Birthday Party

February is a birthday month here. We had a family party. I made the usual lemon sunshine cake it turned out normally. I also made a chocolate ice cream cake with left over pancake batter. I saw it waiting after breakfast and thought I could adapt that. It wasn't so impressive to look at, Merle and Andrea were excited with their imaginings of what it might be. My mother in-law who is a fabulous cook was perplexed at how I had messed it up so much. I didn't explain. 

Joey also had a birthday being new to this in-law game I wasn't sure how to handle that. He raced Reed to light Andrea's very custom cake. 

My mom is known for making surprise guess what I did to the recipe foods. I knew she would approve. Trying to pull my health together and achieve some weight goals I thought this would be the best choice. My freezer is obviously not super cold and I should have left the cake in a form not free moving. 

Oh well we all enjoyed some cake. Thankfully the lemon sunshine cake is dependably good. After we do cake we have a tradition of sharing what we love about the birthday person. That brings a special spirit of love into our home. It is a simple yet powerful declaration of the unity we strive for in our family experience. This year we added Joey to the mix. It was tender to hear the acceptance and place he has already made with our kids and parents. Sue got teary saying how blessed we were that he was our first because his work ethic, kindness, and good natured go with the flow will help the other girls as they seek companions. This set the stage for a very special experience of my parents asking for blessings from Lloyd and Greg. This was more than icing on the cake it was the power of the priesthood in my home and life. The spirit was strong and tender as an outpouring of strength, acceptance of service, love and concern, and buoying up from God and His Son was poured out on my parents heads. Lloyd is a kind tender man who truly emulates the Savior in how he lives his life. Greg is strong and loving who knows and loves the Savior as well. This experience was an example of the powers of heaven manifest on earth. I was humbled and thankful to have watched the evening unfold and build to an environment that the spirit could be unrestrained and the healing and love of God could be shared and felt. I have not had this happen before but I dearly hope that we are aware and open to having it happen again. 

But as I write that I remember another time from my youth when my great grandparents were dying and we gathered at my grandparents to strengthen and support them in their great loss and grief at time lost. I remember loving them in a different yet similar intentioned way. It has happened through the death of each of our close family members. We gather we mourn we lift and we share. This time the person was not blood family but service and church family. It is a blessing to have loved ones around when life is heavy. 

For some reason this book Dragons love tacos is a favorite oy my little kids. Jake should be very literate for all the books that are read to him daily. 

And one Sunday Greg and Reed worked to fix flat tires on bikes. Thankfully I had supplies and the rescued 4-6 bikes. My lawn is now littered with bicycles but its a good activity for the kids.

As I helped Alia learn to balance, steer, and stop her bike I realized it takes a lot more concentration that I had remembered. I loved riding bikes as a child. I'm thankful my kids have that chance too. While the winter has been worrisome in it's lack of winterness (no snow, not very cold) it is perfect bike riding conditions. I told Lia when she was falling it's so good she was wearing pants and a coat so she didn't scrape hardly any skin because she was all covered. She added gloves then she didn't scuff her hands even. A smart cookie there who now rides her bike when I walk. They even fixed Jake's stroller so off we go. We are blessed. 
 

A second row

It makes kids feel important to be on the walls of the home they live in. With so many kiddos this was a challenge. The board allowed them to all be even. But we outgrew one board. I bought another board at Christmas but it needed painting, leveling, and of course screwing into the wall. Addie decided to make this project happen. Next up new pictures at least for the kids that live here. Probably when John comes home. I hope we can have 24 hours together and pictures will be on the list of things to do. 

Bruce was feeling sick this weekend. He was diddling his socks like my dad. I laughed and took a picture because it was so like my dad wears his socks. 

Reed is a great example to Bruce and Merle. He doesn't tolerate wimpiness or laziness. He also expects them to come do whatever he is doing. I love the train as you go model. 

We invested in a writing system that offers grooved pages and disappearing ink pens. This is brilliant! I can't believe I waited this long for something so obvious. Practice practice is what he needs and this seems to be engaging enough for right now. 

Talking with my older guys. This makes my heart so happy. They are all growing and becoming adults. I'm very pleased with the men they are choosing to be. 

It is prep time for state convention. So much out of school time is spent presenting their ag issue to willing community groups. Reed has filled in many nights because Addie is the leader and the assigned people are on sports outings. He is not super happy about the experience but it will make him better at public speaking next year. The young man he is standing next to was also volun-told to come help. They are friends. Reed told him you have to be in the picture but you don't have to smile about the experience. Ha! True brother dealing with all the good your sister forces on you. 

A surprise gift with a story. My grandfather's sister passed away in February. She had caused a lot of trouble over the years. Her daughter is my fence-sharing neighbor. She brought me this blanket her mom had made. It is nicely done. And a token of grudges dropped, patterns changed (I hope) and a life that is over. I put it away- not sure what to do with it- but very much noting the significance of such an offering. Thankfully we move on and past what is in the past. 

A girl on Addie's track team wrote a grant to the Brooks shoe company for track gear- somehow it was related to her coach being coach of the year last year. The team received $17,000 worth of athletic gear for the team. Including new shoes. This is her second pair of free high quality shoes this year. We are so thankful for those gifts. She is all ready to do what she loves compete in track. 

 

My children have really enjoyed high school. The coaches, friends, travel experiences, winning and learning to loose are all part of the time spent there. Having to decide where to spend the finite gift of time has been very hard for Addie. We shall see what this weekend holds and make some more choices. I am very thankful for the outstanding track coaching staff and for the great experience it has been for her to run. We will start building strength and endurance in the next girls so they can also be part of a team and learn how strong they really can be. Life is good we learn more with each kid as they make their way toward adulthood. We are blessed. 

Valentine's Day

Alia was absolutely delighted with her first Valentine's party. The Student leaders sold cans of crush for the kids in the school. Each kid received at least 3 cans of soda. They also received lots of candy. She is having a great school year academically. The class dynamics were ideal for the first quarter with 4 adults for 13 kids. Now with less adults (the student teacher left) and more kids it's a little harder. I'm thankful she is academically advanced and able to read and do math well so her learning is able ot progress. It is also motivating to get Merle prepared. He is sounding out words slightly and starting to read independently a bit. 

More pictures of Jake and his accident. He got a bit of a goose egg so we applied foot cream. 

We sure loves this big guy. He always has a support crew no matter what is going on. I'm so pleased with the the big man he has become. 

This day for a few minutes he was on the floor. We try to get some tummy time occasionally but he mostly likes to be held. 

Time is flying Jake is finally giving me some time while he sleeps I am finally feeling a little stronger to want to do things. Life is very full. The Valentine's part of the month was long stretched. We are thankful to have these days in our home. We are thankful to be together. It has been good to watch Jake grow, to learn there is some discomfort in that process. That it's ok for him to cry a bit. That we can take turns trying to meet his needs. He's survived his first crash, his first long time home without mom (Greg & I went to the temple). This month we face a lot of travel. Everywhere we go people want to talk to him and some want to hold him. Babies are very rare nowadays in the general population. Some I let hold him so me we just talk to. Its always interesting to be with a baby and all the reactions and people that come up to me. 

We have been working with Addie to prepare for her run at a State Degree office. One of the people is my old advisor. He and his wife never had children. She loves to visit with Jake. I'm impressed with Addie's ability to manage all she has heaped on her plate. We try to let her rest as needed and have plenty of potato left overs as she is always hungry. She has worked tirelessly on scholarships and is starting to see those efforts return her significant money. We are thankful for that. Life is very full and we are blessed. 
 

Normal Days

This guys continues to fill my days and nights. He has grown into size 6-9 mos clothes at 3.5 months old. He is 16 lbs and 26 inches long. He is happy and charming when held. We sure love having his sweet presence in our home. This picture shows his first war mark. He was dropped on the cement when his holder tripped on his blanket. Both were sad. Jake healed quickly. The holder also recovered confidence and tried again. 

So many hours I get to sit and snuggle sweet kiddos. I could be exercising, or reinventing my self. Possibly finding the new me. But the old me not quite worn out, although dangerously close most days, gets to love and listen to these strong kiddos demand another story, more food, or a MOOOVIE. Oh they are smart and insistent. I'm thankful I am so blessed to have these three bonuses in my life. 

The chickens have been surprising us with eggs. We are thankful they are sharing again. 

Bruce has been trained well by Reed. He is 5' now and so manly. He's also sick currently but healing quickly. The beauty of all that fresh air and exercise he gets everyday. 

Mark also enjoying the fresh air and sunshine around and under the world from where we are. 

 I don't seem to move on or out of what I know. I'm thankful to be able to be home with my kiddos. They are growing and changing a lot right now or maybe I'm just noticing as I sit. I do get some time to exercise everyday. I watch quilting videos and had the kids start some seeds today. Tomatoes are in the future plans as are peas and beets, cucumbers, squash and potatoes, and hopefully lots of flowers. We are very blessed. 

Missionaries

 I love looking through the pictures from my missionaries. They are both busy and having good experiences. The sheer act of showing up everyday and continuing to work is an important proving ground for your mind and life. John is fortunate to go to the temple every transfer. Houston is a unique cathedral like temple. 

A recent convert lives in very humble circumstances and loves to share with the missionaries. This week they shared oranges. John loves oranges. 

This lady referred herself and got all the way to baptism. How exciting for all involved.

The whole group. A mother and son. And another man the sisters had been teaching. 

Enjoying lunch. John said his companion is from Arizona and is missing the heat. John is loving the cool. 

Mark with a child he met this week. This young man drew the picture while the elders talked. I love the big muscles. 

Marks all- American dinner mashed potatoes and chicken gravy with chicken. 

Weekly baptism and friends. 

The senior missionaries made him lemon sunshine cake. A difficult challenge but so yummy and so kind of them to work at. 

Marks companion is from St. George and raises long horns with is family. These two are working hard and enjoying many cattle conversations. 

There is much to the act of doing what the Lord asks. To being willing and to choose to keep working. These guys are having so many great formative experiences. From learning independence to learning to follow the promptings they receive, to obedience to the rules, to knowing and being open to meeting and interacting with everyone they meet. These are important life expanding opportunities. I see the growth in my returned missionaries and I'm impressed with what they understand now. Life is a great gift and God loves us everyone. We are blessed. 

Daily Living

I love the olympics I remember watching when I was a kid like these. I remember heartbreaks when performers fell or didn't do as well as they liked. I do lead them in watching when they are on. Not everyday exactly but several of the days we watch the highlights. 

All that late night practicing paid off for Addie she won the prepared public speaking event. Reed unfortunately was very nervous and did not look at the judges he did not place. 

This guys continues to grow quickly. His chubby cheeks are a welcome sight. 

We took a quick field trip to the neighbors to see her lambs and calves. The lambs were so soft. 

Millie made her first solo pies and her teeth are quickly lining up with her braces. 

The pie was delicious and quickly consumed. 

My favorite hero of the day. Millie the baby holder!! oh how my arms and legs love Millie coming home. I can stretch and take a break while she loves on Jake. 

One Sunday we got out some games the kids enjoyed playing for a while. 

We had cousins come visit. These two are about 6 months apart. Trenton is older. They have a good time visiting. 

Life is good we are thankful for the days that pass and the activities that fills them. 
 

reed driving and growing

Everyday is spent like this for hours. My kids at home snuggled up reading stories, talking, and waiting for Jake to get full. 

My late nights look like this watching kids give speeches and practice for competitions. 

I was mostly taking pictures of Reed's back because he has gotten so strong rolling the miles of wire from the fences we use to contain the cows that graze the cornstalks in the fall. He is continuing to grow into man size that is so interesting to watch. We are thankful Reed is able to do the work needed right now. 

Likewise Reed is driving and we are thankful for his many abilities and willingness to do what has to be done. 

There's a lot of responsibility placed on he and Bruce thankfully they have each other and can manage together. We are blessed with health and strength.