Let the good times roll....

I helped coach Brooklyns basketball practice tonight, man I wish I could do it all the time.  It was so fun.  They really are a lot of fun.  Brady had try outs today for AAU, was pretty nervous, but he did really well.  Thankful for my kids and all of my blessings

Hint of Sadness....

Last Thursday night as the 3 younger kids were in bed, Brady and I decided to watch a movie until Chas and Brooklyn got home from her volleyball game.  As he was sitting up close by the tv, (he doesn't like to wear his glasses) and I was sitting behind him I had a rush of sadness come over me, because my little boy is getting so big.  I said, " Brady come and sit by me."  He looked at me and smiled and politely shook his head no, it hit me hard.  Gone are the days when he will come and sit on the chair with me.  I also had a great feeling of pride in this my little boy.  He is quite the kid.

Stake Conference

We had a wonderful weekend of stake conference!! Elder Martino of the 70 came to our stake and taught us well, we are all filled! A couple of weeks ago Pres. Kevan called and asked if our family would do an on-stage interview with Elder Martino for the Saturday night session.  We were all nervous, especially the younger kids, they were worried they wouldn't know the answers to his questions.  It was a great session, I got called right before the meeting started to play the organ, which was a little nerve wracking, but it's kind of nice when you don't have time to get nervous about it!  He asked us questions about FHE, family scripture study and family prayer.  The kids did great and I know they felt the spirit while visiting with him.  Afterward in the car while going to McDonald's for ice cream, we had to resort to bribery with Carson as it was 830 at night, Beckett says, "Mom I felt good when we were talking to Elder Martino."  I told him that was the spirit testifying to him that he was a servant of God.  He says, "Ya it made me feel great!" Then we all got to talking about how the spirit makes us feel, and he goes on, "Mom I know when you feel the spirit cause you always cry." Emree says, "Ya mom you made me almost cry too, cause that's how I feel the spirit."  It was so nice to be able to talk to the kids about feeling the spirit and that they can recognize it so young, what a choice generation of children we have to raise!  It makes all the hard days worth it, when you hear them talking about how they feel the spirit, because not only do they feel it, but they are learning how to recognize it!

Pure in Heart

Yesterday we had Brady's team come over and BBQ.  It was so fun to have all of them here.  They played basketball, jumped in the bouncy house, and had a great time.  A lot of them even got wet in the little pool.  2 of those were Carson and a 4 year old girl named Britton.  Britton didn't have clothes to change into and was cold.  A few minutes later I saw Carson walking around with something bundled in his arms.  I watched him walk up to Britton and hand her some of his own dry clothes.  I couldn't believe it.  He barely turned 3 and all on his own he walked upstairs and got her a t shirt, shorts and even some of his undies.  No wonder we have to become like a little child to inherit the kingdom of God.  In his own little mind he realized that she was cold and needed some dry clothes.  Tears came to my eyes as I realized what a Christlike gesture my 3 year old just did.  What an example my children are to me!  If I can someday be like them, I will be well on my way!

A friend

So today Brady has his 11 yer old scout campout at Catherine Creek Lodge.  Here was his list of what to bring and I told him to get it all together.
pocket knife
toothbrush
toothpaste
flashlight
tent
sleeping bag
compass
a friend and anything else you can think of
While getting all his stuff together he came outside and asked, "Mom where is The Friend?" .)(referring to the magazine.)  I told him I didn't know and asked why he needed it.  "Because I am supposed to take a friend with me."  I tried so hard not to bust up laughing at his mistake, it was hilarious.  With a smile on my face I told him he was supposed to bring a friend, not take the magazine.  It was pretty funny.  Love that kid!

Kids can still surprise me

After a long weekend of very HOT baseball in Boise this weekend, I went into Brady's room this morning and reminded him that it was his day to fast for some of his cousins, (we have all been taking turns and each volunteered for a certain day.) I told him that I would do it for him, since he had such a long exhausting weekend.  I told him to think about it while I was out doing chores.  Brady is normally not a very cheerful faster, who is?, so I was pretty certain what his response would be when I returned for his answer.  But he surprised me, I will fast for them Mom, was what he said.  Tears immediately came to my eyes.  I told him how proud I was of him for such a good choice, and that his cousins surely would feel extra help from heaven directly related to his choice to help them out.  Proud Mom moment! They don't come often, but when they do I realize that Heavenly Father really has sent me some special kids.  And they actually do learn when I try to teach them something!

Bradys first camp out

Now that Brady is 11 he has officially entered the world of scout campouts.  Chas and him went this weekend up to Beaver Crick Resevoir. They had a blast, Cristain went with them, they caught tons of fish, got no sleep and ate way to much junk food.  They came home exhausted, but happy.  It was a success!

3 years old

The other day Beckett asked Carson how old he was, he said his classic response of, "2 and a half."  Beckett said you are almost 3.  Carson was ecstatic, " Woohooo!!! I am almost 3." Proceeded by yelling and screaming and laughing, it was hilarious.  Apparently 3 is going to be great!

Indian Rock

Yesterday after dinner we drove up to Indian Rock with our good friends the Long's.  Its has been awhile since we had been up there.  It is as beautiful as I remember, how I love this valley that we have been blessed to live in.  I love that we knew no one here and have made it our home and have made friends that will last forever.  I love the mountains, I love how everyone says "crick" instead of "creek", I love how friendly the people are, I love our home and the memories we are making everyday.  I love the wonderful life we are making here. How blessed I feel that the Lord led us to this little piece of heaven on earth!  No place is perfect, but here is perfect for us.

Summer Vacation!

The first day of summer vacation I ended up with a migraine, which turned into a stiff neck which turned into being in bed for 2 straight days, and not being well again for the whole week, what a bummer!!  Although my Mom did come down and help me for a couple of days, have I mentioned how much I love that they live close, we get to see them so often! The kids and I did get our garden planted on Tues, which was awesome, we did it all by ourselves!  I love that the kids are getting older there are so many things that I can do with their help and we don't have to wait until Chas has the time to help me!

Brady is 11!

I can't believe my little Brady is already 11. He is growing up into such a good kid.  He is very kind and always looks out for the one who is needing help.  He love playing with his brothers and especially now that Beckett is getting old enough to play catch and shoot hoops.  I love that he is quiet and a little shy around people.  Reminds me of Chas and how he used to be.  He will get his arrow of light award on Tuesday and advance into boy scouts, we are now in the years of campouts!  I often find him reading "For the Strength of Youth" or his "Preach My Gospel" book.  It's beginning to hit me that this is his year of preparation, as he will get the priesthood next year, wow can't believe it! Only 7 more years and he will be headed out for his mission, wow!! I better make sure he is prepared!
He is really good at math and has just gotten interested in reading, that has been a struggle.  He is a good student.  He is really good at getting up and getting going every morning, he is usually the first one ready to go to school.  He has one speed and that is go, he is going or sleeping.  He is often outside shooting hoops, hitting balls or playing catch.  He is super active and loves it! He tries so hard at everything he does and I love that about him, always trying to be better.
He still loves to tease his sisters, mercilessly, but when he is not around, everyone wonders what to do and that it's so boring without Brady.
Another thing I love is that he will accept consequences without too much drama.  I know sounds funny, but he will be super mad for about 10 minutes and then he moves on.  No dwelling or staying mad for hours, I really appreciate that about him.
He is getting into the "stinky" boy phase, which is not fun for the rest of us, as he can't understand why all of a sudden he has to shower EVERY. DAY.  Such a hardship!
We sure love him and can't imagine our life without him!! Happy Birthday Brady!!

fed up!!

Ok so I am totally fed up with every stinking activity my kids want to do being on sunday.  AFter stake conference the other day i decided my kids need to start seriously saving money for missions and college, what better way by 4H? We have the animals already, well guess what? Meetings are on sunday, seriously!!?? It seems every way we turn it's on sunday.  Can they save money for their mission while breaking the sabbath? Funny, but not really! So no 4H for us this year, maybe next?

What are you passionate about?

We had some friends over the other day and he was explaining to us what he wanted to teach one of his high school science classes. He was telling us all about fish, and rivers, and spawning, and fishing, sutff that honestly is quite boring to me.  But he was so excited that it actually got me interested!  He was so passionate about it, it got me thinking? What am I passionate about?  It has bothered me, really, because I can't think of something that I really LOVE to do.  I love my kids and the gospel, but he was just so fired up and excited about what he was talking about, that it made me long for something like that.  So I am on a journey to find out what that is.  I am tired of living every day just by keeping up with the house etc.. I am determined to do my best at everything that I do, now that's not everything, just everything that I have to do!  And in the process find something that I LOVE to do.  I have been wanting to try my hand at making a bench for the living room, so that is where I am going to start, I may love it, I may hate it, but dang it I am going to try!
So my question is, What are you passionate about?  Please share!!

Trip to Canada

I just got back from visiting Tyanna in Vanderhoof, I feel like it was a very enlightening trip for me personally.  Being able to go and and visit with my Aunts, cousins and Grandma, I feel as if there are a couple of things which I need to always remember.  There are such personal feelings and ties associated with family.  Memories of time spent together are so precious.  I got to take Brooklyn into my Grandma's old house, where we spent almost every sunday afternoon when I was a young girl.  I loved being able to show her places and share memories with her.  I loved reminiscing and coming to an awareness of the wonderful childhood I had and all that contributed to it.  It really was not the normal "growing up" situation.  So some things that I realized and always want to remember are:

1.  There are no tougher women in the world than my mom and my Aunts.  Literally! They clean, butcher, train, ride, drive any piece of heavy equipment, speak with power, love unconditionally and are classy and well learned.  None of them have any higher education, but when it comes to the gospel you better watch out, they know more then most anyone else.  They are champion suppporters of their kids getting higher education and realize the importance of it.  They are not afraid to "reprove betimes with sharpness" LOL but have such love and kindness in their hearts.  I learned or re-learned to look to their examples in my life and know that I can do anything I want to.  My genes are powerful, righteous genes and I want to be like them when I grow up.  I think they invented the slogan "Git 'er Done!"

2. Family is the most important thing.  Even though we don't live "real" close to family, I need to make an extra effort to build those ties with my family.

3. Teaching the gospel in my home is my most important responsibility.  "You can never be over-prepared when teaching the gospel." Not sure whose quote that is, but I need to remember it!  Being open and a good listener are keys to keeping a good relationship with your kids.

4. Teaching my kids how to work and be genuinely good people are my second most important responsibility.  Gosh, my family works hard! Sun up to sun down they are outside working, never stopping or complaining.

5. It is so important to serve others, Aunt Maureen has been on "call" all week to go and help some people, an hour away, evacuate their place if they need to because of a forest fire, at any minute she will quit what she is doing and rush out there with her horse trailer to help.  That's the kind of people they are.

I just want to remember this feeling that I have right now.  I am humbled to know that Heavenly Father trusted me so much to send me to such a wonderful family and also gave me some of his choice spirits to raise and teach the gospel to.  What a blessing, what a responsibility, but one I am ready to re-take by the horns and run with.  Watch out kids I am rejuvenated and ready to take it on! I am so thankful for the reminder!

Taming of the sheep

So when we got our sheep she was totally wild! which you can guess from the adventure we had when we brought her home.  I told Brooklyn it was her job to tame her.  Yesterday was the test.  She finally got a halter on her and took her out of her pen, out into the open.  We were pretty nervous at first not having a clue what she would do, but she was great! Didn't even try to run away.  I am so proud of Brooklyn for having stuck with her task and accomplishing it! She did such a great job!!

adventures!

Ok so like I was saying in the previous post we are looking for ways for our kids to do hard things.  Today we got our sheep and I can honestly say it is a day that none of us will forget.  We go out to the ranch and are picking out which ewe we want, we are totally clueless, so we finally decide on one and Elijah ropes it for us, after a couple of tries.  We then try to get her into the trailer, holy that was quite the ordeal.  We finally get her loaded and head back home, we stop and get some straw from Katie and then some alfalfa hay from Huntsmans and get home about dusk.  We get her pen opened, backed the trailer right up to it and though she would just go in.  WRONG!  Brady was holding a metal gate to block the one open area, and she took him out.  Like knocked him over and took off running.  After about a half an hour Chas finally caught her in the farthest corner of the orchard and started yelling for us to bring a rope.  By now it is almost dark outside, we try to coax her and push and pull her to the shed, she won't budge.  Chas then tells Brooklyn to get the big blue tobaggon like sled and we would push her over on it and pull her in.  So that's what we did, in the mud.  Brooklyn and I got quite the workout that night from pulling her all the way into the house.  But the kids will never forget the day we brought home our sheep.  And that is what we are looking for, memories to make, adventures to be had and work to be done!

lambs

So we decided to make some dessert and head out to our friends, the Livingstons on sunday.  They are in the height of lambing season and have them all over the place.  We had such a great time watching all the little lambs and visiting.  We even got to see a little lamb be born, it was pretty cool.  And so guess what we are bringing a pregnant ewe home with us today.  We are going to try and see if sheep will keep down the weeds and grass out in the orchard, since it is such a pain to try and keep up.  Hopefully they will do the trick.
Chas and I have really been having some discussions lately on having the kids do hard things, preparatory for their missions and living on their own.  Scary enough Brooklyn will be 18 in 5 years!  We are getting constant counsel from local and church leaders to provide opportunities for our kids to do hard things.  The reason we moved out here to start with is so our kids would have work to do and animals to take care of.  Since Brooklyn's horse died, we have only had chickens and Ruby to take care of.  So we decided to add some more things to the mix, sheep and hopefully a couple of steers in  a week or so.  A part of us just really wants to keep the money and spend it on other more "fun" things, but we have to decide what is most important to us, and right now this is what it is.  Wish us luck! The sheep thing is totally new as neither of us has ever had sheep, but we are excited to have a new baby lamb! or maybe even two!  Honestly it makes me excited!

Spring Break

Since we had such a late night on Sunday the kids were pretty cranky on their first day of spring break! We did get their chores done, trim painted and most of the laundry done, but we didn't get to have game night because they all went to bed around 8.  I love having my kids home, but man I really need to keep them doing something all the time, or they just tease and egg each other on.  I am really trying to be patient and hope that if I respond with love they will get better at doing the same.  Tomorrow they get to play with friends, then Thursday we will be heading over to mom and dads, which the kids are so excited for!! YAy for living close!

Apparently I need to be quiet more...

Beckett: mom you know when my head told me to stop and look both ways before I crossed the street? I listened so I was safe.
Me: Good job, you have a smart head.
Beckett: You know what else my head tells me?
Me: What?
Beckett: You talk a lot.
Me: (laughing) Really, is that a good thing or a bad thing.  A good thing, I like it when you talk.
Mind you this conversation took place while we were weeding the raspberries in complete silence.
Love this kid!

Migraine

Yesterday I got a migraine, haven't had one in a long time.  It wasn't one of the worst I've had, at least half my face, my lip and my arm didn't go numb this time, but I still feel pretty terrible when I get one.  It couldn't see properly for about 2 hours, and then the residual headache is pretty intense for a couple of days.  So I didn't work out today and just took it easy, which actually was kind of nice.  Going to coach basketball with all the balls bouncing, about did me in, but I survived.  Chas was super helpful with dinner and the kids and everything.  They all went to mutual and they little ones went to bed, so it was a nice quiet night! Love those!

Timber

Today I called up our neighbor and asked if we could borrow their tractor, they are so great! She said sure come on up and get it, keep it however long you need to.  So Ammon went to town!! We pulled out like 20 trees (I think.)  It feels so nice to start getting things into shape around here!   There are still a few more I'd like to pull, but we'd need a bigger tractor for those.  Tyanna, Kayla, Janae, and I pruned and pruned! Oh it feels so good to get things done!  I might just get the whole orchard done this year! Amazing!  I also love that they like to work when they come.  We ended the evening a great weiner roast and of course marshmallows! The kids loved it, ok we did too.  It was a beautiful day to be outside!

Mini Family Reunion

Today we left to go down to Boise.  All of my family was there except for Amron and his family.  It was so good to see everyone and are so grateful for Lindsey for putting up with all of us for the weeked.  20 kids and 12 adults is a lot of people to stay at your house.  She is always such a good sport and we love her!
The kids took their sweet time getting ready to go and so we didn't leave until about 8:30.  We got there and went and did some shopping before going to Ezra's house, I knew we wouldn't get it done after we saw everyone.  We went to Joann's Fabrics hoping to find some fabric for Brooklyn's easter dress, we didn't find any she liked, but we did find some other things.  We then went to Dick's sporting goods for Brooklyn to buy some shorts and sandals, I love that they make their own money and have to save up for things they want.  They take much better care of the things they buy and realize that if they want something they have to work for it. Brady also got something he had had his eye on, so we left with everyone happy.
We got to Ez's, it's just so fun to see everyone! Tyanna was there, I so wish she lived closer!  Her kiddos are just so cute! Aaron was there and I haven't seen them for awhile either.  Brady sure loves playing with Cade and Connor.  The kids were all in cousin heaven and played and played the whole time.  It's so nice when there is no fighting or arguing they all played so well. We just visited and let the kids play the rest of the day.  The weather was so beautiful! We enjoyed soaking up the rays!
Chas came later with Mom and Dad and got there about 7:30.  We ate dinner and then rushed over to Keeton's to say hi and bye to Lynn and Dixie who were there for the week.  We stayed there which was really nice as ezzie's was a bit tight.







Saturday we woke up and went to Brynlee's baptism.  She is such a sweet girl, her and Emree are the best of friends and it makes me so happy!  She was beautiful and the baptism was great.  I got to hold Elise for Lindsey so she could pay attention and not have to worry about leaving with Elise, turns out she slept the whole time and was perfectly behaved!  It was funny to watch Cal and Drew with Ezra and Aaron, each one would follow the others Dad around thinking it was their own, so funny!







After the baptism we went back to Ezra's for a delicious brunch and then went to play softball.  It is awesome now that the kids are getting bigger, we had a great time.  Then we headed over to the park where the little kids could play, again we enjoyed visiting and soaking in the sun.
The adults got to go out for dinner that night, thanks to some friends and Brooklyn for watching ALL of the kids!







 


We headed back over to Ezra's for breakfast sunday morning and then went to Keeton's sacrament meeting before heading home.  Mom and Dad, Tyanna and Ammon followed us home.  We had a nice ham dinner together.  What a great weekend. Thanks Ezra and Lindsey for being such great hosts!

Work

I know a lot of my posts are about work, but so many kids now have no idea how to work, and by golly my kids will work!  Anyway I have been teaching Beckett how to clean the toilet as his new job is the small bathroom downstairs, he is doing a great job!

 Also, sweeping the dining room.  Let me tell ya, he can sweep with the best of them!  He is very entertaining to watch, sometimes he sweeps like he is Spiderman, or Superman, or Kung Fu Panda, you name it.  But, he gets the job done and does a great job!

We started a new discipline - consequence rule sheet at the beginning of the year.  It has been very helpful in taking emotion out of disciplining the kids, which is a big bonus for me.  We have certain behaviors and consequences ranked from 1-3 in offence.  Whatever behavior is done, they have to go and choose a same offence consequence.  It's great! We made the list together and so when something happens I just tell them go and pick a consequence.  It's been really nice.  Love my kiddos, but teaching them to work and do things that are not fun or exciting, is a challenge.  So here's to a good year!

Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy

This was in the paper on Friday, it makes me so proud of my boy for choosing to keep the sabbath day holy.  I know its hard for him, especially because he loves playing basketball, but I am so proud of his good choices!!! Glad he has Jarom there with him and they can rely on each other to make good choices! Keep up the good work!

Crazy!

Today was a crazy day, I think I drove into town like six times.  Everyone had something and their starting and ending times, didn't co-ordinate very well.  The Young Women had New Beginnings tonight, so I got to go with Brooklyn and Chas.  Big shout out to Sis. Rogers who came and put the little ones to bed, they were all asleep when I got home!  I love watching Brookie out in public, it sounds dumb, but I do.  It's fun to see them grow up.  I hope she stays on the path she is headed and continues to make good decisions.  She always asks me why people do things when they are taught something else, I hope she sticks to her guns!  She is a good kid.

School Ball

We are doing a couple different teams of basketball so we differentiate by, AAU and school ball.  Brooklyn had her last day of school ball today, and the team did well.  She scored 10 of their 26 points! YAY Brookie!! All of a sudden it has just clicked, she now actually goes to the hoop when she has the ball, it is so fun to watch her. Finally! I've got lots of video of her playing but not a lot of pictures.
Brady just started school ball, which I am coaching. He actually can't practice with us because AAU is at the same time.  So he will just play games with us when we start on the 3rd.  It is fun coaching the boys and I like that I can be involved.  I have a girl in our ward staying after school to watch the kids, which has been fantastic!!  Then I don't have to worry about them running all over.  We have one more week of practice and then games start.  We love basketball season! Our favorite!
Our last AAU tournament is next weekend, here, so we are all excited about that!

Some more Photography!

Brooklyn loves taking pictures and editing them on my phone, a couple of them are just plain awesome!

 This one is by Brady, a beautiful sunrise outside the house!

 This is of the old school down the road and in the field.

 This is Bro. Flowers barn, looks straight out of a magazine!

 I should have Brooklyn think of titles for the ones she loves, this is one of them.  Looks like it should be in a horror show.

 I love the snow and green green trees!

 This one is my absolute favorite, I think I may print it and hang it in my house!

Valentines Day

We actually didn't do anything special on Valentines Day with the kids because Chas and I got to go out for dinner and dancing, it was wonderful!
Chas surprised us girls with flowers on Friday night and candy and cards for the boys! He is such a great Dad!

 I love that Brooklyn is in her farm clothes, she needs to marry a guy that doesn't mind seeing her in farm clothes, makes them that much better! Chas has probably seen me in grubby's way more than nice clothes, and he still loves me ,waddayaknow!  Not afraid to get dirty, love it!

Beautiful!  We were going to have a special dinner tonight, but Brooklyn wanted to go to a friends house, since none of them were going to the dance, so she went there.  We decided to do it on Sunday instead.

Saturday is a special day...

Saturday is the work day around here.  We have been trying to make it a little more fun lately, by getting our work done early and then having something to do in the afternoon.  We did just that today. the kids quickly got their chores done and then we went swimming.  I think it was probably the nicest day of the year (winter) so far, so it really was hard for Chas and I to want to take the kids swimming, but we did cause we said we would!  That darn keeping your word thing is a hard lesson to learn when you are a parent. I find myself constantly thinking, "Dang it, why did I say that?"  Lessons learned over and over and over. But we had a great time, yes I even got in the water and even went down the slide with the kids.  They all had a blast! It was a successful family event, cause not all of them are! What a great day!

Friday 13th

Today I went to Brooklyn's awards assembly 4.0 again!! She is awesome.  She has had a 4.0, every semester but one in middle school.  And that was our fault cause we went on vacation and took her out of school for a week.  We are proud of her!!

She didn't want her picture taken, so these are the best I got!

Monday

Today I decided I would wash everyone's sheets, along with all of the other laundry that needs to be done on Mondays, I questioned my judgement.  But I got them done. Chas went to Hermiston tonight for a city counsel meeting, so bedtime was my job tonight.  After finally getting everyone tucked in I came into my room and noticed that someone had made my bed, yep sheets and all and there was my little Brady hiding behind the door.  What a sweet act of kindness this was for me.  Brady sure has a way of seeing things that he can do to help others.  What a sweet boy! Love him!

Sunday

Well today everyone was a little tired after a long Saturday of basketball.  So we were a little slow starting, but we still made it on time.  I love that Brady will go out (mostly without a fight) on Sundays and do chores, even if it is the girls week to do them.  I try and relieve him and do it about 1-2 times a month as well, to get the girls outside and ready for church by 9 is a stretch, so I am glad that he does it for us.  Church was great.  Sister Jensen talked about faith, hope and charity.  She always gives such great insights.  Bro. Hutchison talked about "taking care of our wounded."  His career was in the army as a chaplin, so he travelled around with the medics.  He has some amazing stories.  He talked about helping the wounded and said that often times we destroy our wounded rather than taking care of them, sometimes by gossip, being unfriendly, not reaching out etc.  Made me think of how I could apply that to my family life.  Sometimes I get on a kick about my kids behaving, by not giving them choices and making strict punishments, which in some cases is a must, but for the most part I can be better by recognizing their strengths and pointing them out.  Building them up and helping them realize how special and important they are.
We had the Rogers out that evening and enjoyed a visit with them.  Jean and I are getting together tomorrow to make a lap quilt.  She is going to show me some new techniques with quilting and I am so excited to expand my limited knowledge base.

Basketball

This weekend was the Pepsi shootout tournie here in La Grande.  Brooklyn was asked to play on the 8th grade team, since she decided not to play 7th grade AAU this year.  Their team is well... terrible, but it actually has been a great experience thus far for Brooke.  So between her and Brady we watched 6 games on Saturday.  It was a blast!! I could watch my kids play ball everyday.
Brady has improved so much! He has a great coach who works them so hard.  Brady just really loves to play.  Any spare time he has he is out shooting on our soon to be court.  He averages 6-8 points a game and just really hustles all the time.  He is lots of fun to watch.
Brooklyn came into her own this weekend.  Wow! We have never seen her play with such intensity, it was awesome! We are hoping she has turned a corner and will continue to play as hard.
The little kids did awesome, we promised we would go to Denny's for dinner if they were well behaved and they did awesome!  Carson was a little touch and go near the end, but we made it and it was a great day!

Dinner Time

The other night while we were around the table eating dinner,
Emree said, " It seems like the best time we have is when we are eating dinner together."
I told her that is why we make it a priority to have dinner together every night, sometimes it doesn't happen, but most of the time it does.  And I agree, it is a special time of day

"Our family time around the dinner table has provided healing balm for many such trying days. With the busy lives each of us leads, we’ve found that mealtime together has taken on added importance. President Spencer W. Kimball said: “It is important for us also to cultivate in our own family a sense that we belong together eternally, that whatever changes outside our home, there are fundamental aspects of our relationship which will never change” (“Ocean Currents and Family Influences,” Ensign, Nov. 1974, 112–13). Despite differing circumstances, every family can make eating at least one meal together every day a family priority. Following are some ideas that have helped our family make the most of mealtime." Ensign 1998

Beckett

Today will be my Beckett spotlight day.  This little boy has his engineer fathers brain.  He loves to build things with his Knex and can build anything by following the "map" that they include with the legos.  He also comes up with his own "creations," which are pretty cool.  He just can't understand why I can't make creations, but my brain doesn't work that way.  'Create' is not so much a part of my make up.  He is getting to be a good little reader.  He is also learning a lot about tolerance and good and bad behavior at school.  He has a very challenging class which has helped him recognize that being good is always better.  After talking about a friend of ours who is making bad choices he asked,
 Mom why doesn't he live at home with his family?"
Me: "Because he is making bad choices so he doesn't get to live there if he doesn't follow the rules."
B: Why would he not follow the rules?  I will follow the rules so I can live with my family.
I love the innocence of children and wish they would stay that way forever.
He says the funniest things:
B: Mom, do you know what the inside of your brain looks like?
Me: Trying to describe it, then I asked Why?
B: Because I think I just pulled some of mine out.
Me: What the?  I go check and he had picked a scab. Hilarious!

B: You know when you have to go pee so bad and you actually make it to the bathroom on time?
Me: Yes
B: It's awesome.
Me: Laughing
B: It feels good!

He loves to play the computer and it is everything I can do to not let him play all day long.  He has a great imagination and will sit for hours building and building and playing and building some more.
He has become a little worrier and it is killing me.  He has to know exactly what is going on after school, if he is riding the bus, or if I am picking him up, what time will I be at the school, will I wait right in front of the bus door, what if I am late, what if the driver won't let me off?  Holy Cow!!  So we are spending much more time discussing the schedule for the day and going through every detail.  He even has gone so far to say he doesn't want to play any sports because the won't know the kids.  Crazy! I am hoping it is a phase which will shortly pass.
I was reading Lindsey's blog the other day about how Brock's personality is a yellow.  Totally Beckett as well, no wonder they get along so well.  It is torture trying to get him to focus on a task, it is nearly impossible for him to go upstairs and brush his teeth without stopping 10 times on the way, playing with something, looking around aimlessly trying to remember what he is supposed to be doing.  Sometimes it is hilarious just watching him try to remember why he even went upstairs to start with.  It is definitely helping my patience, trying to get him to focus.  He is so much fun and makes everyone laugh.
He looks exactly like Chas when he was a little boy, blonde hair, blue eyes, tall and skinny.  He feels a little left out with his blonde hair, unless we are with Hutchins' cousins!
He loves to do somersaults, headstands, definitely the most gymnast out of all of us!
We love our Beckett!

Out for a run!

Ok so today I went out for a run.  This month I have exercised 5 days out of every week, for the whole month.  I was tired of working out inside and it was fairly warm outside, with just a little drizzle.  Brooklyn was home from school sick, so I put Carson to sleep and told her I was going for a run.  She thought I was crazy to go out in the rain, but I did.  And it was wonderful! I am not a runner, not a fast runner, or a good runner, or any kind of a runner, but I did it and if felt wonderful.  The sun even peeked out of the clouds for a few seconds here and there.  It was exhilirating! I can't
wait to do it again!

Sick Season & Garbage Cans

Well we are in the thick of sick season around here.  Brooklyn has missed 4 days of school and I took Carson in to the Doctor today. Ear infection, I am telling ya this kid catching every. single. bug. ever. Bad things about older kids being in school.  Like every month I take him in.  I think the RSV he got when he was 6 months old really messed with his system.  I guess by the time he is 12 he should have immunity to everything.  We can hope right.  Chas left today to go to Skamania, WA for work.  He will be gone until Thursday. So for FHE we decided to go shoe shopping.  I know spiritual right? But Brady couldn't go another day without some shoes so we went. At 6 at night. And it actually was kind of fun.  Something totally out of the ordinary for us to do.  As soon as Brady tried on some new shoes, he let out a big sigh and said, oh these are so comfortable, so I knew he hadn't been joking when he said his old ones hurt his feet.  Emree ended up with some cute black boots as well, BOGO!  Then we headed to Walmart.  We got a bin for all of the boys' Knex legos and then they were all on a kick about getting a garbage can for each of their rooms.  They were all so excited, it was hilarious!  So now they each have a $3 garbage can for their room and the are ecstatic, love it when little things make them happy!  Plus now maybe they will put the trash in the garbage, doubt it, but hopeful!

Sundays

I love sunday's! Especially now that we have 9 am church.  The days go by so much better.  Our favorite activity for sunday nights are playing games, lately we play ticket to ride. So fun!
Except for Carson doesn't like it so much, as he is the only one left out.  So this Sunday Chas and Beckett decided to play Zingo with him while the rest of us played ticket to ride.  It worked out really well.
Testimony meeting was awesome today.  The spirit was so strong.  It is so comforting when the Holy Ghost testifies again and again the truthfulness of the gospel.

Temple

Chas and I were able to head to the tri cities temple yesterday. It is so wonderful to be able to leave our kids with Brooklyn and know that things will be fine.  It seems like you wait Forever before the oldest one can babysit and then its finally here, and it is wonderful! I am always grateful for the opportunity I have to go to the temple.  What a glorious place.  We did initiatory and it was a spiritual experience.  Sure glad to have a super husband who recognizes the need to go as often as possible.  Our goal for the past few years has been to go once a month.  It is our goal again this year, I am not sure that we have met it yet, but we keep trying.

Early morning walk

This morning was so beautiful! Frosty and chilly, but so sunny! I got up before everyone and else and did some studying, then came Beckett and then Chas.  No one else was stirring so I asked if they would like to go for a walk with me.  Oh it was glorious! I could walk like that forever! The sun shining off the frost is one of my very favorite things, and I should have taken my camera!! Oh it was a wonderful way to start the day, if only I could do that everyday.  But that is not possible, but everyday there is something to be grateful for and something that can make the day wonderful, I just have to find it everyday, that is the challenge!

Brooklyn's latest phtography

 this is some latest photography from brooklyn

Lessons

Today I started teaching piano again.  I was thinking a couple of weeks ago that I would really like to start teaching, (more like I would really like to get Brady's braces paid for so we can start Brooklyn's) and I was wondering how I could get some students that I could teach during the day. After school lesssons are a thing of the past for now, it's just too crazy busy at that point in the day.  A couple of days later a lady up the road called and asked when I was ready to start teaching again she would like to take lessons.  Sweet!! During the day and everything.  This is the first time I have taught an adult, and I think I am going to like it!  Things click a little faster and it seems she should be a little more dedicated than most.  So excited! Another evidence of the Lords hand in my life.

Gift in the Mail

Last week I got a random phone call from one of my favorite cousins, Jake.  He and I have always had  special friendship and try to keep in touch.  Anyway he called and asked for our address, he said he was sending something for Chas.  I wondered what on earth it was.  I thought for sure it would be some BYU related item, since Jake and Chas are both huge fans.  I had the thought, "how nice of Jake to think of Chas and send him something."  Little did I know. The thoughfulness of the gift they sent was way beyond a BYU memento.  I let Emree open the package since Chas was not home.  Inside was a small note that read, "A little birdie said you might need one of these."  We pulled out a beautiful consecrated oil vial to keep on your key chain.  I remembered that Jake's son Leighton really like to make pens and such things with his Grandpa, I knew for sure he had made it.  But where on earth would they hear that Chas needed one?  So I texted him and asked, he said they had remembered hearing him say something at the reunion.  Seriously! way back in August?  I can't even believe they remembered that and then acted.  What a special act of kindness and love.  They inspire me to be better.  I am terrible at remembering what people say the would like, or need.  I need to be more in tune and really listen when people talk rather than just present!  Thanks for being an instrument in the Lord's hands in our life today! What a tender gift of love, they are truly Christlike in their actions!  We love you Helmstetlers!

Very quiet evening

This is what it felt like.  Tonight Carson fell asleep at 6 o'clock.  It was a very quiet and relaxing evening.  Don't get me wrong, I love my two year old to pieces, but evenings are not his strong point, mine either for that matter, and so they are usually chaotic with lots of crying and whining.  So last night Chas and I actually got to sit down and talk (imagine that) before dinner.  I decided if Carson was sleeping the other kids could watch cartoons and I would enjoy the quiet. And I did, it was nice.

Family Home Evening

Last night we had a great F.H.E.  It was on controlling your emotions, we watched a snippit from BYUTV and then talked about how to control our tempers, which tend to run a little high around here.  Do you know our gene pool?  Not to use it as an excuse, but it comes naturally, so we frequently need to address the issue. After closing prayer Brooklyn thought it would be fun to try and tickle my feet and we all know that that doesn't end pretty!  It turned into a huge family wrestling match, of course with some tears, but tons and tons of laughter.  I love these times when everyone is having a good time, I wish it were like this all the time. We ended the night with some healthy, no sugar, delicious smoothies made by Dad and Carson, who only dumped the ingredients out of the blender and fell off the the cupboard one time in the process, what a great night!

I also made the effort to read with each of the younger kids before they went to bed, it's funny why such an easy thing is so hard to do.  They appreciated it and I also enjoyed it!

Everyday

I am constantly inspired by my SIL she is on the ball. Anyway she writes on her blog almost everyday and then prints them off at the end of the year. After reading this talk, "O Remember, Remember." by Pres. Eyring I have a renewed sense of why we keep a journal. I can't even remember what I did last week, let alone years ago. So this week my goal is to write on here every. single.day.

Elder Eyring said:

“I’m not giving you these experiences for yourself. Write them down.”I went inside. I didn’t go to bed. Although I was tired, I took out some paper and began to write. And as I did, I understood the message I had heard in my mind. I was supposed to record for my children to read, someday in the future, how I had seen the hand of God blessing our family. Grandpa didn’t have to do what he was doing for us. He could have had someone else do it or not have done it at all. But he was serving us, his family, in the way covenant disciples of Jesus Christ always do. I knew that was true. And so I wrote it down, so that my children could have the memory someday when they would need it."

So I do it for them, and for me, that we can look back and realize how much we love each other and how much the Lord loves us!

Each new day brings us opportunities to be better and recognize the hand of the Lord in our lives. Today is a beautiful day, almost 50 in January. It's amazing what the sun does for the soul. No wonder Jesus Christ is referred to as the "Light" of the world. I got to go visiting teaching this morning and was reminded of how much I need the Savior in my life. This was my favorite quote from the message today,"Obedience gives us greater control over our lives, greater capacity to come and go, to work and create.”

I love that when we have our priorities straight we will have greater control over our lives. Our circumstances may not have changed, but our ability to cope is enhanced. The enabling power of the atonement is something that I would like to study and learn more about this year.

Each day I will focus on one of the kids, that gives me five really easy posts!

We'll start with Carson:

Just when I thought there could not be a more "boy" boy than Brady, we get Carson. Talk about no sitting down, no sitting still, no being quiet, loves to wrestle, tackle, punch, kick, run, throw, the boy is a maniac.  Don't ever lay on the floor when he is in the room, unless your ready for a full on pounce.  

He is a very loving boy.  He sure loves his JoJo, which is so sweet to me.  She takes care of him so well, and most of the time will stop whatever she is doing to help him with whatever he needs.  If you ask him who loves him, his first response is always JoJo, not Mom or Dad, JoJo.  We are second.  I love seeing the bond between them.  He always asks where she is and if she can play or read with him. He loves to give hugs and loves waking up the other kids with kisses.

His speech is still really hard to understand.  I try not to worry about it, but there are days when I hear kids who are 18 months younger, pronounce words clearer.  He is getting better, it is just really slow. He can recognize the letter C for his name, when he sees it, he says Me, Me!  He knows a handful of colors and orange is by far his favorite, who can say orange and not red? Him!  I always joke he should have been born in Russia, as his sounds are so gutteral.

He is a massive kid and I wish he would've stayed little for just a little longer.  He is not fun to carry anywhere, unless the distance is only from the car to the house!  He is totally potty trained and has been for a few months!! WOOHOO!! No More diapers!

He does not like: going to bed, getting buckled in his carseat (becketts is much better because he can get out of it!) coming in from outside.  He LOVES making bread, making smoothies, playing zingo, cheese, anything orange and of course JO!