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!