But it’s true Tristan got two initials, we call him TJ and poor Kaden goes by K most of the time…

deep, deep thoughts……

2011-05-11T15:42:00.000-07:00

I haven’t posted a “real” blog in awhile. The cord that connects the camera to the computer has taken a vacation and decided it likes it better in that hot spot. Believe me though, the posts are collecting and one day you will come here and be onslaughted by them. for now, you just have to deal with my wandering thoughts.

I just woke up from a long, warm, snuggly nap with this guy right here. Heaven. Except for the fact that I was awoken by the acrid smell of something burning and the sound of absolute silence where there should be the loud voices of the 3, 4 and 8 year old. UH oh.. I lay there praying for noise so that I am reassured all is ok and I can snuggle in closer… No such luck.

Upon coming down the stairs I find an empty house with an empty bag of Jeenie-O turkey bacon (the big costco kind that was full when I started said nap) and a very satisfied yet slightly guilty looking dog. The red light indicates their is still a warm surface on the stove and the black crud in my good pan indicates that said 8 year old was attempting to make bacon, left it on the counter and said dog hit the Jack pot.

Still no children. Then I hear their faint laughter and discover them in the mud pit of our back yard playing in the rain, covered with mud. I convince myself it could be a lot worse.

children strip naked in front of the door and go to enjoy a bath. I blend a quick smoothy and then spend twenty minutes watching k throw a ball, look around as if trying to find someone to get it for him, sigh in exasperation (I am not kidding!) then crawl to get the ball only to do it again. Pure entertainment.

I don’t feel good and know that I should be cleaning instead of wasting time doing nothing. But laziness gives in and that’s where I stumble across a blog from one of my “ciber” friends. She is angry, yes… angry and a whole host of other feelings combined, that she can’t be a stay at home mom at this time. And as she throws in my face (in a loving way) how lucky, how fortunate, I am. I begin to cry.

I have never HAD to work. there have been times where I have worked, they were usually short lived. Matt would prefer it if I had never worked outside the home and I am keenly aware of his hidden jealousy over the fact that I get to stay with our children while he has to work, but he wouldn’t want it any other way.

Now K has picked up a straw from the broom because my floor is dirty, but I get to watch in fascination while he passes it from hand to hand and gags himself with it. The children are upstairs dressing up and dancing their little hearts out. I am grateful. Sooo very grateful. Yet, I hurt for those who want, long for what I have. I am conflicted between being grateful and feeling like I am helping other mothers wish for something else, if that makes any sense. I don’t want others to mourn. My heart truly goes out to them. The best I can do I suppose is be grateful everyday and not let a moment go by that I do not cherish my chance to be home with and to teach my children.

On another note, I attended a womens conference with some friends, one of whom I don’t get to see very often. She held baby K and in her eyes I saw want and appreciation. Her husband became ill awhile ago and I believe they will not be having any more children, yet in her eyes I see that desire. She hands him back and in a side breath whispers “You are so very lucky”.

As I continue to have more children this happens more and more often. Women my age realizing that having more is no longer in the cards for them. That look that says, “Oh, but I am going to miss this…”.

Or someone will casually mention how very lucky I am to have Matt and how they admire and respect our relationship. How they love watching the way he cares for me and of how I mean the world to him and he shows it every chance he gets.

then it hits me again. That confused feeling that makes me aware that I have the things that are in the prayers of so many other well deserving women…

All I can do is send a prayer up in their behalf and be grateful for what I have, even though I wish there was more I could do.

Fire Waste Management and manage your own waste

2011-04-28T11:08:00.001-07:00

When we lived in Germany Matt would always complain about the phone monopoly T-mobile was. There was no other choice, it was T-mobile or no phone.

When we arrived here the monopolies in question became PSE and Waste Management. Regardless of whether you like their terms, service, charges, etc…. There is no other choice and you are stuck paying whatever they tell you to pay with little h0pe of change occurring as a result of your suggestions.

Such was the frustration with Waste Management. I could only turn in one can per week, regardless if that week had accumulated enough trash or if the can was overflowing.

If the trash in the can caused the lid to raise they charged an additional 4 bucks.

Pick up was not as reliable as it should have been for the money that was paid and often the cans sat there for quit a few days waiting to see if pickup would even occur. Not to mention there was no mercy for not having had your can to the curb by the time they pulled up.

They even charged if I was on vacation and had no trash to pick up for a week or two. So,in essence, they always got paid whether they provided the service or not, but I couldn’t re-arrange it to fit my needs, Ie, no trash for two weeks and then a little more the third week, resulting in the same amount, just spread out.

It would be easier to list the number of things they refused to pick up than the things they would pick up… and bulk items were totally out of question.

Then we got smart and fired the company that was more telling us how to manage our trash while taking our money than providing a service for a fee. no need for the middle man when we are smart enough to stop playing a game in which we never win.

We did appreciate the cans though, so for 30 bucks a piece we sent them payment for two and now own them. We recycle more than ever because recycling is free. I just run it down to the recycle drop off center. All food waste is either composted (along with some waste that is not food), given to the dog or fed to the chickens. After these steps there is really not a lot of trash left over. With their being no food items and such the waste doesn’t attract animals so it can sit for quit awhile. We usually end up taking a load once every two or three months for the cost of a little over 17 dollars, and we can trash whatever we want, old grills, couches, other broken furniture, lawn clippings, you name it you can dump it.

Pay less money for a service where we call the shots? Works for me!

now a member

2011-04-17T21:10:00.001-07:00

My baby boy has turned 8. That magical age he has been waiting for his entire life, or at least from the age he realized that 8 was when things really began.

Our religion views 8 as the age when children are fully capable of understanding wrong from right and interpreting all the various shades of grey. At this age they can interpret information and are able to form their own decisions based on that information, ideally…. So, this is the age where they are given the opportunity to be baptized as a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Isaac has the luck of having his birthday on the 30th of Dec. Since we weren’t all that keen on him being baptized on the 1st of Jan, he was baptized and confirmed on the 5th of February 2011.

Out of my three children that have been baptized I have learned that the adversary chooses these days to test my faith and in the end my faith is strengthened, but it makes for a very trying day for me, usually. A day where reality is smacked into my face and I realize that we are not a typical, faithfully righteous family. We have flaws, gasp… We get angry with each other…. I sometimes don’t treat my children as the precious gift that they are… I realize that my husband has flaws and that I have expectations that may not be met by my human family in this lifetime. I let the adversary bring doubts into my head and heart by comparing what I think other perfect families are to our glaringly imperfect family. Suffice it to to say that he is wise and knows my weaknesses and is adept at trying to get my focus off the miracle that exists when my husband, who holds the Priesthood righteously, baptizes my child in the name of Jesus Christ.

Isaac, I know this day was not ideal and I am so very sorry. I hope the Holy Ghost was able to impress upon you the importance of this day in the midst of your mothers failings. I hope you realize how very proud I am of the man that you are becoming, of the kindness you show your younger siblings. I hope you see how much my heart overflows with pride when I receive compliments from other adults about what a wonderful child you are, for I know they speak the truth. Your smile is amazing and those bright blue eyes, so much like your father’s capture my breath. You are indeed a child of God and embody all that entails. I love you my sweet boy.

On schedule

2011-03-30T12:13:00.001-07:00

You know how sometimes you run into people who seem to be on the same time schedule as you? They were married about the same year, their kids are all about the same age as yours? etc..

In my life I have had a few of these, but one that rivals them all.

When we first moved to Renton I was about 7 months pregnant with sariah. There ws another lady there who was pregnant and due within a few weeks of me. Sure enough they ended up being born about a week and a half apart.

After six months we moved to Federal Way and after another few months were pregnant with T.J. Shortly after his birth I was in the nursing room when in walked this same friend with her new born. This time they were about a week apart.

Fast forward a year or so. I attend a church meeting and happen to run into this friend again. One look at each others stomach and we both start laughing. Sure enough, we had done it again and this time our due dates were the exact same day. The babies were once again about a week and a half apart.

We have now agreed that the minute one of us finds out we are pregnant we are to notify the other. It will be nice to watch the children grow and share activities and I have truly enjoyed having someone to be pregnant with each time.

camping in the snow.

2011-03-28T10:16:00.001-07:00

K. For those who know us, you know we love camping… But the concept of camping in the snow was new to me. Not in a “really? there are people who camp in the snow?” way, but in the “wait? you mean you expect members of my family to do that?” sort of way. And yes, apparently scouts are really into the freeze your booty, stay wet and lose your tent kind of camping.

So, I sent my son and hubby off, wishing them well and secretly rejoicing in the fact that as the mother I wasn’t expected to go but instead could teach the girls how to crochet baby hats.

They got there pretty late the first night. Luckily there was a cabana they could all hang out in. Not sure if it is considered cheating or not for them to hang out in a heated area while snow camping, but I’ll let it pass, just this once.

apparently the weather forces thought that it was funny they were camping also and decided to have a little fun with our small group of guys. This was one of the tents after its occupants crawled out of it. Matt said he had never seen his tent literally lay across his face.

Since when has a black stocking cap made my little boy look years older and so very handsome? I love this picture. But, it also smacks reality right into my face to ensure that I realize that the boy is indeed growing up.

The nest morning they drove to the Ape caves for some hiking. Don’t they just exude their toughness? you get double points if you can find Matt and Mike in this picture.

Heading down into the cave. Inside, if there was no light source it was pitch black. Couldn’t even see your hand in front of your face.

Apparently there were points in the cave where navigating narrow crevices and rock climbing skills were in demand.

Truly, there is nothing like the light at the end of the tunnel though.

Thus ends our tale of two brave guys who showed no fear despite freezing temps and pitch black, Closter phobic-like conditions.

I was glad to hear that they had such an amazing time that I did not stop hearing about it for a whole four days. I am thankful that another ward has welcomed my son and hubby since Mike is the only 11 year old scout in our ward and spent the summer having fallen through the cracks, most of all, I am thankful that I was able to stay in the warmth and comfort of my own home.

Dancing in the Minefields.

2011-03-23T13:21:00.001-07:00

Matt and I just celebrated our 15th anniversary. He took me (and baby Kaden) to Salem Oregon to see my favorite comedian, Tim Hawkins, perform live. The show was amazing and I laughed so hard the entire time.

Matt reserved a room at the Grand Hotel that had a large jet tub in the corner of the room. We had looked at it before, but me being the miser that I am had said that Motel 6 would work just as well. Matt, being the perfect guy that he is made the reservation without informing me. Thank you babe!

Saturday we relaxed the majority of the day and then went scouring antique shops and had lunch at the food court. Totally reminiscent of our dating and early marriage when we were too poor to do much else except sit at the food court and people watch… It’s still a good, cheap date.

I love it that we are in such a comfortable place that we can spend a weekend just doing nothing… that we don’t have to do anything to fill our time together. That he recognizes my need to veg in front of my trash TV without children around. That this need is required if I am to maintain any sense of sanity.

This has turned into one of my favorite songs. I heard it first a few months ago and thought how coincidental it was that the first lines described our situation. he was 19, I was 21 and we have now been married 15 years.

More than that though the song spoke of marriage not being perfect, being harder than you had imagined it would be, but ultimately of being worth all the sacrifice and in the end having someone who will bring you back when you lose your self, of having someone who will take care of you.

I also fell in love with the video. I have always had a soft spot for older couples. I love how cute they are, how intertwined they are, how one moves with the other in a seamless, non-hesitating manner, of knowing that they have most likely spent a lifetime of experiences with each other and having done such are inexplicably bonded.

Can’t wait until some young newlywed watches my hubby and me dancing and thinks the same thing about us.

Well I was 19 you were 21
The year we got engaged
Everyone said we were much to young
But we did it anyway
We got the rings for 40 each from a pawnshop down the road
We said our vows and took the leap now 15 years ago
Chorus:
We went dancing in the minefields
We went sailing in the storm
And it was harder than we dreamed
But I believe that's what the promise is for
Well ‘I do' are the two most famous last words
The beginning of the end
But to lose your life for another I've heard is a good place to begin
Cause the only way to find your life is to lay your own life down
And I believe it's an easy price for the life that we have found
Chorus:
And we're dancing in the minefields
We're sailing in the storm
This is harder than we dreamed
But I believe that's what the promise is for
That's what the promise is for
Bridge:
So when I lose my way, find me
When I lose loves chains, bind me
At the end of all my faith
to the end of all my days
when I forget my name, remind me
Cause we bear the light of the son of man
So there's nothing left to fear
So I'll walk with you in the shadow lands
Till the shadows disappear
Cause he promised not to leave us
And his promises are true
So in the face of all this chaos baby
I can dance with you
Chorus:
So lets go dancing in the minefields
Lets go sailing in the storms
Oh lets go dancing in the minefields
And kicking down the doors
Oh lets go dancing in the minefields
And sailing in the storms
Oh this is harder than we dreamed
But I believe that's what the promise is for
That's what the promise is for

The 5,000 year leap

2011-03-12T20:26:00.000-08:00

I started reading this book and am enjoying it. The realization of how far technology has come hit me a few weeks ago when we took our family to The Great Wolf Lodge. (Those pics to come later).
Sariah was sitting in the front room watching cartoons when she called to me that her show had disappeared and she didn't hit any buttons or anything. She wanted me to put it back on for her. I saw that there was a commercial on and told her it would come back on in a minute. When it did, she looked at me like I was magic and asked how I did that. 15 min later this was repeated. It then dawned on me that she didn't know wht commercials were, had never seen them. We got rid of programming when she was just a few months old and so she always watches DVD's or Netflix.

The next day during some down time TJ reached over to the end table and pointed at the phone and asked what it was. For a split second I was trying to figure out if he was serious or not. Then I realized that we got rid of our land line before he was born and he has probably never seen an actual phone with a headset.

It is definetly a different world that our children are inheriting.

Purely random pics I am saving from going into oblivion.

2011-03-08T20:56:00.001-08:00

Yes, these pics should have been more towards the Christmas post.. But I just came across them and didn’t want them to get lost in “picture cyber space “ on the computer.

Thus, I am willing to risk posting cheesy christmas pictures towards the end of February if it ensures that the pictures will forever be documented in the book that this blog turns into each year. Granted they will most likely be documented in the wrong year, but procrastinators can’t be complainers now can we?

Since the birth of our second child we have been told that our children definitely look like they belong to the same family. Thus Matt and I refer to them as “carbon copy” kids. The joke being that Heavenly Father perfected it the first time and just pressed the copy button for the others because who wants to mess with perfection?

It’s a good thing our Daddy is strong!

Two of the boys in my life… Oh, how dearly I love them both.

But how could you not just love that boy?

As for this batch of photos, let just label them “you know you are from a big family, when…..”

and this pic? We are labeling it “Black Mail”. He says he was just trying to remember what it was like to be a baby.

Grandpa Olson

2011-03-07T11:06:00.001-08:00

This past October as I prepared for the birth of a child, Matt’s Grandfather and family were planning for the celebration of his 90th birthday.

90 years. I can barely fathom living to be 50, nonetheless 90! How much has this man seen and done? The lives he has touched were evident by the amount of pictures taken of him greeting the guests. smiles of love and endearment, a hand on their shoulder.. This is a man who has surely touched a lot of lives in his 90 years.

I have only met him twice. They live in Rochester, Minnestoa, which we have found is on the way to nowhere… Not one of those places you can say “ Well, on our way to (x location) let’s stop in and say hi.

The first time I met him was for the celebration of his 50th wedding anniversary. I truly can say that I hope his Grandson follows in his footsteps and will also be blessed to celebrate a 50th wedding anniversary.

I don’t know a lot about him. He seems gentle and kind and of few words.

the amazing thing is that this 90 year old man still drives a school bus! I believe he retired from his career and started driving a bus to fill his time. That was over 30 years ago! the local community did spots on him for the news and it was so cute to see all of these children singing happy birthday to him.

Matt’s side of the family is spread far and wide and rarely is able to get together.

When we were in Texas and his parents were there also we would see them frequently. Since then, it’s been maybe every four to five years. It’s strange coming from a small family that has always lived close and gotten together for every holiday.

They made up a table with pictures of the families that were his progeny.

Duane olson had three children. Of those three, only Matt‘s dad went on to have children. Matt is the oldest of three boys.

Papa and Meme (Kevin and Susan Olson)

they now live in Rochester to help take care of Grandpa and Kevin’s sister who is disabled. Even thought they aren’t close they stay in touch with cards and packages every holiday!!! Not one birthday, anniversary or holiday gets by them. The children always look forward to their birthdays when they will find a card addressed to them as “Master Isaac”.

Jeremy is the middle boy. Him, his wife Heather and their three, live in Florida where he owns an awning company. They became pregnant with the twins when their daughter was only nine months or so. Anytime I would dwell on how hard it was to have two so close together I was reminded of Heather raising three and quickly shut up :)

Danny is the youngest and lives with his wife Tiffany and daughter Kylee in Amarillo, Texas with the Podzemny (Matt’s mother’s family) clan. He is a master plumber.

from being the patriarch of a small family of five, he is now the beginning link in a family of 19.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!!!!

Stuck in the middle

2011-02-26T23:05:00.000-08:00

At this time in my life I feel like I am stuck in the middle in so many different ways.

I have a 14 year old and an infant. Most of my friends either have kids where their youngest is Seri's age and their others are off on their own, or they have a few children all under the age of 5. I end up either talking about college and Grandbabies or Diaper changes and preschool... And I feel in the middle. Not on either end of the spectrum, but in the vast in between stage that at this point feels like it is never going to end. As a parent I am going to be in the middle for a very long time.

As a person I feel in the middle of two different philosophies. The other day I was talking to a friend about Labor inducing herbs and told her she could pick them up at Marlene's. She replied "Oh, you mean the hippie store?" and I assured her that no, I meant Marlene's and procceded to describe the stores location, totally oblivious to the fact that we were talking about the same store. Never in my mind have I equated it with a hippie store. It's my favorite place to shop and if I shop there, then... Yes, my friends confirm, I am a hippie. Really they do say that about me, I swear. Unbelievable, I know.

Yet at the same time my friends that are actually in the "hippie" category I feel have many differences from me also. They tend to be a lot more liberal than I am. So, with them I fit in as far as beliefs on Home schooling, being self sufficient in raising our own food and intervention free birthing, but we differ on many political and religious subjects which are a huge part of who I am.

Then, with my conservative friends who are similar in religious and political views, I am of completely different opinion on those things I have in common with my "liberal, hippie" friends.

Is there no common ground for a homeschooling, non-vaccinating, chicken raising, home -birthing, active mormon, active republican who holds the idea of marriage between a man and woman sacred?

I so often feel like I have a dual personality. It is best to have this persona when with this group of people and then switch to this persona with this other group. Both personas being an accurate reflection of who I am but neither revealing the whole image.

Robotics

2011-02-21T22:06:00.001-08:00

This is my second attempt at posting this entry. The first time after having spent fifteen minutes typing it one handed while baby K was nursing, he kicked it and I lost the whole dang thing.

A week later I will try again. This time he is in my lap sleeping so we may avoid the kick.

Michael was on a Lego robotics team this year. He seemed to switch between moments of loving it and moments of hating it depending on the day. I think we have narrowed it down to a few factors but they are out of our control and he over all wants to stay on the team. I laugh at those who say girls are indecisive!

The mat and challenges this year revolved around the Human body. The boys came up with this robot which I thought performed the tasks amazingly well.

along with building a programming a robot they also have to think of a problem in today's society that is related to the subject of Human body and try to come up with a solution. The boys went with robotic arms for people who have lost function of their arms and came up with an arm that would be controlled by a helmet apparatus that would relay information from the brain to the robotic arm. all in all a really good start for a couple of 11-13 yr old kids.

for the first part of competition they explain their research project to the judges and show the judges the robot and explain why they choose the design that they did.

they then compete their robots in three different rounds of competition and are judged on how many tasks the robot was able to successfully complete using their programming.

after the first two rounds they were #1 and ended the competition #3 out of 27.

Love how in this picture our friends daughter is covering Matt’s eyes with her hands.

Kudos goes to whoever this judge was. He was the most entertaining and enthusiastic judge I have ever seen! He even had a dance off competition with a few of the boys as they were cleaning up. It’s guys like this that makes a mommas heart smile.

Olsonisms

2011-01-22T14:45:00.001-08:00

A few nights ago a lady suggested that mom’s should write down all the cute things that are said in there families. I took heart as I know I have forgotten a lot of them that I swore I would never forget. Hey, at this point I think I have the potential of forgetting everything. So, here you go… Our “isms” of the past 24 hours.

Matt, after having stayed home with the kids while I was out- “Hey Jen, when did the babies start bathing themselves?” Apparently he had mentioned he would give them a bath and they went up and started their own, he dawdled as usual and supposed they were waiting for him… any mom can see the error of his logic, right?

he then asks the older kids why the babies were in the bath all by themselves and their reply was “They do that all the time”. Which is a true statement. If you can’t find the destructive duo they are either making a mess or have put themselves in the bath to clean one up.

This morning the duo were watching Power Rangers when Dad walked in to see Sariah with the remote fast forwarding through scenes. He asked what she was doing and she responded “We are skipping all of the evil vampire parts because they scare us”. Good job sweetie.

Recently I have been trying to ensure that at least at dinner time we are all being nice to eachother. No hurtful words or blaming or snide comments designed to make someone else feel bad. Michael had made a comment towards Isaac and I reminded him that “We are not saying mean things. This is a happy meal”. He then responds, “Happy Meals don’t come with spaghetti and there is no toy”.

Michael just came down with an ugly green patch of something dried on to his stomach so I asked him what it was. He said "My scentsy wax". "Why did you put scentsy was on your stomach"? "Because I thought it would look like mold."

That’s it for now. I am sure the next 24 hours will bring a fresh batch.

Knowing where our food comes from.

2011-01-21T23:17:00.001-08:00

Matt and I have always been a tad concerned about the way us Americans eat. We were both ingrained with some really bad habits, fast food for one.

When our chickens began to lay we started talking about how nice it was to know where that food had come from and what had been done to it and the animal that created it. It was a powerful feeling realizing that we could indeed be in charge of our food and have a say in how it is created.

With that start we began to wonder what other actions we could take to become more aware of our food and to cut out the middle man.

This lead me to Whistling train farm. http://www.whistlingtrainfarm.com/

Luckily their winter share season was starting that week and I was able to get in on it. Each Wednesday I drive about ten minutes and pick up a bounty of fresh, just pulled out of the ground veggies. This is a one week small share.

I remember thinking that the veggies were smaller than I was used to seeing in the store and they were dirty… Well, go figure :) There was a slight hesitation as I stood there looking at the small, dirty veggies. Then I felt anger that I have been conditioned to see this as unappealing and to think of the modified, chemically loaded, preservative full, shipped from who-knows-where stuff in the stores as desirable.

Our salads have never tasted so good! The kids eat one for every meal if allowed. I have eaten things I have never before seen nor tried. I have held this veggie in my hands, knowing right where it was grown and how. Have actually peeled, prepared and cooked a variety of squashes in our meals and have felt strangely empowered by the experience. Hard to explain, but there is a certain satisfaction that comes from serving your children squash ( and not the frozen or canned prepared stuff either) and having them like it.

We discovered that when serving Acorn squash, make a couple because T.J. will eat a whole one by himself!

sitting down to whole wheat buttered noodles with Tatsoi.

Shelley and her hubby are extremely friendly and Shelley keeps a blog telling you what you will get every week, how to cook it and recipes and info about the different types of veggies and growing them.

Once hooked on the veggies, I noticed they had milk. When talking to the farmer I discovered that they use and don’t sell their milk but a nearby farm, Meadowood, did. http://www.meadowwoodorganics.com/

They didn’t currently have milk shares available, but we could take our chances with their being extra milk in the retail fridge. this is about a 20 min. drive for us and worth every second. they have an adorable little store and not only offer Raw Jersey milk in old fashioned glass bottles but they also have raw cheese, chicken and duck eggs, prepared and packaged beef and ham, honey, and cheese and yogurt and sour cream cultures. What more could a girl ask for?

The first time I went to both of these stores I was surprised to find that there was no one there to wait for me. At Whistling train they have signs above the veggies that tell you how much of each item to take and you check of your name. At Meadow wood you fill out a slip with what you took and leave your payment and slip in the cash box. Wait a minute… You mean you can actually run a fair business on the honesty code? What a concept for us Americans. We had experienced this a few times in Germany but never here. It was liberating to discover that honesty and trust still do exist and I felt respected by the thought that these farmers knew I would always be fair and honest with them. I love knowing that I am supporting their families and not a corporation.

I have spoken with the husband on occasion and have really enjoyed our short conversations about life on his farm. The wife is on facebook and is witty and fun. I put us on a wait list for the milk shares when one of their cows delivers at the end of the month and she noticed that I had been buying milk on a weekly basis. While they can’t get me on a milk share sooner she did request that I start paying at the milk share price rather than the retail price. It was nice to know that they are in touch with their customers and make efforts like this to let us know they appreciate us. Bet Safeway isn’t tracking or noticing how often I buy milk.

These are the exact chickens that we eat our eggs from:

They are now each laying one a day which gives us five eggs a day. We are hoping to add Americanas to our flock in the spring. They lay Easter colored eggs and I just think that will be cool. Then we will have a plethora of eggs with plenty to sell to ya if you want em!

The other day while I was at the farm I called Matt and asked if we needed eggs as our chicks were laying sporadically and production wasn't high. I had forgotten that we had recently been given some store bought eggs. He responded with “Well, we have five of ours and two dozen of these white ones?” He said White ones” with a tone that implied, why in the world would we have white eggs in our house? It was funny.

Babies!!!!

2011-01-20T21:52:00.001-08:00

I was privleged to share my pregnancy with eight other ladies in my ward.
Six were due right before me and two should be giving birth any day.
Now for those of you who are familiar with Mormon culture you know that us mormon ladies usually have our babies in "waves", but this was the largest wave I had ever seen or been a part of. it was so much fun to show up to all the activities and share and compare. Often times we would even have our own "Pregnant table" or "pregnant row".
Now that all of our babies are here it is just as much fun to see them all together and imagine how they will interact as they grow. The only draw back is that the nursing room is small and only has three chairs. The ward that meets before us had their own wave of seven at the same time.
At one meeting we were commenting on how many children were being born and how the majority of them were boys, when a little, old lady commented that it must be getting close to the time that the Lord is sending his most valiant missionaries in full force.
Now that makes you stop and think......
PS. Kaden is the long, scrawny one at the end

Running away

2011-01-07T11:46:00.000-08:00

this morning after having asked Sariah (the 4 year old) for the fourth time to quite playing and do her chores she burst into tears true to her dramatic nature and said "I don't want you for a mom anymore! I want a nice mom, not a mean one".
"Sariah, why do you think I am a mean mom?"
"Because you yell at me"
"why do I yeall at you?"
"Because I don't do my chores".
"So, what do you need to do if you don't want me to yell at you"?
"I don't care! I just dont want to live here anymore"!
I'm sorry to hear that. Why don't you go pack your suitcase and find another home that will love you more".
So, off she goes up the stairs, crying the whole way. Isaac asks why she is crying and upon her telling him her reasoning he bursts out into tears. "But we love you! Who will take care of you and love you! Where will you go?" and on and on and on....
Now let me take you back to a time when this same child was four and we had almost the exact same conversation word for word.
He ended up backing his bag and leaving the house and got as far as the front porch where he sat on the bench for a good ten minutes. As I remember it was cold that day also and he was in P.J's.
He was so distraught that I had to pull him aside and ensure him that we were pretending but not to let her know that. I reminded him of how he had done the same thing and was still a happy member of our family.
She puts a bow in her hair (couldn't make this stuff up if I wanted to) and soberly walks down the stairs with suitcase in hand. After a tearfull goodbye to her family members she puts on her shoes (But of course, forgets her coat) and walks out the door.
At this point the older boys are stationed at the windows and I am rushing to put on coat and shoes to follow her. Upon going outside there is a moment of panic when I realize she is not there. Where the heck could she have gone in such a short amoount of time? I look down the side of the house fully expecting to see her, nope. Continue on down the side walk when I realize that she is knocking on the neighbors door. Wow, got to give this child kudos for having bravery!
The woman opens the door and then sends her on her way. She continues to walk down the sidewalk going to the next two houses. I so badly want to take a picture but can't abandon my post for fear of not knowing where she has gone. Just imagine the little girl with a pink suitcase in her jammies walking in the rain, carrying a pink princess suitcase... adorable, or pathetic...
Not sure if the next houses answer or not... I can't see them. Now you have to understand that our neighbors barely speak english and we have never met any of these people in the five years we have lived here. That's our neighborhood for you, but that's another blog entirely.
Now the couple that live on the corner and across the street are out loading their car and I am interested in seeing how she solves this one. She marches across the street right up to them and starts a conversation. At this point I am imagining the police being called and trying to decide how far I am going to let this little charade go.
Before I have a chance to decide I peak around the corner and see the woman take her hanc and her point to the house.
I run inside and ask the boys if they are coming back to which they respond "Yes!" from their upstairs window advantage point.
Sure enough there is a knock and a little Asian woman is asking if this is my daughter. With a smile I assure her that is and tell her that we are very sad because Sariah has chosen to run away (winking like crazy hoping this woman will understand and not call the cops). I ask Sariah if she would like to live with us after all and she runs to hug my legs.
After thanking the woman we all surround Sariah and she is so happy and relieved that she is crying and laughing at the same time. We assure her that we missed her and loved her and that we hope she will choose to remain a part of our family forever. Then the boys go to change her wet clothes and get her dry.
Concluding this adventure and bringing me to another....
I was looking at Seri's facebook over her shoulder one day and she was having a conversation about running away. Apparently she has run away twice. Both during that year we were having such problems with her. The teen years... what else can you say?
I look at her in astonishment. What? I had no idea you had ever run away. She then asks if I remember the time when she was reading all of those wilderness survival books and studying up on hunting and first aid and such. I respond that yes, I remember that phase. She then gives me a look that says "duh, well what do you think I was studying that for?" Well, I thought you were studying and actually listed it in your curriculum taking advantage of your interest.
Nope, she had waited till we were all asleep and left. "Did you crawl out your window"? Nope, she had walked out the front door in the middle of the night. You know, I now understand why my mother insisted that there are some things your parents just don't need to know. I was completely happy in my oblivion. Now instead I have visions of her walking down the main road in the middle of the night, being abducted or hurt or run over...
What is it about children and their ability to not see how good they have it and to want to run away?

Merry Christmas!

2011-01-02T22:27:00.001-08:00

K. so Technically it’s now New Years, but it wouldn’t be a post on my blog if it was done in a timely manner now would it be?

First of all, I am truly appreciative of my best Christmas present, little Kaden. Love how you can dress infants up in whatever you want to and they don’t say anything about it. I had found a ton of Christmas outfits over the summer at garage sales and such and was so excited to deck the little man out in his festive attire.

We had been looking for a Christmas eve tradition. Typically we went over to my Aunts home, but last year was crazy and we didn’t. Instead we went to the candle light service at the Treat church and my family refused to let me do that ever again. Growing up I used to go to a performance called the “Living Christmas Tree” and so in googling it I came across a performance in Tacoma. It wasn’t on Christmas eve, but close enough. Let’s just say it was amazing! The lights and music and dancing, and the spirit felt there brought me to tears. We will most definitely be going every year from now on!

After setting up the Christmas tree, which I can never decide if it is fun or torture, the children slept under it the first night. Not sure where that tradition came from, but they beg for it every year.

Back when we had only a few children, surprised I can remember that far back…… Anyhow, I once had a perfect tree. Tons of ornaments. Each child had one for each year…. The tree was meticulously put together. As we added more children it got stressful to add an ornament for each (and expensive) and the ornaments we did have were always being broken. I have now gotten over most of my attachments to our ornaments and am happy just to have anything on the tree.

Last year we were in charge of decorating for the Ward Christmas party which left us with a ton of decorations. This year after not being able to sell them on Craigslist I put them to good use.

I truly loved driving up and seeing how festive our home looked. The only problem was that it was a very windy month and we lost a lot of the little ornaments that we had decorating the two trees in the yard.

One night we woke up to this mysterious banging and couldn’t figure out what it was. It was coming from outside and was very rhythmic… We finally found out that it was these ornaments banging against the garage door with the wind. Our bedroom is right above the garage…. Once we figured out what it was we were able to sleep right through it.

One night I decided I wanted to hold an old fashioned caroling party and so I did. It was so much fun. Not that many people showed up. Two of my reliable friends came, thanks by the way! We weren’t sure what the reaction would be from our neighborhood as our neighbors never really communicate with each other and most are Russian, Indian or Asian.

We stuck to singing to houses that were decorated and ended up only singing to two houses that were obviously home but wouldn’t answer the door. The other ten or so houses were really enjoying it and it was so much fun to spread holiday cheer. Sariah was so cute at one house that the little Asian guy gave her a twenty dollar bill!

Instead of our traditional sugar cookies, we made rice krispy wreaths because mom thought these would taste better, and they did! Thanks to the Tylers for the inspiration.

We did end up at my Aunt and Uncles home for Christmas eve and we had a great time playing games and chatting. I do enjoy my extended family.

We were up until 4 wrapping and thankfully the children slept until 8.

TJ started trying to climb into his stocking to see what was left.

He was then content to sit with his sucker while his presents surrounded him and his siblings were opening all of theirs…

My Job

2010-12-24T00:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Sariah and I were folding laundry and she all of the sudden said, "When I grow up I want to be a worker woman". Not really knowing what she was talking about I probbed deeper. She then replied that she wanted to go to work like Daddy does every day. I was a tad surprised as she has been my most nurturing child and has always talked about "when she has babies"... I asked her if she didn't want to grow up and have babies like Mommy. Then she hesitated....

In this moment of hesitation my mind drifted back to a time when Seri was about 4. I was having a conversation whith a friend who was saying that she had once asked her young daughter what the girl thought her mommy's job was. My friends heart dropped when the daughter replied "to clean our house and sweep a lot.". My friend would have described her job as taking care of her children and in this one moment felt as if her actions had decided what job she performed was more important in her child's eyes.

So, tempting the fact that I may hear those same words from my childs mouth, I asked her.... "What do you think Mommy's job is?" How my heart jumped for joy when she replied with a huge smile "To take care of your babies!".

Then came the clinch line "and keep them from making messes..."

Share The Love

2010-12-21T23:21:00.001-08:00

Being an only child sucks. For me at least. I remember begging my mother to have another child so I could have a sibling. Always being envious of those who had siblings. Even today I really wish I had a sibling I was close to whom I could call and chat with, share the holidays with, etc….. I suppose this is one of the factors that contributed to my desire to have a large family. A desire to give my children those relationships and experiences that I will never have being an only child.

I enjoy watching their relationships and dynamics change and I often day dream about what their relationships will consist of when they are older.

One of the benefits to home schooling is that the children really have the opportunity to spend a lot of time together, learning, playing, growing. I think this gives them a unique perspective and sense of empathy for one another.

So here are just a few pics of the younger ones to show their love for one another.

I love how TJ has his hand in the raisin container while fast asleep and the joy on his face when he looks at his baby brother warms this mommies heart.

Nugget of wisdom

2010-12-10T23:57:00.001-08:00

Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do, or do without….

I think when it comes to kids clothes I always want to get the most life out of them that I can.

Fortunately my children seem to grow up more than they grow out at the beginning which enables me to employ these tips.

#1. Cut the feet off of footed pj’s when your child gets too long. You can usually get a whole nother year out of em. (wow, check out that grammar :)

I usually cut them right below the elastic so it still holds its shape and this way you don’t even have to hem them if you don’t want to.

Yes, that’s TJ in purple PJ’s. Stop laughing now.

#2 When your girls out grow their jeans, especially if they are the cute embroidered kind, it is super easy to turn it into a skirt! Cut off the legs at desired length, undo the inside leg seam, lay flat and sew in a triangular patch from the reserved leg to cover the whole in front and back. Wa La!

Sorry, the hem job hasn’t been done on these……

Amazing!!!!

2010-12-04T22:13:00.001-08:00

Within ten hours of my post about the wonderful artwork that my walls have been accumulating, my door bell rang.

i was expecting a visit from a friend who had said she wanted to bring me breakfast, what I wasn’t expecting was the entourage that she arrived with! I opened my door to find her, her husband and five other friends (one of whom is eight months pregnant) on my door step bearing pain, painting supplies, doughnuts and orange juice! I was so shocked and then remembered that I was still in pj’s and not wearing a bra….

After stuttering in amazement I excused myself, got properly dressed and came down to find that they had already begun painting in one room.

We are not talking about just a make-do job either. They moved all my furniture and stuff to the middle, taped the windows, walls and ceilings, removed plug outlet covers, laid painting cloths and got the job done professionally.

All I could do was sit and nurse Kaden and mutter my astonishment. See, I am used to people bringing meals when I have a baby and gifts, or bringing meals when we are sick, dropping off cute little things anonymously (ding, dong, ditching) and things like that. But when is the last time you heard of someone showing up un-announced and un-requested to fulfill a job you have been wanting to do for ages but haven’t?

Reminded me of a time when communities really pitched in and helped one another. Not that I have really experienced that kind of thing in regards to my home but I have read the “Little House On The Prairie” series….

Within two hours my entire bottom floor, front room, living room, hall, stairs and kitchen were painted and they left just as quickly as they came.

How lucky I am to have a friend who sees the desire of my heart and feels called upon to show her love for me in this manner. How lucky I am that people still believe in service without recognition and in giving up a Sat morning for it.

I ADORE my new walls. I never thought of how much they were truly aggravating me, having to look at the coloring and finger print smudges day in and day out. Always having to apologize and make excuses for it when people visited my home. I know it didn’t truly matter in the scheme of things, but it was embarrassing to imagine them thinking about how I couldn’t control my children enough to keep them from dirtying up every surface they come into contact with.

I hope you guys know how very thankful I am for you and for the many things you do, not only for me but for a lot of people.

Now if you excuse me, I am going to go sit and drool over the beauty of my un-smudged white wall.

Birth party

2010-11-26T11:53:00.001-08:00

there were seven of us at our church pregnant within the same time frame, three the month before me. That makes for a lot of baby showers. So when word started popping up about holding one for me, I wasn’t so sure. I didn’t want to tax so many mutual friends, and while the idea of “showering” a baby doesn’t really appeal to me, I loved the thought of celebrating his birth and life. I loved the thought of sharing him with my friends and introducing him into such a loving and caring circle of ladies.

My mom hosted it and baked all the delicious food.

I then took a picture of everyone holding him and they wrote a little note to him on these really cute cards we had found. I am going to put both the picture and the notes in a book for him so that he can see how much he was loved and adored by these wonderful women.

(Note for lactating women when holding an infant, holding them in the cradle position is considered teasing :)

He was a ham all night and was loving every minute of it. Couldn’t get enough of these smiles!

As I snapped these pics of my friends awing over my precious boy, I felt such love surround me. I was so blessed to have these women share in the joy of my child with me.

With all that is crazy in the world right now, I knew that Heavenly father had placed these ladies in my life… to offer a sounding board and some adult talk and girls nights for me, and to watch over, teach, lead, guide and share in the accomplishments of my precious children. What comfort that knowledge brings.

halloween

2010-11-24T20:19:00.000-08:00

Matt took off the Haunted Forest for a few hours so that he could attend the turnk Or Treat with us.
Halloween night I was home with the three little kids and Mike who had decided he ws tired of acting and being in the cold all night. I had imagined us staying home and passing out candy, but when the doorbell began to rang the dog went crazy and the kids went crazy and I knew I couldn't handle a night full of this. At this point, the lesser of two ecils became reality. I yelled at the children to raid the dress up box, strapped on the baby and we were off. The kids had a great time, I enjoyed a nice brisk walk and the candy was a definite plus! Pretty crazy when the saner option is to go trick or treating by yourself with 4 children, three 4 yrs and younger...

Our Favorite Holiday

2010-11-23T12:53:00.001-08:00

Yep, for those of you who know us, you know that Halloween is by far our favorite holiday ever.

with the exception of this year… at least for me.

the month of Oct. means that the majority of my family becomes incognito working at the Haunted Forest. They build, decorate, and act, while Matt lights the sets. Usually it’s a ton of fun.. this year however we were all consumed with thoughts of the baby and very anxious for his arrival. the commitment to the forest made things pretty tense around here as it meant that I was left with the babies by myself quit often.

Mom went to the pumpkin patch with the younger ones and we did the pumpkin carving thing as every good parent must. :)

Unfortunately the pumpkin crop this year was not that great. Dad was really not impressed with the children’s selections. Thus granting him a spot on next years trek to the farm.

The older ones are getting pretty good at carving theirs, the little ones, not so much… I was busy with the baby and Matt is not really into the pumpkin carving scene (thus in some of the pictures you can see him watching TV) So I gave them some markers and told them to go to town. that still counts, right?

One of the problems with small pumpkins is that you have the potential of getting your hands stuck while getting out all the seeds.

and you thought I was done....

2010-11-22T15:10:00.000-08:00

Can't believe I forgot to add this one. One of my favorites. I smile and feel joy and love when I gaze at it. It also breaks my heart and brings me to tears just about every time.
the perfect picture, except... it serves as a reminder to me that my three other precious children were not there to welcome their sibling.

just a bit more

2010-11-22T14:52:00.000-08:00

Apparently the last post was too long as it ran out of memory. So here is part 2. Read the birth post first and then come back to this one :)
We arrived home at about 4 and slept perfectly. I smiled the next morning as the children came home and I heard Sariah yelling "where's the baby? I want to see the baby!".
all in all it was a perfect birth and I continue to try to convince myself that it would not have been better had we stayed at home. That it was perfect for all that it was. I realize that so many other woman have so many other issues and that it is probably petty for me to be upset about this one.
Still didn't stop me from crying as I came home and saw all the supplies sitting out in anticipation. Or stop me from crying three days later as we deflated a birth pool that hadn't been used....
If I don't think about it too much I am usually ok. But I still feel gyped somehow, as if I want to go back and have a do over.
Guess that's how it goes though.

Bringing forth life

2010-11-22T14:47:00.001-08:00

Here is the long awaited birth story that I write with my little angel currently nursing in my arms.

We choose not to discover the sex of this child figuring that we already had a little of each so it didn’t really matter.

All I knew at this point was that the baby was healthy and big and that I was very overdue and uncomfortable. The list of natural induction methods that we employed is long and extensive and the verdict is that my body is now officially immune to all natural induction tricks…..

Matt and I went up to Seattle for our now very familiar apt. They checked in on the baby who was doing great. checked me and discovered that I was now at a 4, effaced, baby head down and in a favorable position for breaking my water. We discussed possibly doing it that night in our home or the next morning. It was decided that we would wait until morning giving me one more night to go into labor on my own.

The midwives at SHM have delivered my last three babies and I would never go to anyone else unless I had to. I adore the ladies and love the way I am cared for and respected there.

After leaving there we headed out to get a routine ultrasound just to make sure everything was ok and that baby was tolerating still being in there.

During the exam the technician asked if my water had already broken. I then asked if the fluid level was ok and she replied “your a little low”. I wasn’t too concerned as that is to be expected when your body is trying to stay pregnant forever.

Afterwards she asked us to wait until the dr had a chance to speak with the midwives. I thought this was odd protocol but still wasn’t too worried.

I then received a call from Tracy informing me that my AFI was at 0. They start to be concerned when the level hits 5 and had never seen a 0 before. Basically, baby had no water and was coming out ASAP. I asked if we would then meet them at the house and get things going and it was here that things started to fall apart. She explained that chances were we wouldn’t be staying at home, but left me with a glimore of hope saying that she would confer with the other midwives and call me back.

As we headed home we realized we had not eaten and swung by Taco Bell. Then with my food in my lap I started to cry…. I had spent months planning, preparing and envisioning this birth and nowhere in my plans did this scenario fit. I was so frustrated… Some day I will learn that for all 0f my desires to control things, when it comes down to it I control nothing but my reaction.

We called mom at home and asked her to call a priesthood holder from the church to be at the house when we got there to help Matt give me a blessing. When we arrived he was there with his wife who happens to be a nurse. Mom had filled them in on the situation and she was telling me that there was no way I could stay home, there was no way that this would be safe for baby. I argued with her the best I could insisting that baby was fine and everything would be fine if they would just let me stay home, but she is a mom of five older children- half of them adults- and her debating skills were better than mine. I pace the floor, in desperate tears waiting for someone to tell me that yes, we are staying home…. Instead phone rings and the minute I heard Tracy’s voice I knew….

I received a blessing that I would be able to accept whatever came and that I would be blessed with comfort. That was not what I wanted and at this point I felt that no one was on my side, no one was listening to me, no one cared. the couple from church graciously offered to take our youngest three children for the night and Matt set about packing for them while I went to pack myself. I stood in the room with the bag on the bed, just crying… not even knowing what to pack… we had no back up plan… I then said goodbye to my babies knowing that they wouldn’t be with me to welcome their new little sibling into the world. It was all just so sad and not the happy, exciting moment I had planned.

One thing was in my favor at this point, the midwives knew me well and knew that I would not concede to go to a hospital. They knew that my labor and deliveries were quick so that was less risk for the baby. While they couldn’t let me stay home they did agree to let me deliver at the free standing center where there was better monitoring and it was closer to the hospitals they had privileges at should something go wrong. For this I am eternally grateful.

On the way there we call the photographer to meet us there and one of my very good friends. We had a list of ten people that we should have been calling excitedly to come share this experience with us…. But the birthing center is smaller and we weren’t sure how things were going to turn out. At this point I am crying again as I think of my friends not being there with me… or maybe I am crying still…

Upon arriving at the center they monitored the little one to ensure the baby was still showing no signs of stress.

Heartbeat was great…

movement was great… we discussed how strange it was that they had said there was no fluid. If that were true we should be seeing some sign of stress and we weren’t. Maybe there were pockets of fluid behind the baby that the tec couldn’t see? We agreed that there had to be some amount of fluid, even if it was a small amount.

I had tested GB positive, so they ran the antibiotics. This was another reason for me to be at the center. Because my labors are so quick, had I gone on my own at home there may not have been time to get the antibiotics in.

So we wait… It all started at about 6:30

Matt updates his facebook

mom sews

and we wait….

Finally baby is deemed good to go and the IV is done. The student midwife then attempts to break my bag. The look on her face was priceless as she tells us that she thinks she has made it through both layers of the membrane and is scratching babies head, but she is feeling no fluid… none. She pulls out her hand and examines her glove where there is no sign of fluid. The midwife the attempts and is silent as she tries to put into words what she knows shouldn’t be true. She is definitely through the membranes and there is nothing… I get dressed and put on a pad and they suggest walking around a bit, seeing if the fluid is at the top and walking will bring it down.

So we leave the center and walk a few blocks to Subway as no one has had dinner.

It was a little crazy as I started to feel a tad uncomfortable and we were ordering 7 sandwiches. Soon other people in the restaurant (if a subway can be called that ) started to put two and two together and asked if I was in labor. They all seemed very concerned that I would have the baby then and there and were wondering why we were casually ordering food. Later we found out that one of the midwives was shocked when she heard from another one that she had let us leave the building, given my history of having babies quickly :)

This was the third birth that Seri has attended and she has gotten really good at being supportive, must take after her father. I love it that I can depend on my older children to assist me in bringing forth their younger siblings.

From there we stopped at Starbucks so the children could get hot cocoa. At this point the contractions are making their presence in a more consistent manner, but I had been dealing with them for over a month and still wasn’t sure if this was actually labor or not.

We headed back to the center where my friend Tina had arrived and was waiting. Everyone started eating their sandwiches and you could feel the anticipation in the air. Here was that environment that I wanted to bring my child into. The excitement, the anticipation… Everyone sitting around happily chatting at the thought of another child entering the world and their getting to be a part of it.

At this point my attitude began to change as it dawned on me that the contractions were getting harder and relatively closer together. I wasn’t really able to focus on the conversation and was starting to get pretty uncomfortable.

We put to put the left overs in the fridge and found this.

We all thought that was pretty funny. Can you imagine opening a fridge only to find that it is full of placentas?

Michael was also with us at this birth, his second. But this time he was older and a lot more help. He was also giddy and annoyingly busy the whole time. I kept having to tell him to stay still and be quiet. I loved having him there though.

True to my history they went from painful to unbearable in about seven minutes.. literally… I mentioned that I wanted to get in the tub but the midwives were a tad hesitant thinking it might be too early as I had only been in active labor for maybe 15 min. I tried laying down, standing and swaying, sitting on the birthing stool, sitting on the toilet… nothing was working and I desperately needed to get into that tub.

we were way past the point where I could focus on anything but the contractions and thankfully Matt knew just what I needed and when. He was a perfect companion and so much more than just a labor coach.

He understood that I craved his touch between contractions (about forty seconds at this point) but needed all hands off during contractions.

The midwife asked if this was the real thing and I replied “I am not enjoying this at all, I am not comfortable at all and I need to get into that tub"!”. At this statement they knew that we were well on our way. It was a little before 8:00.

That tub was perfect in every way!

My contractions are always so intense and so very close together that I never fell like I get a break or have a chance to catch my breath. I kept pleading for just one small break, just give me the chance to relax and breath without having to deal with a contraction. Although I knew there was no way that was going to happen. I just reminded myself that no break between contractions means a quick labor. With each contraction I would breath deeply envisioning my baby and I working together to accomplish this monumental task.

I looked at Matt and told him that this was the last time I could possibly do this and he smiled and said “sure babe.”.

I have heard from others before that I talk about the strangest and funniest things while in labor. People have said it is difficult because I say things that they want to laugh at but I can’t stand hearing anyone laugh….

Apparently the student midwife wrote many of these things down and at my next appt. the other midwife wanted clarification as to the “Yen” conversation.

At one point I started talking about how I wasn’t going to get paid for this at all. I was doing it totally for free. If I were a surrogate I could be making over $12,000 dollars for this! Then someone asked what I would like to be paid with and I said “Yen! It has a great exchange rate right now.”.

I also remember them talking about people not falling off chairs or something, so I opened my eyes to see matt the children and Tina I think , in the front row with the rest standing on chairs in a second row. I thought how interesting it was to have stadium seating of some sort at my birth.

after 45 min. of contractions I instinctively pushed right in the middle of a contraction. Due to my other births, no one thought we had that much time at this point. they checked the temp of the water and it was 105 so they started throwing cups of cold water in to bring it to temp.

However, this time it was going to take a little longer. Before I have always just felt the pain associated with pushing. this time I literally felt his body moving and knew where he was at all times. I felt my pelvis being stretched. I experienced frustration as I felt him slip back up a little after every push. At the same time I very much felt that he and I were working as a team. That he was every much a part of this experience as I was. Every time I felt the pain of pushing, he felt his body being thrust forward… I kept telling him that we were going to do this together. It was strange, because with all my other births I had never felt this partnership of labor with my child.

Matt kept giving the midwives updates. He could tell what stage in a contraction I was at by feeling the tautness of my abdomen.

With Sariah I had sat lengthwise in the tub with Matt behind me. This time we knew that Matt was going to catch the baby so I sat facing the side. It was so much better because I had something to push against with my legs as well as my arms.

Having been through this before, and knowing me so well, he could also tell when I was not pushing effectively and he would remind me that I knew the correct way to push and i had to start.

I then heard them talking about nets and was so relieved as I said the old midwives adage “where there is poop, there is baby!” One of the midwives laughed and told me I was correct.

They asked Matt if the head was crowning and Matt felt and replied that there was something there that wasn’t a part of me but he couldn’t tell what it was. He was expecting to feel a hard head and not a mass of squishy skin from the head being compressed. I reached down and confirmed that yes, that was the head.

Before I have always pushed the baby out in two pushes, one for the head and one for the body. Matt finally said the head was out. Afterwards he said that it was pretty strange to see the baby’s head out with eyes looking at him under the water. I then felt the familiar swoosh as the baby was born and was expecting Matt to hand him to me. When he didn’t I asked why he wasn’t grabbing the baby and he replied that we were only at chest level. that child took four pushes to push out his entire body! After 45 min of pushing, my longest ever……

he was here. He was mine.

Born a little after 9:30

I just remember how proud of him I was for working so hard to be born. So proud that we had done this together. I kept telling him “good job sweetie, I am so proud of you”.

Matt mentioned that it was a boy but I wasn’t phased at all, I think I always knew that it was. It felt kind of like it would have had he told me that with us having known prior that it was a boy.

I adore how his ear was folded over. Shows you how squished he was.

He had one of the largest in diameter and a two foot or longer cord. the midwife says that is likely one of the reasons he was able to do so well, even without any fluid. You can see a section of his cord and it’s thickness in the pic below.

We waited for the cord to stop pulsing, but after 15 min it was still pulsing so we cut it. Michael decided to cut this cord and due to it’s thickness he had a heck of a time.

I continued to sit in the tub, holding and marveling at my new precious child while my other children looked on. then I felt the push for the placenta and was highly disappointed as I was supposed to have been finished with pushing!

finally I climbed out of the tub.

typically the midwives are pretty hands off until after baby has nursed and everyone is comfortable, but they were dying to find out the weight and asked if we could make that one exception and they would do all the rest later.

there was a reason I felt every inch of that boy coming. 10 lbs 7 o6unces, 22 inches, and a 15 inch head!

while we were relaxing and nursing, the children got the chance to examine and clean off the placenta with the student midwife. We are keeping the placenta this time and encapsulating it.

Kaden was an amazing nurser from the start and we haven’t had any issues at all.

I love how alert and social he was from the very first moment. I love that he was allowed to enter this world without any interventions (well, there was the breaking of the membranes. I suppose that counts)or drugs running through his system.

Even though I was not able to have all my friends there, I love that I was surrounded by people I care about and trust.

I love that Matt and I were able to be in charge of the birth and do it together without being told what to do and without interference (except for the annoying times they wanted to keep track of the heartbeat during pushing…)

I love that the first touch my child felt in this world was the loving hands of his father guiding him into his new life.

I don’t think there is any better way to enter the world and start your life.

We had to stay a tad bit longer than normal because Kaden’s respirations were pretty fast and they wanted to wait until they had stabilized. I didn’t mind at all.

One again I am amazed at how it is possible to love another human being so completely, obsessively and perfectly.

coloring

2010-11-12T22:26:00.001-08:00

What is it about a pure whit wall that entices children four and under to color on it? Do they view it as a blank canvas that is just awaiting their artwork? Or is it a magnetic and irresistible pull that they can’t resist?

Seri was a colorer. Once she drew a full size mural on her bedroom wall. After some talking and punishment I thought we had broke her of the habit, only to discover a year or so later that she had colored on the inside of her sliding closet door.

Neither Michael nor Isaac were susceptible to this crazy urge to destroy a perfectly clean white wall.

However T.J. has never been able to resist the cry of the wild crayon. As a result, Sariah saw how much fun she was missing out on and decided to become a graffiti artist as well.

So, for the past two years I have tried to keep up with their art using magic eraser and other methods, but like so many of our homes the paint seems to peel off under my efforts. I gave up thinking we would just paint when they were out of this stage. It has always bothered me, but why cover it when they will just replace their art? Yesterday I came home to the new art addition above. This was after receiving a call from Seri that TJ had found red paint……

I am beside myself! We have tried talking, yelling, discipline… nothing seems to make the drawing not worth it.

So, I am begging for advice. How do you get them to stop drawing on the walls? How do you get it off"? And do you paint over it now or wait till they are 18?

By the way, these pictures make it look a lot milder than it looks in person.

I took pictures because all of these nice older people tell me I am going to miss this stage some day. I needed proof as to why I believe I wont!