1 Month

 Most of Jacob's 1st Month with us is a bit of a blur.  The days in the NICU seemed to run together and many of the first week or so at home were a blur as well.  Our days consisted of waking him up to feed him, feeding him, waking him up many times during that feeding, pumping, changing diapers, cuddling him, waking him up again...  He is quite the tooter and we have yet to change just a wet diaper.  

 I wouldn't change it though.  I have learned a lot this month. I have learned there are many things that I can let go of and life still goes on.  I don't have to get everything on my "to-do" list done...I don't even have to have a "to-do" list (which I haven't for most of the month) and life still goes on!  Most things in life will still be there the next day.  What is truly important is taking time to love those around me and be sure they know I love them.  I still have lots to learn but am grateful for the realization that I can let go of things and still find peace and contentment.

 Jacob went for his well baby visit today and he is making great progress and growth.  The doctor mentioned, "Wow, he isn't acting like a preemie at all.  He is a mover and a fighter.  He is going to catch up in no time!"

 Current Stats for Baby Jake:

6 pounds 10 ounces (less than 5th percentile)

20 inches long (5th percentile)

Grandma's Visit

My mom changed her flights and came to help and be with us earlier due to Jacob's early arrival.  It was wonderful to have her here for 2 weeks.  The time went to so quickly and we would have loved to have her here longer.  Goodbyes are so hard for everyone.  There were many tears shed by all as we had to say goodbye. I am so blessed to have an amazing mom that I can learn from and count on all the time.  I don't know how we would have adjusted to life with little Jacob for those 2 weeks without her.  It is definitely different bringing home a preemie when there are 7 other children that have needs and wants and demands on my time as well.  Preemies require a different level of care and attention and it would have been so difficult without my mom to help with everyday life.  I am forever grateful for her sacrifice and willingness to come hang out with us.  We all loved it.

Mom went on bike rides and walks with the kids.  She and Thomas went on long bike rides of over 5 miles too.  She played baseball with Sammy many times.  Games were played, books were read, cuddles were shed, and many moments of laughing.  One evening she and Spring stayed up late into the evening talking in bed.  Spring told me that was one of her favorite times she has ever spent with Grandma.  She helped Spring work on the quilt she is making. Grandma took the time to take each of the kids out on little "adventures" with her.  She is always so great at making sure each of the kids feel special and loved individually.  I loved the time we spent together and it was quite lonely after she went home.  There is always an empty spot in my heart after she leaves.  Can't wait to be together again.

Spring - 11 years old & Jacob - 2 Weeks Old

Another School Year

Somehow it is time for another school year to begin.  This summer has gone by far too quickly and I feel as if I was just rejoicing in not having to pack lunches anymore and in having all our children home with us all day long.  The month of August has been a blur and I really wanted to freeze time...but I can't so off to school 5, yes 5, of our children went this week.  This time makes me so sad because I feel like I have so little time with our children and that the older they get the less they are home.

Thomas began 8th grade at Kimpton Middle School.  He was excited to get back to school and is looking forward to all of his classes.  He has a full schedule with lots of advanced classes and, of course, his music classes.  He came home excited and happy to be in school again.  He is an old pro by now at this school thing.

Spring began 6th grade at Lakeview and was ecstatic to have Mrs. Gillespie and Mrs. Baughman as her team teachers.  She, too, was excited to start school and so happy to find out she will be going to 6th grade camp at the beginning of October.  Hannah is on her team; however, Bella is not and that was sad to her.  She is hoping to get together with her friends more often during this school year even if they are not on the same team.

Sammy is a big 3rd grader at Echo Hills this year.  He was so excited to start school that he was awake at 1 am the night before.  At 3 am he was fully dressed for school and so he went downstairs to watch cartoons.  I was not aware of this until I came down at 6 am. I am not sure how he didn't crash throughout the day but he didn't.  His favorite part of school is recess, big surprise!

Mary began 2nd grade at Echo Hills with Mrs. Tice. Mary's smile will light up a room and her smile was huge her first day of school.  She was asked to help new kids feel welcome and included...the perfect job for Mary.  She came home very excited about school.

Joshie began Kindergarten.  He is attending Indian Trail this year so that he can go to 1/2 day Kindergarten.  I do not want my little ones attending full day Kindergarten.  He was so excited for school and for riding the bus.  It is always hard for me to send off my little guys to school for the first time.  I have to let go and allow them to be influenced by people other than us and that is hard.  Even with Joshie being our 5th child to go to school, it is always hard and I feel like a piece of my heart goes with him.  The highlights for Joshie's first day were recess and riding the bus.  When Joshie came home from school he wanted to know where Gideon was because he missed him so much.  Joshie also told me he was sure that Gideon missed him...and he did!

Grandma Powell was able to be here with us for the first days of school.  Monday night she took the family to  Texas Roadhouse for dinner.  It was a fun way to celebrate the beginning of another school year.

Sara, patiently waiting for Joshie's bus to get home!

Jacob's Blessing Day

Jacob was given a name and a blessing today by his Dad.  Brother Schneck, Brother McGarry, Brother Kunz, and Bishop MacPherson stood in the circle for the blessing.  We are so grateful Grandma Powell could be here for Jacob's special day as well.  As she has for all of our children, Grandma Powell made him a special blessing outfit.  She had to really size the smallest pattern down quite a bit in order for it to fit him.  He looked so cute. I love the time to reflect on the blessings offered to these sweet spirits that just left the presence of Father in Heaven.  How much we want to protect and guide them so they will be able to feel the joy of returning to our Heavenly home after this life.  Jacob was blessed to:

*Have his body continue to grow stronger and healthy.

*Gain an understanding of the gospel.

*Desire to serve his Father in Heaven throughout his life.

*Become a missionary throughout his life.

*Know he has a loving family that is grateful to have him here.

*Know that Heavenly Father has a special work for him to do.

*Bring those around him to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

*Be an example to his brothers and sisters.

*Watch the good examples of his siblings throughout his life.

July & August

 Sammy and Thomas have enjoyed learning more about golf as Sammy worked to earn his Golf Beltloop and Thomas his Golf Merit Badge.

 After a massive rainstorm they decided to put on swimsuits and jump on the wet trampoline.  Then they decided to paint their bodies with wet ashes from the fire pit.  This was only the beginning.  By the end every part of their exposed body was covered in ash.

 Cub Scout Hike at Adell Durbin.  Our family joined Sammy for the hike.