Spring Break

So, as long as I'm at the computer, I thought I'd post about our Spring Break. Our kids got a full 10 days off of school! YAY! I LOVED vacations when I was a kid. I look forward to these days when we can get a little off-schedule from waking up early and doing breakfast, hair, and the usual morning rush to sleeping in, wearing jammies until mid-morning, staying up late...you get the idea. We didn't plan on anything much for vacation because John has this Job... hee hee hee... so we just did little things with the kids. Perhaps the highlight for Natalie was losing TWO teeth!

I just LOVE when kids lose both front teeth at the same time. I think it's rare!
One day we went to the park with the Johnsons, another we rented a movie, one we went to the Mayan Restaurant and wandered around Cabella's, and another visited Natalie, Madelyn, Elayna and Ashton. We also had the pinewood derby! All in all, it really was just a relaxing...VACATION!
Here are a few pics...
Here we are at the park with the Johnsons. The kids brought scooters and had a great time.


This is the Mayan restaurant. Once you step inside, it's like you're in another world. John remarked it was like Disneyland...the Indiana Jones ride. He's right! The kids LOVED the cliff-divers, and we all loved the food and good company of Grandma and Grandpa!

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After dinner, we just wandered around Cabella's. The kids love seeing the stuffed wildlife and watching the HUGE fish in the tanks. We spent a few quarters in the shooting gallery trying to get the snakes to squirt each other. Fun stuff!


So, for the pinewood derby, I tried to copy the body style of Christian's winning racer from 6 years ago...and with the help of Mom and Mark Green's bandsaw, got pretty close...until the wheel axle split two sections of wood, and the thing wouldn't go straight! So...when we got to the derby, Andrew opted to race CHRISTIAN'S car! Oh well...but here he is with the one we made together, even though we didn't race it...and it's a good thing, too. We ran it down the track after the derby was over, and lemmee tell you, a SNAIL would have given it a hard time!

Here's one of Matthew with "graphite fingers."

I also wanted to mention that we had Easter over Spring Break as well. I already posted about Easter, but I just wanted to include a few pictures...
Here are the girls..."Cheers!"

I bought some special "Easter Edition" Jones soda for dinner. Ashley is always begging me to buy some because her teacher at school is Mrs. Jones.

The family dinner...

And for dessert....

You may notice the blatant absence of the "easter dresses" pictures. Actually, I didn't really buy any this year. Bah humbug, I know. I did buy a dress for Natalie, but everyone else just wore something they had. I actually forgot to do the little family picture on Easter morning, but since it came so early this year, none of my flowers had bloomed, so we just bagged it. I regret it now. Maybe a re-staging next week? Nah.

What a Blessing!

Yesterday we blessed Bethany at Church, and finally, I think I have the whole routine down. These big family events used to stress me out a little, and now, they are pure delight. I remember back when Ashley was blessed, and we had a dinner in the clubhouse at our little condo, and I wanted everything to be perfect. I had matching vases of flowers at the center of 5 color-coordinated tables with matching cloths and cloth napkins. I urged all of my sisters to loan me their matching china and goblets and gold silverware. I had to have the perfect menu. Yes, I was stressed.
Yesterday was heaven. We don't have church until 1:00, so the morning was leisurely with a few "Jesus movies" as we call them. The kids got ready on time and kept the kitchen clean! Bethany ate at all the right times to put us right on schedule for a content baby during the actual blessing. We had a lesson on Temples in Relief Society that was a nice prelude to Sacrament meeting. John gave a beautiful blessing. Mom took short-hand so we can have a copy. After, John and I bore testimony, and probably the only low-note of the day was me not preparing for what I wanted to say. I'm not very good at expressing myself off the cuff. Oh well. Andrew also bore a sweet Testimony. Here is a picture of the gorgeous dress my mom made for Ashley, that all my girls have worn for their blessings.

After Church, we all went home, and Andrew posted the cutest note on the front door (I didn't know until later, because I came through the garage.) I think he did it because the Stake had a little guest sign-in for his baptism.

In case you can't read it, I love the part where it says "I'm sure you will make new friends!"
For dinner, I wanted to do pot roast, because it was fast Sunday, and hey, nothing says "break fast" like pure beef (and nothing says simple like letting your oven do all the cooking while you enjoy the day!) But there wasn't any stress this time. I sprung for the clear plastic utensils and plates and cups, but the majority of my plan was simply getting all of my kids to clean up after themselves on Saturday and getting them over to Grandma's house with me so they wouldn't undo all our cleaning! All I had to do was throw a few roasts in the oven on Sunday morning, and the extended family did the rest! It was beautiful.
Of course I didn't get any pictures of the buffet, but Mom did amazing homemade rolls and carrots, Tiffany had wonderful garlic mashed potatoes, Carrie did yummy green beans with bacon, Becky brought corn, Jeri and Natalie wonderful salads, John's mom a fabulous Jello, Sally some amazing cut up fruit, and Jennifer every drink you can imagine! Amy and Marshall couldn't be there ;) but notice below the beautiful blanket she knitted! It was a nice addition to the blessing!
Of course we topped it all off with cheesecake! What an amazing day.
Here's another of my little princess.

I love her so much. It's funny, but by the time we wanted to get pregnant, there were days I wondered if we could handle 6 kids. But now, she has somehow made my life a little easier. She really is an angel. She sleeps through the night and has since about 6 weeks, and has just a very patient personality. All of the other children adore her, and that is where so much of my joy originates...watching all of them snuggle and take care of her. I feel so blessed. Life is good, and I have everyone else around me to thank for those little day-to-day joys in life.
Thank you to all who add a piece of joy...and you all do...whether you're cousins that I see once a year at best, or a sibling I see quite often, or a child I cuddle daily, it all adds up to one huge fulfillment. I am blessed.

Easter Rambling

Yesterday was nothing special, and yet, I have had some very deep feelings. I just love my life. That's all. Friday night we had Adam sleep over because Tim and Tiffany went on an overnighter, and with one extra child in the house, it just made things so much easier. Everyone plays so nicely when there's a cousin around, and I get to sit back and just soak in the giggles and laughter, running, playing, singing, and overall "joy" around me. John and I nestled in and watched a movie together while the kids bounced around our bedroom upstairs (supposedly "watching" a movie, yet playing "king of the bed" at the same time...)
I think I'm just grateful for contentment. It's funny, because when I look at some of the particulars that happened that night, it truly was a bit hectic...for example: we tried to rent a movie for the kids, and after reserving online, found it wasn't available when we got there. We tried three different pizza places to get dinner, and after about 40 minutes of driving, John finally arrived home. We also at one point had a heart-stopping "we can't find Timothy anywhere" moment that ended in discovery inside the car in the garage, in a carseat. I guess it really was in some respects a crazy night.
And yet, somehow, my feelings are still that of happiness and contentment. I'm grateful for that, because I truly think it is a gift that I didn't have anything to do with.
I'm also grateful for Easter. For our pagan responsibility, on Saturday we boiled and dyed 2 dozen real eggs, and filled about 30 plastic ones, and because we were having so much fun, had 3 different egg hunts! When I hid them, they were all mostly in plain sight, but after the kids hid them, we had some M.I.A. eggs! (missing in action.) Oh well, a few extra chocolates that won't be missed by MY hips!
Sorry for the following. I didn't get much sleep last night, and this one was so funny to me!

Now on to something more serious.
This morning we awoke and watched "Lamb of God" with the children and had a relaxing morning (church isn't until 1:00 p.m.)...eating, of course, hard-boiled eggs. We read through the scriptural account of the resurrection and looked at pictures. I was a little surprised at how much my children knew of the details of the Savior's last week. I was grateful to hear that much of what they knew had been studied at school. What a blessing! And yet, as I listened to their "book knowledge" I found myself hoping that someday (if not partly already) it would become solidified in their hearts and minds a true and abiding understanding of not only the Savior's mission, but of thier own, individually. What a great responsibility we all have to strive to become like the only perfect man to walk the earth. And yet, who else could we feel comfortable patterning our lives after?

As my life enters different phases, I find my feelings about life also enter different phases. In the past, and perhaps in my less-mature years I've focused on what my neighbors were doing and how I could be more like them. You know, that sort-of "I wish I were more like her" phase. Sometimes I'm solely focused on what I have to do for myself just to be a little better. But in this phase, I'm so much more focused on what I CAN'T do. No matter what, in the end, it is all up to the Savior if I am to truly be perfected. I can't do it alone.
Truthfully, I think this train of thought came from a song I heard for the first time last week. Our friend, Kenneth Cope wrote a beautiful song on his new CD titled "All about You." All of the songs are written "to" the Savior. The majority of songs has a more secular beat, like "Jars of Clay," but one in particulare is reverent and amazing. It's #7 on the CD...I'm guessing the title is called "Alone." I just HAVE to share the lyrics of the chorus, knowing without the beautiful orchestrations it will miss the mark.

How could I think that I could merit
or speak of my share in it
this saving work He's wrought alone
I've been a fool to believe I'd earn it
Or suppose I could deserve it
With works and deeds I call my own
From this day on,
I know I'm saved by Him alone.

I KNOW through my study that we are required to do works of ourselves, such as baptism and endowment, and yet, without Christ and his atonement, it would be worthless. There would BE none of that without Him. It literally boggles my mind to think of the supreme gift He has given to all of us if we only receive. Amazing.
And what in return? I spent more time shopping and dyeing and hunting easter eggs than I spent on the scriptures. (well, maybe.) But even still, it seems we are asked to do so little in return for so much. We are truly blessed.

It's been a good weekend so far. And with the kids out of school for another week, I'm looking for more fun, more teaching, more laughing, more bonding, and especially, more learning. I've got so far to go.
Happy Easter!

Andrew's Birthday Party

Here are a few pics from Andrew's party!

We had a blast at Bouncin' off the Walls with all of Andrew's friends and cousins! Thanks so much to everyone who was able to make it! Your presence made all the difference! It was especially nice that Amy and Marshall from Washington could join us! Of course, for his birthday cake, we had to have a BYU theme! The bakers at Sam's club really outdid themselves! (of course, I would have liked to take credit myself, but I'm just not that talented!) I also think that the adults played harder than those kids! With Jeff and Marshall and Tim to "throw" the kids down the slide, they really worked up a sweat! What an amazing time for all of us! Happy Birthday, Andrew!

The Ol' Grey Mare, She Ain't What She Used to Be

Ok. It happened. I turned 29. A few years ago. Now I'm 33. I think I'll just assume this is the "luckiest" birthday ever, because, hey, two "3"s, until, of course, I turn 77. So here's the quick recap. My exciting morning began with an offer of breakfast in bed from my sweet husband, which I (hopefully) graciously turned down. (Hey, got this baby fat.) So, he came home early from work and offered to watch the kids while I went to lunch, shopping, or to get a massage or facial. Actually, I really felt like being with him, so we buckled the kids up and decided to try the new Cheesecake Factory they just built. I made a few quick phone calls to see if anyone wanted to join us, so Tiffany and kids along with my parents and Grandma Loveridge joined us. We were told at the busy lunch hour the wait might be upwards of 40 mintues, and with five tiny kids, the lobby just wasn't entertaining enough. We also realized there was no "child" menu, and we should probably come back another time.
Dad, on a tight schedule between clients suggested we hit Chuck-a-Rama right next door. Now, since childhood, we've dubbed it "Up-chuck-a-rama" and somehow it wasn't feeling like the venue I had envisioned for my Birthday. Oh well...majority rules as do tight schedules, and so we went...and I have to admit, that lemon-flavored-whipped-cream-jello mold is pretty tasty!
Afterward, Tiff and I headed to Tai Pan Trading (while John took the kids home)...and I bought myself a birthday present...a new centerpiece for my coffee table in the front room. It was love at first sight!


My Mom and Grandma came by that night with FRESH DIPPED STRAWBERRIES...the best in the UNIVERSE, and to BABYSIT! Thanks so much!
John called in a favor from Robbie Bosco (former BYU quarterback with ticket connections) who got us 13th row center court seats to the basketball game (Senior night...last home game) and a catered dinner from Magleby's. It was so fun, especially considering the 20-something point victory! I carted my camera along with me, then left it in the CAR! I'm so bad at this! Oh well...just picture us at a game... Blue and yellow jerseys on the court, Cosmo jumping around: you get the idea.
All-in-all...a great night.


The next night we celebrated with the kids. (Notice all of the kids holding three fingers...for "33"). We had a pizza and movie night at home and watched "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium".

...and a little help from ALL of them blowing out candles! Look at them pucker!
p.s. My "un-birthday" present from John: a new front-loading washer and dryer!!!!! (It's an un-birthday present, because he said he can't give appliances for gifts, because we've all seen how that backfired in "Father of the Bride." I love you, honey!)

Andrew, Andrew, Andrew

I'm not really one to get into those cheesy little sayings like "the most important things in life aren't things" and such, but one keeps crossing my mind today. "Life is not measured in minutes, but memories." Cheesy, but actually, it's true!

My second child got baptized, and well, it really is times that this that make life meaningful. He is an angel. I learned a few years ago watching him in swimming lessons that he is afraid to go under water. He HATES to get his face wet. Back before he started showering on his own, he HATED the part of his bath when I washed the shampoo away because if ANY water got 1/4 inch down his forehead he would scream and need a towel.

That's why I completely understood when he bore his innocent testimony to the congregation at Church that he was nervous to get baptized. I think he really was! But he explained that he wanted to follow Jesus' example and have his sins washed away, and when he went under the water, felt a warm feeling.

I love this kid. So, I think it's time to do a little spotlight on him as well. Andrew is a smartie. When he learned that letters make sounds individually, it took him all of a week to start blending sounds and to read! In pre-school, he was reading ANY scripture we handed him in family study. His kindergarten teacher recognized his early reading skills, and started sending him into the first-grade class for reading. By February, she wondered if his math skills were equally sharp. She asked the first-grade teacher for a current math skills paper and put Andrew to the test. They were just learning to carry numbers from the ones place to the tens place, and with one brief explanation from the teacher, he was doing it like a pro. Needless to say, she started sending him to first grade for the morning, and back to her kindergarten class for afternoon. By the end of the year, he was solely going to First-grade. When fall came, the school (kindergarten teachers, first, and second-grade teachers) told me they thought it a mistake to keep him in first grade. He needed to skip it and go into second. This was not an easy decision for me. I have NEVER wanted to send a child through school "young", but after much deliberating with John and the Lord, we sent him ahead. It seems to be working well so far!

Andrew is a sports nut. We attribute this to Uncle Marshall. For years we watched Andrew pick grass on the soccer field, hug cousin Aaron on the basketball court as the other players whipped around him, and try to coerce cousins into games of chess while they were out throwing baseballs. We had a classic "nerd" on our hands! He had NO interest in physical stuff. Then John and I went on a two-week vacation, and Andrew spent time with Uncle Marshall that dedicated his time with his nephew to turning him into a "Utah man" through XBox football. Oops! It backfired with FURY! We came home to one MASSIVE BYU Cougar fan with a passion for football and the players. He's also become a great sportsman himself. He started playing football and on one game returned a kickoff for a touchdown. He scored 6 points in his basketball game yesterday...

He started decorating his room with magazing pictures of the players, and articles about their program. He started BY HIMSELF turning on old video tapes of past BYU football games. He started crying when he thought they were going to lose. So, it came as no surprise to me when he woke up on his 8th birthday, and responded to my "what do you want for your birthday" question that he wanted "Harvey Unga's signature." Of course. Well, a few phone calls and a miracle BYU football team meeting later, I walked off the BYU campus with a signed mini football helmet with autographs from about 15 players. What a birthday!

Andrew is a loving big brother. When he's playing with Timothy or Matthew, he slips into this cute and higher-pitched voice...it's so adorable. He CONSTANTLY comes up to me and gives me kisses and hugs. I wish everyone could have seen him open his birthday presents...he was so grateful and adorable. He just kept saying WOW...a snickers bar....WOW, a DOLLAR! He was genuinely so happy! He couldn't BELIEVE he got his own rubber bands and army guys! He's just easy to please!

Andrew is persistent. When he's working on something he likes, it's impossible to pull him away. We got a Playstation for Christmas, and our rule is you have to do homework, laundry, piano, and bedroom before you can play. This kid is done so quickly it shocks me! So, I added one more....shower all by yourself every day. If you don't shower, you don't play. He (who HATES water) showers all by himself every single day...and loves when his hair smells like coconut! He once saw John putting on cologne, and started coming down to breakfast smelling like "Cool Water" and "Polo Black." We had to teach him the "less is more" concept for those intimate reading circles at school!

Andrew, bless his heart, has TERRIBLE handwriting. His kindergarten teacher explained it away with something like "his brain is moving so quickly, that writing is tedium. He just wants to get through it so he won't do it carefully." Funny. But his 3rd grade teacher knew he was talented, and started over-complimenting him whenever he had something legible. That has bloomed into very beautiful and neat handwriting. It used to be that even HE couldn't read his own writing...and now, the school HEADMASTER sent a note home complimenting him on his work. I'm so proud of him. Of course, I tried forever to get him to write neatly, but I think he had to do it on his own, and now he understands the joy of taking pride in your work.

Andrew is a leader...he makes board games and takes them to school to teach the other kids. He likes to draw WWII pictures, and knows just about every airplane every to grace the skies. He reads when prompted by his mother (all ability, no big desire) and can whip through books once he starts. He has a great sense of humor and is always making up jokes. (Sometimes, they're even funny to us!) When he was in kindergarten, his teachers were tickled that his newest joke was..."What did Andrew do? He drew and drew and drew and drew....." get it? Pretty good for a 5-year-old!

And so, I'm a lucky mom once again. When John confirmed Andrew, he told him that when the doctor announced that he was a boy, he didn't cry, he just laughed, because HE had never had a younger brother, and Andrew was going to be his best friend and playmate...and he is. He fills a perfect place in our family. I LOVE YOU, ANDREW!