To Meet a Stake President

We had our Ward conference last night and today.  Peter took the chance to talk to President Dalton about Dallin and his recent baptism.  Peter arranged to introduce Dallin to him today after Sacrament meeting.  During the Sacrament meeting, when President Dalton got up to speak, we pointed it out and Dallin put his book that he was looking at down and sat up tall so that he could see and listen.  It was cute to see him getting so excited.  Then, later after the meeting, Peter brought Dallin to the President and he said "Oh, this must be Dallin." and shook his hand.  He commented on Dallin's new suit and said, "Wow, you look like a prophet!"  Dallin really thought that was great.  What a neat moment.

Summer

I have so much to catch up on.  It has been a whirlwind the last week.  We keep staying up later and later at night and playing more and more.  I am loving not having to get the kids out the door at 7:40 am, no HW to work on with them, no "Is it PE today or Library day?" or pajama day, or hat day. 

I don't want to let the summer get away from us, so I sat down and made some summer objectives, aside from the summer activity list that Dallin and I made the day he got out of school.  I tried to think of what I would really like to accomplish in our home and as a mother with their full influence and time.  I came up with 9 things and then made notes on what I need to do to make it happen.  Here are my 9 things:

1. Obedience. We are always working on this, but I want to really stay on top of follow through and consequences.
2. Work. The kids are doing a lot more chores lately and so our expectations are going up for what they are ready for.  I am adding a lot more work to their Accountable Kids schedules to fill in the extra time.  They actually like it so far.
3. Kindness towards one another.  I am working on teaching by example.  Quiet corrections, no yelling and being respectful is always what I am striving for. When I talk to them I am really stressing that they are each other's best friends and that we are a family team.
4. Reading. I plan on a read aloud hour each afternoon as well as quiet time while they read by themselves.
5. Sitting still.  I have never been able to get this one right with toddlers.  I will be working especially with Lily and Carter on this with a timer.
6. Summer activities (swim lessons, park days etc.).  Swim lessons start next week!  Instead of doing 2 weeks every day this year, we are doing 5 weeks, twice a week.  We will probably do another session and make it 10 weeks.  I really want to see progress in our kids this summer so it better be worth the cost of 3 kids at out of district fees!
7. Gospel Study. Now that we aren't so rushed to get the kids to bed, we are planning to extend our family prayer time in the evening.  Ideally I hope to spend at least a half hour together as a family each night reading, and talking and praying.  We already have a morning devotional time at breakfast so we will have 2 Gospel learning times each day.
8. Family activities.  Although our list is a mile long, I hope to plan at least one big event for each month. I know I am slowing down and will want to be home a lot as it heats up.
9. School time. I am just going to have them sit and do a couple of work pages a day so that they are used to HW and keeps their brains working.


Just some thoughts on motivation.  I am learning more than ever that's what it is all about.  Dallin is crazy about earning money lately (we earn bonus bucks for extra chores and each one is worth .25).  Every day he anxiously asks for more and more chances to work for me.  I am loving what he is suddenly so willing to do!  I usually give him extra chores, but lately I have also assigned him to play with Lily outside on the swings for a set time, and sit and read by himself for 30 minutes among other things.  Anything that used to be a big struggle, I just let him work for now since he is so willing and happy to do it.  Even things I used to say were just part of the responsibility of being in this family or growing up.  I realize now this isn't a bad thing at all.  He is learning to work and do chores with a willing heart.  Now I have noticed that when I ask him to do something that isn't for a bonus buck like the dishes, he just does it! And he has gained enough experience   that I don't have to walk him through it as much. He has become less of a mess maker and more responsible all around.  I think life is about motivation for anyone so I don't feel like I am setting him up for dissapointment.  Some day he will go to work everyday to support his family, just so he can bring home a paycheck.  Eden is jumping on that bandwagon to some extent too so I am enjoying the benefits.  It's been a long time coming to have some extra helping hands around here. Yay for me!

How to Prank a 96 Year Old Grandpa!

Journaling

We have a lot going on here lately.  We have had 3 birthdays in a row, a baptism, 2 bouts of the flu (I am so tired of dealing with vomit and diarrhea, I don't even want to go there),  and now we are getting ready for a wedding and a funeral.  The kids will be out of school for summer as of 11:20 today.  They are excited!  Dallin is already brainstorming what fun we will have.  A beach trip is first on his list. Oh mercy, I am afraid of the heat and large belly combo while trying to keep up. I am so grateful for the mild weather we have had so far.  

I am trying to get our house ready to host 2 of the groom's families for the wedding.  It is getting there slowly but surely. I move in slow motion when I clean lately and my hip gives up on me oh so easily, so I finally recruited the help of a fabulous young lady from church.  Oh man, if only life was so kind all the time!  The festivities start Wednesday and don't stop until next Tuesday.  Since so much family will be here we are going into full on family reunion mode.  Busy busy! 

Change is good.  I have been through a humbling process these last few weeks and written about it a couple of times.  I have contemplated life a lot and where I am and where I want to be.  I have been reading a lot of scriptural based books, parenting books, praying more and relating my life more to the lessons from scripture study.   I feel so much more at peace than I was just a month ago.  Heavenly Father is changing my heart.  It is amazing how when mommy is at peace, the whole feeling in the home changes.   I am relishing every moment with our little ones and using behavior issues as true teaching moments. 

I have resolved to live my life more as a Christlike example.  I just can't teach my children one way and act another.  It won't add up.  I am living a religion outwardly, but really searching deeper into my soul for continuity of being more like Him inwardly.  I am working hard on this every day knowing that through Him, all things are possible.   My heart is encouraged and I am not as overwhelmed as I was.   Working the Atonement in my life has made all the difference.  I know that all mothers go through these sorts of times and that God is there to lift us through it, and learn and grow from it.  I never cease to be amazed at the growth that comes from being a mother.  Those little people see every move you make,  every mood you are in, and hear every word. Your true heart is exposed wide open and your flaws wave at you with bright red flags, ready to be molded and changed into something better. 

A Boy Scout, a Birthday and a Baptism

My little Dallin just insists on growing up.  This birthday came with some big changes.  When you turn 8 in our church, you can choose to get baptised.  Also, you can start cub scouts.   We went to our first Pack Meeting the day before his birthday and toured the firehouse.  That was a fun start.  Peter ran out and bought Dallin his uniform because we found out that his school had asked the scouts to perform a flag ceremony.  So, the next morning on Dallin's birthday, he got to perform his first duty as a scout.  It was too cute to see him in his uniform.  It was also hat day, so after this he got to wear a birthday cake hat with candles coming out of the top. Perfect timing.  

Dallin wanted to have Pop Tarts for his birthday breakfast.  I was equally grossed out and glad for such   and easy task.  For dinner he chose Pot Stickers and Ramen Noodles.  Fancy!  I guess he misses some of the stuff I no longer buy.  To top it off, we let him invite his best friend over for dinner.  He really loved that.  He opened several gifts including a Lego set, Erector set, Star projector and of course what he loves most, cold hard cash.   Dallin got started right away on his lego set and because it was Friday night, and his birthday, we let him stay up to work on it.  Slowly everyone else went to bed and it was just him.  I waited up with him since the house was dark and quiet and I didn't want him to feel alone.  He was focused and determined to get a certain part done (Sponge Bob's pineapple house to be exact). We finally went to bed at 11:00pm.  WAYYYY past both of our bedtimes. 
  The next day on Saturday, the 4th of June 2011 Dallin was baptised a member of the church.  This was such a sweet day for our family.  Dallin was so cute about the whole thing.  I could tell he was feeling very spiritual about it.  A lot of family and friends came, it was such a wonderful feeling.


The girls








One of my favorite things of the whole day was taking his picture.  He usually gives me big goofy grins, but not this day.  He had the most angelic countenance like this the whole day.  I just loved seeing his face.  Since Dallin was born, I have always love the sweet expression in his eyebrows.

Dallin did very well during his baptism and confirmation.  He was so reverent and serious.  Afterward he came up and gave me a big hug.   He loved the idea of being made perfect.  Since then, he feels compelled to stay on top of his sins and I have heard him repenting for certain offenses towards his siblings a couple of times. On Sunday in primary, he was asked to come up and talk about his baptism.  They said he pretty much gave a talk on it and explained all the details in such a cute way. Dallin has a strong testimony and loves the gospel.  He has a very special spirit.



Even his Great Grandpa H. came out just for his baptism.


Attempt and fail at family pictures afterward.





After the Baptism, we had our whole group of people over for a barbecue.  The weather was perfect and there were kids all over the backyard playing. It was a great sample of summer.  We had a birthday cake for Dallin and had fun relaxing and eating.


Very happy.


I am so amazed by this special boy and love him so much.  Dallin, I hope you will always remember this wonderful birthday and baptism weekend and how very special you are.

Memorial Day Camping Weekend

My family decided to have a family reunion for Memorial Day this year. We were excited up until we found out that the weather wasn't going to cooperate and we got sick.  We ended up not going the first night (most of the others didn't either).  The next morning we paced ourselves getting ready and headed over. The weather was beautiful when we got there and everyone was a little weak, but not horrible. We set up our camp, and enjoyed sitting by the fire and visiting.  I must say it felt really good to be out in the open after being cooped up with sickness for so many days. 

Poor Lily mostly sat on laps the first day.  She just wasn't quite herself yet.


My Dad will hate that I put this on here, but I think it is a great picture.  My Dad rocks.


Our camping spot turned out to be right next to a play area, which was such a life saver.  There were LOTS of little ones with energy to burn.  Peter and I did not expect to be able to relax on this trip, but since the kids were busy playing right where we could see them, it could not have been more perfect.


Dallin headed up a group determined to dig a huge tunnel. After reaching the bottom of the sand about 8 inches down, the idea eventually wore off.  Too cute, I totally remember doing that as a kid.


Relaxing


The best thing we brought for the kids was a bucket of little cars and trains.  That provided lots of entertainment in the sand.


Eden telling a funny story to her cousin.


Tanner was a little mopey still at times.  He and Lily were hit the hardest with the sickies.


Just a few feet from our fire pit.  It was mostly just our group at this area the whole time.


My sisters baby bump.  She is one month ahead of me and we are both having boys!





My Mom and Dad.  One of my favorite things to see even as an adult.


A little creative cooking.  Gross.


All 17 grandkids accounted for.


Our whole family group. Since we all live around here, no one was missing.  I love it when we are complete.


Sweet Mom and I.  This counts as my current belly pic.



We did get a couple of rain showers the first evening, but the rest of the time was dry.  We had a hard night sleeping the first night, but slept great the second night.  I was enjoying nature and simplicity so much by the end I didn't want to leave.  We made some great memories.

Tanner Quote

Tanner came up to me cracking up and said,

"Mommy, spiders really do spin webs, but they come out of their BOTTOM!" 

This Spiderman phase is really something.

Ultrasound

When I was looking at my Ipod pictures, I found some fun things back from our ultrasound day.  This was a fun.  The video is particularly funny when Tanner is asked what we should name the baby.

Carter Turns 3

This little guy had a great birthday this year.  We are so happy that he is part of our family.   Carter is very smart, talking more and more all the time.  I was beginning to wonder how clearly he would speak, but now that he is really talking all the time, there are no problems understanding him.  It is fun to hear the things he says and really know that he is not just a baby and that he totally gets what is going on around him.  He understands cause and effect more than I realized.  Carter loves to cuddle, he has a happy disposition and loves being one of the kids. 

On Carter's birthday we ventured to John's Incredible Pizza.  We thought it was very considerate that our favorite food/arcade type place followed us home from California!  It was cute watching Carter and seeing how much he knew that it was HIS day.  The other kids were all really good about making him feel special.  We ate in the Cartoon Room, which is our favorite thing about the place.  The kids actually sit easily since they are entertained and we can sit and eat as well.  Amazing. Then we did several games and rides.  It was a great time.   This is Part 1 of the video from dinner: 

 
This is part 2 of dinner.  Lily was being cute:

 

 Motorcycle riding.

The following Sunday we had a special family dinner with and Iron Man theme to celebrate.   I bought a couple of decorations, but the biggest hit were the helium balloons.  Carter got a cookie monster play-doh set, iron man action figure, Iron Man mask, and a learning robot.



Carter liked being sung to, but was a little timid about blowing candles out.  He would blow so softly that it wasn't getting the candles.  Finally Dallin helped him out and all was well. 




Yay for Carter, we love having you around!

BYU-Sick

I have this funny thing that I haven't written about before.  I LOVE my Alma Matter.  I loved being there so much that I was in no hurry to leave.  It took me 6 years to get my Bachelors degree.  In my defense, I had a high credit major plus a minor and I took summers off.  But really, I was just having so much fun learning I could have taken another 6 to do everything I wanted to.  I want to be a student for the rest of my life.   I have so many great memories and gained so much life experience.  I get so homesick for it sometimes(well, except for the testing center).  On days when I am knee deep in laundry I think about how I miss those times once in a while.  It must have been a blast to be there this year during the Jimmer craze. 

I remember not getting in the first time I applied to BYU. I was devastated.  I prayed fervently late into the night and got the most strong answer to prayer that I had ever received.  The answer was in the scriptures.  I opened them up and the words told me that I would have what I desired (I was 18 and too dumb to write down the reference though).  So I pursued on, made a dramatic jump in my ACT score and was able to get in for the next semester. 

Then when I finally got there I checked into the dorms and headed for campus, my campus.  I remember feeling so humbled to be there.  Every time I would walk up the hill those first few days, I would get choked up.  This was a dream coming true and I was feeling so blessed.  I first toured BYU when I was 16 and fell in love, so to be back as a student was overwhelming.

I met the most amazing lifetime friends there, sisters to me.  Peter and I courted post-mission there.  I got to be a newlywed there, experience my first pregnancy there, and have our first year of being parents there.  Then we got to walk away with degrees, what an awesome feeling.  I hope so much that my children will want to have that amazing experience too.

I woke up this morning thinking about it for some reason.  I cherish my college memories.  I love my life now and wouldn't change one thing, but a little part of me longs to be there again. I know it is silly, but that was just such a special time in my life.  Go Cougars!

Father Son 2011

The boys had a blast with their dad at the camp out this year.  When they got there, they roasted hot dogs and ate s'mores to their hearts delight.  They especially loved the obstacle course.  This kind of stuff is their strong suit for sure.

Climbing a tree

This huge nest was fun too.  Here they are with their friends.

They identified some poison oak!  No one actually got it thank goodness, but they had fun pretending.

Perched

This little girl baby loves to climb! Especially on the dining table.  She likes to perch herself up there and enjoy the view (or anything that may be up there).  We are working on it, but man, this one is determined.

Cute Daddy Moment

Momma Bird

We have a new little friend. A couple of weeks ago, the kids noticed that this potted plant just outside our kitchen window had a nest in it.  Sure enough, the owner soon showed up and made frequent appearances.  Now she is here most of the time, sitting and waiting....I can relate.