What David calls jud

I've never really used my blog as a place to bear my testimony before. However, the thought struck me last night that when you combine my hormones with the spirit, I wouldn't be able to bear my testimony in public in any way that someone could understand. I get a little "weepy" you see. I was pondering about the horrible no good very bad day we had yesterday, and realized how many blessings we have. So here it is: (I like lists. It helps me get everything out. If Jason ever asked me to write a poem about why I loved him, he'd get a numbered list.)

1. On trials: I just finished listening to an awesome talk from the 2005 fall conference on trials and what a blessing they really are. We've been so blessed to take a lot of leaps of faith in the last 2 years and really try our testimonies. We've had directions and promptings from the spirit that didn't make any sense. Following these promptings has been very difficult for me. I like to be able to know how everything is going to work out in the end. Some of these leaps of faith have yet to be worked out. However, we are relying COMPLETELY on Heavenly Father for everything. This in itself has been an amazing experience and wonderful blessing. I'm grateful for the opportunity to feel the spirit, to live in a country where I can act on its promptings, and to try my own faith and endurance. I'm grateful that I have a knowledge that Heavenly Father not only has a hand in my life but is completely involved and cares very much that I make it through the tough times. The decisions we've made may not make any sense to the world, or to me, but I do have a testimony that I'm where I'm supposed to be and that everything we're going through has been for our own good. It's been confirmed by the spirit so many times. took Liam to the doctor yesterday. He failed his hearing test and was borderline on his vision test. His poor little body has already been through so much. To add to this, he will start school looking different than his peers. He will be questioned and probably teased. I hate the fact that he may need a hearing aid and glasses to go with everything else. He is the best example I have of being content and happy in whatever circumstances one is put in. He is the happiest kid I know. I'm grateful to be his mother and to learn from him. It may turn out all right. He may not need a hearing aid or glasses. His spots may fade before school starts. But he will be okay with whatever because he knows Jesus loves him, and that we love him, and that he has an eternal family. He is content with that.
   
2. On having another baby: When Liam was about 2, we decided that we were done having children. After all, 4 is a perfect number. The van was full, no one had to touch anyone else, 2 boys 2 girls, perfect set up right? Everyone had a buddy. We gave away all of our baby things. Nice plan. Heavenly Father's ideas were different. After miscarrying in 2007, I realized how incomplete we were. The birth of Natalie was such a joy to us. I couldn't believe how much more complete we felt. But there was still a child missing. I felt it- but ignored it. I imagine it was somewhat like Brigham Young being directed in polygamy. I couldn't understand how I could be competent enough to care for 6 children when 5 seemed almost impossible. We finally went to the temple and prayed about it. I was prepared for a "no, you're done having children because it's the responsible thing to do in your present circumstances" answer. I was shocked however to not only get the opposite answer, that there was another child, but that he was waiting RIGHT THEN. I was more moved to strongly feel the presence of his beautiful spirit while pondering on my answer in the temple. It was later confirmed in very specific wording during 2 priesthood blessings. I am so humbled that children have been sent to me. What a blessing they are! I know having families is an important and wonderful commandment. I am so grateful to be able to experience this part of life.
   

Natalie is ONE

Here are some random pictures I had from the first day of school. The day they started, blogger wouldn't let me upload pictures for some reason.

Ben is enjoying 2nd grade. He has all kinds of friends that he wants to bring home or invite to his birthday party. He really enjoys his computer class. Jane and Lizzy are just excited about everything there is about kindergarten. I walked them into their class on the first day and didn't cry, thank you very much. Their teacher put them at the same table but not next to each other. It's worked out great! Liam loves his preschool class. He is very excited every time I tell him he has school that day. He often puts his backpack on and waits outside in his pajamas. The picture I got of Liam is on my mom's camera. I'll post it later, but it's a typical silly pose by Liam where he's pretending to be a super hero.

The big new this week is the baby is ONE! She has been such a joy and a blessing to our family! She was the easiest delivery on record (if you don't count the false labor before) and slept through the night before she was 2 weeks old. She loves to snuggle, unless she's supposed to go to sleep. She's also discovered that she can pull Liam down and wrestle with him. They both think it's hilarious. She has a funny courtesy laugh and she started walking last month. She now occupies her time toddling like a penguin from one disaster to the next. Such an advanced baby.

She has earned herself all kinds of nicknames including: precious, peaches, monster baby, destructo, mabbers (Ben and Liam call her that), and nonsense.

Happenings

So, in case any of you were wondering, it has been officially declared that I am the "meanest mom in the WHOLE world EVERY DAY!" So, if you're ever feeling like a bad parent, don't worry, someone else is worse and was declared so by her 5 year old daughter who didn't want to help clean out the trash in her room. Good thing our lovely upstairs neighbor gave her some pizza and let her come over and play. It helped her forget she is living in a prison with no rights.

In other positive news, IT'S A BOY! Whoohoo. Actually, I didn't have a preference either way but we're excited to know and now I can start working on a quilt. We're getting really excited for our new family member to arrive but we still have 20 weeks left to wait so I'm trying to calm down and snuggle the others as much as I can before my time is divided even more.

Life is getting crazy here with all of the driving to and from the schools but the kids are loving their classes and doing very well so it's worth it!

Little Piggies

Isn't this the cutest thing you've ever seen?


I don't know if I'll leave it because she looks too stinkin grown up. I've never had a baby with hair though so it's fun to play with. She's just a little peach.

Liam's Birthday

My little guy is turning 4 today. It seems like I was just putting him in those little zip up pajamas and rocking him to sleep. He's a crazy kid now. This week working up to his birthday he's come up with some great comments:

"Hey Jane, I know why they're called Gran (Graham) crackers. Because they're for grandkids."
"No, they're for grand people, like grandmas and grandkids."
"Oh, yes. They are."

"YES! That's PERFECT for you face!"

"When I turn 7, I'm going to be a dad and go to work on a Tuesday."

When I asked him if he wanted to have his party at home or at the park he responded, "At Grandma's because it's a 'beery special pwace.'"

In a sing song tattletale voice- "Moooooom, Jane is freaking me out back here."

He likes to come up with silly games with Jane. He also REALLY likes construx, Star Wars, and GeoTrax. He plays quite contentedly by himself but also has lots of friends. He's a good guy and we are so glad he's in our family!

Tagged

Getting To Know Me Better

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Carly tagged me here. I tag Amy, Kristen, and Dedra

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If you could see any band in concert, who would it be?
Honestly? Probably the opera.

Does your family have a garden?
Yes. My parents do and I pretend it's mine.

If you could have 3 wild animals as pets, what would you pick?
3 tigers

What style of clothes do you normally wear?
Mom uniform: jeans and any clean shirt I can find.

Do you play any sports on an actual team?
no

If you were to dye your hair, what color?
My hair color is the only thing I like about my appearance.

What is your favorite music genre?
Classical

When is the last time you actually went running?
I college. My body protested violently by making me sick.

Milkshakes or Sundaes?
Sundaes, with Arctic Circle french fries.

How many songs are on your music player on your computer?
That's Jason's department

Eyeliner or lipstick?
Eyeliner. There aren't many shades that go with red hair.

Hair with volume or flat, straight, thin hair?
Smooth please.

Have you ever colored your own hair?
no

What kind of shoes do you have on?
Flip flops

Do you have a doorbell?
yes-please knock.

Have you ever pet a camel?
Camel's are scarier than anything else at the zoo.

What about a cow?
Yes

What's the craziest name you've given a pet?
Do my kids count?

What comdiments do you like on your hotdog?
Just Ketchup

What is your favorite gum?
anything with whitening.

Do you over use the saying "your mom"?
Of course!

How often do you sit around on your butt?
As often as I can with 5 kids.

Do you think you have great hair?
?! No way.

Ever cut your hair yourself?
Nope. I cry when professionals do it. What would my reaction be if I did it myself? I shudder to

Current thing that is making you happy?
My family.

What color are the blankets on your bed?
Red

Do you like watermelons more or cherries?
Cherries

Last time someone recorded you on a video camera?
Natalie's birth (afterwards of course.)

Last time someone took a picture of you?
I can't remember but it was probably Jason.

Can you say your abc's backwards?
Who can't?

What color is your shirt?
Red

Do you know anyone shorter than you?
My kids

Taller than you?
All of my brothers and sisters

Where are your ancestors from?
Mostly the British Isles, some from France

What do you order at taco bell?
Chicken soft taco. But Taco Time is way better.

Has a dog ever licked your mouth?
no way

Do you know what crop dusting is?
yes

What can you cook the best?
Ask my husband

Have you ever gave or been given a hickey?
I'm pleading the 5th

Tell us a memory from riding the school bus:
The Larencos wouldn't let us get on. Finally, the bus driver kicked them all off.

Do you have allergies to anything?
Probably, but I can't figure them out.

Would you adopt a child?
I used to say I would, but now I don't think so.

Last lie you told?
I never lie. I'm just like Superman.

Do you know how to dance salsa?
Once upon a time...

Are you obsessed with anything?
Reading, quilting, and my family.

Do you like it when it rains?
Yes. Especially at night.

What was the last thing you bought?
A maternity shirt. Is it too hard to make one with sleeves that doesn't have to have an undershirt?

Are you going to do another survey now?
no

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