Say What?

There is a constant list of to-dos in my head.

My mind scrolls through them throughout the day checking off those accomplished and growling at others who have taken up residence for way too long.

It is refreshing when one can finally float away from its place in my head.

The completion of Little C writing his talk for the upcoming primary program was one I thankfully let float away a few days ago.

He sat down at the kitchen table and wrote some very beautiful words about how it makes him feel to know he is a child of our Heavenly Father.

As his mother I was super proud.

And after I sent it off via e-mail to one of his primary leaders - who responded with extreme praise (almost overwhelming kindness) I thought,

Yep, that's my boy.

I'm his mom.

And we're basically amazing.

But, 

that wasn't quite the case.

I ran into this primary leader, who truly is one of the most awesome women ever,

and she says to Little C -

Wow, did you write that all by yourself?

Both Little C and I are nodding our heads aggressively.

To be interpreted as - you better believe it.

Then she says something like,

I didn't know you knew so much about boogers.

Huh?

Wait, what's happening here?

Are we not as cool as I thought?

And then it dawns on me -

instead of attaching Little C's pure, inspiring talk  -I accidentally attached a portion of the booger book The Beloved and I are working on.

This sweet leader opened the attachment and was probably very surprised to read the first sentence:

This is a book about picking your nose.

Have you done that before?

Oh my word. Why do I do these weird things? 

She thought we were simply playing a funny trick on her and said things in her response e-mail like -

This is going to be great. May bring people to tears. I can't wait. :)

I am thankful for her great sense of humor.

She's been waiting for the real talk all week -

 Which she received quite promptly after our little chat of enlightenment.

So funny.

I want to share Little C's real talk with you below -

it has nothing to do with boogers.

And it is completely, 

fully, checked off my list.

Knowing I am a child of our Heavenly Father makes me feel safe, like He always has my back. It is good to know that someone is watching me from above and giving me direction.

It also  makes me feel like I am part of a big family - I'm included and I'll return to live with Him after Earth.

I bare testimony that I know I am a child of God and these things I've said are true.

Oregon was Killing Me Softly

I'm a road tripper.

I love packing the kids in the car and just going. 

Wherever - whenever.

 I often say prayers of thanks for this vehicle in my life that allows me such convenience and comfort.

But once I hit Oregon all thanks goes out the window.

Oh.... crossing the border is painful. 

Even the five measly extra miles per hour that WA has to offer seems like a Godsend compared to the snail pace through Oregon.

65 miles per hour.

I think I hallucinated a bit on my last trip through.

I had six kiddos with me.

No adults.

I felt like time was at a stand still but manageable,

until I reached a construction zone with a sign declaring 45 miles an hour.

Oh my Gosh, take a stapler to my face.

Everything got progressively worse especially when

my music decided to be stuck on a mix featuring two albums - Kidz Bop and Barbara Streisand Partners.

And can I just take a moment to say props to the marketers of the Partners album - because I am not a fan of Barbara. Like. at. all.

But I totally bought this album and was even over the top excited for it to greet my ears.

The woman does have an amazing instrument but the men she sings with is what sold me -

Michael Buble

Stevie Wonder

John Mayer

Baby Face

Billy Joel

Bocelli

Josh Groban

Elvis

Jason Gould

John Legend

Lionel Richie

and even Blake Shelton -

unfortunately, in the end, it was still her voice, sounding stuck in a terrifying seventies track. 

I understand that on the outside things could have been extremely worse but on the inside -

I was having a little mental breakdown.

Kind of felt like crying -

and if another sweet child asked me how much longer or told me they had to pee or someone was touching them-

I was going to sue Oregon and Barbara for ruining my road trip traveling life.

It even got to the point where I felt like I had the power of negotiation .

Oregon!

Dear Beautiful Oregon,

I will legalize recreational marijuana if you'll PLLEEASSE let me drive a little faster.

Just give me 75 mph - 55 in construction zones and I'll give you

Ganja for everyone not obeying the word of wisdom.

I promise.

Yep, I was a crazy person.

How beautiful Idaho is.

We have super slow drivers,

but I am thankful for the option to hurry my little self along.

Once I reached this great state I have never accelerated faster.

80 mph.

A mini van flew passed me  - they had to be going 90.

My mind shouted out major props to this vehicle, as I felt we were kindred spirits.

Idaho and Utah - thank you for the beautiful postings listed below.

I think it makes me a better person and also doesn't encourage me to envision encouraging others to smoke weed.

Because that was weird.

Not my life.

We were ten minutes early to church on Sunday. First time ever.

In fact, it's most likely the first time we've been on time to church since 2006 of our own accord - meaning no child was being blessed or we weren't given an assignment to talk or give the prayer.

I say "we"... I should clarify - The Beloved was still 20 minutes late. :) Somehow, within his genetic make-up, his need for punctuality is completely defect or forgotten. 

But Gosh, I still love his so, so, sooooo very slow self.  

(His mom warned me about this before we wed - therefore I can't be mad. Sometimes that sucks. :)

Anyway- I felt triumphant.

The kids were pretty reverent and we didn't rock the whole establishment like we usually do when we try to "sneak in" a half hour late. 

Now a new goal is set in this mind of mine as I desire the same result for this upcoming Sunday.

Punctuality is an interesting thing.

People define it so very differently.

10 minutes early -

Right on the dot -

5 minutes late.

30 minutes early! What.?

Today I learned a lesson about crazy punctual people.

It's a whole new world I never knew existed.

I had just gotten done hanging with a pal, kids fell asleep in the car afterward, and my school children were due to be picked up within approximately 30 minutes.

It's hard being stuck in this bind - doesn't make sense to go home, don't want to run an errand that will awake those catching their zzzzs - what to do?

I thought, I'll just go to the kid's school! I'll be the very first one in line and my kids will think I'm the coolest on time mother ever.

I even thought, I wonder if the school is going to think I'm a weird stalker for being parked outside their facility so early. 

But,

 Big HA! to me!

I slowly pulled up to the school...

right behind the huge line of cars as I usually do.

Huh?

People do this?

Everyday?

Sitting in their car for a half hour just sitting, waiting.... I would die.

How early did the first person in line have to arrive?

And do they feel competitive about getting the first person in line spot?

Typically, that last half hour before I leave to pick up the brood I am shoving in last minutes - extra dishes, vacuuming, maybe I forgot to brush my teeth?

I sat there in my car wondering what the other people in their cars were doing - 

is this their moment of peace where they do some much desired reading?

Catch up on current events?

Are they doing work from their phones or another electronic device?

Listening to soothing music?

Getting a social media fix?

Taking a nap?

I was so amazed I even took a picture. I was that shaken.

Here's the clincher -

I pulled out of the parking lot to head home the same time I usually do!

I don't get it. Not one bit.

That's probably why I'm always late to everything.

That's also probably why The Beloved and I are perfect for each other because deep down I am punctually inept too.

If you have to ponder over punctuality it probably isn't for you.

That's my new found truth of the day.

Laundry Baskets

Now that's a catchy title.

Though my house is a bit trashed at the moment,

little things like laundry baskets, organizing ideas, bring me such peace.

Laundry - in a family of any size makes me want to throw up in my mouth a bit - especially in my own family of seven.

Clothes, Clothes, Clothes - It should be a new Dr. Seuss book. Clothes in the morning, clothes at night, clothes put away, clothes take flight.

Grrr...  It's a clothes loving/laundry hating battle.

P.S. I LOOOVE new garments to adorn this fam.

My kids basically make anything look cute (horrible trait) and I just want to throw everything I see on their little bodies. 

It's a personal problem I'm trying to resolve.

At Ross the other week I found the perfect size baskets to sit in my laundry room for clothes to be sorted in -

because that's half the war right there;

the transition from the body, to the overflowing bedroom laundry basket, to the actual laundry room. Plus my tiny tendency to be OCD when it comes to clothes on the floor  - this new purchase has helped out significantly with the rotation from dirty to clean.

The kids can haul in their laundry themselves, sort it, and away they go. 

This has always been our procedure in the past but it has been hard to find a suitable sized compartment.

Hurrah!

Joy, joy, joy.

I welcome these three new friends.

Now - if I can only conquer putting the clothes away.

It's on the list right next to keeping my wallet closed when in an department store.

Baby James (said in an English Accent)

Or not - 

because my sister had a beautiful baby girl. 

And though this newborn has a very lovely feminine title - the name, Baby James, as she was called throughout the whole pregnancy, is pretty hard to say farewell to.

I was the lucky duck who was blessed to be able to go and help out for a week after this beautiful little specimen was born. 

The Baby (my baby) and I left our awesome men for six days - which was rough on our hearts - but were welcomed into such a loving home by my sister's family.

She now has a whopping number of seven little humans running about her abode.

We chatted, chatted, chatted, had a b-day party, makeover time, played Uno galore, ate super tasty food, I worked a bit, went jogging with my nephews and eldest niece, colored, went on walks, did homework, watched movies, and played tricks regarding "branch finger".

(Okay - I'm not proud of this confession but while in D.C. I saw a man with a snarly extra finger (resembling a small branch) growing out of the middle of his pinkie. I felt sad it was there. I wondered why it was still there. Why? Why? He appeared as if he had funds enough to cover a removal of some sort. I wasn't trying to be judgmental or unkind I just kind of became obsessed with this additional appendage and couldn't get the image out of my mind. It was kind of terrifying to me - which I know is ridiculous and rude. 

Anyway, my sister's family knowing my fear helped me overcome it by secretly taping a similar "branch finger" image above my bed. So naughty but a trick I could appreciate :)

I truly left their home feeling uplifted and overjoyed with the relationships strengthened.

And Baby James - what a sweet bundle of perfection! I love all these peeps!

Eldest sibling snoozing with new baby.

This little human had a bit of a cold so she had a little assistance in germ containment.

The Baby with her sweet, older, make me truly laugh out loud cousin.

This adorable niece called me so many new nicknames - the two favorites being Camster and Camel. I called her Kettle Corn.
We bonded for sure.

We are trying to take a picture of my hair which she colored pink with hair chalk - it doesn't show up very well in the photo but she was really pleased with the outcome. Funny kid. I named this skinny bean pole the Michelin Man.She embraced it.

Sister bonding with the new baby.

It was Michelin Man's B-day! Party Time! Kettle Corn helped me make the cake.

Family picture!

Being goofy.
They have way bigger lips than me - I kind of look like I'm performing a balancing seal trick.

The three eldest girls giving their Mama a makeover. 

My turn. :)

After Shots. We look pretty awesome.

I put makeup on this one. Never again.
She's way too pretty.
p.s. she's the "branch finger" trickster. :)

Welcome home sign for Mama and "Baby James"

 After a crazy flight home where I tested positive for handling explosives and had to receive a "pat down"  - all while holding my baby -

they finally decided I wasn't a terrorist  and I was able to return to home to this beautiful sight. 

Heavenly. 

Props to The Beloved for manning the fort while I was away.

You are exceptional.

Even amidst a whooping cough diagnosis for Moo - you kept your game face on. 

Thanks for taking such great care of our babies.

And They're Off!

Little C 6th grade
Lou 1st grade

Ruckus - Kindergarten 

Ruckus sharing his All About Me Presentation

I love summer - zero schedule nor agenda.

My heart screams freedom!

I'm torn between needing school to begin and dreading it.

After three months of flying by the seat of our pants a little structure is in demand - school makes me jump into gear -

but my kiddos being gone for eight hours a day  - that's huge.

I miss them, worry about the negatives influences being thrown in their faces - and shout for joy at having a bit of freedom as well.

Plus, my kids L.O.V.E. school. 

For different aspects maybe - but love nonetheless. 

So for now - these are my random thoughts that I share.

Little C is digging being in middle school and having more than one teacher. But for real, Middle School! How did my baby get so big?

Lou is as focused as ever and is pouring his heart and soul into the first grade.

When I picked them up from school Lou quickly informed me that Ruckus had gotten into trouble for talking during class.

I said something like - 

Well, I'm sure as soon as his teacher asked him to stop, he stopped. Did she have to ask you more than once Ruckus?-

Ummm.... he responded. Kind of - More like this many (as he slowly lifts every finger up from his hand). :)

Shoot dog.

So we talked about being respectful and saving our conversations for recess and breaks.

Gosh - but how I remember the desire to be chatty so well. Sometimes I felt like I would burst if I couldn't just slip out a word or two to my neighbor. :) I empathize.

Oh, how I love my sweet boys. 

I wish them every success this school year.

Happy Anniversary Pal!

And that's really how I feel. This guy's my pal and my everything else.

For our Anniversary we went and played Frisbee at the park while our spectacular "The Beloved Made" foil dinners were cooking.

They were delicious - unfortunately, the bees thought so as well. So we karate chopped over our food, whilst eating to shoo them away. We also ran around with our plates in our hands trying to evade them.  I'm sure we looked like crazy people - but crazy people are kind of my favorite.

I love, love this man.

Happy Anniversary!

                            

Moving around with his dinner :)

Another Adventure

After D.C. we hung out in Utah, bonding with family galore.

Grandma and Grandpa Patton had watched our four busy boys while we were away and were still willing to host us for an additional week upon our return - they're Saints.

The Beloved's sister Rachael and her family were in town from CA so we were able to party with her brood and also The Beloved's sister Ruth's fam as well. We're talking 15 grand-kids under the age of 12 living the good life at Grandma's house. Always a party.

The Beloved's mom filled our days with well planned activities that made her grandchildren's lives complete.

 - water fight at the park

 - movie theater all to ourselves

 - folk fest

 - Joseph Smith Memorial Building where we saw the Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration Movie. Phenomenal. 

 - Movie Night

 - Girl's Night (the boys had a boy's night too - but being that I'm a female, I have zero photos.)

Our own little family when and toured the Ogden Temple which was breath-taking.

The Beloved's Mom purchased journals for each one of her grandchildren. She would gather them together in the evenings for scripture reading and then have them write about their day and their thoughts afterward. She is pretty spectacular. - plus (Lou says) she makes him breakfast every morning - which is a really sweet deal.

Visiting Angel Grandma's Grave

Bowen, Arrow :)

The Lou - Dog

Cousin Ethan and Moo

Moo and Grandma

Cool Aunt Rachael embarking in a water fight with her daughter and 57 children

Little C, Kaden (Caden? - why don't I know how to spell it?), Rachael

Little C going around and around

The Beloved spinning him fast

The result of being spun - :(

Grandpa and Grandma with the kiddos at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building

The Beloved dying his sister's hair. Oh - tender.

Enjoying a movie all to ourselves. No need to hush kids or anything - loved it.

Ogden Temple

A little too sunny for a photo

A horrible picture of the Folk Fest - but my kids really enjoyed it. Ruth and Dave even took them a second evening and invited them to sleep over. Seriously - I have the coolest relatives.

Girl's Night Photos - 

my niece's silly aunt (me) made them try on all sorts of accessories. So fun.

But they totally loved it. :)

Movie Night!!! Look at all those humans!

Grandma leading them in scripture reading.
See their journal's on their laps?
Amazing.