See it all~

Okay (since Natalie wishes I would post more)--I just posted a couple of new blogs with LOTS of pictures! Scroll down and enjoy the show!

Time out...

So this is Tessa's "time out" spot! (I know, we can do an entire post on her hair later...she gets it from her dad.) But as she has been getting older, we have been trying to teach her and when she hits, she goes to time out. I write goes--but really she marches--all I have to say, is "Tessa, go to time out"...and she marches with her one arm swinging and sits herself down. I tell her to stay there until she can be nice...and when she comes out I ask her if she's ready. She nods yes and then smiles--I hope I never forget the little pouty faces she pulls--for as much as I should be disciplining her, I find that it tugs on my heartstrings more than I'd like to admit. What a little toot!

All aboard...the Polar Express!!

"THIS IS THE POLAR EXPRESS....."What a fun way to feel the Christmas Spirit! It was pure magic for the kids--and as it goes with 4 young kids, a miracle that we all survived! :) Thanks Dad--for a FUN get-away!

Here comes Santa...a real beard and everything! Carter is always so animated--is this the picture of pure joy or what?

"Happy" to see Santa! Tessa's favorite part was the cookie--can you tell??? Our "Cocoa Chef" on the Polar Express--super attentive and way off key! Getting ready for the train to leave the station in Williams--and transport us to the North Pole!

Waiting for the Polar Express! It was cold...but lots of fun!

Here we are in front of an old steam engine!

I guess it's tradition to wear PJ's to ride on the Polar Express--so we ordered the famed PJ Pals from Disney--and we were off to see the train!

Here are the kids playing in the dirty snow in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn--where we stayed in Williams, Arizona. We decided to take the kids to see the Polar Express this year. We
knew we wouldn't be traveling to see family for Christmas this year and thought it would be a fun get-away! It was fun to see them playing in the snow--the boys didn't remember ever seeing it before--and they even ate some (which makes me cringe)--but oh well, the trip would have been worth it just to watch them playing in the snow. That is one thing that I will always miss at Christmas time...I LOVE snow (for a few days at least)...I'll admit, it was nice to get back to the valley...we spent that afternoon vacuuming out the van in our t-shirts! You gotta love winter in AZ!

Updates....

Here are a few updates of the past few months! Things at our house have been a little crazy and I am hoping with this new year, to be a little more dedicated to my blog...but these pics should let you catch a glimpse of the happs at our house!

Happy Thanksgiving 2009! We just celebrated with our own little clan...and here you see the 5 things I am most grateful for in the whole world! It was a nice day of just being together...and eating cheesecake!

We had to "Tessa-proof" this year! I asked Kelly to build me a box to put the tree on so that I wouldn't spend the month of December telling Tessa "don't touch"--and redecorating the tree. He thinks it is daggy--but I think it is innovative and is worth the semi-ghetto look that it adds to our Christmas! :)

The kids and I worked on decorating the inside of the house and it was so fun for Tess...yes, by fun for her, I mean emptying all of the decorations on to the floor and me running to rescue anything that was glass...but we ended the evening with cocoa and toast...a fun family tradition!

Kelly and Carter spent some time the day after Thanksgiving hanging our Christmas lights...we even decorated a few trees this year! It is so weird to hang Christmas lights and wear shorts....shouldn't there be snow?

Christopher is a dance maniac! Kelly was listening to some Metallica while working in the garage and hanging Christmas lights--and this picture was taken of Chris--rocking out in all his glory!

Tessa has learned the word apple...and LOVES to snack! I love hearing her talk and she is so sweet...I hope it lasts, but I am seeing the "terrible twos" looming on the horizon :) FINALLY....Carter has learned to ride a bike!!! I don't know why he has resisted for so long--but he has preferred his big wheel...until just a month ago! Kelly held on to the seat once and then Carter was off on his own--and LOVES it!

Christopher called in to me the other day--I was in the kitchen and he started yelling, "Mom-I'm stuck in here!" This is where I found him! Oh--the wonders of childhood! He is such a character and keeps me on my toes!

Phrases of the week....

"Mom, Tessa stinks!"
"Stop licking me....I said, stop licking me!"
"Mooooooooooom--I'm done!"
"What are we having for dinner?--ew yuck!"
"Tessa stinks!"
"Stop throwing toys at the Christmas tree!"
"Hep me mom" (tessa)
"Tessa stinks!"
"This looks disgusting!"
"Walk"
"I'm too tired to go to school."
"Can I play Sonic?"
"Tessa stinks!"
"Get off me!"
"Mom--I'm stuck in here..."
"Yuck, Tessa sneezed!"
"You do it if you're so smart!"
"Tessa stinks!"
"I AM hurrying!"
"Love you, mom"

What was I born to do?

I've been attending a scripture study class that our Stake offers and this year we have been studying the New Testament and Jesus the Christ. I think this class has become my life line. This week we discussed Mary, the mother of Christ and how she was predestined--or chosen before she was born, to be the mother of Jesus. Our teacher then posed the question, "What were you born to do?"
She paused for a bit and really let the question sink in--and since that morning I have been haunted by that thought--what have I been born to do? It has made me think about how I spend my time and where my focus lies--what do I aim for each day?
Our teacher told us that she felt she was truly born to be a mother--that she really loved being a mother. Let's just say that usually I don't have the best attitude about motherhood and kids--it stresses me out--but the way she said that she felt it was what she born to do started me thinking.
Why not me? Why wouldn't that be what I was born to do? Just because I'm a little rough around the edges doesn't mean that I wasn't meant for this. I have started looking at my kids a little differently and since that afternoon I have felt a special love for my kids that wasn't there before.
Maybe it's because I was getting in my own way...it's hard to see and really love others when you are only looking at yourself.

Cream cheese...

Why does everything that tastes good this time of year have to be made with cream cheese?

Seriously...it's on sale everywhere I go--so I buy it at 10 bricks a trip and before I know it, it's back on my shopping list again. Tis the season of cheeseballs, dips, cheesecakes, spreads, dips, dips and more dips...has there ever been a dip that can't be improved by adding cream cheese?

You like chips and salsa? Add cream cheese and you're in for a treat! You like shrimp with marinara sauce? Add a brick of cream cheese, serve with Ritz and you are set. You like fruit? Why not a big bowl of cream cheese, marshmellow fluff, and brown sugar to top it off? I can't get away from it and wish I had the will power to resist, but I just don't. You may wonder why I am even posting about this! Is it an obession? Maybe...all I know is that today I was getting ready for a party with the girls in our ward and used 3 bricks of cream cheese...I am planning to use 4 more on Friday for another party we are attending...7 in one week! Whew....

But, indulge I will and I'll enjoy every minute of it--up until the time I start running again to burn it all off! Oh well...you gotta live.

A few of my favorite things...

I know just where to look for Carter or Christopher if the T.V. is on and they aren't answering when I call to them! Our couch has this little corner nook stuffed with pillows and the boys love

to snuggle down in the pillows and sometimes I can't even see them sitting there. It cracks me up...unless of course they are deliberately ignoring me...which almost never happens (ya right!). Honestly though--it is one of my favorite things to see them burrowed down so deep in the pillows!

Another one of my favorites lately is that Mackenna is writing lots and lots of notes to Kelly and I! We get at least one note per day and it goes something like this, "Dear Mom and Dad...you are the best ever! Love, stinky....xoxoxo". It always makes me smile--especially when it ends with "p.s. write me back". You gotta love it!

I have to say that another favorite is Tessa's newest smile. I ask her to show me her smile and let's just say it isn't pretty. She looks like she's baring her teeth at us and she crinkles up her little nose...it is hilarious! I guess it's my favorite because she is trying so hard and learning so much! I can't believe the stuff she is doing and she is still so little! We watched "Up" tonight with the kids (Broekman's had a sleepover while Dave and Nat celebrated his birthday in Scottsdale) and everytime she would see a dog on the T.V. she would start barking her little wierd bark that she does. She is so funny and sassy....

And lastly, I LOVE to watch Christopher dance!! Any time that music comes on, he busts out his latest moves and sometimes I have to really force myself to not laugh...he just gets SO into it--his little face gets all serious and he starts jumping around and flailing his arms everywhere--I guess that before I start laughing too hard I should wonder first where he gets it?!! Man I love my kids! Life is so full of favorites--something new every day :)

Happy Veteran's Day!

Happy Veteran's Day 2009! Our elementary school does a neat Veteran's Day program each year and this year Mackenna had a speaking part. She did such a good job dressed as Uncle Sam! It is a neat program...but I'll never understand why they do it in the courtyard...
In Arizona it is still SO hot and they have all the kids seated in the blazing hot courtyard and then the parents and veterans all come sit in the blazing courtyard...it just seems so weird to me that we are worrying about the heat in NOVEMBER! Seriously...
But luckily Tessa, Chris, and I found a spot standing in the shade and our friend Dave sneaked up to snap some pics of the kids during the program! And I do have to say that it was a very patriotic program--watching the flag come in and hearing "Taps"--it made me feel so much gratitude for those who are willing to truly stand and fight for our freedom. Our youth gathered as a Stake and put together some care packages for soldiers and wrote them some letters and it felt really good to do something for those who are fighting for us. I believe that too often we take our freedom for granted--and probably will until it is taken from us.

Happy Late Halloween....

Here we are before Trick or Treating on Halloween 2009. Kenna decided to be a kitty--doesn't she look "purr-fect"? Carter was all about Wolverine (we don't know why, I'm not sure he even knows who Wolverine is )...and Kelly made him some claws out of cardboard and tin foil that

looked awesome and got quite a few comments while we were out! Christopher was the Hulk--by default...they had his size at last year's Walmart clearance sale...he was a good sport though and LOVED filling up his bucket with goodies! You can ignore the wicked witch of the west seated center stage...I was just trying to hold Tessa--our little lady bug---down for a picture. I like have Halloween on a Saturday--we rested and played together and Kelly and I made some pumpkin soup for after trick or treating and it was really fun! I bought tons of candy--and only put out a little bit because I wanted to go and watch the kids trick or treat. I've spent every other year handing out candy. It was way more fun watching the kids! We walked the neighborhood with Clausens and when Tess got tired, Kelly and Matt were only too willing to bring her home and put her to bed while we finished up with the kids. We had alot of fun and my favorite house had a huge screen up in the front yard and they were broadcasting the video to Michael Jackson's "Thriller". Christopher busted out his dance moves and cracked me up. So much fun--and FINALLY posted on my blog...

Mackenna's Baptism...

Here's my baby! I can't believe she is 8 and has already been baptized. It was such a neat weekend! All week long Kelly and I visited with her about the choice she was making and what it means and she seemed to really take it in. She was super surprised on Friday afternoon when my parents pulled up and Amy and Sadie jumped out of the car. She came running into the kitchen and was waving her arms "Mom, it's Amy and Sadie and Mom..." and then she ran back out front. She was so excited--especially about Sadie.
My dad borrowed a pair of my shorts and jumped in the pool with my kids and Sadie. The pool seems FREEZING to me, but they had a great time! We enjoyed visiting that night and of course were up early for the traditional morning walk.
Amy and my parents were such a big help to me in getting the food and the house ready for everything. We didn't have alot of people there, but wanted to have a light dinner after the baptism. Skip and Karen flew in and came to the house once they had settled in.
Kenna looked so beautiful to me and I was so happy that Kelly was able to baptize her. My dad gave the opening prayer and then Skip gave a very sincere talk on baptism. Mackenna was baptized on the same day as her friend Macey Clausen. To start the program they sang a song together that was so sweet called "My Baptism Day". The Spirit was so strong and it was so neat to watch--but I guess a little hard to swallow. Its almost like I don't want to believe that she is growing up...
We were so lucky to have some family come and the Broekmans and Brandes joined us back at the house for BBQ pork sandwiches. It was a neat afternoon--and one that I hope Mackenna will never forget...I know that I never will.

Hands...

So as I was browsing pictures on my computer, I saw this one of Tessa's hands when she was just three months old and I remembered how she used to be so amazed every time she would catch sight of her little hands. She would stop and just stare at them and follow them with her little eyes and then of course, pull her tiny fingers to her mouth. What is it about hands?

Today a small hand tapped my arm to wake me for the day. Today a sticky hand grabbed onto my dress to ask for a drink. Today a tiny hand grabbed mine as we walked into church. Today hands scratched my back--as a trade for a chunk of cookie dough. Today a hand patted my back to remind me that we are friends. Today hands helped me make dinner and even took out the garbage :). Today a hand turned my face--and Christopher said--"I love you, Mom". There are so many pairs of hands that affect each day of my life--and today it made me wonder...what am I doing with my hands? Am I brushing aside the ones I love most? Am I so busy washing the dishes that I don't have time to dig in the dirt or color or build the tallest lego tower? How can my hands help to build the lives of those around me?

Pictures coming soon....

Okay everyone--I do realize that the whole point of having a blog is to post fun pics and updates on family, etc. Kelly is busy in the office trying to find a bunch of pictures that were lost when the computer was reformatted--so I don't have access to all of that fun stuff yet! But, alot has happened--Mackenna was baptized on October 17th....Grandpa Skip and Grandma Karen came--Grandma and Grandpa Idaho came, and Amy came and surprised Kenna with a visit from Sadie. Mackenna was so excited to have them come down! It was fun to watch her be the center of attention---I think she enjoyed it, too! :)
I can't wait to post pics of her special day and also of her fun Day Spa birthday party! It was so fun--and made me so excited for when she is old enough to enjoy shopping and things like that--maybe I shouldn't be--but she is so "girly"--I love it!
We just went back to school on Wednesday after 2 1/2 weeks of Fall Break. Carter wasn't looking forward to it--but came home with a smile on his face. I can tell my kids enjoy school--but I am glad they still love coming home! I had 2 new little nephews born this week! One of them is in ICU and our prayers are with him and his mom--what a scary start to life--but what a lucky little guy to come to home where he will be loved and taken good care of! Congrats to both families! We love you! I'll update more soon--I need to spend more time on this...

Reality check....

Okay...so no fancy pics this time...but I just need to finally admit that I may not ever get this blog updated from our summer trip....at least with all the pictures that I wanted to. Some things just have to be let go of---and unfortunately--for anyone who is actually reading this--you may never know the details of Robinson Summer 2009--and I'm okay with that. I want to catch up on a few things...like that my oldest child is going to turn 8 this week! I can't believe it! She and I played UNO together last night and I can't believe I'm writing this, but it was actually fun! Normally she and I can't see eye-to-eye on many things but this past week has been really good. We went and bought stuff for her birthday party--she wants a day spa theme (heaven help me when she gets older) and we put together some spa kits for her friends complete with lotion, a pedicure kit, nail polish, a washcloth, a headband, and a sleeping mask--just for fun! We are doing a facial with cucumbers and all, a foot soak station, a pedicure station, and then we are making yummy smelling bath salts and glitter body gel. Sounds like fun, huh? I think it will be great for Mackenna. She is pretty easy to please and is super excited for this weekend. I can't believe she is that old--seems like only yesterday we brought her home from the hospital and she was dumping boxes of cereal on the floor--now that has officially become Tessa's job. But I sure do love my Mackenna....I just hope she knows it! My reality check then tells me to let go of some things so that important things--like UNO get taken care of :) I'll update soon--especially since Kelly is doing homework at night--every night :)

The Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open house--1st time around...

Okay--so I'm finally getting to the summer update--how sad is that? My kids have been in school for a month now and I still find time slipping by...

We drove to Saratoga Springs with my parents and stayed with my sis Amy. We went to church with them and then Kenna and Sadie went to I.F. with Grandpa and Grandma. Amy and I decided to brave the temple open house with the kids. It was really neat. The interior was beautiful and the view from the front of the temple was amazing. Carter really seemed to enjoy himself--Christopher--well, what can I say--mix one 3 year old who has been tied to a car for 15 hours in the past 2 days with any expectation of reverence and you get a MAJOR situation. I wasn't so sure about the whole "families can be together forever" thing after dealing with him--but since then he has redeemed himself--tonight as I was leaving his room after tucking in, he says--"Mom, you're the best mom ever"--so I guess I'll keep him for awhile :) But seriously--being at the temple made me think of Mackenna and Kelly who were not with us, and I felt truly grateful to know that with the blessings of the temple, we can be together--no matter what!

Yes--my 10 month old is swimming...

It's really hard to believe unless you see it for yourself--it really is neat to see. I'll admit I was a little skeptical at first--but...then I saw her face, now I'm a believer--(okay, I'm a dork--but if you sing it, it's kind of funny--and Kelly thought it was funny so I guess that's all that matters!) Anyways--we'll post a video soon!!

Under the sea....

I LOVE this picture!! My kids are little fish and it is so fun to watch them swim. Our swim instructor, Becki, gave me a CD full of water pics of the kids and they turned out so cute! I'll post several more so you can see! She had the older kids work alot on their freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly--even Christopher is practicing the butterfly and it is hilarious! I think it is so great that they all love the water--and it really is amazing to me that they can swim so well! Especially little Tess--I"ll post more pics of her--and hopefully we can get a video of her uploaded soon....and I seriously am planning on updating our trips this past summer--time just seems to fly...

Fun in the Sun....

So to get back to our summer update (which I hope to finish before fall...)here we are swimming with Grandma and Grandpa. My kids were in heaven and it was so much fun having them visit. There really is nothing like having a pool in your backyard--I know that it surprises my own family to hear that coming from me--of all my siblings, I am the one that probably hates water the most...but I have to say that moving here has converted me! I love it--especially when it hits 115 degrees here and the kids are bored--which has happened this past week--yuck! Anyways--we enjoyed swimming everyday that my parents were here and even Tessa can join in the fun now--she has been doing infant swimming lessons and loves to float on her back now--she just floats and spits--it's pretty amazing to watch--and a little depressing for me since she now swims better than I do. Oh well--maybe I'll take lessons next year :)

An FYI on FHE...

Hey all--just thought I would share the wealth! I have found the cutest blog for quick family home evening ideas that are really good for any age--and easy to adjust to the younger kids! I use this blog nearly every week and my kids have been LOVING it (which doesn't happen very often)--anyways it is www.fheinasnap.blogspot.com. You should check it out!!

My baby's growing up...

These pictures make me sad...I'm not ready to have a toddler yet! She is getting so big and has done so awesome in her swimming lessons. I got in the pool with her today and it was so hard to just let her go and watch her work to get her floating right. I know it's the hormones--but I thought about how like life that is--we hold our kids close and want to protect them from anything that could hurt them or be hard--but to survive, they have to be able to work it out on their own....well, in spite of all this heavy thinking...I think I'll still hold her too close for a little while longer....

A visit from Grandpa and Grandma....

My kids were so excited when they found out that Grandma and Grandpa "Idaho" were coming to visit--and that they would come and swim--which is the big and exciting thing to do at our house when it is 115 degrees outside! We had such a great visit--it's so fun to watch my kids with my parents!

We played and went swimming and I'm sure they would all agree that the main highlights of the visit were the Father's Day Steak Dinner--steaks grilled by Kelly, of course--and our dinner at Oregano's. It was so fun to have them come for a visit--and they were really brave because they even agreed to ride back to Utah with me and my kids in our van--my kids in a small, enclosed area for any length of time--not good...but my parents have earned their place in heaven--and after only two minor setbacks--a dead battery in Flagstaff and the DVD players not working for the kids, we made it to Amy's all in one piece.

Time away...

So last year my friend Natalie's husband inadvertently started a tradition...he gave her the best birthday gift ever. He sent all of us to a nice resort for a weekend...so this year, we decided to treat ourselves. We went to an amazing resort in Scottsdale--

We lounged at the pool, ate dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, lounged at the pool, played games, lounged at the pool, ate lots of food--and talked and talked and talked. I went with my friends Valerie, Cami, Natalie, and Samantha. It was great and Kelly was such a great sport about taking the kids for the weekend--we came home Saturday afternoon. I felt so spoiled and was ready to jump back into things when I got back. I just feel really blessed to have such great friends--they are always there for me and we have so much fun together. I think the thing I love most about them is that I come away from our times together feeling good about stuff--good about life, myself, my kids--they are just positive, good people--real and accepting--and it's refreshing to find those qualities in a friend. Thanks ladies--looking forward to more memories to come!

Apples and good intentions...

Here are the boys "helping" pick apples for our applesauce...good times~

So we started off our summer picking apples at the Clarks--and decided to spend an entire day canning applesauce...I ask you, what makes 3 grown women combine 7 children, hot weather, and major applesauce canning all into one big day? It was an experience...and I bet we do it again next year :)

Those crazy summer days...

WOW--it's been a long time...and there is much to write about! We just got back from a super fun trip to visit both sides of the family and let's just say adjustment back to the real world has been tough....but the trip was worth it!

I just have to say that I love this picture!! This was taken on the day we got the kids back from Knapp Kousins Kamp. Christopher stayed pretty close to Kelly and kept grinning at him--I'm pretty sure he missed his daddy...and I just couldn't get enough of it. As much as kids can be a challenge, it's the moments like this that make it all worth it....anyways....I'll post more pics and details--I just had to get this in there!

Happy Birthday Kelly...

So...no pictures--sorry! But I wanted to update on Kelly's birthday! A few weeks ago Kelly turned to me and said that the only thing he really wanted was to be able to just sleep in...just once. I was mentioning this to one of my close friends and she said she would help me give him that for his birthday. She offered to take the kids (yes, even Tessa) from 3:30 p.m. on Friday to "fun night" on Saturday where she would drop the kids and we could pick them up at 9 p.m.
So on the 29th--after spending the day cleaning so we could truly relax, I dropped the kids off at Cami's and then Kelly and I were off to the temple. We hadn't been in awhile and I have to say it was awesome! It was so nice to not feel like we were "on the clock" with a babysitter. It was so peaceful...and quiet...two things we don't experience much at home :).
We sped home for a quick change and then were off for a nice dinner at Longhorn Steak House--it was really weird when we drove by it on Saturday and it was closed down for good...anways...good food--we stopped for a movie from Red Box and some swim diapers (real exciting) and then came home to watch movies and some kickboxing. We were up super late--but it was so fun knowing that we could sleep in--which we did until 10 a.m. (what? I didn't think I was capable of that anymore!)
We decided to do some quick yardwork (how boring are we?)--but it needed to be done and as fun as it sounds--I guess thats part of being a "grown-up"--and it actually wasn't too bad since we weren't so worried about teaching the kids about work. I picked Tess up around 1 p.m. to get her ready for a nap and then we just relaxed--ate an early dinner at Baja Fresh and then relaxed at home...I hope it was a good birthday for Kelly. The kids had fun at the Clausen's and I'm not sure they were ready to come home--and as much as both Kelly and I enjoyed our "day off"--we missed the kids.
I love you Kel-bob! You make me laugh--you make me happy! I can't imagine sharing life with anyone else...I hope you had a great birthday! We love you mucho mucho!!

Ready, set...JUMP!

Here are my three oldest--jumping in for our first official swim of the season as a family! Kelly's parents came for a visit during May and it was so fun to have them down--Mackenna followed Grandma around asking for mints and makeup--such a girl. Carter and Chris wanted to show off their latest "moves"--whether it was their self-taught karate or gymnastics--I'm surprised no bones were broken. It was fun, though, to sit back and watch my kids with their grandparents. It is hard to live away from family! As I watched them all playing together and visiting it made me sad to think of what my kids are missing out on--living so far from grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins...it makes our trips up to Utah and Idaho the highlight of the year!
Life is good though--each day something new! I've been reading a book on changing perspective to help your relationships and it has made me think alot lately--lots of introspection--which I think Kelly is sick of...he may try to hide this book from me--but as I've read I see lots of characteristics and attributes in myself that aren't my favorite. I can see how I cause the friction in my relationship with Mackenna--that it could really be alot easier with her than I let it be. I see that my pride gets in the way of how I communicate in my marriage. It's really opened my eyes to my responsibility over my own emotions--and that my circumstances don't determine my happiness. It's kind of scarey stuff--but I feel like it has changed my life--even if that change is one that only I can see--and if it is only small at first--it is there...
I want to be so much more than I am--and there's alot to do...but I'm ready--so I guess all that's left to do is just...get ready, set, and JUMP!

Mom--I'm a Champion...

So--yes--I've not kept up with my blog lately! I honestly feel like I've been running non-stop the past few months! I just wish I had the body to prove it :) Oh well--there are certainly more important things than what size of jeans I wear.

I really have to stop and brag for a minute--Carter's little flag football team won the league championship! It was a long and HOT day (and so fun to have Grandma and Grandpa with us)--but worth it in the end to see all the relief on the faces of the parents when the Cowboys took 1st place! I'm not sure the boys really understood the win--but they loved the trophies!

It was really fun to watch Carter grow during the season--from not having a clue and dancing around the field to being excited about the plays...and yes--still dancing around the field. One thing I noticed about Carter is that he didn't get angry when things didn't go his way. That to me is more important than any other skill he could have learned. He was a great sport--even when the coaches (and Dad) came down on him--which they did! He is such a good boy and I love watching him grow up even though it is bittersweet.

For the past few weeks now he'll be busy with something and he'll just randomly turn to me and say, "Mom--I'm a champion!" At first it kind of made me laugh--especially for those of you who know Carter--you know that he is RANDOM!

But now that he's said it several times to me, it has started me thinking...and I'm glad he feels that way. I need to be more of a cheerleader for my kids--so that even if the world is telling them differently, they know that their mom thinks that they are champions. It seems like there is alot out there right now to drag kids down--so all the positive they can get--we should give. So--yes Carter--you are a champion and I hope you never forget that!

Oh help!

Wow--sometimes as a parent you have those moments with your kids when they suddenly share a toy--without being told or they say a sweet, perfect prayer. Well--I wish I could say that I was going to blog about one of those moments--but.....
We had family home evening last night and decided to make churros as a family. I was hoping to throw in a little spirituality so I asked each of the kids to share their favorite scripture story. Mackenna (of course) likes the story of Baby Jesus. Carter loves the story of Ammon chopping off the arms of the Lamanites that come to scatter King Lamoni's sheep. Then (sigh) it's Christopher's turn. He tells us that his favorite scripture story is the one with Laman, Lemuel, and General Grievous. For those of you not familiar with General Grievous--he's a character from Star Wars. I guess I now know that Lego Star Wars is having more of an impact on my 3 year old than the scriptures! Wow--I feel like a great mom! :) Oh help!

It's been awhile...

WoW! I can't believe how long it has been since I've last posted. Things have been so crazy lately! And the silly thing is--I can't even think of why it has been busy...I've been running lots

of errands and stuff--but nothing fun or exciting. Oh well--I guess that's life--mostly mundane and not front page news--but life none-the-less (at least my life). But I sat today at lunch watching Christopher try to make Tessa laugh and I had the thought that it doesn't get much better than this. Soon they will be grown and want nothing to do with me (actually, that seems to happening around age 7).

At church yesterday Kelly and I had to speak and we tag-teamed it with the kids. My topic was the Resurrection and all week long I had really been struggling with what to say about it--but as I sat on the stand and looked down to see Kelly wrestling with all 4 kids--I realized why the Resurrection is important to me. Not only does it give me hope that I can keep trying--but that no matter what I can be with Kelly and my 4 crazy kids--even through death. It made me so emotional--I wonder what hope people find who don't have the gospel in their lives. There is so much going on right now that it would be easy to get down and discouraged...but knowing that Christ overcame everything--and that He did it for you and me--and that He is in charge, brings me such great peace. Does it mean my life is perfect? No way! But it gives me the hope I need to keep trying. Kelly did such an amazing job on his talk, too! People came up to me afterward and asked if I had noticed how quiet it was when Kelly was speaking--he really did awesome.

Hopefully now I can get back on track and keep posting the crazy times we have at our house! I was really sick a few weeks ago--flat in bed--and Kelly got to be Mr. Mom for 4 days--poor guy! One night while I was sick, Carter threw up in bed and was diagnosed with tonsilitis. So--yep--fun stuff!! Kelly really stepped up and even folded the HUGE mountain of laundry that had piled up...I really appreciated it! I feel so blessed...things are good...I'll write more soon!

Seeing what's right in front of me...

So this past week we received a fun letter from my nephew Chase. His class is reading the famed "Flat Stanley" book and sending out their own "Stanleys" to have adventures--so Chase sent Stanley to us. He went with us to walk the kids to school, to Carter's flag football game, to the park, dipped his toes in the pool (which is slowly starting to warm up--hooray!), and as you can see from this pic--he smelled our orange blossoms! Part of the assignment was for us to write down some things about Arizona and it really made me start to think about where I live...

I don't think I can do it justice, but I will try to describe how it feels right now in Arizona. I just went outside to shake off last night's popcorn blanket and there is a light cool breeze blowing...clouds are scattered throughout the sunny skies. The breeze gently lifts your hair and then it hits you--this amazing combination of blossoms and flowers. We have two orange trees, a grapefruit tree, and a lemon tree in our backyard and it smells like heaven. I LOVE walking the kids to school each day because we pass by this beautiful tree that has cascading purple blossoms on it--they look like a mix between bunches of grapes and soft lilac flowers--and they smell incredible--as my friend Natalie says--a little like grape kool-aid. I sat out in the backyard today and looked around and just breathed. Talk about aromatherapy....

And I wondered...how do I not see this everyday? I live here and can walk past beautiful flowers without so much as giving them a glance--or I rush to my minivan without pausing to breathe in the frangrant air. How do I miss the blossoms, the morning calls of birds in the trees...the chatter of kids playing at the park--the wind rustling the branches of the swaying palm trees, the quick smiles from my kids when I bring out the popsicles...

So I guess I should be saying "thanks for the homework Chase!"--it helped me to sit back, look around, and really see what's right in front of me...

A few of my favorite things...

Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens....just kidding...but how can you not sing that song when you think about your favorite things? Just last night as we finished off our family home evening, I sat back (as Kelly so kindly put the kids in bed) and thought about some of my most favorite things...

Each morning when Christopher comes in to our room, he climbs up on our bed and onto Kelly's back--just like a little monkey. It brings a smile to my face and is the best start to my day!

Tessa's little personality is really starting to shine through and I just LOVE it when she scrunches up her face, totally concentrates and spits...she is so funny and sometimes surprises herself with how loud she gets!

Mackenna is growing up so fast--and I think she wishes she could grow up faster. One of my favorite things about Mackenna is her style. She loves BIG bows in her hair, crazy socks and lots of lipstick. She is brave when it comes to fashion--and I must say she has come up with some interesting combinations--but she manages to pull it off. She's so sassy...and most of the time I love it! I'm sure it will get really interesting when she turns twleve :)!

And last night, Carter was my favorite! Kelly had the kids getting ready for bed upstairs while I fed Tessa. Carter was heading to his room and stopped at the railing to yell "goodnight mom, I love you!" I told him the same and then I blew him some kisses. He blew kisses back to me and I said, "Oh--I just felt one hit me on the cheek."--to which he replied, "I just felt one on my chin...no wait a minute..." (he stops to think) and says..."I felt it in my heart".

Now I know that I'm still VERY emotional from having a baby...but it melted my heart and I was very nearly in tears.

Those are the moments we live for as mothers...those brief glimpses of love at home. It makes all the crusty looks, the groans about dinner, the stinky diapers, the whining about chores, the laundry, the stickers on furniture and marker on the wall--worth it. It's that tiny peek at happiness that keeps us going even when we don't know if we can (while maintaining our sanity). I'm just grateful to God for those tender mercies...when He shows me how much He loves me--by helping me see how much I love my children--and by helping me see how much they love me...in spite of me.

So--to be true to Julie Andrews--when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad--I simply remember my favorite things (namely--Kelly, Kenna, Carter, Chris, and Tessa)--and then I don't feel--so bad!! (It really has a much better effect if you sing it!!) :)

So happy together...

So I post alot about my kids...they are just so cute and funny! They keep us hopping and guessing most of the time...

Sometimes I think Kelly gets pushed into the background alot...I get in to "mom" mode and it's all about potty, snacks, too much TV, snacks, playing outside, and snacks. It's hard to slow down sometimes and remember that I am someone's wife, too.

Luckily I married a great man who supports me in what I do! He encourages me when I'm down and helps me be realistic when I'm taking things too personally or going "over the top" on things. He helps me see that there is more to life than just getting things done--it's about the doing...and enjoying it. He and I definately have our differences but I think that is what makes us strong--if we were both like me, we'd be in a mental hospital by now!! Sometimes I just sit back and think how blessed I am to have married someone who has the same goals in mind that I do--even though our ways of getting there aren't always the same. Probably the thing I love most about Kelly is that he makes me laugh. He can get me laughing even when I REALLY don't want to. I look back at my life and when I think of the many decisions I've made--marrying him was by far the best decision I've ever made. I don't think happiness in marriage comes from snuggling all the time and from never fighting or never being apart. Happiness in marriage comes from knowing that he loves you even if (and that's a big if) you snore at night...okay, so it's more than that--it's trust, tolerance, forgiveness, friendship, patience, love, and a hope that together you can someday get it right. At least I know I got one thing right...and I'm married to him...

Kids...

I love Carter. He is just so random...and has developed quite the sulky face. I'm sure you'll see it at some point in his life--it's pretty convincing. Anyways the other night I was putting the kids to bed and Carter was saying his prayers--he's just recently graduated from saying the same thing over and over to adding his own ideas. Let's just say that it has gotten interesting. On this particular night, he said, "Please bless me that I never have to go to school again and please bless me to never kill anyone so I don't have to go to jail." It was hard to be serious and tell him what a nice prayer he had said...

So--now I get to teach him that God does answer prayers--even if he does have to go to school again. And I don't know what to think about the other part. Isn't it strange what kids come up with? It's always a guessing game and just when you think you have it figuered out--they throw you a curve ball. Kids....

The "Happy Baby" Pose...

So--you may not believe me, but I was doing this same thing in my yoga class this morning! When the instructor said the name was "happy baby"--it made me laugh out loud--which I don't think they appreciated! It just made me think of this sweet baby and how much she loves her toes! She is just so easy going and is totally along for the ride! It seems to me that with each baby, I enjoy it more and more...the little things. Her little smile lights up the day and her cute babbling makes me stop what I'm doing just to listen. It's a bittersweet thing to have a baby--there is so much to enjoy--and yet they grow so fast that it all becomes a memory too soon. So--while the thought of me doing this pose may not bring smile to your face, I hope this picture will!!

What is it about shoes?

I'm not really sure what it is about shoes... but there is something about a new pair of shoes that can put a smile on my face and a skip in my step--wow--I get excited too easily!

I think it's genetic because Mackenna is exactly the same way! She has asked Santa for tall boots for two years in a row now and is constantly "clacking" around in my Sunday shoes--whenever she can sneak into my closet to get them! Anyways...Kelly found a great deal online for new shoes and so what can I say? We splurged!! I LOVE my new sneakers....maybe you don't understand how excited I am about them--but if I'm making time in my day to BLOG about it--they've got to be pretty fabulous! Not only are they comfy, but I LOVE the yellow laces...they make me feel so happy and a little bit like I'm stepping out of my box! I've been trying to do that more lately...I've started going to the gym here and I LOVE it!! Anyways, the other day I went to the gym (no makeup on--which is a big deal for me)--and after my hour long cardio workout, decided to hit the grocery store--no makeup, sweat, and all! I felt so liberated....I even called to tell Kelly how proud of myself I was--to be in a public place looking so bad--and I'm sure he thought I was high...

Well...the point being that I'm trying to stress less about the not so important stuff...and enjoy the little things more--like a pair of new sneakers--one for me and two for Kenna! What is it about shoes?

I guess we are finally adults...

I love my husband!! What can I say--he is literally the best. When he gets it in his mind to do something, he does it--there is no stopping him. We have had a little problem with our towels lately--they've started to stink--so we've been trying new things to get them clean. Yes--we even tried OXY-CLEAN and guess what--it didn't work any miracles for us. Anyways-not long ago we purchased a new front load washer and dryer set--our old set had given its best efforts and gone the way of all old appliances. When our new set was delivered and finally set up, Kelly and I sat together and just watched the washer and listened to how quiet it was--we were entertained for longer than I would like to admit--and I guess that is when it dawned on me that we are officially adults. When you get excited about new appliances and sit listening to them AND go hunting around the house for more laundry to do--because you want to watch your new washer work, you've finally reached adulthood. Exciting right? A little sad, too... So--Kelly decided to soak all of our towels in detergent in the bath tub and then wash them. Well--they weren't rinsed from the bath tub soaking--and then we added detergent, and let's just say there were some serious suds!!!!! It was hilarious! And Kelly was so awesome that he stayed up late rinsing them out and washing them until the water ran clear...let's just say that it was a late night...but you know, it's moments like these that make me fall in love with Kelly all over again...

My sweetest blessings and biggest challenges...

So I am finally getting around to printing my kids pictures that I had done in November! I am just terrible at getting updated pictures on the wall! Seriously--I just took some of Mackenna's baby pictures out of a frame that is on the wall in my living room--how sad is that? Anyways--Kelly ordered me a bunch of ink and now I'm getting to it! I thought I'd post them, too--just because it is so fun! Speaking of fun--Tessa's little personality is starting to shine--and she seems to be quite the little diva! She squeals and squeals--but can give a crusty look with the best of them (I know my family will say she gets that from me--and thanks alot guys!). She's a good baby--though she's thrown a few good tantrums lately--I guess it wouldn't be right if she didn't fit in with our other kids anyways! She's fun and it's fun to watch the other kids help with her and love her. Her dad is especially smitten with her--except on Tuesday nights when I'm gone--those seem to be the nights she's a little stressed. But we are so glad she came to our family...so far :) !

Two words describe Christopher for me--JOY and nightmare! He can be the funniest, cutest, angel--and then just as suddenly he's a devil with an ear piercing scream! He is so much fun to be around--especially the last two days with the older kids back in school. Maybe he's realizing how good he has it when it's just him and me at home...more treats, etc. He is a sunbeam now--and let's just say that Sunday was an experience! He ran out of the primary room 3 times--and someone came looking for him twice! Luckily I was out in the hall with Tessa and caught him--but Kelly had to be recruited to help him sit through sharing time! He'll probably be "that kid" in primary for awhile! It doesn't help that Carter is sitting on one side yelling (because Carter only has one volume) at him to come and sit by him. I'm sure it will improve with time--or medication (just kidding)!

The last few weeks have been really telling about Carter--he is learning more independence and is showing a strong stubborn streak--which I think is genetic from his father! For the most part he is a good boy--but try telling him it's time to turn off the video games and he puts on a real show! He loves the power rangers right now and has always loved animals--particularly dinosaurs and sharks--Kelly helped him put together some model dinosaurs from Grandpa Skip and Grandma Karen--and he and Christopher haven't stopped roaring! It's great fun to watch them wrestle around and run on all fours! His teacher at school has mentioned that he roars randomly throughout the day--and I'm not sure how to solve that problem...any suggestions? He's a good boy and my good buddy. He's obsessed with Tessa--and can make her smile anytime--and usually can make me smile anytime--which isn't so good when he's supposed to be getting in trouble...

Mackenna is such a strong spirit! I remember once being told that it was good that she was so feisty--that she would need it to grow up in such a crazy world. Now I am realizing that she is feisty because I need it! She is teaching me so much about unconditional love--and accepting others for how they are and not how we think they should be. She's growing up fast--and she wishes it were faster! She's already saving her allowance to buy her own makeup--she's in to deoderant, too--which I guess isn't such a bad thing! She has joined the running club at school and seems to enjoy it--it's fun to watch her because she is definately in her own little world out there. Kenna is a GREAT helper--especially in school--even more so if it involves a trip to the school nurse. She loves to read--and LOVES to paint toenails--she's all about crazy patterns and colors--even with what she wears. I love it--she's got such personality and it will be interesting to see what this next year brings for her. I sure do love Mackenna--for who she is, and also for what she is teaching me about myself. I guess that's why having children is so bitter-sweet! They seem to teach us more about ourselves and who we truly are than we could ever teach them. And that's hard to take--but it's REALLY hard to see them struggle, to teach them, and to be a good example--all the time--but, there is nothing sweeter than those big hugs at bedtime that knock you off the couch--or being told, "Mom--you're great" by your 3 year old at 3 a.m. in the morning. There's nothing better than a "yes" when they hear what's for dinner--or that big smile when you surprise them with graham crackers and frosting. Truly these are my sweetest blessings and biggest challenges--and I'm so glad they are mine!