Words to Survive By....

People ask me often how it is to have four children. It is hard. Harder than I could have imagined. I'm not in a deep dark depression, but days are very long and I never seem to have enough time and energy to get even the basics done. At any given time there is someone who needs something. It has been a balancing act to get everyone the attention and time they need, especially poor Brian who never complains! He has spent two of the last three weeks out of commission with appendix surgery and complications. I feel like if my life was a marathon, this would be the uphill portion. This is the part of the race that makes or breaks you.
I have spent the last week trying to get my home more organized so that keeping it tidy is easier. There is such a peace that resides when the counters are clear and the laundry is folded. I do feel like I am learning great things that will make me a better person. So if my dear, neglected husband can hang in there and my boys look past the mood swings, I think we will come out the other side a strong family. My sister found this quote the other day and it has become my words to live by:

"Recognize that they joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction."

Elder M. Russell Ballard

So here are a few of my moments this month:

Laundry is way more fun when it isn't folded, especially when it is four loads at a time! The boys constantly remind me to enjoy the journey, even if everything is perfect or the way I planned.

The flowers my boys got me for Valentines. I love that Brian is already teaching them this very important skill.

I loved this morning. Ben and Jeffey waiting for my sister to pick them up for school. I'm so glad they have eachother. They are all such good friends. They think having brothers is great.

The two "Waynes". Jeff and Papa doing yard work. I really wouldn't make if far without family. One of the best memories of the week.

There are some days when I wonder if our kids are too close together, if they get enough individual attention, and enough of me. Then I come out of my bedroom from getting ready and find this. The boys had made forts with the couch cusions. One for Ben, one for Jeff, one for Luke and the little red one is for Baby Henry. Yep, I got a little teary eyed. It made me realize that is isn't as much about me as I think sometimes. They have eachother and we were able to give that to them. My joy comes from watching them take care of their brothers wherever we go. In these moments, I wouldn't change a thing.

Crochet Weight Loss Program

I got fat sitting on a couch eating junk late at night when I was pregnant, uncomfortable with insomnia. So, I'm getting skinny sitting on the same couch exhausted from taking care of a new baby and a lot of other kids with a crochet hook in my hand. I can't put food in my mouth and I am thrilled with what YouTube has taught me! Here are the latest products of my weight loss program:
Good thing I have an adorable niece with a cute little bald head that needs a hat. (even though you know I tried it on Henry!)

I love this "Slinky Flower" pattern. It is so full.

This scalloped edge was from a dishcloth tutorial, it took about ten minutes to finish. Seriously try these.

Here is the reason for the weight gain wearing a beanie with a visor. I also found some ninja turtle patterns, you know Lukey will be all over those.

So, while the temperature rises I continue to make knit hats, praying for a few more rainy days.

Ten pounds down, seventeen more to go!

When I'm not cleaning up messes..

I'm making them! As many of my patient family will tell you, Ihave yet to find the perfect balance between work and play. When life gets a little overwhelming, instead of simplifying I usually add something else to do, something fun. This week I made all the treats for YW New Beginnings. I am blogging instead of cleaning up the mess in my kitchen right now, but I will remember the treats and not the mess, right? Cherry chocolate with rich chocolate buttercream and chocolate covered tart cherries. Red velvet with cream cheese butter frosting...yummy.

Lukey is always my baking pal.

These are the mini cherry cheesecakes that my mom used to make. Soooo tasty!

This is my fridge, a WW nightmare. However, I stayed strong and just had one of each.

I also learned how to crochet this week. I went in search of a beanie like this one for Henry and came up with nothing. Etsy had some for $30, but that is money that can go towards a lot of other fun things, so I decided to learn. Four bucks for the needle, 2.99 for the yarn, a pattern on someone's blog and here it is. It is too big for Henry (hence the Bear model), but I know where I went wrong and as soon as my house is clean, I will finish the next one. I also made some flowers for my niece out of cream and pink yarn, so adorable! Come to think of it, the house cleaning can wait.

Traditions

We have started going on a "hike" on the days that Brian has off work. Our crew is finally mobile, including Mommy and it is fun to get out, get some fresh air and hang out with friends. New Years found us at Papago with family, and this MLK day we went to Lost Duchman's Park with the Britts, Taits and Brian's brother Darrell and his family. Eating lunch after the hike, we had some hungry, mungry kiddos!

The hike proved a little challenging for Luke, here he is pleading to go back to the van.

Kings of the mountain (Henry's hidden underneath several layers of blankets in the Bjorn)

Popsicle Jeffey, it got "a little nippy going through the pass"

Life is getting more and more fun with these boys!

Ben was a champ, he made it to the top first and lead the way with Jaimie on the way down.

I got a little nervous at all the places the boys, especially Jeff wanted to explore. Broken bones are expensive!

Our chilly little family. The pictures with all six of us are still amazing to me! Thanks to everyone who came and made the day so much fun. We ended with a rocket blast off and ice cream at the Ghost Town. Fun times.

Adventure Day with Papa

Benjamin had a very special day yesterday. He went to the mines (they are still convinced you pronounce it "minds") with Papa and Noah on an adventure. The boys went exploring in caves, brought home fools gold, bullets and lots of memories. Ben and Noah have been talking about this for a weeks and weren't disappointed. They came home exhausted and woke up telling us all about cacti and the Taco Bell that was also a Pizza Hut. Quesadillias and Cheese Pizza made for a great ending to a very fun day. The lucky boys. Thanks Papa, we love you!

All Growed Up!

It's Lukey's turn! And I don't think any little boy has ever been this excited to join the ranks of his big brothers and go to school. Luke started a little community preschool this week and did great. The first day was a little shakey, but he is now soooo happy to go in the mornings. They sang the "Tiny Turtle" song that Aunt Cletty taught us and that sealed the deal. I can't believe how fast they are all growing up. It seems like just yesterday I had three little babies under 3. It is hard to let my little baby boy get big. Good thing he still likes to cuddle with his mommy!

The Best Compliment Ever

We were at the pediatrician's office two weeks ago. There is a nurse there that has been helping our family for the last five and half years. We love Karen. She came in to see the newest addition. She was holding Henry giving him luvs and kisses and she held him up and said "Your a lucky boy, God sent you to a really great family."
I love the way that Heavenly Father comforts us through other people. We do have a wonderful life and God did bless me with a great family.

I think I am the lucky one! This little happy guy has stolen my heart in the last few days.