2 Months Old

Little Miss Sara has been with us for 2 months already.  She is a doll and loved and spoiled by all of us.  Some of her 2 month highlights include:

 

*Weight:  10 pounds 11 ounces

*Length:  22.5 inches

*Loves to be rocked.  If she is fussy all she needs is to be rocked and she immediately calms down.

*Really starting to smile in response to being talked to.  It is so fun to see her cute smile.

*She has a really cute dimple toward the bottom of her right cheek.

*Still loves to be held and thinks if she is awake she should be in someone's arms.

*HATES the car and her carseat.

*Sleeps in our bedroom closet...I'm sure she will tease us about this at some point just like my sister, Kim, teases my parents that they made her sleep in a box when she was a baby! :)

*Enjoys showers with Dad and bathtime.  She even took a bath this week with Joshie and Gideon.  She didn't last nearly as long as they do but I was able to get all of them bathed at the same time.

*She is really trying hard to suck her thumb and is so content when she successfully gets her thumb in her mouth.

 

We love this girl and are so blessed to have her in our family.

Spring's Newfound Talent

Spring has been working so hard at developing a new talent of looming.  She began this at school a couple months ago.  They learned to loom hats and made many hats to donate to the community.  She then received some looms from Grandma and Grandpa Biggs for Christmas and has been looming ever since.  She has spent so much time making things for other people that she has not even made anything for herself yet.  She made Sammy a hat because he has lost so many hats at school that we told him he was going to have to buy his own hat with his spending money.  Spring didn't want him to have to do this so she made him a hat.  She made Mary and Sara hats. She made booties for Sara's blessing day.  Then she made Grandma Powell a hat since she lost her hair from Chemo.  She also made her cousins, Isaac and Lydia, hats as well as making booties for Brandon's baby that will come in February.  She is working now on a scarf to give her friend, Ava, for her birthday.

 

I have been so impressed as I have watched Spring try new things on her loom and work and work to make things for others.  She is doing so well with it and her desire to make things for others is one of the things I am most proud of.  She has such a giving and kind heart.  She often thinks of what she can make and do for others before herself. I am so grateful and blessed for the beautiful young woman she is becoming.

My Time with My Parents

Sara and I were able to fly to Washington and spend a week with my parents.  This was the first time Sara met Grandma and Grandpa and she didn't lack in any attention.  Sara was amazing on all the flights, sleeping the entire time and capturing ooos and ahhs from everyone in the airports and planes. It is so special to watch my parents love our children.  Their love is unconditional, as it always has been for me, but there is just something amazing and comforting about seeing them love my own children the way only grandparents can.  It helps me better appreciate and love the plan of salvation and the potential for us to be eternal families.  Sara loved being held, cuddled, and rocked by Grandma and Grandpa.  She really began to respond to us while we were visiting.  It was so fun to watch her begin to smile in response to us talking to her and smiling at her.  I loved watching my mom talk with her. She could score the biggest smiles from Sara. 

 

I loved the time I was able to spend with my parents.  It has been difficult being so far away while my mom has been battling cancer.  I have wanted so many times to be able to go and spend time with her and help her pass the time. My wishes came true this past week.  I loved just being with my mom.  We enjoyed time talking, shopping, running errands, and even did a few sewing projects.  Well, actually Mom did the sewing for me!  She made us some curtains for the little windows by our front door and she sewed some bibs for Sara for when she is a little older.  I helped her bind Sammy's quilt and start cutting squares for a quilt she is making Sue Ann.  I was able to meet the women she works with at the quilt shop too and learn a little more about the shop so I can better visualize when she talks about work.  I even went and got my ears pierced while she held Sara for me.  It was fun to see the surprise from Spring when I got home. She noticed it immediately and excitedly told me she would share her earrings with me.  Joel figured it out before I got home but his smile when he saw them was worth it.

 

Mom, Dad, and I went to a frozen yogurt place, "Blueberry", one evening and Dad gave Sara her first tastes of frozen yogurt.  I enjoyed just being with my parents.  I am amazed continually by my mom's strength and positive spirit through her battle with cancer.  She is always happy and she accomplishes so much.  While I was there countless people commented on how strong my mom is and how amazing she has been through the past few months.  I tried, with all my might, to get her to let me draw some cool designs on her head with sharpie markers.  I tried to tell her, "You're only bald once!" and "It will either wash off eventually or your hair will grow over it." but she never gave in to that request.  I can't say I blame her but I was sure trying my hardest. 

 

Mom and I also had a very memorable moment Friday after having a little too much soda and laughing a little too hard.  I don't think I have laughed that hard in months.  I still laugh when I think about it!  I'm just grateful Mom experienced it with me and I wasn't alone! 

 

I am so grateful for Joel for making it possible for me to go out.  When we found out my mom had cancer he told me I needed to go whenever and as often as needed to be with her.  He has been so supportive of me being gone even when that added tremendously to his work load.  He was going to take a vacation week for me to go; however, with situations at work his boss asked if he could work from home that week and not take vacation.  So, not only did he step in and do all my normal day to day things but he was working at home during naptimes and in between playing with the kids, cooking, and getting them to all their various places.  He also went in to work in the eveings for a few hours after he had got the kids in bed.  I think the kids loved the week with him and spending so much time together with Dad.  I know our children stepped up and helped a lot as well with cooking meals, helping with laundry, helping pack lunches, and other things that I try to do for them each day.  Their willingness and eagerness to step up and help out was their way of showing their love and support to not only me, but to my mom as well.  I missed them all so much while I was gone and it ws hard to be away from them.  I also loved my time with my mom and dad and miss them now that I am home.  I so wish I could be in multiple places at the same time.  I cherish these times and the memories we make when we are together. 

 

I came home to a clean house, flowers and cards from the kids on the kitchen counter, flowers from Joel in our bedroom, lots of hugs and kisses from all the kids at the same time, and most importantly a happy family with lots to tell me about their happenings while I was gone.  I am so blessed.

Quilts from Grandma

My mom has learned to quilt in the last couple years and has developed this amazing talent of her's.  We are all recipients of that talent and of her love.  She made our children quilts for this past Christmas and pillow cases to match.  Since I was going to visit her this month I told her to wait and let me bring them home to save on the shipping costs.  The kids were so very excited when I came home.  I think their greatest excitement was to see Sara and to get their quilts!  They all rushed up to put them on their beds last night.  They have talked of their quilts various times in the day today.  Earlier today Sammy told me he was going up to his room to cuddle up in his quilt for a while.  Thomas was telling us that he wants to sleep with his quilt every night and if others come to visit and use his room he wants to take his quilt with him so he can still sleep with it.  Spring and Mary have been reading on their bed so they could be on their quilt and have decided that they don't want to write letters or color pictures in their bed anymore now that they have their special quilt.  This morning we found Joshie on our bedroom floor asleep (which is quite common for him to come into our room in the middle of the night) cuddled up in his quilt with his pillow from Grandma.  Gideon has finally allowed us to tuck him into bed with just his quilt and pillow.  This is a milestone because previously he wanted multiple blankets in bed and it was quite the task to get him tucked into bed.

 

Grandma wrote them each a letter at Christmas explaining how she chose the fabric for each of their quilts and to remember how much she loves them as they wrap up in their quilts.  The kids cherish those letters and they can tell you exactly why the quilt is the way it is.  My mom is amazing and she has spent countless hours on these quilts for the kids.  Not to mention, she did these all while going through Chemo and Radiation!  She amazes me each and everyday.  Our children are able to physically feel her love anytime they want...they just need to curl up in their quilts.

 

Star Scout

This past week Thomas was presented with his Star Rank at the Court of Honor. He achieved this rank in November so he is planning to have his Board of Review for Life Rank at the end of May when his 6 months has elapsed. He was also presented with 3 more merit badges: Computers, Woodcarving, and Cooking. When asked what his favorite of these merit badges was, he replied, "all of them!" Since turning 12 a month ago he has been given the responsibility of Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. It was rewarding to watch and listen to him and the Senior Patrol Leader plan the entire Court of Honor. They really did a great job. They also have planned out the next 4 months of Scout activities. There is a great amount of momentum in the ward with scouting and it is fun to have Thomas be a part of that. The next Court of Honor is scheduled for June. Yesterday I was asking Thomas what his goal is for that. He quickly replied, "I want to have completed 7 more merit badges!" He is currently working on Emergency Preparedness, Public Speaking, Law, and Pets. He has plans for the other 3 too! He never ceases to amaze us.

 

Mothering Mary

Mary is a nurturer.  She has been from the time she was tiny and this trait only grows stronger in her as she is getting older.  Sometimes I find myself getting frustrated with her because she is so "mothering" to her siblings and sometimes they don't want it but she still does it.  When this happens crying is usually to follow and I have to step in and try to fix things for everyone involved.  I think lately I have looked at her nurturing nature in a negative light.  I feel like lately I have been quick to anger with her.  My prayers lately have involved helping me to be more patient with her, in particular.  How grateful I am for the reminder I received on Sunday that I need to appreciate this gentle and loving gift Mary has been given.

 

Mary went to a friend's birthday party on Saturday at a bounce house place.  She was so excited and when I picked her up she was all smiles.  The following day at church her friend's mom came up to me and said, "I have to tell you how impressed I am with Mary."  She went on to tell me that Mary was so concerned about the younger children at the party.  She took time to help them get ready to play, helped them up ladders, allowed them to go ahead of her in line, encouraged those that were scared and helped them try new things, and just was more concerned about everyone else then she was about how much she was able to do herself.  As I was being told this I felt a little guilty for my atttitude toward Mary.  I realized I need to embrace this and appreciate it in Mary.  It really is a gift of her's and it usually does help me a great deal.  I thanked this mom for helping me remember to appreciate Mary more.  Heavenly Father answers our prayers through others.  This mom taking the time to notice Mary and then to share with me was an answer to my prayers.

6 Weeks

Little Sara hit her 6 week mark today. This little girl has become very spoiled. I think having Christmas vacation right after she was born about did me in! She was in someone's arms so often that she thinks that is the only way to live. If she is awake she expects to be held. This week, with the kids back in school, has been a harsh reality for her...well, I guess more for me! ;) She will sleep great during the day, on the couch with all the noise and chaos around her. She hasn't been sleeping so well at night lately though. We think it is too quiet for her at night! Good thing she is so cute and cuddly! We love this little girl.

 

Sara's Blessing Day

Today Sara was given a name and a blessing by Joel.  Thomas was excited to be able to be able to hold the microphone for the blessing.  The following men stood in the circle for Sara's blessing:  Bishop MacPherson (our home teacher), Brother Schneck, Brother Pack, and Brother Pflug.  In the blessing Sara was blessed to:

 

     Grow strong in body, mind, and health.

     Gain a strong testimony of the Gospel and a desire to learn, grow, and progress in the Gospel.

     Have a desire to seek the Lord throughout her life and a desire to help build the Kingdom of God.

     Be a powerful force for good in her home, the church, and her community.

     Be an advocate for the teachings of Christ to all around her.

     Be a good friend and example to her siblings and friends.

     To always follow the Savior.

 

She was able to wear the beautiful blessing dress made by her Grandma Powell.  We are so blessed that my mom has made each of our children (and all her grandchildren) a special blessing dress or suit. I am excited to be able to get a picture of my mom with Sara in her dress in a couple weeks. Sara was able to wear the cute booties that Spring loomed for her.  She was absolutely beautiful.

 

As Joel walked up with Sara Joshie and Gideon got off the pew and stood up with their hands and chins resting on the pew in front of us.  They stayed standing like that, watching intently, during the blessing.  It was priceless.  How grateful I am for this sweet spirit that Heavenly Father has entrusted in our care.  As I hold her I am reminded of our Father's love for each of us. 

Yummy!

Sammy found a recipe for muddy cups in his magazine last night while he was reading in bed.  I promised him if he would be willing to wait until today then we would make them.  He and I went out this morning to get the oreos and gummy worms.  Then we came home to make them.  Thomas thought it was way too chocolatey for him, which means it was perfect for Spring!  All the others loved them.  As they were enjoying their treat I was on the couch feeding Sara.  I looked over to see Gideon's face and all I could do was laugh.  I asked Spring to get a picture.  Gideon LOVED his and I think if he had a longer tongue he would have licked his cup clean!  It was a mess to clean up but it was fun...that's what matters! 

 

I have to admit when Sammy first told me about it I was hoping he would forget because I didn't want to make them.  I should have known that he would not forget something like that though.  I am grateful Sammy keeps me grounded and reminds me the joy that can come from simple things.  After all, messes can always be cleaned up.  If I hadn't followed Sammy's lead we would all have missed out on a very fun activity.

The Softer Side of Joshie

I've been thinking of my Joshie a lot the last couple days and enjoying the wonderful age he is right now.  Four years old fits Joshie well and I love him.  We often laugh that he will be a linebacker because he is so tough and loves to wrestle and play tough.  Lately, however, I have been seeing a softer side of him quite a bit and I am loving it.

 

He has become really shy in new situations lately or if there are a lot of people around.  He will cuddle up next to me and not want to leave my side during these times or hide in the bathroom or up in his room.  If I ask him if he is ok he replies, "I just shy, Mom."  I love to see his gentleness with Sara.  When she is sleeping he will go to her and gently kiss her on the head or pat her back.  When I am nursing her Joshie will come over and find her hand so he can hold her hand ever so gently.  It melts my heart when he does that. 

 

Joshie is the first to share anything he has with anyone around.  In his Christmas stocking he received poptarts, as that is his breakfast of choice.  He was so excited to get his very own box of poptarts, yet everytime he was going to have one he asked everyone else if they wanted some too.  If one of his siblings asked if they could have a poptart he would promptly reply, "Sure!" and give them one without a moment's hesitation.  I think he shared more than half his box of beloved poptarts and was not the least bit disappointed when they were all gone.  He is always wanting to share with everyone and wanting to involve everyone with whatever he is doing or playing.

 

On Monday we took the Christmas decorations down and Joshie had a meltdown of sadness.  He cried and cried when we took the ornaments off the tree.  He kept trying to put them back on the tree.  When he saw that wasn't going to work he kept asking if he could take ornaments up to this room.  We agreed on a couple he could keep in his room and he is keeping his Christmas pillowcase on his pillow "forever" he says.  He kept asking me, with tears of sincere sadness and heartbreak, why we had to take the Christmas stuff down.  It's been 2 days and he is still telling me he wishes we didn't have to take down the Christmas stuff.  Yesterday he told me, "It doesn't feel like Christmas anymore."  He was so sad and disappointed.  All I could do was hold him close and promise him that we would do it all again next year, to which he responded, "Next year is so far away."

 

I love this sweet boy.  I love the hugs he gives me and the kisses he lets me give him...even though he promptly wipes them right off!  I am so grateful for the time I get to spend with him and for the great joy he brings into my life.

Blessings

One of my goals with this new year is to be more aware of the tender mercies from my Father in Heaven in my life.  Then, to take the time to record those feelings and those experiences so I can develop more gratitude in my life.  I, all too often, either don't recognize the daily miracles in my life or I notice them but don't focus enough on them and soon forget those tender experiences.  I want to be able to look back through my life and remember the times when the Lord's hand has been in my life. I also want our children to gain a testimony that our Father knows us personally and blesses us in countless ways.

 

We dropped the van off at a transmission shop expecting the worst.  We were sure we would need a new transmission which would result in up to $5000 in repairs and we would be without the vehicle for at least a week.  You never want to spend money on car repairs but this repair was worthwhile to us because the vehicle is paid for and worth far more than the cost of the repairs to us.  I know Joel felt really bad about the situation because it was not something he could fix for us as he does with so many of our car repairs.  Yesterday morning Joel received a call from the shop and braced himself for the "damage."  What a miracle it was when he was told the transmission was fine and did not need to be replaced.  There were some significant leaks that needed to be repaired.  Total for parts, labor, and then the fluid to be added would only cost about $500 and we could pick the van up in the afternoon.  I love how Joel told me he has never been so excited to spend $500! 

 

I know this was a tender mercy for us.  The cost could have been drastically more and it would have been a challenge for us to cover the expense.  How blessed our family was.  I was telling Spring and Thomas about the situation after Joel called me and Thomas looked at me and said, "Mom, going to the temple really does bring blessings to our life, doesn't it."  I know life is full of challenges and struggles.  Sometimes they are struggles that we have brought upon ourselves but sometimes they are just part of mortality and part of the testing and learning we are placed on this earth to endure and learn from.  I'm grateful for those times when Heavenly Father makes those struggles lighter for us through his tender mercies.  Makes me think of Alma and his people in Mosiah 24.  Amulon and the Lamanites were persecuting them and had taken them into bondage.  The people prayed for strength and deliverance.  The Lord eased their burdens that they could be made light and that they could not feel them.  We will still have struggles and difficulties but if we are faithful we will be able to endure these burdens with patience.  How grateful I am for this testimony and knowledge.