The Fobert Family

Family Home Evening

2012-02-08T14:55:00.000-08:00

Our church encourages us to have "Family Home Evening" every Monday night. A college roommate of mine once told me that she attributed her family's success and gospel commitment in adulthood to FHE. Hearing that made me commit to FHE even before we had kids. For a long time it was a battle to get the kids to cooperate. We struggled with consistency. Now though, they all look forward to it and don't let us forget. One time recently the kids insisted we hold FHE on a Friday night after skipping it on a Monday holiday. It feels good to have FHE be a regular part of our week. I think our family is stronger because of it.

Seth "reading" the scripture.

Sariah bearing her testimony.

A game about how our choices are connected to the way we feel.

Seth conducting the music with a wooden spoon.

Eli had a melt down this night. He chose not to have dessert by not eating dinner. A perfect example for our lesson on agency! Consequences for our actions! Most FHE nights at least one person looks like this, but we plug along and cling to the promises of prophets that our family will be fortified through our efforts and obedience.

Jelly Belly

2012-02-08T11:37:00.000-08:00

Liam's been dying to go to the Jelly Belly factory for quite some time. Apparently he told his Joy School friends about it because the mommy of one of his friends organized the trip after her son begged to go having never been there before. We finally made the trek last week with some friends.

The tour wore him out!

Seth and his buddy Emma

Liam and a few of his homies.

Pinewood Derby

2012-02-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

Eli had his first Pinewood Derby for Cub Scouts. Ben helped him make his car. I annoyed Ben with my frequent suggestions on how he should help Eli. I couldn't help it, I was worried. I didn't care if Eli won, but I didn't want him to come in last. I've heard horror stories from other moms. In the end, it was a really fun experience. They boys each got to race numerous times and we got to hang out with some of our favorite friends from church. A fun day was had by all.

The car was quite underweight so we (ahem, Ben) helped Eli add fishing weights to the top. It looked really cool.

Watching the races.

Future scout.

Eli's turn to pull the lever.

The whole pack.

Eli won the award for best design.

And he placed 4th overall! Not bad for a first run!

Meilani's 11!

2012-02-08T10:48:00.000-08:00

Meilani turned 11! I'm really excited for her. She's growing and maturing and enjoying some of the privileges that come with getting older. She's looking forward to entering the Young Women's program at church next year (I can't wait too!), and is quite the spectacular young lady. She's mature beyond her years! Her teacher at school comments regularly about what a hard worker she is. And it's true. She's also very sensitive to the feelings of those around her. As her mother, it's an amazing experience to watch Meilani's talents unfold in her life. I remember when I was her age, and in hindsight, I feel like I was already me at that age. It's a weird thought that in a sense, my parenting is already done. She is already who she's going to be. It makes me realize how important the young years of childhood are. Luckily for us, Meilani has an obedient spirit and is such a blessing in our family. She sets a great example for her siblings to look to. I can't wait to see what life has in store for my girl!

Signs and streamers welcoming our birthday girl downstairs.

She woke up early and asked me to curl her hair. That made my day! She took cookies and juice to school to celebrate with her class.

She ordered beef stew for dinner on her actual birthday. We each shared what we love about Meilani. I should have written down what the kids said, because I can't remember it now, but I had tears in my eyes, so thankful that my kids genuinely love one another.

The whole fam came out for Sunday dinner.

The January birthday girls.

I love this picture of my mom! She's so beautiful!

Meg and Jared. Jared kept closing his eyes when I tried to take the picture. This was the final attempt. Meg opened her eyes extra big to help him out!

Mutti, Auntie, and the birthday girl.

She's almost as tall as me. Oh dear.

Papaw and Ammon, the chunk.

Ben, Seth, and Eli

Meilani asked for basketball clothes from everyone.

Me and Sariah.

Some intense wishing! I'm sure she was wishing for her toe to heal quickly. She broke it just before her first basketball game and was quite distraught to miss the game and a bit of practice.

Grandmom and her candle blowing helper.

Me lovin' on my sweet baby. He is perfect!

Meilani had a movie party with 17 of her closest friends. She's quite the social butterfly. She didn't want to leave anyone out. I can't imagine where she gets that?

Titi and Gramy made these "popcorn" cupcakes out of marshmallows.

Staying with the popcorn theme, Meilani did her science fair project recently on whether the storage of temperature of popcorn affects it's popping. It does.

Artwork

2012-01-17T13:54:00.000-08:00

I love that my kids love creating. While it means that traces of crayons, paper, and paint are often found around the house, I'll deal, because these kiddie pictures melt my heart.

While waiting to leave for church Sariah drew this picture of Jesus. Cute!

It says "Tree of Live." I think Meilani meant Tree of Life.

Eli's rendition of our house. Pretty right on!

Liam painted a bear.

2 months

2012-01-16T14:18:00.000-08:00

My sweet baby is two months old already! He is a snugglie, grunty, bundle of chub. He's such a chill baby! I'm so lucky! He's happy and smiley and has started to coo and laugh in the last couple weeks. He loves his swing and his mommy and is quite the chow hound. He weighed 14 lbs 13 oz at his two month check up. I'm in love with this boy.

Favorite sleep spot.

Look at those rolls!

"I Wanna Hold Him Ammon"

2012-01-16T13:47:00.000-08:00

Seth loves to hold Ammon. Most of the time he doesn't bite him. He says at least a hundred times a day "I wanna hold him Ammon." It's so cute. When I put Ammon in Seth's lap, he usually whimpers (Seth's not the most gentle baby holder) and looks at me like "Mom, you're throwing me to the wolves!"

My five fellas

Playin' Dress Up

2012-01-16T13:37:00.000-08:00

I love that my kids are so creative. While they do have the propensity to veg out on TV and video games all day, given the option, they do have quite vivid imaginations and play well together.

Eli looks like a hat rack.

Seth is quite attached to this Minnie Mouse skirt. He wears it more than I care to admit.

A little Michael Jackson-esque. Check out the cell phone tucked in her pants.

Liam sportin' the mermaid look with a sequin santa hat on his feet.

Drive In

2012-01-16T13:24:00.000-08:00

The kids had an extended Christmas Break so we spent our last night of freedom at the drive in theater. We put on jammies, packed a picnic dinner and watched "Alvin & the Chipmunks, Chipwrecked." Not my first choice of movie, but the kids had a blast and I enjoyed cuddling Ammon while playing with my new iphone, with which I took this picture!

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T17:19:00.000-08:00

For New Year's Danae came to visit.

We rode bart into the city to go visit Mimmie and Tompa. We also had a shopping day, went to the movies, and hung out like old times.

The kids love playing at Mimmie and Tompa's house and at the park across the street. Ben loves playing their white baby grand piano. I love snooping around the house next door that's been practically abandoned for decades. The place seriously looks like a movie set from the 60's!

A little cuteness, no real reason!

He's getting to be quite the chunk.

We also fulfilled our New Year's tradition of making cabbage rolls. This year Auntie and Grandmom came to our house for the rolling.

And I fell asleep! I did wake up to help. I shouldn't have had that cat nap though, because in the meantime, Auntie and Meilani rolled two big pots without realizing that they left out several key ingredients in the meat. We had to disassemble all the rolls, re-mix the meat and start again. The cabbage rolls were quite worth the extra effort. Next year, no napping, I must supervise!

While Danae was here she explained to me mathematically (she's a smarty pants Math professor) why time seems to go by so much faster as we age. When we're young, one year is a big amount of time in relation to how long we've lived. For example, when you're four, one year is a fourth of your life. As we age however, each year become less and less of a percentage of the amount of time we've been alive, thus resulting in time feeling as if it's going by more quickly. So 2011 is 1/32nd of my life. Get it? Makes sense right? Cheers to 2012. I know it's going to pass even quicker than this year. Here's to more joy, love, and experience. I'm going to drink it all in!

Merry Christmas

2012-01-02T16:46:00.000-08:00

Ben and I didn't even begin our Christmas shopping until December 22nd. Pro: We were able to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, the celebration of our Savior, throughout the month. Con: The two days before Christmas were CRAZY with heaps of stress and worry and very little sleep. I didn't purposely put off the gift getting, it just seems that with 6 kids, a nursing newborn, Ben still working, and a little more than our fair share of the sickies, finding time was impossible. In the end, it all got done and we enjoyed a wonderful holiday with friends and family.

Sariah showing off her rockstar hair on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve we hung out at home while I almost finished sewing some art kits for the kids. They took much longer than I expected and we were a tad late to Grandmom's for our annual Lafferty family party. I told Ben that these kids better treasure these art kits (of which I didn't even get a picture!) for a lifetime after all the time and effort I spent!

Watching a personal video from Santa.

Gifts from Papaw

Santa made it out of here around 2:00 am I believe. At 3:00 when I got up to feed the baby I heard little voices in the hall. Eli, Sariah, and Liam were headed downstairs to open gifts. They were sent back to bed until 6:00 am.

Waiting for the "go ahead." Ammon was still sleeping.

From Santa

It's the end of an era when your child wants clothes instead of toys from Santa.

After a leisurely morning, we got dressed and went to church. It was really a treat that Christmas fell on a Sunday this year. Ben conducted the choir, and Meilani and I sang in it. At one point Ben was rocking Ammon in his carseat with his foot while he conducted one of the songs. Pretty funny. It was great to be at church worshiping with our ward family as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. I loved that the true meaning of the day didn't get lost under the mounds of wrapping paper.

Ben, trying out Sariah's pogo stick.

Both sides of the family came over for dinner after church.

Mutti and Abba gave the kids a beach towel with certificates for swim lessons this summer. My kind of gift!

Grammy gave everyone hats and gloves and some snow sleds to take on an upcoming snow trip. I can't wait. I need a vacation!

December

2012-01-02T15:59:00.000-08:00

They say "time flies when you're having fun." My life must be a blast because I feel like I've been living in fast forward mode ever since Ammon was born. I can't quite figure out how it happend, but Christmas came around again. Didn't we just do Christmas yesterday? December, nonetheless, was fun filled and jam packed with events and festivities. Even with a full calendar, I still feel like we didn't quite get to all the little things I always want to do. Crafts, songs, service, new traditions. I guess that's why we get to celebrate every year. Maybe tomorrow's Christmas will see some of those extra things actually checked off my list. Here's a rundown of our month:

Setting up the nativity set. Baby Jesus took a tumble this year thanks to Sethie. We'll have to superglue his head back on next year.

Trimming the tree

Lights up at the Temple (note to self for future reference, the lights don't go on at 6:00 pm like the brochure says. The hour and forty minute musical program starts at six with the lighting after. That little fact made for a LONG night with the kiddos.)

Ammon hit his one month mark!

I decided that I've officially outgrown Sears Portrait Studio. I took these at home after much frustration with the teenage "photographer" at the store. I know I'm no professional, but it was all I could do not to snatch the camera out of the girl's hands!

The little boys and I neglected house work and showers one day in favor of a candy making.

Seth was on dish detail.

Ammon grew in size and cuteness.

Liam played the inn keeper and a wise man at his Joy School Nativity play.

He was really shy during the play clinging to my leg, but warmed up in time to hand out cards.

Here he is saying his line during the Joy School Christmas party.

Meilani had a band concert.

Sariah got awards for citizenship and reading.

Sariah and her homies.

Eli got an award for good citizenship too.

Meilani got awards for citizenship and superintendent's honor roll.

Sariah had her music concert.

Rockin' "I'm a Little Tea Pot."

We hosted out annual White Elephant Christmas Party. It was a blast!!!!!

Unbeknownst to our co-host friend Aaron, I stole a picture of him off his wife's facebook page and blew it up poster size as one of our gifts for the game. Boy was he surprised! Jake and Emma were the winners at the end of the night, or maybe the loosers!

Ben's cousin Nikki, her husband Joe and their kids came to visit. We had a fun day exploring San Francisco and enjoyed catching up with them.

In front of the tree on Union Square.

Checking out the largest gingerbread house in the Saint Francis Hotel.

The kids were in heaven with cousins to play with! I was in heaven with extra helpers!

We sure wish these guys lived next door!

Ammon loves his baths!

I went with the youth of our ward to the Oakland Temple for a Super Activity. I left amazed at the strength and testimony these kids have! I'm so lucky to get to work with them.

Our sweet bishopric.

Me and my amazing counselors. I love these ladies.

The kids had a gingerbread making day with Grammy and Titi.

Ammon's Blessing

2011-12-26T12:09:00.000-08:00

Our sweet Ammon was given a name and a blessing at church on December 4th. As usual, it was a hectic Sunday morning getting ready for church. I only had time to snap a few pictures. My family is less than cooperative when it comes to honoring my request for posed pictures.

Ben performed the blessing ordinance. It was beautiful and powerful. Hearing each of my children's baby blessing is a sacred experience for me. It's one of those moments in life when time almost stops, and where the veil that separates us from heaven seems just a little bit thinner allowing me to more fully grasp the eternal connection I have to my Heavenly Father and Savior. Ammon was told in his blessing that he has been sent to earth at a time when the ways of the world are changing and that he would have the strength to withstand the fiery darts of the adversary. He was blessed to be a strength to his family and friends, being an example of all that is righteous. He was blessed to go forward being different and standing out, saying "no" to what the world says "yes" to. He was blessed to enter the temple. He was told "You will be one of the Lord's missionaries" bringing many to Heavenly Father. That was particularly touching to me since when we found out that we were pregnant with a boy, Ben's first reply was "The Lord needs more missionaries." Ammon was blessed to find a companion whom he can be sealed to, and to raise a righteous posterity. He was blessed with health and the ability to overcome physical trials, understanding his nature as a son of God, to inherit all God has. He was blessed to come closer to Heavenly Father and to help others to do so also. After the blessing our Bishop commented on how special it was, saying "There's no doubt that kid's going on a mission!" I'm thankful for the opportunity we have in our church to receive priesthood blessings that provide guidance, promises, and blessings according to our faithfulness. While Ammon won't remember this special experience, baby blessings offer us as parents a reminder of our sacred responsibility to rear them in righteousness. We are so thankful for this sweet boy. I know he was meant to be part of our family and I'm honored with the trust our Heavenly Father has placed in me as his mother.

Getting ready for church. I had morning meetings so Ammon and I had to be ready early. Hence why the rest of the family didn't join us in the shot. They were still in jammies.

Dressed in blessing white.

I love baby yawns!

I could stare into this kid's eyes forever! I sense a maturity in his spirit when he looks into my eyes with such intensity.

This is how my picture attempts usually go. Trying to get a good shot of the baby while Seth is continually climbing on him is next to impossible.

Grammy, Mutti, Abba, Titi, and Uncle Jared all came to share in Ammon's special day.

New Family Pictures

2011-12-03T15:35:00.000-08:00

On Thanksgiving I snapped some new family pics in my in-laws backyard. I think it was the most painless family photo shoot ever! The kids wore what I told them to, no one cried, we snapped a bunch of family shots and were done in 15 minutes! I ordered a little collage thing from Walgreen's and the photo studio called verify that the images weren't copyrighted, because they looked professional! I about broke out in laughter but was so flattered at the compliment! When I went to pick up the picture, the lady gave me the third degree about the images. I said "I took them myself." She then said, "But you're in the pictures." Well that was true. My father-in-law snapped the one with me in it, but I really did the rest all by myself. I feel pretty proud of my photography improvement even if it is just a fluke!

Christmas Card 2011

2011-12-03T14:43:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Dear Friends!

Oh how I love this technological world we live in that allows us to keep in touch with those who are separated from us by time or distance. While getting Christmas cards in the mail is one of the absolute highlights of the Christmas season for me, I can't bring myself to spend the money or time it would take for me to send a personal card to each person I'd like to. So, I'm sticking with the online card again this year and hope that Emily Post's people understand that times, they are a changin'. I think that by using email, blogs, and facebook to spread our Christmas cheer we actually reach more of our loved ones than I would with snail mail. I love that "It's a small world after all," and am reminded especially now at Christmas how we're all really brothers and sisters of a loving Heavenly Father. A Father who sent His Son to atone for our sins so that our family bonds can stretch through eternity. I'm thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. His gospel brings our family peace, joy, and purpose in this life. Our family wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

To learn more about our beliefs, visit www.mormon.org

or view our personal profiles at: http://mormon.org/me/282D/ http://mormon.org/me/4FC1/

Lost Boy

2011-11-28T02:16:00.000-08:00

In the last month, I've lost Seth not once, but twice. The first time was at a soccer game. He and Eli were playing at the playground 20 feet away, and I was watching them, really, I was. But the next thing I knew, Eli came over saying "you have Seth right, Mom?" "Uh, NO!" I went running around like a crazy woman, waddle running (still being great with child) across the soccer fields searching for my lost boy, only to find him on the complete opposite side of the soccer field in the arms of a strange man. The couple who found him could harldly keep from scolding me. And rightly so, probably, even though Seth wasn't even crying and didn't even reach for me when we were reunited. I left in tears, an emotional wreck, wondering what I was thinking, about to bring another child into the world. Another child for me to lose. Granted, pregnancy hormones and physical exhaustion contributed, I'm sure, to my little cry fit, but I felt for the first time, like a real unfit mother. Ben reassured me when I got home. I appoligised to Eli for getting upset with him when it was purely my fault, not his, and went to take a hot shower. I committed to be a better mother, a better supervisor of my children.

Then, it happened again! Now let me just say, that before these two little episodes, I have NEVER really lost a child before. Not for real anyway. Back to the story: Last week we were at the mall with our friends who were in town visiting. After a lovely dinner at Fresh Choice, we took our 9 kids to the mall to visit Santa. We took a leisurely stroll through the upper floor of the mall, hopped on the elevator, got in line to see the big ol' guy, contemplated purchasing photos while several of the kids had a turn on Santa's lap when all of a sudden, I realized I'd lost Seth again. I shouted to Ben on the other side of the Santa display. Nope, he didn't have him either. Us four adults, and Meilani and Eli, started scrambling, looking around for our little wanderer. He's no where in sight. I called for security, Ben and our friend David searched the mall. Eventually we found the little punk in the Security office. Apparently he didn't quite make it on the elevator with us when we went downstairs. A little old lady had turned him in. Oh the humiliation. Fortunately, this time, I didn't feel the sense of panic I did at the soccer field. Even Ben stayed pretty calm which is a darn near "Christmas Miracle." I think we both felt a strange reassuring peace knowing we'd find him. The picture above is taken at the apple store after finding said lost boy. He got a little sticker from the security officer who said that they frequently have to find lost children, but not usually lost parents. I felt so dumb. This time though, I realized that it's not me, it's Seth! My little social butterfly needs a locking harness or a leash (yes the kind I swore I'd never use). I really wish he were afraid of strangers.

On Thanksgiving at my in-laws, Sethie brought me a "book-uh" to read. It was about boy who got lost at the mall. True story! So if they write children's books about kids getting lost, then it must surely be an epidemic. I'm obviously not the only one with this problem, right? I'm trying to make myself feel better here. Maybe I don't have too many kids after all? Maybe.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T01:25:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving Break! Ben and the kids were off for the whole week, some of our best friends came to town for a visit, I didn't have to cook or clean for the big feast this year, and we enjoyed some lazy days sleeping in and lounging around. It was glorious. It's now 1:16 am on Monday morning. I need to go to bed but I'm not quite ready for vacation to be over!

Sariah and her BFF Carmen. We sure miss those Beanies!

Still fast friends, even after a year and a half separation.

We snuck in a date night with some more of our favorite friends and left 11 kids with a couple babysitters. Love that grown up time!

We had Thanksgiving dinner at Ben's parents house.

Mimmie and Tompa met Ammon for the first time.

Me and Mom

The lineup for the food. We decided that it's better to assign each person to bring one thing. That way you get a ton of exceptional food since everyone dedicates their efforts to only one dish. Everything was so tasty!

The men manning the kitchen, as usual.

I'm so thankful.

For health.

For Family.

For Friends.

For the comforts of life.

For my Savior and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

New Calling

2011-11-28T00:54:00.000-08:00

Just a few weeks before Ammon was born I got a new calling at church. I'm now the Young Women's President in our ward (congregation) which means I get to hang out with these amazing girls on a weekly basis. This new calling will take significantly more time than my previous one did, but I'm glad for the opportunity to serve and hope I can somehow help these lovely ladies grow into the women they are meant to be. When the Bishop issued the call he explained how he was inspired to know that I was the right person for the "job." He said that no man of his own free will would ask a pregnant woman to take on such a demanding calling. Poor guy! I am thankful that he followed the promptings of the Spirit despite his personal concern for me. I know I'll grow and learn even more than I'll teach in this new adventure.

This was at our "Modest is Hottest" what not to wear fashion show. It was a really fun night.

The First Weeks

2011-11-25T17:27:00.000-08:00

The first days home with a new baby are so special. The last few weeks of pregnancy drag on like an eternity, yet, the first few weeks with a new baby seemingly pass in the blink of an eye. It's really not fair. Ammon is a perfect baby (I'm knocking on wood as I type!). He eats well, sleeps well, and tolerates the loud moments of chaos like a champ. Ben was able to take some time off from work which has helped tremendously. I've taken advantage and enjoyed some duty free days just drinking in our new little babe. In some of the quiet moments I've gotten lost in Ammon's eyes. He looks so intensely at me. Having just left our Father in Heaven's presence, I wonder what he could teach me if only he could speak. The newness of his life feels so sacred and I feel sure that we were meant to be together in this life. The joy of a precious new baby has intensified with each addition to our family. I'm not stressed with figuring things out like I was with the first couple of babies and I can relish even in the late night feedings knowing that those intimate moments of care will vanish before I know it. Motherhood is grand. Hard, tiring, but oh so sweet.

Seth is obsessed with holding Ammon. He's pretty good with him unless I'm holding or nursing him. Then he likes to bite, pinch, hit, and kick the baby. He also likes to pick him up and carry him around the neck when I'm not looking. It's getting better.

Here's the tantrum that ensues when Seth isn't allowed to hold Ammon.

I think this baby is going to be spoiled. There is no shortage of hands waiting to hold him.

The younger set likes to get into mischief when I'm tied up with feeding the baby.

My attempt at a newborn photo session. My hat's off to all those real photographers out there!

Ben kept hollering at me "Sleeping in a bowl is not natural Danelle!"

We opted for the un-posed snapshots after that!

First bath

Ammon's hair was so fluffy after getting clean! I love to stroke his soft little head.

Happy Birthday Seth

2011-11-25T16:23:00.000-08:00

Sethie turned two on 11/2/11. I can hardly believe it. Seth keeps our family on our toes as of late. He's an opinionated, determined, tumultuous mess maker these days, and while I spend a great deal of my time combating his wake of destruction, he's still as sweet as ever! I love this boy! His big squeezes and slobbery kisses melt my heart every day of the week. I can't imagine our family without him!

10 Fun Facts About Seth:

1. He loves for me to wrap his bald head in a towel, like I do mine, after he takes a bath.

2. Seth loves people! He warms right up to new people and virtually no one can resist picking him up when he turns on the charm. It's very embarrassing to me because he frequently requests for other adults to hold him, even when my arms are available.

3. Seth loves to read. Usually at inopportune moments, he'll shove a book in my face, climb on my lap and insist "book-uh."

4. If it weren't for chicken nuggets and chocolate milk, Seth might die of starvation.

5. Seth says "yeah" to almost everything we ask him. It's so cute!

6. He is still obsessed with shoes of all kinds.

7. He loves his siblings...a lot.

8. He's very picky about what he wears.

9. Seth likes to "help" cook.

10. He's a climber. He's got scars on his head to prove it!

"Two"

Blowing Kisses

We had a family dinner at Grammy's for the November Birthday Boys.

Making a Wish

Grandmom, the baby hog.

The November Birthday Boys.

More Newborn Goodness

2011-11-14T22:00:00.000-08:00

The week before Ammon was born, Liam dropped a butcher knife on his toes resulting in a trip to the ER. The guy who glued Liam’s toes back together asked me “What possesses you to have six kids instead of just two or three?” I don’t think I gave a great answer, but I did mention that I’d have lots more babies if I didn’t have to be pregnant. The toe gluer then replied “Oh yeah, the world would be grossly overpopulated if women didn’t have to physically sacrifice through pregnancy.” Profound, no? And I can’t argue there, because who can resist the miraculous beauty of a fresh new life, straight from heaven? Meilani said to me the other day that she loves when we have a new baby in the house because our home is so calm. Considering the moments of crazy we’ve had in the last week, I’m glad the sacred moments of peace are memorable.

Ammon Iosepa Fobert

2011-11-14T09:31:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, after a long day of church meetings, I went to bed, resolved and at peace with the plan to be induced on Thursday. I felt like I was being pretty darn patient with my lingering pregnancy and that I could handle the discomfort for three more days. I reasoned that the Lord was blessing me with an induction so that I'd be sure to make it to the hospital in time for the bless-ed epidural. So we retired to bed early. Then, a few hours later, a little before 1:00 am, I awoke to the all too familiar pains of labor. I woke up Ben immediately and by contraction number two we were packed for the hospital and my neighbor was on her way over to stay with the kids. In the previous weeks I'd had lots of contractions and I continually worried that I wouldn't know when to go to the hospital. Um, yeah, when it's the real deal, there's no mistake! We were on our way by contraction number four and when we got to the hospital I was already dilated to an 8. I almost broke into tears, upset that it was likely too late for an epidural. Later the midwife told me she thought I was going to claw her eyes out I was so mad! I know it's purely mental, I've delivered babies without drugs before, and I could do it again, but I really didn't want to. While adjusting to a new baby has gotten easier with each pregnancy, my fear surrounding labor has increased significantly each time. As soon as they got one dose of iv fluid in me we ordered the epidural STAT! The anesthesiologist was surprised when they informed him of my "baby number 6, dilated to 8" status and hurried along. He got the drugs all hooked up and I was incredibly relieved! A few minutes later the midwife came in and said she was going to go help with a c-section and would be back to check on me after that. I said "How about you just check me before you go." She obliged and announced "Change of plans. I'll deliver you, then go help with the c-section." She broke my water, and within a couple minutes and a couple pushes, Ammon was welcomed to the world on 11-7-11 at 3:31 am. The midwife made me stop pushing at one point because she didn't even have her gloves on yet! I had forewarned her I was a good pusher, I don't know why they don't listen! The initial feeling of no longer being pregnant is what I believe to be the greatest feeling of relief a person can experience in mortality. Ammon weighed in at 9 lbs 10 oz, 20 inches long. He's a perfect little bundle! We're in love already!

Mad at the thought of no epidural.

Oh so happy after the epidural.

Our bun, fresh from the oven.

10 toes, all accounted for.

Ammon looks relieved too!

Enjoying his bath.

Getting born is a lot of work!

Chillin' under the warming lights.

The kids came to visit and were very excited to meet their new brother.

Sariah made herself right at home.

The hospital brought us a "celebration lunch."

Leaving the hospital.

There's no place like home!

The Calm Before the Storm

2011-11-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

Waiting for a baby to come is like watching water boil. It was a long couple of weeks. Here's how we passed the time:

Seth continually got into michef and made messes I was physically too drained to clean up. Here he is stiring up salt and pepper on the counter. He emptied both salt and pepper shakers. At least it was (mostly) in a bowl. Thank goodness Ben always came to the rescue in the evenings just in time to restore order to our home.

Grammy came out on several occasions to help with the kids. She's always a life saver and laundry do-er.

Last Sunday I was exhausted and really wanted the kids to get to bed so I could rest. My tired frustration turned to ammusement as Ben and I laughed at the kids' nightly antics. We enjoyed a few silly moments together. The last moments, as it turns out, before our newest arrival made his appearance. Sariah tried to yank out her loose tooth. Ben assisted, as usual.

Seth tried out the baby's craddle, surfing with the rocking motion.

Meilani assisted in a couple dance numbers.

Eli showed of his handstand skills. We did manage to brush teeth, read the scriptures and pray amidst the display. As we sent the kids off to bed my heart was full of gratitude for the gift of motherhood. I was content and in love with the kids who bring my life so much crazy fun, a feeling I'd been missing as of late, due to the physical and emotional challenges of a lingering pregnancy.

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

Hermoine (from Harry Potter), a Firefighter, Harry Potter, a Bed Bug (Meilani's 3rd costume...see below), and a Pirate.

Parade at School:

(costume 2, a baby. Really a ploy to wear her pajamas to school!)

Getting ready for Trick-or-Treating:

The Loot:

Just for Cuteness

2011-10-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

Sethie loves for me to take his picture then show him the image on the camera screen. Here he is after eating a See's Candy sucker from Grammy.

Questa School Carnival

2011-10-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

Ben almost had a breakdown when he realized how much Meilani is growing up. She ditched us immediately after arriving at the carnival in favor of hanging out with her friends.

Eli's not too cool to hang with us still.

Sariah and Eli were both very excited to be Harry and Hermoine.

This booth seriously grossed me out. I had to walk away.

The carnival was very well planned and affordable for our big brood! Love cheap local fun!

Joy School Halloween Party

2011-10-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

Our Joy School class, singing their Halloween songs for the onlooking mommys.

In attempt to "defrost" my last two sticks of butter for some sugar cookies, I melted them into puddles in the microwave and had nothing in the cupboards to make treats. My friend Brandi saved the day with cupcakes. Where would we be in life without good friends?

Ah, brotherly love.

Respect

2011-10-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

Eli and Sariah both won the student of the month awards at school for "respect." I feel like my mothering is sub-par much of the time, so the fact that all three of my kids were recognized as students of the month in the first two months of school makes me feel like I'm doing something right! I think all moms need those little reminders that their work is not in vain. So proud of these cuties.

Don't worry, it was "mix-match" day at school.

While I've relaxed over the years, I wouldn't let the kids go to school with two different shoes on. We do maintain some standards!

Like...Totally!

2011-10-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

80's day at school. I was pretty impressed with myself for helping the kids get these outfits together on the fly. When I told the kids to hurry up and eat breakfast Sariah wanted to know what 80's people eat.

Volleyball

2011-10-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

I think my girl may have found her sport.

Can you feel the excitement?

Meilani's dabbled in lots of activities, but I've never seen her come alive like she does in volleyball. I think this sport might just stick.

Bathtub Boys

2011-10-24T23:01:00.000-07:00

These two boys are addicted to bathing! Today they took two baths and would have likely gone for a third if one had been offered. In the last few days they've dumped out two bottles of soap to make bubbles and have repeatedly soaked the bathmats and umpteen towels with all their splashing. And yet, how can I stay mad when I see those angelic little bubble faces! At least they're clean right?

Halloween Party

2011-10-24T22:47:00.000-07:00

Some friends of ours throw a Halloween party every year. I always look forward to it! This year I whipped up these non-costume costumes for us. I didn't want to make them ahead of time in case I had the baby early, but alas, I'm still in the motherly way. Cutting the stencils took much longer than I thought, but the gift cards to Cold Stone we won for best costume made me feel better about my less than productive day...that and dinner with my amazing hub before the party. He's so good at knowing when I need a break from reality. A little Indian food with my best friend, and an evening laughing and catching up with our grown up friends...a perfect date night!

Fun Fair

2011-10-24T21:58:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago we went to a little carnival at Ben's school. His students and their parents love to check us out, so we try to go to some of the family friendly events they have. I don't really enjoy being on display, but I imagine that knowing we have nearly six kids, the parents wonder how Ben is as a dad, and are curious about our family. The first time we went to an activity last year, people commented over and over again on how I looked. I think they were expecting me to be really dowdy in a long floral frock or something. This time, as we were leaving, one of the mothers stopped me to ask if there was another baby, gesturing to her belly. I resisted the urge to say "no, I have a tumor." After taking a head count of the kids she said she hoped I would have twins this time so that I would want to close my womb. Um, random! I smiled politely and we left. We went to Sweet Tomato's for dinner afterwards. Aside from the one strange woman's comment, it was a very pleasant evening.

Ben and Sethie groovin' to the cake walk music.

Ben's secretaries gave him a bunch of game tickets for "boss's day." I was so thankful for the kind gesture because I was not looking forward to spending a bunch of cash.

Seth playing ring toss.

Liam, trying his hand at the bean bag toss.

Eli in the cake walk. It's very intense walking from number to number you know.

Sariah, equally as focused.

Meilani took off as soon as we gave her her tickets, hence the lack of picture.

A Day at the Farm

2011-10-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

Last week I took our Joy School class to visit a farm. They've been learning about the earth and nature so we went to meet some animals. A friend of mine from church runs a rescue farm nearby, so we went and met goats, chickens, bunnies, dogs, ducks, a pig, and even some turkeys! It was a blast!

I wasn't home when Liam told Dad about his day at the farm, so when I returned home after the kids were in bed, Ben questioned me about Liam petting a turkey. He assumed that they just saw turkeys and that Liam was exaggerating about getting to pet one. Liam was telling the truth! This turkey, named Kona, was like a dog! He followed us all around the farm and loved to be pet. It was amazing to see a big bird so up close!

This is Abe, a really old goat recently rescued from an elderly lady. He was very friendly too and kept nudging us for some attention.

Having a "celebration" with the fall leaves.

The kids with our tour guide, Christine.

Emma, a rare breed of herding dog. She loved the kids. They loved her back.

Conference Weekend

2011-10-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

Twice a year, we get to stay home in our jammies and watch church on TV. Conference is always uplifiting and hanging out at home a welcomed break.

On Saturday night, while all the husbands were at Priesthood meeting, all the wives and kids came over for a potluck. I can't remember how many adults were here, but we did count 46 kids. Amazingly, the mess was minimal and all the kids played really well!

Sunday we hung out all day, playing with the pets,

and makin' cinnamon rolls. The kids "crafted" by hot gluing popsicle sticks to all their toys. A very relaxing day!

Soccer

2011-10-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

For the last couple of months, soccer season has taken up a huge chunk in our weekly schedules. With 9 hours of practice a week, and 4 games on Saturdays, it's been a challenge to get everyone where they need to go. The kids have really enjoyed playing though, and that's what makes me trudge along even when I'm pooped. A friend of mine posted on her blog that none of her kids is over committed activity wise, but that as the coordinator of all the schedules, she's overbooked! Amen sister! Ben helps me not to complain by reminding me that the kids wouldn't be doing anything more productive if we were sitting at home instead. He did say yesterday that we need a free Saturday to get our house in order. Three weeks to go my friend. Hey, at least the weather has cooled off a bit!

This is Liam's first year on a "real" team. He's playing for the "Big Kickers." He loves wearing his uniform and looks forward to the snacks after each game. He's pretty aggressive at practice but is much more timid come game time. His team is very young for the age group, sometimes playing kids two years ahead of him in school. It can be intimidating, but he's having a blast.

Sariah and her natural athletic ability continue to amaze me. She's on the "Hot Shots" this year. She is dying to be a goalie (they don't use goalies in her age division) and loves to hang back to play defense even though I'm yelling for her to attack the ball! She can be quite the beast on the field and seems to have the strong competitive drive which will, I think, serve her well through the years.

Eli is on the "Hammerheads." He moved up a division this year and this new level of play is much more intense! I think Ben almost got kicked out of the first game, but that's another story. Eli's drive to win is increasing and he was so pleased with himself for scoring two goals for his team a couple weeks ago. Funny thing about Eli, he's so chill...no victory dances for our boy. Even his coach commented on how even tempered he is.

Meilani's on the "Sharkettes." There is only one girls team in her division so we have to travel pretty far for some of her games. Ben and I have had to "divide and conquer" on those Saturdays. Meilani has learned a lot from her soccer experience this year. I don't think she's enjoyed the higher level of competitiveness like she thought she would. She's getting to the point now where the players don't get to try every position, they play to their strengths, and that's been a little discouraging, but a good learning experience as well.

The countdown to baby... and the end of soccer season, is on!

Fire Station

2011-09-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

The little boys and I went on a field trip with the Mountain House Mother's Club to our friendly local fire station. I haven't been to any activities for a long time, but decided that the boys would love to see the fire truck since they get excited every time we drive by the station. I realized that as the younger kids in our family, they're kind of getting the shaft. I'm tired and there's always a lot to do at home, so I've neglected attending little outings like this for far too long. Time to stop being a hermit!

When I'd get "chit-chatting" with the other moms, Seth would disappear. I found him every time cutting in line to sit in the fire truck...over and over again. Too cute.

Liam kept heading back to the hose. He was better than his brother about waiting in line though.

Most of the kids. Seth not wanting to pose for the picture.

One Busy Girl

2011-09-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

Meilani is growing up too fast! She recently attended a church Activity Day Camp for girls 8 to 11. I remember when she went the first year she seemed so young. This year I went at the end of the day to watch the little dance performance and I almost cried, realizing she's one of the older girls now!

She also tried out for her school's volleyball team. Apparently the competition was stiff because 24 girls tried out and any of the sixth graders who played before pretty much automatically made the team. We kept reminding her that she had to work really hard and that she still might not make it. She was thrilled to make it on the team as a "real player" as opposed to an alternate. I didn't realize when we signed up for soccer months ago that volleyball would be during the same season, so we're letting her do both for now. Maybe next year we'll just do one. She also joined the ASB group (student government), at school. She's excited to help plan the school activities this year. I think that will be right up her alley! She's also learning trombone this year in music class.

And on top of it all, she was awarded the Student of the Month award for "Trustworthiness." So far she seems to be juggling her commitments well. I'm so proud of my girl!

The Daily Grind

2011-09-30T10:35:00.000-07:00

Since school started I've been barely keeping my head above water. Partially because my camera battery wouldn't charge, and partially because I'm lazy, I hardly took any pictures this month. I feel like I live in the car the vast majority of the time, carting the kids to soccer practice, church activities, school, etc. Several months ago I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in a long while. She mentioned that I should go to some of the activities of the Mother's Club that I belong to. I responded that I haven't been to anything in the last year because life is so hectic. She said "Isn't life less busy now that you have more of your kids in school?" You would think so right? WRONG! The older they get the more they have to do. The days of our snack, homework, chores, afternoon routine seem to be gone, or lost at the moment. We're regularly doing homework late in the evening these days, pushing back bedtime a bit. And yet, the sacrifices are worth it. I love that my kids enjoy being physical active, and the growth and learning they experience from their church groups is a blessing. We'll keep pluggin' along.

Sariah really wanted curly hair for school one day so I had her sleep in the old school foam rollers. For a girl who's hair doesn't hold a curl, they sure worked. She wasn't such a fan of the Shirley Temple look though, and wet her hair in favor of a pony tail before she left for school. She said she wanted to have curly hair like her teacher...her teacher who has long hair with big soft luscious curls. Sairah didn't like that her curls made her hair so short. Ah, the plight of female hair. We always want what we don't have.

On Labor Day we went up to the Oakland Temple with our ward (church congregation) for an activity. Ben and I helped babysit 35 kids while the parents went and served in the temple. We took the big kids (pictured above) on a little walking tour.

Seth is very eager to go potty. He even peed once in the little toilet. I on the other hand am quite resistant to the idea of potty training at this point. I know with a new baby in the house he'll likely regress, and I'd rather not potty train him twice, so I'm just letting him "play" potty for now.

A typical afternoon, getting the homework done. When Meilani was younger I used to pour over every single question or problem she completed for homework, making sure it was all correct. I've surely relaxed over the years. Now, homework is optional. Well, sort of. I've decided that the natural consequence the kids will receive at school for not completing their homework is motivation enough for them to get to work. My nagging just adds a negative feeling in the house, so now, if they whine about homework, I say "It's okay, you don't have to do it." Letting go and making them responsible has helped immensely! I'm still there to help, and I sit with Sariah to help her a bit more than the others, but from a teaching prospective, homework should be practice for what they've learned at school. If they can't do the homework fairly independently, then something went wrong in the classroom and I want the teacher to see that my kid didn't understand the concept. This new method has given me a great deal of freedom. The kids and I aren't fighting over homework now...we save the fights for more important things like chores!

"That" Family

2011-09-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

Six years ago, when we moved into our first real house, we bought a lovely brown leather sectional for our family room. It was the first piece of furniture that we bought ourselves. Up until that point everything was either hand-me-down, or purchased for us. When we bought the couch, we spent an extra two hundred bucks for the extended lifetime warranty which was supposed to cover accidental damage. Well, last week I got a reply from the couch company regarding my repair claim. I wanted them to come and fix a big tear in the back of the couch and two holes in the arms of the couch where the leather had worn through. Guess what? They won't come fix it. Shocker, I know. Apparently the warranty doesn't cover wear and tear, only accidental damage. I asked the kids how the back of the couch got ripped and they said they "accidentally" forgot not to climb over the back of the couch. I guess that's not accidental enough. What does the couch company not understand about "lifetime" warranty? I'm alive. I still own the couch. Oh well. I wasn't holding my breath when I sent in the claim.

I forward Ben the rejection letter the couch company sent me, and here's his reply to me:

"Well...that BITES! Looks like we need a new couch...all at a time when we have no money to do so...it's always the way. It was a nice couch while it lasted...we could use some duct tape? Maybe they make it in brown? I was just thinking that it's funny that we're "that" family. Tons of kids...broken stuff all over the house...hodge podge furniture...Isn't it great? I love us.
Ben"

If that doesn't bring tears to your eyes, then I don't know what will.

And that's when it hit me. We are "that" family. I never thought I would be. I surely didn't write a plan for how this would all play out. But over time and ever so subtly, we have become "that family."

Last week I sent Liam into public with plaid shorts and a blue shirt, only the blue shirt wasn't quite the right blue to match the shorts. I didn't want to dig through laundry piles to find the matching one.

Seth has two favorite pairs of shoes. Yellow and black Nike's that don't match a single thing in his wardrobe, and a pair of Sariah's old beat up pink Minnie Mouse Crocs. Yes, he wears them in public. For a couple reasons actually. 1. He can put them on by himself requiring no bending, stretching or lifting on my part. 2. I'm too tired to fight with him. I don't want to hear the screaming fit that most definitely ensues when he doesn't get the shoes he wants. I've put those Crocs in the shoe box in the garage several times now. The little bugger keeps digging them out.

For the last couple of days Sariah has insisted on wearing pants that are total floods to school. She has a drawer full of Meilani's old clothes, cute outfits, that she flatly refuses to wear. Today we compromised. She wore the floods rolled up to look like capris, holes in the knees and all. Meilani commented that Sariah looked "so designer." That made me feel a little better.

Poor Eli looses a shirt to Liam almost daily. He's so skinny and tries to wear t-shirts he's had for a while but are way too short now. Too bad none of the shirts match those blue plaid shorts!

Meilani regularly recites one of Ben's favorite mottos: "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." Usually she does so after asking for something she knows she doesn't really need, or that I won't spend money on.

This morning, contemplating my new found "that family" status, I analyzed my Costco purchase:

5 dozen eggs
4 gallons of milk (one will surely be "spilled" all over the floor)
4 loafs of bread

Yep, "that family."

Then I thought of other things. Like how I'm daily amazed at the shear amount of dirt and crumbs on the kitchen floor. Or how we eat on paper plates all the time because there's no way we'd ever be able to keep up on the dishes if we ate on real plates. How about the pile of dirty socks the sweet gardener leaves by the back door after he mows the backyard grass? All signs of "that family."

So, while I like to appear that I've got it all together, the truth is I don't. I've come to realize that giant sized families, by necessity, have to let some things go in order to survive. There will likely always be shoes on the floor, just in front of the shoe shelf, for the foreseeable future, and computer speakers that no longer emit sound because some pip squeak thought the speaker would make a great piggy bank. I think my children believe that "throw pillow" is a literal term, and that "don't eat on the carpet" is a subtle suggestion.

While I was shopping this morning, struggling with Seth who kept climbing out of the buckle in the cart, some lady walked by me, noticing my large protruding belly, and said "And you want another one?" I was caught up with wrestling Seth to digest what she said quickly enough. I gave her a sarcastic smirk as I turned the corner. The moment passed too quickly and I couldn't bring myself to tell her that this will be number six for us, like I usually do, or that YES, I do want another one, because fighting with a 2 year old only lasts for a second in the grand scheme of things, and his strong opinion and Houdini like skills are kind of funny!

In the day to day struggle of life Ben and I sometimes sing the words of this country song to the other when one of us is about to loose it:

"You're gonna miss this, you're gonna want this back, you're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast. These are some good times, so take a good look around, you may not know it now, but you're gonna miss this."

I know it's true. Some day I'll crave to be poked by sharp elbows climbing on me for a story, or will lay in bed wishing little voices had woken me up.

We are "that family." I'll embrace it.

because,

I love us too, broken couches, dirty faces and all.

It's a great life.

Single Digits

2011-09-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

In weeks of pregnancy that is. I'm 31 weeks today, and that means only 9 weeks left of waddling. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I hate pictures of myself. Don't we all, but today is momentous for me so I had Meilani snap a quick pic before she went to bed. This pregnancy has been rough, in comparison to my previous ones anyway. Last week I even spent a few hours in the hospital feeling like I was in labor. Turns out dehydration can bring on pretty intense contractions. I'm super thankful this baby didn't come just yet, but I am looking forward to my hips residing in the same hemisphere again soon. I guess my innards are pretty well stretched out at this point! I know many women who have it much worse off than I do, so I don't mean for this to be a complaint post. I'm just thrilled to celebrate my impending de-pregnant-ization. Yesterday, when it was still August, we went to Costco and I saw Christmas (and Halloween) stuff on the shelves. It was like a beacon of light! If Christmas is right around the corner (humor me) then November 3rd will be here before we know it! I can't wait to meet this little squirmy boy!

Liam's First Day

2011-08-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

Liam started his second year of Joy School today. I started my eighth. By the end of the year, I will have taught Joy School as long as my high school and college careers put together! I really had no idea what I was getting myself into when I began Joy School with Meilani all those years ago. Next year I'll have a break before Seth starts, and honestly, I'm not sure what I'll do with myself. I love Joy School (read about it here), and the Eyere's, who founded the program, are my parenting heros. Joy School has become just part of my regular routine. It has really blessed our family and I can't wait to see Liam's growth this year!

Liam was extremely excited for Joy School to start again, especially since the older kids started school a week ago. I'm glad he loves school, and I love that I get to be there to witness his development and learning. "Class" went amazingly well today and all the kids were so eager to be at school. Even Seth was thrilled when the doorbell rang and friends started streaming in. I had a big talk with the Joy School students right from the get go that they are just going to have to ignore Sethie some of the time, since he's still a baby. Don't tell Seth I said that. He thinks he's a big boy! While Liam sure knows how to push my buttons and test the limits at home, he thrives in Joy School. I think getting back to a routine will help him (and me) a great deal!

First Day of School!

2011-08-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

5th grade. Really? Someone please tell Meilani she's only 10! I can't believe how grown up she looks!

3rd grade. My handsome boy. He's just so good.

1st grade. Sariah was uncharacteristically nervous this morning. I'm learning that she's a little more subdue away from home. At lunch her Primary teacher from church told me that she's quiet in class on Sundays. Huh?

Meilani has a "boy" teacher for the first time. I met him after school and he already had a slew of nice things to say about Meilani. She liked that they got right to work, no first day fluff.

I asked Sariah what she thought of her teacher and she said "She's really small!" Ben asked if she's a little person. I laughed! No. She's just really petite. Sariah couldn't believe that she's married, being only "as tall as Meilani." Funny how kids equate height with age.

Eli said his teacher is really nice. I ran into his former first grade teacher at soccer practice and she said that his new teacher is tough, which is saying A LOT, because I thought his first grade teacher was downright rigorous! Thankfully, Eli's up to the challenge. He loves learning, and is extremely well behaved. I like nice, tough teachers...I think I'm a nice, tough mom.

And this is what me and my fellow mommy friends did after ditching the kids at school! Kids eat free...I won't be surprised if they amend that policy after serving 12 moms and 15 kids!

I feel like it's going to be a great year!

The night before school Ben gave each of the kids a special father's blessing which offered guidance and comfort to each child. Even little Sethie sat perfectly still with his arms folded during his turn. I think the kids appreciate the blessing and feel the love of their Heavenly Father, and their earthly father, through the experience. I love hearing each of the blessings. It brings to the forefront of my mind the eternal nature of our family, the individual uniqueness of each of my children, and for a moment, grants me a sliver of a glimpse of the person they're meant to be. I remember that first, these precious spirits belong to our Heavenly Father, and that He'll help me help them find their way and live up to their potential. I always get my blessing last. The spirit is so strong in our home on these special evenings and I go to bed resolved to try a little harder, leaning more on the Heavenly help always accessible to me.

New Shoes

2011-08-21T13:27:00.000-07:00

This has been a rough week. The kids have taken turns being sick which has kept us pretty much home bound, Ben's had to work insane hours, and now, I'm sick. The highlight of the week: shoe shopping. Who'd guess that shoe shopping with five kids could be a highlight, but in fact it was. During a brief break, in between fevers, I packed everybody up and went to the mall so the kids could get new school shoes. My dad was picking up the tab so the kids had a little more freedom in their selection process than they do when Mom's buying. Watching the kids peruse the JC Penny shoe department gave me a giggle. Each of their choices gives a bit of insight into their individual stages of development, a snap shot, if you will, of their little personalities at the moment. There was no crying, whining, fighting or carrying on at the store. Everyone took turns waiting for me to help them find the right size. The older ones helped the younger ones shop while they waited, and in less than 45 minutes we were out of there with five new pairs of shoes, and five happy kids...RECORD!

Meilani: Now officially has bigger feet than I do. Size 9. She opted for some sporty purple/white Nike's which, upon checkout, we learned are a brand new style and weren't supposed to be on the shoe floor yet. My trendy girl seemed quite pleased with this bit of news.

Eli: Quite easy to please when it comes to clothes and shoes, he went with the first pair he took off the shelf. He then pointed out the shoes he's had for the last couple of years. His memory is incredible. He's wearing a size 4 and wanted to be sure I thought his shoes would match his first day outfit.

Sariah: The only one who didn't go with Nike this year. Our true to form spunky girl was over the moon about her "awesome" twinkle toe light up Sketchers. When shopping for dress shoes for my sister's wedding a couple months back Sariah left the store in tears when I wouldn't buy her twinkle toes. I told her then that "maybe when school starts," thinking to myslef that it was unlikely we'd find them again, but hoping she'd forget. She did not. Twinkle toes were all I heard about on the shoe front all summer long. Sigh of relief that Penny's carried them!

Liam: Wearing the same size shoes as his older sister. His hands are bigger than hers too. He surprisingly wasn't drawn to the character light up variety anymore and instead, wanted to be sure his shoes could make him go really fast. He even demonstrated in the aisle. Thankfully, I was able to talk him into velcro rather than laces, so he can put them on himself.

Seth: My dad said to be sure and get Seth shoes too, so I did, and boy it's a good thing too, because I don't think this shopping experience would have been so pleasant if I tried to leave without shoes for our shoe fetish boy. I attempted to get Seth to try on a cheap pair of little tennis shoes but the little punk kept pushing them away saying "NO!" He insisted on trying on these black/yellow Nike's and then proceeded to prance around the store in them. I sent the girl to get me a bigger size and while she was gone again tried to get Seth excited about the less expensive white/blue pair. He wasn't havin' it! Alas, the bumble bee variety it is. Why not? Papaw's buying.

Thanks Dad!

Pine Mountain Lake

2011-08-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

Ben sacrificed his summer vacation by working as the high school principal for summer school. Because of the extra job, he only had one week of vacation before returning to his regular elementary principal job, so we splurged a little and rented a cabin up at Pine Mountain Lake for several nights, and basked in some family togetherness time. Our trip was rather spontaneous. We looked up some rentals online Monday morning, made a few calls, and by Monday afternoon we were on our way! I threw dirty clothes in a laundry basket, and Ben threw whatever food he could find in a cooler and we were off. It was an incredibly relaxing trip, and a perfect last hooray to our summer vacation. When we arrived at our cabin we learned that we had absolutely no internet access. At first I was annoyed, but a week of no email and internet proved to be a nice break from reality. I was able to read an entire book from start to finish, which I rarely ever get to do, caught up on sleep, and enjoyed every minute of lake laziness. It was down right blissful.

Our first day at the lake the kids ran to the water before Ben and I even finished unloading from the car. There were two big trampoline things in the water that provided hours of entertainment for the kids.

Liam headed out to the trampoline with the older kids but freaked out when he saw fish in the lake from his new vantage point. Ben and I sat on the beach yelling to him that he was fine. We're kind of "tough love" parents. If he could get himself out there, he could get himself back to shore.

Some nice guy out on the trampoline with his own kids loaned Liam his floating chair to get back to shore. Liam refused to get in the water the rest of the day, sure the fish would get him. Meilani was less than thrilled that she had to paddle him back to shore.

Seth enjoyed playing in the sand, and eventually got brave in the water.

Sariah, taking the plunge.

After jumping Eli off the end of the float, strangers were asking for Ben to jump them too.

This little deer was quite friendly.

The first day, we watched her from the deck and threw bread down to her.

The second day, we got a little closer.

By the third day, she was eating out of the kids' hands! They thought it was really cool!

There was a community pool we had access to. We spent one entire day loungin' there. Thanks to Meilani's persistence with Seth, he finally mastered the art of jumping into the pool. Before now he's refused to jump in and would sit down anytime we put him on the edge to jump. Once he mustered up the courage, he kept jumping over and over and over again, even going completely under the water. I was so relieved because we just can't have a kid afraid of the water in this family.

There was a game room downstairs at the cabin we stayed at. Ben taught the kids to gamble.

Our second full day at the lake, Liam kept pulling up his shorts like this so the fish wouldn't get him. Later in the afternoon, just before it was time to leave, he finally conquered his fish fears and went in for a real swim.

Enjoying some ice cream at the marina.

Pine Mountain Lake is a private lake, so it's really quiet, with very few power boats. You actually have to be a property owner to launch, which keeps the partying ski boat crowds at bay. It was perfect for young families like ours. Ben rented a little motor boat for an hour and took the kids for a ride. They each got a turn to "drive."

Seth kept climbing in the canoes but neither Ben or I were up for paddling.

We also rented a sail boat for an hour and each kid took a turn out with Dad.

While waiting for her turn, Meilani found a frog that hadn't quite finished transforming from a tadpole.

We ate several meals out on the deck.

Made up silly songs about our trip.

And watched movies every night.

The cabin

Eli thought it was so cool that we were staying at the "Wolf's Den" since he is in the Wolf Den in scouts.

Sad to leave and head home to reality. Ben practically had to drag me out of the lake. I could have floated there forever! I hope we can make this a new family tradition.

Auntie Danae

2011-08-13T23:01:00.000-07:00

Auntie Danae, who is a good friend from our BYU-Hawaii days, came to town for a conference. We met her for dinner at our beloved Bancheros and enjoyed catching up. Danae is one of those friends I can go forever without talking to and then pick right back up as if we'd seen each other yesterday. We're glad we could see her, even if only for a quick visit. If you look closely, you can see Ben in the picture too...well, his big ol' shadow anyway! Hence why I'm usually taking the pictures, rather than being in them. On the way home from dinner we got to witness a full on high speed chase! There were literally about 40 cop cars chasing down one car. Ben tuned into the police scanner on his ipad and we were all entertained the whole way home. The bad guys were caught in the end.

Season Pass

2011-08-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

This summer we had season passes to Great America which also gave us free access to Gilroy Gardens, which is an amusement park geared for the younger set, and a water park inside Great America. The day we went to Gilroy Gardens we got a very late start, sat in parking lot traffic, and drove what felt like forever to get there. I was tired and ready to go home before we even got out of the car. Ben was still working summer school and graciously agreed to make the trek all the way out to Gilroy after he got off work to help me survive the day. His coworkers thought he was crazy but I appreciated so much his willingness to waste gas money and a whole evening to himself to come rescue me! We ended up having a fun day together, topped off with some pizza for dinner.

Train ride.

Seth's first ride all by himself. He loved it!

Liam did too.

These "big kids" were troopers, tolerating all the baby rides in great spirits.

Sariah was in kind of a bind. She wasn't allowed on the little roller coasters without an adult but was too big for the kiddie rides. Here she is telling me she's "too big" for the fire engine ride. Ben's arrival made things much easier.

I got to sit and take pictures while he rode the rides with the kids! Yay!

Another day we planned to spend the whole day at the Great America water park, but, when we got there, the high 80's weather was actually cool, breezy, mid 70's weather, and due to a broken water pump, the major water slides were all shut down. Only two smaller ones were open, ones Sariah wasn't tall enough for, of course. The kids did have fun in the wave pool, and I enjoyed reading a magazine in the shade while Seth napped a little.

Sariah, so sad she was just centimeters too short for the water slide. Oh well, you can't win 'em all.

Temporary Failures

2011-08-12T17:53:00.000-07:00

Last night, when I went to tuck the girls in, they (Sariah mostly) informed me that I ignore them all the time. Sariah said I spend too much time on the computer and the phone, and that I don't hear them or help them when I'm "busy." I tried to rationalize my behavior but ultimately gave up because really, they're right. The last few days I have been on the computer quite a bit, trying out the new google calendar Ben swears is going to make our insanely busy lives better, preparing for the coming Joy School year, catching up on email etc. Sariah even asked me with big sad eyes why I don't talk to them anymore, "like when you're getting ready in the morning?" That question made me face the bitter truth. Now I know that I'm home all day everyday, giving myself to my children, caring for them, feeding them, loving them, but somehow, the present-in-the-moment-mom I strive to be has slipped away briefly without me even realizing it. I'm tired. Really really tired. My body hurts. My patience level is low. So I nag the kids daily to clean up, internally focusing on surviving until bed time, and have retreated to my own thoughts, forgetting to verbalize the oh so many wonderfully positive feelings I have about the kids, to them. I remember when Meilani was born, I read that I needed to talk to my baby. Back then "talking" to an infant felt so unnatural to me. I had to consciously remind myself to run a narrative through out the day so she had social stimulation. I guess I need to do the same now. Over the years I've come to realize that I'm a thoughtful person. Thoughtful in the way that while I'm making 5 pb&j sandwhiches (4 no crust), I'm also thinking about how late we are for the park, the schedule for the rest of the week, how I need to do a load of whites before I have no clean underwear again, and on and on. I don't verbally say all that out loud, but maybe I should, so my kids know I'm not purposely ignoring them. I'm thinking. I try to make myself feel better about this temporary motherhood failure, thinking that maybe the reason the kids feel the loss of the present-me lately is because on a regular basis, I do a fairly good job of being in the moment with them? As a general rule, I do pride myself on experiencing life with my kids. I'm definitely not a "side-line" mom. I swim, I dig in the sand, I get down and dirty with them. After returning from the lake last week, Ben and I both felt the weight of the world pressing firmly down on us as we were bombarded with phone calls and emails reminding us that summer was slipping away, and the reality of our regimented school year schedules were looming. I think that's the moment my internal retreat began. The contrast between the care free summer mom and the overwhelmed (at the moment) school year mom was obviously apparent to Sariah as well. Ultimately, I'm thankful I have daughters who keeps me in check. I'm glad they know that I don't want to be detached and oblivious to their needs and feelings. They push me to be the mom I want to be.

New Brighton Beach

2011-07-28T23:15:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago at church, a nice fellow gave a talk on the Atonement. I think that was his topic anyway. Trying to keep all the kids reverent and happy at church, I probably only hear a fraction of what's actually spoken in sacrament meeting. Anyhoo, the part of this gentleman's talk that hit me like a ton of bricks was his comment "Do we not take family trips because we can't afford the perfect vacation?" I went home with that running through my mind for several days, knowing that we didn't have much money for a fancy trip, but also realizing we needed a little trip together to help us establish family traditions, and to strengthen our relationships. Alas, I booked us a camping site for a couple nights. Camping at six months pregnant was not exactly high on my list of summer activities, but I have very fond memories of camping with my mom and siblings as a kid and I figured my kids deserve the experience too. I got a bunch of camping recommendations on facebook, and several people we've known have raved about New Brighton beach, but reservations are quite hard to come by so I didn't hold my breath as I did an online search. God must have known we needed to go camping too because there was only one campsite available for the entire rest of the summer, the exact two nights we needed. Fate. So we spent a week prepping for the trip, two nights camping, and a week recovering, but it was just what we needed, and we had a fantastic time together enjoying the beauty around us and each other's company. I sure love my family. I loved quietly observing the kids building sand castles, playing in the waves, and exploring the world around them. It was nice to just "be still" for a couple days, drinking in the quiet innocence and exploration in my children.

All packed up, jam packed that is!

Ben's mom and dad came up to hang out with us a bit. They were a huge help! Mutti and Meilani set up the beds in the tent.

And Abba and Liam got a fire started.

We enjoyed smores...

And had a little "kum-bye-ya" time. The second night, Meilani and Eli were cracking up at Ben and I singing "There's a Hole in the Bucket." The little ones fell asleep even before the first song was done, they were so pooped!

This little rascal caused quite a stir in our campground. Even while we were still up around the fire he tried to get into the trash and didn't care that we were less than three feet away. Around midnight, Ben found he and a friend sticking their little paws up a hole in the food cabinet, grabbing fist fulls of bread and stuffing their faces. We had to keep everything in the car after that.

We all enjoyed the sand and surf all day on Friday. Our campsite had a little trail down to the beach. The kids thought it was great fun to walk down to the beach, that is, until we had to lug all our stuff back up to the campsite in the evening. Everyone, Ben included, was requesting we just go get the car, but I insisted we continue to walk on. I told Eli to think about the pioneers and stop whining. I brought up the rear carrying my normal pregnancy load, Seth, a bucket of shells and rocks, and a folding chair. Ben came to relieve most of my load after he had made it back to the campground and said I was like a Nephite woman, only I don't think he meant it as a compliment! I'm sure the mother's of the stripling warriors had a bit of stubbornness. I think we all felt strong and proud of ourselves for persisting in our walk back to camp. In a world full of entitlement and shortcuts, it's good to be reminded that we can do hard things.

Liam, a little upset that the waves got him all sandy.

There were remains of someone else's sand fort near us. Seth especially loved playing in it.

I took a walk along the beach with Pam and Norm, admiring the interesting beach houses along the way.

I was day dreaming about staying here instead of camping...

or here...Okay, I'd settle for a mere tour!

Sand crabs

Seashells

Sand, oh my!

Everyone had a turn on the boogie board, with a little help from Dad.

Dad is a pro! He caught every wave and made it look so easy.

Sariah made a sculpture out of driftwood all by herself! It's a representation of our family, Dad, Mom, Meilani (notice she's almost as tall as me!), Eli, Sariah, Liam, and Seth. She spent a long time working on her "piece" and was so proud of it. I loved watching her make it, love the artwork, love that girl, love the picture.

Smores take two.

Had to go black and white with this one. I got sunburned pretty badly the day before. The price for beachy fun in the sun.

Two nights of camping was just perfect. I left wanting more time at the beach, but happy to return to my bed. Yay for family togetherness. It was a great trip.

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge: Water

2011-07-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

Head over to I Heart Faces to see all the amazing entries!

Anniversary

2011-07-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

Ben and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary last weekend with dinner and a movie. We ate at Simply Fondue, which was delicious, and saw Harry Potter. It was a great evening, and, as always, a joy to be together.

Several weeks ago, I had to give a talk in Stake Conference at church on the new and everlasting covenant of marriage, specifically how we receive our spouse when we're married in the temple. Preparing for the talk proved to be a pleasant learning experience for me as I contemplated my own eternal marriage to my very best friend.

From my talk:

"Recently I attended a special Sunday meeting commemorating the 50^th anniversary of the San Leandro Stake, the stake both my husband and I are from. Elder Bednar spoke and his wife introduced him. In her talk, Sister Bednar said “I know my husband’s faults, but I know his strengths.” I found her words profound. And I believe that that’s the secret to properly receiving our spouse before the Lord in the new and everlasting covenant of marriage; to know our spouse’s faults, but to focus on their strengths."

I'm thankful for a husband who sees my strengths, compensates for my weaknesses, and works diligently to provide, in every way, for his wife and children.

Ben pointed out at dinner that in celebrating our 13th anniversary, we're actually entering our 14th year of marriage. We've already survived the "unlucky" 13. While not exactly unlucky, this past year has been one of learning and growth. With the passing of time our commitment to each other is strengthened as we face the trials of life together. In The Family: A Proclaimation to the World, it states, "Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities." I know this to be true and I am blessed with a husband who works with me, as a full partner, to put these principles into practice in our marriage and family.

It doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes as well! ;)

San Francisco

2011-07-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

We went to visit Mimmie at the retirement center she's staying in temporarily while Tompa's out of town.

We made a stop at the Cable Car Museum. Ben's great, great grandfather, Albert Hart, was the very first cable car operator in San Francisco.

We had an early dinner at Mel's Drive In and polished off the shakes and fries in record time. We have a old picture from our dating days in this very booth!

Why here it is! My mom, my sister Meg, me, Ben, my brother Sean, our good friend Aaron and his girlfriend.

And here's another!
Ben, me, Ben's brother Aaron, Abby and Amy, Ben's friends from Ricks College, and Ben's youngest brother Jared. 1995, just before Ben left on his mission.
This booth must have our names written on it!!!

After dinner we stopped in Golden Gate Park to play.

I remember going down these very cement slides as a kid. Liam was the only one who went fast down them.

There was this big bouncy rope structure the kids loved.

Ben and Eli climbed to the top. It was really high!

Meilani wasn't quite as brave.

We finished off the day at Pollyann's for ice cream, then a drive down Ocean Beach.

Geocaching

2011-07-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

Last week we went geocaching for the second time ever. We were much more successful this time around. Geocaching is basically a little treasure hunt, using a gps system, to find canisters people have hidden. There are quite a few around our little town. I like it because it's free (I did spring for the $10 app on my phone which was incredibly more helpful than the free version), you can do it basically anywhere, it gets us outside, and it's fun! Ben's not such a fan of tromping through bushes to find hidden boxes, so I think this will be an activity we do while he's at work.

Sariah made the first find.

These three picked trinkets from the canister and we left stickers.

Meilani made the second find before I was even out of the car!

We snapped a few pics at the second site.

Why I LOVE Summer

2011-07-13T23:08:00.000-07:00

A couple of people have asked me recently if I do any workbooks or academic studies with the kids in the summer so that they don't regress in school. Um....NO! Summer is my time! Okay, okay, I do make them read, but really, to me, summer is a gift. It's time for staying up late, sleeping in, watching too much TV (trying to get that one in check!), playing hard, and enjoying time together as a family. It's schedule-free time at our house. Now we do try to keep some semblance of order at home, but I've been known to leave the kitchen in despair because the pool, or park, or whatever, is calling my name. Dishes can wait, memories can't.

Yay for fairy houses! The girls made this a few weeks ago. One morning Liam and Sariah swore the fairies must have had a bbq in the night because they could still smell it. Tonight Sariah lost another tooth and is sure the tooth fairy will check out the comfy accommodations we have. We shall see!

Making homemade ice cream in ziploc baggies. Very yummy.

Catching up with good friends

We helped host a baby shower last week. Fun-care-free-lazy-mom left for a day so that mean-witchy-cleaning mom could arrive on scene to clean the carpets and house before the party. The kids were complaining to Ben when he got home that I'd made them clean all day long, and they were correct indeed. See, balance I tell you! We did head to the pool and out for dinner so the carpets could dry without little feet on them. I don't think we got home until 9:00 pm. Ahhhh, summer, I love you!

Shadow Cliffs

2011-07-13T22:45:00.000-07:00

There's a fun little man made lake near our house. We spent an entire day there recently with a bunch of our friends, playing in the sand and soaking in the sun. For $6 per car load, we'll be heading there a lot this summer!

Seth got brave with the water! Thank goodness! You can't hate the water in this family.

My friend bought a couple floaties for her kids, but when they weren't interested in them, Liam put them to good use.

Our dad is so great!

and strong!

We were pooped by the end of the day!

4th of July

2011-07-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

Ben was in our little town parade again. The kids love riding with him in the truck, and although Ben was not in favor of digging through the Halloween costume box, what's a parade without Uncle Sam, a USA cheerleader, and Superman? After the parade we bbq'd at our house for lunch.

Meilani and Auntie Lisa Meilani didn't want to ride in the parade this year.

Meg and Jared, the newlyweds

My girl and me

Meg and me

Janet and Grandmom

Abba brought over some fireworks for us to set off. I have fond memories of sitting in my grandparents driveway watching the men set off fireworks in the street for us kids. The tradition lives on.

Mutti and Abba

Our patriotic boy!

The gang watching the show. After our little display, we watched the real thing in the backyard. We have some crazy neighbors I think.

Splashin' at the Water Park

2011-07-13T21:29:00.000-07:00

Sariah's Birthday

2011-07-13T18:38:00.000-07:00

Sariah turned 6 way back in April, but with Spring Break, the nasty flu bug, and the general busyness of the end of the school year, we didn't get around to celebrating with her friends until a couple weeks ago. Lucky for me, Sariah didn't care. She actually really enjoyed her thrown together, day-time summer bash, and I'm forever grateful for awesome friends who are willing to send their kids over with no advanced notice! Sariah has changed so much this year. She is quite the comedian around our house and gets everyone laughing with her giggle fits. She finds the joy and fun in every situation and is very affectionate and mellow (which is surprising for our feisty girl!) when we're alone with her. We sure love the spice she adds to our home!

Here's 10 fun facts about Sariah:

1. Her favorite color is blue.
2. She loves to eat mac & cheese and smoothies.
3. She wants to be a rock star when she grows up.
4. Her favorite playmate is her big brother Eli. Even her teacher commented on how much she looks up to him!
5. Sariah is awesome...not pretty, or beautiful, or gorgeous. When I compliment her in that way she insists I say she's awesome instead.
6. She's a rough and tumble girlie girl. She gets holes in the knees of her pants faster than any kid I've ever met, rolls her eyes at hair bows, but loves to don lipstick, perfume, and nail polish.
7. She loves being outside.
8. She can rarely find a matching pair of shoes.
9. She loves to read and be read to.
10. She's extremely athletic and competitive.

The kids' decorated their own butterfly cupcakes, (Idea from Family Fun)

played musical chairs,

had sack races,

decorated visors,

and had a silly string war.

Oh the simple pleasures of childhood!

The whole gang.

A while back we took Sariah to Great America by herself for her birthday outing. She spent most of the day in Daddy's arms as we waited in lines.

It was pretty cold but Sariah wanted to try out the water park anyway. It was a blast and so great to have our girl all to ourselves. We sure love her!

Blackberry Goodness

2011-07-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

My in laws have blackberry bushes growing in their backyard. The day I planned to go pick it was raining torrentially, so I donned a garbage bag and braved the water falling from the sky in favor of some homemade blackberry goodness...plus, you can't beat free blackberries! I made jam for the first time, and Ben made a pie. They were both delish!

The deal was Meilani could sneak out of bed to help Ben and I once the little kids were all asleep. Meilani told Sariah stories and let her sleep in her bed so that she'd fall asleep quickly. Don't mind the fuzzy picture, the camera was on manual focus and Ben couldn't figure out why the pictures were coming out so blurry.

We made 14 jars of blackberry jam, and one beautiful pie. I felt so domestic!

Meilani was in charge of the pie decor.

Mmmmm!

Aren't they beautiful? It wasn't even hard to make! I had no idea! I think more jam is in our near future.

Swimming at Amador

2011-07-07T17:55:00.000-07:00

Since Ben's working summer school, we've been able to use the high school pool for some necessary cooling off. The kids are dare devils! They love jumping off the diving boards and enjoy having free range of such a huge pool. Ben and I love it too and hope our kids will remember the great fun we have together swimming as a family.