Big Changes!

How did I go from this....

to this?! My life has changed so much in the last few weeks. Going from having three babies to three independent little men has given me alot of time to myself that I didn't have for five years. Yes, I have another baby, but just one! He is such a sweet happy soul that gets my undivided atttention two days a week. I am so grateful that my boys came the way that they did, and as fast as they did. It has been a blessing to have them so close and such good friends. When we leave we take the party with us and my boys always have a friend wherever they go. Jeff has someone that has his back on the playground. Luke had two brothers that were in the school before him and a teacher that already knows our family. Ben always had a buddy. Those first few years were hard with little sleep, never enough energy and never time to get the house clean, be on time for anything or be a reliable friend, but they were worth it.

However, for the time being I am enjoying just how grown-up the boys are! I started running (if you can call jogging for almost two miles running, but I'll take it), and love being alone with music and my thoughts. My goal is to run a 5K soon and not have to walk.

I also figured out how people keep their homes clean. It is amazing what happens when you clean up and two of the four are at school and it can stay clean. I am getting better at staying on top of the housework and I love when the boys come home and I can have a snack ready, spend one on one time with each boy and still have energy left to take on some fun projects.

I love the joy and satisfaction that comes from being a mom. It is such a priveledge to watch these little boys grow up. Any sacrifice that motherhood requires has always paid me back ten fold. I can't wait to see what life brings next!

Perfect Day

I woke up this morning and played with H while the boys watched cartoons. Then Hen went to bed, I sewed an apron and then cuddled up with the older three on the bed and told them stories of when they were little. After Henry woke up, we packed up, met our friends and our Daddy at the pool and went swimming. Now H is back asleep, the boys are quietly playing and I'm going to have a sun-induced nap. I really don't think it gets any better! Just wanted to make sure I remember today.

School Days

Two weeks ago, my three little babies started school. Ben played it cool, but still wanted me to walk him to his class, of course I obliged. He is getting so big and I can't believe he is in first grade. He loves seeing all his buddies again, but says that it is so much harder this year. He told me today that his teacher always uses his paper as an example in art. Ben is such a good example to his brothers and friends. What a handsome little man.

Jefferson started Kindergarten. He has Ben's teacher from last year and we were so happy. He has three of his best buddies as well as his cousin in his class. He is catching on to the rigorous pace of all day, everyday school. He has stayed on his best behavoir and we are so proud of what a grown up boy he is becoming. His teacher told me she loves to watch the sparkle in his eye when he laughs...that is also my favorite thing about my Jeffey!

The next day it was Lukey's turn. He was very anxious for his turn. Equiped with his turtle back pack and lunch box he marched right into his class. The only tears were mine as he put all his stuff away and started the opening activity. I helped him go potty and then he told me he was good and good-bye. I miss having him at home on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I don't think he misses us much. He is always beaming when we pick him up. His teacher told me that he is such a little man and that he never stops talking. We second that, the house is eerie quiet when he is gone. I'm glad I still get to have him home to be my other baby the rest of the week.

One of my favorite thing about our school this year is that we get to see our cousins and friends. My boys are surrounded by such great people all day long, it makes it a little easier to leave them there all day. Luke loves his Avery, she watches out for him and loves to play pretend. I love this picture!

Best Vacation EVER- Part One

Tamee's sister Kristal said it best: "We found Eden and stayed all week". It has been two years in the coming, but what a fun way to spend our first week long vacation with our family of six. We happened on a cancellation at this always booked family camp called Aspen Grove and were so excited to go. We were not disappointed in the least. Our lodge nestled in the gorgeous Provo Caynon. The camp had everything you could think you ever would need to enjoy a vacation. The best being someone to entertain your kids part of the day and give them back to you happy and exhausted!

My camera doesn't do justice to the views that we saw all week.

After we dropped the kids off in the morning we were free to have a fun date twice a day. This morning we went with Tamee and Keith to the top of Sundance on the gondolla and enjoyed the view on our fun "double date".

On Wednesday our kids were busy having fun all day so we decided to hike to Stuart Falls. When we got there, Brian climbed up the ledges and walked under the falls.

Stuat Falls.

We took a couples pottery class with Tamee, Keith, Kristal, Jason and their cousins Brett and Holly. It was hilarious! Think Ghost...except we had no pottery skills.

They had a really high ropes course.Here is Brian after repelling down. It made the cabin zip line a piece of cake. Heights aren't my favorite but I won cool wife points and went.

Getting strapped in. I told the guy I had four little boys and I didn't want to leave them without a mother!

I braved the paintball course and had fun being cover so our team could win both times. We also shot air rifles, played shuffle board, basketball and cards. We went for walks and enjoyed spending time together and then we started to miss our kids it was time to pick them up for more fun at night. We didn't worry about them all day and they were happy to be with their new friends . We got to play with them, put them to bed each night, and have a great couple trip all at the same time.

It truely was the perfect combo.

Best Vacation EVER- Kid's Camp

The kids had a blast as well. They got to hang out with their parents, brothers, cousins, and cousin's cousins. Everthing was so well planned and they have the best councellors. The variety of fun things to do was amazing. Just when you think you are going to have to entertain your kids, they plan a carnival night. The picture above is of Jeff jousting with Boston. This was a Frontier night and they did wood burning, face painting, train rides and tons more. At the end of the week the kids put on a little version of Joseph and his Dreamcoat. Lukey was a cow with his Stomper group.

Ben got to be Benjamin. I forgot my camera but Jefferson was also a cute little singer on the stage.

Even traveling to Utah was fun. We got a new DVD player for the van and everyone did a great job being on the road for 11+ hrs both ways.

Lukes decorated his seat belt with his stickers. Funny guy.

They had three playgrounds where we spent a lot of time. They had one for every age of kids. Great planning.

One of my favorite parts was pulling the boys out and spending some one on one time with them. They each painted a ceramic animal in the craft shed. They also spent a great deal of time skipping rocks with Daddy.

Jeff and Ben got to climb the rock wall. We were so proud they both made it to the top. They both couldn't get enough.

The leader told us she had never seen such a little boy make it to the top, especially in flip flops (great job Mom!).

Cute happy camper.

They loved these $5 back packs that carried their swimsuits and crafts. We could barley get Luke to take it off to sleep.

Such a fun place to hang out with family with no distractions. To have the full attention of each other and Mom and Dad made it their favorite vacation so far. Jeff said he loved Utah because you don't have to drive anywhere. It was really a break not to have to load everyone in the van and go to the store.

"The Rompers", Henry's group had six girls to every ten babies. Henry got so much attention, two naps a day and he was such a happy soul when we picked him up each day. It truely was paradise for everyone.

Pirate Day was one of the favorites.

Fun times.

Ending the day in the pool is never a bad idea. The weather was so wonderful and the caynon was gorgeous. Hands down the best vacation for our family at this stage in life. The boys crashed every night dead tired, so excited to wake up for the next day's activities. We will definately go back. I heard many kids saying it was better than Disneyland...nuff said!

Peace

Every once in a while I come across a teaching moment in my life that I know I will be sad if I don't record. I didn't want to ever forget this one.

Tonight Brian and I attended the viewing of a young man from our previous ward who passed away suddenly last week. I had taught him in my 16-17year old Sunday school class for two years and Brian was Home Teaching Companions with his younger brother. He was just about to turn 19, went to bed and never woke up. It was very sad to visit with the heartbroken family.

As we drove home I thought about the many things I choose to do as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; attending three hour meetings on Sunday with four little boys, time away for callings, Visit Teaching etc., tithing, temple attendance, dress and health standards to name a few. I am different, and it wasn't and isn't always the easiest or most convenient path to take. However, as I left the church I was so grateful for a sure knowledge of where this boy is now, that he will see his family again and that it is all according to the Lord's plan.

Sacrifice of my time and some worldly things enables me to live closer to the Spirit, which allows the Savior to bless me with comfort in times of need. Those blessings of peace and comfort will help this family to heal and move forward. We never know when our own trials will come or when we may be called upon to lift another, but if we are living the way He would have us live, His peace is there. I will always be indebted to the sweet sister missionaries that came to the door of our little downstairs apartment and taught my parents the restored Gospel. I am grateful in my life for the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation and that I am part of an eternal family that extends further than this mortal experience.

I am thankful for this gentle reminder to keep doing what I know is right.

My Baby Love

Henry boy at almost 9 months old. I am completely in love with this little boy.

Classic Henry smile, the whole mouth is involved.

H-man wears a huge smile about 98% of the time, eats like a tank and is growing like a weed. At almost 9mos. he is weighing in at over 20lbs, and is one tall little man. He loves his brothers and always goes to find them after his naps. They like playing dress-up with him and think he is great.

He knows me now and I love the smile I get when he hears my voice or see me. Melts my heart everytime. (another winning picture of mommy after the gym)

Ben took this picture, and loves it. They are all so good with him and find most things he does right now so funny. They came in today to tell me that he was eating a marker, didn't take it away, just wanted to make sure I saw the funny sight.

He quickly mastered crawling, standing and cruising along furniture in the space of about a week. I don't imagine it will be long before he is running with the rest of the boys.

Hen has si teeth and drools like a faucet. He always has to wear a bib. Ben told me the other day to take it off because it didn't make "H"chy look cool. Already watching out for Hen-baby! I just want to squeeze him all day long right now, I love this stage.