Ben's Birthday, Baptism, and Halloween in All Their Glory

We had a lot of fun with Ben's birthday this year. He chose to stay up late with Mom and Dad and watch Spy Kids. He ate so much popcorn and candy during the movie, that at one point he stood up and said, "Wow! My head feels funny. Why does my head feel funny?" It was nice to have some alone time with "The Kid." I can't believe how grown up he is. We're very proud of him and how well he is doing in school.

2 days after his birthday, we were blessed to watch our oldest child enter the waters of baptism. He was pretty nervous about going under water but he stayed very calm and did great! His daddy confirmed him that same day and did a good job as well. Now we're working on the idea of fasting...that might take some time! Thanks to all of our friends and family who came and supported Ben. It made him feel special.

Here are Ben's thoughts on his baptism:
Now I'm not worried about going under water anymore. I felt weird but good after I got baptized. I felt the spirit when my daddy gave me the gift of the Holy Ghost. I liked having friends and family over afterward for a party. It was a good day.
Halloween was a lot of fun this year. Everyone was cheerful and warm. We started early, before the sun went down and covered twice as much turf as usual. The kids got way too much candy but I- I mean, we-were able to take care of that by sharing. With mommy. A lot. I didn't get a picture with all 5 kids because by the time "Superman" was ready, "Zorro" opted out of any further photo sessions.

Ben: Zorro

Lizzy: Hermione

Jane: Barbie princess

Liam: Superman

Natalie: Kitty

Goop

I remember when we were little and did something silly my mom would call us "goops." (I get my talent for nicknames from her.) Liam is a silly goop. The other day, Jason was sitting on the stairs, putting his shoes on, when Liam came up out of the blue and called him "your majesty." Here is a reprise:
The picture below is a recently rediscovered picture of Liam last winter during Ben's orchestra concert. It was too cute not to post.

In Chloris Leechman's words: "YOU'RE ALL FIRED!!!"

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Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures

Natalie had freezing feet today at Grandma's house so we put some socks on her. They were so slippery she got stuck doing a stradle as her feet slowly slid out from under her. Grandma fixed it by using some medical tape left over from her surgery. Now she can run. And get into whatever she pleases. The picture is the clearest one I could get. As soon as she had them on, she was off! I couldn't get her to sit still long enough to take a picture. The other picture is Liam's first day of preschool. Isn't he handsome?!

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.