Fall Break Fun!

5 fun things we have done on Fall Break so far...

1. CONFERENCE: My sister Emily and her husband went to Utah for Conference. We got to keep her 3 kids for the weekend. It was a full house, but my kids had so much fun.

The visit did make watching conference a little harder this year. But the kids actually gathered around more than usual to name an apostle that they recognized and they wanted to listen to what they had to say. For FHE the week before, we gave the kids each a cup full of pictures of the First Presidency and the Apostles on popsicle sticks. We sang the Apostles song over and over and then quizzed each other. The kids had fun playing with their sticks all week and remembering the names. It made conference more interesting for them and since they knew more about the speakers, they wanted to hear what they said.

2. VISIT TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. We went to visit Eric at work and he gave us a short tour. The kids were so fascinated by the jail. They just couldn't believe that all the "Bad Guys" in town were right there on the 2nd floor at dads work. They asked so many questions- especially after they saw all the police vehicles in a special parking area.

3. GOING TO THE ZOO. The kids checked out each exhibit carefully to see who could spot each animal's poop first (or 'Doogan' as my kids call it). They kept shouting things like: "Oh... look at how much doogan is in his cage!" or "Look at the shape of that doogan!" Oh... the things that fascinate my children.

Liberty wanted to know the name of every animal and got so frustrated with the exhibits that did not have a sign with their name on it. She kept asking zookeepers or the animals: "What is this animals name??" Finally, Tommy answered her: "Liberty, I know how you can find out the name. In James Chapter 1 verse 5 it says: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. That giveth to all men liberally and abraideth not and it shall be given him. That means if you want to know the answer to something, all you have to do is ask Heavenly Father and he'll tell you." It made me smile and I was happy that Tommy remembered something I have taught her.

When it was time to go home, I asked the kids if they had fun and Jack said: "Are you kidding??! That was the best day of my life!"


4. CREATIVE PROJECTS. We collected rocks and made some Halloween friends. My kids love making stuff like this and play with them for hours after.


(sticking your tongue out like Liberty while working improves your painting skills)

The kids also made stepping stones for the yard. (Thank you Grandma English for the kit.)

5. BEING TOGETHER. We have had so much fun just spending time together this week. I love it when all my kids are home- And the week is not over yet.

Great work!

A couple weeks ago, Liberty was busy working on a picture at my desk. She spent so much time on it and finally came out with the picture behind her back and told me she made a surprise for me. She proudly held out the picture and the first thing I noticed was that it was decorated with the roll of postage stamps that was sitting at my desk. I reacted to the stamps, raised my voice and explained to her why that was wrong. I didnt even acknowledge her hard work and art. Then, her bottom lip stuck out and she started to cry. She said: "You hurt my feelings." and "You made my heart sad!" Then ran to her room.

I felt so bad. In a year from now, will those postage stamps really matter? Or will her feelings be the things she remembers? Really, in perspective, the stamps are a small thing when compared to my daughter. I should have praised her picture first and explained later about the stamps.

So, last night when Liberty came in from playing outside and said "Mom, I made you something outside. Come see!" I didnt react to the permanent marker all over the stucco on the front of the house. I hugged her and praised her work. (But made sure to explain later about not doing that again.)

It's Just a Booger...

For several days now, Liberty has said: "Mom, I cant breath out of this nose!" (Pointing to her right nostril). Being the good mom that I am, I kept telling her to go blow her nose and she would be fine and didn't give it anymore attention. After several days of her whining about her nose, I finally decided to take a look. I tilted her head back, thinking I would find a big booger, and saw something fluorescent green instead shoved up in her nostril. Since I couldn't reach it, I told her to blow as hard as she could this time. She blows and an airsoft BB comes shooting out of her nose. Wow! I would have hard time breathing with that in my nose too! Why did she put that up there anyway?? Man, I felt bad for ignoring it for so many days. How uncomfortable.

Happy Birthday Jack!

Jack wanted a Pokemon birthday this year. It was a fun theme. Just when I think Jack has enough Pokemon things, he asks for more. I guess you "gotta catch 'em all!" Here are some of the Pokemon pictures from his party.

The Party Masks...

The Birthday Cake...

New Pokeball...

Jack's other birthday request this year was cousins. And that made it fun for everyone. Harris, Kimball and Abby came for a sleepover and it was so much fun. My kids idolize them and they were sooo excited to have them come. Even though they are much older than my kids, they play so cute together and my kids love them as though they were siblings. Jack said this made it his best birthday ever.

the sleepover. ..

Grandma English also came for a visit and brought more cousins and that was also a treat!

Both Grandma's contributed to Jack's gaming collection so he is in heaven and busy with his new games.

Happy 7th Birthday Jack!

For Grandma, continued...

More Article of Faith #10.

(Don't mind the Oreo's on her lips and teeth.)

For Grandma

The kids are doing a great job learning the Articles of Faith this year. It has been one of their goals for 2008. Grandma Farley has all the grandkids pass them off to her. She has a big chart to keep track of all 29 grandkids and the ones they have passed off. My kids are always so excited to call Grandma & Grandpa the minute they have it memorized. They love the praise, the fancy award letter and the dollar they get for each one. This month, they are learning the 10th Article of Faith. I think it is my favorite because I love hearing the kids say all those big words (you should hear Liberty sing 'paradisiacal' and all the other adult phrases- I'll post it when the girls are ready). Jack is ready to pass off #10, mom, so this is for you...

Rescue at the Pool

After many trips to the pool, I thought I could relax a little and read a book last time we went swimming. Afterall, the kids are much better swimmers now... okay, only Jack can swim, but the girls are less afraid of the water and I thought they could touch the bottom everywhere in the shallow end.....

So, we went to the pool after school last week, the kids jumped in and I set up under an umbrella with my sunflower seeds and a book. While I was reading, Liberty made her way to the opposite side of the pool to play on the steps. A toy she was playing with floated out of her reach and she jumped in after it, where she could not touch the bottom or make it back to the side. I look over and Liberty is struggling completely under the water. I started screaming her name to get the attention of the employee standing closer to her, as I ran to the other side of the pool. Fully dressed, I stepped onto the pool steps, still 10 feet away from her, and slipped with my slick flip flops, and fell into the pool, slicing my toes open on something. It was quite the sight- daughter needs rescuing and suddenly mom does too. (I'm sure I would make a great life guard) So, I tried to get up, catch my balance and get over to her, but the employee beat me to her- boy, was I glad he was there. He pulls her out, coughing and crying, and men working-out behind the glass wall overlooking the pool come out to comment on the situation. With my clothes soaking wet, my foot all bloody from my fall, Liberty crying on my lap and an audience around me, I start filling out the "incident papers" from the clubhouse. Jack looks up and says "Mom, why are you wet?" He missed the whole thing.

So... my girls need swim lessons. And maybe I need a lesson or two in "saving your drowning daughter from the pool" or just "how not to be so clumsy."

After school fun

In an effort to spend time with my kids and have less TV on after school today, I decided we needed a fun project to work on together. I went to the fabric store and bought fabric markers, muslin and batting. A project for everyone under $10- I like that. The kids were so excited when I picked them up after school and told them what we would be doing. A little effort always goes a long way.

I taped the fabric to the table and the kids went to work.

Then, we cut, sewed and stuffed. The kids loved the stuffing almost as much as the drawing. For some reason, they were fascinated with the batting.

And the end result... happy kids, fun toys.

I love the feeling in our home when we are spending time together.

Mom is all alone!!

Liberty started preschool today. My kids were so worried about me all morning. They kept saying to each other: "I'm so worried about mom. What will she do all alone?" And even though I have plenty of ideas, I let them know that I would just be at home missing them untill they got home. Liberty is my most well-adjusted child. She had no problem leaving me and was so excited to be able to go to school. After I dropped her off, I was almost home before I realized I could quit singing along to my kids 'Little People' CD and turn on some real grown-up music. But I am so out of touch with grown-up stuff that I didnt know what music to listen to. I am so used to always having a child by my side, that I keep feeling like I am missing something today. It is a weird feeling, but I am excited for my alone time.

Back to School

It is always so hard for me to let the kids go to school. It always means it is the end of their time home with me. So, even though Tommy was fine her first day of Kindergarten, I kept lingering and saying good bye many times, not wanting to leave her. And finally went to the car and cried. The 2nd day, I did better. But Tommy realized how long she would be away from me and cried as I tried to leave. (she is in for a rude awakening, when next week she goes all day) But her crying didnt last long. With each recess, Jack quickly finds her and makes sure she is doing okay. This is the highlight of her day. I am so glad Jack thinks of her and takes care of her that way.

My kids love the story of the Kissing Hand and wont say goodbye without getting a kiss in their palm that they can keep all day and rub on their cheek if they miss me. I'm sure I miss them more than they miss me and I think about that little kiss they leave in the palm of my hand all day.

Saying Good-bye

You may remember Jack's little friend Lizzy that he caught when Paul was visiting. We got her all set up with a bigger cage, a little cave to hide under and a light to warm her up. And then as time passed we realized that we were spending about $10 a week in crickets and I had to go totally out of my way, 2 times a week, to a pet store not very close to my house to get them. We got very tired of this. So, last weekend we told Jack that he would have to let Lizzy go. Eric told him that Lizzy needed more room to run around, needed to find a warm place before winter and she would be much happier. (But I know the real reason- it was the money and the inconvenient trips to the pet store.) Having to get rid of Lizzy tore Jack apart. He cried and cried. And even though he finally came to the conclusion that it was better for Lizzy, it was so hard for him to say good-bye to her. It broke my heart to see Jack take deep breaths and whimper as he let her go. He kept saying between snivels "Go ahead, little Lizzy. You can go now. I love you." as he coaxed her to go.

Does that make me a bad mom? I sure felt like one.

Breaking Dawn

Sometimes it is an advantage to live in a small town. I have heard how long some of you had to wait in line to buy your copy of Breaking Dawn at a midnight release party. Thankfully, that was not the case for me. A couple friends and I met at Denny's for dessert that night and then headed on over to Hastings at about 11:30. There was a small group there, but no line formed yet. So we were the first in line. No waiting. But then again, sounds like our small town party missed out on some of the fun. Check out some of the photos from my sisters party here. No one was dressed as a vampire in Prescott. Once I bought my copy, I felt it burning in my hands. I could hardly wait to get home to read. Good thing my sisters were up reading all night too, so I had someone to talk to or text as I read. After neglecting my home, children and husband all weekend. I finally finished the book and man, was it good. I loved it! What did you think of the book? I sure hope Stephenie Meyer begins a new series about Renesmee.

Miscarriage

I had some concerns about my pregnancy from the beginning. I just never felt pregnant. I kept thinking maybe I was just really lucky this time around. But my concern turned to fear last week when I started bleeding. I immediately asked Eric for a blessing and when he couldn't promise me that the baby would be fine, I got really scared. Then I got mad at him for not promising me what I wanted to hear. (Sorry Eric) There was nothing I could do but wait and see. So that is what I did. I sat around all week, feeling sad and depressed. My hormones/emotions were out of control and I sobbed and cried about every second of the day. So, I just laid on the couch and turned to my good friends Bella and Edward for comfort. (Okay, Jacob was there too, but he's not my friend.) It was a good distraction. By Friday I had miscarried. I kept thinking I was feeling okay about it, but my hormones would not agree. They were completely out of control. My kids were worried. I explained to them what happened and they all drew pictures of me holding a baby, saying "This is so you won't ever forget the baby, mom." Which made me cry more.

It's weird. You go one minute thinking about baby names, about the changes it will have on your family and body, being excited to announce the news and loving that baby from the second you know it's growing inside you... to not being pregnant at all.

I am feeling much better now though and even though I still have doctor visits ahead, I feel like I am putting it behind me. I feel so grateful that I have Eric, family and so many good friends to lean on.

I ended the week with my birthday on Sunday. Eric got me a cake and we had a little party with the kids- and it was just what I needed.