12.11.14 Awesome Hair

Yes he shaved his head with a razor! There are some things I do not like about having a teenage daughter. The shaving part is one that continues to be a sore spot... ha-ha.

Monday morning Reed looked normal a little later he passed by and I thought that's odd something is dfferent. Yep he had decided to self style his head!

I took him to the bathroom had him look in the mirror at how silly he looked.
He replied "I look Awesome!"

Not the result I was looking for. What's a mom to do? I thought only girls did the hack and whack thing. I keep thinking we've been through it all, but apparantly not.

So our little skunk is growing it out. I'm not about to shave his head. He likes it, although he didn't like that Anna nicknamed him skunk.
 The lady cashier at the bread store said "Oh yes, my son did that too, with a razor. Same spot." I think we made her day.
Just hoping Reed doesn't get any more awesome ideas like this anytime soon. As much trouble as the little girls cause I really can't handle them all being awesomely creative in any one day.
Best to you.

12.10.14 John's Birthday

It is long past but I have to post that John did have a birthday. It is a hard one to catch as we are so tied up with harvest winding down, getting caught up in school, and many other normal activities. We did however make time for the traditional rich chocolate cake that he and I enjoy so much. Love that he loves chocolate as much as I do. Every year I marvel at this kid. He is so funny and relaxed.

John loves to climb high up into any tree he can manage. He scares me how high he goes and how weak the limbs appear. But he is most often found up a tree when the weather is decent. Now that the weather is more inclement he is found reading, or making lego designs, or sword fighting. He has always had a penchant for making things and for swords.

Pretty sure they are supposed to be doing something productive like picking up the room but found sword fighting to be more interesting. The swords were supposed to be unbreakable but from much use we are down to two. The solid handle of the stick horse makes for a good defensive tool as well.  Addie took the pictures and wisely chose to shoot from a distance.

I love that John is relaxed. Some of my kids are pretty chill and he is really good at rolling with life, or just ducking from the whirlwind we live in these days and doing what he prefers. He is serious about the sword play though as I hear him coaching his brothers on proper striking.

Reed is not hurt just being coaxed into joining the ruckus. John taking a breather or making a new game plan.

John is a great middle-ish kid. Not our pivot point but definitely a cool head that isn't as quick to fight as some of those around him in age. He is kind and helpful and works when you work with him and listen to him talk. He likes to talk but waits for undivided attention. He LOVES to read so much so he gets in trouble for it and he likes to play. We're glad for the diversity he provides to our too serious mentality. He has been a delight since his arrival, he's the birth I always reference as hoping it will be as nice as his. And he's the kid I always have to find when someone is missing, either in a tree or lost in a book John is a great kid to have in our family. 

12.9.14 Harold and Anna birthday

I was smuggly thinking in Novemeber I was posting so much I would run out of things to say. Then the holidays hit and it's been non-stop ever since. Pride goeth before the fall ...! 

These two, who like to call themselves almost twins, got a year older. This is from their birthday I'm excited for the day when Harold finally passes Anna in height, I think it is coming soon. She seems to be almost done and he's just starting to broaden out. 

Funny how much these two have changed our lives for the better. I sometimes feel bad for them having to break so much ice as the oldest but am thankful for their happiness, kindness, and friendship. They are best friends. It's been hard for them to be in separate schools but good for them socially to develop other friendships too. It's fun to hear them counsel, consult, and console each other. I love being the fly on the wall listening to them solve life's dilemma's.

Waiting for candles on their birthday cake. Always do two but this year they both wanted German Chocolate. Anna is not a super chocolate fan and usually opts for some kind of white cake. Guess she's growing up.

The biggest highlight of another year is Harold's opportunity to get the Aaronic or prepratory priesthood and attend the temple. I was very sad that he could not go on his birthday as we had taken Anna the year before. Boys have to be sustained- or voted on by the congregation- and then ordained with the priesthood before they can go to the temple.

It means a lot to me that my son was ordained by these great men. He looks up to and has a special relationship with each. It takes more than just parents to raise children and we are enormously blessed to live in the midst of grandparents, uncles and aunts, and many more extended family members that bless our lives.

(A note on Harold's suit. We were invited to attend the Catholic Church rummage sale and Soup Super the Saturday prior to this ordination. I had been looking on the internet for a suit for Harold but was reeling from the $100 price tags and wondering just what size Harold might be. His first birthday activity was to go on a winter camp out with his scout troop- in the snow and rain- he was in charge of breakfast, he made breakfast burritos! However, this meant I did not have his body to take shopping. At the rummage sale this suit was hanging up amongst the other clothing items for sale. I had Anna and Aliza try it on it looked pretty good. I was so excited and felt very blessed. Best part it was only $4.00. The tie came with it, I was not loving the tie but Harold apparently likes it. Many different blessings come to us as we try to do what we can. )

We waited 5 days and went on Wednesday morning before Thanksgiving.

It has been so humbling and exciting to take our children to the temple. First because they want to do that, second because they can, and third because it is such a special place. I am thankful they have the opportunity to go so often. Anna has been more in her first year of the youth program than Greg or I went in our entire mutual experience. WOW! It makes a difference. I'm thankful they continue to choose to be worthy to go!!

It was a super busy day at the temple as all the schools in the valley were out for the holiday. The kids were coming in packs. Again so cool that so many youth would choose to get up early and head to the temple. Love the precedent and that my children could witness so many youth they don't know but that are doing the same things they are.

And finally the following Sunday Harold was able to pass the sacrament with his Uncle Jay blessing and his dad also passing. It was pretty cool to watch for a moment. The little girls were wild and crazy so I didn't sit and cry, mostly just growled at them to come back and sit down or be quiet. I did get to watch more this week and was awed that my son is that old. He also got to take his first turn walking the microphone around for sacrament meeting. He did well. He was thankful only two people stood to have it brought to them. Life goes fast. It seems not that long ago these two were my trouble makers at home but now they are funny, BUSY, and interesting teenagers. Life is good!

11.20.14 Anna's First Basketball Game

 As Saunders we are very competitive. Surprised? No really we are. We are also very busy with work and living a deliberate life. However, as the kids are getting older I am realizing they need some additional experiences to help round out their personalities and give them more confidence. So now that Anna is in Middle School and practices were easily slotted after school and the season is only 2 months with 8 games this seemed like a pretty ideal situation. She was excited! I was totally hoping for tennis or some running thing, but will admit with the baby coming this is much better timing and fall sports are out as we are so busy with fall work.
Addie was the camera lady she does very well especially considering she is under 8 years old.

So we got her physical done, totally healthy there. And got the necessary clothes and shoes and she has been having a blast! I love how happy she comes home. I'm really impressed after her first game at how well she did considering this was her first time on the court in a competitive match up ever! She made three baskets (I really think I made three baskets in the entire 3month season of any of my basketball experiences) some assists, really good screens, and caused some turn overs.

Harold was way disappointed that none of the girls tried or even thought about 3 point shooting. He of course wants biggest bang least effort. I told him boys and girls play very differently they take the closer shots to be guaranteed of the points.
My one anxious moment was after she had been subbed out and gotten instruction from the coach she was ready to go back in. The coach told her to check in and Anna was ready to just run back into the game. Thank goodness her coach caught her and instructed her to wait for a break and the ref to let her back in. Small nuances that she'll get with experience. I'm very thankful the stated objective of the program is to help the girls learn and experience playing basketball. Some are obviously more experienced but all made some mistakes and are LEARNING! Good times and memories to look back on later. 

She really liked these blue shoes, there were other options but this was her desire. Love that basketball shorts have gotten so much longer since I played long ago.

All in all it was a fun adventure and so good to see her be successful. She made the A team- a bit of a surprise because again we have not done the years of rec league basketball. She started in this game and played roughly 3/4 of the time. It is good to watch them grow and learn, and hard to give them up to live their lives and develop their various talents. I'm thankful for a good coach and good friends. She has a knack for picking good friends.

Some of the kids were not impressed with just watching so yippee they get to be the babysitters next time. Phew. I had left the two little girls with a friend- my wise sister suggested we would all enjoy the experience more- and it was much easier to just watch the game. So onward and upward another chapter opened in our family life.

She doesn't realize her strength yet. When she does, watch out. She is farm tough and smart, a great combination.

11.19.14 Awards

My grandmother says one of her fondest dreams from childhood was to be locked in the library so she could read and read! I'm happy to report that it must be a genetic component in our family because my kids all got reading awards from their school awards assembly.

Harold hit the 1000 point accelerated reader award plaque. Aliza is in a category of her own now holding the new school record for 3500 points. She reads about 13-15 books per week.

  They also got some awards for math- we are working on encouraging that component of education as well. While I have to threaten to lock the books up in the safe and I have to constantly monitor some of the sneaky ones who love dragon books- ugh! I am thankful they are proficient, curious, and accomplished readers. Because life ratcheted up another three notches this school year I only read out loud about 1x a week. But we still manage scriptures and the little kids get some story time everyday.

In between eating popsicles and making messes. These were the last of the summer popsicles and sometimes mom is busy and well you just let things go. They were content, safe, and not crying or fighting... it's a win-win for some needed time.

I am loving hearing Addie get reading and school! I am impressed how much more confident she is becoming. Each of these progressions really makes an impact in who they are.
 

Anna is in Middle School and that was a whole new experience going to the mass of maturity/immaturity of a 2 grade middle school. Oh the learning and growth. She has been stretched quite a bit this year but I'm happy to report is doing well. I love how kind she is and I love that she is making good choices to work hard and learning how to learn. As she learns these lessons she will be successful in her life.
Sorry the picture is bad we were both a little unsure of how picture happy mom should be.  I think that is the biggest adjustment to middle school for me how involved do I get, or do I encourage and help her learn to ask the questions, question the marks and comments and take control of her educational future. I love the 45 minutes we have in the morning to do homework, piano, chores, talk etc. She is a great oldest kid. We are blessed.

11.18.14 Normal Activity

I have been learning a lesson lately. Last week Greg and I were contemplating/discussing chronic pain and what it meant to be worn out. Or burned out. What does that mean? Why does that happen? Is it mental, physical etc? I mean we are both pretty healthy. We have been able to do what we command our bodies to do and have not had much experience with not being able to go when we say go. Unfortunately I am learning that chronic pain is tiring, frustrating, and not something you just will away. My most optimistic thought right now is I get to be done being pregnant.  Real chronic pain people don't have an end they just have to adjust to a new normal. UGH!

I remembered this picture from about a month ago. It's so interesting how we take things for granted. I remember when I looked through these pictures how funny it was that all the pictures were of me walking with long strides. We were hurrying because it was our one day to go to beet harvest for lunch. We were in charge of picking up lunch and the crew doesn't like to wait. We were making a stop at a the local pumpkin-pa-looza to look around and see the sights. It was full and interesting but I'm not one for lesiurley chasing 9 kids around a crowded artsy craft fair. We got the gist and needed to move on. Not to mention Millie got heavy. It is so hard to keep shoes on a barefoot country kid. And the fact of being the 4th or 6th wearer of shoes means she really needed some new shoes...

We were blessed to have grandpa with us. He was going to drive a car back from this town to the one where Greg works. He is so patient and fun. We love kidnapping him for a while.

Livy had painted herself and Millie with white out the night before. That stuff does not come off. We scrubbed, rubbed, picked and peeled it was on for a few days.

Mark of course loved all the farm stuff.

Livy was happy with her helper. She loves her grandparents and is just getting very friendly and confident with them.

At lunch we had to wait for a while, we were early!! The kids found this five legged preying mantiss. It was doing so well in it's adjusted condition. Looking back I remember feeling sorry for it and amazed at how well it did not whole. I'm feeling a lot like that bug lately.

Waiting for rides and visiting. Our family crew is getting bigger by the year. It's fun to see traditions passed on and continued. More babies, more cousins, more learning, and more fun. It was a beautiful day full of dirt, truck rides, tractor rides and driving and just soaking up the warm fall sun. We need those memories on these single digit cold winter days.

**As I got out of bed for the second time on Monday, I am always so tired from a long busy weekend, I was barely able to stumble around. I knew I was in trouble facing a long day alone with the three little ones to care for, and a very wet Millie needing immediate attention. I begged for heavenly help and am happy to report for the last 3 hours at least have been able to walk moderately well and to do the things I need to. Experimenting on the Word and Grace of God is always humbling and Amazing. Hopefully I will be able to continue to do what I need to do. 

11.17.14 Snow Day

Our prayers have begun to be answered in a big way. Last week we got about 7 inches of snow.

School was cancelled as we had a weird 3 day week starting on Weds. So the kids actually only went 2 days. It was so nice to have them home. And it was so pretty to watch it snow and snow. Greg spent a fair amount of time on Thursday shoveling snow off his front driveway. I know he was missing his crew. We were thankful when we found out school was cancelled on Friday. He took the bundled up boys to town and they WORKED!

 Mark shoveling the ramp. It's important to move snow soon after it falls and not wait. The temperature dropped into the negative numbers this night and there would have been no way to move all this snow the next day.

As I mentioned before I am a wimpy mom and was worried they would get cold, hungry, tired, etc. But they did a great job and survived amazingly well. Thank goodness for their dad to toughen them up and make them men!

John demonstrating the boot method of removing snow. Saves your arms from hundreds of pounds of tossing snow. Just push to edge and boot the snow out!

They have about worn out their Pushnboot snow pushers (click link to get your own). They have done many miles of shoveling. They are quite a team. I really loved watching them finish the church sidewalks. Watching and hearing them work together. Seeing their different styles of work.

My favorite picture. They were almost done and working to get the last few spots.

Some are all done, although slower, the first time. Others do bare minimum and have to go back again and again, and some are fire balls and resters.

Harold hiding. He is strong and gets to do the really big areas. He's a great big brother.

So neat to see how they compliment and accept each other and rely on the skills of the other. Happy winter! Oh and while they were out working the younger kids were enjoying fun inside.

 They are on boats finding treasure chests and avoiding sharks. The  older girls and I were trying to clean and well we always find treasures too good to get rid of. It's so good to be a family. Love all these kiddos and so glad they have each other cuz' I sure wouldn't have been in a box this weekend playing treasure cruise. Best to you all.

11.15.14 An Essential Oil Warning

Can you spot the red circles under her eyes? She got into a bottle of wholesome courage, some of you will know it as theives. It is a hot oil. Most essential oils are. She had rubbed it all over her face, mounth, hands, and neck. She was waiting in her high chair while I took a shower to go to town. Her curiousity and ability to grab things was not a good combination.

When I went in to get her out she was crying and rubbing around her eyes- not good. I washed her hands with dawn soap and then began diluting the oil with vegetable oil. After 2 applications she looked fairly good. Eyes are hard to clean! Lesson if you have essential oils keep them up higher than possibly kid reached and remember dilute oil with oil. Some experiences are just not fun.

11.14.14 Food

As you might guess food is a big deal at our house. We are eaters and we store and make a lot of what we consume. The girls were semi-waiting for dinner to be ready when they discovered this pie. They decided to taste test. That leads to faces like this from dad.

Actually that face was in response to Reed's toast

OR should I call it jam stacked on bread. Yes we do go through a lot of jam. I was just glad he used bread and not a spoon this time.

We were trying to poison John. Actually no we made white chocolate chip with craisin cookies. He was expecting the usual chocolate chip and is complaining that we ruined his cookies.

A bit of over-reacting I thought.  He survived, as did the cookies.

We were baking to take a small treat to the many veterans we know to say thanks on veterans day. It's been  a favorite tradition. The men and women are so surprised and always say "This is the first time we've gotten a card or thank you on veterans day."
While I don't agree with all or most of the political stuff happening in our country of late, and we could debate war on and on. I do admire people who enlist and serve despite bumbling arrogant politicians. They have often faced enemy fire, long periods of time away from home, injury, loss of dear friends, and a lifetime of memories. It is a great sacrifice.

And one last picture. The boys were able to watch/help grandpa do a tuneup on the trusty water truck last weekend. They had a good time learning from grandpa and being away from home chores.

11.11.14 Laundry Weather

Oh how I love my clothesline. We inevitably do LOTS and LOTS of laundry. So days that are sunny but mostly windy are laundry weather. We run the washer non-stop, I love the new 28 minute cycle.

On Saturday we were able to wash all the quilts in preparation for winter and some of the laundry. My heart and head hurt just thinking of all the loads we will be forced to dry this winter. Even with our inside clothes line it just can't keep up with all the bodies that live here. So it's always a nice nod from God when the wind isn't too blustery and the sun makes an appearance and we run our poor washer till our baskets are empty and our clothes are clean.

Thank goodness for two of those days this long weekend. Unfortunately those trips to and from the clothesline are my only trips outside. But up and down stairs lugging my baskets, up and down to put the clothes on I think is a fairly decent workout. Good thing Anna made so many cookies this weekend. Gotta keep things even. Oh winter how we pray for you but how I don't like your reality! I guess we should just sew the kids into their clothes and burn them in spring... colonial or Alaska style. Phew what a stench that must have been. Best to you.

11.10.14 Sunday

Between the years of possibly 10-14 I spent many a Sunday at the kitchen sink. I was doing dishes, for hours, with my dad. It took hours because he would gleefully inspect each dish and return them time and again to be perfectly clean... Oh how I hated Sunday. I'm not sure if he hated it or enjoyed the fun of antagonizing me. However, this not so fun experience was the result of my poor attitude or behavior choices.

We have LOTS of dishes here and if not sufficient to learn the lesson Greg always thinks of something else to whip up.

Fast Forward 20 years or so and I had three daughters in need of some correction yesterday.

On their knees with their hands. It just makes it a little more meaningful and hopefully more clean. That green grout is like a canal system. Looked good for a few hours thanks to their efforts.

We had stake conference yesterday which was really nice.  We were even able to attend in our ward building. I would like to vote for doing that again, especially with the dim lights. Most of the kids 4 and under went to sleep for the last hour. And probably some mom's and dad's too.
But it was really nice and less stressful than wrestling on metal chairs far back in the gym in Nyssa. When the kids realized we were going to our building and not the one in Nyssa there was some grumbling. Then as the meeting progressed there was some jostling that was not necessary by the big kids. So I got a clean floor and the dishes done all day by the culprits. It is so nice to have them home!

Mopping is my least favorite chore right now. It really hurts to be in that position so I avoid it and it makes a nice punishment... we have a lot of tile and a lot of feet that track stuff in and around. I told them with a smile in my voice that probably someday they would have their daughters do the same thing.

On a happier note. Addie is really moving along in her reading! I knew she would when she got it worked out in her mind and gained her bravado back. School is a big step. She finished her first reader and is sailing through the next one on top of all the other books she and I read for AR points.

 

And not to miss a reason to eat cake we celebrated grandma's birthday. We are very blessed to live by grandma. We get to learn from, work with, and share food stuffs with her. She is amazingly positive and cheery, very talented, wise, and empowering. The kids love her and I am grateful to be in her family. She makes it possible to live this close together. She never says anything about my not tidy house or yard and is always willing to sell or loan me sour cream, cake mixes, weird vinegar mixes, zippers,  or whatever I might need. She's saved many a meal and random project here. And she does things like teach the kids how to garden and cross stitch! We are thankful to be her closest neighbors. 

And how to lick the frosting off candles! Just one of the kids favorite experiences with Grandma.

 

11.6.14 Saturday Fun

Because of our strep  diagnosis we had to cancel our Saturday plan to drive to Twin Falls to attend the temple with Aunt Sheryl. We were sad to be left home, but as we ate a leisurely family breakfast- which doesn't happen often with all the early morning commitments- the kids begged Greg to stay home. They made a list of 20 things they could do with him. Grind corn, build fence, fix the chicken pen, put up some insulation... things that needed to be done that appealed to his manly muscle side of life. It was also a rainy dreary day. Constantly drizzling even outright raining from a gray overcast sky. (Just to set the stage).

Greg consented and so I got my drain re-dug and my banister repaired. The kids got out of a day of housework, which let's face it YUCK! Instead the boys and girls on-and-off helped dad. Our front steps are wooden and steep and SLICK in the winter. This summer the support posts for the banisters had rotted off and thus we have been carefully making our way up and down the stairs. However, with the winter fast approaching the ice and freezing rain, we hope to get, make them treacherous hazards to navigate. Those helpful banisters have saved many a backside, front side, and person from a wild ride to the top or bottom of the stairs or a quick trip off of them to the ground below.

I think she is packing the hole or maybe measuring distance. If I recall they said it was 32 inches deep. Even with the 1/5 inches of rain we got that day the ground below was still dry. We need a lot more rainy days to stop this drought.

The boys chipped out the old cement. Excavated the holes complete with pick and shovel- we have really hard ground here. Helped carry up new/old posts, drilled new holes and then set the new posts. My husband only does jobs completely, all the way. He doesn't fudge at all. This means it takes longer and he uses the most heavy duty stuff he can find.

Our new stairway closely resembles a cattle loading shoot. I'm pretty sure steers or hogs could go through it and it wouldn't budge. I do love his commitment to doing things the best he can. In fact, he reminded me so much of my grandfather that has passed away. Working all day in the rain, claiming not to be cold, staying till the job was done and motivating the kids to dig some more, make sure it was level, to do their best too. It was a big day of learning.

I of course did not help outside but rather  cooked and cooked inside. Trying to make warm, energy invoking food stuffs to keep the boys going and warm. Dad's are so important to toughening up kiddos. I worry about colds and discomfort- mostly mine- and call it quits much sooner than their tough dad. And it was good for their dad to observe their more mature personalities. I remind him periodically they are growing up and changing. It is interesting to see what quirks they have and how much stronger and capable they are becoming.

The kids changed wet coats at least 2x that day, Greg of course was too busy to notice any wetness. It was a bundle of extra laundry but great skills to learn.

We did have one ace in the hole we had rescheduled our trick-or-treating for Saturday night so the kids were a little more driven to get the job done in a timely manner. All in all it was another day for the memory books and now we are ready for all the snow and rain we have fasted and prayed for these last two years. Let it SNOW...!