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.

Creating a business???

I absolutely love making Christmas cards and baby announcements. I thought that maybe I could start making them for people if their is an interest. I don't really know how much to charge to make it worth it. And I am not sure how to get the word out... any ideas? I also love taking pictures so I thought I could take family pictures for Christmas. I would charge a small fee, because I am an amateur. And the fee would be refundable if they were not satisfied.
I was hoping that I could make some money for Christmas.

All is well.

I needed to post a quick update. All of my family are back in their homes and the fires are finally starting to tone down. I am very excited for the air to clear up so the kids can again enjoy the outdoors. They are starting to drive each other crazy. I am grateful that we are used to spending all day together other wise I think things would be so much worse. And we have a daily routine that is mostly unaltered by the horrible air conditions.

I am on another crafty kick. I am helping my SIL's Mom. She is in charge of her Super Saturday for her church (big craft day) The class I am teaching is the family tree I made for my MIL for Mothers day. With 37 members in her family her tree is way out of scale. Now I have an excuse to make a small one of my family. I will post a picture once I get it done.

Yesterday I had an impromptu photo shot of my nephew Brody. So last night I put together a baby announcement. I posted it on my photo blog.

I have been meaning to do some fun stuff with my blog. After a horrible failed attempt Ryan helped me put together what you now see. I was rather impressed with him.

I have another new baby nephew Torch. I haven't been able to see him much because I have not been feeling well. I did see him for a second on Saturday and he is so adorable. Tons of black hair and petite little features. So precious. I will take some pictures of him soon.

Fire info.

For the latest map click below
Fire Map

The fires are so very near our house but not so near that we have to leave. The air is filled with smoke and the ground has ash all over it. This picture is from our driveway. Since we don't have cable I didn't even realize their were major fires until Monday. You could smell it on Sunday but I didn't know what that was about. Three of Ryan's siblings, Kyle and Amy, Hope and Travis, and Sean and Allie, were evacuated from there homes. Sean and Allie's home was miraculously saved. The fires came all around there house but did not burn it. They are right by the wild animal park with nothing around them. What a blessing. I was most worried about them. Hope has returned to her house tonight but has to stay on watch. One of Ryan's brothers friend and family stayed at their house and fought off the fire. There house was the only on remaining.

We have thought a lot about what we would take with us. The computer, (it has all my pictures), important docs, and my boxes of photo albums. If I had more time I would take all my clothes, dirty or clean and that is about it. Everything else is unimportant.

This is all so crazy. We have not lived in So Cal when the fires were bad. We could smell it in the air Utah but never saw it so up close before. I remember when I was young and there were fires in Irvine. My Dad drove us to see the fires coming up over the mountain. I remember being so entranced at the sight.
Ryan took this picture tonight. The red glow has been hovering over us. Very eerie.

I find it so amazing that in times of trials like this people step up. In our church they were asking if anyone had room in their home for evacuees. I didn't get the message right away but as soon as I did I let them know we had a room we could spare. The awesome part was that so many people stepped up they didn't need it anymore. Then I got word that they needed people to help serve food at the church. Again as soon as I replied enough people had already stepped up. I told the lady in charge that I could help in any way when the need arose. They have moved evacuees and now the National Guard is using the building for R & R. When I got the email that they needed snacks for the men I jumped on it. So... instead of making dinner tonight I made several dozen pumpkin spice cookies and bought a bunch of individual bags of chips. Thats what I could do to help. It is a small thing but I was so glad I could do something. An added blessing, these cookies smell so good when they are cooking. The recipe is so simple, my sister gave it to me. one package of spice cake mix, one small can of pumpkin , and a bag of chocolate chips. Cook for 12 minutes at 350. And you have instant pumpkin spice smell in your whole house! Everyone I have talked to has said how crazy their children have been. I think it is being shut up in the house, feeling parents nervousness or apprehension, and then most kids are of school

What a great evening. We had dinner with the bishop, his wonderful wife Michelle, and family. She is one of those people you love the minute you meet her. I felt so comfortable talking to her and just felt like I could tell her anything and it would be safe with her. We made doughnuts and my kids loved it! I never new making donuts was so easy. We will defiantly have to have them over to our house for games or something fun. On the way home Emma told us Tanner (there 11 year old) is her best friend.

(This next part is about my health so you might want to skip to the pictures)
I have exciting news... well exciting to me. I met with Dr G. on Friday and he is pretty sure I have what is called leaky gut syndrome. When I got home I looked up on line and I was shocked to see how many of my symptoms are caused by this. He is very optimistic that in a few months I will be able to eat normal and have energy again.
"When partially digested food, toxins, and bacteria pass through the small intestine and enter the bloodstream, this is referred to as a condition known as leaky gut syndrome, or LGS. In simple terms, large spaces occur in between the cells that compose the wall of the gut. Since these spaces exist in the gut wall, bacteria, toxins, and food can find their way into the bloodstream. When the gut wall or intestinal lining is damaged due to leaky gut syndrome, damaged cells called microvilli become unable to do their job properly. Therefore, they can't manufacture the enzymes that are vital to good digestion. So, digestion is impaired, absorption of nutrients is effected, and damaging substances are able to invade the bloodstream. How does the body respond to the “foreign invaders” that have entered the bloodstream? It responds with inflammation, allergic reactions, and other unpleasant symptoms."

When I eat my body does not pull the nutrients it needs from my food before it passes through these holes. That is why I feel tired and have low energy. Because of this my body is not able to fight of sicknesses as well and I get every sickness that passes our way. There were a lot of symptoms I am having that I have just gotten used to but that I am now hopeful with clear up and go away once I am better.

I have come down with a horrible migraine this last week and that was the final push I needed to go see the Dr. It is such a blessing. I never thought I would say my migraine was a blessing. Now that I know what it is I am dealing with I can take action to get better. I can feel normal again. Stress plays a big part to the flare ups so it only makes sense that I have felt much worse since Joshua's hospital stay. I have been so frustrated with my lack of energy and over all difficulty getting things done. But now I feel so excited and at peace. I am finally going to feel like myself again!!!
Some fun pictures to leave you with and I do have much more to come but it is late and I am tired!

We took a family/school field trip to Bates Nut Farm on Wednesday

My kids really are the cutest. They are aware of my new desire to take great pictures and they let me know what would be a good photo op.
You may be wondering what this picture is??? I cut the end off of Joshua's Binky. I decided it was time to part with the little sucker. It really hasn't been to traumatic. He didn't have naps for a few days but we are past that now.

We got to go to Sea World today. We needed some good family time and it was so perfect. We got there in time for the last dolphin show of the day. The kids and I have seen this show a handful of times so they know exactly how it goes. There is a child and her dad and pretend mom who really is part of the show. The mom falls in and swims with the dolphins and the audience gasps until they realize she is surfing on the backs of the dolphins. Emma is my biggest fan of the dolphins and whales. She has said she wants to be a trainer some day. Whenever we go see this show I think of how nice it would be for her to be picked but we have never gone with Ryan. So on the way to the show I realize this and start to rush over to the show in hopes that Emma can be picked. We sat down and shortly after a man comes up to Emma and asks if she wants to pet a dolphin. Um.. Yeah! The kids all new what was coming and they were so excited for her. "Look there's her friend mom" Sorry about the shaking. I was holding Joshua and he kept grabbing the camera. I wish I had a better shot.

Here is the cute family with new mom Heather.

It was a real bonding experience for Ryan and Emma.
She said the dolphin felt rubbery and Ryan said the whale felt smooth. It was neat to watch Emma have this experience. She said this was the best Sea World trip ever. What a sweet little girl she is. Sometimes I worry that she gets lost in the busyness of a large family. She doesn't demand attention like some of the other kids. I have a make a very conscious effort to give her the love I feel for her.

We didn't stay to long so we were all still in great modes. We decided to go to Islands for dinner. It was one of those laugh or cry moments. The waiter was having a bad night or something. First off as he is putting or drinks down Joshua grabs Ryan's water and manages to get it all over my seat and feet and partly on my lap. Ok, we all laughed. Then Jared gets distracted and knocks his soda ... all over my feet. Really? Still we laugh and try to stay light. A couple comes and sits close by our booth then asks to move because Joshua is in one of his screaming modes because he is over hungry and getting tired. Then two different couple sit close by us, get their food, and are done before our food comes. We are trying so hard to entertain Joshua so as to avoid the screaming. I think we entertained ourselves more. We put salt on his hand and a little bit of water and laughed as he tried to pick it up with the other hand. Then when he got tired of that we moved to sugar. I was tempted to try the ketchup but thought twice about that one. Our food comes right when we are considering leaving because it is really taking that long. But what is this... Where is my food? Yeah it is not ready yet... but I am not super bugged yet because at least the kids are eating and Joshua is no longer screaming. Ryan is done with his food when they bring out my salad. Oh wait that is not what I ordered. With my food aversions I can''t eat meat or cheese. I had asked for the cheese on the side and on the menu it said you have to ask for chicken if you want it so I am not so sure why my salad has chicken. Now I am bugged, trying not to be, but I am. I look at him and while he is saying he is sorry it took him so long I am asking him to take it back because it is not what I asked for. The guy felt really bad and he could tell that was the final straw for me. So he returns with the salad I ordered in record time and I was so icy cold to him (I see now the error of my ways) He comes back to say sorry again and ask if we are doing OK and I must have said something like "Um yeah" In a nice sarcastic tone. I am not usually grumpy like this. He took the salad of our bill and gave the kids all sundaes. At this point I feel really bad for being a jerk, (I don't think I was really a jerk but the thoughts in my head were jerky) I tell him it was fine and we appreciated the sundaes. My kids were happy I got free food and we made it out of there in one piece. The little kids feel asleep right away and we enjoyed the ending of a great day.

Conference

I loved conference. Every 6 months leaders of our chirch speak to us as a whole. I look forward to this time. There was so much that touched me and I will hold on to for along time. The talk that meant the most to me, that filled me with what I need to do, that gave me hope for joy and peace, was Elder Eryings. It seemed as though God turned on a light bulb when he spoke. It was as if I was being told that if I can more fully do what he suggested I would find joy I never thought possible.

My notes:
He would take time every day to write in his journal. What touched me strongly was this question he would ask himself at the end of the day,
"Have I seen the Hand of God reaching out to touch us today?"

He stated that, "Trying to remember allowed God to show me what he had done."


-As consequence of looking for evidence of the hand of God...
*Testimony grew
*More certainty that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayer
*More Gratitude for the Softening and refining that come because the atonement of Savior
*More confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened.

Remember and recognize Gods Kindness

The power to remember God will be increased

Did God send a message that was just for me? Have I seen the Hand of God reaching out to touch us today?

"Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you." That scripture took on new meaning. If I take time out of each day to remember how God has influenced my life he will show unto me things I had not previously noticed or been aware of. I will find greater happiness because I am seek to see my blessings.

Delighted photography

I started a new blog for my pictures I take for other people. I really enjoy taking pictures and I hope that I can some day get good enough to have a clientèle. For now I just enjoy taking pictures of my family and extended family. My Blog is delightedphotography.blogspot.com

I took school pictures of my family on Thursday. I posted them on the other blog. I really want feedback. I can't make that decision on my own.

Other big news, I chopped all of my hair of and it is now shorter than it has been since I was 5. It was one of those spur of the moment things and I am still not sure if I like it. But it is done and it is what it is. Sometimes I look at it and I love it, other times I look at it and just shrug. I was in need of a change. I did cut of almost a foot and I am going to be able to donate it to locks of love so that is good!

Not the best picture but it gives you the idea.

What a great day. I woke up early and had every intention of going running. As I was walked towards the door to leave I felt like I should stay. Not knowing why I went to my study chair and started of with a prayer and some wonderful studying. I was blessed to be given this small book called Quiet Moments by Patricia Holland. It touched my soul so deeply and I remember how much I love to study the word of God early in the morning before the house has risen. Their are seasons in my life where I am better at taking time to read and study scripture and times when I have not been so good. I notice that when I take that time, even if I don't feel like I have it, my day goes smoother and I have an inner peace that lasts.

(I must make a side note at this point. I am not perfect. I make mistakes. I get mad at my kids and husband. My house gets messy and sometimes I don't feel like getting out of bed. But I do keep going and I do keep trying.) I make that side note because I realize I only include the good in this blog. That is why I write it. It forces me to take time to notice how blessed I am. To look for cute things my kids say and do that I may more fully love them. To notice the wonderfulness of my husband that I may more fully love him. To look at the every day miracles in my life and show gratitude to my Father above for them.

Back from my randomness... Because I started my day so great everything has gone so smoothly. I had my meeting with the kids teacher and I am such a proud mom! So if you do not want to hear my bragging skip this paragraph, but especially for my parents I include the following info. The kids took a test called MAPS. It compares them with kids in the area and is meant to let me know their strengths and weaknesses. Jared, in the 4th grade, tested above middle fifth grade in Math and Language Usage (grammar, spelling, writing) and 7th grade in reading. Sarah in 2nd grade, tested 4th grade in Math, 6th grade for Reading and middle 6th grade for Language Usage. She is considered a gifted 3rd grader. This is why I home school. I want to help them in the areas that God has blessed them that they may be all that God has in store for them. The teacher was also impressed with Emma. She kept saying, "What kindergartener knows that?" Emma was nervous before her meeting. She said, "What if I don't remember anything?"

A few funny things my kids say.
At church yesterday we Joseph and I were walking the halls with the baby. behind a curtain we heard a man talking. Joseph looked at me with surprise and said, "who buddy?"
With a laugh I said "what?"
Again "Who buddy is that?"
Then I got it, somebody, anybody, nobody, and whobody. Makes sense to me.

When Emma is reading new words she likes to put them in a sentence. So the other day she read out. Then with a big smile and in a sassy tone says, "Rock the show out!" Where do they come up with these things?

I almost forgot to mention.... the best news of all.... We finally got rid of our "kitty" It really is a guinea pig but it has long hair and looks like a cat. It had to live in the garage because their was no where else to put her and I felt very guilty leaving her out their. My SIL Hope wanted it for her son so I happily passed it along. Emma was sad but loves that she went to family so that we may still go visit.

And here are some pictures I took over the weekend. We have the funnest park near the kids school with great photo op's.

I loved this one of Jared.

When you gotta go you gotta go.

Jared being 9Sarah posed herself for this one

She looks so grown up.

The only decent picture I could get of him. He was all over the place.

How do I ever say no to this face?

One last thing. For family night tonight we talked about Uncle Kent, death, and the resurrection. Emma was especially sad as this is the first time death has been a reality to her. As we talked about Uncle Kent and how we should be happy for him since he is now free of pain and free from the bonds his body kept him in, he was a paraplegic with limited use of his head and one arm. Emma sat in my lap and cried. She said she missed him. Sarah turned to Emma and with tears in her eyes said,"Emma, in church I learned about the second coming and when Jesus comes again those people who died will come with him." She wanted to assure Emma that we would see Uncle Kent again. Emma realized Aunt Chris must also be feeling lonely so we should pray for her to not be so lonely. Emma said the prayer as Sarah rubbed her leg. I am grateful my children feel close with each other that they can love freely. And that they can teach me how to comfort those in need.

This week has been a very big range of emotions. Ryan's Uncle Kent died in a very unfortunate and unexpected accident. We were blessed to visit with his Aunt and her family last night. It is so amazing to see the way people come together in times of sorrow. I was talking to his cousin Kiersten and she was saying how so many people want to help. We all do. We love them and want to be a support to them in some way. I am grateful to know that their is more then just this earth life. What peace and comfort that gives in this time of sorrow.

In the past I might not have come over because I wouldn't have known what to say or I didn't want to intrude. I feel so blessed to have learned from my SIL's how to comfort those in need. Amy doesn't worry about doing the "right" thing, she just acts. She goes to work making meals and giving hugs. She feels and she feels deeply. Sarah has taught me that you don't have to say anything. Your presence and a willing ear are all most people want and need. (Thanks Sarah for always listening to me) Hope teaches me to be willing to do things you might not at first want to do. She helped clean Chris's house. I bet she felt so good when it was all done. We all know how nice it is to not have to worry about your house. I feel so blessed to have learned this from them. This is what the unity of sisterhood is supposed to be all about.


After we visited with them we went to see Allie, Sean, and their new baby Brody. He is such a little cutie. Her labor went amazingly well. She delivered Brody two hours after induction. He weighed in at 8lbs 11 ounces and 20 inches long. Could the labor fairies visit me with this blessing? Allie is so enjoyable to visit with. I feel such a connection to her. She reminds me of me when I had my second. Such a desire to do things the right way. She wants so much to be a good wife and good mother. Her desire is what helps her to be the wonderful person she is.

Look at at that hair!

I always tuck in the kids after the fall asleep. I do this for very selfish reasons. The most important being When I see them all peaceful and quiet I can't help but feel gratitude for them. So no matter how crazy or hectic our day is I can end it with a loving feel for this little people. When I went to tuck in the boys I found this. How cute are they?? And in case you are wondering, on a normal day I do put my children in jammies. This had been a long day and I wanted to get them to bed quickly. Hey don't judge. ;)


This video is to show Joshua's scream. I bet in ten years we will have forgotten all about it so I wanted to document it. The video does not do him justice. The scream is normally so much louder and much more frequent.

Tribute to fall

In the move I gave away all my old and not so cute decor which left me with nothing for fall. Great excuse for me to make this for my dining room table...

I thought that while the kids were at school today we would do some crafting. Now that I am finally starting to feel settled I am ready to make my house look more like my home. I thought that Joseph and I would make this...

But he decided that he did not like the idea of getting messy so instead he painted. I had another craft idea of putting paint on the leaves then stamping them on the pumpkin but again messy. I tried it on paper because I was curious and it didn't work the way I thought it would. Does he look like he cared that what I had planned didn't really work?

Of course not

Happy nice weather day to all!

My kids are the funniest!

When I had Jared I had no idea what to do with a new little baby that demanded my attention all the time. I remember feeling so bored and I had no idea how to spend my time! Funny to think about now that I was ever bored. I would think, "I can't wait until he can really talk to me." Then when he got older and could talk so young he would entertain me.
But today I realized that we have really entered the funnest age yet. We sit down to lunch and have this conversation,
"OK. Mom, if you had been eating only beans from the ground, roots from a tree for your water, sand crabs (other funny things I don't remember) and it was all really gross, then you could eat whatever you wanted, what would you eat?"

I thought for a minute and answered to quickly and non serious for his liking, "Chips and Salsa"

Jared says very seriously,"You could eat ANYTHING and you would eat chips and salsa????"

Now its time for business. I pause, waiting a sufficient time, and reply, "Do I have to cook it myself?"

"No, now what would you eat?"

"Really good fish fajitas"

Then he says as he points his finger at me in a Dwight (from The Office) way, "But your a vegetarian."

I say, "Yeah, I am a vegetarian."

"But one who doesn't eat fish!"

How did I not just crack up at this point? I have no idea. Just writing this I laugh out loud.

I asked what he would eat and what followed is so funny for a 9 year old boy.

"Lobster, octopus, clams, etc...."

I wanted to say,"But your a vegetarian, the kind that does not eat fish!" But I was a good mom and I held my tongue while smiling really big inside.

Earlier in the day the kids and I were doing math facts on the trampoline. I sat on the tramp while they each took turns reciting math facts. After each child was done they would get the next and Joseph and I would jump. Once they all returned to their work Joseph and I stayed out there. I lay down and he told me I had to cover my eyes. Then he ran around me and in a sing-song voice said, "Batman, Batman don't come alive. Batman, Batman now your alive. 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3." At this point I was expected to keep my eyes closed and come after him. When I came in I asked the kids were he learned that game. They said it was dead man not batman. All the funnier.
I love the way kids hear things. Emma is the best. She loves to sing but never gets the words right. Her latest is Bop to the Top from the Highschool Musical. She was singing it in the car and saying, "LllOp, llop, lllop, blop to the top." We love our Emma.

Update on Joshua and the spray bottle, its a no go. He laughed today when we tried it. So anyone out there have a good suggestion on how to stop a 15 month old from screaming so loud the neighbors can hear?

Sarah said to me today, "Do you think all families are as happy as we are?" It was good to hear that she thought that since I had been very grumpy last week. A lady at Target today said,"You must have your hands full?" To which Sarah replied to me, "Isn't it funny how EVERYONE says that to us?" I guess we spoiled it for her that she was not to original. I told Sarah that I did not think I had my hands full and she agreed.

This is one of the joys of being a big family. I wish people could see this when I was at the store and they say,"You must have your hands full?" No, in fact I feel extremely blessed to overflowing with such wonderful kids who teach me on a daily basis what life is really about! To love, be loved, and laugh often.

Pack meeting

Jared had pack meeting tonight for scouts. I have been helping out until the find an official one. I am actually enjoying it. I got to make two train cakes. It is very rewarding. The den leader made two and I made two. The two of us stood by our cakes like an artist at an art show. We were proud of our creations. "May I ask, what were you thinking when you created this one?" "It really is so complex. How do I describe the emotions of this train?" Really, I laughed on the way home when I thought of how we stood by our cakes.

Caroline's wonderful cakes.
Before things got under way the boys each were playing with one half of a bouncey ball and having the best time.
Jared got to be in charge of the salute. I was so proud of him.
The boys painted the Station. I thought they did a nice job!

Few tidbits into my life.

Joshua has decided that his new form of communication is to scream a very high pitch level. This started when I was sick and had a headache for over a week straight. The kind of headache that makes it hard to even think. With that said you will understand why I did what I did. A friend of mine came over and I asked her if she had any idea how to stop a child from screaming. She told me that she had a daughter that did the same thing at the same age. Her husband would spray her with water. I thought, "That sounds so mean." Don't they train dogs that way? But when the screaming began I searched for our spray bottle and yes I admit I did it. He would squint and wonder why I did that. It seemed to help, a little. I would say, "Joshua we don't scream." Then if he did it again I would spray him.
The kids and I also made up a song we sing when he starts to scream to try to distract him. "We don't scream, we don't scream. We just sing, so lets all sing. We don't scream" (I know I should go into the business but who has time for that?)
I was doing school with the kids a few days ago when Joshua comes into me soaking wet. I laughed and searched for Joseph. His reply was very simple, "I told him no scream" Very funny to us all!

So I declared already that I hate shopping and that I am used to people saying "Are they all yours?" and "You must be busy!' Well for some reason when I went to target yesterday and was bugged afresh. I only had the boys with me, the girls were at dance. Jared took Joseph into the bathroom with him so I was only with Josh. A lady in her mid forties started to play cutsie with him. Telling me how she loved being a mom and how she can tell he is big for his age. On and on. Then Jared and Joseph walked up and she stood and stared with mouth open. I was uncomfortable at this point. I was trying to get Joseph into the cart as fast as I could. Then she blurts out, "Girl, How old are you?" 1. this is none of her business 2. the way she said it came out with such disdain. I was taken back and had no good reply so I answered her and she then told me I looked 18. All I could think to say was, "Thank you, I think" She continued to just stand and stare, a personal favorite. I don't mind being told I look young for my age. I get that a lot. But for some reason being told I look 11 years younger then I am got under my skin. I wished I had commented on how she looked so old for her age or something good but I was in shock and nothing came to me.

I looked at my friend Shannon's blog today and was reminded of how much I love Fall. When I got dressed today I was able to wear one of my favorite shirts that it has been to hot to wear. The kids and I went to the library today and as we walked out you could feel the nice cool fall breeze. We then had a discussion about how we both love fall! All that comes with it. Rain, beautiful leaves, cool weather but not yet cold, Halloween. Understand that the only reason I love Halloween is because I love to dress my kids up. I love to think of fun costumes for them and then seem them be so excited to dress up.

Can I just tell you how much I love blogger! They have now made it easy to upload video. I used to have to do it through Google and it was a pain. But know it is as easy as uploading a picture! Joshua loves to play in my cup drawer. It makes him happy so I let him. When he did this the other day we had a great laugh!

Yet another reason I homeschool!

For school Emma and I read a book about a little Japanese girl. So we decided to eat dinner like her. I dressed Emma in her robe, Kimono, and we ate on pillows over the coffee table. The kids even tried to use chopsticks. They actually did pretty well. I had great intentions of making Japanese food but I was not feeling well. So thank you San Sai. Food was great and we enjoy our festive night.




This may not seem like such a big deal to most of you. We don't watch very much tv and Joshua never has interest. I just thought it was super cute that he was hanging out with his big brother. Joshua just looks so big to me lately

Fieldtrip!

My SIL Amy and her family went camping this last week to the beach. I wanted to go also but really did not feel up to it. So instead we went to visit them on Thursday. It was so much fun and I want to go with them next year. The water was a little cold for my liking but the kids did not seem to mind. Joshua discovered the water. He would bolt for it. I would hold his hands as he walked into the water. He would try to push me away and walk farther in. I think he believed he could swim. Joseph normally stays far away from the water but once he saw that Joshua was going in he decided it must be ok. The rest of the time he wanted to "Go in water Mom?" I had to hold his hand for him to feel safe. That part was a little challenging when I was trying to hold Joshua's hand and Joseph's. Joshua is at that age where he lets his body go lose to try to get away from you. The waves were so mild that it was never a big deal.

Jared wanted so much to find crabs but they seemed to be gone the day we were their. This picture seems to capture so much of what their relationship is. Joseph loves his big brother. Jared found some lobster shells. We even got to bring one home. I know what your thinking and please don't be jealous that I now have a part of a lobster shell in my bathroom.

I found another set of super neat looking stairs. If you click on the picture you can see better the hilarious face that Emma is making. That is their cousin Cade in the back. We all went on a walk together.

On our walk we found a ton of squirrels, 17 according to Cade.

MY fun little Emma. She had a great time playing in the sand and occasionally playing in the water. She is just so friendly to all the kid she would meet.

The birds there were so tame. You really couldn't get rid of them even if you wanted to. Joshua was so cute. He would chase up and down and all around the beach. They would slowly walk away from him never really to concerned.
This was Joshua. He wants so much to keep up with the big kids. I felt like I was saying "slow down, hurry up" a bunch. The older kids want to run and the younger ones want to stop and look at everything.

The kids had their first day of school. I do homeschool through the best charter school around. I found out this last week that it is rated a 9 out of 10 for the schools in our area.

Emma was so excited. I missed them so much. When they got home the plopped themselves down and showed me all their work. They were so tired. I spent my first free day going shopping. Why would I do that you ask? Because I do not love grocery shopping with everyone. I have gotten over the "are they all yours?" and "You must have your hands full!" I just find that the grocery store is a magnet for begging and tormenting one another so I try to avoid it at all costs. Except for Sam's club. I don't know why they like Sam's Club but usually they are pretty good ther. Ok back to topic of origin... Our second free day Joseph and I had a great day. We colored, ran to the store and baked cookies. I love homeschool and I love that they get to enjoy the benifits of going to school also. I am not used to having the kids gone yet and it still feels weird to me. Too quiet for my likeing.