Lil' Addy foo-foo

I know spring time is still a long time away- but LOOK! I found a bunny rabbit!

(For those who might not know, this is Misty & Nate's baby- her dad said she looked like a bug but I couldn't help singing little bunny foo-foo whenever I looked at her)

Thankful for Thanksgiving

Wow what a great idea to have a holiday specifically set aside for the purpose of helping us be grateful for our blessings! I wonder if I were a pilgrim what I would've been thankful for... Just thinking about pilgrims makes me thankful for my heater. Let's see- a few others off the top of my head-

• the church
• the priesthood
• the BOM
• being able to stay home with my children
• my health and the health of my family
• my home (there, I said it)
• my country
• a husband who makes me so happy

Whenever Kobe says his prayers at night he is sure to be thankful for food, air and gravity. That last one is one I wouldn't have thought of myself, but dang! he's right!

I just thought I'd put in some pics of some of the things I am most thankful for- my family!
Thanksgiving was with the Mower's this year. My kids have a blast with their cousins!

NO ONE can put out a spread quite like my mother-in-law. She is amazing. I would love to be such a good cook someday. Until then we will just have to go to her house for turkey dinner.

Yum Yum! The fancy dishes are half the fun!

These guys were like the 3 musketeers. Kobe had WAY too much fun having boy cousins his age to play with. (He's usually the odd man out) I figure they probably ate about 20 rolls between the three of them. Think I'm joking? Check out Kobe's face. That's a face with too much roll in it.

Let's see- we had Jeff's parents, Sharene and Peter, Jenny and Darin, and their kids Conner, Cade, Maren, and Claire. We also had a visit with Great Grandma Mower which is always fun. My kids always eat all her oreos.

Check out these two blondies! This MUST be where Brooklyn gets her blond hair.

We had such a good time! I think the highlight of the trip for Jeff was hearing Jenny say he was fast after they went running. The highlight for me- need you ask? The FOOD!!

What great home teachers!

Let's see- since we are on the subject of loosing crucial front teeth in our family, Brooklyn is proud to announce the loss of her first tooth. She was walking around the house all day with a bloody tissue wiggling it and wiggling it. (She has a high pain tolerance and thought the blood thing was cool) It was grossing me out! I hate loose teeth- and bloody tissues.
So, that was when our home teachers stopped by. They brought treats and stood in the entryway sang us 'Silent Night' (after shoveling the driveway) and as they turned to leave, there was Brooklyn standing behind them tying floss to the doorknob. Yes, she was going to try the ole 'tie the tooth and slam the door trick'. Isn't it helpful to have older siblings with great advice?
So one of the HTers asked if he could feel how wiggly it was and POP! It was over! No more agonizing, drawn-out, bloody, disgusting mess!!!! Yea!!! When they asked if there was anything more they could do for us- I should've told them they'd done more for me than they'd ever know. What great home teachers!

Christmas idea for Jeff!

Uh oh- I am already feeling a little guilty for not running this one by Jeff before posting- but isn't it easier to ask for forgiveness than permission- or something like that?

No, you don't have a smudge on your screen- this is Jeff's smile as of last week. There is a story behind it-

Last year while Jeff was skiing with friends, the binding broke on his boot and his ski flipped up and hit him in the mouth. Luckily Jeff is a happy guy and must have been smiling because it didn't hit anywhere but just on his teeth. It broke one of the front ones in half- which we quickly fixed (church was the next day and I think Jeff was conducting) but the other front tooth has given him problems ever since.

Well, the dentist finally x-rayed and discovered Jeff had a fractured root and the tooth had to be removed. So, out it came! When the dentist pulled it, it even came out in pieces! He has a retainer with a tooth on it but he doesn't wear it much at home. I'm even starting to get used to how it looks. They funniest was the kids reaction when they saw him smile for the first time.

It will be about 6 more months before the new tooth gets put in. I'm not sure why so long. Don't worry- he is glad it is gone. It was kinda like the toenails. Good riddance. Now he can bite his food again!

However, seeing the bill from the dentist only confirms what I concluded long ago. Skiing is a very expensive sport. (for us particularly) Oh I don't mean all the gear- or even the season passes, that's nothing! I'm referring to the ACL reconstruction surgery and now a tooth implant. Jeff can't hardly wait for it to snow again so he can hit the slopes!

I just think it's a pity it didn't happen BEFORE Halloween. He would've made a great pirate or hockey player!

Grandpa's Punkin Patch

One of our most favorite fall traditions comes from Grandpa N. Every year he grows enough pumpkins to give each grandkid, and better yet- he delivers them!! In all my October chaos, I managed to only get a picture of Zack with his, so I thought it would be fun to see some past years too.
Zack in 2008...

Gma & Gpa N with the kids in 2007...

Pumpkin guts in 2006...

Nope, not Lucas- Zack in 2005...

Lex & Kobe in 2004. Wierd- our house used to be white and our kids used to be little! (or unborn)
If we did pumpkins before this it was pre-digital camera. Fun!!! Thanks for all the spooky pumpkins Grandpa!

Strange things creeping around our house...

Okay- I am still attempting to catch up on my October posts- so please forgive me for living in the past. I've had so much fun seeing everyone's pictures of their kids' cute Halloween costumes, and I gotta admit we've had some crazy characters showing up around our house too...

I'm not sure if I am psycho or just crazy- but somehow all of my kids ended up being like 3 different things. Lets see..we all dressed up to go to the Family Fun night at the school the week before Halloween, (3 princesses, a pirate, and a he-woah(hero))then again the night before Halloween so we could get free kids meals at Sizzler- (this time a hula girl, jedi, witch, pumpkin, and Tigger), then finally for the real thing-(Pirate(but different kid), jedi, Snow White, Tigger, and a pumpkin). Phew! I'm sweating just talking about it-

NO SNOW WHITE!!! I'M PRETTY SURE YOU SHOULDN'T EAT THAT APPLE!!!!

I must admit- Halloween is not my favorite holiday. I don't like creepy or scary things, it is always stressful getting everyone fed and ready to TOT, it's always cold, we spend all night getting candy that I really don't want my kids to have, and I hate spending money on costumes- so I don't and my kids feel jipped.
This year my friend Polly helped me out with that last pet peeve and brought over 2 HUGE totes full of great costumes! This is how we pulled off being several different things.

This is what we were for the REAL Halloween night. Lucas had shed his costume by the time I found my camera, so I have no pictures of him dressed up on his first Halloween. Gosh. He must be like the sixth child or something. For the record- I did dress him up. He was a Hotdog in a bun.

I am always fascinated by the intricate sorting that goes on in my living room after we get back from trick-or-treating. Once everyone has all their gum and licorice and suckers in separate piles, that's when the Candy Swap starts. It's pretty funny to watch. Brooklyn drives a hard bargain.

Lucas found something good to chew on, but it wasn't candy, it was Tigger's tail!! Jeff's parents came for the end of the night and my mother-in-law helped me out with the overwhelming candy situation. She bought (yes, bought!) Kobe and Lexie's candy for $10 each! I think they were so eager to sell it since they knew they could bug some off their younger siblings later. Lexie was a little horrified to hear that her candy was going in the garbage.
Good job sweetie. Your teeth will thank you for it later.

It sure is great to turn 8!!

Before we get a breather from the Zack birthday festivities, here comes Kobe's birthday! This year was an extra special birthday since he was also baptized a couple of weeks later.

Of course, Kobe had to have a BYU cake. Actually- so was Zack's. Here's Kobe- what a great kid. Now I get to tell you some of the fun things I love about Kobe!

• I love how you always have a clean room!
• I love hearing you sing when you practice the piano
• I love how you are always the first to remember to pray when we need help
• I love watching you set goals and achieve them. Not many boys do that at your age!
• I love when you tell me what you want to do when you grow up
• I love that you are always willing to wash the dishes and help clean up- even when it's not your mess
• I love watching you play sports and do well
• I love seeing the cartoons you draw- and your self portraits-what a ham!
• I love seeing your tender heart show through when someone is hurt
• I love your reaction when I make Potato Bake or Chicken Bundles
• I love seeing you read to your little brothers and sisters
• I love seeing you do things with your daddy- like campouts and boys trips -you are alot like him!
  

I only do friend parties on odd years (5,7,9 ect) so we partied with each other and ate our second cake within a week! Kobe loves to build cool things so he got some shnazzy Star Wars Legos and K'nex sets.

His favorite presents, however, were 2 video games his daddy picked out for him. Does this one look familliar? ZELDA!!!! Bet that brings back some memories! Yeah, our poor kids have a 20 year old Nintendo. Kobe thinks its pretty cool. He also thinks its cool that he can beat Darin Wallace at Super Tecmo Bowl (if Kobe gets to choose both teams). Jeff also got him Tetris.

Wow! Look at those handsome guys! And doesn't Kobe look like a missionary in his new suit? I nearly missed the dang baptism picking it up from the hemmers. (I didn't mean dang baptism...) The baptism went wonderful. I LOVE when I get to see Jeff use his priesthood to bless our children. How grateful I am for all he does to live worthy and to be an example to his kids. Kobe has some big shoes to fill someday- and looks like a suit, too.

It was so fun to have my parents come up- of course my dad is the only one who made it to the baptism since mom was sick. Jeff's parents were able to be there, and Greg and Christy and their girls Riley, Parker, and Josie were able to make it, as well as our friends the Jensen's and Kobe's primary teachers. My parents thought ahead and brought a turkey so we could feed a crowd- but oh yeah, we were sick!! No one dared come over after so I still have a freezer full of turkey.

I am so proud of Kobe. I look at him and I am truly amazed at how much he really understands at the tender age of 8 about the gospel. He is a spiritual giant in a little body. I know he recognizes the spirit from past experiences and that he honestly appreciates the great gift his Heavenly Father has just given him. Good job buddy. Your mom and dad sure love you lots.

Guess who's four!!!

October was BOY BIRTHDAY month at our house. Zack was the first- he turned 4 this year on the 9th. Although most of my posts seem to involve Zack a lot- and this is a little late- I still thought for your birthday you deserved to get your own post!

So whoo for Zack! Wow, what would my life be like without him? I can't imagine how someone so mischevious could be so likeable. He has proven to me time and time again how there is no such thing as a good hiding place for anything in my house- or car for that matter. I think it is because of his insane curiosity. I'm sure this will turn into a strength for him some day. Until then, I hope he survives his own curiousness. Having said all that- I must admit that Zack is a ray of sunshine in our home. He is so sweet, fun, and obedient (to your face). I love this kid to death.



Zack has such a cute sence of humor. Could it be possible he could be more of a tease than his dad someday?
Just a few thoughts off the top of my head--Zack, Mommy loves it when you-

• be sweet to Payton when she's not being lovable
• help me with breakfast- you are an especially good egg-cracker
• beat me at your match game
• take naps with me
• make robots out of your mashed potatoes
• bring Lucas toys to cheer him up when he is sad
• beg to set the cups on the dinner table
• sneak into snacks- but always make sure to get enough for your sister
• build elaborate lego towers and don't hit Payter when she knocks them down
• ask me to play Chest (Chess)
• say you are my boy
• say 'sh' when you pronounce your S's (I will miss it once you figure it out)
• always say 'Sh-orry' when you can tell I am frustrated

I don't do the friend party thing until they turn 5, so this year we had our little family party with cake and ice cream. The balloons were a big hit- I think they had them all popped before the night was over! Here are all 6 party animals getting their sugar high before I try to put them to bed.

I got Zack his own little hard hat, goggles, head lamp, and leaf blower. Way to go mom- I managed to buy a great annoying toy! At least the light was right up his alley. Maybe now I will stop finding my flashlights under his bed.

Happy birthday lil' bud!

How I know my mommy loves me...

Gosh it feels good to me posting on my blog again! Yeah, there have been lots of reasons why I have neglected it lately--
October was a slightly insane month for us. We had two birthdays, a baptism, Halloween and all of the accompanying joys, family visiting for a week and a half, and our computer crashed- to name a few of the big things. But the real kicker (for me at least) was getting sick, then getting sick again, then again, and caring for everyone else as they went through it too. I've actually been well for like a week until last night and now I am back down with a fever. Joy. I hope that didn't sound like I was complaining, because I was.

It seems we are jinxed. Whenever I am going to see family, we seem to get sick. Even if its been a long time since we were! In spite of my germy house, my parents showed up right on schedule for their visit. Despite what would have been in their best interest, they said they weren't cancelling their trip. I'm not sure they realized how much I needed them. Instead of doing all the fun stuff you are supposed to do when family comes, mom and dad took over for me while I was wiped out from a terrible cold, then again the next day as I had stomache flu- and even helped with my baby as he went through the flu the next day since I was again wiped out.

So this is how I know my mommy loves me. She knew when she came that she was next. Mom just got over a cold before she came. She had the flu the day before she left, and dad was coming down with my cold. Then mom got the cold. Mom even had to miss the baptism- the main reason for the visit- since that was the worst flu day. She didn't even complain or say anything that made me feel more guilty.

Thanks mom and dad. I love you too.

General Conference

If you will excuse me- I would like a minute to jot down my thoughts and feelings for the day. Conference can be so uplifting and so frustrating in my house. Some sessions we do better than others, of course. Lexie did fantastic- she even took notes in her journal. I was so proud of her efforts. Zack colored himself and Payton with a black dry erase marker during one session- he said he was coloring himself like a bad guy. OOHHHkay. We ate a lot of popcorn and made a lot of messes, but I'd have to count the day as a success. I hope my children felt the spirit of the meeting like I did.



I am always amazed at the spirit that comes with General Conference talks. It is yet another witness to me that my Heavenly Father knows and loves me. There is always a talk or two that I hear where the Spirit whispers in my ear that I should pay extra close attention because this is something I need to hear or improve on.



Since I made packets for my kids to fill out, I decided I was being a hypocrite if I didn't take notes of my own- and I am so glad I did!!! It really helped me focus and stay alert, but mainly I loved that after it was all over I could look back over what I learned and call to mind my favorite talks and quotes and stories. Here's just a few--



One of my favorite talks this conference was Saturday by (Elder or Brother- I'm not sure) Neil Anderson. Wow- what an amazing talk -it truly touched me. He spoke on our own spiritual conversions and how although we don't know everything there is to know about the gospel, we still know enough to know that God lives and Jesus is the Christ, and that he loves us. He also said faith is not only a feeling, but a decision. How profound! It reminded me of when they say love is not a feeling, it is an action. It just makes you realize that you cannot sit idly by and expect your faith to grow. If you want to have faith, then have faith!

I especially loved the story he told of the little girl who couldn't hear very well who told the little boy with no legs in the store that Heavenly Father made him special. Tear jerker.



I always love Elder Wirthlin's talks, he has such a sweet sence of humor that shines through his physical setbacks. He is such a cute old man! My kids listened well to his funny stories of how they learned in his family to laugh instead of getting mad. What a priceless lesson for anyone with 6 kids. I tried to remind Lexie of his message whenever Kobe started teasing tonight- but I think we need more time to perfect that idea.



I could go on and on about the many things that touched my heart today and yesterday- but wouldn't you know- the one I appreciated the most came from our Prophet. What an amazing man. I know he is inspired- he spoke right to my heart. I have a new resolve to have more gratitude- to appreciate life and the stages my children are in. I want so much to create a happy home- where there will be only pleasant memories. I just wish that something that sounds so easy and natural wasn't such a challenge for me. So many days seem to be filled with frustration. BUT- as the prophet said- pile up enough tomorrows, and you'll find you missed alot of yesterdays. I need to find a way to fill my home with joy now- not tomorrow.



I'm so grateful to have the gospel in my life. What a blessing! I don't know where i would be without it! I need so much the spiritual strength I draw from these amazing leaders who speak in conference. I know they are called of God. It is incredible to see all they give in service to the church. What an awesome responsibility their callings must be. I love my Savior and I am so glad he loves me enough to give me loving reminders of those things I should be doing - I am so blessed.

Is this supposed to be fun?

I'm not sure I quite deserve the title of a 'soccer mom'. Since Jeff has coached every sports team our kids have been involved in, he is the one at all the practices and meetings. I am meerly required to go cheer them on at their Saturday games. What is so bad about that- you may ask? Oh! that could be fun- you may say? Oh ho ho contraire. I don't actually get to WATCH, are you kidding? No, instead I get to juggle Lucas, Payter, and Zack for 3 hours while Jeff is on the other side of the field coaching.



Besides being bored and eating all the babies snacks, the older ones do okay. Lexie even thought to bring a book. Like how she is using Brooklyn as a foot rest?

Then there is Payters. Since Jeff is on the other side of the field, I chase her onto the field at LEAST 3 times per game- and sometimes pretty far on because she's sneaky and I don't move fast when carrying Lucas. Lucky for me, someone next to me usually clues in that I could use some help and chases her down for me. It almost seems like dejavu- only last season it was Zack I was running after. This season he is much better. He just likes to stand a few feet over the line to bug me.

It was fun however seeing how totally different my 3 little soccer players choose to play the game. I thought you might appreciate my observations.

First there's Kobe. He inherited his dad's drive and competitiveness. He is out there to WIN and trust me- he knows what the score is. He plays hard and takes pride in doing a good job. Maybe too much sometimes though- he knows he is good and likes to tell you about it. I just hope he doesn't tell his teammates too-

Brooklyn's game was so fun to watch- mainly because SHE was having so much fun! This is her first time playing and Jeff and I were both amazed at how well she picked it up. She even scored her first goal. She is tall and can run like a deer, but she doesn't. Nope. She SKIPPED the whole time!

Oh boy- now Zack- I am not sure you could say he actually played... At first I tried to be the back-seat coach and yell all that helpful parenting advice like, "Go get the ball!" and "Kick it!" but pretty soon I was saying things like "No, don't come sit by me yet-" and it was all downhill from there. I just had to tell myself to quit stressing and relax. So, instead I took pictures. He was actually very entertaining to watch. Here is Zack shoving the ball up his shirt and then running into the coaches legs-

Where is Zack? I'm sure that's what the other players were wondering right about now...

Here is Zack scoring a goal- oh wait, never mind. This is Zack CLIMBING the goal net while the rest of the kids are running down to the other end of the field...

This one makes me laugh- the guy in yellow is the assistant coach who I think Zack was giving an ulcer. He kept trying to yell to Zack "Hey- you can't just take yourself in and out of the game whenever you want..." Here he is trying to get Zack to follow the ball. It wasn't working. Good thing Zack's coach is his daddy who loves him enough not to strangle him...
Amazingly enough his team won even with only 4 active players on the field.

Although I'm not thrilled at the thought of 3 more hours of the Mower circus-I can't WAIT to see what Zack has up his sleeve for this saturday's game. I guess I'd better have my camera ready. After the way this season is going- I'm thinking it'll be a few years before I'll be buying him new cleats!

Chillin' at the cabin

Every year Jeff, his 2 brothers, and his dad do a "boys trip" where they get together for a few days to bond and do fun manly stuff like see who can throw a rock the farthest- or run around the tree and back the fastest- ya know, stuff like that. The last 2 years Kobe has been invited to go too. I'm sure that it's great quality time and all- but it causes TREMENDOUS pressure on me to compensate for the other un-invitees. It's not quite as easy to entertain 5 little kids by myself. It's not my idea of fun. SO, this year I ran home to mommy and daddy for help- and they did all the hard work of a fun weekend for me!! What a great idea!! Too bad I didn't think of it last year!

We spent the weekend at the cabin and Grandma made sure we had enough good food and junk to stay an extra week- maybe in case we got snowed in or something. Or maybe Lake Powell is just too vivid in her mind. Grandpa brought his famous Zuccini bread too. Here is Payter pretending to eat her sandwich. That's the biggest bite of something healthy I can get her to take- and ONLY because I took her picture. I think that is why her hair won't grow. Her ponytails are starving.

We can't do camping without smore's, right? Grandpa made sure they finished off the bag of marshmellos so there wouldn't be any waste. Good job Grandpa. No wonder we love you.

Grandma had fun hanging with the kids- and when I asked Brooklyn what her favorite part was, she said teaching Grandma to play chess.

Oh no boys! I hate to break it to you, but there are STILL woodchucks in the woodpile!!!

Part of the making things equal included the BYU vs. UCLA game. Since the boys and my inlaws were all going, my dad took Lexie on a little date and they went too. They had too much fun! Grandpa sufficiently spoiled her. They met up with the boys after for dinner and got to see Cosmo the Cougar and Austin Collie at the resteraunt! It was a great day to be a BYU fan- let's see- I think the final score was 59 to 0!

All though it made for lots of driving (we've made SEVERAL Utah trips recently) I am so glad we decided to come down for a little fun ourselves while we let those boys be boys. I think next year we should triple the fun for them and send Zack and Lucas!! Yeah! What do ya think hunny?!

See? I told you so

Today at 11:00 as I was still trying to finish the breakfast dishes in my jammies I heard Zack yelling "Someone's here in their car mom!"
I looked out, and yep, to my utter surprise, here come my faithful visiting teachers- right on time. I hope they've come to love that 'deer in the headlight' look I must give them each month. I just hope they don't realize why they are getting it- or why I am always in my PJ's when they come...

Beware of the Lagoon

Watch out- when the Mower's get together, you never know what might happen. In this case, it was a wedding. (welcome to the fam Peter) I guess I should have put in a pic of the happy couple- but this one was my favorite.

Since the kids sat in the car for 10 hours and didn't even go to the wedding, we decided to do some fun stuff for them too. Temple Square is always a favorite, so we took the kids there after dinner. I have so many special memories of feeling a quiet reverence on temple grounds as a child and I would love my children to have these same types of testimony-building experiences. Unfortunately, I must not have realized (silly me) we'd been in the car all day and now it was nearly bedtime. Needless to say-I'm not sure my kids were feelin' the spirit- or anyone within shouting distance of where we were.

Okay- maybe I am not giving them enough credit. They did surprisingly well inside the VC- except for the part where you listen to the dialogue and look at the Christus- Zack was hurdling the benches and Lucas was fussing, Lex & Kobe were bugging each other, and Brooklyn was standing up next to the sister missionary who was tearfully bearing her testimony doing poses and saying "mom take my picture!" I wonder what Jeff was doing... I don't remember because I was so embarassed I was in the back pretending they weren't my kids

Saturday we surprised everyone by going to Lagoon. Man, I haven't been there since I was a kid!! After the night before I was mentally preparing myself for one of 3 things: a day of fighting and meltdowns, loosing a kid or two, or watching everyone go on rides and have fun while I wore Lucas and tried to pacify Zack and Payters since they couldn't ride the rides. To my utter shock- we had so much fun!! I was so glad the oldest 4 could do most of the rides- and Payter was a good sport about not doing everything since we took her on the freaky merry-go-round and she hated it. Lexie and Kobe even rode Collossus (however u spel it) although Lexie had no idea what she was standing in line for until she was headed up the 1st hill. Jeff had to tell her it might be too late to back out. I got to do lots of rides too because lucky for me Jeff gets sick on anything spinny. (Don't take that wrong hunny)

You want to know the highlight of the day? Cotton Candy! Wow we should have saved ourselves a bumload of $$$ and just grabbed some at a convenience store on the way home.

After all the candy and sugar- I was SO relieved to see there was a dentist nearby! Payter even had cavities on her FINGERS!

Look Grandpa N! It's a pioneer pharmacy! And look at the cute Technician! I bet she'd draw you lots of business!

I even ran into Lori and Joe right before we left- which just topped off a great day. All in all, I'd have to say, I LOVED Lagoon. WOW. And- I'm thinkin' that probably bought us some time-- now we can put off Disneyland a little longer, right?