Temple Trip

Yesterday Thomas was able to go on his first temple trip.  He has been anxiously awaiting this day all year since he found out there was a scheduled trip just days after he would be ordained.  Joel and I were both able to go with him.  Spring came as well so she could take care of Sara in the waiting room while we were in the temple.  Thomas and Spring were both so excited to be able to be at the Columbus temple for their first time.  My Dad had sent Thomas 7 family names that he was able to be baptized and confirmed for.  Joel was able to do the baptizing and confirming for Thomas as well.  It was a surreal feeling to be in the temple and see Thomas dressed in white performing these ordinances.  He was so happy and he just smiled the entire time.  As we were walking out of the temple afterwards he told me he wants to do some family history on his own now so he can find ancestors that need temple work done and prepare those names for the next time he goes to the temple.  How grateful I was to be able to share in his day yesterday.  I was overcome with emotion and with the Spirit as I witnessed him performing this service for his ancestors.  He is a wonderful young man and I am so grateful for the example he is to me each day.  I love that he loves the temple. I love that Spring loved being at the temple taking care of Sara. I look forward to each of our children being able to go to the temple.  I pray they will each have a love and a desire to be worthy to enter the Lord's house and to return there often.

On the drive home from the temple the transmission on our van went out when we were about 30 miles from home.  It took us an extra hour to get home as we were driving about 40 MPH on the freeway.  We were all praying that we would just make it home safely.  Our prayers were answered.  Even though we are not excited about having transmission problems, we are so blessed.  It did not happen on the way to the temple; we made it home safely; the kids are out of school this week so we don't have many places I need to be each day; we have a 3rd vehicle to get us by until we get it fixed.  It was a great opportunity for Thomas and Spring to have their prayers answered and for all of us to be reminded of the Lord's personal love for each of us.  He is aware of our needs and He is there to bless us if we will remember to turn to Him. 

Gideon's Masterpiece

A couple days ago I hadn't heard from Gideon for a few minutes so I went in search of him.  I found him creating his own masterpiece using Mary's new markers from Christmas and the front window.  I find his sad face from me telling him he couldn't draw on the window quite comical.  He wasn't too pleased when he discovered he was going to have to clean it up but he did follow through and do it.

 

Let it Snow

We were blessed with our first snowstorm the Friday before Christmas.  It was perfect as it was the last day before Christmas vacation began.  The kids came home from school and hurried to get dressed in their snow clothes and ran outside to play in the freshly fallen snow.  It continued to snow all night so they could play out in it again on Saturday.  It was the perfect way to start Christmas vacation.  Our temperatures have stayed low all week so the snow has not melted and we have had a few good storms since then to add to the snow.  All of the kids love being in the snow.  It took us quite a while to convince Gideon to put on his snow pants.  In fact, we ended up having to pin him down and it took Joel and I both to get him in his snow pants. He was not happy with us but he wanted to go outside.  Now he doesn't fight us quite as much.  Joshie and Gideon both love eating the snow. 

 

They have been sledding down Sue Ann's hill many days.  Joel also took the older 3 sledding at a local park that we love.  Sammy was very excited when he got there and his good friend, Brooks, from church was there too.  While sledding Sammy saw kids on snowboards and thought it was the coolest thing ever.  He tried to imitate them by standing on his sled to go down the hill.  He decided that snowboarding is the coolest thing ever so he used his Christmas money from Great Grandpa Powell to buy himself a beginner snowboard.  He is a natural with it. 

 

With all this snow comes the fun of shoveling and snowblowing.  It really goes so much faster with all the helpers we have.  They all grab a shovel and clear our driveway/sidewalk, Sue Ann's driveway/sidewalk, and usually at least one other neighbor's driveway.  They love to shovel driveways...I sure hope this love continues!  They also think it is the coolest thing ever to surprise a neighbor by clearing their driveway.

1 Month Old

Sara joined our family one month ago today!  It will never cease to amaze me how quickly that first month after we welcome a new baby into our family goes in comparison to the last month of pregnancy!  As I was sitting nursing her and cuddling her afterwards today I found my mind thinking back to the afternoon we headed off to the hospital to have her.  It wasn't planned and I wasn't organized and prepared for it which is very difficult for me; however, it all worked out.  I found myself reflecting on how blessed we were to have our children step up to the plate and did more than just get by...they went above and beyond to help things run smoothly and help make my life easier.  I am so grateful.  I also thought of the blessing a new baby brings into a home and how she has had a calming influence on the atmosphere in the home.  I'm not implying there isn't the crazy fun, loud playing and wrestling...there still is.  But, I know if I need one of our children to calm down a bit or to stop contributing to the noise level in the house all I need to do is ask them if they will hold Sara for me.  They eagerly jump onto the couch and as I place Sara in their arms and lap a calm and quiet overcomes them.  It's my very own magic trick!

 

Sara had her well baby visit today.  She has had a really bad diaper rash for a couple weeks now and it is slowly getting better but we have not been able to completely get rid of it regardless of many different approaches.  We discovered today that the diaper rash has developed into a yeast infection.  The great part of it is we were able to get some anti-fungal cream that should help clear it up quickly for her. 

Sara's 1 Month Statistics:

8 pounds 12 ounces

21 inches long

Cute, snuggly, and loves to be held

 

Christmas

We enjoyed a White Christmas this year which made the kids so excited. I am so happy to just have everyone home for the week with no real obligations to attend to.  We are able to enjoy each other this week, and, after the crazy month we had that is the best gift I could receive.  Christmas Eve day we did some baking and took some plates around to friends and neighbors.  Sammy, Mary, Joshie, and Gideon played all sorts of games involving lots of pillows and blankets on the stairs.  I am shocked we didn't have any injuries as a result!  After our Shepherd's Dinner and reading of Luke 2 we went for a drive to look at Christmas lights.  Then we came home and the kids opened their Christmas Eve gift...jammies.  Joshie was excited he got "slip and slide jammies" (feety PJ's).  After family prayer they all headed up to Thomas/Sammy's room for bed.  Thomas let them each choose a story for him to read to them.  Gideon was then moved to his room because he was having too much fun wrestling and laying on top of everyone.  They were all asleep pretty quickly; however, Thomas and Spring were up often throughout the night and early the next morning.

 

Spring came into our room informing us it was 4:57 and time to get up.  She and Thomas woke up everyone else and we called Grandma and Grandpa Powell so they could spend Christmas morning with us through Skype.  We are so grateful they offer to do this with us even though it is only 2:00 am for them.  It helps us feel like we have family with us for Christmas.  The kids had a great Christmas morning and were so cute with each other...excited to have their siblings open the gifts they had gotten them and for Joel and I to open our gifts from them.  I was so proud of our Sammy this year.  He received a letter from Santa that his gift was damaged in flight and had to be taken back to the North Pole for repairs.  It included a picture of the bike ramp he was supposed to get and a promise that it would be delivered the following day.  He has been hoping for a ramp for months but he handled not having his Santa gift so well.  He mentioned a couple times that he couldn't wait to get his ramp but it was worth waiting so it could be fixed.  What an example of patience he taught me this morning. We finished with gifts around 8:00 in the morning and enjoyed homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast. The rest of the day found us playing games, the boys having slam dunk competitions, Spring reading and looming, and just enjoying the time together.  We were all ready for bed early last night.

 

I'm so grateful for this time of year that gives us opportunities to remember and focus more clearly on the gift of the Savior in our life.  I love the traditions we enjoy and the time we get to spend with each other.  I love that it is a day we connect with parents and siblings that live far away.  I look forward to the rest of the week.

Newly Ordained

He was so excited when Brother and Sister Schneck gave him this shirt for his birthday!

Our oldest reached an important milestone in his life this past week. With turning 12 he was able to be interviewed by the Bishop and found worthy to be ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood.  He has been anxiously awaiting his time to be able to hold the Aaronic Priesthood.  He loves Primary and has mixed feelings about not being able to be in Sharing Time anymore.  He was ordained last Sunday, December 23rd by Joel.  He asked Bishop, Brother Schneck, and Brother Weimer to stand in the circle for his ordination. We invited Spring and Sammy to come in for it as well.  When I went to get Sammy from Primary he excitedly told his teacher, "My brother's getting the Priesthood!"  Super cute!  Joel enjoyed having him in Deacon's Quorum with him on Sunday and he gets to go on his first temple trip on Saturday.  He also gets to speak in Sacrament Meeting this Sunday as well as give a talk in Primary opening exercises on Sunday.  He couldn't be any happier.

For his birthday, he chose potato soup in homemade bread bowls for dinner with turtle cheesecake for dessert. He invited Sue Ann to join us for dinner as well. I know it sounds cliche, but I don't know where all this time has gone. I can still remember holding him when he was first born. The joy and excitment and gratitude for having him join our family. We have learned so much from him and with him in our journey. He has a willing and obedient nature and a kind heart. He seeks for ways to serve and help those around him. He has a love of learning and trying new experiences. He has been blessed with the ability to lead and guide those around him in the paths of truth. I love watching him grow and I love the interaction we share with him. He is a joy to be around and a great blessing to us all. I don't know how I can be a mother to a Deacon already, but I pray I will be the mom he will come to when he has questions, concerns, or excitement. I look forward to the many new experiences this stage of life will bring us.

 

Christmas Concerts

The past couple weeks have been full of Christmas concerts.  Thomas had 2 orchestra concerts, 1 band concert, and then he played at a nursing home with a couple other orchestra students during school one day.  Spring, Sammy, and Mary had their school Christmas concert.  At this concert Spring also performed the musical, "Flakes", with the school choir.  She loves being in the choir and has been so excited for this performance.  She is excited for next year when she can be in more plays and musicals.  Sammy and Mary were super excited for their concerts as well.  They had been counting down the days to it for over a week.  It was fun to watch them all perform and have fun. I have to admit I was relieved when they were all over; however, because I was looking forward to an evening at home with just our family.

Yesterday was wonderful as the kids came home from school, the snow was falling (the first real storm of the season), and we had nowhere to go!  The kids played in the snow for a while, we had pizza delivered (that's a big treat for us), and then we watched a couple Christmas movies together.  The kids finished the evening listening to Christmas music and sleeping together under the Christmas tree.  I love that our family is now home together for the next week or so.  Joel is off work, the kids don't have school, lessons, or church activities...just get to be home together enjoying the magic of the season and being so grateful to be together.

Some of these videos are quite shaky due to our assistants (Joshie and Gideon) knocking into the tripod a few times.  Hopefully you won't get too sick from the shaky parts.

Family Mechanics

This past week we discovered that the radiator of the van had cracked.  Joel had a crazy busy week at work and we were grateful we had a 3rd vehicle so he didn't have to fix it during the week after being at work all day.  Another blessing of the situation is that Joel replaced this same radiator in 2009 and the part had a lifetime warranty so we didn't have to pay the $200 for another radiator.  He just had to take in the cracked one and pick up a new one.  The bummer part was he still had to put in the time to replace it. 

 

Sammy loves to help Joel work on cars. He will eagerly spend hours watching, helping, asking questions, giving his suggestions, and soaking up anything he can learn about cars.  Joel told Sammy a few days ago he was going to need his help fixing the van.  Sammy was so excited and so proud that his Dad needed his help.  He has been eagerly asking Joel everyday since then when they could start fixing the van.  He was beyond excited when he found out they were going to do it today.

 

I am so grateful for a husband that can and will fix our vehicles.  I know it's not his favorite thing to do and I know it is frustrating to spend a Saturday fixing cars but he does it and he doesn't complain. And, today he made Sammy feel so special and so needed.  Sammy told me, "Mom, it was awesome to spend all day with just Dad and I.  I'll never forget this day.  I hope we can do it again soon!"  I'm sure Joel isn't hoping to have to do a major car repair soon, like Sammy is hoping for, but he will have a helper when the time comes again!  What a reminder to me that our time and attention is really what our children long for.

Gingerbread Houses

Sammy and Mary were so excited to make gingerbread houses with their book buddies at school this past week.  They came home and wanted me to be sure to take a picture of their gingerbread house before they started to eat it so that Dad could still see what they looked like.

Gideon looks like he is ready to take the first bite!

Tonight we made our traditional gingerbread house as well.  Gideon, surprisingly, didn't want to help at all. He was playing with his cars and couldn't be bothered. In fact, I dont' think he has even noticed it yet.  I think the theme this year was "see how much candy we can fit on this thing."  Finally, our Halloween candy is gone! 

Spring's Bistro Project

In school Spring is learning about Ohio State History.  She was to choose a city in Ohio to research and prepare a presentation to teach others about that city.  She quickly knew exactly which city she was going to choose...Kirtland.  She has been so excited to teach her class about the church history that occurred in Kirtland as well as other historical history she has learned about through her research.  She was to make a diorama as well for her presentation. She chose to make the Kirtland Temple for her diorama.  The big presentation day is tomorrow and I get to go and watch the presentations.  I am excited to hear her teach all about Kirtland. 

 

Spring is really excelling in school and she loves her teacher, Mrs. Miller, again this year.  Mrs. Miller is an amazing teacher.  She gives Spring opportunities to go beyond and challenge herself in the classroom.  Spring gets so excited about projects.  She organizes her thoughts, makes herself a plan to complete the project (breaking the project down into small parts and giving herself deadlines for each part), and dilligently works independently to complete the work. She is wise beyond her years in many ways.

1st Bath

It seemed to take forever for Sara's umbilical cord to dry up and fall off.  The kids, especially Mary and Joshie, did not like to see it either.  They said it was "so gross" and would make gagging sounds when they saw it.  Finally it came off and we could give this little girl her first bath.  She was definitely not a fan of baths but I am pretty sure that will soon change.

 

Peaceful Sleeping

 

There is something so peaceful and mesmerizing about a sleeping baby.  On Saturday Thomas took Sara and next thing we knew they were both sound asleep on the couch.  Thomas napped for over 2 hours which is so uncharacteristic of him.  He never naps.  I remember him doing the same thing with Gideon though so I am not surprised.  I, too, love cuddling and resting with our little ones.

 

 

The Best Time of the Year

This past week I have caught Joshie singing to Sara this song from the "Polar Express."  He is so sweet and calming when he sings to her and often it will calm her down if she is a little fussy.  I love to see him and listen to him sing to her.  He is such a sweet boy and really does have a tender heart hidden behind his wild and silly antics.  I have been wanting to get him to sing it for me so I could record it but hadn't been successful.  He has become quite shy lately in different situations.  Well, tonight he asked if he could have a cookie and I told him he could if he would sing so I could record him.  He agreed!  I was shocked but ever so grateful he did. 

Here is "Take 1."  Don't laugh too hard.  Joel and I have been sitting here watching it over and over and over and finally had to stop because our stomachs hurt so much from laughing.

OK, now if you are done laughing and need to give your stomach  muscles a break...check out this one!

Last Week's Family Pictures

 

 We decided we were up for the adventure of having family pictures taken last Saturday. Joshie kept disappearing from the room when we were trying to get the family picture taken and then he and Gideon decided they were done after just a few minutes. I am always amazed and so grateful for the efforts of the photographers to capture such amazing pictures even with the difficulty of so many kids. Don't you love Spring's orange socks too! I love having family pictures taken and I love to look back on the pictures and remember the stages of life we are in. How grateful I am that families are forever.

 

 

2 Weeks

Little Miss Sara is already 2 weeks old.  She had quite the outing today.  I helped in Sammy's class today so I drove him, Spring, and Mary to school.  I brought Sara with me and the kids all wanted to show her off.  It was just 2 weeks ago that I had gone into the office to check Sammy and Spring out of school a few minutes early so I could get them home before heading to the hospital.  Sara received quite the greeting from the office staff and some of the aids of the school.  They kept telling us how excited they are that there will continue to be more Biggs kids coming to the school.  Then Mary was able to show her off to her teacher and class while they were all waiting in line in the hallway to go to their room. Mary had the proud big sister look down!  She made sure all her classmates got to see her.  Then I headed into Sammy's class.  Sammy had already asked his teacher if he could share his sister with the class.  He loved being able to carry her around so each student could get a close up look of his new sister.  He told everyone that she fusses a lot but he is the best person in the family at calming her right down!  After I helped in Sammy's class I walked past Spring's class.  I had promised her I would and if it wasn't a distraction I would bring her in.  It looked like they were busy so I just kept walking but Spring's teacher, Mrs. Miller, saw me and called out, "Hey, you can't just walk on past without letting me see your new one."  So, we went in and Spring also carried Sara around to show her off to each person.  And, Spring's teacher had to get her turn holding her as well. 

 

I loved seeing how proud and excited they were to show off their sister.  Their teachers all told me that they hear daily updates about their sister.  Sara continues to be such an easy going little girl.  She sleeps through the chaos and noise around her and she is so patient.  I know part of this is there is never a shortage of willing arms to hold and cuddle her.  I'm still enjoying the cuddle time I get with her when all the other kids are napping or sleeping.  That is my most favorite time of all.

Footprints and Sara

Here are the footprints they took of Sara right after she was born as well as some cute pics from after church yesterday.

Random Snippets

This past week has gone by very quickly.  As I was getting ready for church today I thought to myself, "It really doesn't seem like it's been a whole week since the first day we took Sara to church with us."  I couldn't drive and Joel drove the van to work and even took my keys with him.  I guess he knows me a little too well and wanted to be sure I followed Doctor's orders and stayed home to rest.  I am so grateful for wonderful friends that stepped in to help us.  Sue Ann came over a few different days to get Joshie and Gideon giving me strict orders to rest and take a nap.  The boys loved being able to go with her.  Somedays they played at her house and other days they went on little adventures to the library and store.  Stefanie helped us by bringin Mary home from school so Joel wouldn't have to drive home from work to pick her up and then head back to work.  I'm grateful for friends that so willingly served us which allowed me to take the week to rest and heal.

 

Sara had a check up when she was 6 days old.  She had already surpassed her birth weight by 1 ounce!  Yea!  That means I don't have to take her back to the doctor until she is 1 month old.  When they were weighing her she peed all over the scale and then shot liquid mustard everywhere too.  We think it shot out so hard it hit the wall.  We were embarrassed but the nurses acted like it was a daily occurence.  She is healthy and doing so well.  I am healing well too.  I am amazed at how well I feel.  I am really not very sore and have been able to not need any pain meds since early this week.  I find myself still really tired due to the amount of blood I lost but I really am so blessed to be feeling as well as I am so soon.

 

I love the quiet moments I have with Sara each day. There are many moments I have with her that I enjoy but I cherish the quiet moments when I can feel the strong spirit she has.  It is amazing to me to feel the closeness to our Father in Heaven when I am able to cuddle her and look into her eyes.  She just left the presence of our Father and her spirit is so strong.  I know the veil is still thin for her and that allows her sweet spirit to bless our home.  There is a calmness that overcomes all the children, even our wild and crazy ones, when they hold Sara or come over to give her a kiss.  I want this time to slow down and to hold onto these precious moments even longer.  I know the time goes so quickly even though I try to make it freeze for us.  How blessed we are, Sara, with your sweet spirit and calm nature in our home.

Pictures of Sara...4 Days Old

We took these pictures last Saturday, December 1st, when Sara was 4 days old.

Engine and Caboose

Just a few random pictures of our Engine and our current Caboose.  Amazing to me that Thomas was once as little as Sara and now look at him.  He is growing up before my eyes, it seems.  Sometimes I see him walk past and I have to look again because I don't recognize him. He had his first of many Christmas concerts on Monday.  I was not able to go but Joel said he did so wonderful.  He had a large solo violin part in one of the numbers.  I often find myself overwhelmed with gratitude and love for these sweet children that bless our home.

Joel's Boss' Wife made this towel for Sara

 

1st Day at Church

We had an abundance of willing hands to get Sara ready for church on Sunday.  The girls were so excited to dress Mary for her first Sunday at church.  It was heartwarming to watch them choose her dress and get her all ready for the morning.  They were shocked at how big the teeny clothes were on her though.  Spring and Mary got her all ready and then Thomas took over holding and cuddling her when they were done.  Everybody was dressed and ready so early on Sunday that I was shocked.  We were all sitting around ready to go 20 minutes before we normally head out.  It was surprising and so nice to just relax for a few minutes before leaving.  While we were driving to church we told all the kids that they would all get a chance to hold her at church but we didn't want them asking us for a turn.  They were so great.  They all took thier turn when it was given and willingly passed her on to the next when asked to.  She started Sacrament Meeting in Spring's arms at one end of the pew and by the end of the meeting was in Gideon's arms next to Joel and I.  People sitting behind us commented that she was "one well traveled little girl."

Lovin' Home

Sara has so much lovin' at home.  She is seldom not in someone's arms and she has each of her siblings wrapped around her little tiny finger.  If they hear her cry or whimper or make the slightest sound there are 6 eager volunteers to run and get her.  We all love to cuddle with her, nap with her, and just enjoy the sweetness of her spirit.

Coming Home

 Sara and I were able to return home on Thursday afternoon.  I was so happy to be home and to have all our family together again.  Joel came and picked me up while the little ones were napping while a friend from the ward stayed at our home with them.  When we got home they were so excited that Sara was home and I was just a side-note, except with Gideon.  Gideon came right up to me and wrapped his arms around my legs and gave me a big hug and his trademark smile.  It was fun to see the excitement of Thomas, Spring, and Sammy when they got home and found us already there to greet them.  Sara is in someone's arms all the time and is loved by everyone.  I am continually in awe of the immediate love and bond that is formed when a new one joins our family.

I have been resting a lot since being home because I am still pretty weak and sore. I lost a lot of blood and I know my recovery is going to take time because of the complications of the birth; however, it is nice to be at home for this time. Everyone has been so helpful, protective, and caring towards me. It is great being home.

Pictures from Thursday