The Roberts Family

Do You Speak Your Spouses LOVE Language?

2012-02-14T16:47:00.000-07:00

Are you familiar with the book, The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman?

It's a pretty good book.

In it he points out that there are five primary love languages, which are:

Words of Affirmation

Quality Time

Receiving Gifts

Acts of Service

Physical Touch

Chapman explains that each of us have a primary and secondary love language and we typically show love in the way we like to receive it. That can be a big problem if your spouse speaks a different love language than your own.

My Marriage and Family Relations teacher explained it something like this...Speaking the wrong kind of love language is like sending a package to the wrong address. It never reaches it's desired destination and therefore has little or no affect on the intended recipient.

I read this book years ago and found it very helpful to understand my own love language as well as Ken's love language. When I finally realized the way we both individually feel love and in return show love it made understanding each other so much easier. My primary love language is acts of service, and my second is quality time. Ken's primary love language is more physical touch and words of affirmation. You can imagine how badly we would miss the mark if we only spoke our own language instead of learning the language of our spouse.

I am inclined to DO things for Ken to show my love, but what he really needs sometimes is just a hug and an encouraging word. Ken is inclined to show affection when what I really need sometimes is for him to just DO something to lighten my load. We both try and look past our own love language and instead speak the language of our partner. For me personally, I know I try and speak Ken's language but my love language is generously applied as well, because that's who I am. I just have to know that he may not get as much out of those things as I get out of doing them. If anything, it at least helps explain why our spouses sometimes do the things they do or think the way they think. Life becomes a ton more simple and enjoyable when you understand this concept. It's HUGE, really.

If I were really cool I would add a link to the quiz you can take to find out what your love language is, unfortunately I'm not that cool. Still, I encourage you to find it or read the book. It's worth it.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

I'm Trying Really Hard to Keep Myself Off The Crappy Mommy List

2012-02-14T14:57:00.001-07:00

Have you ever watched parents who have older and younger children? Have you ever noticed how some parents seem to be so much more LAZY with their younger children then they were when their older children were young?

I have...and I swore I would never be one of those parents. I never wanted to be a lazy parent who didn't put in as much effort with my younger children as I once had.

Well guess what...it's happened.

But! Now that I'm here I understand a little better.

It's taken some time to convince myself, because mommy guilt is a powerful force, but I am NOT lazy. Never have been!

I do not sit around eating bon-bons and watching soap operas all day (gag me, please).

True my younger ones don't get all the bells and whistles that my older kids got at that age.

True I did send #5 & 6 to preschool not knowing their ABC's. It's true, shocking I know. I would have been in hysterics wondering how I had failed so miserably as a parent if #1 didn't meet and exceed every developmental milestone. But I've come to realize it just doesn't matter.

Sort of...

I mean really it doesn't matter, but I still let things like that bother me.

I feel guilty because I'm not as involved as I once was. There is only so much of me to go around. I am spread pretty darn thin, and still some days it just doesn't cover EVERYTHING.

I feel guilty because I LOATHE filling out my kids reading calendars. Six different papers, charts, and what-not everyday drives me crazy!

I have a mental block when it comes to school papers and again I feel GUILTY.

My brain can only hold so much information and having 5 kids in elementary school and 1 in Junior High gives me system OVERLOAD.

So I deal with it by ignoring as much as I can.

I know that sounds terrible, but it's SURVIVAL.

Here was my latest dilemma...

CLASS VALENTINE'S....

Between my 5 elementary age students I needed to provide 123 valentines for their fellow classmates.

I was seriously sweating this because I didn't have the money to go buy 6 boxes of valentine goodies. I would rather spend that money on my own little family of valentines. But can you imagine being the one kid in your class that did not bring a valentine to share with their buddies.

Ultimate humiliation.

That would have put me on the crappy mommy list for sure.

I had no choice but to figure out a cheap way to make my kids happy, and stay off that list.

I ended up bypassing all of the cutesie Valentine's Day packaged candy and going right for the cheapest bulk candy bag I could find. I ended up spending $4.00 on smarties rather than $16.00 on traditional valentine favors.

Did I feel guilty? YES, I did for a moment. But only for a moment, because even though I did not spend tons of money, nor did I spend several evenings making sure that every child had there classmates name written on their cards. It DIDN'T matter. My kids were happy, it was cheap and easy, and it's all okay.

I don't know if anyone else can relate too trying to live up to what you USED to be able to do. I hope I'm not the only one that feels this way. But DUH, hello! I didn't use to have 8 kids! Not that it matters how many kids you have, ANY number is challenging at times. I do WAY more now than I did when my older kids were young, it only seems like less because it's spread out a lot more.

It's all good.

My kids are surviving.

And I am trying my hardest to do the things that really matter and not sweat the small stuff.

Cause really...if it won't matter years from now then it's not worth worrying about today.

Sometimes less is more. Sometimes.

Nancy: This One Is For You

2012-02-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

The Nancy I am referring to is not myself, I am referring to my mother-in-law who also happens share the same as my own. I don't actually call her Nancy, I call her Mom, but since I call more than one woman by the name of mom for the sake of clarity when I say mom you'll know I mean Nancy, as in my mother-in-law, Nancy Roberts. Wow...that was a really long run on sentence.

Anyways...

Ken told me yesterday that while I was at school his mother called feeling down and needing a little encouragement. While talking to Ken I was reminded of a blog I read when I was also feeling discouraged, weak, and unsure if I was up for the challenges of life that lay ahead of me.

Mom, I was thinking of you and wanted to share this post with you. The following are not my words, but used with permission from Sunshine Promises -a gifted blogger, who uses her talent and life experiences to express the feelings of a tender mothers heart. You can visit her blog and read the entire post HERE.

The Wagon Sprint

The story is as follows...

During the Mormon Migration, many companies of Pioneers made the long and arduous trek from the Midwest to Utah. Many of those Saints started the journey after leaving everything they owned in foreign lands and making the long and expensive journey to the United States. The end result? Too many started the journey destitute and had to travel in "less than desirable" conditions. Many of those immigrants came by handcart.

One of the handcart companies was the Willie and Martin Handcart company. Quite recently, their story was beautifully depicted in the movie "17 Miracles." Many stories could be told of their faith, testimony, heartache and sacrifice but - for this post - this one will have to suffice.

After surviving starvation, exhaustion, bone chilling conditions and being overshadowed by the Spirit of Death, a young girl found herself among the survivors when the rescuers came from the Salt Lake Valley. Her hopes, however, were soon squelched when it was announced that the younger folk would still be asked to walk the remainder of the trek to allow for room in the wagons for the older and more feeble Saints. After hearing this, the girl and a friend made the decision to try and keep up with the wagons just in case there became room available onboard. They did so and - sure enough - they were soon asked by a man if they wanted to get on the wagon.

So, at this point, can you imagine what they were feeling? Relief, Gratitude, Hope that this nightmare would all be over. Right? That's what one would rightfully assume. Well . . .

As the Driver reached down for the girls, he asked them to hold on to the wagon. At that same moment, he signaled to his horses to speed up. Soon, the girls found themselves sprinting alongside the wagon, trying to run fast enough to not get trampled. In that instant, the girl thought to herself, "This is CERTAINLY the meanest man in the world! How COULD he do this to us after all we've been through!"

And then the teaching moment.

When she thought she couldn't go a step more, the gentleman stopped the wagon, pulled the girls onboard and continued on to the Salt Lake Valley. The Method to his Madness? The girls were nearly frozen to death and he knew that - in order to survive the voyage onboard - they would need to warm up their bodies through a brisk run. In essence, what appeared to be torture was the very thing that saved their lives.

How many of us have experienced this? We find ourselves in difficult circumstances that demand us to run faster than we have strength. We are exhausted, heartbroken, and wonder if a God in Heaven is even aware of our plight.

And then the wagon speeds up.

We start sprinting and taking deeper strides than we thought we were capable. Our lungs are burning, feeling ready to burst, and hot tears are spilling down our cheeks as we feel our bodies begin to shut down.

And then the wagon slows.

We are hypothetically pulled into the Lord's wagon. Is the voyage over? No. But a Loving Father in Heaven knows we have reached our breaking point. There IS relief. And He is our Driver.

When time, experience and perspective give us the hindsight that only God can give, we believe that it will be moments such as this that WILL in fact save us. For it is IN these moments that we have learned the strength we can have through God. That with Him, nothing IS impossible and that our faith can in fact withstand even the darkest of times.

And that - in the end - we are saved by the Wagon Sprint.

Mom, I love you. I know you can do anything the Lord calls you to do. He will strengthen and bless you. We are proud of you and dad for your willingness to serve Him. You will be in our prayers. I have no doubt that you are equal to this task. I also have know doubt that it will be a blessing in your life, and the lives of your children & grand-children, even more than you can imagine. We love you!

Love, The Other Nancy

Roberts Update

2012-02-08T14:18:00.003-07:00

Just wanted to keep you up to date on all the fascinating details of our exciting lives.

Okay, not really fascinating, but I do have some exciting news....

DARIC IS NOW POTTY TRAINED!!!

That leaves only one left in diapers.

Do you know what that means?

It means...I'm bound to get pregnant soon. JUST KIDDING. That was a joke.

What it really means is within the next year or two I will be done with my nearly 14 year continuous diaper changing streak.

What will that be like?

Much less expensive I'm sure...Oh, just kidding about that too, they only get more expensive as they get older.

Check out my super-hero BIG BOY in his super undies.

On to other exciting news...

Kaylie has been chosen once again to go to the district science fair.

Way to go Kaylie!

With Ken home more now he was able to help Kaylie with her project this year. That is WAY exciting for me!

On to other exciting news...

Presents...I love presents.

My friend Margaret made us girls these darling hats and scarves and bought the boys these fun BYU hats. I can't wait to take the girls out in the fresh snow (if we get anymore) and take winter pictures of them. I think they are ADORABLE.

Thanks, Margaret!!!

Here's one more totally random picture just for fun.

Oh, who am I kidding...

Here's a couple more.

Now I'm done.

The End

Losing It....Week 24

2012-02-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

Let's not waste time with chit-chat...let's get to it....

Results:

-5 lbs.

Ye-Haw!

Stats:

Current weight: 194 lbs.

Total weight loss: 41 lbs.

I even own 2 size 12 skirts. I don't feel like I'm really a size 12, but I did get lucky enough to find 2 that fit. Yay! That feels good.

This week we had 2 birthdays and all the goodies that go with them. Before next weigh-in there will be another, MINE. I know I'll have to kick up the exercise to make up the difference. Right now my thing is walking/running 3 miles on the treadmill each morning. Well...technically I have only done that twice, but it's my new plan. First time was Friday...halfway through my workout I decided to go 3 miles, it took me 44.54 minutes. This morning I did 3 miles in 40.58 minutes. My goal is to keep trying to shorten my time. I would be really happy with a 35 minute 5k. It's kind of funny that I was so proud of myself for running a mile at 4.0 mph. Now 4.0 is walking not jogging. I walk at 4.3, it's fun to see improvement. Soon I would like to see 5.5 feel like a comfortable jog. I'll get there, and then I'll set a new goal.

As for writing my food down, that lasted all of about a day and a half. My intentions were good. I planned on doing it faithfully, but after the first day it wasn't working for me. All I did was think about food...ALL DAY LONG. It did make me think about what I was eating the only problem was it made me want to always be eating. Weird, I know. It's not supposed to work like that. For now I'm not doing it, maybe sometime, but not now. Not for me.

My next weigh-in goal is -2 lbs.

Wish me luck!

Yet Another Birthday...

2012-02-04T20:44:00.001-07:00

That's what happens when you have 11 people in your family...you're bound to have birthdays one right after another. We have 5 birthdays between Jan. 17th and Feb. 16th. Only one more to go then we are done until June.

Today is EMMA'S 9th birthday!!!

Happy Birthday, Emma!!!

Tradition is that you can have a friends birthday party on your 8th birthday. Emma got a little jipt seeing as I was coming home from the hospital with a newborn last year on Emma's 8th birthday. So she waited patiently all year to have a friends party on her 9th birthday.

It was lots of fun. Emma has some really sweet friends. We played lots of games, ate pizza, cake and ice-cream, opened presents, giggled, screamed, and all kinds of good stuff like that.

After Em's party I took her to a local park for our traditional birthday photo shoot.

Isn't she just darling? This momma sure thinks so.

To wrap up Emma's big day, Ken took the 5 oldest kids to the theater to see "Puss in boots".

I think Emma had a pretty good 9th birthday.

Love you, love you...Emma girl.

Birthday, Part 3

2012-02-01T11:01:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was not only Aftyn's birthday, but Zachary's too.

Though Zachary is not here to blow out candles or open presents, he was not forgotten.

All year long I have been thinking about this day...the twins 1st birthday. If you know me well, you know I don't like leaving Zachary out. I just can't do it. We can't celebrate his birthday in the same way we can Aftyn's but every year we will celebrate his birthday in a special and meaningful way.

This year Ken took the day off work. He did this for me. Aftyn and Zachary's birthday is the last of all the "firsts", if you know what I mean. "Firsts" are always hard even when you are doing well. I am doing well, but it was so nice to have him by my side the whole day. It strengthened me, and is just what I needed.

Ken and I shopped for baby blankets together...(I'll explain that later).

Then we went to the Temple together, a place where we can feel closer the Heaven. A perfect place to go and think of Zachary on his birthday.

I have tried to look for ways to find purpose and meaning in losing Zachary. I don't want it to just be...I want it to be for something. I want to be a better person because of it. I want my children to have a greater more personal knowledge of God's plan of happiness for His children. I want Ken and I to have a deeper love for our children. I want a greater glimpse into eternity. I want to have greater compassion for others. I want Zachary's short little time on earth to have purpose. And for me it does. Because of him we are all better for all those reasons listed above. We are better because he touched our lives for good, it took only a moment in time to change us forever.

Somewhere along the road this past year I got the idea to donate baby blankets to the hospital in honor of Zachary on his birthday. My intention was to make them, but life gets busy and well this year they were store bought. We plan on continuing this tradition each year. My hope is that each year we will get more and more blankets and be able to donate to many different organizations. This year we donated 10 (one from each of us) to Orem Community Hospital. It's where the twins were born and it felt like the right place to "give back" this year.

Little things like this help heal my heart. I love knowing that we can turn pain into purpose, service, and love. I look forward to making blankets together with my girls this year, and the boys too if they want to help. I love that my children can be a part of something that gives meaning to their little brother that they never got to see, touch or hold, yet they know he is as real as any other sibling they see everyday. This is the beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can KNOW without having to SEE.

Happy Birthday, Zachary.

Thank you for being a part of our family.

We love you, and miss you everyday.

Birthday, Part 2

2012-02-01T09:34:00.001-07:00

More of Aftyn's 1st birthday...

Facts about Aftyn...

*Aftyn is our best snuggler. She is our only baby that will lay her head on our shoulder and fall asleep. She still let's us hold her like an infant wrapped cozy in a blanket. Lying in bed she has to be touching. She loves to be cheek to cheek.

*She is playful. She loves to be tickled and wrestled with. She has a sweet little giggle. But beware...she also has one of the best little crusty faces I have ever seen. And we see if often.

*Aftyn loves her older brothers and sisters. It is not uncommon to see Aftyn perched on top of Tyler's shoulders, or snuggled in her sisters arms. Everyone loves Aftyn.

*She has a dark brown birthmark just under her left shoulder. We call it her Zachary kiss. We also love to kiss that spot.

*Aftyn has 4 teeth. She took her first steps a couple of weeks ago.

*A few months ago Aftyn went from being a tiny petite little thing to being a little chunky monkey almost overnight. She is now pretty solid with rolls everywhere. She is looking more and more like Emma every day.

* Aftyn's hair has lighten from a dark brown into a lighter brown. It's also thinned and I can't wait till it grows and I can start putting in hair accessories. She will not keep headbands in anymore.

*Aftyn is good natured, usually happy. She does have an ornery streak about her that I find adorable.

*She is curious and smart. She loves to squeal, loudly. She also "sings" along to music.

*In short, Aftyn is a wonderful addition to our family. We have been richly blessed by her presence this past year. She fills our hearts with love and gratitude. She fills our home will an added measure of the Spirit. I can not look at her without counting my blessings. She twitter pates me. She is a gift.

Happy, Happy Birthday, sweet baby girl.

Thank you for coming to our family.

Birthday, Part 1

2012-01-31T23:40:00.001-07:00

Aftyn is ONE!

ONE...can you believe it's been a whole year since this little beauty joined our family?

One year ago Today

As you can see Aftyn is growing so big. She is not itty-bitty anymore.

Happy Birthday, Baby!

It's late...I have to sleep. I'll post more of Aftyn's birthday tomorrow. With lots and lots of pictures, cause that's what I do.

Let's talk...Sex

2012-01-24T20:59:00.002-07:00

Ah...I got your attention didn't I?

Well, it's not all about sex, but some of it is...so just keep reading.

Yesterday I attended my marriage and family relations class for the second time. 'Bout half way through our 2 1/2 hour class I began to get really tired of hearing "the wife lecture".

Apparently, according to my teacher, wives could stop any and all divorces if they would just do 3 simple things. Which are...

1. Show your husband respect.

2. Stop nagging.

3. And give him sex.

(3 times a week or more for a healthy marriage, just in case you were wondering)

I nearly blew a gasket.

But Instead I simply asked, with all the calmness I could muster, why the heck she wasn't giving the same lecture to the husbands?

Next came a very lively discussion about sex, marriage, and other such things.

From here on out I will attempt to eliminate my sarcasm. I do believe this is a very serious topic, not to be taken lightly. I can't promise to be completely good, but I will try.

My teachers name is Larinda, she is passionate about marriage and keeping people married. I can relate to that. I feel the same way.

This is her soapbox in a nut shell...

She contends, that as women we have so much power and control over our relationships that if we would just do the very simple things listed above that our husbands would naturally be better husbands.

Hmmm...I can see her point, to some degree at least.

I agree that women have the power the tear down or build up their husbands. I agree that nagging is not the best way to get your husbands to get to that list of "honey-do's". And I agree that husbands/wives need to feel the closeness that can only be shared by having sex.

By the way...I hate the word sex, it sounds cheap. For the purpose of this discussion it's the easiest choice of word. Sorry.

Back to my thought...

I get what she's saying. It makes sense. But don't you think it's sounds a little lop-sided? How 'bout a little mutual respect? How 'bout a little pat on the back? How 'bout a little romance? Well, apparently we could have all those things too, IF women weren't such poor communicators. Oh see, there goes the sarcasm, it just slipped out. Apparently, not getting what we want out of our husbands is our fault too.

*Disclaimer*

My husband is stinkin' awesome. Seriously. I have no room to complain. And I am not. He is nearly perfect. I must be one incredibly powerful women...wink, wink.

Larinda also claims that women expect way too much from their husbands, while men don't really expect that much from their wives. If women would just expect less, we'd all be happier. Her example...As a woman, she falls short of her own expectations of herself, so how could she possibly expect her husband to meet all of her expectations? He is bound to fall short as well.

I agree. Women do often times have high and unrealistic expectations, we do need to cut our husbands some slack. But is it realistic to not expect anything? Only to serve him, and give him sex on demand? I think not.

Obviously, I have a poor attitude. Not about marriage. Marriage is awesome and I feel incredible blessed to have the husband I do. But I'm not sure I'm completely sold on "the wife lecture".

So what do YOU think?

Do you think...respect, no nagging, and sex is the key to solving the over 50% divorce rate in this country? In all seriousness, I do think there is a lot of truth to this theory. I do think women have a huge influence for good or bad on a relationship. I do think that building up is always better then tearing down. I do think that sex is a very important part of a healthy marital relationship, but certainly not the cure-all.

I want to hear from you...even you "quiet read but never comment readers"...I know you're out there. Speak up. Is this the magic formula to save all marriages? Or just a recipe for really happy, lazy husbands?

What'cha thinkin'?

Losing It....Week 22

2012-01-23T11:49:00.042-07:00

I am in a grumpy, ornery, bad mood. Aftyn has not slept for 2 nights. I am so tired. And today's weigh-in just ticked me off.

Results:

No change.

CRAP!

I think I worked pretty hard the last two weeks but it didn't seem to do any good. Technically I did lose 6 ounces, but who cares? I don't count ounces, I only care about the big number. The big number this week is still 199.0 to be exact. I don't think I would mind not losing as much if I wasn't still so close to that big ugly 200 pound number. I want to get as far away from that number as quickly as I can.

So, here's my plan....I have avoided writing down my food intake because I just didn't want the hassle. I want to make this all as easy as possible so I don't get overwhelmed and decide it's not worth it. I've basically just been winging it hoping that what I'm doing will work. So far it has, but I think it's time to step it up a notch. My plan for now is to keep track of what I'm eating and when so I have a better idea of the calories I'm eating and also a chart to track my habits.... Am I drinking enough water? Do I snack too much? That sort of thing. I know it's going to be a bit of a pain in the butt for me, but I'm hoping that it also helps me think twice before I decide to eat something.

Here's some good news...Do you remember that final program on my treadmill that I haven't been able to complete? Well I did it! Several times now. It was quite the mental battle for me the first time because I didn't know what to expect. Whenever I thought about quitting I would just tell myself to hold on for 2 more minutes. I did that until I finally finished. And it felt awesome. The next time I did it it was a mental battle because I did know what to expect and I knew that it would be difficult. Pushing myself to do something hard and succeeding had it's rewards. That particular program goes up to 6mph at an 8% incline. I know that to some that is a piece of cake, hardly even a workout. But for me it was another victory. It's sure beats what I used to be able to do.

I was feeling pretty good about myself, bragging to Ken about my awesome treadmill skills. So, he decided to get on and try that same program. To be honest I wanted to see him quit. I wanted it to be so hard that he couldn't keep up and ended up begging for mercy, humbled that his wife had kicked his treadmill bootie. Sad for me, that did not happen. That chump (I mean that affectionately) got on and did the whole program with only mild discomfort. It totally knocked the wind right out of my sails. Dang him! I'm mean....well done, honey. I'm so proud of you. Really.

Side note: Marathoners, 1/2 marathoners... amaze me. I seriously have a hard time fathoming running for that long. Maybe someday I'll get there, but for now I'll just stand in awe. Seriously in awe.

Okay...On to another tangent.

Body Image

I think I have made myself clear that I am not doing this to fit in with the world's idea of "skinny" or what "pretty" is. For me this is all about health and wellness, physically and spiritually. With that said, I want to talk about my perception of body image. Someone once said to me years ago, about 11 as a matter of fact, something like this..."You know Nancy, for being one of the bigger girls in our ward (church congregation, not mental institution) you really are pretty." Uh...thank-you, I think? It was kind of a back handed compliment with an insult attached, though I know she meant well. That pretty much sums up how I have always felt. Pretty...in a bigger girl sort of way. Not too over done, not too homely, just somewhere in the middle. I knew if I had too I could hold my own in a group of people, even being a "bigger girl", that was fine with me. I never thought about myself in any other way...I have always been the bigger girl. Growing up all my friends were the bean pole type. I was full figured with plenty of hips, bootie, and boobs by the time I was 13. I grew up with only one sister she was the tall, skinny, blond. I was not. I adjusted to my "bigger girl" roll pretty well, especially as I got older. To be honest I stereotyped many "skinny girls" as having over inflated ego's and a false sense of self-worth based on their bodies, who in reality didn't really feel very good about themselves. That was my take on it anyway. I didn't want to be one of those kind of girls even more than I didn't want to be a bigger girl. In many ways I felt like I was better off than them. After all, at least I had real self-worth that wasn't based on the way I looked. I knew I was valued and important no matter what size I wore. However, lately for the first time in my life I've realized that I could one day be a skinny girl. Not "one of those skinny girls", because I will never based my self-worth on my size or the way I look. Kind of a weird thought to think about. I know I still have a long way to go, but I'm not giving up till I reach my end goal. Whatever that is...may 150-ish maybe less, I'll have to see when I get there. Anyway, enough about that, let's get back to business.

Next weigh-in goal:

So this weigh-in wasn't so hot, next two weeks has to be better. My next weigh-in goal is...

-3 lbs.

I know progress pictures are fun to see, so just for fun I'll leave you with my latest before and after pics.

*I really don't have a super accurate BEFORE shot, but this pic is close to right before I started working out.

* The AFTER was taken yesterday, those pants used to be skin tight on me, with no room to spare. Actually they nearly cut off my circulation.

Before - July 2011 After - January 2012

It's progress.

Can't wait to see what 36 more pounds will look like!

Tyler turns 11!

2012-01-18T08:42:00.001-07:00

11 Years Old. Wahoo!!

Tyler is a funny boy. Really, he is so witty and clever. He keeps us laughing. He loves football. Has an infatuation with the Army. Loves all things good. Tyler has a strong testimony of the Gospel and is not afraid to share it. He is a great big brother. He tries hard in all that he does. We are so lucky to have this awesome kid as part of our family.

Happy Birthday, Tyler!!!

Tyler,

You have brought 11 years of joy to both dad and I. When I was pregnant with you we didn't know if you were a boy or a girl. Dad insisted that he didn't care either way but Dad cried when he held you for the first time. He was so proud to have his first son. You are a great example to your younger brothers and sisters. We love watching you grow up, and are so very proud of you, son.

Love you tons, Mom

January Roberts Happenings

2012-01-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

I've been without the Internet for the past few days. It felt similar to what I can imagine cutting off my right arm would feel like. I hate to say it but...I think I'm an addict. I do so much on my computer. I bank online, pay my bills online, check my emails, go to SCHOOL online, not to mention my BLOG, and others blog, or the love/hate relationship I have with facebook. Ugh..I hate to admit it but I'm a little lost without my computer. Thankfully it is back up and I can resume normal life.

As for normal, here's the new norm this semester....

Ken was hoping to graduate this past December but it will be this April instead. He managed to nearly pull off an impossible schedule last semester...working full-time and taking 16 credits of school. In the end he passed all but one 3 credit class which he is finishing off this semester. He worked so hard. I honestly can't believe what he was able to do each and every very LONG day. I am very proud of him and can't wait to celebrate his victory in April.

As for me, since Ken is slowing down, I've decided to speed things up. I usually only take 6 credits of online classes per semester. But this semester I'm taking 9 credits, one online and two down on campus. I'm only out of the house Saturday mornings and Monday evenings which I think will be wonderful for all of us. I'll get a break from the house, my kids will get a break from me, and Ken will get to spend more time at home. I think it's win-win for everyone.

I'm pretty excited about my classes....I'm taking - Psychology, Social Work, and Marriage and Family relations. Doesn't that sound fun? It does to me!

On a side note....We've finally been painting some rooms in the house. We've started in the living/dinning room and will make our way into the kitchen and eventually the bedrooms. I'll post pictures of the finished product soon. Hopefully soon. Probably soon. Maybe soon.

Do You Remember This?

2012-01-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

Do you remember when McKenna "helped" Sydney with her art project?

I'm sure you do.

Well, Sydney did a great job covering up all those scribbles. You can really only see one now in the center of the bus.

Even with McKenna's help she got a 6/5 on this assignment.

Thankfully, McKenna hasn't tried to help on any other projects.

Great Job, Sydney

Here's one more recent project.

This one is an abstract turtle. I can't quite see the turtle, but I think it's way cool anyway.

It's really fun to see Syd and all the kids work hard on something and develop their talents. They are all their own unique self's, I love it. Parenting is pretty cool.

2011 A Year in Review

2012-01-04T21:11:00.003-07:00

Each year I like to pull out the old calendar and review the events of the past year.

So...This is what kept us busy in 2011.

January

* Lots of doctor, dentist, and orthodontic appointments.

* Parent/Teacher Conferences

* Kaylie goes the Clear Creek outdoors school with her 5th grade class.

* Tyler turned 10.

* 2 little angels were born into our family, Zachary and Aftyn. One meant for Heaven and one meant for earth.

February

* Emma turned 8 years old. On the same day Aftyn and I returned home from the hospital.

* Emma gets her ears pierced.

* Mom turned 36 years young.

* I got my hair done. Only happened twice the whole year so it's worth recording.

March

* Kaylie got Honorable Mention at the district science fair.

* Aftyn got RSV on the same night.

* Mom ended up in tears because she couldn't be two places at once. Hate it when that happens.

* Sydney's school choir concert. She rocks!

* New Beginnings

* Syd, Kay, myself, and Aunt Tami attend the YW General Conference together. Tradition!

* More school field trips, doctors appt., orthodontist, and the usual running around that goes on every month and deserves no further mention.

April

* We planted Zachary's peach tree.

* Emma is baptized.

* Aftyn is blessed.

* Spring break is a blur...must have been super exciting. NOT!

May

* Tyler gets his braces off.

* Picnicked up the canyon with my bro and his fam.

* Memorial Day - the first year it wasn't just another holiday. We sent balloons to Heaven.

June

* School gets out for the summer.

* Sydney performs with her singing group.

* Youth Conference - Ken and Sydney go on The Trek.

* Attended Kevin and Holly's wedding.

* Ken goes to Scout Camp with the Priests

* Grandpa Wolfley and Grandpa Loreen take Syd, Kay and Ty to see the Manti Pageant.

* Ken spends a week in the Philippines.

* Ty goes to scout camp.

* McKenna turns 4.

* Sydney goes to girls camp.

July

* Went to the cult-sac of fire. Saw some way cool fireworks this year right in our own neighborhood. I'll never buy fireworks again. My neighbors make mine look wussy.

* Ty goes to Civil War Camp.

* Syd does lots of babysitting.

* Ken and Ty go fishing.

August

* Went through the Salt Lake Temple with nephew, Porter. (Independence, Missouri Mission)

* Went through the Timpanogas Temple with nephew, Josh. (Mexico City Southeast, Mission)

* Went to Cedar City, visited Zion's National Park with Ken's brother, Tim and family.

* Kids went back to school (McKenna started pre-school)

* Ken and I started another semester at UVU.

September

* Ken turned 38.

* We celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary.

* Spent a day shucking corn with my sisters.

* Todd's backyard campout with dad got rained out. :( Sad.

October

* Todd turned 7.

* Went to the Pumpkin Patch with Grandpa Wolfley and Grandma Loreen.

* Sydney's choir concert.

* I ~~had~~ to got to speak in church.

* My niece Juliann spends Fall break with us.

* Ken's takes a business trip to Portland, OR.
* Kay breaks her arm.

* Grandma and Grandpa Roberts come for a visit.

* Ty loses his retainer. Finds it one week after I pay for a new one. So classic!

November

* Kaylie turns 12!!! Gets to start attending Young Women's.
* Daric turns 3.

* Tyler goes to Clear Creek with his 5th grade class. Ken gets to go with him.

* Ken is so flipping busy we hardly see him, but he is pure awesomeness- trudging along with work and school.

* Had a great Thanksgiving Holiday.

* Set up the Christmas tree.

December

* Sydney and Kaylie preform with Music Express.

* Went to "The Forgotten Carols" with Emma, Tyler, my good friend Tish and her daughter.

* Ken and I went to the Mo-Tab Christmas concert with some fun friends.

* Ken and I finished another semester.

* Ken spent nearly two weeks home with us during Christmas break. So nice to be spend time together.

* Had a wonderful Christmas!!!

* Took a very quick trip to Idaho.

* Spent New Year's with some of our besties - The Throckmorton's, Ken's parents, &Tami and Darren.

2011 will be a year I will aways remember. It has been a year of heartache, blessings, and immense growth. As 2011 comes to a close I look back on it with fond memories and gratitude in my heart. We have so many sweet blessings. We are thankful for Jesus Christ and His tender mercies in our lives. We look forward to a new and wonderful 2012. And wish a very happy new year to all of our family and friends!!!

A Shout-Out to my Friends

2012-01-03T14:19:00.005-07:00

I have a lot on my mind lately, good things, bad things, happy things and sad things. I don't have the time or the emotional energy to explain all those things, but one thing that my mind keeps going back to is how thankful I am to have friends.

It has been my friends who have been my biggest supporters during some very challenging couple of years. It's impossible for me to thank all that deserve a thank-you, for some thanks I don't know where to place, only that it was needed and that I am grateful.

During the Relief Society lesson in church this Sunday I was reminded of the blessings that come from the visiting teaching program. Usually lessons like that put me to sleep or invoke a slew of guilt. But not this lesson...this lesson reminded me how much my Heavenly Father loves me. It became crystal clear to me that though I feel a lack of support from some people in my life the Lords has not forgotten me. He has placed certain people in my life at the right time to make up for where I lack in other places.

I was reminded of...

The many face-less friends who helped us through those difficult months of unemployment. My prayer is that your generosity has returned to you tenfold.

My dear friend Tish, who week after week brought me dinner all the way from Spanish Fork while I was too sick with the twins to properly care for my family.

Margaret, Jen, Jill, Susan, and many, many others who brought in meals and took my children for me while we were grieving or welcoming a new addition to our family.

Mandy who didn't forget Zachary when we was born or on the anniversary of his death. You may never fully understand what that meant to me. From the bottom of my heart-THANK YOU.

Dione for her constant friendship and for the thoughtful picture of the Savior with the little boy and girl. My little Aftyn and Zachary together.

Those who came and cried with me in those very early days of grieving. And those who were still there long after those early days of grieving.

Shelly for being the first to celebrate with us when we announced our impending arrivals. And for being the first to the hospital to celebrate Aftyn's safe arrival. You were so quick in fact that I missed your first visit because I was still in the OR getting put back together. You are speedy and thoughtful.

Natalie for being willing to leave her family to take pictures of ours so we could save a moment in time forever.

Our friends close-by, our friends afar, and those we have never met who left tender messages of hope, love, and well wishes on our blog. Each thoughtful message helped buoy us up. You have mourned with me, celebrated with me, encouraged me, and made me feel loved. Thank You!

The phone calls to check-in. Or the random visits just to chat. The listening ears that heard me vent on the days I just couldn't be strong and needed to scream, cry, or be angry.

The many people who have offered prayers on our behalf. Prayers that we would find a job. Prayers for a healthy pregnancy. Prayers for a family grieving. Prayers for our surviving twin. Prayers for me. I have felt your prayers.

I cannot mention all the people in my life that have strengthened and supported me through the past few years, but I sure am thinking of each of you. You have been my source of strength. I know my father in Heaven loves me because of each of you. I am so grateful he places people in our lives for a purpose.

Why am I thinking about all this now?

For two reasons...

I have a heart full of gratitude and wanted to share it.

And two, today I am missing my baby boy. Some days just hurt, but today I am reminded how dear friends can make those rotten times in life so much more bearable, leaving sweet memories to cherish for a life-time.

Thank you, Friends!!! Each one of you, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

Losing It....Week 20

2012-01-02T14:10:00.001-07:00

You are about to be participants in nothing short of a small miracle....

drum roll, please....

I lost weight during Christmas & New Years

AND

I reached my first goal...

I made it to ONE-derland!!!!

Results:

-2 lbs.

I was so NOT expecting this victory today. I was actually a little blown away when I stepped on the scale today. You see, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve nearly did me in. I was rather naughty both those days and knew that I would have to work hard to make up for those days. It took me nearly a week to work off Christmas Eve dinner. I was scared about New Years because I definitely did not watch portions, calories, or anything else related to good health. I enjoyed (with mild guilt) pop, chips, fudge, and a mighty delicious bowl of chili. At best I was hoping to maintain, but I was preparing myself to report a gain. It would have been my first gain since starting my weight loss journey. But yeah for me, I didn't have to report a gain. Because yeah for me, I lost!!!

Okay, I told myself that after I reached my first goal, which was to get under 200 lbs, that I would be more up front with numbers and sizes and such. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out these numbers but I will spare you the trouble.

As of today I weigh...199 lbs.

My starting weight was...235 lbs.

That is a 36 lb. weight loss in 20 weeks.

That is an average of 1.8 lbs. per week.

That fits within the range of a healthy weight loss.

I now weigh 10 lbs. less than Ken. Another yeah for me!

I started out in a tight size 20 pants.

I now wear a tight size 14/16. ;)

It has probably been 12 years since I have weighed less than 200 lbs. I remember weighing 206 lbs. when I gave birth to Kaylie 12 years ago. For a short time I think I went under 200 lbs. but with nursing I put weight on and then I was quickly pregnant again. I had 3 babies in less than 2 1/2 years and by the time Tyler came along I was well into the 200's. I really ballooned after having Ty (3rd baby) and since that time I have hovered around the 220's and sometimes into the 230's ever since. I never really attempted to lose weight in the past since the babies kept coming and personal time was very limited. I just never made myself a priority.

My first real attempt to lose weight was in the summer of 2009. I lost about 15 lbs. then Ken lost his job in July and I spent a lot of time emotionally eating. By January 2010 I had gained it all back. By then we decided it was time to bring one last little munchkin into our family. In April I began one last ditch effort to lose a few pounds before I got pregnant, again I managed to take off 15 lbs. but by May I was pregnant with twins and the exercise stopped. It was six months after giving birth, and after gaining about 20 lbs. since their birth that I finally got serious again.

And now I'm doing it! I'm really doing it!

My next goal weight is 185 lbs. That is about what I weighed when Ken and I married over 14 years ago, before this body pumped out 9 babies. When I reach 185 lbs. I want to snap a picture of me in my wedding dress, just for fun.

VICTORY DANCE!

Christmas Memories: 2011, Part 2

2011-12-27T18:30:00.003-07:00

Christmas day was magical...really...I know it sounds so corny, but it was such a wonderful, peaceful, perfect day. Here's how it went...

We slept in until passed 8:00...so NOT expected. Some of the kids were up at 6:00 but they were quiet and nobody came to wake us up. We even had to wake 3 of the kids up after we got up.

Because we had church at 11:00 we decided not to rush the day along too fast. The kids opened their stockings then we made a nice breakfast of french toast and eggs, then we got ready for church. The presents waited untouched in the front room.

They were untouched because they were gated off from these two little partners in crime. But here's the HEAVENLY part....No one complained. No one asked if we could open presents before church. No one complained about going to church...(not a favorite of mine, when I was a kid)...but here's the thing, my kids get it better than I did. They are way smarter than Ken or I were at their ages. They know the true meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. What could be a better day to do that than on a Sunday?

Church was beautiful. The choir was heavenly. The chapel was full to overflowing. The pews were filled with families. I watched as some older couples who rarely get to sit with their growth children, savored every minute of that meeting. Many with grandchildren sitting on each knee. A spirit of peace, reverence, love, and gratitude abounded. I for one was truly grateful to be able to worship the Savior on this Sabbath/Christmas day.

After church we went home to continue our Christmas festivities. Some of the kids went straight back into their pj's, others remained on their church clothes.

The kids had a great time opening their gifts. Ken and I always have a great time watching them. It's so easy to feel happy when you watch your children get so excited, happy, and grateful.

This year we wanted to focus more on the spirit of giving rather than receiving. The kids earned some money by racking leaves for a friend this fall. Our friend was very generous in her payment and we thought about all the fun things that could be bought with that money. Then one of the kids suggested giving the money to someone else and all the kids jumped right on board with that idea. They needed no prompting and I heard no murmuring or regrets. They were so excited to share what they had worked so hard for. Ken and I told them about a family that could use some help this year. We agreed to add to their money contribution if they understood that by doing so their own Christmas would be smaller. Again they jumped all over that idea and we had the wonderful opportunity to pay forward some of the many acts of kindness that have been shone to us over the years. The kids really loved having the experience of being "the givers" this year. And I was true to my word...I shopped very frugally...I had to tell myself -NO, NO, NO, about 100 times whenever I was tempted to overdo it and buy more than they needed.

We were also blessed this year to be on the receiving end. We were visited by secret elves one night who left us with some very nice Christmas goodies. We were blessed by other Christmas angels as well. I can't help but feel so loved by the people in our lives. We have awesome friends. I don't know who to thank, but I wish the choices blessing on each of you, whoever you are. Thank you so very much!

We spent the remainder of the day eating yummy leftovers, playing with new toys, resting, visiting, reading, and enjoying each others company.

It couldn't have been a better day. I'm already excited for next year!

G & G Robert's sent Aftyn a new Christmas dress so of course I got the camera out. She is not highly cooperative these days when it comes to pictures but I got a few anyway.

Last year at Christmas time I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of this little darling. I am so glad she is here. What a JOY she is!

Oh, what the heck...I might as well make this post a mile long and add some more...here goes.

I think Kay is on her tippy-toes. :)

The End!

Christmas Memories: 2011, Part 1

2011-12-26T19:40:00.003-07:00

There are so many memories to record that I have to start with Christmas Eve. We spent most of the day running last minute errands, picking up last minute gifts, and cooking -getting ready for our Christmas Eve dinner. (I did not want to be cooking on Christmas day) That evening Tami, (Ken's sister) and her husband Darren came over to help us celebrate the holidays. It's always better with family, isn't it?

We ate LOTS of yummy food. About 5 lbs. worth for me. OUCH! I have some workin'out to do.

Here is Me, Ken and Tami. By the looks of Tami you would never know that she would be on her death-bed within the hour. By the end of the night, Tami, had the chills, fever and was puking every few minutes. Poor thing...it was really sad. She is better now, but she missed a trip to Cedar City to spend Christmas with her brother.

Speaking of that brother...he emailed all of us a Christmas story that we read together as a family. It was a wonderful story, and Tim, though I doubt you ever read this blog...just in case, you should know that you made your little brother get all choked up. It really was a sweet story.

Now listen to how sweet my two darling oldest girls are...Sydney and Kaylie planned a surprise for their younger siblings. They asked me to take them to Dollar Tree earlier in the week so they could buy gifts for their brothers and sisters. But instead of just handing them out they decided to give the gifts anonymously by "door bell ditching" ourselves. After finishing Uncle Tim's story they quietly snuck out of the house, dropped two huge stockings full of gifts on the front porch, rang the door bell and ran. When the kids ran to get the door they quietly snuck back in the back door.

This was so fun to watch because not only were Sydney and Kaylie beaming from the excitement of it all but also because the younger kids were just in heaven. They each loved of the gifts that were picked out just for them. Only Tyler knows who the real gift givers were, the other kids just had fun guessing who it could be. I am so proud of Sydney and Kaylie for being willing to unselfishly spend their own money to bring smiles to the faces of their siblings.

As a tradition each year we get a new nativity scene and new ornaments to be opened on Christmas Eve. This year Ken picked out our new nativity. I really love it. As of yet it is our biggest set, it sits nicely on top of the piano.

This year I did the ornaments a little different. Instead of buying each family member their own ornament we bought just two this year, in memory of Zachary. One is a small Christmas mug with Zachary's name on it. The other is this "Angels Embrace" Willow Tree ornament, representing a little boy in the arms of an angel.

After getting the kids to bed and waiting for them to fall asleep Ken and I got all the goodies out under the tree. Check out that tiny tree...I did everything really simple this year. And I love it! I did this so Aftyn couldn't crawl over and pull a big tree down on top of herself....but really, really...I just loved going small this year. That may not look small...but consider that is 8 kids worth, and we had a few unexpected, but much appreciated surprises of our own this year from our elf friends.

Thus ended a really enjoyable Christmas Eve, only to be followed by an even better Christmas Day.

To be Continued....

A Christmas Must Do

2011-12-23T18:18:00.002-07:00

On our list of Christmas to-do's was going to see the lights at Temple Square.

Ken and I had the opportunity to go twice, once after the Mo-Tab Christmas concert last week, and once yesterday with the kids. Both times it was bitterly cold and massively crowded, but well worth it.

We had a great family night with the kids.

I'm certain that one of their fondest memories of that night, aside from touring the Conference Center and seeing the magnificent lights, will be when our ginormous passenger van scrapped the roof of the underground parking. At one point the clearance went from 7 ft. to 6ft. 10 in., apparently those two extra inches were pretty critical cause not once, but twice, we hit the top of the ceiling.

We all exhaled a large sigh of relief when we finally made it up to the street.

May we all remember the reason for the season as we celebrate the birth of The Christ Child - our greatest gift of all.

Merry Christmas!

We hope it is filled with peace, joy, family and friends!

Losing It....Week 18

2011-12-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

Wow! 18 weeks, it was exactly 4 months from yesterday that I started this weight loss adventure. In those 4 months I've lost 34 lbs. I am tempted to look ahead at how much farther I have to go, but that is daunting and a bit depressing. Instead I'm choosing to think about how good it feels to be 34 lbs. lighter and enjoy the journey of getting smaller one day at a time.

Results:

-4 lbs.

These last 2 weeks have actually been really fun. I was in a bit of a funk after the weather got cold and I couldn't walk the kids to school anymore. Walking in the morning always got me ready for my workout when I got home. I've had to readjust and in so doing I've reignited my love for my treadmill. I've been doing the performance programs on the treadmill each morning. Once upon a time...not too long ago... I couldn't finish any of the programs, now I can do all but one and I will master that one soon, I hope.

A week ago I went to Saver's to get a new pair of "too small" jeans. I can't tell you how excited I was to look through the rack one size smaller than what I was wearing. It's been a LONG time since I have seen that size. Imagine my surprise when I went into the fitting room and discovered that they weren't too small after all. Oh, Hallalujah! That is huge motivation for me. I can't always look at myself and see the results I'm looking for, but my clothes tell a different story and I'm liking that story a lot!

I have been amazed at the correlation between exercise and my mood. I feel so much better physically AND mentally. I am more capable of dealing with the everyday ups and downs that life throws at me when I am daily exercising. I recognized this during those two weeks when I fell off the wagon. My mood was up and down and I was more apt to feel disappointed and depressed. Exercise gives me a natural attitude adjustment that I think my whole family is grateful for. :)

As for food...I've mentioned before that planning is key to success. Having good healthy options in the house makes a huge difference. My problem lately has been that the month last longer than the money. I obviously failed at planning my budget around the holidays leaving less money at the end of the month and less options for planning good healthy meals. On top of that, it seems that the busier life gets the more convenient (aka less healthy) the meals get. So...my goal over the next few weeks is to plan better and make healthier.

I am SO very close to reaching my first goal. I can practically each out and touch it. My plan is to be doing a victory dance by my next weigh-in. I will have to be a very good girl over Christmas and New Years....wish me luck!

Christmas Memory Flashback: The Ornaments

2011-12-18T16:23:00.002-07:00

Do your ornaments tell a story?

Mine do...well at least there is a story behind each ornament.

As a child my mother would buy us a new ornament each year. All of those ornaments now hang on my tree. I have continued that same tradition with my children as well. Sometimes they get ornaments that represent something special in their lives that year and others years they get whatever I think is cute (and cheap, cause that's the way I roll).

Here are a few of my many favorites...

Each one of these ornaments represent something different to me, but each one holds a special memory.

Just this week a neighbor of mine picked up the last ornament and said "Wow! You guys look so young." As opposed to how we look now I guess. Sad for us. :(

Now that ornaments has 2 memories for me. ;)

Don't you just love ornaments that hold a memory and a story to tell?

I do.

Christmas Memory Flashback: The Stories of Christmas

2011-12-18T15:34:00.001-07:00

We are a reading family. There is no other family activity that I can think of that has racked in more time together than reading as a family. I love to compile all the Christmas books and stories I can find and read one each night to the kids during the month of December. Last year my brother-in-law, Tim, made that really easy for me.

Way back in 1993 when I was still in High School and Ken and I had yet to meet. Tim gave his family a wonderful Christmas gift. It was a compilation of Christmas stories put together in one book. It is set up to read one each day from December 1st - December 24th, ending with the story of Christ's birth found in Luke Chapter 2.

Over the years I have seen this little red book floating around the house. I have even pulled it out and read a few stories on different occasions, but not until last year did I pull it out and read it to my kids.

Last year I discovered what I fun treasure this little book really is. We had such an enjoyable time as a family sharing the stories of Christmas together.

Even though it was given as a gift years before I entered the Roberts family, last year I felt like I got that same gift all over again. I love that is was given by Ken's brother. And I love that it is a gift that we can keep on enjoying each Christmas season. It's heart-warming stories help remind me of the true meaning of CHRIST-mas.

Christmas Memory Flashback: The Missing Angel

2011-12-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

At least once every year I can count on one of my children asking me.... "Mom, Why don't we have an angel for our tree?"

Then I get to reply..."Because someone else needed it more than we did."

Years ago an older woman lived alone in a small basement apartment near our home. She never married and never had children. She was alone. My children used to call her the candy lady because if they found her before church started on Sunday's she would always have candy in her pocket to share with the little kids in our ward. I know she was lonely and needed the attention and love those little children gave to her.

One year for Christmas we decided to decorate Connie's small apartment for Christmas. I went and bought her a tree, lights, some ornaments, and a few small gifts to open on Christmas morning. As we were busy decorating I realized that I had not bought anything to go on top of her Christmas tree. I went back home and got the angel topper off of our Christmas tree so that Connie's tree would be complete.

I have never replaced that angel. We have a semi-broken plastic star on the top on our thee this year, other years it remains empty. But without fail one of the kids will ask about the missing angel and I get to remind them of the year we gave it away.

Christmas Memory Flashback: We're Towing Your Van

2011-12-16T17:38:00.000-07:00

2004 was a very, very bad year for car repairs. We owned a bright and shiny red Plymouth, Voyager. The best thing about that piece of crud was the color. Throughout the year it spent nearly half the time broken down with one problem or another. We were in no position to buy anything new and our other vehicle was a very old Toyota, Camry with over 310,000 miles on it. However, we were grateful to have at least one running vehicle even if not all of our family could fit into it at one time.

During the month of December the van decided it didn't want to run anymore. We were hoping it was a quick and inexpensive fuse or something simple. But it wasn't...we needed a new battery (no big deal) AND a new fuel pump. The latter was not in our current budget so we planned to let the van sit until we could get our tax return several months down the road. It was not an ideal situation, but we had no other alternative. We were strapped and would just have to sacrifice and make due with what we had.

Then one day we got a call from a mechanic. He told us that our van was being towed to his shop and that the repairs would be taken care of by people who loved us. He would give us no other information about the identity of our secret Christmas Angels. Ken and I were floored. And humbled.

When we picked up our van a few days later, sitting on the passenger side seat was this card and the receipt of over $600.00 paid in full.

Though our Christmas Angels have always wanted to remain anonymous I know a certain friend of mine who has very faithfully used this very same mechanic for many, many years. These friends of ours are not wealthy, they are just GOOD, wonderful people with BIG hearts. Ken and I are deeply grateful for their friendship and will forever be thankful for their very generous and much appreciated act of kindness. It made us feel love and that is the best Christmas present ever!

Christmas Memory Flashback: Stockings in my Stocking

2011-12-16T11:26:00.001-07:00

When I was growing up Santa did not fill our Christmas stockings. We had a tradition each year to draw names and we (the children) filled each others stocking. I truly loved this tradition. I loved the day we wrote down everyone's name and dumped them into a bowl. I loved the excitement of pulling out the name I picked. And I loved trying to figure out who might have my name. Some years we told each other, other years we tried to keep it a secret. This was the beginning of the Christmas season for me...the day we drew the names.

My mom and dad would take us shopping so we could pick out our stocking stuffers. This was as exciting for me as actually getting my own stocking on Christmas morning. We would spread out in the store or head to different stores. Making sure that we were divided so that no one with us was the one buying for us. Then we would make the other kids swear to secrecy if they knew what we were buying for someone else. I can't remember if we had a budget, I know my parents helped the little ones who didn't have money, but I think if I remember correctly when we got older we used our own money. I don't remember my parents interfering too much on our choices. I loved that part of picking out something I thought one of my siblings would love.

It's been over 18 years now since I've lived at home. It's been 13 years since I've spent a Christmas morning with my family (parents and siblings). But I still have some of my Christmas stocking spoils from all those many years ago.

Most years if one of my brother drew my name I could count on getting socks in my stocking. I'm not complaining. Socks are cool. Some of my children will be socks in their stocking this year too. Perhaps this is a bit weird, but I still own and wear some of those stocking, stocking stuffers today.

These socks were given to me at least 18 years ago by my brother Bruce. They came on top of a can of hot cocoa mix. I love to roam around the house in my cozy cow socks even though the bottoms are nearly worn threw.

These socks (I do have a matching set of each) are probably more than 20 years old. They are either from Mike or Craig, sorry I can't remember. They came in a set of three, sadly I don't know where the 3rd pair ended up. These are also my cozy socks I love to where around the house on a cold wintry day. They also sport holes in the bottom, but I don't care. I love these socks. They remind me of Christmas. They remind me of my brothers.

This is not a tradition that Ken and I have adopted into our own family as of yet, but I loved it. Maybe when my kids get older (meaning when they have their own money) ;) we'll start this tradition of our own. For now I'll enjoy the memories while I'm wearing my ancient, snugly, cozy, Christmas socks.

My New Stair Climber

2011-12-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

No, I didn't get a new piece of exercises equipment. That's not the kind of stair climber I mean.

No.... my new stair climber comes in the form of a little-bitty 10 months old baby girl.

Aftyn has discovered the stairs. Take a look....

As you can see she is growing up fast. She really isn't so little anymore, she has plumped right up over the last month. She is just about 18 lbs. She crawls all over and loves to pull herself up to everything. She can stand by herself for a few seconds and sometimes she's even brave enough to try to take a step before she topples to the ground. She is such a joy for all of us. She is one lucky little gal, she gets to live with 9 people who just adore her and can't get enough of her. And we are so lucky to have this fun, charming little lady to love.

December Catch-up

2011-12-13T12:36:00.002-07:00

This semester has finally come to a close. I am done with school for a few weeks so I plan on doing lots of blogging, reading, and playing with my family. I am so looking forward to being together I can hardly stand it. Ken has a few days left before he's done and we are all anxiously holding our breathe until we can have some much awaited family time.

Here are a few December happenings...

Sydney and Kaylie had the opportunity to perform with their singing group Music Express. It's always fun the watch the girl's singing and dancing.

This was at the BYU family Christmas party.

These two are best buddies. Really. They are such good friends. I love it!

One of our super great neighbors gave our whole family tickets to see The Forgotten Carols. I have always wanted to see that and this year was my first time. Ken was unable to go due to a boat load of homework so he stayed home with the little ones and I got to go with a few of our kids and my friend Tish and her daughter, Macey. It was really, really enjoyable.

Last week we decided to have an ice-cream cone celebration in honor of all the kids getting good report cards. They are all doing well and Ken and I are proud of their hard work. Thanks to a very sweet big brother, who was in a sharing mood, Aftyn got to have her first taste of ice-cream too.

Losing It....Week 16

2011-12-05T11:21:00.002-07:00

Okay folks, it's once again weigh-in day.

Change is happening a little slower now and it's a bit frustrating, but I'm still headed in the right direction, so yay for me.

Results:

-3lbs.

Paraphrasing Bob Harper from the Biggest Loser last week he said something like this (he was speaking to Antone referring to John)...That guy never is satisfied, he never stops to celebrate...if he does start to celebrate his success along the way he'll never be satisfied...and mark my words, he'll end up gaining every pound back.

I've been thinking a lot about perspective lately and how it really is hard to feel satisfied. I have lost 30lbs. in the last 4 months. I wear 2 pants sizes smaller than when I started. I get compliments on my progress regularly, but lately I've still just felt fat. I have already forgotten what it felt like to be 30 lbs. heavier. I have already lost my perspective.

Until I stopped to look back...sure I have felt a little stuck this past month. It has been discouraging. BUT I am still moving forward. I'm losing weight right in the middle of "goodies galore" season. I am moving forward even if it is at a slower pace, and that's OKAY. Taking time to look back and remember has helped me regain my perspective. I am going to celebrate my -3 pounds, and keep on trekin'.

(silent dance party)

On a final note: This week as I was talking to a friend of mine she asked..."Your losing weight, other people can lose weight, why can't I lose weight?"

I've have thought alot about that and here's my answer. I had a DESIRE to lose weight for a long time before I did anything about it. DESIRE is not enough, you also have to COMMIT. It wasn't until I decided to commit that I had any results.

DESIRE without COMMITMENT is like a GOOD INTENTION without ACTION.

It's a nice thought, but it does no good.

One of the big reasons I was able to change desire into action is this...If you follow my blog you may remember me saying back in August that I was thinking about seeing a counselor. Well I did start seeing a counselor and during my first session he gave me an assignment to spend at least 30 minutes a day on myself...exercising. So there...it was an assignment. Something to add to my to-do list. Which was strangely motivating for me. All of a sudden the guilt was gone and I had permission to do something for me. So if that's what you need too here goes...You are now assigned to workout at least 30 minutes each day, you have my permission, guilt free. :) Go to it!

Oh, Heart Be Still

2011-11-28T15:09:00.003-07:00

The Promise Of Forever

By Sydney Roberts

For art class, Sydney, was assigned to do a "stain glass window" picture using markers. She chose to make her assignment a gift for me featuring me holding both Zachary and Aftyn in my arms, something that my heart and arms yearn to be able to do someday. It's entitled "A Promise of Forever" because someday we will be together again. Someday I will hold both my twins in my arms together. The bottom says...*Until we meet again*I'll be watching from above*, it shows Zachary in Heaven watching over his twin sister, Aftyn. Just like I know he does, as well as watches over all his brothers and sisters. Sydney depicted Zachary looking like a missionary because we know he his fulfilling his mission on the other side of the veil. Although I miss my baby, I know his spirit is not that of a baby. This picture gives me both. It also gives me a glimpse into Eternity. Thank You, Sydney. I will forever and ever treasure this gift.

November Happenings

2011-11-26T16:18:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the November happenings in our house that haven't yet made it to a blog post.

The day after Kaylie's 12th birthday she got her cast removed. Though she never once complained about having it on, she was one happy camper about getting it off.

On the same day Tyler got to go to Clear Creek (outdoor school) for a day and a half. Even better than that Ken got to with him. Both father and son had a really good time together.

Since this was Kay's 12th b-day she got to have a friends birthday party which we did the week after her real birthday. We had some crazy fun that night!

This is McKenna and Daric having a winter picnic together. They are such cuties!

And lastly we are now the owners of a bunny rabbit named Zoe. The kids are in love. It all happened rather fast, I'm not quite used to the idea yet. She is pretty cute though, I think she's growing on me.

4 Adults + 15 Kids = 1 Awesome Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T10:39:00.001-07:00

I'm feeling a little giddy over my Thanksgiving holiday. You see...it was really RELAXING. I know you are asking yourself how could this be humanly possible, right? Considering I am the mom and the mom always ends up cooking for 2 days straight, eating for 30 minutes, then cleaning up for another 2 days.

Check out all the things I didn't have to do this year:

*I didn't cook a turkey

*I didn't make mashed potatoes or gravy

*I didn't bake rolls

*I didn't make stuffing

*I didn't start cooking the day before Thanksgiving.

*I didn't have to worry about cleaning my house for company.

*I didn't have to worry about anything.

WHY?

Because my friends did all of those things for us this year.

We went to our friends house for Thanksgiving, and had a wonderful time.

I got to sleep in and enjoy my family. I got to make a few of my favorite salads with the help of a few of my favorite kitchen helpers. Then I got to go enjoy good food and the company of good friends, all while my kids played and had a wonderful time.

It was a perfect day for me. I feel spoiled. And I'm liking it.

Thank you, Dione and Rory.

Here are a few pics from our at home Thanksgiving festivities.

Me and the kids made these fun and yummy turkeys together on Wednesday night.

I couldn't let Thanksgiving pass without taking a picture of the people I'm most Thankful for.

Love you guys

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving...

2011-11-23T23:37:00.002-07:00

For Family Home Evening, Monday night, I asked the kids to think about the things in our lives that they are especially grateful for.

This is our list...

The Roberts Family is grateful...

That families can be together forever.

For education.

A home.

My Grandma (from Daric, I know he loves his Grandpa's too)

The earth that we live on.

To be a Husband and Father. (Ken)

The Atonement.

Food.

Our friends.

The Gospel.

The Priesthood.

Temples

Time with each other.

Mom and Dad. (thanks, kids)

Mrs. Cooper (Emma's 2nd grade teacher)

I didn't even contribute to the list because Ken and the kids pretty much covered it all. I would just like to ditto all the above and echo Ken's response....I am SO grateful to be a wife and a mother. My heart is full.
We all have so much to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!!!

Losing It....Week 14

2011-11-21T08:28:00.002-07:00

The last two weeks have not been great for me in the weight-loss department. That's actually putting it mildly...here's the truth...I basically FELL OFF THE WAGON.

Results:

I didn't lose or gain this weigh-in.

I could offer up a bunch of excuses but I won't. I'll just start over and do better. My goal for next weigh-in is minus 5 pounds. I can't say I'm not disappointed that I've let 2 weeks go by without making any progress, BUT in a way I'm sort-of glad. Although it will be hard to get back on track, I'm actually looking forward to the challenge. Losing weight started to get too easy, if that makes any sense. Now I have to recommit and work harder especially through this holiday season. So, really I'm glad I had a bad weigh-in, cause it's only going to motivate be to do better next time.

Oh, I just remembered...I promised to post pictures when I fit into my "too small" jeans. Well they fit! But pictures are still not my friend. I FEEL much smaller that I look and that is kind of discouraging when I see pictures. I am about to do something completely horrifying and post pictures of my bum. Yes, I just said, my bum.

*The picture to the left was taken in July just before I started my weight loss journey. It actually greatly helped motivate me because although I have aways known I have a big tushie, I was not prepared to see just what I looked like from the backside.

*Picture on the right was taken a few days ago, almost 30 lbs. lighter in my "too small" jeans. Baby still got back, I know. But it is looking better if I do say so myself.

Oh my heck, I can't believe I just did that!

This really is totally embarrassing. Oh, well...here's two more.

*The picture on the left was taken in February on my 36th birthday, 2 weeks after having Aftyn. I actually weigh not too much more than I do now, but hopefully I'm looking a little better.

* The picture on the right is taken the same day as the "butt" picture, just a few days ago.

Okay, I think that is as much humiliation as I can stand.

You could wish me luck though, that might help. ;)

I'm Diggin' 63% Off

2011-11-17T09:56:00.001-07:00

Do you remember back in the day when hospital photo's were affordable? Granted they were not so cute, but you bought them anyway because who can say "No" to a photo of their child, right? Well, now they actually take great pictures at the hospital, right in your hospital room, using natural light. They are much better than the old ugly ones. The only problem is...now they cost a fortune. I was more than a little broken hearted back in January when I had to say "No" to ordering hospital pics of Aftyn. That was a rough time at Ken's work, we weren't getting paid regularly ("regularly" would be an understatement) and we just couldn't afford it. Many times during the past 9 months I have thought about calling to see if her photos were still available, but I still never could really afford to get them so I never called. I just felt that twinge of sorrow whenever I thought about it.

Much to my surprise, relief, and joy I got an email last week from the hospital photographer offering Aftyn's hospital pictures for 63% off. Even though they still cost me over $60.00 I jumped at the chance to order her hospital photos.

Here are a few...

This one she wanted everyone to know she was 3 days old.

Smart girl!

I'm a happy mama.

What's Up With The Tongue?

2011-11-15T23:31:00.001-07:00

Today I attempted to take a few pictures of Aftyn only it's not so easy anymore. She will NOT stay still. I had to take a bunch to end up with a few where she isn't trying to escape. And check out the tongue...she has discovered her tongue and has it hanging out on nearly every picture. By the way, she recently had her 9 month check up and she is now 16lbs. 11 oz. Still pretty little for a Roberts, but she does have some chunk on her little thighs. Love it!

This was my attempt to keep the tongue in.

Aah...finally.

This little girl loves to bounce. This is one of her favorite places to play. Aftyn is such a fun baby!

Little-D Turns 3!

2011-11-10T18:12:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday, Little man!

Daric turned 3 today! Our little guy isn't so little anymore. He sure is growing up. Check out these studly birthday pics of our handsome guy.

I love this little tank. Can't wait to watch him grow and learn over the next year.

He is so fun, and hugable, and crazy, and LOUD, and perfectly adorable.

Love you, Baby Boy!!!

Big Girls Don't Cry...Or Do They?

2011-11-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, they do. Big girls do cry.

For instance, 13 year olds cry when 4 year olds ruin the art project that they've been working so hard on.

This is a portion of Sydney's art project.

She is recreating this picture of Todd waiting for the bus on his first day of preschool.

Pretty awesome, huh? Sydney is a very talented artist and was doing a beautiful job on her project until McKenna got a hold of it and tried to "help" Sydney out.

This is what it looks like now. The scribbles at the top are compliments of McKenna. Sydney cried, and I wanted to cry for her, but I must say she handled it very well after a moment of grief. She will finish it the best she can working hard to blend in McKenna's contribution.

Since McKenna started pre-school she has been coloring on EVERYTHING. She loves to practice her name or just doodle on whatever she can find, including her bunk bed and other such things.

It's difficult to keep up with the destruction that so frequently occures at the Roberts house. Sigh..........

Losing It....Week 12

2011-11-07T11:14:00.003-07:00

The last two weeks have brought both some new challenges and some awesome rewards. We'll talk about both, but first let's talk numbers...

Results

-3 lbs.

Three pounds isn't huge, but I don't think I've been more excited about any other weigh-in as I was for this one.

HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE, FOLKS!

Ken and I have been together for over 17 years. For all of those 17 years I have weighed MORE than Ken. When I weighed 160, he weighed 140. When I weighed 180, he weighed 160. We have nearly always had about a 20lb. spread. The closest I have ever got to his weight was by 6 lbs., but that was when I was 3 months pregnant with twins and I knew that I wouldn't get any closer than 6 lbs. for a very long time. BUT this morning FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER I weighed LESS than Ken. I have waited for this day for a very long time and I feel so stoked!

I even put on a pair of his jeans this morning and although they didn't look so hot on me, I got them on, buttoned, zipped and everything. YES!!!

Okay, so let's talk challenges.

* For a little over a week we had the privilege of having family in town. Though I LOVE ken's family I almost always gain weight when we get together. We love to sit around and visit with each other and food is usually the center of attention. I thought I was prepared because at least I could plan most of the meals. I was really NOT prepared for all the cookies, cupcakes, doughnuts, bags of candy, and ice-cream that floated in and out of my house all week. It made it much harder to resist temptation, but family is worth it and I'm so happy we got to be together.

*Then came Halloween. Halloween is an icky holiday. My plan was to get rid of all the Halloween candy right away so that it wasn't even in the house and therefore NOT a temptation. That didn't happen, we still have candy in the house. And it IS a temptation, and I have given in a few times, but for the most part I have maintained my self-control.

*The darn weather is getting colder. Too cold to walk the littles to school in the morning. That really cuts into my exercise plans, but I knew that would happen sooner or later so I am improvising.

*And finally, we have all felt a little cruddy this week. We've had a touch of some bug that has left everyone feeling so tired, making it more difficult for me to think about exercise.

Now for the rewards. Ooowah, I'm still feeling giddy.

*Getting through the last two weeks and still losing feels like a reward. Yeah, baby!

*I have never made it this far before. I'm actually doing this! It's feels real. It's feels do-able. I feel like I've got my second win and I just can't wait to keep going.

*Clothes. Clothes is a big one for my the last two weeks. Allow me to explain...I have several "sets" of clothing. For example, I have the "too big" pile. Those are the clothes that I keep around for after I have a baby and inevitably put on weight. As soon as I start needing to wear the "too big" pile then I know it's time to get busy and do something. That happened to me 3 months ago. Next, is the "regular" pile. Those are the normal everyday clothes that typically fit on any given day. Then there is the "Skinny" pile. Alright, let's get real, there's nothing "skinny" about them, but they are the clothes that fit when I lose 10/15 lbs. and start feeling thinner. I used to mentally celebrate when I made it into the "skinny" pile. Those have now become my "regular" pile. Yeah, for me! And finally, I have a "too small", never been able to wear pile. Yes, I know that's weird. A few years ago one of my sisters gave me a box of clothing. I was pregnant at the time and could not wear two pair of pants from the box. I liked them and put them up in my closet in hopes that one day they would fit. There they sat and sat, until last week when I pulled them down and slid them on. They FIT! They were SO comfy and I was in Heaven. That was motivation for me; to finally be able wear my "too small" pile. So guess what I did? I went to Saver's this week and bought a new pair of "too small" pants. Now I have more motivation to get into my new jeans. When I do I'll post a picture and you can celebrate with me!!!

*Because of the weather and the need to workout at home more I found a new workout that I had forgotten about. A few years ago I bought "Biggest Loser" for the wii, soon after I got pregnant and didn't use it much. This last week I pulled it out and it's been kicking my butt. It feels good to do something new and feel my muscles burning. I'll be using that a lot more in my workouts.

*I am getting closer to my first goal, which is to get under 200lbs. It feels so good to see numbers on the scale that I haven't seen in YEARS. It was when I was due with Kayie, our 2nd child, that I tipped the scale over 200lbs. for the very first time. I couldn't believe it. It was so hard to see that number, but since that time (12 years) for all but a very short time after Kaylie was born I have wieghed over 200 lbs. Rather embarrassing to admit, but it's my reality, I just have to keep moving forward.

*I have lost enough weigh now that people are starting to notice. I have gotten many compliments over the last few weeks and it feels good. When I look in the mirror I can't SEE a huge difference, because I still see rolls of fluff, but I can tell in my clothes that it's making a difference. And hearing it from other people sure helps keep me going.

One last thought.

Yesterday I was killing some time before church by reading "True to the Faith" and I read this statement...

"Faith is a principle of action and power. Whenever you work toward a worthy goal, you exercise faith. You show hope for something that you cannot yet see."

I was struck by that thought as I related it to this process of losing weight. This too is a worthy goal that requires faith. I hope that by making healthy food choices and exercising that it will produce something that I cannot yet see; a thinner, healthier me. You also have the power to take action and apply this principle of faith in your own life. Do it! Do it! Then share your success story with the rest of us. :)

Kaylie is a BIRTHDAY GIRL!

2011-11-05T21:49:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow technically, but I couldn't wait to post her darling birthday photos. She is such a cutie!

Happy Birthday, Kaylie!

Wow,12 years old!!!

Aw! This girl just twitter pates me. She is such a sweet, good, wonderful daughter. In some ways she is still such a little girl to me, but every once in a while I catch a glimpse into the future to the women that she will become and I like what I see. Kaylie is are hard worker, she never complains, she always accomplishes the task in from of her. She is so helpful to me, always trying to lighten my load. She is so good with her siblings and is always willing to help me out when I need a sitter. She is fun, and smart. Tender and kind. Silly, and goofy, and such a tease. I love watching her grow and develop her many talents. She is growing into such a lovely young lady. She is thrilled to be going into Young Women's with Sydney, and I am thrilled for her. I know she'll love being 12.

Love you so much, Kaylie!!!

Via Dolorosa

2011-11-02T22:38:00.000-06:00

Ken and I were recently in an art gallery in Provo where I saw this painting "Via Dolorosa" meaning "Way of Suffering" by Jon McNaughton

Like so many of his paintings I found this to be thought provoking, inspiring, and very timely for the world we live in.

This is how Jon McNaughton describes the meaning of the painting.

"This painting has over 100 figures, both good and bad, men and women that have left their footprints on Christianity. The man in the middle represents the modern Christian...a man who must decide whether or not he will stand up for his Christian beliefs. Many are shouting out to him what to do. He raises his hand to say, "Be still, for I know that Jesus in the Christ!" He touches Jesus' shoulder to indicate that he gets his strength for the Master. Today, Christians are the most persecuted people in the entire world. Yet many of us stand idly by as we are mocked and persecuted for what we know to be true. As true Christians, we must not fear to speak the truth, even if it means we have to stand alone in the world" -Jon McNaughton

Something to think about.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T22:22:00.000-06:00

Saturday night we made some creepy Halloween spider cookies for the kids to take to a Halloween party.

Kinda cute little creepy crawlers, aren't they?

This year in the interests of time (it takes FOREVER to carve 10 pumpkins) I gave the kids an option to either paint or carve their pumpkins. All but Todd decided to paint their pumpkins, Todd opted to carve his.

Mommy's -Grandma pumpkin.

Emma's - Ghost pumpkin.

Daric's -Elmo Pumpkin.

Ty's -Army pumpkin.

Kaylie's -BYU rocks/Utes SUCK pumpkin.

McKenna's -Butterfly pumpkin.

Todd's carved pumpkin.

Aftyn's (painted by Sydney) -spoiled rotten baby pumpkin.

And now for the costumes. By the way none of which I had to put together or buy anything for, Yee-ha! Halloween is not my favorite holiday for mostly that reason. I hate spending money on costumes, and I hate having to think about what the kids are going to be. Thankfully they are getting old enough and the costume box is getting big enough that they can put their own costumes together. I like that!

Aftyn is a sweet little kitty-cat.

Todd is a mix between a construction worker and Bob the builder.

Emma is little miss pioneer girl.

This is one of Kaylie's good ole favorites, a cow-girl.

Baby Sydney

Military Man Ty

McKenna is a Fairy Princess, Ballerina.

Don't mess with Army Man, Daric.

The whole gang all together.

And finally the loot!

This is all the "left-overs". Originally, I was thinking I would let the kids pick out their 10 favorite pieces then get rid of all the rest. But I started feeling a little bad about that so instead I let them pick out their favorite 30 pieces and we decided we would send the rest to their cousins serving missions. They were all happy with that, except for McKenna, she wanted all her candy to herself. She's 4 and not so much into sharing when it comes to chocolate.

We all had a fun night together.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, EVERYONE!

School Pictures

2011-10-26T23:11:00.000-06:00

Tyler was sick on picture day, so we had to wait for re-take day, but finally I have all the kiddo's school pictures ready for your viewing pleasure. ;)

They are a beautiful bunch of little people aren't they?

Lucky me!

Beautiful Heartbreak

2011-10-26T13:25:00.002-06:00

Found this on facebook today and just had to share.

"To all who suffer, to all who feel discouraged, worried, or lonely I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in, never surrender, never allow despair overcome your spirit. For the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart. Of this I testify and leave you my blessing..." Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I think this song is truly beautiful and something that everyone can relate to, at sometime in all our lives we have, are, or will experience a beautiful heartbreak. I am amazed by the strength and character of some people. Today I feel inspired, hope you do to.

Losing It....Week 10

2011-10-25T12:14:00.000-06:00

Results:

-5 lbs.

Okay, let's talk food. I have heard so many people tell me later that exercising is not their problem, but FOOD is. I believe all of us have our "vices" - those evil pleasures that seem so hard to let go. Sometimes those vices even become so addicting that we lose our agency to choose and we become subject to our addictions. Many people choose drugs, alcohol, or tobacco as their vice, but I don't believe that is the case with most of my readers. However, many women, I would guess especially LDS women, choose food as their "vice" or drug of choice. I have been guilty of that. I am a recovering "emotional eater". I have used food as a quick fix to soothe a troubled soul. I am guilty of that, and as a result I am overweight. All things have consequences good or bad. For me the "quick fix" does not equate to a positive consequence but rather adds up to a very negative consequence.

Here are a few things that I have discovered during the past 10 weeks of this weight loss journey.

*Just like any addiction (food is an addiction for many of people) you will go through a withdrawal period. It's like going through detox for an alcoholic. In order to change a behavior you have to break a habit/pattern. Your body will crave what you take away - for a while. For me I think it was about 2 weeks before I felt like I wasn't constantly fighting cravings or prior habits. For example; Ken and I got in a habit of after putting the little kids to bed we would leave one of the older ones in charge and run to the store for a "junk food run". So when I decided to commit to losing weight I knew that habit would have to change, but for a while when bedtime rolled around I would expect to get in the car and go get our nightly "fix". It took some time of replacing that habit with another, ie; walking or doing homework, before my body no longer triggered a nightly craving. It has been that way for many other things as well. I don't like the taste of dinner in my mouth after dinner is over, so that after taste in my mouth always triggered a sweet tooth after dinner or lunch. Now instead of looking for anything sweet I can find to replace the taste in my mouth, I choose to pop in a couple of tic-tacs after a meal. They are low calorie but they work to relief that urge to eat sweets.

*The temporary emotional release you get from satisfying your taste buds with food can not compare to the permanent feeling of energy, and good health you experience when you DO NOT indulge in over eating or eating junk. The mind and body are inseparably connected. When you hurt one you hurt the other, when you help one you help the other. For me I feel so much better having control over what I put into my body instead of feeling like food controls me. I have mentioned before how food can sometimes control my emotions. That is true when I am fighting a craving or addiction. But when time passes so does the frequency and urgency of cravings. For me it is empowering to turn down a temptation and know that I am in control. Each time becomes a little easier and sometimes it's not hard at all because I don't even want it. It's not worth it to me. Food (junk food) is not as important to me as losing weight and being healthy. Everything gets easier with time.

* With that being said, I have also learned that it's okay to eat all things in moderation. I DO NOT deprive myself of everything. I do indulge in some guilty pleasures every once in a while. Once a week I eat what ever I want. The other days of the week I am more careful to choose better choices. I still do not count calories, don't know that I ever will. But I do watch my calorie intake without being obsessive or making it too difficult. Basically, it's just about choosing smarter options. I NEVER go hungry. You don't have to. Being healthy is NOT about starving yourself. That is dumb! There are so many good choices available, for me, it is just a matter of planning better and having good choices available. Load up on fruits and veggies, and cut back on the main dish and desserts. For example: don't eat 3 or 4 pieces of pizza for dinner and call that good. Instead eat 1 slice of pizza and add a salad and fruit, and skip dessert.

*Portion control is so important. We could all eat a lot less than we do and still survive and thrive just fine. For some reason we think we need to gorge ourselves before we call it quits. No, we don't. I used to always feel full, that was just a normal feeling for me. Now I HATE to feel full. If I eat too much I am so uncomfortable. I feel so much better eating smaller more frequents meals rather than eating too much less often. And if you want to treat yourself with a goodie or a treat, just think less, you can still be satisfied with one piece rather than one bag. I often tease my husband that he has no "off" switch, he doesn't usually stop eating a treat until there is no treat left. Self-control is an acquired skill I have not mastered yet, but am getting much better at it, and it feels good!

*Have you ever heard the saying "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen" or "If you can't run with the big dogs, don't get off the porch"? Well I believe the same is true with food...If you can't resist temptations, then say away from them. Don't bring junk into the house if you can't NOT eat it. Remove the temptation so that you can be successful. If you were a smoker trying to quite you wouldn't put your cigarettes right in front of your face all day and then try not to smoke them. No way. Don't do the same with food. Get rid of the garbage and replace it with healthy options. If you love to bake then bake, then send it over to the neighbors house. Enjoy a little, then get the rest OUT or you will find yourself enjoying a LOT and regretting it later. IT'S OKAY TO THROW AWAY FOOD!

*Drink lots of water. Water is a bodies friend. DO NOT drink all of your calories for the day, what a waste.

*If you want to lose weight you must combine eating right WITH exercise. Each are good, but both are better. So many times we try and justify that if we are exercising we can therefore eat whatever we want or vice versa, if we are eating well we don't have to exercise, but if you are doing one without the other, to me, it seems counter productive. Doing both produce results. It's pretty simple, calories in, calories out that what makes a difference.

*And lastly (for now), it's YOUR CHOICE. You have to want to work hard more than you want to eat garbage. You have to want to be healthy more than you want to use food as a crutch. You have to want to change behavior more than you want to stay comfortably uncomfortable. It really is all about making a choice. Which do you want?

More of October

2011-10-22T13:20:00.000-06:00

I love FALL time!

Here's a few of our fall festivities.

We went to the Pumpkin patch with Grandpa Wolfley and Grandma Loreen.

We took a hay ride out to the sea of pumpkins

And then we all picked out our favorites.

My front porch now looks like a pumpkin patch!

We sure did have fun.

We also took a drive up Provo Canyon to look at the beautiful leaves and to take some family pictures.

And here's a few pics of the gang enjoying a lovely fall day together.

I am really loving FALL.

October: Stuff and Things Like That

2011-10-13T12:53:00.000-06:00

Here are a bunch of random October happenings that have not yet made it to a blog post.

Check this out...McKenna, Todd, and Tyler all got the Kids with Character award for Trustworthiness. Boo-yah! Way to go, kiddo's.

Little D took scissors to the top of his head. He managed to take out some nice big chunks all while walking down the stairs (talented kid). So his hair started out looking like that...

...and ended up looking like this. Way short, but I still didn't get it short enough to hide the chop marks. Oh well, it adds character.

Tyler earned his Weblos badge, lots of pins, AND his Arrow of Light in cub scouts this month. AWESOME DUDE!

Sydney had her first 8th grade choir concert this week. Lots and lots of beautiful voices.

It would be highly unlike me to not throw in random pictures of Aftyn, so enjoy these October fall pics of our little lady.

And last but certainly NOT least....

Kay broke her arm last night.

The kids were outside playing night games together in the front yard when Sydney, Kaylie and Tyler got tangled up and trip over each other. Ty's bum ended up coming down on Kaylie's arm and she fractured her radius. It's just a buckle fracture and she was really brave. She didn't even cry even though I know it was really hurting her. This is Kaylie's first broken bone. Welcome to the club, Kay.

Emma is the only one not featured in a picture, but I don't want to leave her out. We had parent teacher conferences last week and I want everyone to know that EMMA ROCKS THE HOUSE. She is one smart cookie and I want her to know that we are very proud of her accomplishments and hard work.

Losing It....Week 8

2011-10-11T12:41:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I was too busy to post and today is almost as busy so this will have to be short.

Results:

-2 lbs.

Maybe I should be disappointed but I'm not. The last two weeks have been very crazy and I've had to put more of my attention on other things. However, I am still focused and am looking forward to the next two weeks.

Food:

Rach, to answer your question about whether I am on any special diet, the answer is no. I HATE the word diet! But I'll talk more about that in my next weigh-in post.

Any Advice?

Okay readers, does anyone have advice on losing tummy fat? My butt keeps getting smaller but my gut still needs to caught up. Anyone? Anyone?

A day in the life...

2011-10-06T14:36:00.002-06:00

...well not a whole day, just a few crazy, head spinning hours of it.

Wednesday's are always a little busy at our house as with most days, but add a birthday on top of it and it gets down right crazy.

Here is a glance at our last night's schedule:

4:30 Start preping dinner

4:45 Pick-up Ken at work (I had his car because we used his lunch break to go grocery shopping so to save time I dropped him off. Had to go back to the store later because I forgot the ice-cream) :(

5:00 BBQ hotdogs - sit down for Todd's b-day dinner

5:20 Sydney arrives home from a trip to the temple

5:30 Todd opens his presents.

5:40 We sing "Happy Birthday" and scarf down cake and ice-cream.

5:45 Ken leaves for class

6:00 Tyler has pack mtg. (Kids are nowhere ready to go so I throw Daric and McKenna in the car with the intention of dropping Ty off and returning home to clean up dinner. When I got to the church I remember that Tyler was getting his arrow of light award, guilt sets in and I realize a parent should be there to see him get his big award. So I fly home, drop off McKenna and Daric, pick-up Aftyn, leave Kaylie in charge and head back to the church. I also feeling guilty that everyone is leaving on Todd's birthday but no worries, he is a happy camper playing with his new toys.

6:15 Sydney has volleyball practice

6:45 Ty and I leave pack mtg. early

6:50 I have a 10 minute break and ask Todd if he wants to go throw around his new football. He says, no because he doesn't want it to get dirty. Later he played with Tyler then came in and cleaned it with a wet wipe. Funny kid! So, instead of football I put Daric to bed.

6:58 Ken gets home from class

7:00 Ken and Sydney have YM/YW's - Kaylie and Emma have activity days

7:05-7:45 my friend stops by for a visit

7:50 I lay Aftyn down

8:00 Pick up Emma and Kaylie from activity days

8:30 Sydney and Ken get home

8:30-9:30 Direct kid traffic, some go to bed, some do their reading, some visit about their day.

9:30-11:00 Ken and I do homework.

11:00 bedtime (sort-of, felt more like I wrestled kids all night)

6:30am Wake-up and start all over again!!!

Tonight will be a lot the same. Minus the birthday, throw in some parent teacher conferences, it's all good. Whoo-ee, makes me tired just thinking about it, but I couldn't be more grateful for every single minute of it. Well, maybe not EVERY single minute, but MOST, definitely MOST.

Child Proof Cake, YES!

2011-10-06T11:35:00.004-06:00

Last night was one of those LOOOOONG nights when you wish it would just finally end so you can stop hoping for the sleep you know you aren't going to get. Time is a bit of a blur, but I think it started with Daric waking up around mid-night. In the process of getting him back to bed Aftyn woke up. Finding no easy solution to getting her back to sleep I gave in and put her in bed with me so that her crying didn't keep Ken awake. She fell asleep just fine, but I did not sleep well with her next to me so a few hours later I put her back in her crib. By 5:00 am Daric was hollering for me to open his door. I quickly jumped up so he didn't wake up the rest of the house and discovered that he had a poopie diaper. Just what I wanted to do at 5am. NOT! After changing Daric's diaper I thought it would be easier to have him get in our bed so he didn't make noise in his room. I am so dumb sometimes. After a half hour of him squirming around and trying to talk to me, I finally told him to go get back in his own bed, a request that he cheerfully complied with. I should have known better! A little while later I heard a noise in the hallway and knew he was playing with something he shouldn't be and again I got up to see what he was doing. After confiscating some keys from his hands I put him back to bed, but not before I noticed that the downstairs kitchen light was on. Oh great I thought, a 2 year old (who's build like a tank) alone, unsupervised in the kitchen is NOT a good combination. But I was too tired to think about it, I figured I'd deal with those consequences later. I went back to bed, but too bad for me 'cause only a few minutes later the alarm clock rang. Daric came back in and crawled in beside me and I decided to ask him what he was doing in the kitchen. He replied, that he had NOT gotten into Todd's "boof-day cake". I actually believed him and felt some sense of relief because he had no evidence of chocolate cake on his face.

Only later did I discover that his lack of chocolate cake was not from lack of trying.

None of those objects were on the counter when I went to bed last night. He tried and tried, but his plan was foiled by a really tight cake lid. Ha, Ha, you mischievous little wanna-be thief, better luck next time. And thank-you Smith's bakery, you now have a loyal birthday cake buying customer.

Toddy Turns 7

2011-10-05T21:27:00.001-06:00

Todd has been looking forward to his birthday for a long time. We started a count down on the calendar over a month ago. He couldn't wait for his special day and today it finally arrived.

Todd was the last to wake up this morning, so the whole family decided to serenade him with a rousing version of "Happy Birthday" to get his day started off right. Then Ken took him to Krispy Kreme's for breakfast.

He was so sinking cute with his presents, which he was begging to open since early this morning. He was so excited about his gifts that cake and ice-cream were nearly forgotten. He is easy to please and I am so glad he had a good day.

Todd is a super kid. I'm so glad for the gift I got on this day 7 years ago. Todd has taught me so much about being a mother and a lot about myself. I actually consider him one of my greatest teachers. I'm thankful for him.

Love you, Buddy

Happy Birthday!

September: This and That

2011-09-30T12:11:00.000-06:00

This is a short and sweet picture review of a few of our September happenings.

I got to spend a whole day with my sisters, Ann and Heather, husking over 1000 ears of corn from Ann's garden. I am the only one that walked away with all my fingers still intact and wound free. Lucky me! We also went to the scrapbook expo together, and then went shopping at one of our favorite stores, D.I. Oh, how I love a good thrift store. It was a fun day, the only thing that would have made it better would be to have all my sisters together. Love ya, gals!

I got a visit from my good friend, Dione, this is her new little guy. He is 7 weeks old. Aftyn is nearly 8 months. She's not that much bigger. She now weighs 14lbs. 10 oz. Side note: Dione has 7 children, I have 9 so with the exception of Aftyn and Zachary we have had children of all the same gender in the exact same order. Our first 5 kids are all born within 6wks - 3 mo. of eachother. Dione was been my friend since way back to our single days at King Henry Apts. We got married 3 weeks apart and have grown our families at nearly the same rate ever since. D, just needs to have twins now, wink, wink.

Aftyn is a binky hoarder.

Sleepy head.

Mosquito face. Poor McKenna nearly got eaten alive by the pesky little things. The middle of her forehead swelled up so much she reminded me of a character from a star trek episode.

Oh, what the heck, here's one from August. I thought it was too cute. Emma makes everyone all cozy for reading time.

Losing It....Week 6

2011-09-26T13:55:00.002-06:00

It's already been 2 weeks since my last weigh-in, I sort of lost track of time and thought I had another week left. But no, today is the day. Let's just cut right to the chase.

Results:

-6 pounds

Yay for me! That is a total of 16 lbs. in 6 weeks.

Exercise:

Okay, so I totally threw out my last goal. I did NOT run 2 miles, in fact I barely ran at all. I found myself getting a little bored with the monotony of doing the same thing everyday even though I did try and change it up a bit each day. I started these last two week out with my normal routine of walking McKenna to school then coming home to do Zumba or jumping on the treadmill, but one day as I was walking home from school I began to dread going home to workout in the basement. It wasn't the exercise I was dreading, just the way I planned on doing it. So, instead of turning into my street I just kept going. I walked another couple of miles then headed back home. I have decided that while the weather is beautiful, like it has been, I will be outside as much as I can until I HAVE TO workout in the basement. I don't sweat as much, but I still get a good workout. If I can get out of the house in the evenings without a stroller or kiddies I plan on doing some jogging and taking advantage of the great hills around UVU. I also think I'll squeeze in a 20 minute Zumba workout before I take McKenna to school, if I feel like it, if not I won't. Zumba and the treadmill will be available all winter long, but for now I want to be outside enjoying the sunshine.

Goal:

Alright, this may sound a little silly, but who cares. Here's my goal: This season on the Biggest Loser there is a woman about my size. She weighs a little more, but we are close enough. My goal is to keep up with her weight loss each week. I guess that only works if she doesn't get kicked off right away. I like a little competition, I think this will be fun.

Feelings:

I'm pretty excited. This is feeling good. Those 16 lbs. for me are what push me over the edge between comfortably overweight and just plain feeling fat. I am no longer squeezing into my normal jeans, they are fitting comfortably, I am now squeezing into the next size down. ;) However, I'm a little nervous about getting too excited, because I've done this before, this is about what I weighed when I got pregnant with the twins. This is about what I weighed when I came home from the hospital after they were born. This is about the time when I start getting a little too comfortable (aka LAZY). This is about the time when I stop losing because life happens, but not this time. This time I'm going to keep going. This time I don't plan on getting pregnant. This time I don't plan on Ken losing his job and me feeding my fear and frustrations with food. This time it is a permanent part of my life not just a short time visitor. I am actually looking forward to my next weigh in 2 weeks. Wish me luck!

14 Years

2011-09-13T16:41:00.000-06:00

Yesterday Ken and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary.

Wow! We're getting old.

To celebrate we took the whole family to Red Robin's, one of our favorite places.

Before we left we visited to photo booth just for fun.

Aren't we cute?

After 14 years, he's still my best friend. Love is grand!

Losing It....Week 4

2011-09-12T14:30:00.001-06:00

Here it is again, weigh-in day.

Let me just say that these last two weeks have been a bit more of a battle for me, mentally and physically. Here's why..

Excercise:

I lost my workout buddy. Since Ken and I started school again two weeks ago Ken can no longer afford the time to workout with me at night. It's been a bummer because I really enjoyed that time with him, now we're homework buddies instead. So, I have had to be my own motivator which really has been okay, just not as fun. I have been walking McKenna to school each day, then almost everyday when I get home I either jump on the treadmill for a run or I do a Zumba workout. I decided that running a 15 minute mile wasn't that big a deal, I can run longer now, but I get SO bored. I decided to speed it up a little to 4.5 mph which is about a 13 minute mile. I did that, even though I thought it might kill me. Then I decided I better it the road to make sure I could still run a mile outside without the help of a treadmill, so I hit the track, and am so happy to report that I ran the full 4 laps without stopping. Ken ran with me, he ran faster than me, BUT he had to stop once to rest, so HA! Some nights I try and squeeze in some sort of workout, but I need to be better about that. Life is SO busy!

Food:

Food makes me happy or food makes me sad. I hate that it has that much control over me. For instance, last Wednesday was Ken's birthday and I asked him if he wanted to go to lunch. Tyler was home sick from school that day so I could leave Daric and McKenna home for their naps and just take Aftyn with me. I was looking forward to a nice quiet lunch in a nice quiet restaurant. However, when I picked Ken up and asked him where he wanted to go he replied...In and Out Burger. INSTANT DISAPPOINTMENT! I couldn't say anything about his choice, because the point was that it was HIS choice, that's where he wanted to go for his birthday. In and Out Burger has only four things on their menu; burger, fries, soda, and shakes. None of which I could eat. I decided that only one day I week I would eat whatever I wanted and that day would be Friday's on our date night, this was a Wednesday and I didn't want to waste any calories on fast food burgers. So, I sat there without eating while he ate his lunch. It was KILLING me. I was starving. I wanted lunch. I literally felt sick for a minute. I wanted food, but not icky food, I just wanted a dang salad. Why can't In and Out serve salads on there menu? Ugh! My will-power won out over eating greasing burgers and fries, but it put me in a bad mood. I would prefer if food did not determine my mood, but it does sometimes. Sadly, it does.

Results:

-4 pounds

I can't say that I am not slightly disappointed. But 4 pounds is still for pounds and I have to be happy with that and keep plugging away.

Goal:

By my next weigh-in I would like to say that I've ran 2 straight miles. I think I'll also add a little Wii fit into my workout just for a little fun.

It's Time for a Robert's Family Update

2011-09-09T19:35:00.011-06:00

It's been a while since I've done an update. We're all back on a new schedule and routine, so now seems like a good time. Here's how everyone is doing...

Ken turned 38 on Wednesday! We had less than an hour between work and going to class to squeeze in all of his birthday festivities. Ken is one busy guy right now. He is working full-time and taking 16 credits at UVU. He has applied and been accepted for graduation in December, granted all goes well with this semester. He has a very heavy load to carry right now, but he is making an incredible effort to succeed at all he has on his plate. He is still serving with the young men in our ward. He is an awesome dad and a wonderful husband. We are super proud of all he does to better our family. Way to go, Kenny...You da' man!

Me: I am busy, busy too. I also went back to UVU this fall. I am taking 6 credits. So far so good. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed this week trying to get back into an easy routine with the little ones at home and managing the 6 others at school. That may sound easy to some, but it is no easy task. When people ask me how I manage with so many kids, I used to respond by saying something like this...Oh, it's no big deal. It's all the same after three kids anyway, as long as they come one at a time. Well, I guess it took getting pregnant with twins for me to change my tune, because I no longer feel like this is NO BIG DEAL. It's a HUGE deal, and I am flippin' awesome! (sometimes I need to pat myself on the back) Taking care of 10 people everyday is SO WORTH IT, but seriously exhausting. I do at least 2 if not 3 loads of dishes everyday. Laundry is of course always in progress, but never done. Cooking for 10 people is a task, Picking up after 10 people is IMPOSSIBLE, therefore my house looks "well lived in" each day. Somebody always needs me, usually more than one at a time. The house is rarely quiet (oh, how I covet nap time). Then the house turns into a zoo, with wild animals roaming all about when all the kids get home from school. My brain seriously goes into system overload as each child rattles off the events in their day (all at the same time), and then the list of things that needs to be accomplished before the next day begins. Basically, from 2:30 until bedtime I just manage a LOT of their "to do's", while earlier in the day I attempt to tackle all of my "to do's" in the mist of taking care of the needs of a feisty 2 year old and a too cute for words 7 month old. Life is crazy, life is busy, life is exhausting, and life is just the way I like it...really wonderful!

Sydney is enjoying 8th grade. She has 6 of her eight classes with her best friend, and she is taking some classes that she really enjoys. She especially like her foods class, and art, which she is so good at. She has been interested in art for the last few years now, thanks to my niece who is a fantastic artist. I have loved watching Sydney work hard and develop her talents. She is very detail oriented and always takes her time to get things just the way she wants them. She spends her time hanging out at home or with friends. She is currently involved in a singing group that will perform near Christmas time. She babysits (for me and many others). She is awesome with babies and is a super big sister even if her siblings don't always appreciate her, I certainly do.

Kaylie is enjoying being the top dog at her school this year. 6th graders rule the school! Just today she turned in her application for student council. Kaylie is hoping to be the Ladies and Gentleman's club captain. I am really proud of her. Up until recently Kaylie has been scared to step into any leadership role, but lately she is stepping out of her comfort zone and really blossoming. And as always she is excelling in school and enjoying her class and teacher. Kaylie is also performing with the same musical group as Sydney. She too has been doing some babysitting this summer. Kaylie is a baby charmer. She is very responsible and is a HUGE help to me with her younger siblings. Kaylie has such a patient way about her with the little ones, she can get them to do almost anything with her soft words and creative energy. I could take a lesson from her sometimes. She will do great things this year and I can't wait to watch her keep finding herself and her talents and blossom into a young woman soon.

Tyler is more like an adult than a little boy sometimes, in that he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. I think he thinks it is his job to try and fix everything all the time. Of all the kids I believe Tyler has been the most effected by the ups and downs of our lives this past year. Ken and I are trying to help him overcome some of the anxiety he carries and just help him concentrate on being a little boy. On the other hand, he is very much like a typical 10 year old. He loves the dirt bike, his bicycle, scooter, roller-blades, skateboard, and heelies. He is quite a natural at those things. He is currently reading the Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites series and loving them. He flip-flops back and forth on whether or not he likes school. It depends on the day. That's maybe a good way to sum up Tyler right now, a little flip-floppy. He is a GOOD boy. He always wants to make good choices, he also gets a little chip on his shoulder at times. You would think that he is actually the teenager in the house. Every once in a while we have to give him a little attitude adjustment. But I love having Ty around. Tyler is sort-of like a security blanket. If he's around you know you are in good hands. He is a good protection, and a loving boy. He adores Aftyn and I love seeing him take care of her. Tyler is a keeper.

Emma is my little 3rd grade genius. She loves school! But she does complain that her teacher gives her "baby" homework, because it's way too easy. Emma does like a challenge, when it come to school anyway. Emma is my child stuck right in the middle. Sometimes my heart breaks for this little one because she doesn't understand yet that life isn't fair. You can imagine how life would seem totally unfair if you were too young to be an older kid and too young to be a younger kid. I've been trying to teach her to speak up and express herself, without pouting or whining. Unfortunately for her she has a momma who does not react well to drama-queen attitude. Emma is sometimes a sad and frustrated little girl, but she is learning that she has the choice to be happy or sad. When she chooses to be happy she is like a ray of sunshine. She is contagious. She is also such great friend maker. She makes friends everywhere we go. It never takes long before she is hand-in-hand with a new friend playing as if they were life-long pals. Emma has also been working hard to read the Book of Mormon, we are really proud of her good choices.

Todd is adjusting well to being a 1st grader and going to school all day. He likes being able to eat lunch at school. He came home on the first day of school very upset because some kids in his class were making fun of his speech. He's never noticed before but he notices now and it hurts his feelings. Mine too! If only those kids knew how far he has come. I'm sure it is just that he still sounds a little different and they weren't used to it. I don't think anything more has been said since that first day. Todd has not complained since, so I don't think it's a problem. Some day's he is happy to do his homework and reading and other days it's not so fun for him. Those days are not so fun for me either. Todd is growing up fast, he'll be seven soon. SEVEN! He loves all things BOY. He also loves the dirt bike, helping dad, and fixing anything he can. He is the best worker ever when you have him next to you working on a repair or mechanical problem. He is a thinker. He has great ideas. I think he should grow up to be a mechanical engineer. If he can build things as well as he can break things he will be brilliant!

McKenna is one of my babies. She's one of the youngest so I can't quite think of her as growing up. BUT she is! Everyday I send her to school like one of the big kids. She reminds me everyday that she IS a big kid (because she goes to Primary). McKenna is a bossy little girl, full of attitude who always stands her ground. She is like 4 going on 16. She has always been that way. She knows what she wants and she's not afraid to tell you. I love that about her! Not particularly when she argues with everything that comes out of my mouth, but I know it will be a great quality when she gets older, if she chooses to fight for the right things in life. McKenna is feisty, but she still has us wrapped around her finger, She is TOO cute to resist. Plus she is just charming and sweet too. She is usually really well behaved, you just have to know that she can be a fire-cracker ready to pop if you don't handle her with care. She is a good big sister to Daric and Aftyn. She puts up with Daric when he's being a stinker and she loves to play with Aftyn. She loves her preschool. She talks about recess and coloring the most, but was so excited today to do "shaving cream letters" and get on the computer. I love that she gets this experience. I want her to learn lots, only not too much until after January because then she'll graduate out and that would NOT be cool. McKenna is a darling little love and she gives great hugs.

Daric, Daric, Daric is 2. Need I say more? Challenging would be a good word to describe this little man. That and adorable. But challenging is winning out over adorable most days lately. He is a typical 2 year old. He gets into everything, he hits, throws fits, screams, destroys, argues just for the sake of arguing, makes messes, disappears, and drives me nutty. He also melts my heart. He is a little giant. He is our huskiest boy by far. He is a lover and a fighter. He is in that adorable "talking" phase. He is a great talker, but not everything comes out perfectly clear and I love his little voice. He is clever and I love watching his mind work. He also says hilarious things. The other day I sneezed and he said, "Bless you, Nanc" he did it again the next day so I asked him what made him think to call me Nanc. He says, so matter-of-factly, "Well, that what dad calls you". He is so smart and observant. Sometimes he will come downstairs and do Zumba with me (which is so stinking cute) and he will repeat everything the instructors are saying while he's shaking his bootie. It's so funny, but it's also a good lesson to me that kids HEAR everything. And an even more important lesson; they repeat what they hear! I love little-D, he is a sweet heart and a pain in the bum wrapped up all together in an adorable thick package.

Aftyn is PERFECTION! She is, it's as simple as that. I have hesitated for a while to blog anything about Aftyn because I know I will be completely powerless to keep the sappiness from oozing out all over the place. We are smitten. Honestly, none of us can get enough of this little piece of HEAVEN. She is so good, so cute, so snugly, so kissable, and so much more. She is army crawling all over the place. She loves to roll around on the floor and move from toy to toy or anything else she can find on the floor. She sit-ups but really that isn't her favorite position, she would rather be mobile. She has two little teeth. She has lost most of her long dark hair and now has a fuzzy head of reddish-brown. She has a smile that lights up her face and an angelic little giggle. She loves to make noise, she doesn't cry much but she does have a pretty good set of lungs. She is getting some chunk on her, but really she is still little and compact. I have enjoyed her staying little for so long. She is still such a baby to me. She is not so independent that she doesn't like to be held, she loves to be held and played with. She has a precious spirit about her that just makes you feel good to be around her.

I can't resist a few more pictures of her.

Okay, well that took way too long. :)

Hope you enjoyed catching up.

McKenna's First Day of School

2011-08-30T23:09:00.001-06:00

McKenna is officially a preschooler!

Today was her first day of school.

I still think of her of one of my babies, but she really is growing up. I am so happy for her to have this opportunity to learn and grow and have fun.

Of course here are some pics of my little scholar...

We were the first ones there this morning because she just couldn't wait to leave. She has been looking forward to this day since the rest of the gang started school last week.

Ken picked her up on his way home from school.

When she got home she was beaming and Daric welcomed her home with a big hug on the front porch. I think he missed his big sis.

McKenna reported all about coloring, and recess, and snack time.

She couldn't remember any one's names, which I made the mistake of asking twice, she then informed me that she already told me she didn't know.....dramatic sigh from 4 year old. Which I interpreted to mean....Duh, mom - Aren't you listening?

She then tried to convince me that she was now a big girl and preschoolers do NOT take naps. I told her that was fine as long as she had "quiet time" and I didn't see any fits in the evening. Well by 4:00 she was throwing a rip-roarin' tempter tantrum, so tomorrow that little preschooler WILL be taking a nap!

I'm so glad she had a great day.

I think she is going to LOVE preschool.

365 Days Ago

2011-08-30T08:01:00.003-06:00

Today marks one full year since we heard those shattering words..."I'm sorry, one of your babies no longer has a heartbeat."

This is for you Zachary...

The world may never notice
If a Snowdrop doesn't bloom,
Or even pause to wonder
If the petals fall too soon.
But every life that ever forms,
Or ever comes to be,
Touches the world in some small way
For all eternity.

The little one we long for
Was swiftly here and gone.
But the love that was then planted
Is a light that still shines on.
And though our arms are empty,
Our hearts know what to do.
Every beating of our hearts
Says that we do love you.

-Author Unknown-

We miss you, Baby.

Losing It....Week 2

2011-08-29T16:59:00.000-06:00

Well today was weigh in day for me. It was 2 weeks ago that I committed to get in shape, and I must say it feels pretty good.

Excercise:

Ken and I have been doing Zumba together at night, then cooling down by taking a walk around our neighborhood. It really is a fun workout and a great way to spend time together.

I have also gotten on the treadmill of few times, doing a little walking and jogging. I even ran my first non-stop mile the other night. Granted it was a 15 minute mile, but I ran it nonetheless.

It feels good to sweat, to work hard, and to feel sore.

Food:

Okay, so things have been going pretty good in the food department. Exercising definitely helps motivates me to eat better. I usually end up asking myself...What's this gonna cost me if I eat it? And the answer is usually...It's not worth it, then it comes to sweets. BUT I am a self proclaimed emotional eater and although I think I've done darn good the past 2 weeks, Sydney's b-day was too tempting. I will have to have a rule that after a party the remaining cake has to go bye-bye, otherwise it just calls my name. That was my weakness this week. But I did have success too. I have been drinking more water, eating for fruits and veggies, and watching portions. I don't count calories yet, because I hate that. It seems like so much work, but thanks to a friend I did find a low-cal Oscar Mayer lunchable type thing that I am really diggin'. One of the hard things for my to do is make food for myself. I prepare, cook, and serve my family all day long it seems, but I just have a hard time spending that time on me. So many times I just wouldn't eat, or would munch on less than favorable snacks throughout the day. These prepacked lunches make it so much easier for me to grab something healthy without spending too much time.

Results:

-6 pounds

Today I am six pounds closer to my goal, and 6 pounds lighter than I was two weeks ago. I haven't noticed any difference except that it feels better to be working out and working hard. It's a start.

Goals:

My goals for the next to weeks will be much the same as what I've been doing. I'd like to up my running time and keep doing Zumba each day. My eating goals are the same. I want to lose at least 5 pounds by my next weigh in, in 2 weeks.

Slow and steady wins the race.

*The next 2 weeks will be a little more challenging because Ken and I just started a new semester today. We will both be very busy so basically my goal is to get in at least 1 hour of exercise each day anything more than that is bonus.

Here's where you wish me luck. :)

Birthday Girl

2011-08-26T09:07:00.000-06:00

We officially have a teenager in the house!

Sydney turned 13, on Wednesday

Happy Birthday, Syd!

Here's a few pics from our traditional birthday photo shoot.

I used to be afraid to have my kids grow-up and become TEENAGERS, but have since changed my mind. I have loved watching Sydney blossom into a beautiful young woman. She is such a sweetheart. I really feel spoiled with her, and grateful that she has made this transition into teenage-hood so easy. I know we are just at the beginning, but Sydney is pretty wise. She tries very hard to make good choices. I have no doubt we'll have a few bumps along the way, but I'm very excited to see what the next few years will bring.

Soon we'll have teenagers busting out all over the place every year or two from here on out. Oh, My!

I just realized yesterday that by the time Aftyn finishes kindergarten, Sydney will be graduating from high school. I only have 5 more years before Sydney is off to college. How can that be? I'm way too young for that, right? Oh heart be still, I don't know if I can take that. Aaawww...I won't think about that for a few more years.

Sydney, I am so proud of you.

Hope you know how much you are loved!

Back to School

2011-08-23T09:57:00.001-06:00

Well this morning I sent 5 of my kiddo's back to school.

Sydney - age 12 (until tomorrow, yikes!)

8th grade

Kaylie - age 11

6th grade

Tyler - age 10

5th grade

Emma - age 8

3rd Grade

Todd - age 6

1st grade

Okay my little peeps I'll miss you tons but I know you'll all have a GREAT new year!!!

Aida

2011-08-22T22:25:00.001-06:00

Ken and I had a way fun date on Friday night. We went to see Aida playing at the Murray City Park Amphitheater. It was a really fun play with a very talented cast including my brother, Craig, which made it even more fun to watch.

Craig has recently lost 50lbs. He is looking awesome. And look close because you may not ever see it again, he doesn't have any facial hair. For at least the past 13 years he has had something growing on his face. Sometimes a little patch of something, sometimes a beard, but NEVER nothing.

Kinda a bit strange for me to see my brother wearing more make-up than me, never thought I'd see the day. As long as he keeps it to the stage, AND as long as I always look better wearing it I think we'll be okay.

Great Job, Big (in a much less way) Bro!

Ken and I were completely entertained.

Losing It....

2011-08-18T11:56:00.000-06:00

I know what you all were thinking....

you thought I meant my mind, didn't you?

Well losing my mind is debatable, but that isn't what I'm talking about.

I mean pounds, inches, excess largeness, that sort of thing.

I have wanted to post on this subject for a while now but kept putting it off because if I announced to the world that I was trying to lose weight then I would have to be accountable, which to me is the whole point, but I wasn't ready to commit. However, enough is enough! I've reached my "limit", you know what I mean, that very unpleasant number on the scale that you tell yourself you with NEVER go above. Well I'm there. I'm at my limit.

Now it's time to commit. It's time to get serious.

I had Ken take these pictures on my 36th birthday. That was 6 months ago, 2 wks after having Aftyn. This was to be my "starting point", unfortunately I couldn't really exercise for another 4 weeks because of my c-section. By then my fatigue had increased and my motivation had decreased. So, regretfully I have gained weight since these pics were taken. Which is actually pretty typical for me after having a baby. I lose weight while I'm pregnant then gain it back a within a few months while nursing. Now it's time to take it back off, and much more. ( 9 babies worth of more!)

I am not one of those people that think you have to be skinny to be beautiful, nor do I think a person's self-worth should come from how they look. I know I'm a daughter of God whether I am 100 or 500 lbs. This isn't about that, it's about being HEALTHY.

I don't plan on trying any radical or fad diets. I think those are for idiots. I just plan on increasing the good ol' exercise and watching what I eat. I'm planning on taking one step at a time, starting with baby steps until I eventually reach my end goal. Which I just realized I don't even know what that is yet. So, I will be figuring that out mighty soon. I do know what my first goal is though, and that is to see a 1 in the first digit column of my weight, not a 2! Aw....I can't believe I just said that out loud. (well wrote it anyway) Yikes, it's a little scary being so open with such a touchy subject as weight. But I'm going to tell myself I don't care and just move forward.

*This week my goal is to exercise at least 30 minutes everyday, cut the sweets, and increase my water intake.

I've decided to weigh myself every two weeks to check my progress. I'll probably post that often and report on how I'm doing.

Wish me luck. I'm not one to beg for comments, but a little moral support along this journey may be helpful. AND if anyone wants to share their successes I'd love to hear them. What exercise do you love? What low-cal foods are your favorite?

Adventures in Cedar City

2011-08-16T20:45:00.001-06:00

Ken and I took the fam down to Cedar City this past week to spend a few days with his brothers family. We tried to squeeze in family time, cousin time, and adult time all in a short time, but I think we did a pretty good job.

I have a zillion pictures as usual.

One cannot take too many pictures!!!

*First a little fun in the park.

*Next the green show at the Utah Shakespeare Festival.

*After this my sister-in-law and I went to see "The Music Man". It was really a cute play.

*Next up we have pics from our picnic just before entering Zion's National Park.

Here are all the cousins together. There are 12 between our 2 families and you should have seen the looks we got at Zion's. Most of the looks were not looks of admiration, more like looks of disgust. Too bad for them, they don't know what their missing.

*Welcome to Zion's

Ignore the strangers face. Don't know him.

Waiting for the next bus.

Earlier in the day Ken and Tim attempted to hike Angels Landing, however due to the fact that they both have a fear of heights neither one made it passed the first set of chains. I was grateful they didn't go all the way. People DIE doing that. NOT good.

*The last family activity before heading home was swimming at the aquatic center.

Toddy was LOVING the water slide. He kept going down over and over again. I went down once and didn't quite see the appeal, but that's because I'm getting old.

*We did other fun things too like date night with the adults. Dinner and a movie. Mmm....Mmm good.

* And Shopping. Oh, Yeah!

Good times, Good times.

The Fruits of my Labors...

2011-08-09T10:03:00.000-06:00

ONE...edible and completely delicious,

and ONE.... not so edible, yet still completely delicious.

Do you remember Zachary's peach tree?

We planted it back in April and it looked like this...

Well now it looks like this...

We were told not to expect fruit this year and maybe not even for a few years, but we had so many peaches starting to grow that I had to thin over 20 or 30 peaches, leaving just a few, so that the young branches would not break.

Look at this beautiful site...

Being the sentimental girl that I am I couldn't resist taking pictures of Aftyn with the first peaches from Zachary's peach tree.

For dinner last night we ate the 4 peaches that Zachary's tree produced and they were delicious! We are looking forward to many, many, many more years of enjoying Zachary's peaches.

The title of this post really should be... "the fruits of (OUR) labors" it just didn't sound as catchy, but Ken really has nurtured and babied Zachary's tree like a tender gardener would lovingly care for his garden.

This picture was taken during a late April hail storm. The wind was strong and the hail was pelting, but my boys gave that no thought as they stood in the storm to protect a little tree that has come to mean so much to us.

This little tree is not "just" a tree to us, instead it is a beautiful, living, growing reminder of our sweet little treasure awaiting us on the other side of the veil.

The "fruits" of my labors truly are sweet, all 9 of them.

Boys and Their Toys

2011-08-02T08:54:00.001-06:00

Saturday morning while doing our family ritual of garage selling we ran across a little dirt bike. Knowing that my kids would think I was the coolest mom ever for at least a day or so on a whim we decided to buy it.

Since Saturday it's all my boys can think about.

I overheard Tyler tell his aunt that he never thought in a million years that his mom would ever let him have a dirt bike. Probably because I told Tyler I would never in a million years ever let him have a dirt bike. I knew after seeing them ride a little motorcycle at our last family reunion that I was losing my resolve, but that was my little secret.

On Saturday I finally gave in ONLY because I was comfortable with the size of this LITTLE bike.

Little did I know that I opened a big ol' can of..."now we need one for Ken, and a larger on for the older kids, and, and, and etc."

But this is all prelude to the real purpose of this post.

What I really wanted to tell you about is Tyler's prayer during family prayer last night.

It went something like this (Seriously)....

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you that we could buy a dirt bike. Thank you for all the many, many, fun fun fun times we have had on our dirt bike. Please help my Dad to get through school as fast as he can so we have more time to play together and work on the dirt bike. Please help us get the dirt bike all fixed up.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I had to refrain my laughter. Ty has a one track mind and right now it's completely on his new toy...

THE DIRT BIKE.

1/2 BIRTHDAY!

2011-07-31T22:33:00.000-06:00

Today Aftyn is 6 months old.

WOW!

6 months already.

My little love!

Big Hair No Longer an Option, It's a Necessity

2011-07-26T16:43:00.000-06:00

Can you see why?

She's taller! My 12 year old is taller than me. I gave myself extra poofy hair but it didn't work.

This is what I think of that...

Stop! I forbid you to grow anymore. This is no good.

Okay, just kidding. I was a little dumbfounded when I realized I was looking eye to eye with her the other day and then even more dumbfounded when I measured her and realized she is an inch taller than me. I better get used to the idea because I know she's not done growing yet. It makes me feel old.

Speaking of feeling old....Sydney is going to be a teenager next month. Yikes!

Stewart Falls With the Kids

2011-07-26T16:11:00.000-06:00

For Pioneer Day we decided to go on our own family trek. We took the kids on the same hike up Stewart Falls that Ken and I did a few days earlier.

It is a pretty nice family hike as far as hiking goes. There were a lot of people on the trail so many times we had to stop and let other groups pass us. In some spots the trail isn't big enough for coming and going traffic, but everyone was courteous and we all enjoyed being outside and enjoying the beautiful day.

We brought a picnic lunch to eat on the trail/water tower.

I was a little nervous about how the little ones would do but they were little troopers. We did have to pick them up and carry them a few times but mostly it was to speed things up in some parts. Ken, Sydney, Tyler, and I each took our turn with a child riding on our backs, Ken at one point was carrying both Daric and McKenna. But for the most part they walked and did a super great job of trekking along all by themselves.

Emma fell a couple of times on the trail, the last time she cried and refused to get up, that is until she saw a bug next to her and flew off the ground in a hurry. I couldn't help but be grateful for that little green bug. :)

Thank You

2011-07-24T21:41:00.002-06:00

I wanted to thank those of you that left comments on my "Last Year" post.

I so appreciate the love and support I feel from you.

I try to be strong and positive as much as possible, but when I am struggling it helps me so much to write down my feelings. Almost instantly it gives me a better perspective and I can begin to put myself back together. Knowing that I have friends that love me and care about me also helps me more than I can express.

*TO PAM: (she is my friends mother) I have thought of you many times over this past year and have wanted to take the time to thank you for your many encouraging words. I'm sure you do not realize what it means to me to have a "mother" care and say kind and sympathetic words. I don't have that from my own mom and I can't explain how much it has meant to me to read your comments. On Mother's Day I thought of you. I thought about how lucky Beth is to have a loving, caring mother like you. I wanted to send you a Mother's Day card because you are a mother I admire. Just wanted you to know, and to express my thanks.

Thank you my lovely friends, you strengthen me more than you know.

Each of you are a blessing to me.

(((HUGS)))

A Hiking We Will Go

2011-07-23T11:46:00.000-06:00

Last night Ken and I decided for our date night we would hike Stewart Falls.

It was gorgeous up there. And cool. And fun. It felt so good to be together, having fun, working out, and being silly.

We picnicked on the water tower then hiked to the falls and back.

Here are a few pictures of our date night adventures.

I bit his ear. Hehe. :)

Can't wait to do it again soon, next time with the kids.

It's a great family hike.

LOVE IT!

Last Year...

2011-07-21T14:53:00.003-06:00

Last year at this time I was pregnant with twins...Two living, growing, beautiful babies.

Last year at this time I was planning a life with 9 children. Lots of diapers, sleepless nights, full arms, crazy chaos, and tons of LOVE.

Last year at the time I was SO sick, but I kept telling myself that it was all worth it because at the end of the exhaustion, the barfing, and the "all day sickness" I would have double the blessings.

Everyday I can't help but think about...LAST YEAR AT THIS TIME.

Last year on the 4th of July I sat around with my neighbors and friends chatting about our babies as the news of our "double duo" spread. This year I sat with my neighbors and friends as we talked with a new mommy expecting her own "double duo". It was like deju' vu' all over again only with a sting this time.

The ward picnic is coming soon, last year I couldn't make it because I was too sick to get off the couch. My friends took my children so they wouldn't have to miss out. This year I can go, but I won't be able to go without remembering why I couldn't go LAST YEAR.

August 30th is also coming soon.
I know this sounds crazy but I feel like I'm living last year all over again, only this time I know how it ends. In 6 more weeks I'll loose Zachary all over again. Everyday closer to that dreaded day is killing me. I've really tried hard to grieve rationally (if that is possible), and I think I've done a pretty good job. But I'm not doing so well right now. I have heard that FIRSTS are always the hardest after experiencing a loss. However, I didn't really expect this. I've gone through cycles of depression since this whole awful journey began but I'm not able to bounce back as quickly as I'd like to.
This time I think it's bigger that I can fix.
This time I think it's time to talk to someone.
This time I think it's time for THERAPY.
I don't know why that sounds like a big, ugly, scary word, but it does to me. But I think I should have done it a long time ago.

I don't think any mom should have to think about their child's death-day before they get the chance to celebrate their birth-day, but hopefully by the time the twins birthday rolls around I won't feel like climbing into a big black hole and never coming out.

(sorry for the depressing post, I tend to think out loud too much)

Summertime Fun

2011-07-13T15:58:00.000-06:00

Eat your heart out little girls.

Check out my handsome muscle men.

I love these studly little boys.

Summertime is so much fun. (And a little exhausting I might add)

Miss McKenna posing for her camera time.

Tyler is off to Civil War Camp this week at Camp Floyd.

It's a 3 day all day camp and Tyler is loving it. He has a bit of an obsession with the army and war, especially the civil war. He reads every book he can get his hands on.

Just in case you were wondering what Aftyn will look like in 11 years here's a pretty good idea. Aftyn looks so much like Kaylie when she was a baby. So many people think Aftyn looks like Emma but really they don't know what their talking about (hehe). These two were definitely cut from the same mold. Aftyn will grow into her freckles in a few more years.

*Listen Up* I have another brilliant idea.

I'm thinking about letting my kids run around everyday all day long in their swimsuits.

It would save me lots of time, tons of money, and a lot less of this...

Maybe it's not my greatest idea, but I'm considering it.

Laundry is a BEAST.

Okay, on to happier thoughts.

Aftyn...

Aftyn is a happy thought.

Check out these sweet little bath time videos.

(most of you know by now I sound a bit annoying when I'm talking to my babies...ignore me, and enjoy the adorable baby)

This time she is a little less camera shy.

Called to Serve

2011-07-06T22:28:00.000-06:00

Elder Scott has been called to serve in the...

Mexico, Mexico city, South East Mission.

Josh is my second nephew to recently receive his mission call. As a family we are super proud of him and excited for this opportunity he has to serve the Lord as a full-time missionary.

Way to go, Josh!!!

Thank you for your wonderful example and for giving my little boys someone to look up to. (literally) ;)

Also, my oldest nephew, Porter, received his mission call a few months ago and will enter the MTC next month to serve in the Independence, Missouri Mission. (I'm sort of jealous, I would love to serve there, maybe when Ken and I are old and gray.)

I couldn't be more happy and proud of these two young men.

Both of you will be in our constant thoughts and prayers.

4th of July Festivities

2011-07-05T15:29:00.002-06:00

Celebrating our countries independence yesterday was a great family day of fun.

After Ken and the kids along with the boy scouts set up flags throughout the neighborhood we headed down to Provo to watch the parade with Tami and Darren.

I didn't get any pictures but it was lots of fun.

We came home and while deciding what we wanted to do the rest of the day we ended up pulling out a stump in the backyard that Ken and the boys have been working on for a while now. Now we can move on to yet another stump. Yard work never ends, good thing we all enjoy working together.

We thought about hiking Stewart Falls but instead decided to take a drive to Cascade Springs (thanks Ruth for your last blog post, you were my inspiration :))

We had a nice drive up the canyon and walk around the springs. The kids enjoyed counting butterflies and spending time in the "wild life" as Todd put it. All was well and good until Daric got car sick and puked all over himself. Luckily we were headed out of the canyon and he quickly fell asleep. We got back into Orem just in time to collect flags again with the scouts.

We had plans to go to our neighbors for a BBQ and the traditional "cult-a-sac of fire" as a family, but Ken and I were pretty thrashed from the day and I wasn't exactly looking forward to wrestling a few of my children all night so I cheated a little and we went in shifts. I fed the kids at home then put the two youngest to bed. I didn't want to miss socializing with friends and the older kids didn't want to miss the fireworks, so Ken,I and the middle age kids went for the first shift, then we came home so the older kids could go watch the fireworks. Todd was SO disappointed that he couldn't stay and it was kind of breaking my heart, but again we got lucky because some closer neighbors were lighting off huge fireworks. We sat out on the porch in the rain and watched the fireworks explode right above us. It was very cool. And it kept a little boys spirits from being crushed, which made me a happy mama.

We had a super 4th of July, hope you did to!!!