I never knew what all went into Ward Conference - it's crazy how much the leadership in the church does for the ward family. It is overwhelming but also rewarding to sit there and think about the needs of those around us. Another benefit of Ward Conference is having a chance to sit and chat with the Stake regarding the issues or concerns you have within your particular auxiliary. I received a lot of answers - for instance, when the Article of Faith is shared in opening exercises, the child is then to turn around the poster and ask the Primary to, "please repeat". No one says it with enthusiasm or love, nor are they saying it in unison. I despise this tradition but didn't want to eliminate it without having something with which to replace it. The trusty Stake Presidency suggested using music. Brilliant. Music is the best way to learn anything. I can't tell you how much this has bothering me - ok, I'll move on now....
I was nervous before our meetings on Sunday, but that's because I'm lame and stress when I shouldn't. All I had to do was conduct but this was our second week with the new schedule and I wanted everything to run smoothly while the Stake was there. It did! We had no lights for the majority of Primary and yet it went very well. I am so impressed with my counselors, teachers and even more so with the children. We struggled with some senior boys, as always, but overall I was pleased. It was also my friend, Jen's, first time teaching Sharing Time EVER, and it was fabulous. I am grateful to those that are prepared and allowed us to borrow the "oil from their lamps" - aka, their flashlights! I didn't get a picture of the kids because they were being reverent and I didn't want to disrupt.
The storm was so bad that afternoon that I didn't want to drive to Acton for dinner BUT, when I called my mom and found out it wasn't bad out there, we decided to make our way over. It actually turned out nice because the kids were able to watch the snow. We ate and lounged and the kids photographed it all from their perspective. Let me tell ya, it's a shock they tell me I'm beautiful considering the view from where they stand. No wonder we're counseled to be like little children! It was a great day and the kids were so happy - they didn't want to leave!
Laurel and Cory were one of the few to really befriend us when we moved into the Solemint Ward. I will always feel that we owe them for all the love and compassion they showed us during a rough transition. The girls and I discussed wanting to throw Laurel a shower for this surprise baby #4, and I can't believe it has already come and gone. Crazy how time flies when you're not the one carrying the belly!
A party at the house is always a great motivation to get things clean, organized, and functional - I love it. Mowing and cleaning the lawn brings back vivid memories of my childhood with Uncle Fred, in Hawthorne, CA. It's so great that my kids can now get out there and enjoy this as a family.
Because we have four little ones, the cleaning had to wait until late Friday evening and early Saturday morning. These blocks are going to be the end of me!
This was by far the easiest shower to host because so many volunteered to help with anything and everything. Honestly, I can't even take the credit for hosting because it was a group effort for sure. I couldn't have done it without them all and I am so grateful to each and every one.
Sadly some of the ladies had left before the picture, but I am glad we got most of them because these people have really touched my life and I am so blessed for all they have taught me.
Laurel was stunning and the envy of every woman that has ever been pregnant. She has the "glow" for sure. Congrats to the Evans - we can't wait to meet him!
I just realized my grandparents were here this weekend and I didn't get one picture. That's awful - so not like me! Last week was just crazy as I had something every single night. Does it not always work that way?? All or nothing I feel. Card night was great fun even though my oh so simple cards turned out to be quite time consuming!
Funny thing is Friday night was a different type of card making night but just as fun. I'll have to post those later. Earlier that day I took Ry into the doc because he had started wheezing around 2am. The doctor was shocked at the sound of his lungs because they sounded so clear. She was also shocked we had not been in there for two months. Essential Oils??? I'm really starting to believe so.
Saturday Andrew went paintballing with some crazy boys! Seriously, the wind, the rain, it was out of control but that didn't stop 'em; most of 'em. The kids and I stayed indoors - I cleaned and they vegged. I wish they folded the laundry they're cuddling! Luckily for me I got to go out that evening to celebrate a friend's birthday. GNO's can really get a mom through her day! That and being able to meet up with family for a delicious and enjoyable linner (Jackson totally doesn't get the linner idea!). Again, no picture - ugh, what's my problem?? A sick Cole, probably.
Sunday morning during my typical Primary chaos, I realized Jackson was assigned to give the talk that day. He and Andrew worked on something but that boy was set on what he wanted to say. The most important thing he thought was, "God loves us even if we do something wrong." And you know what, it wasn't on topic but yes, that is the most important thing. In fact during my sharing time I randomly came to a point where I had the need to stop, and really testify to the kids that God knows each and every one of them and knows when they are struggling. He loves them each, individually. You know you think of all these kids that have taken their life because they feel so alone, so lost, and it just breaks ones heart! But anyway, back to Jackson, he did a great job, all on his own, despite the fact he has a lame mother that forgot until 10am.
Jackson discovered one of Andrew's strategy games on the computer last week and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I can use it to get him to do things, like clean his room in 10 minutes, but he's obsessed. He walks in and sits down to play. When I told him it was enough yesterday, he kept complaining that there was nothing to do. I tried explaining to him he has spent the last 5 years figuring things out to do and now that he has this game, he suddenly can't think outside the box. I want to get some educational games, although I know these strategy games are helpful too, I just get so frustrated with how obsessed he is. I much rather see him make believing (the king) than sitting at the computer.
Jackson you asked, "Mom, why are your eyes red. Why do they have red in them? And they're leaking. Is it because they're dry?". The fact that I am even admitting they were tears shows how much I value documenting the little moments with you, my children, because if it were up to me, I would down in history as the girl never known to cry! Why? I don't know. I really don't.
But what I do know is that tonight I learned what I am in your eyes. A rock. Certainly not capable of crying. Is this good or is this bad? I want to be a comfort to you; to you all. I want to be that support you will so desperately need in life. But I do not want you guys to think you can't get sad, or discouraged. I do not want you to think that to cry is to be weak.
Jackson you are me. No doubt about it. I watch you and see just how hard you are on yourself. To the point where you work yourself up and can't perform to your ability because your nerves have gotten the best of you. You don't want to let people down. You don't want to disappoint and you will do what it takes to make sure you don't; you will make yourself sick doing so. So, I hope that on those days when you feel you have reached your limit, I hope you know you can cry. I would even venture to say to cry is to feel, and to feel requires strength.
John 14: 17-20 17 Eventhe Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
I have always been grateful Grandma K began preschool just in time for my kids. I am grateful that Ryan loves school. I am grateful that I don't have to worry about a single thing when he's there. Today as I was running late at the doctor's, I was thinking about this very thing and it put me at ease. And now, looking at these pictures, the joy in their faces reminds me just how very blessed we are to have Grandma K and Grandma B in our life!
Lately I have been trying to stay on top of things. You know the saying, "Pardon the mess but we LIVE here"? Or something like that... well it's true, to an extent. I mean really, there's come a time when it's just no longer a HOME because it's so out of control. You know, "House of Order" and all that... So we're trying to just keep things clean. Or at least organized and put away. This is DIFFICULT. There's always a block, a ball, a doll, an article of clothing, a cracker, or a kid that you must step over to get through this house. But, the kids are doing an OK job of helping me out - even if it means they demand a picture on the big giant bear that is to be taken to the bedroom.
My mom had the kids pick out some flowers at Costco (btw, best deal we've seen) to plant in the front yard. Let's face it, once you see past our white picket fence, our curb appeal really is struggling. Ha, refer back to the list of crap you must step over to get to your final destination. But, back to the flowers, the kids were so very excited; despite how much they so needed a nap. (I love how Jackson took it upon himself to rub Cole's sleepy head)
Saturday Andrew went golfing with my dad, Bri and Steven and so the kids and I went off to Lowe's to get paint and to scope out back splash options. The house is so very white and considering we can't yet paint it, I figured a colored door would give it that umph I am so craving. The kitchen also needs much love but a bit of back splash I feel will give an umph. BUT... now there's a chance we may be able to do more so the back splash is on hold. But isn't it ridiculous - I love the glass ones, but they're double the price of the tile. Tough call.
Sunday was crazy, as always. I think Sunday's might actually be our busiest day. Cole sported his $2 jacket from Children's Orchard so Andrew attempted to get some shots of the stylin' man - would have worked out better if he would realize he can stand on his own! Chicken!!
During Sacrament I thought about my grandparent's and how nice it would be if we had church from 9-12 so we could go visit them. I wanted to go Friday, but Andi woke up throwing up so that didn't happen. Then, I checked my phone shortly after 4, while we were cleaning up the Primary room, and my mom had sent me a text saying they were headed to Corona. So, I put off things I needed to do, jumped in the car with my family, leaving Andrew's car in the locked parking lot, and flew to Corona. (Thanks to Paola we had an avocado to feed to Cole on the way). Of course, everyone fell asleep except for that crazy baby of ours.
Dinner was so nice because we don't get to spend enough time with our extended family. It was great that for no special occasion, we were all able to get together, catch up, and visit.
*Not pictured are Rob and Sharon :(
Beautiful weekend; simple yet satisfying. The kids even got color on their shoulders from working in the yard in their bathing suits. Ryan of course was the only one still burned in the morning, and still today even; poor white boy!
But now Mr. Cole is sick - took him in this morning because he didn't sleep well last night. He's wheezing and had an infection in each ear. Time to break out the breathing machine. I do count our blessings because typically that machine never gets put away this time of year. We've only needed it one other time!
On the way home from Cole's birthday dinner, we passed a stopped bus on Shadow Pines.
Andi: Why did that bus crash?
Mom: It didn't crash, it's just dropping people off so they can walk home.
Ryan: Why?
Dad: Some people don't have a car. We are very blessed to have a car.
Andi: Why don't some peoples have a car?
Jackson: Because maybe they got in an accident and they don't have money to fix it.
Mom: Or maybe they just don't have the money to buy a car.
Andi: We have a car.
Dad: Yep, we are very blessed.
SILENCE.....
Jackson:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all of our stuff. For a good day. For all our friends. Thank you for our family. I hope everybody in other countries will be alive. But not when they're old. Thank you for all the stuff we have that you made for us. And thank you for making us. And I hope we have a good day tomorrow. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
March 2nd you turned one year old. I truly cannot believe you are now one. I have no doubt this has been the quickest year of my life. I don't want to make your head too big but the fact is, we just adore you. You are so good and there is not a person in his house that does not enjoy everything you do.
YOU LOVE:
eating - everything. But to give you an idea, you love beans, tofu, cereal, crackers, sushi, rice, chicken, mac 'n cheese, yogurt, Greek yogurt, pancakes, waffles, eggs, pb&j... anything, really.
hugs & kisses
pulling off mama's glasses
playing with balls
taking baths
snuggling in a blanket
going on outings
giving high fives
walks in the stroller
foot massages
YOU HATE:
not being fed (notice the theme)
people not sharing with you
your bath being delayed
walking - assisted of course because heaven forbid we have a child that walks before they're a year old
when mama won't take you from someone else
to be thirsty
when you food pouch runs out (if only they came bigger than 4.2oz)
getting dressed
to miss out on the party
For your birthday we took you to the mall to get your picture in the #1 box. When Jackson turned one, dad took him to the mall to get it down while I was at work. It was my surprise. So, we have done it with you all and I love them. While we waited, you rode the carousel with Aunt Bri - ha, I guess I should add this to the hate list because you held on for dear life!
While waiting for pictures you were so very thirsty. Ridiculously thirsty. You drank so much that you actually threw up during pictures. Ewww. Might have been your first throw up.
You were a little pill during the pictures because you did not want to stay still. I guess I shouldn't have expected anything else but man it took so long. And even though I told them I only wanted the box picture, they still insisted on all the others. But in the end, it was a success and I just love your facial expression.
*You can thank grandma for your shirt....
After pics we all headed over for dinner. At this point you were just exhausted. You see, you're trying to transition from two naps to one and life can be frustrating when you simply won't get the sleep you need. Man, I am so not a fan of this transition; it's not you, it's me! But you humored us for the most part and we enjoyed your company. You were so thirsty that day!
Your cake arrived at about the time you were ready to call it quits. You began with your hand on your head, obvious sleepy sign, found some enjoyment in the middle but by the end you just wanted to go to sleep.
We of course had to get a group picture which is never easy. But know you were so very loved that day and we all felt quite blessed to spend that time with you.
The next morning, because yes we celebrate more than just a day... get used to it, we headed over to Nikki's to take some birthday pictures.
Again you were a "diva" but man still very much adorable. It's funny what little expression you gave during the cake pictures but I'd say it was safe you say you enjoyed it nonetheless.
*individuals will be posted later
That afternoon we had a chance to meet up at the Huntington Gardens with Great Aunt Jill (dad got way sick and wasn't able to make it and Great Uncle Ben had to work). Oh my it was the most beautiful day and you very much enjoyed yourself.
"To you women of today, who are old or young, may I suggest to you that you write, that you keep journals, that you express your thoughts on paper. Writing is a great discipline. It is a tremendous education effort. It will assist you in various ways, and you will bless the lives of many--now and in the years to come, as you put on paper some of your experiences and some of your musings." --President Gordon B. Hinckley
The end of 1995 was the start of our life together. We took a break for two years in 1997, but once Andrew returned, we continued finding out who we were together and apart. We both ventured off to college but came back together again in 2003 when it was finally time to get married. Our first son was born May 20, 2006 and we love every minute we have with Jackson. Our second son, Ryan Wesley, was born February 15, 2008 and he is simply adorable. Both so wonderful yet so very different. We gained a daughter with the birth of our third child on January 13, 2009. Andi keeps us on our toys and we can't wait to see all she does! Our fourth child, Cole, was born March 2, 2011. This little man makes us all so very happy. We are grateful to God for our incredible family and all the joys and challenges they bring!
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