Quick kiddie note

I have never had a child quote movies like Joseph does. He pulls out one liners all the time and it is hilarious once we figure out which movie he is referring to.

Today we went to the Zoo in San Diego. On our way home we stopped at Taco bell to get a taco. He found a little brown booster seat, put it into place and then said he was a hot dog sitting in the bun. We all laughed at that. Then he gets this clever smile on his face and puts his hands up like he is driving a car and says, "I love this car."

I am puzzled and look at the kids to see if anyone can figure out the movie. Jared, who seems to always be able to decipher Joseph, figured it out.

On Christmas Eve we went to the movies as a family. Joshua watched only about 15 minutes before I decided to take home. I got a refund ticket and Ryan and I went back to see it tonight. The very last line of the movie is, "I love this car." When I saw that I laughed out loud. What a funny kid.

Anyone know the movie?

Our trip to the wild animal park

We had such a fun time. It was crowded so we decided to not to stay to long. We did see some of my favorites though.

Here they are looking at the tigers, they were actually out.Seriously, this man is so stinking hot.

In this picture I see the girls in ten years. Oh the things they will think about then? Will is still be dolls and dress up?

I love this picture. Those little boys want to be just like there daddy.

The kids were all very fascinated with the birds. Who knew?

These gorillas fasinated me. The little one went in to were the big one was and just started to tease him. Just like a little kid would to his dad.

Joshua loved when we were able to get really close to the animals.

We made it!

Merry Christmas from the early morning Chapman Christmas crew.

When we asked Joseph what he wanted he said a Shark.
Jared had no idea what he wanted. He got a PS2 and he was shocked. His response was my favorite. I loved watching him absoletuly love what he got.More animals, he could never have to many.

We had such a lovely day. After much turmoil it felt so good to have the day go so smoothly. We had major drama trying to get the girls Christmas presents in time. They did not get here in time, even after having a major break down on the phone with UPS. My MIL was so generous to offer us some presents she had bought for her daughter so that the girls would have something to open. I was able to run to target 10 minutes before they closed and got them each one thing. I had made them these cute tutu's so they had those also. Then yesterday their American Girl dolls came and they were fine. Emma was a little sad but once I told her that the dolls would be here the next day she was better.

Then after a relaxing day we went to my in-laws. We enjoyed visiting and a nice dinner. After wards we had a crazy time while the kids all opened their gifts. We did it by families this year and I liked that. I enjoy visiting with the family. We did a whole homemade christmas for my in-laws and I loved it. I made these for the SIL's. I put them in chunky black frames.

We made a book for my MIL of our favorite christmas memories and some were so tender and some cracked me up. I love this family. All of the different personalities. I am so grateful I married into this circle of complexities and differences. Love and friendship. I do miss my family terrible at this time of year. I am hoping that I will be able to go visit my sister in a few weeks. I didn't even talk to either of my brothers.

Yesterday we took family pictures with Ryans whole family. I am excited to see the pictures turn out. I took some of my own while we were waiting for our turn at pictures. Every time we take picture we get, The whole group, just the grandkids, individuals of the 13 kids, each individual family, the girls with mom, then with day and vise versa. So to try to entertain my kids I took pictures of them and we went on the pier. I put pictures on delightedphotography.blogspot.com

We got wild animal park tickets so that is what we are going to do today. We did get tickets to Disneyland for the kids also. The next day that is not blocked out is on the 7th so we will get to do that then. My kids were really spoiled this year. I normally don't spend as much but because I waited till last minute I did not pay close attention. Then the girls got extra gifts due to the UPS non 2-day delivery. I think it ended up being more like 10 days. I was so excited most about my new photoshop book. Photoshop is such a complex program. I work with it a lot but I feel like I don't even use 1/20th of what it offers. Maybe that is an under statement.

What a glorious few days

On thursday while at my piano lesson I happened to be at the right place at the right time. Let me back up. My kids have been having a hard time falling asleep. It is the two older ones. They wake up and still look so tired. So one night Sarah asked if she could listen to Forgotten Carols to fall asleep. (Forgotten carols is a christmas CD about the gifts of Christmas) It is one of my favorites. This seemed to solve the problem. Jared and Sarah leave their doors open so they both can hear it. Sarah was telling our neighbor Carol about how much she loved it so Carol let her borrow the book. She finished it the same day and then read it to Emma.

Every year Micheal McLean, the guy who wrote it, does a traveling show and this year they came to San Diego. My Mother in law had bought tickets for the show for her family. I so wished I had known they were coming and that we had bought tickets. Back to Thursday, my MIL asked the piano teacher if she wanted 3 extra tickets. She was already going but sense she had seen how bad of a day I was having she suggested offering them to me. I think my MIL didn't ask any of the married childeren first because how could she decide who got to go, We all wanted to. So then I had the hard choice of decideing which children to take. Jared didn't think he wanted to go because it was going to be late and he likes to get to bed early. So I told Emma she could go. Later Jared realized he really did want to go and at the last minute one more ticket became available. We all loved it so much. Even Emma sat still the whole time. I went away with an abundance of the true meaning of Christmas. A glorious evening. I don't think My MIL can ever know how much that meant to me.

Today Sarah and I got to sing in church. It was the same song we sung a few weeks ago for the sisters of our church but today it was for everyone. We didn't have the same nervousness. It was as though Father in Heaven said to me, "Have confidence in me. Know that you are doing what I would have you do." I don't think I have ever felt that quiet reassurance before while singing. I felt as if I was delivering his message. All I had to do was open my mouth and he would make sure the message came out just right. I didn't shake, or cry, or feel sick. I truly felt like I was simply His mouth piece. Our voices blended so well. I think it was the best Sarah has ever sung. When I sat down I allowed myself to then feel the spirit of the song and I was filled with love and gratitude.

Earlier tonight I had a grand and humbling realization. When I was young all I ever wanted to be when I grew up was a singer and a mom. Nothing moves me more then song and I have always wanted to touch people and help them come closer to God in this fashion. While we sung I looked down and saw tears fill peoples eyes. My hearts deepest desire was granted to me this day. How blessed I am at this Christmas time to be able to share this gift God has granted to me and to be able to share it with my daughter. All I am I owe to Him. I can never repay Him. But tonight I felt my Father smile and except my offering.

I am so grateful for this glorious day.

Cows

Some where Joshua acquired this little brown plastic cow. I have no idea where, but it has become his favorite toy (meaning he never puts it down. He eats with it, sleeps with it, takes a bath with it, walks around the house every day with it, takes it in the car with us) Now we have a good idea of how much he likes it. A few weeks ago I had conferences at the kids charter school. I normally do not let him take the "moo cow" out of the car but I figured that since he was going to be in the stroller it would be ok. He got really fussy so I let him play in the yard. Needless to say I forgot about the cow and some child is the new benefactor to that "moo cow." I found him a new one and he loves it just the same. His new thing is to dip it into his drink. I am not sure what the pleasure is but he sure is.Side note, he is such a messy eater. I forget this every morning and get him dressed to get him undressed when he is done eating. Because I have already gotten him dressed once for the day I don't usually get him dressed again until it is time to go somewhere. Yeah I was always one of those moms who laughed when I saw diaper babies and now I always have one... Until this week. I finally figure it out. Take his clothes off before he eats. I know this sounds like a no brainer but for whatever reason it slipped my mind. I did this with the other kids. I always took at least their shirts off. So laugh if you will, I do.

No one will confess...

But it is more than obvious that someone was playing with my camera. I laughed when I saw these.

Excuses, excuses...

...I could list several as to why I ave not posted more but instead I will just begin.
I have so much I want to post. I will just start and try to write more often so that I can get caught up. We have all been sick. Emma had a real high fever and slept most of the day. Then i got sick. What a blessing that I did not get sick until now. With all that I had to do. I stayed in bed for most of the morning on Sunday. When I did get up I found little red bumps all over Joshua. Yep, he has chicken pox. It really doesn't seem to bother him. The major down side for me? I have been in denial that Christmas was coming (waiting for money to come in) So I have hardly bought anything. Now that we have some money I can't go shopping because we are quarantined I am discovering online shopping and priority shipping. One of our presents is due to get here christmas eve. Keep your fingers crossed.

I will get a better pox picture soon. This was the first day. They have spread like wild fire.

Kid note...
I put my hair up today and Joseph got very mad at me. He said, "I don't like your hair cute! Make it not cute!" I had a good laugh.

FYI

You can not cook an egg in the microwave.... It will explode!

Merry Christmas to all

We tried to take family pictures on Saturday. It was over cast but it didn't rain all day. We get in the car to where we are getting our pictures taken and a light sprinkle starts. No big deal right? She gets her camera set up and takes a few shoots then the heavens open and it starts to pour. Christy, our photographer, did a great job considering the situation. I think after the Christmas season we will try again.

This is the picture that we took before the rain set it. Aren't we cute? I was so glad we got this one. The funny thing? It stopped raining When we drove away. Really when you think about it, I can't believe we were able to get any pictures?

If you have moved in the past year please Email me your address. S@iamchapman.com

Take a deep breath before you decide to read this one...

I have been a bad blogger. I want to blog. I think of things through out the day I want to document. I have been so busy though. I must say that I love doing all the things that make my life busy but sometimes I forget to stop and take a breath.

Let me try to document some of my craziness.

Last Saturday I had my first official photo session. It was a learning experience and I learned a ton. I was a little disappointed with the pictures but I really do love doing it. It brings me so much joy! Then I had two more sessions on Saturday. It was so cold. The two families were so wonderful and they let me try things I have been wanting to try. It is so fun to get paid doing something I love so very much! The first photos were at the beach were I slipped on some rocks and ate it pretty bad. Surprisingly I was not seriously hurt. Some bruises on my back side but nothing to write home about. The next session was at my favorite little old church and I had so much fun playing with their cute little boy. He is so expressive.

Sunday I had choir practice for church at 9 and then At 10:15 Sarah and I practiced our song we were to sing in church. I got home got ready and then to church. It is so wonderful singing with Sarah. She was nervous. I had my arm around her and I could feel her shaking. That made me a little more nervous, I messed up on which verse we were on and tried to skip the 3rd verse. It was ok though. When Sarah sang at the end all by her self about Jesus once being a little child to, I lost it and had a hard time singing. There were so many wet eyes in the room. She is so amazing. I walked her to her class afterwards. I gave her a big hug and told her how proud I was of her. I reminded her that God has given her this gift and to always remember that. I told her that she has the power to move people and to help them feel the spirit of God. The Holy Ghost bore witness to me of her specialness. It was a wonderful moment for me as her mother. We had to take with some people after church so we didn't get home till 5. Sarah and I had to leave by 5:40 to get our other choir practice. We are sing at the Center for the Arts next week. I am so excited about this. The songs are so hard but so rewarding. I didn't get home till late and then I crashed. I love my husband very much and it was sad for me to have to be away from him when it is usually our time.

Monday I was fixing pictures from my Saturday shots and getting caught up on school work with the kids. That afternoon I took pictures for my SIL. They turned out so cute. I will post them after christmas as they will be her christmas presents to family. Then I came home and made a quick dinner for the family. After the kids were all in bed I went to practice a song I am singing tomorrow night at our churches ladies night out. I had a blast though. These girls are so fun. So I ended up not getting home till after 10, again with the no seeing the hubby.

Today I had a blast making tutu's for the girls for christmas. It is a no sew project and very easy but it did take all day. I first went to visit a lady from church and then I tried to sew a shirt for Emma simply because I wanted to learn how. Then I headed over to Sarah's house. While I was there I got a call from Emma saying that she was sick and I needed to pick her up from school. She was not sick by the time I got her but she still wanted to come home. We ended up eating at Sarah's, Thank you Sarah! Side note: I feel so blessed to live were I do. We are so close to my amazingly wonderful in-laws, I go to church with awesome people who I already adore, the weather is great. I was amazed the other morning that it dropped below 50. I feel so much support and so much love. Could it get any better then this?
I got home and took care of my scouts stuff for tomorrow. I should be touching up photos but I had to take a minute for me. Ryan has young mens tonight, maybe tomorrow we will see each other.

Normally things are not so busy, busy yes, but this is more then normal. I think writing this all down has helped me to see why I feel a little extra bit of tiredness. Really though, I wouldn't change any of it.

My Mom's birthday is today. This is the sweetest mom a daughter could ask for. Growing up she was always there for me to talk to. I remember sitting in her room talking to her about everything, crying when I was hurt by a friend or boy, or just excited about some little girl fantasy. She helped me believe I could do anything. My parents would come to every one of my swim meets for 9 nine years. It took almost the whole Saturday and they never acted like it was a bother. I always knew my mother thought the world of me and that threw her eyes I was the best. I only hope that I can give my children this same kind of love. The kind only a loving mother can offer. I am so excited for when Laura and I get to go visit them in France. I love this women! Hope you have a great day Mom!

After ten years things keep getting better!

Ryan and I were able to spend three days together without the kids. We missed them terribly and had to go get them before we were planning on. With that said, we had a great time! We went to Disneyland on Thursday. The longest line was no more then ten minutes or so. I got to go on rides I ad never been on because I have always had the kids or been pregnant. I love roller coasters and I laughed from surprise in Tower of terror. Then we went home. I do not really enjoy hotel beds. I never sleep good. The kids went to stay at other peoples houses so the house was so quiet. It was great. We then spent the next day at the temple. And enjoyed a nice dinner at a Japanese place. It was so good I am craving it right now. We slept in super late on Saturday. We were able to just lay there and talk. It was so nice! Thank you to everyone who helped to watch my children. I really appreciated it! I do love this man so very much!

While we were there they were taping a part of Dancing with the stars. When we walked up there had been people waiting for over an hour. We had a great spot to see but I didn't want to waste our time waiting to see Jenny Garth. About 2 minutes after we walked away we heard the crowd go wild. I looked over and good see that they were there but that was it. I guess I will have to watch it on line to see it.

I have been tagged.

This tagging is different then in the past. 7 random things about me. I had to really think about this. It was good for me to think of the things I love and aspire to.


1. When I love someone I love them completely. I would do anything I could to help them. The down side to this? I am slightly afraid of being let down so I have been more reserved when it comes to making close friends. I hold back when I first make a friend, waiting to see if they are going to love me fully also. But once they do they have a friend for life!

2. I consider myself a very nostalgic person. I look back on the past with great fondness. I remember old friendships with deep feeling and I love to look at pictures of my past. Today I was changing pictures from an old photo book into a new one. They were pictures of our first year of marriage. Jared was a baby. When he came home from scouts I hugged him and just felt close to him. I feel as though remembering the good times helps me to get through the hard ones. I savor those moments.

3. Some day I will write a book. I already have the title, and basic plot written. The fictional story is meant to give women hope and joy in their calling as wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends. I do acknowledge that I am not the best writer and I don't expect it to be published in stores. But I feel compelled to write it and I will chip away at it until it is done.

4.I have a need to help people. I want to ease their burdens and sometimes I give advice when it is not asked for or needed. I don't know if this is a blessing or a trial. At times it has been both. When I am successful in helping to lift another's burdens I feel like I am on cloud nine. And I feel so helpless when I can't help.

5. I love to sing in my house, the shower, the car, and even in the store. I used to get embarrassed when my Dad would do this (sing in the store). Now I do it all the time. Music soothes me and energizes me. It helps to change my mode quicker then anything else. I love that my children love to sing and that they usually join in. (I know it is only a few short years before this will too embarrass them.)

6.This goes along with number 5...I want to compose my own music. I am taking piano lessons, less then a year, and I hope that once I am good enough composing will come naturally to me. I believe we all have a song in us and I am anxious to hear what mine sounds like. The music I hear in my soul is strong and soft and moves people to tears because they will feel the love of our Savior. Is that to much to ask? I do dream big, greatness is just around the corner.

7. Moving right along... I feel that my children are destined for huge things in this world.
Whether that means they will raise amazing children or they will be governor it doesn't really matter. I just see so much goodness in them, each in their own way. With each child they bring a new identity all their own. I look forward to the day when my youngest has a couple of children and I can see the person each one has grown to be.


Their it is 7 random things you might not have known about me.

Now I tag Megan, Shannon, Sarah, Amy ( I know you read this and you need to get back to blogging) Kelly, (same for you) Hope (this could be your 2nd blog entry), and Michelle.

Happy Birthday Ryan!

I never posted on Ryans birthday and I need to express my deepest love for this man I have spent the past ten years with. I feel like we are entering into the best years of our marriage. Our love has reached a higher level, one of understanding and tranquility. We are not perfect and we have come to an acceptance of this. In fact it seems as though we are greater able to laugh at one another's faults instead of trying to change them. Ryan loves me in a way that surpasses my expectations of a husband. With all the phisical stuff I have been facing he has been so wonderful. He helps with the dishes and laundry and even mops my floor. He helps me to take it easy when I need to and he makes me laugh. Like this picture. He finally convinced me to watch Nacho Libra and I did laugh. This is the goofy grin from the character whose name I can not remember.
I can not imagine my life with any one else. I look at other couples and hope for them the same kind of love I have for my husband. He is my everything. With him I am a better person. I was telling my girls the other day that I hope they marry someone like there dad that will love them so very much. I always saw tenderness in my own dads eyes towards my mom and I feel so lucky to now know what that feels like. I remember long car rides as a child and I would listen to my parents talk for hours and wonder how they never ran out of anything to talk about. That is one of my favorite things about the man that is my prince and king. Being married to your best friend, you can lay in bed and talk about the deep to the mundane and enjoy it all.

Thank you Ryan for choosing me to spend the rest of eternity with.

Bates Nut Farm

Shout out..

...to my wonderful MIL. I have had the flu, Tis the season. She let Jared come over for the afternoon and then when she dropped him of she saw that the house was a mess and picked up for me. She even wiped down my stove. I don't think she knows how appreciated that is. I will be able to wake in the morning not dreading the mess that accompanied this sick day. Thanks Mom.

Halloween

The kids went trunk-or-treating at my MIL's church. There were not a lot of people there so the kids went around three or four times. It was nice because they didn't get to much candy. It was a mellow evening. We then went to Great Grandma and Grandpas to show off the kids.

The family checking out their treats.
Joshua did not really get the reason we were walking around. He just loved being free. He would crack us up. If we let go of his hand he would take off and go until you stopped him. I think he was my biggest candy eater though. Boy did he love it!Joseph was a little bit grumpy. Instead of saying thank you he would grunt and make a crusty face. He also made Ryan hold him for a long time. He did say he had fun though.
I made all the costumes except for Sarah's. Aunt Amy gave that to her a few years back. Since she has been reading all the Little House on The Prairie books she wanted to be Laura. She did insist I make her an apron though. By the way, Thanks Hope for the super easy hat pattern! You saved me.

The gang ready to forget dinner and eat some candy. I love the cheezy grins!

Robin and his Merry Men. There was no way I was having my boys wear tights. so yes they are wearing jeans.

Joseph was Little John except he didn't want to be "little" so we called him Big John.
And Joshua was Will from the Robin Hood book. The kids also stated that he was baby John.

Robin Hood

Our tooth fairy (like the boots?)

Laura Inglis Wilder

My heros!

Some relatives of a friend of ours lost their home to the fires. Last Saturday. Ryan went down with his scouts to help clean up as best they could. Jared begged to go. After being down there for five hours I thought that Jared would be ready to come home. When I called Ryan he said Jared had not been felling well due to the smoke and debris. I headed down. What I saw was sickening. It made me so grateful for our safety and I developed such sympathy for those who had lost so much. This family lost all their pictures. Breaks my heart. When I came to get Jared he was upset. He did not want to go. My friend later told me that Jared came up to them and said, "I am so glad I am here." It was such a neat moment for me as a mom. To see that he felt so good because he was able to do something.

We past houses and cars that were burnt like. The starnge part was seeing trees that were only burnt on the bottom. I guess the wind blew the fire around so quickly that it didn't have a chance to burn everything. What a blessing. I talked with the kids school teacher yesterday and she said she could see fire out her back window and they had 5 minutes to get out. Luckily the winds changed and her development was saved.

Jared wanted me to take a picture of this bucket. The family owned a vending machine company and often kept the quarters. Ryan told me the amount kept going up as to how much there really was. Jared believed it was over $5000. Jared collected a lot of quarters for them. Most of them had been melted but you could still tell what they were.