Swimming Up Stream

I gained way too much weight with this last pregnancy.  I paid for it during the pregnancy and now, of course.  Progress is happening, but I have a long way to go.  Progress is hard to see.  I have to keep my hope up and keep working on it.

I'm trying to strengthen my core, build up to a 5K (then a half marathon), loose another 30 pounds, and tone and strengthen my whole body.  Right now I'm 145 pounds (I got up to 165), so it will take dedicated, consistent effort for the next few months to get to 115 pounds and 17% body fat.

I've found a couple habits that have really been helping.  1) No snacking!  2) Eat two servings of raw vegetables before every meal.  I've been making all the kids follow these rules/habits as well.  I hope it will improve everyone's health and cut down on the messes snacks make.

I'm grateful Heavenly Father has given us these amazing bodies.  I pray I can be disciplined so I can use mine to serve Him better and longer.

Funny, Adorable Children

Jaremy and I are constantly amazed by the cute, funny, and profound things our little ones say.  They understand far more than we expect.  I wish I could write these adorable things done all the time, but that isn't practical.  But I'll try a few right now.

Last night Tank (5) was tired and feeling picked on by his big brothers and sisters.  He was crying and saying, "No one understands what I'm going through.  They are so mean; they are probably going to kill me." Adelynn (2) was listening very concerned.  She said, "I will be your friend.  I say kindly to you.  Don't cry.  I'm right here.  I'm right here."  She hugged and kissed him and cuddled up to him.  So adorable!!! So sweet!!!  They spent the rest of the evening with their arms around each other.  What an amazing blessing to have such wonderful children!  They are truly a gift from the Lord.  They are close to Him and teach us so much.

Benjamin (15) unexpectedly got a job working at a Boy Scout Camp.  He stays for the whole week expect for Sunday.  He is so excited to interact with people and have lots of adventures.  I'm so grateful for such a thoughtful, respectful, amazing son.  He builds everyone around him up.  He is so selfless and helpful.  I love him so.  I don't know what Moroni (13) is going to do without him.  They are inseparable.  They don't ever fight like my younger ones do.  They never have.  They have a special, amazing bond.  You couldn't find better boys the world over! Oh, how I love and look up to them both! They are really becoming men of God.  Everyday they work even harder, thoughtfully help even more, and become closer to the Lord. I best not think of it too much or I get very emotional.

All my children are such an inspiration to me.  They teach and guide me so much!!! I love them ever so much!!!!!

P.S. Tank wants me to write about him being given a father's blessing last night to help him with his nightmares.  Jaremy also gave Benjamin a blessing before he left for his job.  I'm so grateful for a worthy, kind, wise, amazing husband, who is a dear, engaged, wonderful father and teacher as well.

Newborn Care

Jebers is crying it out right now.  It's breaking my heart!!!  It's the only way my babies seem to get to sleep.  You would think I would be hardened to it by now after nine children.  But if anything it gets harder every time.  My mother, mother-in-law, the experts, the books, and my own experience all say it is the way to train a baby to sleep at night.  But it is so hard to listen to a sweet, little baby cry.  Everything in me wants to run and comfort him.  However, my body can't keep getting up every hour and a half.  If I could just get a three or four hour chunk of sleep I would be so pumped.  Newborns are so precious!  I love my little ones dearly, but this stage along with pregnancy push me to my physical limits. Which is wonderful!  Because when I don't have any more energy and feel I can't go on I pray and Heavenly Father always blesses me with enough energy (sometimes more than I need) to go on.  He is teaching me to rely on Him.

Wonderful Hot Day

We are so blessed!  It is nice and hot today!  The kids [Hyrum (9), Ella (7), Tank (5), and Adelynn (2)] have a kiddie pool (about 4 feet in diameter and 1 foot deep) that they play in for hours.  We have a swamp cooler.  Natalie has been sewing baby blankets in front of it all day.  She is making them for humanitarian aid.  Jeebz (~6 weeks old) has been a bit warm so I wet his hair and onesie a bit to keep him comfortable.  We are about to cool off further with fruit shake. Yum!!  Heavenly Father has provided us with so many comforts and pleasures.

Days Rushing By

These are beautiful days!  We have been taking lots of pictures of our sweet, little Jaremy Bug.  I'm soaking in holding him.  He is so fragile and dear.  These are moments to cherish.  I just love being home with our children.  I know it is where Heavenly Father needs me.  The Spirit testifies of this holy, critical work.  I feel such peace throughout my days.  Are they perfect?  They would be if I was.  But we stumble along.  And while I stumble I feel I am getting closer to my children, my husband, and my Lord.  I'm so grateful for His gentle, guiding hand and the peace His Spirit affords me.

Going Great

This week Jebers will be 4 weeks old!  It has flown by in many ways.  We are so blessed!  Things never stop here day or night!  Little Jebers is so sweet!  He is already so big and strong compared to just a little while ago.  His belly button  and circumcision are all healed.  I've stopped bleeding.  Things are getting a bit easier everyday.  But even though these first few weeks aren't easy they are beautiful, spiritual, and so wonderful.  I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has blessed us with each of our amazing 9 children.  They are our joy!  They are our lives!  We love them so much!!!

Jaremy Heber Butler

Jaremy Heber Butler was born on May 29, 2014.  He is so sweet and cute!  You can already tell he is so smart and alert!  He is such a precious blessing!  He brings a sweet spirit into our home.  The kids adore him, of course.  In fact, I have to put my foot down just to hold him or change his diaper.

Labor was beautiful!  It was a deep spiritual experience.  Jaremy gave me a wonderful blessing of comfort when I was getting nervous.  Deborah, Jessica, Natalie, and Ella brushed my hair and tickled me.  I felt so loved, calm, and safe.  I know I was surrounded by angels on both sides of the veil.  Jaremy said in the blessing there were those who had lived and were yet to live there.  I felt buoyed up and tranquil.  I felt so deeply of God's love and those around me.  I walked around and changed positions up to a couple of minutes before little Jaremy Bug was born.  In fact, Jaremy Dear had no idea the baby was about to be born.  He and Jessica almost had to deliver the baby, because no hospital staff were in the room.  The doctor completely missed it.  A nurse did come just in time to help the rest of the babies body be delivered.  Heavenly Father helped me breath and remain active and calm.  It was an amazing, amazing experience.

I am eternally grateful for this little, precious boy.  He and I are doing wonderful!!!