Ladybugs...or Gentlemanbugs?

Have you been to the green belt lately? Our kids are having a great time there! The draw you might ask...lady bugs... tons of them. Yesterday I witnessed a humorous example of observation among the under 10 crowd. Ammon, Trevan, Ryan, Garon, Jacob, Christian, Charise, Kyle, and Bradley were keeping busy by seeing how many ladybugs they could catch and put in a butterfly net. Ryan called out, "Hey look at these two, they're 'dating'!" All the kids gathered around to spy on these two unsuspecting ladybugs. Then Trevan, in his 6 year old wisdom, corrected his big brother, "They're not 'dating', they're 'mating'!" The rest of the afternoon these 9 bug enthusiasts changed their game to how many 'mating' ladybugs they could catch.

Jack-in-the-...BOWL?

Jackson hasn't been gaining weight like he should so Dan bought a scale that showed ounces at Wal-mart to track him better at home. We couldn't figure out how to get his whole body on the little scale. Dan suggested a salad bowl. Here's a pic of our little Jack-in-the-Bowl!

Jackson's Blessing Day

It is not our usual practice to bless our babies when they are only 13 days old. Jackson was our exception. My mother and her husband are retiring and moving to Utah at the end of the month and we wanted them to be able to be there. I have such mixed emotions about this special day. Of course, I'm so happy to have this little guy. I loved hearing the beautiful words spoken by his Daddy, of the things Heavenly Father has in store for him. I know he was sent to us for some special reason--I know they all were. But I also felt an overwhelming saddness that this was our last baby blessing. From a medical standpoint I know how dangerous and irresponsible it would be to have another. I would never want my children to grow up without a mother. But my heart breaks knowing I will never hold another wiggly newborn in my arms and call him mine. Maybe I'm just selfish. I do have eight children. More than my three sisters-in-law who have been trying for years. But the joy I feel knowing I am entrusted with these sweet little spirits makes me feel so amazingly wonderful. I love holding them. I love playing Barbies or reading books with them. I love helping them with thier problems. I love teaching them to bake bread or plant flowers. And they just grow up so fast. I try to console myself by saying it wont be long before grandkids. Or, just focus on the ones you already have, there's plenty of room for improvement. But it doesn't seem to help. For now I'll hold this new little one lots. I'll let my housework go and cuddle my babies, and pray they will stay small for a little bit longer.

The kids call him "Glow Worm"

Our little Jackson has jaundice. When some of my older children had jaundice we had to hang out in the hospital. And you all know how much I hate hospitals! Now they send home health out with a Belliblanket. You just hook up the light and lay the baby on it. I LOVE technology!

Do you know your child carseat laws?

The City of Mesa Justice Court gave me the exciting opportunity to attend the C.A.P.P. (Children Are Priceless Passengers) program which is a child safety class on how to buckle your children in the car properly. I was pulled over because an officer saw my 4 year old leaning forward in her seat. (her sister was pulling her hair) Did you know that the law is now 5 years old...period. (Emily turned 5 on Saturday!) No weight guidelines at all. There is a weight and height recommendation, but it's not a law. Here are some things I learned:
Did you know that children under the age of 5 not in a carseat is a primary offense, meaning you can get pulled over for it, even if you are doing nothing else wrong? Seatbelt offenses for older children and adults are secondary offenses and you can't be pulled over just becasue he sees you're not wearing it.
Did you know that you're teenage children 16 and older will be issued their own ticket if they are not wearing thier seatbelt and it will go against thier record.
Did you know that it is not against the law to have a carseat in the front even with an airbag, unless it is rearfacing.
Did you know that your 20 pound child, going 30 miles an hour will be propelled through your front windshield with 600 pounds of force (weight X speed = force) if not buckled in?
Did you know that your child is only big enough for an adult seatbelt if her legs can bend over the seat when her behind is all the way up against the back of the seat? (not a law)
Did you know that the carrying handle on your infant carseat must be locked in the down position in order to work properly in a crash?

This was actually a very informative class, and if I hadn't been in labor I think I would have gotten even more out of it. (Class was on Sunday evening and Jackson was born early Monday morning) If you are interested in taking the C.A.P.P. class let me know and I will get you the information. The class cost $25 but you get a free carseat out of it.

Jackson Corby Huston has arrived

After a very long 8 months full of nausea,vomiting, IV lines, infections, medications, and way too many days in the hospital, number eight is finally here. He was born early Monday morning (did I look like I was in labor at church on Sunday?) Good news though-I made it through traffic school Sunday night! He came into the world 3 weeks early and face up--ouch. By the time I got to the hospital I was 8 cm and fully effaced. They quickly got an epidural started but didn't put me on a pump because they thought I'd have him so quickly. When they discovered he was face up and stuck it was too late, the epidural was gone and the vacuum came out--double ouch. The NICU team was there and took him as soon as he was delivered. He has a heart murmur and a septal aneurysm, but no arrhythmia's. His cardiologists is hoping all will heal on their own. He was discharged from NICU late Tuesday night and we both got to come home Wednesday morning. Thank you to all who fed my family and watched my little ones! I have the greatest ward in the world!

I love my sweetheart!

Now that I'm at the end of my pregnancy, I'm finally eating a little bit. My latest and greatest craving is Jack in the Box egg rolls. Any other time I wouldn't touch the stuff, but right now I can't seem to get enough of them! I even dream about them-crazy huh?! I was throwing up all day Monday so I didn't have much of an appetite come dinner time. But by the time FHE was over and the kids were all down, I was sitting on the couch folding laundry and there on the TV was the Jack in the Box commercial. I made a comment like "Boy that looks good." My hubby must have overheard me, because a few minutes later I heard his truck start up! He snuck out because he knew I'd object. It was pouring down rain, and the closest Jack in the Box is several miles away. Twenty minutes later my sweet, soaking wet husband walked in with my favorite treat. And I even kept them down! I am grateful for my husband. He treats me like a princess. I pray that my children will find spouses who care as much as he does.