Jake Blessing

 Jake got blessed we squeezed it in and didn't skip it although with all the other turmoil and hoopla going on it was very tempting and talked about. I worried for months about all the emotional re-balancing that always happens after a baby. I had no idea. However it was a special day and we are so thankful to have another boy to help balance our family numbers. 

The younger girls showing their new church dresses from Christmas. They are a good looking group. 

Harold introduced Jake to a shoulder ride. 

Jake cried through his blessing too. It was all I could do to sit and listen to his crying I was very thankful to get him back in my arms. I was likewise thankful to find this white outfit a kind customer had gifted him a month earlier. It was just right for his blessing. Yes I use to have a fancy outfit but it disappeared and so we had to improvise. 

He seems no worse for the wear. He is a sweet guy who loves to eat and reminds me of John in his appetite. Other than that he has his own look besides the red hair he is unique. He sleeps pretty reliably until around 5:30 then some more then wants to eat and eat rests a bit awake eats some more and sleeps. He trusts Merle but isn't completely confident with Andrea. He smiles and coos and loves to be talked to. Worries pass and seasons change quickly. We are thankful to have him join our family and begin his journey on earth. Life is good. 

Missionaries

Well the missionaries continue to enjoy their time working for the Lord. Mark shown at the Christmas devotional. All missionaries were gathered back to Durban for a few days. In the forefront his mission president Laguna and wife. 

Highlights of the week continue to be missionary Monday. Sometimes I get to see many of my kids on these calls. I love that. We are so blessed to have the ability to gather event hough we are far apart. Each of these big kids are having their own unique adult journeys but still counsel and support each other. That is the good stuff of parenting. 

I finally found the shared photo file and copied pictures of John as a missionary. He has been very reluctant to share much of his mission but these pictures show he has not lost his John spirit of fun and strength. 

Planning and preparing to teach. He is a powerful teacher. 

He has come to love thrift stores. So many options, but this may be a gas station or something. 

This Tongan elder is showing his genetic strength. John is a big guy and this is pretty impressive. 

This elder also picked John up. Wow to both and prayers for their backs. Where there is a will there is a way I guess. 

John is so blessed to be able to attend the temple every month or so. 

And a picture with the damage done to his car after the accident. He can't drive anymore and that is tragic to him. But he will learn more patience and survive. The brakes did not engage and he slid into another car. Several weeks were spent riding the bus and waiting on rides but they are back in a car and driving here and there. 

People think with large families there is no change or relief when kids leave. That is not my experience so far. A family is not like a pool of water where things added or subtracted to the water make no difference after the initial ripples. Instead they are more like cobbles on a road. Each has a specific space and need. The road goes one but we notice when each moves on. And to put the mom feelings of wondering, watching over, and waiting on those kids has to be squelched to survive when they leave home. I'm thankful for weekly calls and them sharing what they will. Really just a look in their eyes and I'm pretty content. It is a connection hard to explain. I'm sure they don't understand it yet but possibly someday they will. I'm not sure I understand all of it but I know my heart is very tied to each of these kiddos and I get inspiration about them in unique ways. Sometimes feelings, sometimes expanded insights into the little they share, sometimes words, but I know God is aware and watching over each of them.

I'm thankfulf ort he missionary program that allows them space to grow and become. For generous humble mission presidents who shoulder so much responsibility and work to sheperd these young people. For an inspired leadership structure that allows the accountability and assistance in their new independence and responsibility. Mostly I'm thankful for who they come back as. Still themselves but better, broader, more confident, and most of all sure of their Savior Jesus Christ. That is priceless and our whole purpose as parents. God has blessed our family greatly. 
 

Christmas

After our traditional breakfast of turnovers, sausage, deviled eggs, and drinks of your choosing. We discussed what Christmas was like for various persons shown in the nativity. Then we gathered for presents and singing. It was good to be together. 

The presents go quick and each is left with time to play and enjoy the gifts. Aliza and Harold really enjoyed looking through the new photo books. Afton spent some time with them seeing what she was like as a young toddler. 

The boys got new utility knives. 

Andrea got a baby doll she was so happy.

Aliza trying on her new professional shirts getting ready for her job as a tutor at college. 

Later we went to grandma Saunders these two Andrea and MArilla shared a spot while watching a movie. 

A present to myself was some refurbishing my well used kitchen. I got supplies and happily told the kids it would be easy. After much cleaning and frustration it was the tenacity of Addie that got the kitchen put back together. 

Afton helping clean and not watching the movie she wanted too. 

Harold starting the renovation and sharing his bags of tools. I'm so thankful for kids with skills. 

The finsihed project of clean, relined drawers and cupboards and drawers that slide smoothly is so nice. Christmas is always a lot of work and added stress but the calm and happiness that happened this year made the effort worth it. We are blessed.
 

Before Christmas

We made all different variations of give away items this year. We share bread with neighbors who are mostly diabetic. I pleaded with my family to just give fruit or onions and potatoes as those are more healthy or blood sugar friendly but I was voted down. So cookies and treats galore left our house. We also have loved the delicious banana squash Reed grew and protected for us last summer. 

Or maybe it was lots and lots of cinnamon rolls. 

Merle getting ready to go do water with Aliza reminded me of John filling up on oranges daily. A box of oranges last a lot longer than it use to but I see that changing soon. 

We attended the annual family Christmas party. Lia got to be Mary, with Marcus as Josepgh and Merle as a cow. Livy and James narrated. 

Cousin cold cereal gift exchange. 

We played a skill game. It was trickier than it looked. Ruth is so pretty and always up for a good time. 

The kids came to try. It was a pleasant evening with great food, lots of visiting, and a great beginning to the Christmas experience. We are so thankful for traditions and family who love and bring joy. Life is so good. 
 

Reed and kids

When scrolling through my camera roll I have a lot of pictures of Jake and Addie and few of any others that live here. So I will pause the other posts to speak about Reed. He was ordained a priest with the help of these important men. My dad, Harold, Reed, Greg, and Lloyd. 

He also finally passed his drivers permit test. I helped him fail the first time. Who knew there were so many different ways to paint cross walks, or speed limits in town? Anyway alone he passed just fine. 

Afton also lives here. She sometimes takes baby duty. This is a hard job as you can see, but such a relief to have someone else love on him and care for him for a while. I miss this break when the big kids go to school. 

Jake is developing a square face. He is so cute, and requires a bib as he is a gentle drooler. 

Reed ready for the wedding sporting his Jethro look. He's about outgrown this medium size shirt. I loved the leatherman and boots. When we got to the event I realized he was under dressed. Addie and he went to Wal-Mart for a white shirt and tie. A kind man helped them get the new clothes and on their way. 

And Livy in the background. She is often at work. We are thankful for her help at the shop. The open computer is Addie's life this year. From college classes to college scholarships she definitely has her eyes on her next life. 

We are sure thankful for the steady dependability Reed shows. He sticks with jobs and includes Bruce, Merle and Afton in the learning. He is not very tolerant but has demanded maturity from the younger kids and that is not a bad trait. He was everywhere doing anything that needed doing at the wedding. He is definitely coming into his own age of greatness. With the others coming into that same chanel. A teacher asked Addie if there were any sub-par kids in her family. She said she didn't know but he could tell her in 18 years after he had met the rest of them. The path is pretty well laid and obedience is demanded from the kids leading the way. We are thankful for their assistance in turning out smart, strong, polite, working "humans" as Andrea calls people (not a word I taught her). Life is good and we are blessed to be chauvered around again! Yay!!
 

Back to school in January

Ahh my angel helper. This lady brought her calm and steadiness to our home. We didn't get but a wink with her when she returned from her mission but this fall more than made up for that. She came home just prior to Jake and Joey's arrival and kept the boat of our family from capsizing through the adjustment to the addition of both. 

After weeks of getting to know each other these two announced they would get married Jan 17th. That was exactly two weeks from the announcement. Addie put together a formal invitation and we got the ball rolling quickly forward. Thankfully they had gotten engagement pictures before the big day. 

Meanwhile the kids went back to school and were given recognition for their scholastic work in the last quarter they completed. After some unusually snarky comments about my mental state for choosing to have so many kids this was great validation that though I may be insane or crazy my kids are not and are doing just fine. Maybe they are just highly resilient though. My kids were all clean and groomed so there's that too. Sometimes people are just rude. 

I found this picture of Andrea Jake and I. She has been so in love with being a big sister. I'm thankful for them in our home. If we had just kids exiting our home this season of life would be very hard to manage. 

This work of art showed up in the mail from Iowa. This couple is in a ward of dedicated crafters. Handmade hand cut cards and quilts each more spectacular than the last is the name of the activity. I was so impressed and then to learn the couple had made 200 to distribute was just amazing. 

Jake learned to smile and loves to be held. 

Aliza sought to manage the mounds of stuff... It is good to be more in control of the amount in my home. We have definitely transitioned from large sons to smaller daughters thus the excess of xl clothing is probably not necessary in such abundance. Not to mention the items that were worn our or outgrown. We are a constantly changing dynamic. 

Another picture of Jake cuz we love him so. His innocence is particularly highlighted in all the hustle and bustle of the older kids. 

The break from school was appreciated and fun but it was also so good to go back to school and be back in the routine of learning and independence. Life is good and we are blessed. 

Anna Wedding

This weekend our first daughter got married to the man of our prayers. Hers and ours, it was so great to know he exists and is so perfect for her. We had so much support and help from family and friends we were overwhelmed with gratitude. My camera went upstairs to provide internet for children who prefer their own space and experience at a long event like this. 

Sign lettered by Aunt Brenda, decorations provided by Aunt Shauna. 

The happy couple before the wedding. 

Looks like a prayer but not sure. 

The beautiful and tasty cake from aunt Brenda. Lemon with buttercream frosting. So tasty. Aunt Brenda was a great resource on how to do a wedding. I spent many hours asking her questions and opinions as she attends weddings more often than I. The amount of help friends and family gave helping me shape an idea of what should/could happen along with general encouragement was true friendship and charity in action. 

Centerpieces made by Anna. 

The walking down the isle. A first for us. The chapel was close to completely full. Bishop Jace Morrison married them. He has been Anna's employer for the past two falls he had good experiences and understanding to share about them. She wanted the open light from the windows. I love that there was a lot of light and love throughout the entire day. We prayed before hand people would feel comfortable and welcome. I think they did. 

Harold went to  friends wedding earlier in the morning in Twin falls then headed for Ontario and made it with a few minutes to spare. Joey's grandpa is shown from the back. 

Aunt Sheryl helped serve the dinner. She Aunt Crystal and Grandma Saunders made over 400 rolls. Aunt Alena made chocolate coconut cakes- my personal favorite, which I appreciated so much.

Cutting the cake. They were polite and careful with each other. 

The little girls assembling for the bouquet toss. This turned into a brawl Livy being the tallest grabbed the bouquet but some of those little cousins really fought for it. Alas many petals were left on the floor but all little girls retained their eye balls and no hair was pulled too hard. I didn't see tears but it was a grudge match for a few seconds. 

As Anna was departing grandma asked for a picture of the oldest and youngest. So with the joke provided by a family friend ringing in my ears we snapped the shot. What is the difference between a shotgun wedding and a Mormon wedding? At a shotgun wedding the bride is pregnant at a mormon wedding the mother of the bride is pregnant. I guess baby Jake is close enough to mom being pregnant. Oh well we are so thankful for both these sweeties. We are so thankful our kids want families and aren't afraid of marriage. We are thankful that God trusts us to raise His precious children. Jake is a sweet baby not overly demanding and keeping us in plenty of sweet baby snuggles. 

After the wedding our loving family got right to work taking the decorations down. Uncle Bryce with Monroe on board took the screw gun to the arch they stood under and started taking it apart. 

Reed, Uncle Eric, Uncle Jon, and Aliza helped Uncle Don take down the gauze walls that made the gym look so elegant. I love the lights in this gym people could see each other but these simple walls really elevated the experience. 

Aliza and friend Carlin were the anchors and angels and muscles of this day. Carrying idea, vision, and calm throughout the experience they worked so hard. I have no pictures of Carlin as my phone left my hands almost as soon as we entered the building but they worked non-stop. Livy helping clean-up and enjoying Aliza. 

Grandpa helping with Jake who was about finished for the day. He managed so well and tolerated being bounced to and fro. 

Good friends showed up after the basketball games we were thankful for their support and wisdom
throughout the years. 

The grandkids. We love cousins. So many helped with water refills, kid management and were just friendly so they each had a nice evening together. I'm thankful for a smart friend who took care of all of them and made sure they were safe, cared for, and in their own space. We had a lot of people come and these kiddos went upstairs to play instead of staying with the talking adults. It worked really well because of Brooke Hess my friend. Uncle Ty and Aunt Rachel Hawkins and Aunt Ruth also helped man the upstairs and then put it back together. 

I had to take nursing breaks for Jake and missed parts but the stuff happened. The cake, the bouquet, the father daughter dance, the visiting and congratulating. It was good. We are so tired but very thankful, and praying that they will feel that love and support and have all the happiness and blessings they can. 25 years ago we had our own reception here it was good and another full circle moment. Life is so good. Speaking of good we had delicious tri tip dinner catered by Brian & Barb Wolfe, and simple yet tasty cake for dessert made by Millie and Mom. Served by Michelle Trowell and Brenda Grout two sweet and thoughtful friends. 
 Other friends cleaned the church just for us Jamie Tolman and Genelle and Spencer Frahm family took care of the building so we just focused on the gym. Did I mention a funeral was hosted in between our decorating and wedding. It worked so nicely with my sweet friend Glenna Mason serving there and making it all ready for us to take over. So many blessings and people we care about caring for us this day. A real testament to a life of connections. 

The morning set-up crew of my Dad, James, Cambree, and Trey, Natalie, Millie, Livy, Reed, Addie (who got all the snacks for upstairs kids, and all the assorted last minute shopping), Cindy Atkinson, Linda Hiatt, JEnnifer and Lexie Hawkins, Aliza, Anna, Carlin, Don & Shauna. 

We are a big family. We have a lot of people who really care about us and gave generously of their time, talents, patience, and love to make this happen. We are most blessed because of those many hours of service given to our family. Its hard to count or express how much it means. We will continue to try to return that love and support all we can to family and friends it really means a lot to those in need as we were. 

I learned in the quietness when I stayed home from church the next day because I was too tired and dehydrated to go anymore that it is the Atonement of JEsus Christ who covers, lifts, enables, and strengthens us (among many other gifts) that gives us hope and confidence in this earth experience. I'm thankful for that knowledge that the Savior is always aware and helping and blessing and filling in all my gaps. It is so good because of Him and all those striving to serve and be like Him. We are so blessed.