Families ARE Fun!

Bobble Head White Boards!

2012-01-21T07:21:00.000-08:00

Can I just say these are SO CUTE!!!!
I am a HUGE fan!
Brooke made these for all the kids for our road trip!!!
They have been a GIGANTIC hit!

We are white board lovers...for trips...so all the kids have markers.
These homemade pictures were used for hours...they switched markers...they switched pictures...they wiped them clean...colored them..and then started again!!!

This little one is hanging out in Boston...Luke's favorite city!

This little girl grew her hair so long...it grew on her face! :)

Too Much Fun!

Brooke drew the pictures and then laminated them!

Kids Everyday Survival Kit!

2012-01-19T06:33:00.000-08:00

Chelsea has made the BEST survival kit I have ever seen.
She calls it her SAFETY kit...maybe because it keeps her safe from all situations that an 8 year old might encounter!

It's always a work in progress...everytime she thinks of something she needs she makes a list, and when she has enough money she will buy a size that fits her kit.

There is NO way for me to remember everything she has in her kit unless I am sitting right in front of it...but here's an example of few things....

paper
journal
coloring book (she likes the design ones)
markers
pens
pencil
pencil sharpner
eraser
variety of tape
glue stick
hole punch
string
lotion
hand sanitizer
bandaids
finger nail polish
scriptures
book
skip bo
uno
gum
kleenex
hair bands
brush
floss
trash area
chat pak

Using her as inspiration I made Car Survival Kit for my kids!

We have one full day of driving done...and they were a HUGE success!

I made these BE HAPPY clips to clip on their bags....if they have "kind" issues in the car they run the risk of loosing their HAPPY CLIP...if they loose the clip, they loose the right to the next family treat!
Everyone has been HAPPY!!

These kits are perfect for birthday and Christmas gifts!

Linking to SunScholars!

My Father's Dragon....Activities!

2012-01-17T19:38:00.000-08:00

We just finished reading "The Three Tales of My Father's Dragon"...
Which was an excellent bedtime story..and loved by all ages...including myself1
1.My Father's Dragon
2.Elmer and the Dragon
3.The Dragon's of Blueland

It was so much fun...I decided to add a little "baby dragon" fun into our school week!

I made a matching game for Annika, Brady, and Luke!
The dad is blue, the mom is yellow, the boys are all combos of blue and yellow, and the girls are green!

I made a site word game for Luke...if he landed on a square he had to be able to read the word in order to move his player!

The other kids quickly became envious of Luke's game...and so I made one for each of them!
It only made the game 100 x's better...because they could go against each other!

It was easy for the wee ones to understand why the boys were blue and yellow...since they each had a little bit of mom..and a little bit of dad!
But why were the girls green??
We did a quick experiment...mixing blue water, with yellow water...
They were thrilled to see the green appear!

Which lead to a whole new excitement of what colors make new colors!

The BIG girls made baby dragon cupcakes for the kiddos....

What a fun week of Baby Dragon activities...I hope our next book is just as exciting...
ANY SUGGESTIONS????

Being a "YES" Mom!

2012-01-16T06:22:00.000-08:00

I was thrilled the other day when my sister said...
"Your a YES mom!"
Little does she know that I made a decision very early into motherhood, that I wanted to say "YES" to my kids!
I expect them to say "YES" to me...and "YES" always feels better than "NO"!

How to be a "YES" mom?

The real answer is ....just pause and think before answering!

I have been working on this for 11 years...and I still have to pause and think.
Often, we are trying to juggle a million things every day...Laundry, dishes, homeschool or homework, picking up, paying bills, making food x3, and entertaining all the kiddos!
So when our kids come to us with their own creative idea, or activity it is easy to feel overwhelmed and say...

"Not now".....means NO
"Maybe later".....means NO
"I don't have time"...means NO

It's easy to turn those moments into YES moments!

"That sounds fun, lets set a time to do that this week!"
"Very Creative, figure out the details, and I'll help you put it together!"
"Great idea, let's do it!"

When talking to the kids, I try and make eye contact with them, so they know that I am listening, and then I acknowledge their desire, and address it in the best positive way possible!

It takes an extra 30 secs. to say "YES", to them!

Of course, positive "yes", quickly turns to a new creative "no"...if there isn't a follow through.
So I try to put it on the weekly schedule as soon as possible!

With all that said....I follow the Madagascar Motto....
"The answer will always be YES...unless NO is required!"

I am the mom...and NO is required sometimes! :)

Love is at my Door!

2012-01-13T07:11:00.000-08:00

I LOVE having BIG girls....
They make fun crafts to decorate my house!
Brooke and Chelsea made this sign!

They painted the canvas with red paint...after it was dried they put a coat of crackle paint on top!

Once the crackle paint was dry they painted it white.....
Then found letters in my art supplies...
Then found some pretty valentine stickers....
Hot glue some ribbon on the back...
and there you have it...
A LOVELY welcome sign...to greet all our visitors!

Our First Snow!

2012-01-12T13:06:00.000-08:00

The first snow of the season is always our favorite!
I just can't believe it didn't arrive until the middle of January...and that it was 55 degrees yesterday...and that it most likely will not last but a day or so! :(

I had NO idea that this is Brady's first snow...of memory!
He was in awe of the white fluff as it fell....he watched for hours in the window...before venturing out to explore all this frozen stuff!

His favorite part was the footprints he could make! I don't think there is one part of our yard that has not been walked in...leaving the prints of Brady!

First Snow Angel!

First taste of snow!

First snow adventure....the hike of Everest...

First they had to make it to Base Camp....only two made it that far!

Then for the exciting climb! :)

First snow ball.....

That ...became the base to the first snowman!
He is very tiny...barely taller than the bag of carrots! :)

Sister Song! :)

2012-01-11T07:32:00.000-08:00

You say she's not the best
But I say she is!
You say she could never fly
I say she soars!
I say she's pretty and smart and nice too!
She is the best.....ya....she is the be_____st!
Now do you know who this girl is?

Chorus
NO! No! I don't
Do you want me to tell you?
YA____________

OK!
This girl is Brooke!
YA!
Bro______ke!
Brooke is the best out of all them!
She shines like a star and she brightens up the room!
Ya, ya, ya....Brooke is the BEST!

You say she can't fly
I say she soars!

Oh ya!

I found this in my night stand drawer...it brought tears to my eyes...just like it did last year when Chelsea wrote this song about her older sister!

Alabama State Study!

2012-01-10T06:58:00.000-08:00

Luke has decided to finish our state studies!
He loves maps...and wants to travel the world! :)
I love his enthusiasm!
He came up with all his own ideas...and I tried to help him pull it together!
He made this map of Alabama.
He gave his report showing pictures he had made of the state flag, flower, bird, and reptile!
He told about the capital and how it wasn't the biggest city...he gave facts about population.
He told different things that the state was famous for...people and landmarks!

He gave everyone a map of the United States of America...and tested them to see if they could color in the state of Alabama!
The he went around and gave affirmation for their answers!

He then asked them to draw in the different things that represented Alabama!
Thanks to Brooke's note taking...the kids did a great job remembering all they had learned about Alabama!

He wanted to serve football cupcakes...and then watch a football movie!

He did such a fantastic job!
He is already planning and preparing for Alaska!

Making our own puzzles!

2012-01-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

My kids are all over making gifts for their friends and cousins!
They decided to make them puzzles.
I bought these BIGGER puzzles at the dollar store...and they just painted over them with a base color...we chose white...it took 2-3 coats to cover the original puzzle design!

Then they used Sharpies to draw the new design!
If the base coat is not COMPLETELY dry..it will ruin the Sharpies...we learned from trial and error! ;)

Brooke used acrylic paints to color in her puzzle....

Chelsea preferred to use the colored Sharpies.
We switched to these little puzzles, (above) because they don't have a board that they go on...which will make it easier for shipping.
Plus they were 3 for a dollar at the dollar store.
Even my youngest ones made puzzles...lots of them!
The less white you leave....the easier it is to put together for the receiver!
Also, we found that tender care needs to be applied while taking them apart....or pieces will break!

Thank You Cards!

2012-01-06T21:02:00.000-08:00

I want my kids to understand GRATITUDE!

I have tried to teach my kids proper etiquette for receiving gifts....

1. Open Present
2. Acknowledge the gift
3. Give Sincere Appreciation to the person who gave the gift
4. Show the gift to all in the room...if appropriate pass the gift around.
5.Then go to the next gift!

I also wanted them to put effort into saying Thank you!
We live far from all friends and family...and so our Thanks was going to be mailed!

The kids made each card....drew...colored....and then each one wrote a note to the Giver !!!!
It took hours of work to finish...but in the end they were so proud of their efforts!

Embracing 2012!

2012-01-04T07:52:00.001-08:00

We have had a BLAST celebrating the change of years!
We started with making this party mix...which was a bit time consuming...but worth every minute...since my two oldest daughters helped me...and we talked, laughed, and picked the entire time! :)
The end result is a very colorful pretty snack....that tastes great!

Is there any better way to make 2012 cookies than with edible play dough?

2012 math game!
I originally made this for Luke...who is learning his math facts...but all the kids wanted to join in...and I'm glad they did...it was a great time of learning!

I went ahead and made my own dice...because I really wanted him to just focus on the adding of the two numbers like he would see them on paper!

It's a race to see who can fill in their picture first....a new BINGO!

These little journals are my favorite part of our week!
I printed them from activity village...and then put them in binders...the kids decorated their binders!

The 2 oldest girls write their thoughts...

Luke and Annika draw their thoughts!

There are over 24 pages of questions about 2011...and then 2012!
We are trying to do 2 a day...the kids would do more...but I am using it as a "fun' break from school!
I am going to print pictures from last year that correspond with their journals and glue them to the back ...so that they will treasure them forever!

Good Luck Bags! ...2012

2012-01-02T06:20:00.000-08:00

I made up 6 Good Luck Bags for the 2012 year!
I put a small item with a fortune in each one!

Hung it on the Christmas tree...
After our midnight kisses and cheers...everyone picked a bag!

Brooke - small basketball shaped towelette
"Keep practicing you're going to have a great year of sports!"

Chelsea - sunglasses
"Look for opportunities to help others...this year you will make a difference in many people's lives!"

Luke - Ice breaker mints
"This year is going to be an icebreaker for many BIG changes!"

Annika - Hershey kisses
"The sweeter you are to others...the sweeter they will be to you...you are going to make a great friendship this year!"

Brady - Extra gum
"This is going to be an extra busy year...you are going to need extra sleep!"

Dad - calculator
"The calculations say that this year you will have many exciting surprises!"

This was a fun idea for anytime of year...birthday parties...family night..????
*I got the idea off pinterest!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!

2012-01-01T15:51:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEARS TO ALL !!!

I hope everyone got a good New Years KISS!

Even if it was a bit LATE!

I love the kiss that ends the great year of 2011...and starts the amazing year to come...2012!!!!
It's been bringing me luck for 15 years!

We were invited to a SUPER FUN NEW YEARS PARTY....I will post the details this week!!!

Shepards Night!

2011-12-22T20:13:00.000-08:00

I can't take credit for this fantastic night...but I can tell you that this was AWESOME!!!
I plan to do this every year...and I am sooooo thankful to my dear friend for inviting us to this incredible event!

Everyone, kids...adults...babies...(except for Brady) dressed in robes and sheets to get into the spirit of the Christmas story!

Everyone gathered their flocks...(stuffed animals)
and their nap sacks!

Which were full of Shepard food...cheese, crackers, meat, nuts, and dried fruit!

We sat together in a dim room and ate our food as we tended to our flocks..and talked about how the Shepards of old may have lived!
The point was brought up that they most likely had lots of spare time, which they could pray to the Lord and build a strong relationship.
This would then help them to be prepared to recognize the signs of the Savior being born!

We read the Christmas story from the Bible...talked about it...and then the Shepards went in search of the star...that would lead them to Baby Jesus!

We sang some beautiful Christmas songs....in honor of his birth!

What would a Shepard give to their Savior Jesus Christ?
The kids all thought about it!

Each Shepard wrote their gift on a piece of gold paper....
folded it....

And placed it in a chest for Jesus!

We ended with a small treat and some Hot chocolate!

We Miss You!

2011-12-21T20:47:00.000-08:00

To DAD:
WE MISS YOU!
HURRY HOME!

Hot Chocolate on a Stick!

2011-12-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

It's tough to have so much fun with the Polar Express Theme...and not take a bit of the Joy to others...so my kids decided they wanted to take some Hot Chocolate to their friends!
I remember seeing these adorable little Hot Chocolate on a stick last year...so we made our own!
We made our chocolate pieces the night before...because it takes 12 hours to set!
Then we made the marshmallows in the morning...they also need 4 hours to set!

Polar Express Movie Night!!!

2011-12-19T13:31:00.000-08:00

Luke has been so excited about the Polar Express this year.
We are reading the book every night...and he REALLY wanted a Polar Express Movie Night!
Thanks again to my fabulous BIG girls...they made a train out of boxes!

We all had a great time watching our movie with our little ones nicely tucked into their train!

We finished the evening with North Pole cupcakes...and hot chocolate!
(I had a better picture of the cupcakes...but this was too cute...Brady caught trying to eat our cupcakes...early!)

The next day the excitement was still raging...and so I made a simple Polar express lunch!
I don't think PB&J has ever been enjoyed so much by my crew!

We took the kids on the local Polar Express Train Ride!

Which they truly loved!

I have to be honest...we (Mark and I) were extremely disappointed...we both thought it was highly over priced!
I'm just glad we didn't share our opinion with the kiddos...as we were leaving a couple of them said, "This is the BEST day of our lives!"

JOY!!!

2011-12-18T06:35:00.000-08:00

I was asked recently what my favorite Christmas song was...and why?
I love all Christmas music...and I'm not sure I have a favorite....
But...1 stands out VERY strong in my head!

JOY TO THE WORLD!

Why?

Because CHRIST brings JOY to the world!
Not just to me and my house...and not just to America...but to the WORLD!
THROUGH CHRIST TRUE JOY IS RECEIVED!

He love everyone and he is protecting them and LOVING them!

It is easy to fill our souls with Christmas shopping...presents...santa...reindeer....and all the wonderful activities that bring Christmas to our homes....but without CHRIST there is NO real JOY!

I have seen many post of the Christmas shopper who has a cart full of toys and stuff, there face is hurried....concerned if they will be able to get the items they want...ready to attack any situation that comes in their path...
Then next to it...you see the starving children of the world...they have nothing...not even a decent pair of clothes to wear, let alone enough food to feed their frail bodies!

The point of the posts is eye opening and humbling....WHAT ARE WE DOING? ARE OUR PRIORITIES OUT OF WHACK?

As I look into those pictures and look past the obvious obsession of worldly stuff...I see similar faces...I see sadness! In both pictures!
Because MORE STUFF doesn't bring happiness either!

The only way to bring true...lasting JOY into the Christmas Season is to Bring the Light of Christ with us!

What can we do this last week before Christmas to bring JOY to as many people as possible?

1. SMILE!! (It's free and immediately effects everyone!)
2. GIVE A HUG! (I am a hugger, and I have found that pretty much everyone enjoys a gentle squeeze)
3. THINK OF SOMEONE WHO IS ALONE THIS CHRISTMAS....TAKE THEM SOME COOKIES OR MAKE THEM A CARD! (If you don't know of someone ask a friend or church buddy)
4. NEIGHBORS LOVE TO BE LOVED...(Especially the neighbor who is everyone's least favorite!)
5. OFFER CHRISTMAS GREETING TO ALL YOU PASS! (especially the ones who may not have heard Merry Christmas this year)
6. BUY SOMEONE'S LUNCH...and encourage them to pass it on!

I HOPE IN THE COMMENTS YOU WILL GIVE SOME MORE IDEAS...OF GIVING THE GIFT OF JOY!

We have 1 week left!

* Special Note: Start in you homes. Don't let the hustle bustle of the season make you grumpy! Treat your spouse and children the BEST EVER!
If needs be.....let things go...and just ENJOY the Christmas Spirit of JOY!!!!

Turning 38...Was Royal Treatment!

2011-12-15T09:10:00.000-08:00

I have to admit...I love my birthday!
I think it's such a fun day to celebrate!

Growing up I would wake up early and make (or buy) cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate for my family!

I continue the tradition today!

Seriously?
How can my birthday be anything less than FANTASTIC with a bunch of FRIENDS like this to share it with?!

These two sweethearts...have been planning my birthday for weeks...they have kept it all a secret...but I sneaked in for some pictures!
Here are the cooks and organizers!

The crew needed a quick bowl of cereal to give them the energy they needed for all of their night activities!

The mood was set...perfectly...for a Romantic Dinner!

We had the best waiter and waitress!

After dinner their was massages to choose from at the bottom of the menu! :)

We got amazing entertainment!

THANK YOU BROOKE AND CHELSEA FOR MAKING MY BIRTHDAY PERFECT!

Nativity Art!

2011-12-14T07:02:00.000-08:00

I have been slipping on specials with my kids.
This time I just took a day with each kid and while we talked about life they made their own nativity scene!
Luke is the above artwork....painted, designed, and glued completely by him.
I love his details!

Annika wanted nothing less!
She wanted to do everything by herself!

Brooke and Chelsea worked together on their clay nativity...they are still working on making the stable...which when done...it's going to be AWESOME!

12 Days of Christmas / Service...FHE!

2011-12-13T13:48:00.000-08:00

For Family Home Evening this week we decided to do the 12 days of Christmas for each other!
I have always told the kids....
YOU LOVE THOSE YOU SERVE AND YOU SERVE THOSE YOU LOVE!
If there is ever bickering, I figure that there needs to be more service.

I am hoping that if we serve each other everyday, then we will feel Christs love in our home this Christmas season!

The kids thought of 12 services that they could do for one another...I put 1 service in each sock...and we have one sock for each day until Christmas!

Day 1...and Brady is feeling the LOVE!

Everyone is having fun spending quality time with each other!

Traditional Elf Day!!!

2011-12-12T11:20:00.000-08:00

Every December 12th my sister, Cindy, gets older...and for her special December tradition...we had Elf day.

Growing up, she was the actual elf, so she would buy little trinkets for all the 12 kids.
Now we keep the tradition...except now I am the elf!

All the shoes were set out by the Christmas tree...but if your Christmas tree is in Iowa...then they are put on the mantle! ;)

I'll be honest, I forgot it was elf day, but the kids NEVER forget!

I bought these adorable BLANKS for the older girls...they loved them...great for stocking stuffers!
This is Brooke's

The Wee ones got these little ceramics to paint!

Here is Chelsea's BLANK!

Luke wrote the Elves a letter...for me to send to the north pole!
I never expected the kids to actually think that the elf day was from elves...but it's sure is fun that way!

Birthday Party Doubled!

2011-12-09T11:41:00.000-08:00

My 2 nieces have birthday 1 day apart!
We decided to drive back to Iowa to give them both a Birthday Hug!
I had NO idea my darling sister, Kim, would plan a party...just for us...even though she is moving in 2 days!
I love that she come up with a super fun, active, and quick party!

Here are the details to her Doubled Birthday Party...One is turning 5...and the other 3!

Five Fabulous Fashion Stations!

1. You must get dressed...girls all got sparkly dresses...and the 2 boys got sparkly bow ties!

2. Rings

3. Necklace making

4. Headbands...I loved that she gave them balloons and a headband...and let them go at it... in the next picture you can see that Brooke made hers with balloons that had not been blown up!

5. Make up

Three Terrific Giveaways!

Super fun!

Santa Week Continued!

2011-12-06T20:26:00.000-08:00

Sugar cookies ....or Santa staches!

Santa jar keeps school exciting!

Painted Santa rocks...

Left in Friends yards to give Christmas Cheer!

Santa Claus week!

2011-12-01T06:31:00.000-08:00

THEME OF THE WEEK
SANTA!!!!

Letters to Santa are sent....
Luke wanted to know what Santa wanted for Christmas...he was worried if anyone ever buys Santa a present!

Grandparent cards
from Family Fun

Chelsea got Hot Chocolate for the bell ringer!

Luke got his answer...
Santa wants homemade cookies....

I'm loving these hats/mittens!

2011-11-30T11:39:00.000-08:00

I have seen these at the mall for quite a while now...but I never stopped to check them out!
Then Brady decided to explore the stand...and he fell in love...then Annika fell in love...so I bought 2 of them!

We are having so much fun with them...that Luke and Chelsea now want one!

There worth it....in my opinion!

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

2011-11-28T20:33:00.000-08:00

Our baby is growing up......
What should we do?????

Why not have another one!!!! ;)
#6 is on it's way...we don't know if it's a girl or a boy...

We do know it will probably have a bit of each of us....the kids each drew a different body part...and this is what our new angel will look like...or close to it!

We know we aren't complete without the new baby!

If it's up to Luke...we may have a few more! ;)
I love the little one on Dad's head!

Got Cardboard!!!

2011-11-28T06:50:00.000-08:00

Make a mural!
I know it's Thanksgiving...we...like you...are ready to move on to Christmas!
But it turned out too cute not to post!
My older girls had this idea from the start of the Giant Tree!
But the younger 3 finished it...with a little help!

Black Friday Line Survival!

2011-11-26T06:31:00.001-08:00

Black Friday is not my thing....I am not a crowd fighter!
Last year my girls asked to go for the first time...and so at midnight we hit our local Walmart!
Yes, it was crowded...but we all got right in....and there was enough for everyone!

This year....my girls asked again. I figured it would just become part of the Thanksgiving memories!
So we headed out...we don't go early...because the idea is to just have a good time!
Well, the BIG city is a whole new story.
The line was over a half mile long...and we weren't dressed for the dropping temperatures!
SOOOOOOOOO....What do we do?
My rules are: We can go if it is fun...as soon as it's not fun....we come home!

The kids all wanted to stay...so now my sister and I have 2 8 yr. olds...and 2 11yr. olds to entertain for what we hoped would be a short wait!

After a few gymnastic stunts....

We played the alphabet game...make a pose for each letter of the alphabet.
Here's a few...
E for Enormous!

J for JUMP

O for Octopus

P for Peeing (Like a dog)

W for WOW!

Z for ZZZZzzzzz!

That worked like a charm...they all had fun!
Even My sister and I...jumped in on the fun...and forgot we were older...and just had a grand time being silly with our kids!

But...it only gave us an hour...
So...we played telephone...which was another hit...and gave us another 30 min.
The temps were dropping and the wind was picking up...so we knew we had to get the kids moving again!

After a few rounds of HOKEY POKEY...the girls just went out in the center of the LONG line and BOOGIED!!
It warmed them right up...and we finally made it into the store....after standing outside for 2 1/2 hours!
We all survived another Black Friday!
The girls are already planning on next year...so I'll meet you all out there!

Thanksgiving !!!

2011-11-25T07:19:00.000-08:00

I don't think character pancakes will ever get old for me or the kiddos...if you add a bit of color...everything is FUN!!!

We all woke up to a new tradition...designed and started by Chelsea...
The turkey left everyone a special Thanksgiving note...and some candy!
No one knows who the Turkey is...but me...and she informed me that she plans to come every year.
I figure if Easter can have a bunny....why not let Thanksgiving have a turkey...especially if that turkey isn't me! :)

Brooke has worked hard on the kids table details...she even set the stage with an indoor...outdoor teepee set!

While studying the Thanksgiving History...the kids have been enjoying Indians...so we set up a camp out style Thanksgiving dinner!

All their kids had an Indian journal...

Marker holding turkey...that doubled as a place setting!

The centerpiece was a real glowing campfire...

Even though the 3 older girls sat with the grown ups...at our typical table...

They still joined in on the Indian fun!!!!

Run Before the FEAST!!!

2011-11-24T08:08:00.000-08:00

I am one happy mom!
Growing up..the Turkey Trot was my favorite Thanksgiving Tradition.
I was thrilled to find one...right here in our town!
YIPPEE!

Check out Chelsea's adorable hat...she wears a funky hat in each race!
I love her individuality!
It stayed on the entire time!!!

All 7 of us paid...and all 7 of us have shirts and bid numbers...but it was too cold to get a good Turkey Trot picture!
Brooke agreed to stay with Luke...since he would be faster than me!

I walked with the wee ones...it gave me a whole new perspective....
Here are few of my favorites...during the run!
8000+ people giving glory to our great country!

Annika's own sense of fashion!

These awesome homemade turkey hats...we will be making these next year...they keep your ears warm..and they are adorable!

My all time favorite...SON PUSHING MOM!!!!!

Of course my cheering squad...who thought I would never finish!!!

8000+ runners....and 2000 dogs!
We gave this dog the BEST DRESSED!

Plus he made for one happy girl...who wanted to pet all 2000 dogs during the race!
(I don't really know how many dogs...but there was a ton!)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Family Pictures!

2011-11-21T10:55:00.000-08:00

I am proud of myself....
I have my family pictures done..and I have my Christmas cards ordered....
I don't mean to brag...but for me this is months early...
I am always ordering Christmas cards as Happy New Year...to avoid procrastination evidence!

My favorite part of family pictures is the "behind the scenes"....
trust me...there are 100's of special and funny moments...
here are just a few!

Thankful for Freedom of Religion!

2011-11-20T10:39:00.000-08:00

This week we have been studying the history of Thanksgiving....and the struggles of the Pilgrims!
As we have read stories upon stories of the hardships they endured...all for the sake of RELIGION!
We can't help but feel GREAT GRATITUDE TO ALL who have given up their lives for RELIGIOUS FREEDOM!

As I was rushing around trying to get all the kiddos dressed for church, I heard one of my kids say...."Aren't we lucky to have the freedom to CHOOSE which church to go to?"

This THANKSGIVING remember that the Pilgrims left England so that they could worship as they wanted!

I am so thankful for my belief in THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS!
I am equally thankful for all of my friends...who come from a full range of religious beliefs...I love that we can share stories, talk, encourage, and lift one another. I love that we can RESPECT each other! My hope is that all religion...righteousness..will pull together...work as a team...and be THANKFUL THAT WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE DIFFERENT!

FHE..Family Night..Helping the Needy!

2011-11-16T19:22:00.000-08:00

We have just moved to a "BIG" city from a small city.
All my kids were raised in Iowa, in a town of 10,000 + people!
We didn't have people standing on the side of the road with signs asking for money!
When we drove into Des Moines...we would occasionally see it.
Now it seems that every time we get on the freeway, there is at least one person asking for help!

I grew up in Phoenix, Az and have become accustom to seeing this.
Unfortunately, I just look ahead and drive past.
My kids started to ask me questions about why they were hungry and why wasn't I helping them.
I thought about it...and thought about what Jesus would do.
I couldn't think of one scripture were it tells us to look away from the needy...or to judge.
I decided I was setting the wrong example for my kids...and I wasn't spreading goodness to the cars around me. Charity spreads.
I know that they are not all sincere...and the ones who are, may be there for their own choices...but WE ARE NOT THE JUDGE!
We are only asked to help the needy!

We had a family night on HELPING THE NEEDY!
We started with a scripture search of what does the Bible tell us to do?
Of course...the kids came to the conclusion that we were to help, and not judge!

We compiled a list of things that the kids thought would be good to have if you were hungry!
Then I took them to Walmart and we purchased enough for 5 boxes of goodies.
We also got a bunch of $1 to keep in the car...so I NO longer have the excuse...
"I don't have change!"

The kids all arranged their own boxes of food...some made nice little piles..and others crammed the goodies in the box.

No matter how the box was packed...it was packed with lots of enthusiasm and love!

The older girls helped the little ones wrap their boxes!

The kids even made their own tags!

We ended with a THANKFUL TURKEY snack!

Family Night is seriously my kids favorite time of the week!
They look forward to it...and if missed...they are on edge...waiting for the FAMILY NIGHT!

As you can see from our snack....we don't stress about the details.
We try and pick a good character or spiritual subject...and then we plan an activity...song...scripture...and snack to go with it!
Sometimes it goes smoothly...but usually their is at least one kid tumbling around or jumping on our backs.
Those little distractions are never remembered..just the loving spirit that comes with everyone being together.
I try not to notice distractions...because the mom's attitude sets the whole night. If I am relaxed and happy...ready to go with the flow...then the whole thing is fun!

Your The Apple of My Eye ... Dinner!

2011-11-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

Here is our special dinner for ...
11-11-11

Our Ultimate, "I Love You" Day!

The personalized place cards were filled with a few special trinkets, that I have collected!

Most of the Food had an apple touch...I had to throw in some sweet potatoes and corn so that the family didn't get apple overload!
It ended up being a wonderful day ...filled with LOVE...and a little APPLE TO APPLE playing!

If you would like to read our start to 11:11...check HERE!

"I Love You" Subway Art!

2011-11-14T19:24:00.000-08:00

For an 11-11-11 art !!!
We originally planned to each make a subway art for someone else in the family!
It was so much fun...that everyone made one for everyone!

Above is Brooke's

Chelsea's

Luke's

Even Annika joined in on the fun!

I have to admit...I enjoyed making one for everyone too!

It was a ton of fun and kept the LOVE alive!

11-11-11....Ultimate "I Love You"!

2011-11-14T06:53:00.000-08:00

This is a very special day for our family....and it only comes once in 100 years!
11:11....11111...or 11-11-?...all represent, "I Love You!"

Here is our breakfast!

"I Love You" snack was served at 11:11:11 on 11-11-11!

For school I gave them all "Your the apple of my eye" school supplies!

*History behind 11111...When Mark and I first met, it was the age of pagers. So when I wanted to let him know 'I Love You!" I would page him with 11111111. Then we started to see 11:11 all the time...and decided it was because it meant we loved each other. It's be fun ever since! The best part is that as the kids get older they enjoy 11:11 too! When we see it...you will hear "I Love You!" ....all over the house. Even the kids friends have picked up on it...and I will get texts from random people (who I love) that say "I Love You!" All of them come at 11:11! 3 years ago we adopted the I LOVE YOU Holiday for November 11th!
You can never have too much LOVE!

Out of the mouth of babes!

2011-11-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

"I'm so glad God didn't make the world black and white!"
says Luke

It was a simple thing to say!
But for me....I teared up!
It is easy to see the world black and white!
As the days fly by...It easy to forget to STOP and enjoy all that is around us!
No wonder the Lord tells us to be like little children...
Yes, It's so we can be humble and meek..submissive to our Lord...
but they just appreciate the little things.
The things we have grown to know as normal!

I have STOPPED this fall and enjoyed all about the FALL!
I truly think I have SEEN the BEAUTY more than ever before!

I AM SO GLAD GOD DIDN'T MAKE THE WORLD BLACK AND WHITE!

(Here is some art work from Annika and Brady)

Living in Thanksgiving Daily!...Giant Thankful Tree!

2011-11-09T12:49:00.000-08:00

This year we made a gigantic Thankful Tree!
We filled it full of things we are thankful for...and we are ready to add more...with a tree this size..there is NO limit to what we are thankful for!

Thankful tree snack!
(inspired by Meet the Dubiens)

We have fully enjoyed the changing of leaves, the sounds of fall, and the weather as it turns crispy!
Brooke (left) and Chelsea (right) made me Fall pictures to frame and put next to the Thanksgiving Table!
I love how we can experience life together and yet see it differently! :)

SURPRISE!!!

2011-11-08T04:53:00.000-08:00

As my BIG girls cleaned up all the leaves...they got a surprise...can you see it in their faces???

YUP!
It's a surprise they have grown to expect and accept!
The three little ones...joined them in the clean up???
or NOT!

My favorite part is the outfits....
As Chelsea and Brooke have properly dressed for...the weather is CHILLY!

No shirt!

Wearing his sister's shirt!

Hair only half done!
Annika was the funniest...she made chicken wings and then ran around the yard ....
Clucking!!!

The kiddos made a quick snack in honor of the fall colors!

I am sad to see all of the beautiful leaves falling!
I LOVE FALL!!!

Zoo Pajama Party!

2011-11-07T06:17:00.000-08:00

The BIG girls were invited to a late night PJ party!
Luke came up with his own Movie Pajama party.....Animals!
I made them all cages out of cardboard boxes...and we had a
Grrrrrrreat time!

I served them their animal snacks in their cages....

(animal crackers, frosted animal crackers, and popcorn)
It was just like real animals...
They spilled their bowl of snacks, and I had to remove the "animals", clean out the cages, and return them all safely!

My kids must love Madagascar....because I had an Alex...dancing to all the music!

Luke watched the entire movie from his cage!

The girls got home at the end of the movie...and they joined right in on the fun!

HOGS!!!

2011-11-06T07:27:00.000-08:00

We left the wee ones home..and headed to the Arkansas vs South Carolina game!

It was super fun..."Better than expected" said Luke!
My kids NEVER forget events like this!
We don't do it often, but they talk about it for years to come!
I missed the wee ones, but I am glad we left them...it gave everyone a chance to relax and enjoy the game!

Our Address Works!

2011-11-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

Katherine sent us an Address Test!
The kids were thrilled to receive a box of crafts addressed to them!

They were able to create the spookiest bags ever! :)

I never would have thought of sending an address test!
Brilliant Idea!!!
If you don't already know Katherine...she is FILLED with BRILLIANT IDEAS!
Check out her fun HERE!

Prayer Basket....a Great Gift...FHE

2011-11-03T07:45:00.001-07:00

Do you ever struggle with the perfect gift??
I know I do!
A dear friend of mine...and fellow blogger...gave me this Great Gift!

"The Joshua Basket"

It's a basket with rocks...a notebook...a pencil....and a letter, explaining the gift!

(Here is the letter)

The Joshua Basket
Celebration of Faith
By Randy and Lisa Wilson

The Joshua Basket is set up as a memorial to remind families how our Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, meets us time and time again in our journey of faith.

Joshua 4:4-7, 21-24
"So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as as sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you , 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of the Israel forever.

He said to the Israelites, "In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them, 'Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.' For the LORD your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The LORD your God did the Jordan just what he had done to the Red sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God."

God asked each tribe of the Israelites to take up stones and He instructed them, "These stones will be for your children. When they ask, "Who is your God?" you will tell them." This passage is so powerful because it specifically tells us the stones were a monument of remembrance for the children.

It's encouraging to look in the Bible and see that the Lord Himself set aside stones of remembrance:
The stone with which Satan tempted Jesus turned to bread.
The stone Jesus told the Pharisees to throw if they had no sin.
The stone used to teach parents of God's good gifts to them.
The stone that was rolled in front of the tomb to seal Christ's death.
The stone rolled away three days later to crown Christ's life.

In order to see God's goodness and remember His faithfulness, write your families prayer requests and date and number them in a journal that you keep inside the Joshua Basket. When God answers prayers, take a permanent marker and number a stone to match the number of the answered prayer.

This has been such a fun weekly activity!
Once a week we write new things that we need to pray for!
It makes for a great Family Night (FHE)...or a gift to someone!

Thank you Alicia for this AWESOME GIFT!

*Now a note on Alicia...she is the Author of "The Overflow!" blog. Check it out! She is an incredible author, who loves the Lord and radiates it in her writings, home, and personal daily actions!

Fantastic Caverns!

2011-11-02T06:04:00.000-07:00

We got to take a trip to the Fantastic Caverns with the Grandparents!

It was FANTASTIC!

The opening to the cave was small, but where the original explorers entered was VERY TINY...they had to crawl in!

There were some very small spaces...

There is a rock mining set up which was full of acorns...my kids loved gathering pocket fulls of acorns....NO GOLD!

Tons of Fun!

We've Been Slimed!

2011-10-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

Brooke finally got to put together her lunch that she has planned!
Chelsea's was I LOVE MY MUMMY!
and
Brooke's is YOU'VE BEEN SLIMED!

Before the kids could come to lunch they all had to be SLIMED!

The slime food was GREEN Mac and Cheese....
GREEN grapes...
and (suppose) to be ...GREEN jello with warms....
But...
I thought I had lime jello, so I didn't buy any....oops!
Lucky for me, she is a kind and loving daughter and never said one unkind word to me!

She made a special GREEN slush and added some eyeballs....too fun!

Everyone made their best SLIME face!

I can't ever pass up on sibling love!

She made two different kinds of SLIME for the kids to play with!

They were surprised to find out that after playing with SLIME...they could eat SLIME!

Everyone made SLIME blobs...

Turning them into the cutest ever SLIME pictures!

End of the Day!!!!
SLIME BATH!!!!!!

Delicious Pumpkin Bread Pudding!

2011-10-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

Here is a divine recipe for Pumpkin Bread Pudding!

5 Large croissants, cubed
1 cup half an half
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger
caramel ice cream topping

Preheat oven to 350

In large bowl cube croissants
In medium bowl whisk together half and half, pumpkin, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Pour over croissants....let sit 30 min.
Put mixture into 8x8 greased pan.
Bake 30-40 min.
Cool 5-10 min.
Heat up the caramel ice cream topping....
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and warmed caramel ice cream topping!
ENJOY!!!!

Preschool / Kindergarten Pumpkin Fun!!!!

2011-10-25T17:01:00.000-07:00

We have had a great week of Pumpkin Fun!
Above...the kids listed all the things that they thought described pumpkins!

I left them individual notes in their workbooks!

The decorated pumpkin muffins...into jack-o-lanterns!

Luke made his pumpkins into sight words...that he is struggling with...then he placed them in different rooms...so that each room had it's own name...the "this" room!

We read :
Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden
and the kids practiced the cycle of life for a pumpkin!
(I found these cards on montessoriforeveryone.com)

They measured the different pumpkins with yarn!

Then checked to see which one was longer and which one was shorter!

Made pumpkin number lines!

I loved this...it was surprisingly difficult for Annika, whose 4!?
She would grab a face out of a bag and them duplicate it on her own pumpkin!
I got my faces from Mailbox Magazine...but they would be very easy to make with some orange paper and black sharpie!

Math practice for Luke...
We would toss the pumpkins in the bowl and keep track of how many each got..
I think it worked better to have him, just throw them and keep track of his hits and misses....
3 misses+ 2 makes = 5
1 miss + 4 makes= 5
It was fun to see that the total was always 5...and we practiced with different amounts on different days...to help him grasp addition...it was very successful and fun for him!

Pumpkin Love!

2011-10-24T18:08:00.000-07:00

The kids made little pumpkin bags for a new family we met...with 5 kids...all about the same age as ours! =)

We kept it simple...each bag got three orange candies..and green tissue!

The Real Deal!

2011-10-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

After putting forth a full day of BIRTHDAY FUN!
Luke informed me that he was saving his"real" birthday for when daddy was home!

We finally got the REAL DEAL....He has officially celebrated his birthday!!!

I never mind celebrating birthdays...twice...or more!!!!

TO ALL MOMS!!!!

2011-10-20T11:58:00.000-07:00

Do you have those moments...when you realize that you have forgotten to feed your kids?

Or worse....when you find out your daughters arm has been broken for a week???

These are moments when I just stop and cry!

In the middle of chaotic life....it is easy for moms to feel like they are failing!
There is no handbook, and how could there be...with each and every kids being so uniquely different???

A few months back....my oldest, Brooke, brought me a list of things that she was going to do....when she was a mom!
As I read over the list, I was very impressed....she had so many GREAT ideas!
I told her I would like to implement most of these into our home!
She immediately answered:
"NO"
I asked her ..."Why would her kids like these rules, if she wouldn't like them?"

"Well, Mom, I like you just like you are! Your my mom and I love you! I don't want you to change. I don't want you to be me. My kids are going to love me as their mom...but you are my mom, and your PERFECT!"

To All MOMS!
Your doing a great job!
Don't compare yourselves to others!
Your PERFECT just the way you are!!!!

GOOD BYE NEIGHBORS!

2011-10-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

We will miss our neighbors...they have been our family for 10 years!

We took them a 7-up, with a balloon, and a note ....
The 7 reasons we will miss you as a neighbor!

The kids came up with the list of 7 reasons...it was fun to read what they appreciated from each neighbor! =)

Messages from the Zoo!!!

2011-10-14T05:58:00.000-07:00

My first time to see a Cheetah...in person!
I was in AWE....How would it be to be the FASTEST animal living...FOREVER!!!!!
In our world of records...someone comes along and beats you...but not in the world of animals!
THE CHEETAH HAS and as far as I can see, WILL ALWAYS BE ....THE FASTEST ANIMAL!

I obviously come from a competitive running background....(comes from...not one now! ;) )
Because I loved these guys!
My kids had to pull me away!

If your son asks to see ELEPHANTS.
Before marking it off the list...make sure you know if he wants to see ASIAN ELEPHANTS or AFRICAN ELEPHANTS!
We still have African Elephants on the list!

Luke: "Mom are you BIGGER than an elephant...or is an elephant BIGGER than you?"
Me: "What do you think?"
Luke: "I think your BIGGER!"

=)

Why would anyone pass up on a stoller ride around the zoo???

Brooke can push an ELEPHANT!!!

While in Minnesota we met some friends who have spent years in Africa!
Luke who loves animals was curious to what the most dangerous animal was?
She told us that the Hippo is responsible for more human deaths than the lion!
How could that be...the lion is the king?
Luke has not been able to understand this...it has been bothering him ever since.
He has been on a HUGE mission to see a HIPPO!

Luke: "Oh! Now I understand! The Hippo swallows you whole!"

Mummy activities....preschool!

2011-10-13T04:55:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite parts of homeschooling my kids....is watching the older ones take delight in the younger ones learning!
Chelsea added some preschool activities to her Mummies Theme!

MUMMY WRITING!

MUMMY MATCHING

WHAT'S IN YOUR MUMMIES TUMMY?!

Celebrating the BIG 6!

2011-10-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

Luke turns 6!!!!
He started his morning with a run through streamers!

Placed through out the house were Luke signs!

Brooke spent the entire night before preparing a treasure hunt for Luke!
She informed him....that all his presents were missing...and that they needed to find them!
The kids had so much fun looking for Luke's presents!

He got lots of fun thought out gifts...but his favorite was his ABC game hand made by Brooke!

Dressed in I'm 6 Today...we headed out to find 2 of the 3 animals Luke wants to see....

The Hippo!

Elephants!

Now I just need Rhinos...and his list is complete...until he makes another one!

Dad's out of town so we are saving the "real" celebration for when he is able to share it with us...so we are waiting for cake and ice cream.
Instead we went to frozen yogurt!

Where Luke decided to pay for 6 people's yogurt....since he was 6!

They only catch was that they had to take a picture with him!

Everyone was HUGE troopers...and this was the greatest end to a fantastic day!

Does he look proud or what?

I LOVE my MUMMY!

2011-10-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

Brooke and Chelsea have both chose a theme and then made a full lunch with activities to go with it!
It is so fun to watch them...as they enjoy planning activities for their younger siblings!
Chelsea chose....

I LOVE MY MUMMY!!!

I couldn't be happier!!

Here is her lunch...

Mummy dogs
mummy fingers
rip cookies
mummy cupcakes

My favorite her mummy pops!

She decorated the table with a mummy wrapped barbie in a decorative coffin!

Mummy wrapped chairs...and all the meals served in individual coffins!

It was a great success...with a BIG MUMMY CHEER!

Then they each mummy wrapped each other....

The break out was the BIG HIT!

We had an hour of tissue paper fun....lots of being buried alive!

Balls of all sorts formed with tissue paper and played with!

We have a few more mummy activities to come.....

Have a Pirate Day....Details!

2011-10-07T06:03:00.000-07:00

Here are the details to that pirate party that my sister's threw....

After a quick pirate lunch...they had each child walk the plank while holding a book on their heads....or if too young....having the book held for them! =)

If you successfully made it across the plank then you could find your special "message in a bottle"...with a handwritten note from the captains....each one was individually made...and was an actual note, to the child.
My kids love notes from their Aunties telling them how special they are!

Each child got a black balloon to pop!

Inside the balloons was puzzle pieces to the treasure hunt!
The map is suppose to be square...but it didn't slow this bunch of pirates down!

They immediately found the treasure and all together ripped open the granola bar box....

They were both surprised and thrilled to find suckers instead....
Can't ever trust those captains! =)

They ended with suckers and special notes to go home!
It was a quick and super fun pirate party!

Pirates!

2011-09-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

I have 5 kids who are patiently waiting to move, so that they can unpack their toys!
So I am grateful for my sister who threw a pirate party for my other sister..and herself!

When I opened my bin of pirate outfits....my kids went CRAZY!
They had so much fun mismatching all the pirate stuff to create a pirate for their personality!

Every year, I just keep adding to my "everything pirate" bin.
It seems every fall we have a pirate day....or two!

This year the girls even found the fake eyelashes!

I am so thankful my sister squeezed in this pirate party before we left.
I may be moving 5 pirates....I'm not sure they will ever return their pirate clothes and swords to the bin...we will my travel with lots of ARGGHH'S!

She had super fun pirate party ideas, I will post them later, so that you can have a pirate day this fall! =)

Worries!

2011-09-28T18:36:00.001-07:00

I am typically NOT a worrier....
But...
I have been filled with all sorts of worries...
I am leaving such a blissful town...
I am leaving fantastic neighbors!
I am leaving friends that I am afraid I may NEVER be able to replace!
I am leaving a comfortable, safe, and easy life!

I worry...
What if the kids don't find friends right away???
What if our neighbors are not kind????
What if I don't find a good friend???
What if?????
What if????
What if???

Then today I was trying to catch up on all your blogs...and loving every minute...but I want to share a special post about worries!
It was just what I needed to hear!

(Click here for a great read!)

There are so many unknowns right now....
We just have to have Faith!!!!!

Focused and Determined!

2011-09-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

"Dad will you run with me?"

Chelsea loves to run!
She loves to race!
She wants to WIN!

This race was so fun...it was at a farm...and everything was FARM FUN!

The course was lined with pumpkins!

Mile two was literally in the CORN MAZE!
"GET LOST"...reads the sign!

I was so thrilled to see her make it through the maze!

I wasn't able to see all of the obstacles...but from what I hear...there was LOTS of them!
Rivers...fences...mud....

These obstacles are HUGE for a little 8 year old girl...but she never stopped!

Even when her ankle rolled!

Even the fans had FARM FUN!
Her cheerleaders loved standing high on the hay...to cheer her in!

She ran her heart out!
All she wanted was to WIN!
She wanted that medal!

Covered in dirt and scratches!

She patiently waited for AWARDS!
There was NO rewards!
I thought my little girls was going to die..she ran her hardest EVER!
She was the first for her age group and only one other woman beat her.
I was so proud!

This is a must do race for all you Iowa people...and all the proceeds go to cancer!

I bought Chelsea a special 1st place medal....engraved with her name! =)

From Puppy to Bride!

2011-09-23T06:15:00.000-07:00

If I had 12 kids, I would expect one of them to stay young forever!?
Kristina is my youngest sister....the youngest of 7 girls!
I still remember when she was the house puppy....She greeted all my dates with a great BIG "jump on the lap"...and "lick to the cheek".
She got all the "hand me down" toys. And let me tell you, after 11 kids...they were worn out!
But nothing could stop her imagination.
I remember the pooh bear that was my older brothers. It was riding toy and very fun.
By the time Kristina got it, it was unrecognizable...but she loved that "dog" more than life itself.
She made a leash for it, and would pull it behind her everywhere she went...the wheels were not in good condition, so how she pulled it I will never know??? She taught that brown blob, (which is what it looked like not...no ears...no eyes..nothing left), all the tricks in the book! Her favorite was how it could jump up in her arms on her single call!
Then slowly...and slower than others her imagination left.
She tells of the time that she yearned to be little.
She put her bowl under the table, and went under to eat like a puppy again...but it just wasn't the same...her imagination was slipping.
We never thought she would move into a stage of caring what others thought. She was Tina..and that was that!
No worries...with time, she became a star athlete, and a beauty queen. (She didn't win a beauty queen title...but let me tell you, she is gorgeous!)

She never lost her love of being a kid...and I don't think she ever will.
My kids love and adore her!

How she changed from a puppy to Bride -to -be...I'll never know!

I wanted to share this proposal with you...because I can...it's on You tube!

Check it out!

I don't want my kids to grow up...and then again...how fun will it be to see them BLOSSOM! =)

Sticks....can fit anywhere!

2011-09-22T04:37:00.000-07:00

Chelsea has picked up a new hobby!
She loves to whittle!
She kept asking me to buy her a little pocket knife, but I couldn't really see it being a necessity!
Well, after she showed me that she truly loves it...by whittling her cousins name in a stick...I broke down and bought her the cutest hot pink knife ever!
She treasures that thing!

Along with this new hobby comes the gathering of sticks...lots of them!

Well we are moving in a week, and I keep telling her, to wait until we move to build up her stick collection!

Yesterday, I was taping up 4-5 boxes that have been waiting to be taped and I noticed that tucked into all the corners are sticks!

I think we may be moving more sticks than anything else!

What surprises have your kids brought on a moving adventure???

Pause Button!

2011-09-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

I don't know what my kids would do without a pause button. We rarely have time to watch a whole move at one time, so we take full advantage of "pause"!

Well, as a mom, I reserve the right, TO PAUSE!!!

Sometimes life can get moving so fast that I start to feel like I'm stumbling...this is when I PAUSE!
My kids have all grown to understand that a PAUSE is just that, a mini break, for mom! We still may do fun activities, but everything is spontaneous and pressure free. I usually leave the camera behind. It is interesting to me, how when I am in PLAY mode, I can hardly stand to miss a camera moment. But during times that I need to PAUSE, I have NO problem allowing life to happen, uncaptured. I can't say that they are completely uncaptured...the memories of feeding ducks, having picnics, painting, and putting together puzzles, are still forever with us.

About a week ago, my oldest asked me, "Mom, what are we doing today?" I replied, " I'm not sure, I'm taking a PAUSE. She knew exactly what I was talking about, so she put together a week of activities. I would hear her tell the kids, "This is our week, Mom, is on PAUSE!" =) Luke did ask me today if I thought I would be unpaused soon....I felt so good, that they love when I plan the week. So I told him I thought I was ready to roll. "Well, you can take another week, if you need, we had a great week!" =)

The moral of this whole PAUSE post, is that it is okay for us to take a PAUSE. We can still be just as involved and interested in the lives of our children...but everyone needs to step back. It's okay!

Cabin Princess!

2011-09-08T06:09:00.000-07:00

Annika's actual birthday happened to be while we were in Minnesota!

The kids got busy to make her a princess for the day...even if we weren't home!
They made her this precious crown out of materials they found.

Each one of them insisted on buying her a present at the local store....let's just call it a convenient store! =)
Wrapped in cabin blankets!

They got up early and made birthday signs to decorate all the doors of the cabin!
They truly made her day special!

This was awesome!!!! BLACK BEARS!!!!!

2011-09-07T07:17:00.001-07:00

Orr, Minnesota has a free roaming bear feeding!
We were a bit nervous of what to expect!

IT WAS AWESOME!
One of the coolest things I have ever seen!
NO fences...bears are free to come and go as they would like!
There was 50-60 bears eating...hanging out...climbing trees!

I have never heard of anything quite like this before....

DO YOU KNOW OF ANY OTHER WILD LIFE EXPERIENCES LIKE THIS??????

*I need to note that there was an observatory deck, that we watched the bears from. We were not in any danger at all, which put my heart at ease!

Minnesota Vacation.....Lake Kabetogama!

2011-09-06T09:52:00.000-07:00

This was the real deal....a family vacation not tied to Dad's work!
I purchased a week at Lake Kabetogama at Charity Auction for our Local Christian School...
This was the last week we could redeem our vacation.

We had a great relaxing time!
Lake Kabetogama is almost as North as one can go in Minnesota without hitting the Canadian border.
Our resort was more like camping than resorting...at least in our terms of resorts!
It took a while to get use to...but the kids loved every single minute!
We enjoyed having Dad's undivided attention!

A Sisters Treat!

2011-09-02T06:55:00.000-07:00

Brooke offered to treat us all out to lunch...to give me a break!
She said that I make food all day long, and that I must need some time off!
Is she way ahead of her years...or was I slow??
It took me until I had my own kids, to finally grasp my mothers efforts!

At first I said, "NO".....I hated for her to spend her hard earned money on lunch!
But she was very disappointed and so I agreed!

It was the meal of Brady's very first "funny" face!
=)

We spent the whole afternoon bonding!

Brooke,
Your an exceptional example to your younger brothers and sister!
I am very lucky to have you as a daughter!
Thanks for the wonderful lunch, and special afternoon!
Love Mom!!!

Road trip....Funny Faces!

2011-09-01T06:45:00.000-07:00

I bought a funny face sticker book for $3.99.
The kids had a blast putting the faces on the papers...and then the fun really started!
Brooke took the face parts and put them on herself...

Then everyone joined in the fun....seriously....a ton of fun!

Once they had exhausted all their resources, they started a new and just as funny project!
Giving each of the windows an identity!

This much ROAD TRIP FUN...for just $3.99!

Road trip......GO BIG!

2011-08-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

When we are in the car driving for days...I try to make anything possible BIG and EXCITING!
Chelsea suggested we have another bubble gum contest!
They were thrilled with the yard stick gum....rather than just hubba bubba!
The yard stick entertained more than the gum! =)

Let's Bake a Cake!

2011-08-29T05:22:00.000-07:00

These two kids have been waiting and waiting to make Annika a birthday cake!
Here it is...they did everything themselves...including eggs...which ended up mostly on the counter! =)

They kept giving each other hugs, high fives, pinky shakes...

some new slap hand shake...that must have been taught by an older sibling!

They let Brady jump into the fun of decorating!

I think they ended with 2 cakes, 2 cans of frosting, and 8 full bottles of sprinkles!
They just sprinkled, until their hearts were content!

A BIRTHDAY CAKE FOR ANNIKA...THAT SHE WILL NEVER FORGET!

15 years of my own Fairy Tale!

2011-08-27T03:40:00.000-07:00

He truly is my prince!
I am so thrilled to say that I LOVE LIFE!

My 15 tips to our successful marriage would be....

1. Weekly date nights! Even if your short on funds, just put the kids to bed and then watch the stars together! We mainly go to dinner...and talk. My kids can't figure out how we can go to dinner for 3 hours! =)

2. Enjoy each others lives! I stay home with my kids....but I have also worked along with him. Regardless, of what life brings...we enjoy hearing about each others week!

3. Be a Peacemaker! This is my favorite! Everyone has a bad day....we have an unspoken understanding, that it's okay! Sometimes I'll be the one to just keep the smile, while he is irritated! Sometime...maybe more often...he does it for me! It eliminates fighting...which is the last thing I want to do with my TRUE LOVE!

4. Treat your spouse the BEST! I made this commitment way before I ever met Mark. In High School, I spent a lot of time at my friend's house. I would watch her parents out in public, smile and be happy to all they met. Yet, when they got home, they were tired, and treated each other horribly! Why put so much effort into other people...when your spouse is an eternal friend???? I am lucky to have met a man who does the exact same thing. It doesn't matter what drama he was faced with at work, he always comes home with a smile!

5. 5 love languages! Love it! Read it...and take the test! It took us a long time to take the test, because we felt like we had a good relationship. Finally, after hearing how much it helped my brother and his wife, we decided to take the test. I was surprised at the answers. It has truly helped me to be a better wife. For us it seems to come in handy when you, (everyone does), have one of those days...when you are just tuckered out! I'm quality time (not quanity time...quality time), and affirmation. One night, we were laying in bed, and Mark rolled over gave me a good night kiss, then he paused...."you looked nice today!" I knew that I really looked like a worn out, tired mom...so I asked him...."What was I wearing?" He replied, "I don't know...but your affirmation...and you always look nice!" It worked for me! I even like forced affirmation!

6. Be Affectionate! Love your spouse! Let him know you love him! Let your kids know that you love each other. I have always appreciated my parents example.....My mom would be washing the dishes...and my dad would come up behind her, humming a tune, wrap his arms around her waist, and nuzzle his face next to hers, while giving her a gentle kiss on the neck! They were always tasteful, but we knew they loved each other. It did not matter where we were, if there was nice classical music, my parents would dance! They are beautiful ball room dancers. It seemed to take them from their busy life, as parents of 12...into a quick fantasy! I know they will be dancing together in heaven!

7. Support each other as parents! Another, example from my parents. If one said "NO", there was no reason asking the other one! We have followed the same rule! The kids try really hard to know their question and then ask the appropriate parent. I will often hear them walk away from a "NO", saying, "I knew I should have asked dad first!" =)

8. Appreciate your Spouse! Our husbands work HARD! We work HARD! Let him worry about tooting your horn....you toot his! Let him know...VERBALLY...that you appreciate all he does! I don't think there is any substitute for verbal affirmation...but you can always change it up too. I will send him an email, or a text, telling him how amazing he is! BECAUSE HE IS AMAZING!

9. DON'T FIGHT! It's that simple! You may not believe me....but I NEVER heard my parents fight...not even raise their voice to one another! I wish I could say that...but early on, we had a couple little fights. One time, we were in Hawaii with Mark's parents, and for some reason we ended up in a fight! Of all places, why would you fight in Hawaii???? He's mom gave us advice, that has changed our life forever. She told us, "Don't fight, just let it go!" How simple is that! She explained, that usually a fight starts off as something small, and then with tension, and time, grows to something large and ugly, in fact, usually you don't even remember the original fight! I am thankful we had our lesson in the first year. Because we just let things go...give each other a break..and we don't fight!

10. Smile! laugh with each other! I think this may be my favorite thing to do together. -Laugh- My kids always ask me why I think dad is so funny! We just have fun with playful banter! We have experienced enough life together, that we can just LAUGH!

11. Put the Lord first! We are different denominations! Which can be a HUGE wedge! Many, in our situation choose to just not pursue religion. We decided that it was very important, and that our kids would follow our example! We decided to focus on the common ground...and Put CHRIST at the head of our home! I am so thankful, that we have pushed through...I still pray that we will someday share the same denomination. But I am thankful that we go to church every week as a family, we read daily scriptures, and have daily prayer, and we both LOVE THE LORD!

12. Have a Hobby...and Appreciate each others! Lucky for us, we both share the same common hobby.....fitness! I enjoy running, and he likes basketball! I love when he gets the chance to unwind on the court! As for my hobby...after years of asking him to run with me...he now runs with me...and more than me! Although he is yet to beat me in a race! =)

13. Enjoy each others families! I love my family! He loves his family! I love his family! and He loves my family! It makes all the difference!

14. Touch each other! I have never heard of a man that does not enjoy being touched! That is my number one weapon. If I want to have quality time...and he is busy...well, he can't resist a head rubbing...it works every time!!! And then there is the simple touch...I absolutely love when he just reaches over and touches my arm!

15. BE YOUR SPOUSES #1 FAN!

After our anniversary date, we came home to this sweet pillow!!!!

Indiana.....Notre Dame!!!

2011-08-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

I love college campuses...typically they are beautiful...and the older the better...for having beautiful building!

We took a detour and stopped by Notre Dame!

I figure if I start them young, it has to make an impression!
If we talk about college now...then the chances of them graduating from college increases!
If we walk the campuses and talk about how fun it would be to attend college at these campuses...it's going to implant a visual in their minds, so when we talk about college, they have a picture!
That's my hope!

Oh!
She's growing up!

When I was in kindergarten my dad went back to BYU for his masters program.
We spent two summers living on campus!
I have great memories, but also, I always pictured the BYU campus, when I thought about working hard for a college scholarship!

Brooke loved the perfectly placed clock...that sits right above the main courtyard....no excuse for being late to class!

It was a perfect day to visit a beautiful campus...and we even got to see a few real princesses!
(So Annika believed! =) )

Keeping a close watch!

2011-08-25T06:38:00.000-07:00

We have spent so much time in hotels this summer...that one day my girls asked if they could go walk around the foyer...they are still just little girls, and I have a hard time trusting foreign places!
We were in a relatively small town....that seemed to be safe....but still these are my little girls...at what point do you take the chance????
I knew they needed time, they are both huge helpers with the three wee ones, and we usually just have a single room hotel room.
So I agreed to allow them to walk around the foyer together!
They didn't know that I had decided to walk laps around the 3rd floor, where I could keep a close watch on my sweet little girls!

It was such a joy to watch them enjoying each other.
They laughed for at least an hour....I wished I had better spy equipment, and could hear all they were talking about!

I just enjoyed the opportunity to watch them play with one another, and love every minute of it!

I could tell they never planned to return to our small room....
and in the mean time I was getting quite the workout, since I had told my self I would walk at a brisk pace the entire time, until they came back!
I never knew they would take so long!

At last I was caught!

I can't help but wish that there will always be a 3rd floor walking area for me to keep an eye on my kids while they grow up, and spread their wings!

It's truly a gift to a parent, to have kids that enjoy one another!

PB&J....On a Stick!

2011-08-23T06:26:00.000-07:00

While at the fair, I was trying to find food that my kids would actually eat, since they don't love all things fried!
I found PB&J ..on a stick!
Only problem was that one of my little tykes doesn't like jelly....only honey...and they did not have honey.

Guess what I made on our picnic yesterday?????

PB & Honey....On a stick!

These are awesome picnic sandwiches...the kids loved them...and they were mess free!
I just brought premade, quartered, crust free, sandwiches....and grapes...some long sticks...and
Whalaaa....stick it all together, and you have the perfect no mess sandwich!

Iowa State Fair!....A Must DO!

2011-08-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

I can't claim that I have been to every State Fair....but I have been to a few...and the Iowa State Fair is special and unique....CLEAN....SAFE...AND KID READY!
Everyone can have a great time at this fair!
We started in the Learning Center....

There was all kinds of animals which either had their babies in the last couple of weeks, or were waiting to have their babies!
It's very interesting for the kids!

There was ducks, chickens, turkeys, ostriches, goats, lambs, cows, pigs, ......just to name a few!

These little piglets were born 15 minutes before we got there!

They also let the kids pet the baby piglets!

This was the 100 year celebration of the butter cow!
Wow! It's truly amazing!

The girls were able to make bracelets!

Ride the Sky Glider!

While I took the wee ones on a few wee rides!

Our favorite part was the BUTTERFLY GARDENS!

There is a tent set up with over 500 free roaming butterflies!

If your good, you can get completely covered in butterflies!

It's seems we are rain magnets...and this trip was no different...we survived 2 thunderstorms..and then booked it to the car!

Being an Aunt...or Uncle!

2011-08-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

Being a good Aunt and Uncle is worth the effort!
It can take time and money...but it leaves an eternal effect on the Nieces and Nephews!

My Aunt Betty and Uncle Frank always made sure that we knew that we were worth the effort!

We lived in AZ, and they lived in Utah, so we did not see them much...but I knew they cared..and loved me.

They have not only made it to all of our weddings...but they have brought a handmade quilt with them!
My quilt is priceless...because it is a symbol of LOVE!
I am sure that it was not always convenient to fly to our wedding...but the one thing we all knew was that Uncle Frank and Aunt Betty would be there!

I called them the night before I was going to be in Palmyra...I could tell they had a full day of work...I assured them that we just wanted to see them, and that we knew they were busy!
I went there expecting to have a sweet visit, and then we would go on to tour Palmyra....
Instead...they made quick arrangements so that they could spend the entire day with us, including feeding all of us waffles at 8pm!!!!

I will always have a special spot in my heart for my Uncle Frank and Aunt Betty!
I hope that I can let all of my dear Nieces and Nephews know that I love them..and that they are special to me!

New York...Nature finds!

2011-08-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

Chelsea found a friend, who let her carry her around for over an hour!

This white Caterpillar brought lots of excitement, until they found out, it will become a moth! =)

A secret garden passage way.......

Shorter than they hoped...but they still loved it!

I love seeing life through the eyes of my kids!

New York....Palmyra!!!

2011-08-18T05:28:00.000-07:00

WHOOO HOOOO!

This has been on my top places to visit...my entire life...and now I have been there! =)

This is Hill Cumorah!!!

This barn was built by my Great Great Great Grandpa!!!!
How cool is that????
It was moved 25 miles, to be place right by the sacred groves!
They took it apart, piece by piece, and put it back together, exactly the same!
The outside wood is new...but....

All of the inside wood...walls...and floors...are original..(except 3 pieces!)

Then we walked the trails of the Sacred Grove...there are 5 miles of trails, and we just walked 1 mile...but we learned so much!
It helped that our tour guide was our own Uncle Frank and Aunt Betty!!!

Here is an original stone fence, that is how they separated boundaries!

Here is a tree who overcame trials....just like we have to do!
Can you see how it grew a second tree from one of it's branches, to give it more strength!

200 year old tree...living!

This tree was here during the time of the First Vision!

Another tree of tribulation....notice the roots grew a new tree....the original tree died!

400 year old tree!

On our way out we got soaked to the bone...but that ended up being part of the fun!

The kids got to see how the Book of Mormon was published...what an amazing process!
They got to hold the teeny tiny letters, that had to be placed one by one!

After learning all that was entailed in publishing books...my kids got to take part in the end process...folding the pages....

Gluing the binding on!

This was such a fantastic day of spiritual growth...family history...learning on all levels!!!!
If you ever get a chance to stop by Palmyra...take the time to walk through the Sacred Groves!

New York.....Niagra Falls!

2011-08-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

We have spent the majority of the summer, traveling!
We just got back from New York...Buffalo-Syracuse area!
This is my first visit to Niagra Falls....
IT WAS GORGEOUS!!!

This was another last minute trip with Dad...and so I was not prepared with passports, so we were not able to go to the Canada side!

We took the "Maid of the Mist" boat ride....
I highly recommend this ride!
Even for a large family...5 and under is free!

Beware:
If you stand by the blow horn...it will BLOW...very loud...and startle all the little ones...so BE READY!

The wee-est of the bunch, may need to be cuddled!

It's absolutely breath taking!
My kids were in AWE!
We saw two different full rainbows!

They gave us rain ponchos...which we immediately put on....It was a hot day..and as we stood in line waiting to get on the boat...we were just drenched!
Everyone in the line wondered...are the people coming off the boat...wet because of the heavy mist...or because the sweated so much????

End verdict:
You will get wet! Very wet!
If we do the boat ride again...we will put the ponchos on at the last minute...right before the boat leaves!

Iowa.....Wasps!

2011-08-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

Yes!
We have wasps! Lots of them!
Most of the wasps nests are the typical ones...with holes all of them...like swiss cheese!
This one was different...and I believe the home to the wasp that bit me...which led to a major allergic reaction!

The kids loved learning about how wasps make their nests...and then holding it in their hands and seeing the amazing work.
It's a paper nest...and it feels just like paper!

Iowa....Hedge Maze!

2011-08-11T07:04:00.000-07:00

This is straight out of a fairytale...a hedge maze!
We've done lots of corn mazes...but this is a new one for us...and it was AWESOME!

This was our last adventure at the Winterset Park.....in Winterset, Iowa!
It was one full day of fun....this is a must do for "THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN IOWA!"

Iowa.....Stone Tower!

2011-08-09T07:14:00.000-07:00

The Cutler- Donahue Covered Bridge has been moved to the Winterset Park....
About 1 mile down the narrow, scenic road is a Stone tower....

The kids opted to walk...run...hike to the tower....remember it's blazing HOT!
This was one tough crew...the moms drove behind! =)
Luke even walked barefoot!

I have to highlight a few pictures of my sister and her wonderful kids...they were visiting from Florida!

This tower is a perfect place for pictures...and fun!
The kids could have stayed all day...the little ones, all had their own rooms (windows) picked out!

If you find yourself in Iowa....Des Moines area....Winterset Park is a wonderful full day of fun!

We also saw, the stone bridge, which was also in the movie....
Bridges of Madison County!

I think I need to watch the movie now! =)