MOTHER OF SEVEN KIDS +1: November 2009

YES, WE REALLY DO HAVE EIGHT!

YES, We Really Do Have Eight!

I love babies. When my babies hit their first birthday, I long once again for that tiny helpless little person that smells like baby powder and doesn't squirm away when you're staring at his beautiful little face. Now don't get me wrong. I love the other stages too. I laugh out loud when I hear the jibber jabber of his first words (Jackson). I giggle when I see one dance hysterically when she hears a Justin Bieber song (Bekkah). I beam with pride when she puts gospel principals into action as she prepares for her upcomming baptism (Emily). I am amazed over and over as he accepts and conquers challenges far beyond his years (Ammon). I burst with pride as I watch his determination and drive in all that he sets his mind to (Zane). I melt when I see the empathy, and concern she has for others (Mckenzie). I have to catch my breath when I see him snuggle with his baby brother (Zachary). I am amazed as I read his letters from his mission (Tres). I guess I just love it all. And this is why I have, despite my horrible pregnancies, we have eight beautiful, talented, amazing, wonderful children!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

French Fry

Well it happened. We knew it would. They just don't live that long. Zane's hamster, French

Fry, died. Zane found him right before bed. Not good timing. Ammon took it the hardest. We had a long talk about life and the plan of happiness. We talked about the possibility of animals going to heaven. Then Ammon, in his sweet little boy innocence, asked, "When we go to Heaven and see French Fry, will we have to buy him all over again?"

Monday, November 16, 2009

9 months!

I can't believe our sweet little Jackson is 9 months old today. I've tried so hard to enjoy this last little one. I try to cuddle more, but he just wiggles away. I swore I'd nurse til he was at least a year, but he decided he was done a few weeks ago. I hoped for a 13 month old walker, but at the rate he's going he'll be toddling along by Thanksgiving. He's just not cooperating, and his babyhood is flying by.

He had a rough start with an early, and difficult delivery and heart promlems to boot, but I'm happy to report that he went from a tiny five pounder to a whopping 26 pounds all in 9 months and most of his heart problems have been resolved.

All the kids adore him and his daddy just melts at his welcome home grin. I am so grateful for this final addition to our family. He truly is an angel sent from Heaven.

Friday, November 6, 2009

We did it!

We haven't always been good about family scripture study, but the last several years we've done it pretty faithfully. Each morning we wake up and gather 8 sleepy kids around our living room and read a couple verses each from the Book of Mormon. It's not always spiritual, it's actually fairly chaotic at times. I'm not sure how many times we've started over, but it's been a few. Well yesterday we finished! I'm sure most families have finished several times, but this first time was so exciting for me. I'm so grateful to have my sweet husband who honors his priesthood and leads his family in scripture study each day.