12.8.21 Grateful HEart

One lady from my past always tells me she is so delighted and surprised I have become a mother to such a large family. She's right I never dreamed this would be my life. But here we are with a lot of bodies in our home and we are thankful. Even though the first batch has moved on or is close to it, the next sets are not carbon copies. They may share similar features but let me tell you these younger ones do surprise me periodically.

Last week- for some reasons the days the missionaries calla re particularly chaotic. Bruce started screaming, that I'm really hurt cry kids have.  I wondered what was coming up the stairs. He crested the top stair and explained Lia threw the hot glue gun at me. That was new. Livy had been repairing the nativity shepherd that was broken at the middle. She was proud of her resourcefulness I wasn't too worried until I put the two together. Hot gun left low, curious kids. Upon examining the eye I found nothing initially but after a cold cloth soak for a few minutes the blister appeared on the upper lid, complete with some glue in his lashes. 

Aren't our bodies amazing with reflexes to dodge and protect so many projectiles that would be blinding? 

Later another blister appeared below the eye. He was fine after a few hours. Fine enough to go water with us. I sure enjoy this time watching and listening to my kids. Sometimes we visit, sometimes they play, sometimes I just watch. 

I had to chronicle this ladies hair, its impressive she is adorable these days. We are trying some different hair care practices it's definitely helped the curls show up. 

Like her siblings she loves rocks. I have to tell her to leave the rocks and not put them in her pockets. My washer does not love the rocks. 

The lighting was so beautiful this evening. There hasn't been a hard freeze yet so each night we come in covered in mud. But no ice and not having to defrost the valves on the truck is a benefit. 

We live in a beautiful land. We also are blessed with abundance. Last week Addie hosted a hot chocolate night, at her request I made cinnamon rolls for her to share. 

I had to snap a picture of this next group of boys. Reed is a good big brother. His younger brothers love his time even though he sometimes roughs them up. 

A huge blessing we take for granted is the flow of family here. These kids have a lot of bumping into each other a lot of sharing and a lot of closeness. This being with people creates a teamwork, a unity, and a safety net. We are blessed to be together. It is humbling that these kids choose to come to our home- or however this works we are thankful for each one. Life is good. 
 

12.7.21 Thanksgiving Recap

Thanksgiving was a great day full of activity, fun, and family. We are thankful for all that put so much time into making memories and traditions happen. We started with a turkey trot. Addie placed first, John second, and Reed third. Uncle Justin provided the disc medals. 

Some cousins came as well. It was an invigorating start to the day. Even mark hopped along. He did a full mile on crutches. 

This pick-up wagon came in last complete with vigorous and voluminous singing. These little ones have a great time being together. 

We meandered home, visiting with family. It was delightful to just relax and take time to do what we wanted to not rushed by kids or clocks.  Finally, we got home and loaded up to go to the church for the large family party. It has been good practice to have some activities prepared for the children. Playdoh is always a hit. Thus we made 5 batches the day before and provided utensils, cookie cutters, space, few moms and let the kids play. 

Dad's visiting. 

Some family cooking. 

Some bigger guys working up an appetite. 

Another activity was puzzles. Another child started this, I asked Aunt Gwen for assistance she divulged after saying yes she would help, she doens't like puzzles! I told her I didn't either that's why I asked for help. She was a trooper though along with some very skilled puzzlers these two in particular who helped put the pieces together. 

Finally we eat! The heat was lacking in the church and we were not only hungry but slightly cold. 

Addie did her usual picture taking. 

There was lots of food and lots of eaters. There weren't many left overs this year. 

The kids love aunt Gwen. She always brings books and tries to read some of her special stories each day to those that are around.

Likewise it's a delight to spend time with cousins. Livy and Emilyn are close in age and even closer in personality. Emilyn went and watered with us everyday. She is a worker and dreamer. These two live for when they can be together. 

Aliza and KAradyn are similar true companions. Karadyn is a delight to be around. We hope these two can share some college life experiences next year. 

John and Nathan waiting for food. The young men went last as true gentlemen in training. 

John just looked so big, and Merle looking up to him may someday be just this size. It's awesome how fast they grow. 

Mark loves to visit and learn. We had a token guest, a neighbor who is usualyl alone for thanksgiving as his wife has been gone to California to see grandkids these past few years. He's a friend and teasing neighbor. 

Back at home all the kids that could squeeze into Grandpa's side by side, it holds a lot in the front and more in the back. 

And from our sweet missionary. It was a surprise to talk to both of them on Thanksgiving day. Harold was filled to the brim. People are sure generous and concerned for the missionaries. 

 His zone hosted a friends giving. He said it was enjoyable and filling he was just caught at an awkward moment. 

We sure love our missionaries and all the times we get to see them and hear about their experiences. Life is good and we are thankful for the many many ways we are blessed. 

12.6.21 Football Send-off and Wrap up

This week of Novemeber I had to stop following so many mom groups on facebook. There are some really creative moms with lots of ideas. I just can't keep up with so many different ways to show your child you care. John was heading to the playoff game and while I knew I couldn't go I relized about 30 minutes prior to leave time we could support the noise parade. I hunted for what we had available and made some quick signs on the back of pictures Livy and Millie had painted. We went to the shop and waited. The kids were good sports, and honestly we were about the first ones the bus saw. It was our small contribution to cheering on the team. We can't do big but we can do something. 

John had a great spot to watch from. He did not play but was able to learn a lot!

Our activity day group made Christmas cards for the missionaries from our ward. IT was a fun activity the kids did a great job now to get them in a mail! I'm so thankful for technology as the actual putting a stampe on soemthing and getting it to a delivery box is so hard for me. 

After much stressing, evaluating, and reality checks I decided a card with a note was about all I had to give to my missionaries. We love them, we are so grateful they are in our family but we have never been big party people. Livy and I enjoyed making the cards. 

little ones are so uncomplicated and expect little more than food, attenion and basic needs met. A breath of fresh air compared to all these super duper expensive options from the higher up's. 

We came home from visiting during the Thanksgiving week and found this. My sweet little boys fell asleep waiting for us. 

 And big Little Lia and I went to the dentist she has 5 teeth that need some work. Oh yay! She did great we will hope the actual procedures go so smoothly. 

November has been super busy, cold, and demanding. I have a pile of pictures and want to chronicle them. As always time is limited but how thankful I am to keep surviving and that each day we are still all together. Sleep is a divine gift, as is heat. Life is good.