Gluten Free little dude

Not the best picture-but the most current- Look at those lovely eyes!

#2 is my little man with a sensory processing disorder. When #2 was 5 years old, and started kindergarten, he could read, but he could not write. When he had to do things that required fine motor skills, he had a melt down. Melt downs include screaming, hitting, stomping, laying on the floor, crying, and a general sense of being completely out of control of his own body. I know that #2 has a brilliant mind. He thinks so deeply. He understands things that lots of children his age don't. He is a typically sweet, kind, loving, tenderhearted child. This is why the meltdowns were so confusing to me.

I worked for about 6 months, trying to figure out how to help my boy. I wanted to be able to understand why he did what he did. I wanted to help him to become strong enough to handle hard things. I wanted him to be able to function in society.

I finally ended up at an occupational therapy center. They asked me questions that helped me describe #2's challenges perfectly. They asked about fine motor skills, large motor skills, eating, dressing, transitions, social interactions, smells, sounds, lighting etc. After filling out the survey, I was sure I was in the right place.

With in a month of intensive therapy, #2 was able to write. By the second month, he was able to wear more than sweats and t-shirts to school. Month 3 and 4 were devoted to sleeping, eating, large motor skills and transitions. During month 5 and 6 we worked on social interactions. During months 5 and 6 we were still having problems with screaming and meltdowns. Because it wasn't happening at therapy, the therapist couldn't really understand what I was talking about.

A friend of mine's oldest son was flagged as autistic around that time. As we started talking about different ways that it presented, I was reminded of my little guy. I told her all about therapy and how much it had helped us. She said she wanted to try a gluten/casein free diet first. After a few weeks, she couldn't believe the difference. About the same time- I went to a dietician, who recommended I go on a gluten free diet- to try and relieve some of the stomach problems I had been having for years. After a few weeks of me being gluten free, I decided to have #2 go gluten free as well.

Within 2 weeks the number of meltdowns #2 had went from 20 or 30 a day to 1 or 2. Homework time went from 1 page in 2 hours with constant re-direction, to him independently doing a weeks worth of homework in 5 minutes. That month the therapist came to me and said, "Well it looks to me like we have met all of our goals. #2 seems to be functioning perfectly. Do you have any more concerns?" I didn't. We ended therapy. He was happier. We were all happier.

He stayed away from gluten for most of the summer. In August he started to eat more gluten. But, we didn't see a noticeable difference, except for a stomach ache the first couple day- and some explosive bowel movements. He had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich daily and weekly chocolate chip cookies.

In October we started to notice an increase in meltdowns. We also noticed a decreased ability to follow instructions. Finished homework was coming home- because it hadn't been turned in. He lost his coat several times and he even lost his shoes once (at school). The last part of November was like living with a Zombie. We would say, "Please get your shoes on." He would just look at us. Then we would physically put his shoes one, his coat on, and take him by the hand to the car. Over the last couple days, the only time we have seen #2 respond has been to scream and have meltdowns. Needless to say, we are putting him back on a gluten free diet.

I am constantly amazed how much his disorder is affected by his diet. I haven't read enough to understand exactly why a gluten free diet works. I just know it does. In fact, this morning #2 had a bowl of gluten free cereal for breakfast. After breakfast, I saw his eyes look at me for the first time in 2 weeks. He came over, sat on my lap and put his arms around my neck. He kissed my cheek and said "I love this house".

Here goes our first Gluten free Christmas, wish me luck!

Merry Monday

We ask our boys to only do things on Sunday that will bring them closer to the Savior. #4 and #3 were begging to watch Iron man. Hubbin was trying to teach him how he could decide for himself if it was an appropriate Sunday activity. Here is the criteria.

-Does it teach of Jesus

-Does it remind us of the things that he taught?

#3 promptly said "Yes, it teaches us how to help people."

-note to self - refine the criteria

- He almost convinced us.

I know Heavenly Father answers Prayers

My prayers have begun to evolve over the years. When I was little I learned to pray from my parents and this little children's song

I Pray in Faith by Janice Kapp Perry

1. I kneel to pray ev’ry day. I speak to Heav’nly Father. He hears and answers me When I pray in faith.

2. I begin by saying “Dear Heavenly Father”; I thank him for blessings he sends; Then humbly I ask him for things that I need, In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

My mother is so faithful. When I was younger if I had a question or was seeking a special blessing I would ask my mom to pray for it. It seemed like she would put in a petition to the Lord and instantly the prayer would be answered. I started to rely on her faith. I thought she was more likely to get the answer than me.

When I was pregnant with #3, a sister in our family was having complications with her pregnancy. We were concerned for her. We prayed that she and the baby would have health and strength. Just after #3 was born, the little boy passed away. I was so mad! I did not want him to die. It wasn't fair that I had a sweet baby to hold and she didn't. It wasn't fair that their good family suffered a loss. I didn't understand why the Lord wanted us to pray with faith and then not answer our prayers. I was in the mothers room crying for my sister in law. I was holding my baby and wishing she could hold hers. My friend came in. I told her how I was feeling, and she said, "You just have to have faith that that was his will." Later one of our nieces or nephews said, "I bet all of our fasting and prayers helped Baby Kris to live with us for as long as he did."

For me, this experience led me to stop praying for things that I wanted. I started to just pray prayers of thankfulness. I would think about praying for someone or something- for example- please bless so-in-so that they may be healed, if it be Thy will. But, it seemed useless to ask for things, to me. I figured we were meant to just go along life and whatever experience we needed would be provided whether they were sickness, death, health, or wealth.

Then our brother moved far away to go on a mission. He didn't know the language well. He wasn't used to the food. He needed help, and he asked us to pray for him. At first I started to pray, because he asked. We would pray for his safety. We would pray that he could find people to teach. We would pray for his health. We would pray for his faith. Eventually I started to pray with more faith. When he returned from his mission, another brother went to Afghanistan to serve in the Military. He also asked for prayers. I couldn't imagine what his wife would do with out him. So, I prayed for her to have the strength and patience she needed while he was gone. I prayed for him that he would stay safe. He came home and they were happily reunited. During this time my brother started having problems with anxiety. My sister was working and a new mom. I was concerned for them. I prayed for her and for him. Every day I prayed for someone. I tried to think what the Lord would want to bless them with. And then I prayed for that. My faith has been strengthened. My families faith has been strengthened. My boys know that when they pray, there prayers are heard. There is a father in heaven who listens to their prayers and answers them. Several times the kids would say, "uh-oh we forgot to pray for so-in-so". Then we would all fold our arms and pray for the person we were concerned for.

Christ taught us this story.

Holy Bible (King James version) Luke chapter 18:1-8

1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

The other day after a family prayer, Hubbin asked the boys if we had forgotten anyone in our prayers. #2 piped up. "Yes Dad, I am really worried about the people in Somalia. We need to pray that the leaders of their country will soften their hearts and accept help, so people will stop dying." We all folded our arms and added the people of Somalia to our prayers.

An excerpt from the Bible Dictionary (Cambridge University Press)

As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part. Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.

I know that faith is strengthened from prayer. I know that Heavenly Father answers prayers. I challenge you to pray. He hears and answers you when you pray in faith.

-with love

8 year old me

Terrific Tuesday

What was terrific about your Tuesday?

Merry Monday

#2 asked me the other day, "Mom, is teleporting really real?"

I said, "No, it is just pretend"

#2 said, "No sir, it is real, Jesus teleports"

I laughed and said, "No, he doesn't"

Then he said, "Well how does he get from one place to another?"

I thought about how to answer, and then told him he would have to ask Dad.

Who knows? maybe Jesus does teleport

Politics

Growing up in Idaho, I had the idea that moral/smart people were all Republican, and the democrats ranged from confused to corrupt. Then I moved to Minnesota and found out that all most everyone here was Democrat. Most are not confused or corrupt. Most are good, kind-hearted, intelligent people. This made me wonder, how can all of these good people have such opposing opinions?

As the elections come up, I would encourage all of you to be careful and respectful. It is wonderful that you have opinions. I appreciate those opinions as long as they don't fall along the lines of "mud'slinging". I hate to think that an election may be won or lost on viral clips of human error.

I guess because I come from a farming community, my advice would be- you reap what you sow, and so do the candidates. You can handle debates of politics respectfully. There is no need to prove your point by making another look bad. I say this to our candidates, and to all of you who are thinking about forwarding emails to me prior to the 2012 Elections.

Thanks!

As a side note I met a communist the other day. A good woman fighting for the rights of people everywhere.

Terrific Tuesday

Today is Terrific! You know why? Because I get to stay home with my kids all day. I have no appointments. I have no projects. I have no babysitting. All I have to do is stay home with my babies in this warm house. All I have to do is kiss, hug, hold, and clean. I am the luckiest mom in the world on this terrific Tuesday.

Why is today terrific for you?

Merry Monday

The other day #3 got hurt on the trampoline. I went over to him and asked if he needed a kiss. He said, "It hurts here", pointing to his knee. So I kissed it. "It hurts here", pointing to his nose. So I kissed it. Then he got a silly little look on his face and said, "It hurts here," and pointed to his lips.

What a cute little stinker!

Terrific Tuesday

you?

Merry Monday

Here is another funny story from our family book.

18 months ago

Hubbin said to #4, "This is a phone, can you say phone?"

#4 was holding a car, so he holds it up, shows it to Hubbin and says "Tar".

Hubbin says, "Phone, say Phone"

#4 says "tar say tar"

Hubbin says, "f,f,f,f,f, phone"

#4 says, "f,f,f,f,f,f, TAR"

Merry Monday to you!

Workin' Wednesday

I will finish removing the wall paper in the bathroom this week, and paint- Should I put up wainscoting? The end goal is something similar to this. My bathroom is not this big, but I do love the little pedestal sink, the mirror flat against the wall, and the subtle hint of blue, with white and silver accessories.

I just found a super great idea- for storage above the shower! Brilliant!

Have you seen these? I love them! This is such a great idea! Really any basket or box screwed to the wall is cool!

What are you working on this week?

Terrific Tuesday

Catching On?

Yep I am trying to start a theme here.

OK, so today is another terrific Tuesday. What is so special about it? You may be asking yourself this very question. Well, tonight is IKEA night! On Tuesdays at IKEA, kids eat free. So, every Tuesday night we go to IKEA, feed the kids, check them into the free 1 hour babysitting, buy 4 hotdogs and 2 sodas-for $4 and have a date. If we choose to, we walk around the store, but usually we just sit in the cafeteria and talk.

Thank you IKEA for feeding my family of 7 for $4 and providing free babysitting for date night. Love YA!

A few more terrific things

fall colored leaves

little boys in sweaters

long sleeved onsies

warm blankets

In God We Trust (restored)

studying with Hubbin

garage

hot showers

clean clothes

plan B for date night

Why will your Tuesday be so terrific today?

Merry Monday!

(#2, #1, #3)

Welcome to the first of the new series.

Every Monday I will be posting a funny story from our family book. I hope that the stories will make you laugh.

This one is from 2009.

The other day we made stew. My family calls it Rainbow Stew. The boys could have a treat if they ate dinner. #2 has inherited his mommas sweet tooth. He will do anything for a treat. He gobbled his stew up, and he started on his ice cream. #1 was a little bit leery. He asked #2 what it tasted like. Without missing a beat #2 said, "Dead Frogs". #3 had just finished his stew. Upon hearing what he ate, tasted like dead frogs, he threw up. Surprisingly, after all of this #1 ate his stew and had desert.

Have a Merry Monday!

Moms Day Off

One of the little ones was telling us that they didn't want to continue school. We laughed and told him he would have to get used to it, and learn to like it, since he would be at school for a long time. As Hubbin and I discussed the matter, the realization set in, that we should do the same for our own work. I'll admit I started to get a little overwhelmed at the years that stretched before me. I could see hundreds of dirty diapers, piles of laundry, mountains of dishes, meals to be cooked, garbages to be emptied, and the list went on. The only end to my job, will be death. Hopefully in heaven the messes aren't so messy. As I thought about this, while complaining a little that my only day off is Sunday, and that just means double the work load on Monday, I realized that my attitude to the monotony of being a house wife better change quickly! So, change it, I did. I decided not to worry about days off, and enjoy and "put my shoulder to the wheel".

OK so fast forward 3 days. Yesterday was my turn! Hubbin changed the clock, to sneakily let me sleep in. Then he and the boys quietly got dressed and ready. He left, with #4 in tow. He dropped the boys off at school, and took #2 and #4 to the grocery store. (#2 was sick). By now, I was up and dressed and wondering where my family could be. As I started to straighten the house up, Hubbin #2, and #4 walked in grinning. "Your not supposed to do anything today Momma." #2 said. So I put the last dish in the dishwasher, ran it and sat on the rocking chair, wondering what my purpose was. Then #2 came and cuddled with me. It was so wonderful to just be able to let everything go, and cuddle my little sick boy. When he was finished cuddling, I decided to take a bubble bath. So, I did! With the door locked and everything. Wonderful! When I was good and pruny I got out and dressed. I blow dried my hair and carefully put on makeup. I brushed and flossed my teeth and used mouth wash! Then, Hubbin handed me the keys and the baby and told me to have a great day. So, I left. I went to an indoor tropical atrium, and leasurely drank in the colors of each vibrant flower. I listened to the sound of the water running, and smelled the wonderful smell of growing things. I browsed the library, then I checked out a pass to the Museum of Russian art. I drove out to Minneapolis in perfect silence. ahhhh.

The exhibits were amazing. I loved studying each peice of 7,000 year old pottery. I wondered about the artists that crafted them. Did they make them to sell, or to use around the house? Did they wonder if anyone would ever want to buy their art? I know they could never have imagined that 7,000 years later, some one would unearth their earthly treasures and put them on display for all to see. The upstairs and basement galleries were filled with work from one artist. A man named Oleg Vassiliev. http://tmora.org/exhibition/oleg-vassiliev/ He worked mainly on canvas and paper with oil paint and ink. I loved reading his story. Learning his style. Glimpsing in to his life. Wondering what it must be like, to know the freedom of art, but not being able to express it during a communist regime. There were two pieces that I really loved!!

First a print. When Oleg was in school, there were statues all over of famous leaders. They were every where to glorify communism. Oleg sketched several of the statues, but was criticized because of the downfall of communism. Later in life he got on top of a thatched roof, with a womens dress and a pillow to fill it out. He had a friend take his picture- and called it The Conductor of Crows.

I will venture a guess at the meaning of this picture, I would say that since the fall of communism in Russia, the economy has never really recovered and poverty is the new glorified status.
This one is a painting of his wife. A memory he has of her at the beach. He painted it of her after she died. I love the focus of light. In the writing next to the painting, he suggests that he also meant for the painting to be like she was walking in to the light. This is actually a different focus of light, than the one on display. But, it does give you a perspective of his ability to play with light variations, perspectives, and color. Isn't just like a dream or memory, how you can't quite focus all the details, you just can't quite get there. Brilliant!

One of the canvas and oils on display, was of self portrait of him sitting in front of a broken down building with a glass of vodka in front of him. The story behind it, was that he had always loved a painting of beautiful home with lavish gardens. He went to find the home, and when he did, he was met with a broken down shell of a home, that had become a shelter for local drunks. A sign rested on the homes outer wall that read-"protected by the state".

The perfect balance between political contraban, sketches from early years, children book illustrations, and later large scale detailed oils on canvas, really gave me insight in to the life of this man and artist.

I came home grinning and dancing with excitement. I told Hubbin all about my day. We ate lunch and fixed dinner. After dinner I blew out the candles on my cake- (Rocky road cake) and recieved my presents. A 2.5 lb. bag of Peanut Butter M&M's from Hubbin, A 1 lb. bag of Cheesey Corn puffs from #3, a bulk bag of pixie sticks from #1, and Body wash, puff ball, lotion, and spritzers set from the family. Then I got to soak my feet in a foot spa, later followed by a foot massage from Hubbin.

I must have fallen asleep by 9, because when I woke up this morning there were two messages on the answering machine wishing me happy birthday. Well, it was.

#5 the little Fashonista

My Uncle on my moms side is going to get married. We are all so excited for him. He is marrying a woman from Switzerland. After #5 was born, my uncle and his fiance took a trip to Paris. While they were there, the bought this precious outfit from the designer Sophie La Chipie.

Here is the link to her site. http://sophielachipie.hautetfort.com/album/ete-2010/page1/

It fits well now, and I think it will still fit well next spring. I like the design, and the fabric is so precious. Thank You Scott!

#2 was pretty overwhelmed the other night. He was sad because he wanted to be good in class, for his teacher, but he just couldn't control his body the way he was supposed to. He kept saying, "It's not fair, why did Heavenly Father give me this trial? Why would he make me like this, so I can't control my body? Maybe I should go back to therapy. How long do I have to be like this?" The whole time I just kept rubbing his back and telling him how great he was and how awesome he was and how some day, when he had to understand others who had trials that were hard like him, he would know how to have compassion for them. So often we look at our trials like #2. Joseph Smith did. He asked God in prayer, where he was, and why he was letting the trials that were so hard, continue. Heavenly Father answered that his trials would be but a small moment, and that he should endure them well.

http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/121?lang=eng read it here

So #2, on this 8 second ride we call life lets grin and hold on tight-Heavenly Father has great things in store for you! I Love You Bud!!!

Kindergartners are so sweet!

This is #3. He is now a kindergartner. His teacher is a wonderful woman. She believes that boys need extra recess, so she takes her class out for more exercise every day, snow, rain, or shine. #3 loves school, and the reports coming home say that he is a leader in his classroom. He really tries to help others be good. He has come home with many stickers and he is trying to win a school t-shirt for good citizenship. Way to go bud!

This is a picture of the boys in front of their new school.

#3 is a real problem solver. Here are a few pictures I will try to describe for you, so you can get the full effect. See the big tree behind the garage? He was trying to reach a branch that he could climb- by building a tower to get to the garage roof, so he could step on to a branch that hangs over the garage.

Next he used the strollers to climb on, and pull him self up with the little branches shooting out. He did eventually get up on to the tree.

The oreos sitting on the counter were on the top shelf at the back. #3 opened the cubboard door, then walked over to the dishwasher and opened it. He climbed on the door of the dishwasher, then opened the dish cupboard. Next he climbed up on the counter above the dishwasher. He used the cupboard door to steady him self as he walked from one side of the sink to the other-grabbing the other cupboard door to finish crossing the sink. Success! He reached the oreos and sat on the counter until every oreo was devoured-this was the scene I encountered as I came into the kitchen.
#3 knows that when the water gets splashed out of the bathtub, the basement floor gets wet. Dad recently went to North Dakota to help clean up flood damage on the Mouse River. He told us how some of the houses had floated off the foundations, and the basements were full. One day I went in to the bathroom and found #3 flooding the bathroom. I told him to stop playing in the water. I caught him at it twice more, and finally asked him why he was doing it. He said- "Mom, I am just trying to build a swimming pool in our basement" That is a bulb syringe for a plug-little smart stinker!

Date Night

This little man asked me on a date last week. He wanted to know if I had an open schedule on Friday night or Saturday. We went on Friday. He opened my door, made great conversation, took me to a carnival and shared his fruit cabob. We had burgers under a canopy, and danced to some pretty hip music. When I was in high school, I went on 3 dates. All of them were initiated by me, after some begging. Now I have 5 guys clamoring for my attention, sneaking kisses, and treating me like a lady. If I only knew then what I know now, I would have never let my self be sad! I am the luckiest Girl in the World, with 5 boys to kiss!

Give the boy a fish!

#4 has been trying to keep him self occupied during the day, now that 1, 2, and 3 are in school. This often includes a game of "fishing". But, unfortunately fishing was often done with computer parts, unhooked from the tower ie. keyboard, mouse, headsets, and speakers or x-box controllers. There was nothing wrong with the game, I just needed to change the tool out.

Here is a before and after

You will just have to scroll from the bottom up :)

Taking #2 out of the Kinesthetic/Intrapersonal/Sensory Processing Disorder Box, to let him think

Have you ever met a deep thinker?

Some one who is so focused on their own thoughts, that they do not hear anything else. As of late, I have been wondering what a deep thinker can do for a living. With so many wonderful thoughts to think, I would hate for my little deep thinker to be stuck at a 9 to 5 job, answering to a boss or deadline.

I wish I could pay for a personal tutor for my little deep thinker. I wish I could let him think all the thoughts he wants to think. Without having to stand in line, pay attention, or do work sheets.

I want to paint this picture for you. So, I will try to describe it, the best I can. I went to school today, to eat lunch with #1, #2, and #3. When it was time for me to eat with #2, I went to find him. He was out at recess. There were hundreds of kids running and playing. The play ground is slightly raised-about 1 foot off the ground, with a plastic retaining wall surrounding it. #2 was balancing the retaining wall. I walked up behind #2. I said his name. "OK mom, this is the rules, if you fall, you have to start again at the last corner" A kid from his class comes up to him, says his name, and asks him to play. He doesn't respond. Eventually the kid leaves. A girl ( looked like a 6th grader) sits on the retaining wall in front of him. "Please Move." She does, and on he goes. Undeterred. He makes it to the apparent starting point. "Yes, I win!! OK mom, what do you want?" I laugh and ask him to eat lunch with me. "No thanks, I have to make it around 2 more times before recess is over" Love you boy!

A few days ago I went to pick #2 up after school. He was sitting with about 100 kids in the Media Center. Every one was quiet, but it wouldn't have mattered if #2 was alone or with a million people he could not have been more deep in thought. I called his name. He glanced my way, and then went back on to thinking. A couple kids nudged him, but he didn't register it. The vice principal called his name, but he didn't notice. I walked over to him got down at eye level and said, "what are you thinking about bud?" He said, "How does she do it Mom?" "Who do what?" I dumbly asked He pointed to a mural on the wall where several "she's" stood out to me. "Oh like this" he says as he holds up a peace sign. Then I see the woman he is talking about. An African American hippy doing the peace sign with her fingers.

After recess, #2's teacher let him come and sit and chat with me for a while. We were sitting at a table when another family asked to sit with us. A european american mother with 2 african american sons. After a short conversation where #2 remained quiet, he finally spoke up. "did you adopt those 2 boys?" The mother said that their father was from Nigeria. "So he had dark skin and they have dark skin like him?" affirmative.

This week we talked about trials-one of them being school for #2, another trial being a mother who gets frustrated, and it seems like she does not understand. Dad said when he was a little boy he felt the same way. #2 said, "But then you learned that Heavenly Father gives us trials to help us be better, more like him?" yep, lesson was over.

Yesterday #2's Afterschool teacher pulled me aside. She was shaking with frustration. Been there, before comprehension. #2 just cannot come to the afterschool program any more. He is clearly not mature enough for the program. Maybe he can try again in the spring.

As I look at the situation with a perspective that is foriegn to me, I realize that some day #2 will be thinking freeing thoughts( I am reminded of Plato and Aristotle) , while this uninformed teacher will still be trying to put 1st graders into boxes labeled "will conform" or "reject".

If a picture really is worth a thousand words I have 2 for you

Man, have I seen that look before! Can't wait till the Spirit world when I get to swap stories with his Mom. By the way, do you think some relief society sisters are comforting Hitlers mom? I hope I get to! But that is beside the point.

By the way, I asked #2's teacher how he was doing today. She said, "well he does really good, except for transitions. It is almost like he doesn't hear me. Maybe you should check his hearing" :)

Family Picture 2011

Thanks Bro! Thanks Sis!

Levi Shaffer took the picture Sarah Lynn Camper edited it.

You guys are awesome.

June-Aug Fun*with pictures

#5 2 months old

Boys after 1/4 and 1/2 mile races at Como Park
#2 got his cast off- picture courtesy of #1
What do you do to keep #5 from crying on 22 hour trip? Give her a dumb dumb of course!
#2 and #4 at family reunion
Grandpa and #5 sharing a nap
Sister and niece at Rain forest cafe

Sister and Son at Rainforest Cafe

#5 coming home from HospitalThe Boys prayed that a turtle would come to our house- it did, but we are going to have to pray for a smaller one!Minutes after delivery of Beautiful #5

Project: Keep my kids alive till school starts

T-14 days and counting

A- Take them to the doctor to update shots-keeping t

hem away from sharp objects, emergency exits, examination tables, and bio-hazardous waste- while modestly feeding baby and trying to listen for important instructions from said doctor.

B- Take them to the dentist, so their teeth will not fall out- causing them to survive on Mashed peaches (said with lips bent around teeth) (go ahead, no ones watching- try it)

B1-even if this means admitting to dentist that we may not brush daily- let alone 2 times daily- which some weeks may translate to weekly.

C- Refuse to take 5 non-swimming children 8 and under to places where they might drowned, with out pre-authorized designated help.

Why? you may ask-let me tell you what happens when I do

. Last week got to the lake, #1,#2,#3, #4 ran out to the lake, as #5 was recovered from a blow out. I glanced again at the lake to make sure 1-4 were safe, #1 and #4 were simultaneously drowning. #4 was rescued by play group momma. #5 was left nude on an un-designated beach. #1 was pulled sputtering from lake by overwhelmed, 1/2 dressed, poop stained, grateful momma. No more water!

D-Limit the number of times I make new found recipe for caramel popcorn-thus reducing risk of Sugar Coma

D2 1 cup of Brown Sugar, 1 Cup of marshmallows, 1 cube butter- melt together and pour over popcorn- Happiness

D3 Sugar Coma Bad for mother with 5 children 8 and under

E-Increase structured activities-thus eliminating free time

E2 Free time promotes creativity and ingenuity which often includes the use of found sharp objects, high places, or toys used in unintended manner.

E2B ie. tricycles ridden off trampoline at high speeds-recreating Wright Brothers pre aeronautic success. Long sticks sharpened to points aiding in eliminating bad guys AKA #3 and #4.

F- Keep #5 in baby front pack at all times thus eliminating probable accidental death by love from 1-4

14 days of survival here we come

By the way- If you are looking for a blog that points out the wonders and delights of child raising go here www.soulemama.com-sorry that it is not me today

9 year Anniversary

9 years of holding hands

8 year old baptized

7 people in our family

6 year old swimming in the lake

5 year old figuring out life

4 BOYS

3 years in Minnesota

2 year old in training pants

1 precious little girl

Happy anniversary Babe! Sorry this post is a little late- but, you were in Minot and I am most obviously usually over my head. Love you!

Will add photos at the next post

Mommy- warning- look out for the soap box!

What do you do for a living?

I am a mom

He looks and waits for me to continue.

I start to say what I used to do

Then I realize, That Mommy is a job

So I say, I am a mommy

Just then the boys run out of the house

Mommy, Mommy, Mommy

Save me Mommy

Yes I am the Saver

I am the cooker

I am the one more bite enforcer

I am the bum wiper

I am the bath runner

I am the clothes folder

I am the driver

I am the cleaner

I am the hugger

I am the swatter

I am the teacher

I am the lover

I am the garden weader

I am the dish washer

I am the hole in the knee mender

I am the owie kisser

I am the flower reciever

I am the baby feeder

I am the diaper changer

I am the record keeper

I am the calender

I am the money spender

I am th rocker

I am Mommy

I have a favorite speech given by a man named Ezra Benson. It is called To the Mothers in Zion.

http://emp.byui.edu/SATTERFIELDB/PDF/ToMothersofZion.pdf I refer to it often, as it reminds me of what my most important job is. In 2005 my church released a document that is also part of the foundation in our home. http://lds.org/study/prophets-speak-today/unto-all-the-world/proclamation-on-family-is-still-a-clarion-call?lang=eng I can't help but feel the daily attack on mothers that I see, whether subtle or blatant. I believe the title of mother is loosing its importance. I see movies impose there belief that a mother would be a better mother out of the home following "her dream". Or, a current pop hit movie that sends teenagers away for months at a time to school. I am often stopped at the grocery store and asked- Are these all your children, or is this a day care. When I responds that they are mine, it is always followed with a "God bless you". Which, leads me to believe, with my 5 that I am not a common site. I remember feeling like a day care would do much better for my children than I can do for them. But, as I ponder that I realize how wrong I was. How could someone else ever be better for my child than I am? I see mothers- my self included focusing on weight or beauty. I see mothers giving in to the lie that life is too hard- or that it would be easier with addiction. I feel like this is a time when mothers, whether future or current, should ban together to protect our families, to teach, to learn, and to nurture each other and children every where. A favorite speaker of mine is a woman named Julie Beck. As she speaks of families, she points out that we need to be intentional. I love that word! We don't need to be perfect, but we need to live with intent. I think for me this means, not to let life just pass, but to be intentional about what I allow in my home, and what I allow out of my mouth. She mentions being "brilliant in the basics". She goes on to list a few. -pray, study the scriptures together, have family night, make a priority of mealtimes, and speak respectfully of your marriage partner.

http://lds.org/ensign/2011/03/teaching-the-doctrine-of-the-family?lang=eng&noLang=true&path=/ensign/2011/03/teaching-the-doctrine-of-the-family

10 ways a mother can mother

Be at the Crossroads

Be a Real Friend.

Read to Your Children.

Pray with Your Children.

Have Weekly Family Night

Be Together at Mealtimes.

Read Scriptures Daily.

Do Things as a Family.

Teach Your Children.

Truly Love Your Children.

I guess this is my challenge to you mothers out there. Don't give up. Don't give in. Be intentional. Rely on the strength and knowledge of mothers who came before you. Be a little better. You can do it. Look at your precious little ones and do it!

And can I just add a post script-

Please be respectful of Men. Respect and show respect for Husbands, Fathers, Grandfathers, Brothers, Sons. They have a hard roll. With our respect, doing their duty will be more joyful.

She is here!

We are in love! She is so sweet. We are having so much fun dressing her in pink. She was 8lbs even. She was 20 inches long. She is good at everything she is supposed to do. Good eater, Good sleeper, Good diaper filler. And, if you know me, you will be excited to note that she has a white streak in her hair- right up front. We are tired, and happy. We are taking the month of July off to rest and relax. Have a wonderful independence day, pioneer day, and strawberry, raspberry harvest. See in you all in August.

With Love!

Birthdays and a Baptism

Some how I don't have pictures of #2 and Hubbins Birthdays. Shoot! But #3 had a birthday in June and #1 had a birthday in May. #1 was baptized in June. And #1 had his very first birthday party with friends. It has been a fun couple of months! #1 wanted a spring cake. #3 wanted a cake with strawberries on top.

highlights -at the baptism, we were listening to one of the missionaries play church music, when everyone hears #2 shout- "look, guys I found the font- lets jump in."

-At the party someone hands #1 a card. He looks at it and says, " I am saving the best for last" Nice cover bud!

-#3 made sure no one else blew out his candles this year, because he wanted to make sure and get his wish!

Life is sure fun with 5 boys to kiss!