"I Miss Jesus"

Mary was laying on the couch after she woke up from her nap today when she said to me, "Mom, I like to look at this picture when I miss Jesus." She was looking at the picture hanging on the wall. She then told me that she misses when she lived with Jesus and wishes she could live with him again. We talked about it and I reminded her that we will be able to live with Jesus again if we live righteously while we are here on earth, to which she responded, "I know Mom. But that just seems so far away." A few moments later she asked, "After my next birthday can I go live with Jesus?" I told her it wouldn't be that soon because she was going to grow up and be a mom and a grandma before it happened. Then she said, "Oh, ok. It's just so much better where Jesus lives." I loved this conversation with my little one. It reminds me of how close she is to the Spirit and that she is learning. I am grateful she wants to live with our Savior again.

Gideon at 1 Month

Gideon is already one month old. I always am in awe that the first month of a baby's life goes so much faster than the last month of being pregnant with the little one. He is growing strong and getting bigger. He had his check-up today and I was actually amazed at how much bigger he is now than just a month ago. He is now 21.5 inches long (50th percentile) and he weighs 9 pounds 5 ouces (25th percentile). We love this sweet boy and we are loving the smiles he is beginning to give us as we hold him and talk with him. He tries so hard to smile and has been successful a couple times for both Joel and I.

Decorating

We decorated for Christmas yesterday. It was fun that Thomas and Spring were telling us that we needed to decorate because it was our tradition. Joel wanted to hang lights outside this year which made the kids so happy. We bundled up (as much as we could since not all of us have coats yet) and headed out in the 20 degree weather. It was windy and COLD. I didn't last too long before I headed back inside. The little ones came in soon after as well. I was so glad that Thomas and Spring enjoyed helping Joel because then I could enjoy being inside a warm house. I did my part by making hot chocolate for when they came inside.

Then we came inside and set up the tree and other decorations. We finally had space this year to set up the train around the tree. This was the train that my Grandma Spring used to set up around her tree. She gave it to our kids quite a few years ago. I think the train has been the highlight for the kids. They have been having a great time playing with it ever since.

It is different to be living somewhere that actually gets cold at Christmastime. We know it will only get colder so we need to appreciate the "warm" days we are having now! The kids are anxiously awaiting the snow to come. This will be a different, but fun, Christmas for our family. We will be able to enjoy many of our traditions while having the opportunity to make new traditions.

Thanksgiving Day

We started our morning with the traditional "Pie for Breakfast." We invited some friends from church over to share in this tradition. We had the MacPhersons (and their family that was visiting), Pflugs, Browers, Burgesses, and the 4 Elders for pie. In all we had 24 children and not nearly that many adults! It was fun though and we enjoyed the time visiting as most stayed for a couple hours. It was nice to have some friends to share this tradition with us.

After everyone left we worked on getting dinner ready. Joel decided to do the turkey in the rotisserie this year and it turned out delicious. We enjoyed the time preparing the meal together. During dinner Joel read all the things that we had put in our thankful box for the month. It was fun to read what everyone was thankful for and it helped us all to remember the little things in life that we have reason to be grateful for. It was a wonderful day together.

Normal Craziness in our Home

I just thought I would post some pictures of our little ones to highlight some of their craziness that happens each day in our home. They have so much energy and keep me going and I love the smiles we see from such simple pleasures. Yesterday the little ones were enjoying a few moments of "decent" weather so they headed outside to play. They put on their snow boots so they could stomp in the puddles. I think it is ironic that they have snowboots (that we were able to find at a second hand store) but they don't have coats on (even though it was only about 35 degrees outside) because they don't own coats. Sammy and Mary loved playing with the "Big Sticks" they found. There were lots of branches that had fallen from trees during the storm the night before.

Then, this evening Dad was spinning Joshie like a helicopter. Joshie was laughing and kept coming back saying, "Again. Again." I finally pulled the camera out towards the end so Joshie and Dad's arms were getting tired. After I turned off the camera, however, Joshie came back asking, "Again? Again?"

New Family Pictures

We had family pictures taken a little over a week ago now that little Gideon has joined our family. I am sure people in the studio got a good laugh as they watched the spectacle of getting 6 kids under the age of 10 to look in the same direction, let alone have a decent smile or expression on their face. I love having updated family pictures around our home. It helps remind me of the divine call we have as parents to raise our children in love and righteousness. Their smiles grace our walls and remind us of the promise of eternal families if we live worthily of that blessing.

Gideon in his blessing outfit

Peaceful Sabbath

Today was a wonderful Sunday. Joel had meetings before church and it was still easy to get to church because of our wonderful children. Sammy got dressed all by himself without even needing to be asked. Thomas helped tie shoes for kids and helped clean up the kitchen after breakfast, again without needing to be asked. Spring was wonderful with Gideon. She held him and cuddled him until I could nurse him. Then she changed his diaper and got him dressed for church. Everyone just helped out so much without needing any prompting from me. My heart was so full of gratitude for our children as we were driving to church.

We were able to stay after church for a baptism and Thomas was able to be the pianist for it. We didn't get home from church until 2:00 (2 hours after church gets out) and the kiddos were hungry. Spring took care of Gideon again while I started to get lunch ready. I heard her whisper to Sammy, "Sammy, go ask Mom what you can do to help her." He did just that and then set the table and got everything ready. By the time Daddy got home we were ready to eat. Since it was so late into the afternoon we didnt' have the little ones take naps. Spring and Sammy went around the house doing silent acts of service for everyone such as making beds, cleaning up toys, and reading stories to each other. Then they all decided to set up a store in the basement and play together. It has been such a calm and peaceful afternoon and evening. I am grateful for the Sabbath and the opportunity it gives me to spend more time with our family and focus on what is truly important in my life.

Sweet Sleeping Baby

I just had to capture a shot of Gideon as he was sleeping on the couch last night (thanks for the blanket Grandma Biggs!). I love the sweetness and innocence of little ones as they sleep. I enjoy checking on our kids when I go to bed at night and watching them sleep so peacefully. As they get older sometimes it is exactly what I need in order to forget the frustrations and struggles of things they do during the day and remember they are truly blessings from our Father in Heaven.

Continuing to Capture our Hearts

Gideon is now 3 weeks old and still the sweet easy going baby we brought home from the hospital. He continues to get the hiccups each time he eats. He also continues to sleep so well at night for me. I fall in love with this little guy more and more each day. He is awake for longer stretches during the day now so we enjoy talking to him and seeing his expressions. I have caught some sweet smiles as he is sleeping and I can't help but think he is remembering the joyous place he just left. I am so grateful for the sweet and calming influence he has in our home.

My Kitchen Help

This afternoon we made rolls for dinner. The little ones love to help in the kitchen. The tears in Joshie's eyes are because I told him he couldn't eat any more of the bread dough. Sammy had to take some of the rolls to Sue Ann when he went to her house this afternoon. Then Mary and Joshie helped me make cookies. I'm grateful they like to help me in the kitchen.

Thanks Aunt Alanna & Uncle Eric

The kids were super excited to open their package from Aunt Alanna and Uncle Eric today. As promised, I videotaped it so they could see them opening their package. They all love their PJ's. Spring was excited because she says now she has the kind of pajamas she can wear around the house whenever she is home. I can see her and Thomas lounging in their PJ's quite a bit after they get home from school especially once winter hits. The little ones loved their feety pajamas and Mary kept telling us how beautiful she looked in her beautiful new pajamas. Thanks Aunt Alanna and Uncle Eric! You made their day.

Gideon's Birth Announcement

2 Weeks Old

Our Gideon is 2 weeks old today. I am laying on the couch with this sweet little guy asleep on my chest as I write this post and I couldn't be any happier. He continues to be such a wonderful baby and another blessing in our family. Last night during dinner I was holding him and he spit out his pacifier and stuck his thumb in his mouth. He was so content sucking on his thumb for a couple of minutes before it fell out. It was really cute. Today we (Sammy, Mary, Joshie, Gideon, and I) met Daddy at work for lunch. Daddy had fun showing off Gideon and his boss made instant friends with the other three when he gave them candy. It was fun to have lunch with Dad.

Joel also gave Gideon his first bath tonight. Gideon did not like it all; however, he calmed right down when Daddy wrapped him up in his towel (that was given to him by Joel's boss) and then I was able to cuddle with him. Life is wonderful.

The Blessings of Grandma

With tears in my eyes I said goodbye to my mom this morning as it already was time for her to head back home. The 2 weeks she was with us passed by much too quickly. Throughout the day today I have continued to have tears come as I miss her so much and as I reflect on the wonderful time I had with her while she was here. I could never repay her for all she did for me and our children while she was here. I wish I could find the words to adequately express my gratitude to her and to let her know how special the time we spent together was. It was difficult for our children to tell her goodbye last night and again this morning. They all have told me that they just wish Grandma could stay here forever and that it is lonely without her here with us. I agree wholeheartedly with them!

Gideon was so blessed to be held and cuddled by Grandma during the first 2 weeks of his life. She helped dress him, change him, and cuddle him. He is so blessed to have had her with him so much in the first moments of his life.

Joshie was Mom's shadow the last couple weeks. He only wanted her to put him down for naps and bedtime. He would call out, "Grandma!" throughout the night as he took off his clothes over and over and finally was able to cuddle into bed with Grandma. He would tease her and make her work so hard to get him dressed in the mornings but he only wanted her to hold him and comfort him usually. He learned to say, "I love you, Grandma!" It is so cute to hear. All morning he has been walking around saying, "Grandma gone?" with such a sad look on his face.

Mary loved sitting with Grandma and having her read her stories. Mary told me this morning that she wants Grandma to live in her bedroom with her forever. She said she would share all her toys with Grandma that way Grandma wouldn't miss her house. Grandma was so good at giving Mary the extra love and attention that she needs being in the jumble of lots of little brothers.

Sammy really has grown up this past week since he turned 5. Grandma was so good reminding him he was 5 now and could be a big helper. She also was so good at pointing out the many good things Sammy was doing which would get a huge smile from Sammy and he just kept trying harder and harder to make Granmda happy. He told me today, "Mom, I'm going to be a big helper to you just like I told Grandma I would do. I want to make Grandma happy everyday!"

Spring and Thomas loved having Grandma here with them in the mornings before school. They told me that Grandma made them feel so special because she let them stay up a few nights with just her after the little ones went to bed. Grandma was so good to spend extra time with them in the evenings and when they were out of school. They had a movie night together, a game night with snacks a couple times, went shopping together, helped them with homework, and did more than I could have ever asked for. They both told me this morning that they missed Grandma giving them a kiss goodbye as they went to school.

My mom is wonderful. As I watched her with our children these past two weeks I was able to learn and be reminded of what is really important in life. I was reminded that I need to slow down and treasure the time with my little ones. I don't need to be in a rush. I need to take the time to read them stories and cuddle them after their bath. I need to sit down and really listen to their stories and their ramblings. I am so grateful for all she did to help me this week and for all she has done for me throughout my life. I wouldn't be who I am if it weren't for my mom and I hope to be half the mom she is for my children. Thank you, Mom! I love you and miss you so much! I can't wait to be with you again.

Gideon's Blessing Day

Our sweet little boy, Gideon, was given a name and a blessing today at church. He had an adorable blessing outfit made by my mom. My mom has made each of her grandchildren their very own blessing outfit. I love that she does this for our children as they will be treasured heirlooms to them as they are older. She also made adorable jumpers for the girls and found red sweaters for the boys so they would all have something new for church today. Our good friend, Leo, who we met and were blessed to have him take the missionary lessons in our home before being baptized while we lived in Lemoore came for the blessing. Leo recently moved to Virginia for a new job and made the drive to our home for the weekend. Leo recently was ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood so he was able to stand in the circle for the blessing. It was great to see him again and have him be part of this with us. We are also grateful that my mom was able to be there with us and witness Gideon's blessing.

The men that stood in the circle for Gideon's blessing were Joel, Leo, Bishop MacPherson, Brother Weimer, and Brother Garrison. After Joel said, "And the name that he shall be known by in the records of the church...." he just paused. At first I didn't think much of it and then the pause continued. I thought maybe he was choking up for a moment, then the pause continued and continued for a good 30 seconds or more. I was getting really nervous and wondering if he was going to change his name. However, after the delay he did give him the name of Gideon Joel and continued on with the blessing. When the blessing was over Joel sat down by me and asked if he had made me nervous and I said, "Yes. Did you do that on purpose?" He told me that he just drew a total blank and could not remember his name. He said he even opened his eyes and kept looking at him thinking, "Come on Buddy, tell me your name." I thought it was cute and we have teased him just a little bit about forgetting Gideon's name.

Joel gave him such a sweet blessing. He blessed Gideon with:

*health and strength throughout his life so he could serve faithfully in the church;

*the ability to grow strong in the gospel of Jesus Christ;

*discernment;

*humility to allow the Spirit to touch his life as he is young and as he continues to grow up;

*the desire to make the right choices in his life;

*choose to be baptized and to continue to stay strong in the church;

*the knowledge that his family loves him and that he is a choice son of his Father in Heaven;

*all the blessings that his Father in Heaven wants for him.

I am grateful for the Priesthood in our lives and for a husband that honors and magnifies the Priesthood to bless the lives of our children.

10 Days Old

I am always amazed at how quickly the time passes once our little ones are born. It doesn't seem like it has been 10 days since Gideon has joined our family. At his one week check up he was back to his birth-weight exactly and doing great. I have been utterly amazed at the ease at which I have recovered from this C-section. Only 4 days after the C-section I felt great and have been able to move around without any pain. I have been truly blessed. I wish I could freeze this time or slow down the speed at which he grows and changes. I love the time to snuggle and smell his sweet baby scent. I love his cute little grunts and noises. We are so very blessed.

Gideon is one sweet and easy baby. All of our children have been easy for us and we have been blessed to always make smooth transitions without any real change of life when these little ones join our family. Gideon, however, is by far the easiest yet. He is so calm and patient. He is easy going and so well natured. Throughout the day he will go at least 4 hours in between feedings and at night he has been sleeping 4-6 hours at a time. He is a blessing for his mommy! He is content to be awake and look around even with the craziness of all the other kiddos around him. He even patiently endures Mary's attention. Mary thinks he is just her doll and will hold him and change positions with him just as she would one of her dolls. She has scared poor Grandma a few times already! Gideon has a talent of wetting all over many blankets in a day. I think we have washed about 8 blankets just today from him wetting all over them. I don't quite know how he does that when his diaper is completely dry but his back and the blankets are soaking wet! I sure love this little man and I love that I have been able to share this time with my mom. It has been such a precious time for me and I am so grateful she was able and willing to come and help us. I am not ready for her to leave next week but then I wouldn't be ready regardless of how long she was here. I will always treasure this time I have had with her.

I'm 5!

Sammy's long awaited 5th birthday finally came and he couldn't have been a happier or more excited boy. He woke up with a smile and I don't think it faded all day. Grandma took him shopping so he could pick out his own present. He chose his very own set of Legos. He loved having Thomas help him put his fire engine together. For dinner he chose to have spaghetti, salad with cucumbers, and breadsticks. He wanted pumpkin cake roll for dessert. He invited his friend, Sue Ann, for dinner and was so happy that she came. Sue Ann is our neighbor (who is probably in her 60's) and is so cute with Sammy and they love spending time together. He was so excited to open all his presents and share the balloons he chose for everyone. He even picked out a balloon for Sue Ann (purple because it is her favorite color). As you can see from the video, he had a very unique way of blowing out his candles too. Sammy brings such excitement and craziness to our home. His smile will brighten any day and his excitement for life is contagious. If asked when he got to be so big he replies, "When I slept last night I guess I just grew so much." Happy Birthday to our Sammy!