Separated Adventure

Jaremy and six of the kids went up for the Butler family Thanksgiving party yesterday. They slept at Grandma Deborah's house last night. Jessica had to work and I am not driving long distances for fear of getting terrible headaches during pregnancy again. We kept Adelynn home with us. We made pharaoh, played hide'n seek and duck, duck, goose, read books, danced, cooked, cleaned, and totally enjoyed being together. Of course, we missed the rest of the family too. Hopefully, they will be home soon. The house is entirely too quiet! I'm so grateful for my sweet family.  I'm also glad Heavenly Father gives us chances now and again to spend one-on-one time together.

Tank and Hyrum's Plans

When Hyrum grows up he want to invent a hydro-solar powered car.  He so smart he'll do it too!  He is amazing at creating, noticing details, and thinking mechanically.

Tank wants to be a dad, missionary, cowboy, and firefighter.  He wants to own a factory that makes flying cars.  He's so cute!

All my kids will be able to do anything they put their minds to.  They are super geniuses!  I'm so grateful I get to be with them and cheer them on.  Heavenly Father has great plans in store for them, maybe even more important than being a cowboy.  I hope I can help them find the Lord's plan for them.

Lullabies

This was a wonderful, busy day! We had a lovely time at Kami's house for Thanksgiving.  We had fun cooking and cleaning as a family before we left to go to the Laney's house. There haven't been any quiet moments untiljust a minute ago when I sang some lullabies as I rocked Adelynn before putting her in bed. I sang my prayers through hymns. I hope Heavenly Father knows how grateful I am for my rich, amazing, beautiful life! I am surrounded by my dear ones, we have excellent health, we have way more than plenty, and we have the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I try to thank Heavenly Father in silent prayer as I go through the day for His multitude of tender mercies that He showers down upon us.

Just a little thing yesterday... We went shoe shopping for some of the kids.  I never find shoes that work for my wide feet, look nice, don't have a high heel, and are a good price. Yesterday I quickly found shoes that I love and for way under $20. Most shoes are at least $50-100 nowadays. So awesome deal! I bought two pairs for me and one for Natalie. Heavenly Father didn't have to bless us with shoes that were just right, but He did!

He also blesses its with huge things....freedom, salvation, eternal families, the gorgeous earth, etc. "Praise to the Lord! The Almighty, The King of Salvation!"

Adelynn's Birthday

Yesterday was our sweet Adelynn's second birthday!  She is a joy! Everyone adores her and showers her with attention and love! She brings so many laughs and smiles! She is smarter than a whip and cuter than a button! Heavenly Father knew we couldn't do without her! I praise His name for sending her to our family!

Desire of Our Hearts

I'm so grateful Heavenly Father grants us the desires of our hearts. Maybe not in this life, but in the next. I only hope my desires will be completely righteous and full of love and not for the vain things of the world. I desire to always help, protect, love, train, and teach children. But maybe Heavenly Father had other plans for my life. In that case I will gladly do what the Lord desires of me.  For hopefully that is my greatest desire, to do the will of the Lord.

Kids to the Temple

This afternoon Jessica, Benjamin, and Moroni went to the temple together.  What a neat thing to do with their time!  They are booked with homework, jobs, chores, scouts, working out, etc.  Yet they made time to do the most important things!  Jaremy did the same thing yesterday.  He got up and attended the 5:30am session at the temple.  I'm grateful for their examples.  They inspire me to get to the temple.  Now that I'm not so sick I will go more often.  Heavenly Father gives us extra spiritual power when we serve in His house.

Little Angels

I'm so blessed to be a mother of little angels. A few minutes ago Adelynn woke up too early from her nap. I went in and laid next to her and held her hand until she calmed down and drifted back to sleep. I just stared at her sweet, beautiful face, totally at peace. I'm so blessed to be the one that brings comfort to my little ones.  I wish I could help more precious, innocent children.  I'm grateful the lord has blessed me with my brood. I adore them; they are my dearest treasure!

Motion Headaches

I've finally figured out I get massive headaches from motion sickness.  Yesterday we drove up to visit grandparents, 2 hours up, 2 hours down.  My head felt like it was going to split open. Sometimes ginger ale, pretzels, and gingersnaps work.  Last night they didn't.  Because I'm pregnant I couldn't take Ibuprofen.  So I was feeling terrible.  Jessica massaged my head then Jaremy gave me a massage.  I'm so blessed to have a family who cares and helps me.  I don't know what I'd do without them.  I took a couple hot baths and just walked around in the dark house trying not to go crazy.  I'm grateful Heavenly Father has blessed us with hot water.  It is so soothing.  I'm grateful I know Heavenly Father is aware of my pain and loves me.  I ask Him to teach me what I'm suppose to learn from the pain.  I finally broke down and took some Tylenol so at least I could sleep.  Today I've felt pretty rough again.  I can't stand pain.  I want to help take away others pain.  I can't stand the thought of anyone having pain.

Eggs and Bread

This morning as I woke up I wished I had some bread to go with some eggs. My tummy was troubled like it often is lately. However, I knew I didn't have any bread left and it would be hours of nausea before I could make some. But as I entered the kitchen there was a huge bag of rolls on the counter. The boys had brought leftovers home from a Mutual dinner they had last night.  Heavenly Father cares for us in the big and little needs. He is aware of everything and loves to give us good things. This bread blessing makes me want to be aware of others more and share my blessings (little and big). By the way they hit the spot and were delicious.

Making Money

The boys have been working hard on their window washing business. It is a challenge to keep up with all the details such as who paid, names, addresses, appointments, savings, tithes and offerings, and spending.

The Plight of Children

I have cried myself to sleep a couple times lately because of the terrible things children throughout the world are suffering.  There is so much wickedness in the world.  Children are often the victims of evil, not to mention natural disasters.  Last night I was sobbing.  I felt so useless to these dear children.  I could not rescue them.  I pleaded with the Lord for them and to know what I should do as little me.

Answers came in pieces throughout the night.  First, trust the Lord's plan.  They are His children and He is more than aware of them.  Everything will be made gloriously right to them in the end.  I need to trust the Lord and His salvation.  Second, I need to create islands of sunshine for my own children and the children in my life.  Things might get really terrible in these winding up scenes.  But with faith in Christ there still must be much of laughter, playing, cuddling, singing, and loving.  I can bring joy, laughter, and pure kindness into the lives of children.  Third,  I am training my children how to create these havens or islands of sunshine.  They will create them for their children and others.  The love of Christ and the peace that comes from Him will spread in power and reality.

This morning I woke up feeling at peace.  I will create islands of sunshine!  I will scoop these precious, little ones in my arms and teach them of Christ.  I will twirl and dance with them.  I will play tag and hide 'n seek with them.  I will snuggle on the couch and read to them.  I will make funny faces and smile and laugh more.  I will trust the Lord to take care of the rest.  His arm is truly great!  He is a loving Father with all wisdom and power.

Park

Applesauce

While I've been ironing, lifting weights, and such Moroni (12), Natalie, Hyrum, Tank, and Adelynn have been making applesauce. They are working so well together. Tank washes, Adelynn moves cut apples from a bowl to a pot, Natalie and Hyrum cut apples, and Moroni cooks and purees. They have kept a tidy kitchen as well. Amazing!

Ella was busy folding a huge pile of laundry on the couch. Jessica and Benjamin are studying for their AP Chemistry class at the dining table.

It's been a great morning! The lay few days I haven't had a much morning sickness. What a blessing!! I'm grateful Heavenly Father lets us feel the weakness of the flesh on occasion. It helps me develop sympathy and humility. But I'm ever so grateful when I feel normal and healthy!

Raking Leaves

The kids are out enjoying raking leaves.  Tank (4) is blowing them with the shop vac, having a fabulous time!  It's such a gorgeous Saturday!

The big boys are at a Scout camp, but should be returning shortly.  Then we will do a bit of yard work.  The boys have a window job this afternoon.  Awesome!  Jessica is going to a movie with her friend this morning.  Finally, she is doing something with a friend!  Around noon Jaremy is going to help Benjamin and Jessica with their AP Chemistry.  I'm going to try making applesauce.  Sometimes I mean well, but get sick.  But in a couple weeks morning sickness will be gone.  Hurray!!!  This evening Jessica is working at China Chefs.  We will get everyone bathed and read for Sunday.  It's going to be a great Saturday!

I'm so grateful Heavenly Father sends us lots of wonderful, simple days!!!

Reading

I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has blessed us with great books. We are reading books by Dr. Ben Carson right now.  Excellent! I just ordered an audio nursing course.  On YouTube we watch fascinating lectures and tutorials. We have so much knowledge right at our finger tips! We are so blessed! Our whole family can get a world-class education right at home for practically free. Amazing! I just hope I can choose the knowledge Heavenly Father needs me to have to improve our lives and serve others.

Dancing

When I start to feel nauseous we turn on some fun, upbeat songs and dance.  It lifts my spirits and eases my morning sickness. Oh, I wish it were just morning sickness, but mine is pretty much all the time.  But this is a great relief!  So is going on a walk outside! A beautiful thing!  I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has allowed me to be healthy enough to dance, walk, do yoga, and move around!

Large Families are Tons of Fun!

I am so grateful Heavenly Father has blessed us with a relatively, large family!  I'm so grateful baby nine is on the way!  We have so much fun together!  Homeschooling allows us to enjoy being together all the time!  We love it!!!!

Mother Teresa said, “Children are like flowers.  You can never have too many of them.”

We share this sentiment.  

We are all children of God.  Before we came to earth we lived with our Heavenly Father as His spirit children.  We rejoiced in the opportunity to come to earth to receive physical bodies created in His image. Of course, that requires being born.   We are partnering with God as we provide bodies for these precious, children of God.  We are honored to help as many spirits as we can to obtain their earthly bodies.  We are blessed to have these dear, sweet souls join our eternal family.  We welcome them with loving arms.  Our children are our greatest treasure and joy!  They are worth any sacrifice!

Our children are one another’s dearest friends!  They are inseparable!  Our house is a constant party!!!   While there is an epidemic of loneliness in many countries our children are surrounded by a huge family who cheers them on, waits for them, plays with them, and in short adores them.  We are together 24/7 and thrive on it!  Our home is filled with laughing, tickling, chasing, and joyful chaos.  As I am answering this question our five youngest and our huge dog are tearing around the house, yelling, and having the time of their lives.  Boredom never exists here!  There is always someone with whom to talk, play, or cuddle.

We lived in a large home for a couple of years, but we discovered something unexpected. We really only used the kitchen and large dining room.  We lived in those rooms.  We did all our homework, projects, reading, cooking, eating, planning, etc. in one big open kitchen and dining room.  The whole family gravitated to each other.  We would ask the teenagers, “Why don’t you go study upstairs or in your room where it is quiet?”  They would just say, “No, it doesn’t bother me.”  They wanted to be with everyone else and just be apart of the constant commotion. 

  Our kids feel terrible for only children! Or even for kids who only have one or a few siblings. Our house really feels like a constant party! It is filled with love from basement to attic! The Lord has given us such joy!

Vehicles

I think one of the blessings we have received from paying tithing is our appliances, vehicles, and home have required little or no repairs. This saves so much time, money, and stress. We also are very healthy and protected from accidents and injuries. Considering how many active children we have this its a miracle! I'm grateful for Elder Bednar's talk about tithing. It has helped me recognize even more blessing from the Lord. It has also helped me change my prayers to all for strength, wisdom, and courage instead of Heavenly Father just fixing problems or challenges for us. He has blessed us so much!