Our Mornings

Our mornings are quite a bit different now with Thomas and Spring away at school. Once we get them off to school Sammy and Mary entertain each other for a while until it is time for Mary's nap. I have enjoyed this time with Sammy because it is one on one time with he and I. He loves to help me with whatever it is I am doing. I often get dinner ready at this time and he loves to help with this. If he hears me in the kitchen he will come running saying, "What you makin mommy?" Then he quickly pulls a stool over to help me. The other day he could hardly contain himself as he helped me grind wheat. He loved to watch and play with the flour that came out of the grinder. We had flour everywhere by the time we were done. He also enjoys having me read him stories during this time and he will sit for a really long time as we go through story after story after story. It has been fun to spend this time with just him and play what he wants to play. I think he has really enjoyed the special time together.

When Mary wakes up from her nap he often asks me if we can go shopping. He will say, "Buy more gum Mom. Go K-Mart." The only stores we have in town are K-Mart and a really expensive grocery store. He always wants to go out somewhere. If it is not too hot yet we will go to the park or for a walk.

Sammy and Mary are so fun together and I have enjoyed watching them interact without the influence of the older ones. Sammy has very much assumed the role of big brother with Mary and she is so easy going she just lets him do this. Sammy will walk around the house saying, "Come on He-La. Come with Sammy." She smiles and waddles behind him. They love to play with cars and little people together. I miss having Thomas and Spring home but it has given me more time to spend with the little ones in the morning and I have enjoyed this time as well. My favorite part of the day, however, is just before dinner time when Joel gets home from work and our whole family is together again after a day of going our separate ways. It just feels complete and right for us to be together again for dinner and the evening. I am so grateful for my family.

Homemade Donuts

We had a fun FHE tonight. Spring gave us a lesson about prayer and she had prepared prayer reminders for everyone. We sat around the table and listed on our reminder sheet things we can thank Heavenly Father for in our prayers. It was fun to see their lists. Then, Thomas was in charge of treats for the evening. He had decided on making homemade donuts. We used to do this all the time but it has been months since we have made them. We all had a great time. Mary grabbed a biscuit and started eating the dough and loved it. I about gagged watching her but she was in her glory. After that it was a challenge for the kids to keep their donut holes and donuts away from her until they were cooked. They all loved frosting them and eating them. Sammy drenched his donuts in so much frosting it was difficult to even see the donut. I am glad we did this again. Spring asked if we could make them tomorrow morning for breakfast but we convinced her that would be a great idea for Saturday morning when we have a little more time to clean up the mess before running off to school. I am so grateful for the inspiration of our prophets in revealing the inspired program of Family Home Evening. It is a blessing to our family as we are able to forget about all other worries and cares while we focus the evening on teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and spending precious family time together.

Spring's 5 Year Pictures

I was a little late getting around to taking Spring in for her yearly pictures with our move. It doesn't help that we have to drive over a half hour away to get to a portrait studio. We made it though and it was worth it. The pictures turned out so cute. I am always amazed when I exchange the pictures in our frames at how much the children grow and change. It seems so subtle sometimes until I look at the difference a year makes.

Swimming for FHE

For Family Home Evening tonight we decided to enjoy the pool as a family. Joel got in with them and they were so excited. I didn't tonight since I had earlier today and I didn't want to put a wet swimsuit on again! So, I came out and took pictures and then played with Mary after she was ready to get out. She loved playing on the slides after she had been swimming. The kids loved having Dad in the pool with them. They were all in the pool for over an hour just laughing, talking, and playing together. The kids loved having Joel throw them into the water. They also liked it when he would lay on his stomach on the bottom of the pool. Then they would climb on his back and he would try to buck them off his back. It was such a fun night.

We got a good laugh at Mary and Sammy's diapers since I didn't put them in swim diapers tonight. We enjoyed the evening together. The kids did not want to come in but they were so tired. After getting up so early this morning for school and then playing in the pool so much, I don't think it took any of them more than 3 minutes to fall asleep tonight!

First Day of School

Today was Spring's first day of Kindergarten and Thomas' 1st day of 2nd grade. They woke up at 5:00 a.m. because they were just too excited to keep sleeping. I was really concerned about how Spring would do because change is difficult for her and sometimes she gets really shy in big crowds or with people she doesn't know. Well, I had nothing to worry about. She was so ready and when it was time for me to leave she just said, "Bye Mom. I'll see you after school." She is so grown up! Thomas couldn't wait to get there and he didn't need me to help him find his class or anything. He took off after giving me a hug and kiss and told me he would see me after school. How come it is so much easier for them than for me?! I was the one holding back the tears and trying to be strong and brave!

When I picked Spring up from school she came running out with a HUGE smile on her face and said, "I love school, Mom!" That melted my heart. She told me all about her day and the fun things she did. She told me her teacher tested her on the alphabet, colors, and shapes. She said, "Mom, I knew all of them. My teacher told me I was the smartest student she had ever had." I just figured her teacher was complimenting her much like she would other students. Well, about 2 hours later I got a phone call from her teacher telling me that this is the 25th year she has taught Kindergarten and she has never before seen a student so prepared and ready to start school. She was shocked by all Spring showed her in the initial assessment. Her teacher told me she expected great things from Spring this year!

Thomas was just as excited when he came home from school. His only complaint was that his teacher was not going to give them any homework for the entire first week of school. He loved the playground and could tell me specifics of how many slides, jungle gyms, basketball hoops, swings, tetherballs, etc there were. He also was really impressed with the library! He said he met some new friends but he couldn't remember their names. He can't wait for tomorrow either! He is looking forward to riding his bike to school tomorrow with his neighbor friend, Garrett.

Father's Blessings

Tomorrow is Thomas' first day of 2nd grade and Spring's first day of Kindergarten. This evening Joel gave each of them a Father's Blessing, as is tradition for him to do. This is something my dad always did for us and Joel's dad did for him. The kids have been talking about Daddy giving them a blessing for about a week now and were so excited when the time came tonight. I am so grateful they look forward to this special time with their Dad. With all the changes and things that have happened in the last 3 weeks since we have moved I really haven't had time for it to sink in that Spring is starting school.

Tonight as Joel was giving her a blessing I was overcome with emotions and tears began to stream down my face. It really hit hard that Spring, our little girl, will be starting school tomorrow. I am not ready for her to take this next step in her life yet I know it is an important step and I know it is right. I guess you can say it has been a very emotional 36 hours. I am exhausted and I don't feel like I am ready for tomorrow but I know it is going to come regardless. I am grateful Joel finds it important to do this for our children.

Blessings from Service

Last Sunday Joel was given the opportunity to speak in Sacrament Meeting. During the meeting Sammy and Mary were quite the handfuls. Sammy wanted to be with Dad on the stand and then he was also just acting really silly and being irreverent. I had to take him out a couple of times and also deal with Mary. I realized how much I missed our old ward because there were people there that always came to my aid when needed without even being asked. I really missed Kelsey and Ali and their family because I always knew they were there to help me. During the meeting I was overcome with so many emotions. I had an overwhelming sense of gratitude to all our friends in Manteca that helped so many different times which led to some homesickness. Then as I was sitting on the pew with the kids and looking up at Joel I had this overwhelming feeling that I needed to get used to being with the kids alone during Sacrament Meeting. It was a powerful feeling, and I was very overwhelmed.

Yesterday afternoon the kids were napping and Joel and I were sitting at the table trying to make a menu of some meals that we would want to eat with it being so hot. The phone rang and I instantly knew who it was. I had a peaceful calm come over me. Joel answered the phone and sure enough I heard him say, "Hi President. How are you doing?" President Evans, our Stake President, asked if he could come over and speak with Joel and I. Joel got off the phone and his eyes were red and watery. The next 45 minutes we waited with nervousness. Tears were close to the surface. President Evans came to our home and Joel was extended a new calling to serve as the 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric.

When Joel was sustained into the Bishopric today and then invited to sit on the stand I was overcome with so many emotions. It is incredibly humbling. I know our family will be blessed by his service and I know Heavenly Father will make us equal to all we need to do; however, I am feeling somewhat overwhelmed when I think of what Sunday will be like. The next 3-4 weeks shouldn't be too bad. My biggest concern is when the baby is born and I need to leave to feed the baby. Maybe this will help to humble me enough to ask for some help. Joel leaned over and gave me a hug and kiss and then took his seat on the stand. Thomas looked over at me and said, "Does Dad have to sit up there all the time now?" When I answered yes he said, "Oh...I'm going to miss having him with us." Spring asked Grandma Biggs why Dad was going to the stand so Grandma explained it to her and Spring said, "Is he going to have to do that every Sunday?" Grandma said, "yes" and Spring said, "You mean Mom's going to have take care of all of us kids all by herself? That's going to be hard!" Wow Spring...you took the words right out of my mouth!

Joel's parents were able to come down today so his Dad could ordain him to the office of a High Priest. We joked that he is not even 31 yet and he is a High Priest. I know this meant a lot to Joel. I am grateful for a husband that honors the Priesthood. I know he loves his family and I know he loves me. I know we will be blessed and things will work out. That doesn't mean it is going to be really easy, however. I am grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for the blessings that come from obedience to the principles contained therein.

Relief from the Heat

We have really been trying hard to adjust to the heat here. It was hot in Manteca and we really didn't think it would be that difficult to adjust to the weather here. Well, we couldn't have been any more wrong. It is at least 10 degrees hotter and it never cools off. We finally gave in and decided to get a pool to set up in the backyard but none of the stores around here were selling them anymore because, in their words, "the summer season is just about over." We found one online and decided to bite the bullet. We have been waiting 'patiently' for it to arrive. Last night we were reading scriptures as a family when the doorbell rang. The kids looked out the window and were so excited to see the UPS truck. They were jumping up and down shouting, "it came..it came...it came." You would have though it was Christmas. The funny thing is Joel and I were probably more excited than they were! So, we finished reading scriptures and promised the kids if they went to bed quickly we would have time to get it all set up and filled so they could play in it today. They did their part!

So, Joel and I worked last night and got it all set up, filled, and the chemicals adjusted. This morning the kids couldn't wait to get in the pool. By 7:30 am I couldn't hold them off anymore and we headed outside. It is really sad when it is hot enough at that time to be in the pool. Joel and I were sweating just out there watching them. They have loved it. Needless to say, they have spent most of the day in the pool. Sammy keeps telling us, "Me swim under water." It is so cute. We are all excited to have it. It is such a blessing to help us cool off and try to get some relief from the heat.

Freedom Park

We went to Freedom Park in Hanford today as part of the ward playgroup. Spring had a good time because there were about 4 girls her age there. She especially had a good time with Karly. Thomas had a hard time because there really wasn't anyone his age there and there were no other boys except for Sammy. He had fun but just mentioned that he wished there were some boys his age. I am hoping he will meet some friends in school that live close by so he can have some boys to play with. Sammy and Mary had a great time puttering around and just climbing around on things.

There was a really fun park with a lot of equipment. There was a boat, fire truck, swings, big 3-way slide, and quite a few other features. The ground was made of the recycled rubber. The kids really liked this because, in Spring's words, "then we don't get bark and sand in our shoes."

There was also a fun water feature with some fountains for the kids to get wet in. This helped keep them cool but they didn't smell so good afterward. Hanford has really bad water that smells and tastes like sulfur. So, the kids smelled like rotten eggs after playing in the water but they had fun. We have been told not to buy buy fountain drinks in Hanford. I had forgotten about this and bought the kids a slush from Sonic. I took one drink and about threw up. It tasted like sour burps. It was so bad. I won't make that mistake again! But we had a great time and they want to be sure to go again...especially so they can show it to Dad!

Hidden Treasure Cupcakes

We made hidden treasure cupcakes today. It was so fun to see the excitement of the kids as we made them. They really did the majority of the work. Thomas can basically read and follow any recipe completely on his own. It is fun to listen to him explain to Spring the different ways they can add ingredients using different fractional amounts. He was telling her if it calls for 1/2 cup you can just use a 1/2 cup measuring cup or you can add 1/4 cup twice. It is interesting to listen to him explain it to her.

Sammy loved cracking the eggs and didn't even get any shells in the mix. They all had a great time adding the hidden treasure (cream cheese mixture and mini oreo cookie) to the middle of the cupcake mixture and then adding more mix on top to bury it.

Mary was awake for the frosting and adding the oreo to the top of the cupcake and she thought she needed to help as well. Some of the cupcakes ended up with extra oreos on top which Spring remedied by taking off and eating. They were so excited to have them for dessert. They couldn't wait for Dad to find the hidden treasure inside his cupcake! It was fun to do all together and I think the kids enjoyed baking them more than eating them, although they did really enjoy eating them as well.

Trial Run

I needed to go to the school to register Thomas today for 2nd grade. The kids have been so excited to be able to ride their bikes to school and I thought this would be a great practice for them. So, Thomas and Spring rode their bikes while I took Sammy and Mary in the stroller. They had a great time. I slowed them down, of course, but they were so happy to ride their bikes. They would ride to the corner and wait patiently for me to catch up. When we got to the school they were able to test out their new bike locks and practice locking their bikes at the bike rack. Then they had more fun as Spring, Thomas, and Sammy were able to play at the playground while I was in the office registering Thomas. Then we headed back home afterwards. It was a fun morning. Spring was really tired by the time we got back to the house. Her poor little legs have to peddle so much on her little bike. I think she will start to use Thomas' old bike now that he rides his 'gear bike.' Hopefully then she won't get so tired from having to peddle so much. They keep telling me they wish they could start school today! They are so ready to start school and I am not ready for them to be gone all day. I will definitely enjoy this last week with them home.

Our Little Ones

There are times in the day when I am reminded how young Sammy and Mary still are. With a new one to soon join our family, I sometimes forget how young they are. They both still love to be held and cuddled (as do Spring and Thomas!). This afternoon we were watching the Olympics together as a family when Sammy climbed onto my lap. When Mary realized he was there she came over to climb up too. They were very content to be sharing my lap and just sat there jabbering back and forth to each other. Their wardrobe is very common lately as it is so hot. After church we took off their church clothes for lunch and naps and since we were just staying home together we let them lounge in their diapers. At one point in the afternoon they were wrestling around on the floor together and Joel said, "Do you realize we could have 3 in diapers crawling around?" I really need to get Sammy potty trained but he just has no interest in it right now and I am not up for the fight. I would rather wait until he is ready and then start. Maybe after the baby comes we will try again. We'll see!

Preserving Traditional Marriage & Strengthening Families

"We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children."

This is the opening line from "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" issued by the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1995. We were reminded over ten years ago by a prophet of God that marriage is between a man and a woman. This is God's way. In the state of California this is being challenged once again.
California voters passed Proposition 22 in 2000 by more than 61%, saying that a marriage in California is between a man and a woman. Earlier this year(2008), four activist judges based in San Francisco wrongly overturned the people's vote, legalizing same-sex marriage.

The Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage did not just overturn the will of California voters; it also redefined marriage for the rest of society, without ever asking the people themselves to accept this decision. This decision has far-reaching consequences. For example, because public schools are already required to teach the role of marriage in society as part of the curriculum, schools will now be required to teach students that gay marriage is the same as traditional marriage, starting with kindergarteners. By saying that a marriage is between “any two persons” rather than between a man and a woman, the Court decision has opened the door to any kind of “marriage.” This undermines the value of marriage altogether at a time when we should be restoring marriage, not undermining it.
In June of this year, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints issued a letter to be read in all LDS congregations in California. The letter entitled, Preserving Traditional Marriage and Strengthening Families, reminded members that marriage is ordained of God. We were also called upon to do all we can to support this amendment by donating of our time and means. We feel very strongly about our responsibility to help pass Proposition 8 and define marriage as only between a man and a woman.

Proposition 8 is NOT an attack on gay couples and does not take away the rights that same-sex couples already have under California’s domestic partner law. California law already grants domestic partners all the rights that a state can grant to a married couple. Gays have a right to their private lives, but not to change the definition of marriage for everyone else.

We, as a family, support Proposition 8. We have accepted the call of the First Presidency to support this amendment with our time and means. We have the opportunity to participate in spreading information about this Proposition to voters in our area over the next few weekends. We have begun donating to the cause as well. If you would like more information about this proposition and/or if you would like to donate to this cause you may visit: ProtectMarriage.com.

Spring's View of Mom

I saw this on a friend's blog and thought it was a cute idea. I asked Spring the following questions and here are her very candid responses!

1. What does Mom always say to you?
Yes.

2. What makes Mom happy?
Doing surprises for people.

3. What makes Mom sad?
When I don't listen to you.

4. How does Mom make you laugh?
You tickle me.

5. How old is Mom?
55

6. How tall is Mom?
Taller than me.

7. What does Mom like to do?
Read stories to me.

8. What is Mom's job?
Taking care of us.

9. What is Mom's favorite food?
Salad.

10. How do you know Mom loves you?
You tuck me in at night.

Thomas' View of Mom

I saw this on a friend's blog and thought it was a cute idea. I asked Thomas the following questions and here are his very candid responses!

1. What does Mom always say to you?
Don't play the piano right now.

2. What makes Mom happy?
When I do things without being asked.

3. What makes Mom sad?
When I fight with Spring and Sammy.

4. How does Mom make you laugh?
You make me laugh a lot but I can't figure out why. Then after answering a few other questions he said, "I know now how you make me laugh. When I jump on Daddy and wrestle with him you giggle and it just makes me giggle so hard."

5. How old is Mom?
30?

6. How tall is Mom?
6 feet

7. What does Mom like to do?
Blogging and Scrapbooking!

8. What is Mom's job?
Staying home with all the kids while Daddy's at work.

9. What is Mom's favorite food?
I don't know....salad?

10. How do you know Mom loves you?
You take me places with just you as a surprise sometimes.

Mary

Mary is so much fun right now. She is really beginning to talk more and communicate with us. She loves to say amen after prayers and at church when someone concludes their talk. She also loves her shoes. She will often find them first thing in the morning and bring them to me to put on for her. Because of this she can often be found wearing a diaper and her shoes. Whenever she thinks someone is leaving the house she makes a beeline to her shoes and brings them back to someone as quickly as possible saying, "shoes, shoes". Then she sits down and sticks her feet up in the air so we can help her with her shoes. She loves to cuddle with Thomas first thing in the morning after she wakes up. It is so cute to see them together. She loves to use Spring's brush to brush her own hair whenever Spring is primping. And, she and Sammy....what is there to say other than hilarious. They are so funny together. They often mimic each other and just sit together talking and laughing as if they are in their own world and loving every minute of it. Mary loves to run up to Joel saying, "DaDa" when he gets home from work. We love our little girl and are so grateful for the joy she brings to our family.

I was up most of the night with her last night as she was coughing and having a hard time breathing. She was also really fevered. By this afternoon she was still sounding really croupy and fevered and just not her usual self. All she wanted was for me to hold her. She was able to get some medicine to help with the croup and other symptoms. Hopefully she will be feeling more like herself in the morning. I love the time to cuddle with her but I feel so bad when I look in her eyes and can see she just doesn't feel well at all. (By the way, these pictures were from a few days ago.)

Getting Together with Manteca Friends

Lydia Waters really wanted Spring to come to her birthday party so they decided to have a swim party at her grandpa's house for her birthday. Her grandpa lives about 40 minutes from where we live now. It was fun to meet up with them this morning. Lydia is a year younger than Spring but they have always been good friends. Dallas is Thomas' age and Gideon is Sammy's age so they all had a great time together. I enjoyed visiting with Shelly again as well. It felt really good to see them again and spend the morning together. I am sure we will do something like this again. The kids had a great time swimming together. Sammy and Gideon were so funny together. When the older kids got out of the pool to eat lunch they headed into the pool because they had the entire pool to themselves. It was a fun time by all.

A Fun Day Outside

It was so nice today to have a day to just play and enjoy our time together. We ran a couple errands this morning and then the kids wanted to find a new park. We drove around until we found one. They had so much fun playing this morning. Spring loved sliding down the pole. At first she was really nervous to try it and wanted me to hold her legs as she went down. Once I convinced her to just try it, I couldn't keep her off the pole. She loved it and talked about it all day. Thomas really likes the different kinds of monkey bars and getting himself to swing really high all by himself now. Sammy loved climbing anything he could, as usual. Mary just followed right behind Sammy trying to do everything he does. He would look down at her and say, "Come on He-La. I wait for you." He also liked being pushed on the swings and would say to me, "More high Mommy." This afternoon they had a great time playing with their new friends in the neighborhood. After dinner they made their rounds collecting recycling from the neighbors that they had distributed flyers to earlier this week. As we were walking around with them to collect their recycling they kept noticing homes that they had not left a flyer with yet. Joel commented on how they are always looking for ways to expand their business!