Our Trip Home

Unfortunately, the time for us to come home came and despite the many pleas of our children we headed home.  We had countless bathroom stops on this trip.  It got to the point that we had to just laugh or we would have screamed.  Everyone would get out to go to the bathroom and within 30 minutes, often less than that, a cry from the back of the bus would alert us to a dire emergency of someone having to go to the bathroom again.  Oh, the joys of traveling!  We did make a half hour detour so we could see the Chicago temple.  It is beautiful and our children were surprised that the temple walls had a grey color to them and not all white.  After walking around the grounds for a short time we drove the rest of the way home.  I'm grateful for the opportunities our children have had this week to feel the sweet spirit found on temple grounds. 

Final Day in Nauvoo

We started early on Friday morning visiting some of the outdoor places that we had not yet been to and that did not require a tour. We visited the quarry for the original temple rock.  Then we went to the Pioneer Memorial.  This is at the end of the Trail of Hope near where the Saints crossed the Mississippi River on their exodus out of Nauvoo.  This is a memorial with over 2,000 names of Saints that were known to have died on the trek west to the Salt Lake Valley.  We found 2 family names on the wall.  The name of John Worsley, my paternal 4th Great Grandfather who died in Missouri.  We also found the name of Julia Hills Johnson.  This is the mother of Joel Hills Johnson, a great grandfather of Joel whom he is named after.  This brought such an overwhelming feeling of gratitude to us. We also found the names of other ancestors of ours that were in Nauvoo and made the exodus west.  I can't find the words to describe the wave of emotion that overcame us as we thought of the legacy our ancestors have given to us.  We were walking on the grounds they walked on as they so valiantly and courageously left all they had to follow the council of the prophet.  As we drove down the trail of hope with our children we talked to them about why the Saints left Nauvoo...that it all came down to the fact that they left because the Prophet asked them to.  We looked back at the beautiful temple and we could almost see the thriving city of homes, stores, shops, and farms that they left behind.  The kids all talked of how hard this must have been.  Sammy, in particular, mentioned many times how "they must have been so sad to leave their homes.  I bet they cried a lot...even the dads."  We took the opportunity as we sat looking back at the temple to remind the kids that there may be times in their lives when they think it is hard to follow the counsel of the prophet and we want them to remember this moment and to remember what the Saints did to follow the Prophet.  We promised them if they remember this feeling they will find the courage and the desire to always follow the prophet.  This one moment with our children was worth the trip.  I pray they will remember this time and will find the courage and fortitude to continue to develop their testimony of our Savior and to always remember it is Him that our Prophet speaks for so it is the Savior they are following when they follow the Prophet.

We then went to the Sarah Granger Kimball home, Wilford Woodruff Home, and Heber C. Kimball home.  While in the Heber C. Kimball home we learned that his family had lived in a shack made from the wood of an old barn, and mud huts for the first years in Nauvoo before they were able to build their beautiful home that we toured.  They had lived in their home for only 4 months before they left it behind and headed west.  What obedient and humble people they were.  We have so much to learn from them.  Then we made another visit to the brickyard, which was a favorite of all.  After lunch we spent the rest of the afternoon in the Family Learning Center learning about pottery and making more ropes.  Then we went back to the Seventies Hall and the children signed the registry as Descendants of John Worsley, a Seventy in Nauvoo.

That evening we went for a short drive.  We drove into Missouri just so we could say we had been in that state.  We even bought gas there!  Then we drove to Montrose, Iowa which is the city across the Mississippi River that the Saints went to when leaving Nauvoo.  It was amazing to be able to see acorss the river to Nauvoo and to see the temple so clearly on the hill.  We pondered how difficult it must have been for the Saints to look back and see the temple...it looked so close and really in distance it was so close, yet it was so far away and they knew they would never return.

This has been one of our most memorable Christmas vacations ever.  Sammy cried last night as we were driving back to the condo.  He kept asking us through his tears, "Can't we stay just one more day?"  We would have loved to say yes but knew we needed to come home.  None of us wanted to leave the peace and wonderful Spirit found in Nauvoo.  It definitely is a "Beautiful City."

Nauvoo...Day 3

Thursday was a BEAUTIFUL day!  We started the morning walking to the school house.  In the schoolhouse we learned how important education was to Joseph Smith and the early Saints.  At that time in history about 1 in 6 children were educated; however, Joseph felt all children needed to have the opportunity to attend school.  This was a very fun stop and the kids enjoyed doing some math problems to calculate that in Nauvoo there were approximately 2600 homes that housed the 12,000 people.  That is astounding when you consider Nauvoo now is a town with a population of 1100!  Following the schoolhouse we went to the shoe shop to learn how shoes were made.  Then the kids really wanted to walk around the temple grounds some more so we took advantage of the beautiful weather and spent almost an hour walking around the beautiful temple.  As we were walking the kids began singing "I Love to See the Temple."  How grateful we are for the opportunity we had to share together.

We went on the wagon ride again, as this was a favorite of everyone's!  We hurried back to the condo for lunch and decided we were going to extend our trip one more day because none of us were ready to leave!  We had originally planned to leave early Friday morning.  The kids were beyond excited when they found out we could stay one more day.  After lunch we went to the Seventies Hall.  The kids enjoyed being able to pretend they were giving a talk at the podium.  Then it was off to the Blacksmith Shop to learn how wagons and horseshoes were made. Everyone was given a prarie diamond...a horseshoe nail that was bent to make a ring.  We then enjoyed a pleasant walk to Brigham Young's home.  It was really neat to be able to go inside his root cellar and see how much cooler it was inside.  We then walked over to the cultural hall for a tour.  We were able to go to the top level where dances were held and the kids went to the balcony to pretend they were the band for the dance!  And, oh how they echoed!  I'm so grateful the missionaries are all grandmas who just love children and are not bothered by their excitement for life!  We took a long walk back to the van and the kids loved running in the fields.  We went back to the condo for dinner and then to "Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo" again.  This is a highlight for our kids and they have been singing the songs, complete with hand gestures and facial expressions, all week!  I can't even begin to describe the excitement, energy, and love that the missionaries share during this performance.  We enjoyed meeting and talking with the cast afterwards outside.  These wonderful Senior Missionaries make Nauvoo amazing.  They recognize our children and remember things about them.  They talk with them and love them.  It is amazing how strong of a bond that can be formed when we share testimony and feel the Spirit of our Father in Heaven together.  I'm so glad this was not our final day in Nauvoo.  None of us were ready to leave.

Day Two in Nauvoo

We started our morning driving out to Carthage, Illinois.  We had a wonderful tour of Carthage Jail.  I was somewhat apprehensive, at first, to visit this place because I wasn't sure how I would feel with the sadness of learning more of the martrydom of Joseph Smith.  I was surprised how comforting the tour was.  We learned about Carthage Jail.  The Jail was in the home of the Jailor and his 7 children.  The jailor told Joseph and Hyrum they were not criminals and he was not going to treat them like criminals so he had them take his room so they would be upstairs, in a safer place and more comfortable with the summer heat and humidity.  When the mobs broke through the door of the house the jailor was not home; however, his wife and a few young children were.  She grabbed her children and ran out the back door so they were, fortunately, not in the home when the marytrdom took place.  It was so powerful as we listened to a recording depicting the events of the matrydom.  What an example of faith and testimony Joseph was.  It was recorded that the last things the Prophet Joseph spoke was how he wished he see and be with his family one more time and that he could teach the gospel one more time.  What a reminder to me of where my priorities should be.

As we drove back to Nauvoo I made sandwiches and we ate while we were driving so we wouldn't lose any time in Nauvoo.  At a turn in the Mississippi River we could see the Nauvoo Temple off in the distance so we pulled over to walk around a bit and take some pictures.  When we got to Nauvoo we walked around the Memorial to Women statues for a few minutes before taking the Carriage Ride around Nauvoo Countryside.  This was about an hour long and we learned more about the life of the Saints during their time in Nauvoo.  We went to Joseph Smith's home, the Red Brick store, and the Mansion House.  We then learned how to make bricks at the brickyard and were given a commemorative brick.  We ended the day learning how barrels were made.  This was amazing.  It took 7 years to become a master cooper (barrel maker).  That was longer than it took to become a doctor back then.  Just goes to show how important a commodity barrels were to them.

We came to the condos for dinner and then the kids had a party in the condo while Joel and I were able to attend a session in Nauvoo Temple.  I was awestruck as we walked inside the doors of the temple.  It is breathtakingly beautiful.  I could have spent hours in the temple.  I tried to soak it all in while we were there.  After our session a temple worker walked us around the temple so we could see the batistry and other parts of the temple.  They were so kind to us as they took the time to tech us and show us many great things.  I was overcome with the sacrifice the Early Saints made to build this temple and, then, to continue building it even when they knew they would be leaving it behind.  I thought of the Saints waiting on the roads for their turn to cross the Mississippi River and looking behind them to the temple they had sacrificed so much to build knowing they would never again enter the doors of the sacred building.  It helped remind me of the eternal importance of temple covenants and the peace they bring in our lives knowing we can be with our families throughout eternity.  It also makes me realize how blessed I am to live only 3 hours from a temple and to know that as we leave the temple each month we know it will be there for us again the following month when we return.  How grateful I am for President Hinckley's desire to rebuild this beautiful temple.  We told Thomas and Spring that if we are still living out here when Spring turns 12 we will bring them back so they can go inside the temple with us.  I loved how their faces lit up when we told them this.  I love how much joy all the kids have being here and walking these sacred grounds.  We are exhausted at the end of the day, but it is the best exhaustion we could ever have!

Nauvoo...Day One

We started the day early as we headed to the Nauvoo Visitor's Center.  We were able to watch a short film entitled, "Remembering Nauvoo" which related some experiences of people who lived in Nauvoo in the 1840's.  We then went on an hour long (COLD...complete with snow and freezing rain) wagon ride through the streets of Old Nauvoo.  We learned about the history of the town and some highlights of each of the restored buildings.  We then visited the Family Living Center where we learned to make rope, learned how bread and candles were made, and learned how to weave cloth to make rugs.  The children all loved this place and Mary and Joshie loved that there were toys for them to play with.  We visited the Lyon Drugstore and a few other sites.  I brought the younger 3 back for a nap and Joel took Thomas, Spring, and Sammy back to Old Nauvoo.  They walked around the temple grounds, visited the Browning Gun Shop, Post Office, Print Shop, Tinsmith, and John Taylor home.  They came back and picked us up and we headed back to the Visitor's Center for a few minutes before it closed.  Then we hurried to the condo to make dinner and then back to the cultural hall for "Rendezvous at Old Nauvoo."  This is a musical production performed by all the Missionaries serving in Old Nauvoo.  It was spectacular, to say the least.  We were all so touched and enjoyed a lively and spiritual evening.  It was fun to meet the cast afterward. 

In the evening we were exhausted yet full of joy, contentment, and peace from the many testimonies that were shared with us by the wonderful missionaries.  How blessed we are to visit such an amazing place.  The Spirit of the early Saints is so profoundly felt as we walked the streets and into the homes, stores, and buildings of this beautiful city, Nauvoo!

Trek to Nauvoo

We packed up last night and headed out this morning for Nauvoo. It was so fun. We really are blessed with children that travel really well together. We first passed into Indiana and had to take a photo at the sign, although Joshie didn't want to get out and we knew if we got Gideon out he would not want to be put right back in his seat! A while later we crossed into Illinois. Then, as we crossed over the Mississippi River on a bridge we realized we had also crossed into Iowa. We traveled in Iowa for a short while before crossing back into Illinois and heading into Nauvoo. Before we headed to the condo we are staying in, we drove by the Nauvoo temple. As the temple came into view I was overcome with the Spirit. I love the feeling of being near a temple, especially this time. I never imagined how large the Nauvoo temple is. Maybe because we are used to smaller temples...but this temple is absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to be near it again tomorrow with our children and to go inside later this week. As we were driving around the temple (it was dark and cold so we didnt' get out tonight) Mary said,"Mom, this temple is just so beautiful!" She is absolutely right!

We love the condo we are staying in. As our children say, "It's like staying in a home away from home!" I love that there is a full kitchen so we are just cooking all our meals here. There are 2 bedrooms and a large front room and kitchen. After we made dinner and had baths the 4 younger ones headed to bed while Joel, Thomas, Spring, and I stayed up and played games together. This is going to be such a wonderful week. I am so looking forward to a week of seeing the sites, spending time as a family, and having very little outside distractions.

Merry Christmas

What a wonderful Christmas we had this year.  It started bright and early, well it wasn't exactly bright but it was early.  Thomas was up around 2:00 am and around 4:00 am he and Spring kept coming in to talk to me.  Finally, at 5:00 we let them wake up everyone else.  It was nice to be able to be relaxed as we opened all our gifts and still be to church at 9:00 that morning so we could enjoy Joel's talk!  It was wonderful to see their excitement as their siblings opened the gifts they gave and to see the joy in such simple things.  All morning we heard, "This is what I've ALWAYS wanted!"  I felt truly spoiled this year.  Thomas, Spring, and Sammy worked for about 3 months to compile all my recipes (and get some from my mom) into a wonderful cookbook.  They retyped all my recipes and put them together so nicely.  Sue Ann helped them as she allowed them to come over and type at her house and helped them with trying to decipher some of my handwritten recipes.  I will forever treasure this wonderful gift.  The coolest thing is it was all their own idea and they put so much effort and time into it.  We also received a beautiful quilt that my mom made for us.  I love the colors and I love how soft and cozy it is.  Again, I know this is a gift that took so much time on her part. 

Our children opened their gift from us last which was a poem telling them we were going on a trip to Nauvoo the following day!  Joel and I have been so excited for this and can't wait!

Christmas Piano Recital

This year Thomas' piano teacher decided instead of having a formal recital she wanted her students to visit a local rest home and play Christmas music for the residents.  Thomas loved this idea, as did we.  Here is one of the pieces he played.  After they performed they took time to walk around and visit with the wonderful residents of the nursing home. I am so grateful for his wonderful piano teacher who values teaching her students the importance of sharing their talents with others.

Sammy's Gingerbread House

Here is Sammy's gingerbread house he made with his 4th grade buddy at school.  He came home from his last day of school before break so excited.  "This was the best day ever, Mom!"  He had so much fun making Rudolf, his gingerbread house, having his teacher read him Christmas stories to them.  I love Sammy's excitement with life.  He is so excited about everything!  I love this guy!

Christmas Concert

Last night was our last school concert and it featured Sammy and Spring.  Each grade level sang 2 songs and the Bulldog Pups Choir performed a Musical entitled, "Snow Way Out."  Spring really loves being in the choir and is looking forward to when she is in 5th grade because that school has musicals throughout the year.  Spring wasn't even nervous for her solo part of one of the songs either.  I asked her after how she couldn't be nervous and she, very matter of factly replied, "When Sammy found out I had a solo he told me that Thomas told him that when you are on stage you just pretend everyone in the audience is your family and then you aren't nervous at all."  Simple, isn't it!

Sammy loved being on stage and he was ecstatic that Thomas let him borrow his Christmas tie that he has worn to all his concerts.  I was really surprised that he participated so much in the songs because he often doesn't when he is in Primary.  I couldn't believe how grown up he looked up on that stage.  When did my little ones grow up without me moticing.

Remember the Meaning of Christmas

My sister, Alanna, shared this video with me last year and it has become one of our favorites.  It is so worth a few moments to watch it and reflect on the miraculous gift our Father in Heaven gave us in His Son, Jesus Christ.  I love this time of year to remember and recommit to following in His humble footsteps.

Traditional Gingerbread House

Notice all the empty wrappers!

Tonight was our night for our traditional gingerbread house making!  This year I decided to just use all our leftover Halloween candy and I think it worked out wonderfully.  It finally got rid of the big bag of candy that really hasn't been touched for the last month and the kids thought it was great.  I have to admit...Joshie didn't put a single piece of candy on the house but he sure did put a lot of pieces in his mouth!  It is so fun to watch them create and just have so many ideas on how to make the house "just perfect!"  I can see this evolving into more than one house in the next few years!  I'm so glad the kids love this tradition that I loved as a child as well.

Don't you just love Sammy's eyes in this one!

Bathtime

Last night the younger kiddos were in the bath and out before we got Gideon upstairs.  Gideon was having a great time in the bath all by himself and we had time to just let him play.  Joel and I realized this is probably the first bath he has had by himself.  I have given him quick baths in the kitchen sink but when it comes to bathtime he always has playmates with him!  It was so fun to watch him play and enjoy his time in the bath.  He was so silly and giggling.  It was a fun time for Joel and I to laugh, play, and share in the simple joy of a bath!  We also realized this is the first time we have pictures of this little guy in the bathtub!  Wow...slacker parents!

We have an 11 Year Old!

He was showing us he is "11" now...really not horns!

Somehow, we have an 11 year old child now.  Crazy how that happens right before our eyes.  Thomas had a fun birthday celebration with our family yesterday.  I love that it was on a Saturday that we didn't have other obligations and we could just spend the day together at home.  Thomas requested turtle cheesecake for his birthday and, of course, wanted to make it.  So, he and I made it first thing Saturday morning.  He chose a well rounded dinner of hot dog boats (hot dogs sliced lengthwise with mounds of mashed potatos and shredded cheese baked in the oven) and homemade fluffy dinner rolls.  We spent the day playing games together and just being with each other.  I think it is one of my favorite days we have had in the last few weeks.

The thing he is most excited about now is being in Boy Scouts!  He has already been going through his scout book reading and studying the information.  The 11 year old scouts have been invited on the Klondike the first weekend in January and he is so ready to go.  We will see if he is as excited when he comes home!  Joel is excited for Thomas to be able to be there with him as well.

We love you, Thomas.  We love your example, your humility, your passion for music, your desire to help, and your desire to make righteous choices at all times!

Christmas From Sue Ann

Sue Ann asked if the kids could open their present from her early so they could enjoy it before Christmas so she came over on Friday evening.  We all love when she comes over and the kids LOVED their gift from her.  She gave them a Karaoke machine with a CD of Christmas songs.  They have all had a great time with it.  Joshie loves to sing into the microphone...it is so cute because sometimes he is singing the right song and sometimes it is something completely different.  Spring has found so much enjoyment in it as well as she is really loving to sing lately.  Maybe we will have to record a performance of them sometime as Sammy is preparing to play his guitar as the rest of the gang sings "Jingle Bells!"

Another night...Another Concert

Tonight's concert was the 5th/6th grade orchestra and choir concert for Thomas.  The orchestra played a few songs, the choir sang a few songs, and then the orchestra accompanied the choir for the last few songs.  Fortunately, we were able to have a sitter so the other kiddos could stay home and go to bed at a decent time and Joel and I could enjoy the time to focus on Thomas' performance.  Three concerts down...2 to go (and we only have 3 kids in school so far!).

Musician of the Month

Thomas participated in his first band concert this week.  It was amazing to watch him interact with the other percussionists before and during the concert.  It was very obvious that he was definitely in his element. He carries himself with such poise and he is so happy.  I loved watching him enjoy performing in a group.  He has had ample solo performances and I loved seeing he was just as happy when the spotlight was not on him, but on the band as a whole.  His passion for music becomes more and more evident every day.  During the performance we all had a surprise when he was named as "Musician of the Month."  I love that he loves to share this gift of music that Heavenly Father has blessed him with.  He loves to practice and improve this talent and he loves to share it with those around him.

Ward Christmas Party

Last night we had our Ward Christmas party.  We were so glad Sue Ann could come with us but didn't get a picture with her, unfortunately.  The kids were able to visit with Santa before dinner.  They were in there long enough for a picture and that is about all.  Joshie and Gideon wanted nothing to do with Santa so we were lucky to get them in the picture.  We enjoyed a dinner and then a nativity program that all the kids were able to take part in. 

Cake Pops

Sammy's best friend, Sue Ann, invited him over yesterday to make cake pops and decorate pretzel rods.  He had a blast.  Sue Ann told us he was so excited and kept repeating, "I can't wait to show my family. I can't wait to see the look on their faces when they see these!"  We have all enjoyed them.  Sue Ann shared a frosted pretzel rod with Gideon and he was in heaven!  How blessed we are for Sue Ann's friendship and kindness to our family.

Fun Times

My mom told me about these fun foam craft kits so I was able to get a couple of them for our kids. We were going to do them over Thanksgiving weekend but didn't have time so Spring chose to do them for our Family Home Evening activity.  The girls worked on one and the boys worked on another one.  Gideon jsut crawled around getting into all sorts of mischief opening drawers and emptying their contents, which seems to be a favorite pasttime of his!  They were all so happy to discover they got to keep their creations in their rooms too.  Thank you, Mom, for the great idea!

All City Orchestra Concert

Thomas participated in the All-City Orchestra Concert last night.  In our town there is one Intermediate School (Grades 5-6), one Middle School (grades 7-8), and one High School.  All schools have the same Orchestra teacher so they all performed together last night.  It was a fun evening and it was so fun to see Thomas enjoy performing with the Orchestra.  He has really enjoyed the opportunity to play with others and learn more about the violin.  His school played 6 pieces as well as playing one song at the end with everyone.  He was in the advanced group of his school which allowed him to take part in the introductions of each piece.  I don't know what it is lately but everytime I look at Thomas I feel like he has grown up a little more.  He is losing the "boy" look and becoming more and more a young man.  I'm excited for the opportunities this will bring but saddened by it as well.  There is a part of me that feels sadness when I think of our first child growing and maturing into a young man; however, another part of me feels such joy because of the young man he is trying to become.  I know he will be an influence for good in all that he does and will continue to bring joy to others around him.  I'm just not sure this mom is ready for all the changes ahead of us in the next year.

Thanksgiving

We were so blessed to have some family come and visit with us for Thanksgiving.  Joel's cousin, Tracy, and her family came to visit from Indiana.  Spring was so excited to finally have more girls in the house than boys since Tracy has 3 little girls.  The kids all had fun playing and spending time together for the days they were here.  We enjoyed our traditional "pie for breakfast" on Thanksgiving morning.  I really think this is the kids' favorite Thanksgiving tradition.  This year they invited friends from school as well.  We had probably 20 families join us and at one point there were 30 little kids in the house...all under the age of 11!  It was great to share in all the different pies and, more importantly, in the associations with all these wonderful people that truly bless our family's life!

It was fun to have the help of everyone in preparing dinner.  I am so grateful for a husband that enjoys helping in the kitchen and for children that love to help cook and are becoming very independent and capable in the kitchen.  I loved Thanksgiving this year as it was relaxing and enjoyable to be all together.

The following morning we were able to take Dustin & Tracy's family to the John Johnson farm in Hiram and then to Historic Kirtland.  We love being in these sacred places.  Mary and Sammy both told me that evening that they love coming to Kirtland and it is their second favorite place to go (Palmyra being their most favorite).  We were able to witness the Christmas lighting Ceremony at Historic Kirtland.  I loved it, as did all of our family.  After the lights were turned on everyone joined in singing, "Joy to the World." I found myself overcome with emotion during this to the point that I could not sing.  I thought of the joy this season brings that the whole world takes time to remember and worship our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Then I thought of the sacred ground I was standing on...in the shadows of the buildings that this same, Jesus Christ, came to testify, teach, and witness to the Prophet Joseph Smith.  The Spirit was overwhelming and powerful.  Joy to the world, the Lord is come...Let earth receive Her King!

Giving Thanks for ALL Things

My sister, Alanna, was telling me about an activity she was going to do with her class at school and I loved it so we used it for our Family Home Evening last week with a little adaptations.  I first gave everyone a sheet of paper entitled, "I am NOT thankful for..." and we all listed things we were not thankful for on this last.  At first, Thomas and Spring had a really hard time thinking of things they were not thankful for.  I think they were really confused that we were asking them to do this.  After we all had listed 5-7 things we opened our scriptures to Doctrine and Covenants 78:17-19:

Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;

 And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.

 And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.

So, we asked what was meant by receiving ALL things with thankfulness.  After a short discussion of this we crossed out the word "NOT" and discovered we had a list of things were were thankful for.  So then we all had to think of why we were thankful for these things in our life.  It was a wonderful evening of looking for the blessings that come from the challenges, difficulties, or frustrations in our lives.  Here are a few of the ideas we came up with:

JOEL

*I am thankful for disobedient children because it means I learn patience and long suffering to become more like Father in Heaven.

*I am thankful for oil leaking from the car because it means I learn more about how to fix our cars.

JENNIFER

*I am thankful for pee on the bathroom floor because it means we have a house full of boys that we love so much!

*I am thankful for drinks spilling at mealtime because it means we are blessed to have excitement and conversations together at dinnertime.

THOMAS

*I am thankful for bullies because it means I can set an example on how to treat others kindly.

*I am thankful for vegetables because it means I can be strong and healthy if I eat them.

SPRING

*I am thankful for getting hurt because it means I have something to pray about.

*I am thankful for getting sick because it means I can remember I will be free of this after I am resurrected.

SAMMY

*I am thankful for princesses because it means Mary has something she likes to play with.

*I am thankful for spray in my mouth because it means I can remember to stop yelling and saying mean things.

MARY

*I am thankful for breaking things because it means my mom helps me fix them.

*I am thankful for Sammy being mean to me because it means I have a brother to play with.

Boys' Birthday Pictures

Thomas...Almost 11

 Gideon...1 Year Old

Joshie...3 years old

Sammy...6 Years Old

Battle Wound

The kids were busy playing some game that Sammy invented last night after dinner. All at once we heard Joshie crying really hard. You see, he usually doesn't cry even when you would expect him to. He is one tough kid that lives up to the nickname, "The Tank" in almost all aspects. When we looked at him, my stomach got a little queasy. The bridge of his nose had come in contact quite forcefully with the edge of our desk. Somehow, he didn't get any black eyes from it! It looks better this morning when I snapped this picture. Even I couldn't bring myself to get a picture last night!

Like Father...Like Son

"Do you think Dad will notice if I drink just one?"

Seasons

One thing I love about Ohio is that we experience all 4 seasons and they are in such contrast.  We have been busy raking leaves for the last few weeks. We all go out and work so hard to rake up the leaves and as we finish we look over our  yard with a feeling of accomplishment; however, 20 minutes later it doesn't look like we have done anything!  Oh, but leaves are so fun to jump in.  Joshie has been our big "jump in the pile of leaves" guy this year.  He will take a running start and then dive into the leaves and go all the way under so we can't even see him anymore.  He comes up with the biggest grin on his face only to do it again.  I am constantly finding him with leaves in his pants though! 

The mornings have been beautiful as well with a beautiful sunrise glowing onto the few trees that are still holding onto some of their leaves. Last Wednesday Thomas called us to look out the front window and we were met by this beautiful scene:

Then, the following morning we woke up to the first hint of snow for the season.  Luckily it wasn't much and it didn't stick around for long, much to the dismay of our children.  It will soon be here to stay along with ice storms and freezing rain so we will enjoy all the good weather we can get until then.  Sammy and Mary had to put all their snow clothes on and go out and play in the snow before Sammy headed off to school.  They had so much fun! 

And the Vice President is...

SPRING! 

Joel, Sammy, Mary, Joshie, Gideon, and I were able to go to her school yesterday afternoon and listen as all candidates gave their speeches to the student body.  There were 6 candidates for vice-president.  After the speeches were over the students went back to their classrooms to vote and we headed home.  It would be about an hour until Spring got home from school and could tell us the results of the election.  We were probably more nervous than she was.  I went outside about the time her bus comes by.  She was at the end of the street and when she saw me she started running and yelling, "Mom, Mom!"  I figured that was a good sign.  When we got closer to each other she called out, "Mom, I'm Vice President!"  She ran into my arms and gave me a big hug.  I was so happy for her.  She has really worked hard.  I'm excited to see the opportunities she will be having this year in this position.

"I Need Thee Every Hour"

The Elders asked Thomas to accompany them for a musical piece they are doing in a couple weeks in Sacrament Meeting.  Thomas practiced with them this evening and Joel took some video so we could share it with family and also so we could email the families of the Elders to share it with them.

Answered Prayers

This afternoon Spring took Sammy, Mary, Joshie, Gideon, and Scout for a walk.  When Joel got home from work they were still not home and they had been gone for about 20 minutes which is a pretty long walk for them but the weather was nice so we thought they were just enjoying the time.  About 15 minutes later they were still not home yet and it was starting to quickly get dark.  Joel and I walked to the corner to see if we could see them but we couldn't.  He kept walking and I ran back home to get the van so I could drive the other direction looking for them.  Just as I was backing out of the driveway I saw them turn the corner to our house.  I asked if they were OK and they said they were and then proceeded to tell us this story....

They wanted to walk to the little neighborhood park to play for a little while.  Sammy said he knew the way to the park so he led the way.  After a while he told Spring he guessed he didn't know the way afterall.  Spring said it was OK because she knew where they were.  Then a couple minutes later, after walking some more, Spring said she didn't know where they were either.  Sammy started to cry and kept telling Spring he was sorry and it was all his fault and he should have never come on the walk.  He was crying pretty hard and was scared they wouldn't get back home and it was getting dark and cold.  Spring put her arm around Sammy and asked Sammy if he wanted to say a prayer with her.  He said that would be a good idea so they all kneeled down on the sidewalk and Spring said a prayer that they would be comforted and be able to find their way home before it got too dark.  They all commented on how much calmer they felt after the prayer.  Sammy said he was still a little scared but not even close to as scared as he was before they said the prayer.  They then got up and started walking and really soon they found a street sign they recognized and Spring knew exactly where they were and how to get home. 

We talked about his during dinner tonight and Sammy mentioned how he was so glad that he could feel the Holy Ghost comfort him when he was so scared.  Spring mentioned how neat it was that this week she is focusing her personal scripture study on how to recognize the Holy Ghost in her life and that she had this experience tonight when she knows she felt the Holy Ghost comfort and guide her.  I am thankful that Sammy and Spring had this experience together to learn they can depend on each other and help each other because sometimes they have a difficult time getting along with each other.  I think they both learned how deep their love for one another really is and how much they need each other.  How grateful I am for children that have the faith to pray for comfort and guidance and for a loving Father in Heaven that answered their pleading.

Big Boy!

Miracles never cease...this little dude of our's is potty trained!  It only took about 2 days and being banned from the basement until he went potty!  Once he realized I was serious about him not being able to go to the basement until he went potty it didn't take too long.  Thanks, Grandma, for the idea!  He only had 3 accidents and those were in the first 2 days, and one of them was on purpose when he was outside playing.  He had gone into the backyard to play and was only in his underwear.  I looked out to see him standing on the patio bent over and watching himself pee all over the ground with his underwear still on.  When I went out and told him he needed to go in the potty he said, "But, Mom.  I didn't pee on the carpet.  I just pee outside like doggies do."  He hasn't had an accident in 5 days and we started 7 days ago!  He even wears underwear to bed and at naptime now!  The only drawback is he strips completely naked when he goes to the bathroom...underwear, pants, shirt all have to come off he thinks so if I don't go with him I see him bringing me a handful of clothes to help him get dressed again! 

Spring for Vice President

Spring decided to run for Vice-President of the Student Council.  She has been taking this very seriously and when she turned her speech into her advisor to be reviewed her advisor was shocked and told her it sounded like a speech a high school student would write.  They are permitted one poster to hang in the school and she worked on that this weekend.  She knew exactly what she wanted to do and spent so much time making it "just perfect."  Friday is the big day when she gives her speech to the school and then waits for the election results.  I am so proud of her for going after this with such determination.  She told me today that even though she is still new to this school and a lot of kids don't know her she hopes they will vote for her after hearing her speech!  I sure hope they do too!

"Do what is right, let the consequence follow..."

Thomas came home from school on Monday and told me that his team at school (2 classes that switch for various subjects) was going to have a party on Thursday for the end of the quarter.  There were 3 movies for the students to choose from and one of them he knew he could not watch.  He voted for one of the other 2; however, was very disappointed that the movie that received the highest number of votes was the one he knew he should not watch.  He told his teacher that day he would not watch that movie.  As we were talking he also told me that other kids were trying to convince him to just watch it anyway.  Here are some of the things he was told and his responses:

OTHERS:  "Just don't tell your parents.  They'll never know because they aren't in school with you."

THOMAS:  "I don't hide things from my parents and I won't lie to them.  Anyway, I know it is wrong and that is why I am not going to watch it."

OTHERS:  "But, nobody will know you did."

THOMAS:  "I will know.  And, even if my parents never found out, there is someone else that will always know what I am doing."

OTHERS:  "But you'll really like this movie."
THOMAS:  "There's no way I would like watching something that I know I shouldn't be watching."

I was so humbled by him as he was telling me about the situation and ever so grateful that he courageously stood up for what he knew was right.  He said he told his teacher that he would not watch the movie and she told him he could go to a different room to read if he wanted to during the movie.  He was just fine with this alternative.  So, I was talking with him and asked him if he would like me to come and pick him up during this time and we could go do something fun instead and then I would take him back after the  movie was over.  He thought that sounded great. 

I emailed his teacher Monday evening and asked what time the movie would be shown so I could come and pick him up.  I was so impressed with her response the next day,

We came up with a great idea.  We will show 2 movies, one in each of the classrooms.  We will show the 2 most popular movie choices and that way more kids will be happy.  Thomas has such a fine character to stand up for himself and we want to honor the decisions you make at home .  I think our solution will work for everyone.

WOW!  Was I surprised and ever so grateful.  Thomas came home from school on Tuesday and told me of the plan because his teacher had talked to him about it already.  He was so excited.  We talked about how wonderful it is when we are blessed for doing what is right.  It reminded me of a line to a hymn, "Do what is right, let the consequence follow."  He did what was right with no worry about the consequence or what he may miss out on.  In so doing he set a powerful example and he gained a testimony that Heavenly Father will bless us when we "dare to do right." 

Today was the party and he came home so excited.  He told me there was another boy in his class that thanked him for saying something about the movie because he wasn't allowed to see it either but he was too scared to say anything.  How grateful I am for a son that inherently wants to do the right thing and really doesn't see anything else as an alternative.  And, how grateful I am for loving teachers that went out of their way to make the situation a positive experience for all involved.

Grateful For...

I forgot to include this precious picture in Gideon's birthday post.  This is right after he opened his birthday present from Grandma & Grandpa.  All of his siblings were so excited to play with him (or maybe to play with his new toy!).  He was elated to be amidst them all...Gideon is most happy when he is with his older brothers and sisters.  They all played together so nicely for quite some time.  It warms my heart when I see moments like this.  It makes me want to freeze time and just bask in the joy of families.  Even though they have moments when they pester and quarrel with each other, there truly are more of these moments when they sincerely enjoy being together.  I need to remember these joyous moments when the other times of chaos and craziness seem to take over!  How blessed we are for these blessings from our Father in Heaven.

Sammy's Birthday

We celebrated Sammy's 6th birthday a few days early since Joel is gone this week for business. Sammy knew exactly what he wanted for his birthday dinner and dessert. He requested homemade pizza for dinner. His dessert was chocolate chip cookie bars with melted peanut butter chips on top (made by Thomas and Spring). They added ice cream and chocolate and caramel syrup on top to make cookie sundaes. Sammy was so happy and excited all day long. He loved his bay blades from Grandma & Grandpa Powell and he and Thomas went right to work putting them together and then battling each other. He was also very excited to get the guitar from the family. He thinks he is the greatest guitarist ever! My favorite thing about the guitar is the volume control! He has been really good (knock on wood) at keeping the volume to an acceptable level! We love our Sammy and his pure joy of life. He keeps me grounded by reminding me of the important things in life and to always look for the fun that can be found!

Gideon's 1st Birthday

Gideon turned 1 last week and we celebrated with cupcakes.  He wasn't so sure of what to do at first which is strange because it was not the first cupcake or sweet thing he has had.  We laughed that we wrapped his gift in pink wrapping paper.  I guess it shows that by #6 you realize the wrapping paper for a 1st birthday really doesn't matter much and that is all we had at home.  He loves his barn and animals from Grandma & Grandpa Powell.  In fact, all the kids love it and it hasn't been left alone much at all for the last few days. 

Gideon also got his first haircut last week.  Joel just trimmed up the back that always seemed to be sticking out everywhere.  We find so much joy discovering the fascinating things in life with him, such as:

*Pulling wipes out and throwing them all over the rooms.

*Giving open mouth kisses that sometimes end with a bite (not so wonderful)!

*Pulling everything out of every cupboard in the kitchen in record time.

*Going up the stairs in about 5 seconds and creating messes in whatever room that had an open door.

*Smiling and giggling at the smallest things.

*Not wanting to be fed by anyone...he just wants to feed himself.

*Loving bananas, meat of any kind, pasta, and cookies.

*Grabbing Scout's toys and crawling away with them.  He then laughs as Scout whines and runs after him trying to get the toys back.

*Loving to be in the basement with his siblings...he is no longer happy to just hang out with Mom upstairs.

We love this little guy and are daily amazed by him and all he is learning.  It doesn't quite seem possible that he is already this old.  Time just moves all too quickly.

More Halloween

Saturday was the day our town designated for trick or treating.  Joel took the older 5 kids to get pumpkins while I stayed home with a sleeping Gideon.  Thomas, Spring, and Sammy carved their pumpkins.  Mary and Joshie decorated their pumpkins with the "Mr. Potato Head" things.  I love this way of doing pumpkins for little ones.  Joshie's had 2 faces...one for each side.  That evening Thomas and Spring decided it would be more fun to stay home and hand out they candy than go trick-or-treating so they set up on the porch with blankets and hot chocolate and had a great time giving out candy.  Joel took Sammy, Mary, and Joshie around and Gideon was already in bed! 

Halloween Happenings

Halloween seems to be a week long event in Ohio.  I don't know if that is a good thing for a mom, like me, that really just handles Halloween for the sake of our children.  I really wouldn't be the least bit disappointed if Halloween never happened!  However, I put this aside and do find the fun in watching our children's excitement and fun.  Our week started with the "Spooky Monster Halloween Magic Show."  This took place at our library on Monday evening.  Sammy heard about this and decided this would be the "perfect Family Home Evening" activity.  It was a cute show and Spring was asked, by the Magician, to be use his camera to capture events of the evening as the "paparazzi."  She was elated!  Last night was the Ward Trunk-or-Treat which transformed into a trick or treat through the hallway due to the bad weather.  I couldn't believe how much candy the kids came home with in just one trip around the building.  Today Mary, Joshie, Gideon, and I went trick-or-treating throughout the library and then heard some Halloween stories.  They enjoyed being able to show off their costumes to their storytime friends.  Tomorrow are the Halloween parties at the schools and then Saturday is our town's designated night for Trick-or-Treating.  We are hoping the kids may have had their full of trick-or-treating and we can entice them with some family fun at home Saturday evening so we aren't up too late before church Sunday morning.  I am glad we have been able to participate as a family this week, however, as Joel will be gone all next week for business.

Working Weekend

We had a wonderful weekend.  One of those weekends that go by so quickly you wonder where the days went but you also marvel at all you were able to accomplish.  Joel and I began the weekend with our monthly trip to the temple.  We have always loved our time and the opportunity we have to attend the temple and remember the covenants we have made.  I also love being able to enjoy the peaceful calm the temple brings.  We have time to ponder, pray, learn, and be reminded of where we are going in life and of any course corrections we need to make right now in order to be worthy to return to live with our Father in Heaven.  We love the almost 3 hour drive in each direction as it is uninterrupted time to talk and share with each other.  We can catch up on life, our children, our family, our concerns, our successes...whatever it may be.  I also love that we usually fill our drive home with conversation centered on how we can better bring the Spirit of the Lord into our lives, our children's lives, and our home. 

On Saturday morning we arose, bright and early, after getting home around 1:30 in the morning.  Our family was able to help in a Ward Service project at the City Center.  We pulled weeds, mulched, and did other basic landscaping.  The kids had a blast.  We had beautiful weather and wonderful company as we worked to beautify this part of our community.  The kids loved being able to wear the "Mormon Helping Hands" t-shirts and they worked so hard.  They were tired after but full of smiles.  I love opportunities to get out and serve together as a family.

We came home and decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather.  We cleared our yard of leaves, mowed the lawn (swamp may be a more accurate description), Joel changed the brakes on the van, we cut back bushes preparing for the winter, and cleaned out and organized the garage.  Our kids were such big helpers and troopers.  We were laughing and playing as we went and were shocked at how quickly the time went by.  Spring happened to see the time and asked us if we wanted her to prepare dinner and we gratefully accepted.  She made dinner while we finished up and then we enjoyed the evening together.  I love time to work together.

On this last temple trip we realized we need to be doing more to help our children learn how to search and study the scriptures.  We read from the Book of Mormon each evening as a family but we felt we needed to raise the bar and do more.  We have decided to spend each Sunday afternoon helping Thomas and Spring (and the others as they begin to read independently) become more familiar with the "Preach my Gospel" book.  We began this on Sunday giving them each their own copy of the book.  They thought they were so cool to have their very own.  We began at the beginning with them.  A question was posed in the book, "What is the gospel?"  Thomas and Spring struggled to answer this.  They said they knew what it was but it was "kinda hard to explain."  So, we asked them where we could look for the answer.  They suggested the Bible dictionary so we did just that.  After we read that and some additional scriptures they were so excited to be able to explain that the Gospel is the good news that Christ has atoned for our sins so we can all be resurrected and if we are righteous we can return to live with Him.  We loved this time with them and look forward to each Sunday to continue to study with them.  The coolest thing of all is that each day since Sunday I have found Thomas and Spring at different times with their "Preach my Gospel" book and their scriptures studying and taking notes on different principles of the gospel.  How grateful I am for promptings of the Spirit to help us know what we need to do to prepare our children to be profitable servants of our Father in Heaven.