Sammy's Hero

Sammy brought home a project from school today.  He had not mentioned it to me at all.  For the project he needed to list 4 people he thinks are heroes.  His list included:  Soldier, Firefighter, My Brother, and Dad.  He then needed to choose the one that is the biggest hero to him and write about that person.  Here is what Sammy wrote:

 

My brother Thomas is my hero because he helps me wen I nede help.  He is rely nice. He bilds KNex with me.  I like to play with him.  I want to be just like him.  I wish I could spend more time with him.

 

Tears were flowing as I read this.  How grateful I am that Thomas is Sammy's hero and that Thomas is a great hero for Sammy to have.

Halloween

Halloween week in Ohio began last Saturday with our town's designated Trick-or-Treat night.  Thomas took the kids out so Joel and I stayed back to hand out candy.  We set up our fire pit in the driveway to try and stay warm on the blustery night.  Thomas, Mary, Josh, and Gideon returned home after about 45 minutes of trick or treating.  Spring and Sammy were not ready to stop so the two of them continued around our neighborhood for the rest of the time allotted.  When they made their way home at the end they each had bags that weighed probably 5 pounds each...and smiles across their faces that were even better.  They were so excited and happy and talking about how much fun they had together.  This warmed my heart because the two of them sometimes frustrate each other quite easily.  I hope they remember this night and are able to look back on it as a small turning point for their relationship.

Almost a Year!

Hard to believe this little gal has been with us for almost a year now!  These 11 months have gone by way too quickly.  I heard a mom, reflecting on life when her children were young and life was full of caring for them, say, "It was  time of long days and short months!"  I LOVE this!  It describes perfectly the stage in life we are in.  Sure, not all days are long days; however, there are plenty of those long days when I wonder if all of us are going to survive to bedtime!  But, we do.  And, before I know it the month is over.  I love the long days too once the children are asleep and I reflect on the great blessing they are in my life.  That was a tangent...but it's what I think of when I wonder, "How can my sweet baby Sara be nearing 1 year already?"  This little girl, like all our little ones, can sure melt me in a second.  Some of her big happenings at the moment include:

*She loves to hold onto our fingers and walk; however, she is not interested in trying it out on her own at all.

*She babbles and coos and "talks" all the time.  If she hears the others talking she joins right on in.

*She "sings" along with the hymns at church.  She starts when we do...but sometimes forgets to stop when the hymn is over.

*Her favorite foods are cheese and bananas.

*She will point and babble at me showing me where she wants me to take her.

*I often find her in the pantry pulling out all sorts of food.

*She refuses to take a bottle and still doesn't drink from a sippy cup very well.  She would prefer a regular cup and nursing.

*She still has never slept in a crib...still in the playpen in our bedroom closet!

*She likes sitting inside and on top of toys, totes, baskets, and anything else she can get to.

*She is a clapper.  If she is fussing a little Joshie or Gideon will call her name and start clapping.  Usually she will start to smile and clap with them.

Happy Birthday Giddy!

Gideon had the pleasure of sharing his 3rd birthday with our town's designated "trick-or-treating" night.  What could be better than a birthday bash with the family followed by getting candy from the neighborhood?!  Gideon's dinner of choice was awesome...chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and tater tots!  Aren't you all jealous that you weren't able to come and enjoy dinner with us?

In the morning when I first saw him I told him Happy Birthday.  He smiled and said, "Thank you Mom."  Then I asked him how old he was and he said he was "2".  Finally, after much convincing, he agreed that he is now "3."  Such a cutie, this boy is.  Gideon was so happy to open his presents and numerous cards.  It was so cute as he would get each new thing opened he would say, "Wow! Cool!"  He said this over and over again with each item he was given.  He was excited to get stickers and money in cards and presents.  He was so happy to get his very own Transformer and it took only seconds for he and Joshie to begin their transformer battles!

I think my favorite part of the festivities was when it was time to blow out his candles.  Joshie was quick on the draw and blew his candles out before he could even realize what was happening.  Gideon took a big breath and then looked down and was shocked that the candles were already out.  We lit them again for him and he had the hardest time blowing them out.  Finally, Sue Ann saved the day and "helped" him blow the candles out.

This kid is a bright spot in our family.  He is gaining independence and his own voice which can be the source of frustration for me at times; however, a kiss and a smile from him still melts me.  Here are some highlights of Gideon at 3 years old:

*He says "thank you" all the time and it is so cute.
*He loves Transformers, wrestling, Mickey Mouse, and Team UmiZoomi.
*Often heard saying, "Mom, watch this!" as he runs around the house, jumps off a chair, or some other amazing feat!
*Really loves going to storytime
*Gives great kisses and hugs.
*Is Spring's buddy
*Wants to be outside whenever he possibly can.
*Counts to 20, only missing a couple numbers
*Full of mischief and fun.  He is a smiling, happy kid!

The Family that Works Together Stays Together

We Got Mail!

Thursday the mailman left the kiddos a package and the little ones could hardly wait for everyone to get home so they could open the package.  Their patience was tested and finally about 4:00 pm the last of the kids arrived home from school and it was time to open it.  Grandma and Grandpa Biggs sent them a fun Halloween package with treats and stickers and books.  There were blow up Halloween decorations too, which Sammy and Joshie used to create a haunted house in the basement.  They thought it was fun to be on speakerphone telling Grandma and Grandpa thanks.  7 kiddos all excited on speakerphone is an experience...let's just leave it at that!  Thanks for sending the package and giving them all mail...a major highlight in their life!

Sammy's Artwork

Here is Sammy's masterpiece from when he was supposed to be sleeping a few nights ago!  When he brought it down he was so proud of himself that I just had to pretend he wasn't supposed to be sleeping when he was working on it.

 

Gideon...The Helper

After school one day last week, Gideon told Spring he was going to help her put her stuff away.  He dumped out most of what was in her backpack, then put the backpack on.  I guess it was too heavy with all the stuff in it.  He picked up her jacked and headed down the hallway to put it away in the closet. I thought it was super sweet and cute.  He really does like to help.  He and Spring continue to be best buddies and he loves the attention she shows to him.

All Aboard

I decided to take advantage of the kids being off of school today and we headed to the National Park to ride the scenic railroad.  To say the kids were excited would be an understatement.  The colors in the valley were beautiful and vibrant.  The kids had fun walking around while the train was moving and Joshie was ecstatic that there weren't seatbelts!  I think they all went to the bathroom multiple times during the 2 hour ride just because they could go while the train was moving!  Games were played, giggling happened, excitement when they saw rivers and hiking trails, and all the colors of the fall leaves.  After the train ride we hiked around a little around the train depot and some climbed trees.  All around a great day.  I'm so blessed to have wonderful children.  I really enjoyed the day with them and enjoyed sharing in their excitement and joy.

Morning Outing

This morning Sammy was up bright and early taking care of all his responsibilities right away without any encouragement.  His amazing attitude and hard work rubbed off on everyone else, including me, which resulted in a very productive morning with lots accomplished before Sammy and Mary even headed out the door for school.  So, with the extra time we found this morning I loaded up the 3 little ones and we went out to a pumpkin farm about 30 minutes away.  The boys were able to go on all sorts of cool slides...their favorite was the long tubes extending out of the back of a firetruck.  They also got to feed animals.  Gideon was super brave and had no problems letting the animals eat out of  his hand.  Joshie, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with them eating out of his hands. He preferred to just hold out his bowl of food and let the animals help themselves to as much as they wanted.  While waiting for the little train to start Gideon started crying really hard and I looked over to see a wasp fly away.  The poor little guy got stung inside his ear by the wasp.  He hung out with me while Joshie went on the train ride and then he went a little later.  I felt so bad for him because his ear got really red and super hot.  They also loved playing in the corn box!  Joshie loved diving into all the corn.  When we got home and Joshie took off his jacket a bunch of corn came out as well.  

I enjoyed the morning with these guys.  It's nice to be able to focus on activities that they just love.  The whole drive home they kept telling me over and over thanks for taking them.  These boys are so much fun.

Ladybug Hunt

Joshie has been on the hunt for ladybugs this past week.  We have enjoyed beautiful fall weather and the boys (Joshie and Gideon) can't get enough of being outside during the day.  They find ladybugs on the tree branches and leaves.  This particular day proved to be very profitable for them.  They are very attentive to the needs of their new "pets" and are sure to get them lots of food and things to climb on!  One of my favorite things is to capture their excitement and joy as they play together outside.  I love listening to their conversations...especially when they don't know I am listening!

Trampoline Fun

Joshie discovered last week that he can now do back flips on the trampoline!  Sammy is trying to catch up to him and learn to do the back flip as well.  So far, only Joshie can do them and he thinks that is pretty cool!

Orchestra Concert

Last week Thomas had his first Junior High Orchestra concert.  He is 1st chair for violin and having a great time.  He also found out last week after try-outs that he has been named 1st chair for percussion in the band as well. He tries out for jazz band this coming week.  Lots of fun!

Sweet Boys

Joel glimpsed this during the closing prayer of General Conference yesterday and couldn't resist snapping a picture.  Now, if only we could say they were this attentive and reverent during all the sessions! :)  At least they were with us and I know they did pick up on some things.  Today when one of the speakers was referring to a scripture in Joshua about "as for me and my house we will serve the Lord." Joshie piped up, "Hey, they're talking about me!"  Then this afternoon a rhetorical question was asked, "Are we not all children of God?" to which Joshie promptly replied, "Yes!"

I love Conference Weekend and it warms my soul that our children love it and look forward to it.  These weekends always end much too quickly.

In Between Conference Excitement

In between sessions of Conference today Joel gave Sammy a haircut and then Sammy got in the bath.  A while later I thought I heard Sammy calling me from upstairs but it wasn't too loud.  I went to the bottom of the stairs and called up to him and he replied calmly, "Mom, I'm bleeding."  So I headed upstairs to find a deep gash in his chin.  He wasn't too concerned as he told me he didn't even know until he got out of the bath and saw blood on the towel as he was drying off.  I wrapped him in a towel and laid him on his bed and called Joel up to look at it.  We were pretty certain he would need more than a bandaid.  Gratefully we have lots of medical residents in the ward and a couple doctors.  Joel called one, who happened to be at the home of another one.  The Doctors asked Joel to text a couple pictures to them and they would let us know what to do.  A few minutes later they called and said they were looking through the supplies they each had and seeing if they had what would be needed.  A few minutes later we got a text to bring Sammy over to their house and they would take care of it.  Sammy was still as could be while they glued his chin together and put on some steri-strips.  Sammy was told by the doctors that knowing him this probably isn't going to be the last time something like this happens!

So, when I was asking Sammy what happened he told me that he hit his chin on the bottom of the tub.  I asked him if he was jumping and he kinda hesitated and looked up at me with his goofy grin.  He replied, sheepishly, "Only little jumps."  Trust our Sammy!  How grateful we are for good men that were willing to serve and help us.  In less than an hour he had split it open, we had taken him to get it fixed, and were back in time for the last session of conference.  Amazing blessings!

My Part Matters

The last month or so I have been struggling finding the balance with all the expectations and demands placed upon me and my family.  I know part of it is we have entered a new phase with Thomas in the Young Men's program and having more activities and responsibilities with that and still having 6 other children in all phases of life.  It seems we are being pulled in so many directions and that the time we have together is so minute.  I treasure the time when our just our family is all together at home and that time is getting less and less as we go from place to place.  We try hard to limit the distractions and outside obligations; however, some are just by products of children growing up and fulfilling responsibilities.  I fight mightily to protect and safeguard family time.  I remember last conference hearing the phrase, "Family Time is Sacred Time." That impressed me then and has become even more profound in the last month or so.

 

I think a lot of my struggles are just growing pains as I enter a new phase in our family's life and I am trying to find peace as I strive for balance and continually evaluate to be sure we are engaged in the "best" activities.  On top of this I feel like there are so many expectations of me as well.  I want to help in my children's classrooms at school and I want to volunteer for the school activities.  Cub Scouts and Gospel Doctrine preps throughout the week in the few quiet moments of naptime.  I work hard to have a peaceful and relaxing home for the children when they return from school each day so we can share in the little time we have together.  We want to participate in ward service projects, really minister to the sisters I visit teach, and help others in need.  In the midst of all this we still have 3 little ones home all day that I want to cherish the time with.  I want to snuggle them and read them stories,  play together at the park, go for walks looking for cool rocks and bugs, and help them learn of the joy that comes from trying to be like Jesus.  Since school has begun again I feel like I am just running nonstop and the day ends with a long list of "to-do's" still unattended to and knowing the next day will bring more of the same. 

 

Then, on Sunday our Bishop admonished us that we all need to do more.  We need to not just be concerned with the salvation of our own family, but we need to do more to help others as well.  He  said we all need to "do one more thing" and after we have done that we "need to do one more thing" and continue.  I came home even more overwhelmed than I was when I went to church because I feel like I can't do one more thing without crumbling and without sacrificing even more of our precious and sacred family time. 

 

All of this has occupied my thoughts and prayers this week as I have been trying to be the best mom wife as I can, while feeling like I am not doing enough.  As I am in the bathroom with Josh and Gideon helping them learn to clean up from not aiming well, or I am breaking up "fights" with the little ones, changing diapers, cleaning faces, helping with homework, playing taxi....I find myself wondering if what I do really makes any difference.  I love being a mom and I know deep down that what I am doing matters; however, it is really hard to remember it in the daily grind.  So in the mix of all this I continue to wonder how I am supposed to "do one more thing."

 

Then this morning, I was blessed with a tender mercy.  I put on conference talks while I was cleaning the kitchen and the boys were playing transformers.  In between talking with the boys I heard glimpses of the talks.  All of a sudden the room was very quiet (which is almost unheard of), and I heard these words:

 

      “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.”

 

It was like my Father in Heaven was speaking directly to me.  I don't need to worry about what everyone else is telling me I need to be doing.  I don't need to please others with how much I am doing.  I only need to counsel with our Father in Heaven and He will help me know the best things.  He can help me have the peace I need.  I realized I was concerned that others would think I wasn't doing enough and I am worried others expect so much more of me.  Only my Father in Heaven truly knows how much I can do and can help me decide the best things to do.

 

My thoughts were turned to this as I continued on and the boys chattering picked up again.  The conference talks continued on and then again, a tender mercy.  The boys had run downstairs to get something and again it was quiet as the following words were spoken,

 

"And yet our part matters—because we matter. Our daily contributions of nurturing, teaching, and caring for others may seem mundane, diminished, difficult, and demeaning at times, and yet as we remember that first line in the Young Women theme—“We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us”—it will make all the difference in our relationships and our responses."

 

What I am doing does matter!  I was filled with the Spirit and a feeling of comfort came over me. It was as if I could feel my Heavenly Father wrap His arms around me and tell me, "You are doing great!  You do matter!  I see it and your children see it!  You are loved."  As the boys made their way up the stairs they looked at me kinda strange and Joshie said, "Mom, why are you crying?" I scooped him up and with a smile and tears coming down my face I held him tight and told him how blessed I am to be his mom.  He giggled,  hugged me, and asked, "When you are done crying will you come play transformers with us?  I'll even let you be Optimus Prime!"  There was nothing better for me to do at that point than be Optimus Prime! 

 

 

 

Music Time

Spring is playing the trumpet in the band and the cello in the orchestra this year. She is enjoying both of them.  Here she is playing her first song on the trumpet.  I am sure you don't want to imagine the noise level in our home in the afternoons between piano, trumpet, cello, violin, and drums being practiced.  There are usually 2 and sometimes 3 at a time going on.  I guess I can blame that on why I am losing a bit of my mind slowly each day!

Mosquito Hawk for Snack

So after school today there was a mosquito hawk on our ceiling.  I told Thomas and Spring I would give someone $10 if they would eat it. I totally didn't think either of them would take me up on it; however, Thomas proved me wrong.  He put it in his chicken sandwich he was eating and ate it.  That was way too easy for him to earn $10 but I had to pay up!

Lakeview Leader

I was just looking through the last several posts this morning and thinking to myself that I really needed to highlight Spring on our blog as it has been a while since she has made an appearance.  I have been thinking of her throughout the morning and reflecting on the blessing she is in my life and to our family.  She quietly goes about helping her younger siblings and doing all she can to help calm them down if they are upset or head off a meltdown from Gideon.  She is super responsible in school and at home.  She really makes my life so much easier and also so rewarding.  She is growing up quickly and yet still loves the simple fun things in life.  When I think of the phrase "stand as a witness of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places" I think of Spring.

Coincidentally, as my thoughts have been on Spring today I received a wonderful surprise in the mail a few minutes ago.  There was an envelope from her school addressed to "The Parents of Spring Biggs."  Inside was a short letter from the Assistant Principal at her school which read:

     "Your child was recently recognized by a teacher for being a "Lakeview Leader."  Teachers have been asked to recognize students for their leadership based upon two important principles:

     

     *Be Kind to One Another

     *Always Give Your Best

Thank you for your part in raising a leader and example to others!

Included as well was another sheet of paper with Spring's picture (which had been hanging on the wall at school) and the following description:

     Congratulations to Spring Biggs.  She has been recognized for her leadership here at Lakeview.  She is always prepared for class and helpful to her peers.  Her teacher, Mrs. Thompson, says she has shown dedication to learning since day one.  Thank you Spring for your leadership here at Lakeview Intermediate!

The little stinker never mentioned this to us, either.  She had to have known about it because her picture was taken by the principal's office for the poster.  What a great tribute to an amazing young girl!  I love you, Spring.  Thank you for sharing your love for the Savior in your everyday actions! 

Sammy's New Look

I love listening to Sammy talk now that he is missing his 2 front teeth.  It just makes me smile.  To be honest, Sammy is just great at making me smile anyway.  This kid is funny and wonderful and just plain awesome.  He is Heavenly Father's tender mercy to me each and every day reminding me of what is truly important in life.  He has the greatest stories from school to tell me.  He is full of information and fun facts. He loves math, science, animals, wrestling, climbing trees, and football.  He is so excited to be baptized shortly.  The last couple weeks we have been having FHE lessons about the covenants he will be making at baptism and the blessings he will be receiving.  To help him better understand and prepare to make a covenant with his Heavenly Father we decided to practice with him.  Sunday evening we talked with him about a covenant being a two-way promise.  So, we asked if he would practice making a 2-way promise with us.  He promised us he would practice his piano everyday without being asked this week.  If he does that then we promised we will take him to get an ice cream cone on Saturday.  He was all over this idea.  He has been awesome with it too.  Last night as soon as Joel got  home from work Sammy excitedly said, "Dad! I practiced my piano! I am keeping my promise!" 

 

I saw a picture of this amazing kid tonight from his 7th birthday.  Wow, he has grown up so much physically but I was more struck by how much he has matured and accomplished in this last year.  Our Sammy is on his way to being a covenant keeping young man.  How blessed I am to be his mother.  I am grateful for his patience with me and for his unconditional love and quick forgiving heart.  I want to be more like Sammy!

10 Months

So, on Joshie's "real" birthday Sara also turned 10 months old!  Can't believe we will be celebrating this little one's first birthday in 2 short months.  She is a light in our home and such a sweet girl.  With all the kids going back to school it took some adjusting on her part because she doesn't like to be in a room by herself.  She is getting better though and she is usually very content.  Some highlights for her at 10 months include:

 

*She cut 2 more teeth this month bringing her total to 6 chompers!  And, yes she knows how to use them..especially on toes!

*She waves and points with her little 'clam hands.'

*We often find her clapping with a huge smile on her face.

*When Joel gets home from work she is usually in her chair at the table.  She gets super excited when he walks in the house and greets him with claps and shrieks and smiles.

*Her favorite foods are cheese, yogurt, and bananas.

*We often find her standing at the back door watching the kids outside or standing at the gate yelling down to the others when they are in the basement.

*She really has shown very little interest in walking.

*She loves to be held; however, she just wants her bed when she is tired and ready to sleep.

*Bathtime is one of her favorite things...especially when Joshie and/or Gideon are with her.

 

Sara is such a blessing to us all.  Her crooked smile showing her little chompers just makes us smile.  She is beloved by all.  Can't wait to watch her continue to learn new things, even though part of me wants to freeze time and keep her little and cuddly longer!

Look Who's 5!

Joshie is now a big 5 year old and he lights up if you tell him how big he is getting to be.  Joel and Thomas were going to be on a Camporee the day of his birthday so we celebrated his birthday 3 days early.  When I asked him if he wanted to do that he never hesitated one bit.  He was so excited for his birthday party with the family.  Tuesday morning he woke up all ready to help me make his cake.  He wanted a chocolate race car cake "with a yellow circle with a blue number 5."  His favorite part of his cake was the wheels which were chocolate donuts.  All day he was just beaming and would giggle if I mentioned anything about it being his birthday.  I loved taking him to choose his balloons for everyone and he was so excited he could hardly contain himself when he got to give everyone the balloon he chose for them.  All day long he kept telling me, "Mom this is the BEST day ever!"  For dinner he wanted spaghetti with red sauce and meatballs, white sauce, and homemade breadsticks.  He invited Sue Ann to come as well.  I would say his gift of transformers was a HUGE success for him. It's been a week since we celebrated and I don't think very minutes have passed when the transformers have not been in his hands.  He even sleeps with them in his pillow so nobody hides them while he is sleeping.  He opened a birthday card from Great Grandpa Powell and as he opened the card a $20 bill fell out and he exclaimed in a way only Joshie can, "YAAAA!  Money!"  He carried it around with him most of the day until I finally convinced him it would be safer on his dresser. 

Friday was his "real" birthday and I wanted that to be special for him as well so after Joel and Thomas left for the campout we went to McDonalds for dinner so they could play at the playplace.  He thought it was awesome that they even got an ice cream cone for dessert there!  Such simple joys and pleasures.  He also got a card from Grandma and Grandpa Powell on his birthday.  When I gave him the envelope he said, "I just know there will be something awesome in here...like stickers!  I sure hope there are going to be stickers."  He opened the card and sure enough...STICKERS!  He jumped up and down saying ,"I just knew it would be stickers!"  I love it!  That evening as we were kneeling in the front room trying to get everyone quiet and calm for family prayer there was a knock at the door.  Sister McGarry, Joshie's primary teacher, was delivering him a special birthday cake just for him!  She made his day.  He immediately asked if he could have cake for breakfast the next morning...and he did!

 

In honor of this wonderful kid turning 5...some highlights of Joshie!

 

*He doesn't wipe my kisses off anymore!  I love that!

*His smile and dimple melt me.  He has this way of smiling that just lights his whole face...his eyes shine and it's almost like he is going to burst from being so happy.

*He lives and breathes Transformers.  Before he got Transformers for his birthday he would use blocks and transform them into different things saying, "Transform!"

*He does not like shoes at all.  He had a pair of hand-me-down lime green crocs from Sammy.  Sammy wore them for 2 years and then Joshie has worn them nonstop for the last 2 years.  He had worn big holes through the bottoms where his big toe is.  I finally convinced him to let us buy him a new pair and he agreed as long as they were "slip on shoes" and not tennis shoes.

*He loves poptarts!

*He wrestles any chance he gets and Sammy is more than happy to oblige!

*He loves to do flips on the trampoline and cartwheels in the house.

*He gets really shy in new situations and when there are large groups.  He would prefer to play with a small group of people.  If he feels overwhelmed or there is a new situation, he will just go off on his own to play until he warms up the situation.

*He loves to come and cuddle with me after he wakes up from his naps.  He will often fall back asleep on my lap.  This is one of my favorite times with him.

*He is a great kid with a big heart.  He wants to help others and he wants to share with everyone.