Halloween II

Lincoln's new teeth, Anna Banana & our pumpkin carving efforts.

Halloween

Thomas the cutest-ever Tank Engine, Storm Trooper, Mullet Man, and BONES.
Joe (the plumber)


This photo by Lindsey T. Larsen

Noah's Big Day

Noah turned 8 and was baptized on August 31. Noah chose 'Scripture Power' and 'I Love to See the Temple' for the songs. Brigham and Anna said the prayers. Isaac, Grandma Blake, Mom and Noah's teacher (Bro. Elliott) bore testimonies. Dad baptized and confirmed. It was a memorable baptism because of some technical difficulties with the font. There were only about TWO feet of water. It's a good thing Dad was not a novice!!!

We have noticed a change in Noah after this great day. He really understands the covenants he has made and the principle of choice and accountabililty.

Climbing the wall

Wow - we tackled the climbing wall at Aspen Grove. I was not at all surprised that everyone else made it up, but ME making it up was a miracle (that, and a strong guy pulling on me at times).

4-Wheelin'

"That's Lincoln and Noah - riding on pour-wheela. Me do (rhymes with go) on pour-wheela right now! Me do on pour-wheela NOW Mommy!" says Lincoln as he's painfully looking at this picture.

Gettting Through

Ask any mother, the last few weeks of school are crazy! There are always increased obligations in the classroom, the last sports games, lessons, recitals, teacher and coaches gifts etc. It's enough to make us actually want school to end!!! :)

I'm just about the first to say I love having my kids around - it's just that having 6 kids with varied ages, interests and abilities is much more of a challenge when school is out. Have you ever noticed how much screen time a kid will sit through if you aren't paying attention?

But I am still so happy to have the calendar cleared of all the extra STUFF happening right now that like most of the other mothers I am saying - BRING ON SUMMER!!! School can't end soon enough!

Spring Analogy

Spring is so beautiful in New England. Every year I am amazed when the forsythia bushes sprout their bright yellow buds - before anything else. When they turn green the trees start to blossom, the azaleas bloom, and the bulbs pop up. Then you get the lilacs - the smell reminds me of spring in my back yard growing up. I could go on. This all happens so fast and before you know it, school is out and you are trying to entertain kids all summer while their friends have evacuated. As Spring passes I comfort myself with the assurance that it will happen again next year.

I have decided that Spring is like a new born baby. The experience is sublime and sacred. It takes your breath away and is intoxicating. It is a most wonderful time but it is very short-lived. Babies change almost before your eyes. As I have enjoyed each of my babies I have been comforted to know that it won't be my last - that I can enjoy this all again.

I don't have forsythia or lilacs in my own garden and only 3 tulips came up. I have learned to enjoy the flowers in other people's gardens - and there is no work involved. Hopefully I can learn to enjoy other's newborns too.

After Pictures Kitchen & Nursery

Here are the 'after' pictures. We'll show the rest of the house later. We've done a lot to it this year and are so glad to live here!

Anna's room then Cooper's Nursery

Home 'Before' Photos

We have been in our house a year now - and we've done A LOT. Here are some 'before' photos. Stay tuned for some 'afters'.
Lead-paint laced kitchen - you should have seen it with the old appliances!
I liked the hinges and pulls - too bad the paint was peeling off!
Here's the dining room with cute corner built-in.
This is the wall we knocked down.

Trip to a Children's Museum.
Brigham and Lincoln - sweet moment!
Champion Egg Hunter!
Lincoln checking out his loot.

Isaac checking out his loot.

Who do YOU think he looks like??

Meet Cooper

Here is Cooper - one day old.

Easter Egg Hunt

The kids had a rockin' Easter Egg Hunt in our yard - better because the snow was gone :)

Check us out - we have a blog!

I was told this only takes a few minutes - wow! It's true. And now we have a blog to communicate with our family and friends who we don't see often enough! We hope you'll enjoy!