Friday Favorites

Okay, I am shamelessly stealing this idea from my little sister's blog.  I am hoping that this will keep me accountable for posting at least once a week.

1. Noah said, "Mommy" and "Hi" last night.  I have been suspecting he was saying those words in the past, but this time there was no doubt.  He was so smiley and babbley and cuddly while he was chatting with me.  It was also bedtime and he managed to fall asleep in my arms and stay there for awhile longer then usual, I can't help but wonder if he timed his talk on purpose for the extra cuddle time.  This kid knows how to play me.

2. Okay, another one about Noah.  Yesterday morning he was playing on the floor.  I kept hearing him laugh hysterically and then stop.  But everytime I looked over he was just laying there.  Finally, I hid behing a chair so I could see what was so funny.  He would stick his foot in his mouth and lick it, which would tickle his foot, which would make him laugh, which would make his foot fall out of his mouth, which would make him stop laughing, so he would lay there, get bored, and then stick his foot in his mouth.  And the cycle continued from there.  It was hilarious!

3. Nathan has been a huge help this week in getting the house cleaned up.  He helped make fun things happen and has been really great with Noah. 

4.  The science center was lots of fun (see previous posts).  Because it was spring break this week, they had a lot of extra employees working and that meant a lot more access to all of the animals.  The kids had a blast.

5. My new camera, ok technically I got that Saturday night on the way home from Stake Conference, but still very exciting.  And really sweet of Jeff to get that for me.  I was really hoping to get one for my birthday, but this way I have it sooner, for the youngest two's birthday, Noah future first hair cut, etc.

6. Tomorrow, we are going to get Cori.  She has been gone all week with Honey for a special "Grandma's week" since she turned 8.  I am sure she is having fun, but I have missed her way too much.  Nathan did fill her shoes when it came to helping with the younger kids, but no one can fill her shoes when it comes to her good night hugs, long talks, and being my sweet little girl that sticks at my side and leaves special notes for people to find.  And the younger three boys miss her terribly, they keep asking for her.  They are currently in her room playing and pretending she is there.

7. Our friends the Ludlow family took Nathan and Sam sledding the other day.  I am so thankful that they are here.  I have a hard time figuring out how to do that kind of thing with the younger ones in tow, so I really appreciate that someone is willing to still make those special memories happen for them.  It seems that everytime Jeff and I have had plans to make it work, someone has been sick and it has fallen through. (Except a few times).  The older two had a blast and it is something they really wanted to do this week so I am glad they were invited to go.

8. Jeff ordered some DVD's on church history this week and I am excited to watch them with the kids.  We are planning a trip out west this summer and we want the kids in on the planning process.  We decided one way to prepare and plan is for them to learn more about things like the Salt Lake Temple, and the Pioneer trek.  I think this is going to be really neat.

9.  Have you tried the limited edition toblerone bars with white chocolate tips?  They are so so so so very good.  Jeff got one for us to share and it was so yummy.  It is probably best that we not get anymore because they don't stay around here for long.

10.  I am hopeful that the Spring pictures I am seeing on other people's blogs and facebook are indication that it will show it's face here soon.  It has snowed off and on this week and although it hasn't been below zero, it still feels very cold.  I am ready for spring to be here!!!!!

Sam and Science

                         

Sam has no fear when it comes to handling animals.  He loved holding the cuddly bunny and the chinchilla.  The Boa Constrictor wrapped itself around Sam's leg and Sam didn't panic.  He held the walking stick and fed the turtles.  He can't wait to go back and visit his little friends.

Nathan at the Science Center

With Cori gone for a girl's week with Honey, I would not have even dared an outing to the science center without Nathan's help.  He made giant bubbles for his little brothers.  He calmed the bunny down when it got anxious after being in little one's hands.  And he spun him self in circles and taught Sam at many of the exhibits.  Nathan had fun building things with the giant erector set.  It was a fun day with the boys!  Nathan's teacher has told me that Nathan is wired for science. He seems drawn to it and he understands it.  Between Nathan's knack for science and ability to help younger kids, maybe he will end up working here in just a few short years.

Timmy had a lot of fun at the science center.  He loves feeding the turtles and watching the tortoises.  He even checked out the cockroaches (eeewwww!).  He loved making pictures with harmonograph.  He loved holding the soft fluffy bunny.  When I asked him what his favorite part he said, "All of it!"

Andrew and the Animals

Andrew really wanted to hold the bunny.  And that didn't really surprise me because he loves soft and cuddly animals.  So after watching all of his brothers with the bunny he sat down and took a turn.  I guess his time with the bunny helped him to be much braver.  In the past he has been willing to feed the fish but he avoided the other animals.  Not this time though, once he was done holding the bunny he ran over to the reptile area.  He was excited to watch the tortoises eating salads and was willing to touch chinchillas and the snake.  When the got the tortoise out he stayed right by its side.  He kissed it twice before I was able to convince him that kissing tortoises is not the most sanitary activity.  When the tortoise peed on the floor, he finally believed me, and moved on to looking at other animals.

And apparently all of that animal time wasn't enough for him because while I had my back turned to him because I was taking pictures of Noah with the tortoise, he walked up and asked the Science Center employee if he could hold the Boa Constrictor.  Honestly, I don't know what shocked me more, that he was willing to speak up and ask politely to hold a snake or the snake wrapped around his neck.  But probably it was the snake wrapped around his neck.

The Race

Noah had fun watching everything at the science center.  There were a lot of things to do that he knew he couldn't do and he was content with watching.

 But then he saw something that he thought he could do.  And that is how the Tortoise and the Baby race began.  They were neck and neck until the tortoise stepped on Noah's hand.  Noah cried foul and the tortoise just kept going.  The tortoise made it around the entire science center in the time it took me to buckle Noah into his carseat.  Then they both fell asleep.

Gingerbread Men

Here are the Gingerbread Men that we made on Christmas Eve.  The kids left them for santa but he said they looked too good to eat.  Andrew didn't stick around for pictures but he helped.  And the bottom center one I made on behalf of Noah.

It's a pillow, it's a pet . . .

Abby has taken over Noah's pillow pet.  I have tried to reclaim it, but I am losing the battle.  She is a sweet dog and last month gave us quite the scare. She has become so much a part of our family.  She is patient with the kids and really well behaved.  And as an added bonus, she helps keep food spills off the kitchen floor.  She was born in December 2005 and we need her to stick around for a very long time.

Nate the Great

Nathan is 9 years old.  He is the leader of the pack.  He fills that role well and is able to set the tone in our house.  He is in his school choir and has recently discovered a love of science.  He also went skiing for the first time recently. After his ski trip he said to me, "Well, I don't think I really learned to ski, but I did learn to fall with style." 
He is also actively participating in CubScouts.  He just recently completed the Wolf and is excited to work on the Bear.  He is taking piano and really enjoys that as well.  He is also working on a book report on Percy Jackson.  But if when given the chance he would choose playing the Wii over just about any other activity.

Amy or is it Cori or is it Corinne, Let's just say Amy Corinne is 8!

It's hard to find a time to take Cor's picture when she isn't helping with something.  She turned 8 and on a different post I hope to get all her baptism pictures up, and talk more about her birthday and baptism.  But this girl is incredible.  She loves her brothers so much and is such a help.  She can get Noah to sleep and in his bed faster then I can.  She has such a big heart, she can't stand to see her brothers sad so she is there to cheer them up at the first sound of a cry.  She is doing well in school and just got a speaking part in the school play.  She loves getting a "girl time out" with me and Grandma's but is also content to cuddle with baby Noah on the couch.

Sam is 6.

Sam is six years old and it seems like in a flash he went from my baby to one of the older kids in the family.  Recently, I was able to talk with both his teacher and some other adults that work with Sam and it was neat to hear their perspective. 
Sam is very smart.  He reads a lot.  He does well in every subject so it is hard to tell what his favorite is. He can be shy in large groups but if you take the time to sit and talk with him, you will discover he has a lot to say.  He is kind and a friend to all.  He is not one to tattle or create trouble.  He is very much willing to include all and has a strong sense of both justice and right and wrong.  He likes to follow the rules with exactness, but is not one to stress about perfection.  He just does the best he can and moves forward.  He is one amazing kid!

Timmy is 4!

Timmy is turning into such an amazing kid.  He is no longer one of the babies in the house and does his best to keep up with the big kids.  He has a heart of gold.  He loves primary and music.  He tries to be the very best big brother to the two little ones, and will bring them toys and snacks.  He is also learning to be responsible for Abby, our dog.  He has started letting Abby in and out when she needs to go outside.  He is excited for new responsibilities, he especially likes to be in charge of treats for Family Home Evening.  He loves to help mom in the kitchen every chance he gets.

Andrew, my two year old!

Andrew is almost three years old.  He is 33 lbs of dynamite.  He can't wait for his birthday but has made it clear he likes being two and doesn't want to be three.  But he knows that he and Noah have a birthday "together" and wants to talk about all his grand plans of the big day.  He loves his little brother and thinks that Noah is his baby.  He still sticks fairly close to me and doesn't really want me to leave him places (like nursery).  He likes to read books and talks non-stop when he is at home.  He hates loud noises made by other people or things but loves making lots of noise.  He will go potty but he will not give up his diapers.  He loves spending time with his grandparents.  He currently loves trains, Elmo, playing with Cori, and the color green. 

Noah at 10 months old

He is 22 lbs and can melt your heart.  His bottom teet just broke through and I am pretty sure his top will soon follow.  He is very independent but still loves to cuddle on his own terms. Usually his terms are as followed, if I am really trying to get something done then it is time to cuddle.  If I have a moment to sit and cuddle, he wants to crawl everywhere and explore.  He thinks it is hilarious to put his binky in someone else's mouth and his brothers and sister can make him laugh faster than anyone. 
This week we are moving him into his crib (we hope it works), he has been sleeping in a play pen in our room, but his favorite place to sleep is right between mom and dad, or maybe taking over his dad's spot altogether and getting me all to himself.
He is crawling and this morning managed to get into the dog food for the first time (although I am sure it won't be his last).
He likes to stand and hold onto furniture and I am sure he will be taking off on foot long before I am ready.

Barnes and Noble, How I missed thee!

When Jeff and I were getting ready to leave the hotel and head off to lunch before our church meetings on Saturday, I realized I had once again forgot something.  There would be a 2 hour block of time that Jeff was going to be in a meeting and I was going to sit and read.  The only problem was that once again, I had forgotten a book.  It really isn't a surprise that I forgot it, after all the times I have to be somewhere and sit and read are pretty much none, so it is not something I think to have with me any more.
I told Jeff my disappointment and he had a wonderful idea.  He suggested that we skip lunch and head to Barnes and Noble instead.  Neither of us were that hungry and the idea actually made me giddy. 

Once upon a time, I would spend hours there.  It was one of Jeff's and my favorite places for a date.  We would get italian sodas, hot chocolate, or steamers, and a sweet treat.  Sometimes we sat and played games or chatted.  But we would wander around looking at so many books.

But then more and more kids came and the time to wander disappeared. And so did the money we would spend on books and treats.  Then we moved to where there wasn't even a bookstore.  And then we moved again.  And before I knew it reading books seemed to disappear from life.  At first I didn't notice because I was still reading. But as much as I love "Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?" and "Tales of Fourth Grade Nothing", it just wasn't the same.  And I still read to prepare lessons and talks and there are scriptures that I am always hoping to get to, but reading like I once read was no more.

But things are changing.  Noah is starting to sleep through the night, the older kids are becoming more independent and reading on their own.  And I am trying to figure out who my new me is. (Does that even make sense?)  I am no longer pregnant and I am never going to be again.  I am a SAHM but before I know it my kids will all be in school and I will no longer have that as my identity either. I am not a college student and even when I go back I think I will feel too old to identify myself as such.  I don't want to be identified as the housekeeper, or the chauffeur.  I love cooking but it has become a duty instead of a hobby.  I really want to take back the parts of me that I long ago shelved while I focused on more pressing things. 

About a month ago, Sam asked if he could buy the Narnia books from a book order.  I told him how much I loved the Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.  He seemed surprised.  That is when the change really began.  I realized that the kids haven't really ever seen me reading, really enjoying a good book.  And I realized that I wanted them to read books like the Narnia Series.  And I wanted share with them a love of reading, not just picture books and Dr. Seuss, but really reading.  I mean after all, I grew up as the Librarian's daughter, in the past people came to me for reading suggestions. And here my own children didn't even know about my love of reading good books.  So I ordered the books for Sam, and when they came I began to reread the chronicles.  I also dusted off some of my favorites and handed them to the kids. 

 My automatic mom mode sent me to the kids sections, and I found myself looking for books for the kids.  Oh then I found all the fun science kits that I want to buy for them.  I reminded myself that I needed a book for me that I could read that afternoon, and the kids have books to read.  It was time to look for me. 
I went into a slight panic when I realized it had been so long I didn't have a clue as to what new recent authors I would enjoy.  I didn't want to waste money on a book that would not be worthy to sit with my Shakespeare, Harry Potter, Brothers Grimm, Lemmony Snicket and Lois Lowry (an odd combination maybe, but it's mine).  It also needed to be worth using the precious time that I would give it.  But I also wanted something I didn't have but should have upon my shelf.  I called Nancy but there was no answer.  I was on my own.

But really I needn't doubt myself, once the wandering began, I found so many that it was no longer about finding something, but how would I choose.

And so a part of me is back. I love to read, and when quiet moments appear I will be snatching the chance to curl up with a good book.  And now next to Shakespeare, you will find a brand new copy of CS Lewis Signature Classics.  I am currently thoroughly enjoying, "The Problem of Pain". And Nancy approves my choice.
And next time I find myself in Fargo sans children, I know where I am headed to first.

Stake Conference Weekend

Clearly, this has not gone as I have hoped since I posted in January and then did nothing in February. But I am still going to give this a try.
This last weekend was so enjoyable.  Jeff and I headed out to Fargo on Friday evening for Stake Conference. We were able to feel rejuvinated and spirititually uplifted between getting enough sleep, not chasing kids, and being able to attend our meetings without any kids distractions.  While I was in my leadership meeting in the afternoon, Jeff went to Sam's club to pick up some things we needed for the potluck the next day.  While he was there he picked up a camera for me.  I have wanted a camera for so long.  I used to have a camera on my cellphone but we had to give up our cellphones awhile ago so I have been cameraless. 
But the camera came with strings attatched.  I need to get this blog up and running.  I need to actual take pictures, organize pictures, and write about the pictures.  My goal is for this to become our family journal so I am hopeful that I get better at this.