The Seven of Us

Christmas Day is winding down...our kids are in bed, prayers are said, food eaten, and gifts unwrapped, played with, scattered, and put in order again. But this year Christmas has been much more than today.  Christmas was a feeling I had last week as I reflected upon some of the blessings I have: health, the gospel, and my family.  As I've watched friends struggle with health challenges I've realized that I don't control my health; God does.  As hard as I may try, I can only influence my health.  At some point I will be asked (in a big way) to exercise my faith that through the Savior I will be made whole, in whatever way He sees necessary:  physically, emotionally, or spiritually.  Christmas is the gratitude I've felt as I've felt the full magnitude of being healthy. Christmas is the feeling I've had as I've read Christmas stories to my kids; it's the feeling they reflected as they looked for gifts for one another and willingly spen...

blog again before the end of the year. Just not at 1:35 am.  I took 2 melatonin, but tonight my over-the-top type-A psyche trumps supplements.  I just can't turn my mind off.  Hopefully it'll turn back on tomorrow for my mid-term. Merry Christmas!

Last night my parents, Jared and I went to see the movie The Secretariat.   My dad treated us (Thanks again, dad.), and he told the  ticket-taker that our group consisted of 3 adults and one student.  I was puzzled for a moment, then realized that the student is me.  I marveled at my dad's ingenuity, wondered if the ticket-taker would ask who the student was, and I said to myself--as I have for several weeks now-- I'm a student again. Wow. And I smiled within myself. This is probably a good place to explain that I've wanted to be a student since I left BYU.  Upon being transplanted to Colorado, I found that I was extemely lonely and very bored.  As much as I love my family and have tried to be consistently and conscientiously devoted to them, I have always wanted to go back to school.  I barely had time to think that thought during my novice, busy, and draining parenting years, but I did.  I dreamed o...

When the Wray Pool opened in 2003, we took Caleb and his friends Ace Conger, Tyler Loutensock, and Tayton Noyes, along with McKenna and Taylor,  and celebrated Caleb's 5th birthday there.  We all loved the pool (even me, although I was only 18 days away from delivering Isaac), and we've gone to the Wray Pool almost every year since.  Quite often the kids and I go with  my parents.  Here are the photos from this year's trip. Here's Taylor (now 14) with Corbin, age 2.  Caleb catches Corbin as he comes down the slide. Once Corbin discovered the slide that was all he wanted to do.  McKenna and Corbin These pictures are all from our ward Pioneer Day activity in July: From these photos you'd think that we like watermelon.  That's mostly true; even Caleb eats it.  (He's not a fruit or veggie fan.)  The interesting thing is that Caleb ate so much of it at this activity. Of course, a little competition usually helps--h...

Two great things happened today:  1-Isaac's teacher allowed him to check a Junie B. Jones book out of the library!  A couple of days ago he took some of our Junie B books to school; they caused a big problem, as kids were racing to book cubbies to grab their own copies of Junie B. to read at their desks.  I spoke with Isaac's classroom aide, whom Isaac reported  had said that "Kids in the red and yellow groups need to read their  leveled books", implying  that Isaac wasn't capable of reading Junie B.  Mrs. Cox and I had a nice conversation in which I expressed my concern about squleching his budding desire to read, explained how well I feel she and his teacher and title teacher are doing & how empowered he's feeling, and appealed to her to understand his desire and support us.  (I wanted to say, Good grief!  the kid reads all of his leveled books every night and reviews spelling words and does his math homework and alternatel...

 One July morning around 5:30 I stepped onto my back porch, which faces east,  and took these photos.

This post is actually about two unrelated things:  the temple and a Biology class I am taking. Tomorrow was supposed to be The Day: A day of rest, a day of reflection, and a day of renewal. Jared and I had planned to go to the temple.  Plans were in place. But today as I was reading my scriptures I had an awful realization:  I haven't had an interview with anyone in the Stake Presidency.  Today, just as I was realizing that, my recommend was expiring.  Expiring. The word feels crummy.  My hear fluttered and my mind raced. How could I renew my recommend immediately? Why hadn't I done it sooner? How could  I have forgotten?  I made calls immediately, but the soonest I can see Pres. Willson is next Wednesday.  And while I'm relieved that I don't have to wake up at 4am and try to catch him (he's going out of town), I'm disappointed.  Sure, I may be able to get there next Friday, and possibly again two weeks after that.  But that's no...

Taylor's band teacher likes her, which is why she invited (maybe I should say "recruited") Taylor to come back to band this fall. Taylor had dropped it; she finds it hard to balance sports and band since she loses her study hall in order to be in band. But she'd told me she missed it, so I'm glad she's making music again. Here she is playing her sax. (It's actually my sax.  It's almost 30 years old.)

If you read my blog very much, you know that I posted several incomplete posts this summer.  (My computer is really slow, so I use Jared's when I need to upload photos, and his just isn't available in  the summer.  But, I have updated posts and added photos, so go back and take a look if the blank spaces were driving you crazy. )

 My favorite family photo in several years, taken June 2010.  Back row:  Jared; Havilah (with Corbin, age 2 1/2); Caleb, age 11 & 10 months; Taylor, age 14; Front row:  Isaac, age 6 & 10 mos; McKenna; age 10 .  

Life moves faster than the leaves on my maple trees dance to the ground. And I can't keep up. Hence, no newsy posts today.

In my previous post I descibed some of our normal summer activities.  Now for the special things:  We found a new favorite family spot.  It's a pond/campsite owned by the Breidenbach Family in Iliff. (They're customers of Jared's.)   Here we are enjoying the fun: Kenna, Isaac and Corbin checking out the cool teepee. (I love teepees.)  Isaac hopes to sleep in it sometime! On our second visit, the Breidenbach family had installed a rope swing, which worked pretty darn well in spite of the fact that it wasn't an authentic rope swing (a rope on a tree--east coast style). This setup seemed  a little more dangerous than the authentic version, but Taylor and Caleb were both brave enough to give it a go.  (On the other hand, I was barely brave enough to be photographer!)  Isaac liked kyaking, but had to be rescued as it was a windy day. (If you look closely you can see the tow rope.)  Thanks, gramma and G...

Caleb has loved shooting since the day Jared decided he needed a BB gun.  He loves it and does it well.   These photos were all taken with Jared's Blackberry, where they stayed, a little lost until I rescued them.  They don't really relate. The next picture is Jared's brother, Steven, with 2 of his  kids Colton and Jake.  It was taken last June when Jared flew home for his Grandpa Cottrell's funeral.  Following the funeral his family let balloons go from Grandpa's hill.  Taylor defending at the net last fall. With a little encouragement, Jared was happy to be Isaac's soccer coach. Add caption

A few days before school began another Haxtun mom with cinco hijos came meandering up to me and asked the typical "are-you-ready for this" questions. Actually, she didn't really ask; she assumed that I felt just as she did: Ready. And maybe ready to give away all 5. But I really wasn't ready to give them up. Ready for a little more quiet? Yes. And glad to be able to hop in the car or go on a walk without answering to anyone? Sure. But that's very different than being ready to give them up. 'Cause I'd want 'em back. Most moments. Nevertheless, here they are, all ready to conquer the 2010-2011 school year: Taylor--an 8th grader this year. Kenna on the first day of school. Isaac's birthday was on the first day of school this year!  Seven years old! Caleb needs to learn to smile. Corbin wanted to go to school, too.

Unlike some people who spend the summer vacationing and traveling, we spend the summer living . That's right: we live our normal, everyday life, although we live it in a slightly more relaxed way than we do during the school year. The older kids get to sleep until 8 or 8:30.  I can shower at noon if I've been doing yardwork and all morning. Everyone still does chores.  Isaac does schoolwork. The older kids mow.  I work.  We read scriptures. We just do things on a slightly different schedule than normal.  In a few days all of that will change.  But before it does, here are the highlights of our normal, everyday life. Kenna and Isaac sold lemonade on the day of Old Fashioned Saturday night.  While I shopped the garage sales, they earned $15, minus a few dollars for supplies. They had a great time serving their customers!  Keeping up with everyone wore Corbin out. McKenna worked really hard at making this cake for an Ac...

Baseball season has been over for a few weeks, and I need to post some of my favorite pictures.  But here's a synopsis of the season: * Isaac really enjoyed playing Machine Pitch.  (Isaac believes it's very important to understand that Machine Pitch is not t-ball; most kids Isaac's age play t-ball, but he was invited to move up and play machine pitch because of a shortage of players.This was a big deal. )  Isaac learned a lot about baseball, such as the importance of continuing to run toward the base even if you think the ball is being caught; the importance of running fast, keeping your glove on the ground, and drinking lots of water!  Isaac played especially well in the tournament. He's looking forward to playing again next summer. * McKenna learned a lot during her first year of playing girls' softball. She played on the 9-12 year-old team, and at various times she played catcher, right field, and 2nd base.  Kenna's hitting really improved as the se...

says "Mine" rather than "my", as in "I want mine Daddy!" says "I wantyou".  It's a real compliment. falls asleep in the car. I always thought kids who did that were amazing and I coveted a child who would be oh-so-easy.  (Which is exactly why I can't believe Corbs lets me do that. He's really  not easy, but Heavenly Father gave me a little reprieve in this area. I'm grateful.) stands up for himself.  Granted, this area needs a little fine-tuning, but I'm confident he'll be able to stand strong. Just a matter of learning not to knock anyone down in the process. fixes problems.  Dog's out?  No problem, Corbin will find him! Someone's sad? They must need a kiss! The food is burning?  Why not just open the oven and get it out?  I've always thought every mom needs a personal assitant, and now I have one.  asks where the other kids are when they're gone. "Where Tay-Tay?"  "Where Tenn...

On a recent trip to Oshkosh, NE I was watching the wheat fields move with the wind and found myself singing our national anthem. We do live in a great country, and our Father in Heaven watches over us.  God Bless America. 

Several years ago when my first three kids were young I realized that I'd spent more time pregnant than not.  When I wasn't pregnant I was nursing.  Now that that time is past, I can see the blessing of it: my hormones were on hiatus, or at least disguised. That's not to say I never struggled, but I don't remember being very weeepy.  Now I am a dam and periodically I break and gush forth a river of tears. Lately I have wanted to cry every time I look at my oldest kids. I simply cannot believe how blessed I am to have them--and how quickly I will need to give them up. I realize that the ability to see and feel this is a blessing, but it's a realization that is bittersweet and tinged with a lot of motherly sadnesss.   I don't know how to explain my feelings, so I don't try.  I just try to appreciate every moment.

Happy 37th birthday to Jared!  The world is a better place because he is in it. And Happy Father's Day to a darn good dad.  FYI:   Jared was born to Sally Cottrell and Douglas Andersen on June 19, 1973 in Logan, Utah. He weighed in at 6 lb. 2 oz. He was born with Spina Bifida and suffered for about 7 or 8 years until he'd had several surgeries, but he became a strong, healthy farm kid who loved all things animal. He was never able to play sports (other than baseball), but he is athletically talented. He's a "smarticle"  an extremely hard worker; he  was valedictorian of his HS class in Connell, WA. He was also student-body president (he's just nice to everyone).  Jared served his mission in Hawaii from 1992-1994 (he was in the MTC when I arrived at college..aww...) , married me in 1995, and graduated from BYU in 1997.  He loves to help others, really enjoys his job (and he's very go...

Everything is happening in our lives..right now! *Today is Jared's birthday. (Inidentally, Jared is out of town for his Grandpa Cottrell's funeral.) *Tomorrow is Father's Day.  See above. (It's also Ward Conference. What's up with that? Dads are getting gyped. Maybe their kids may are, too. I guess everyone has different ideas about that, and I have certainly never been a stake president --or a dad--so what do I know?)  [PS  Ward Conference was wonderful.  Pres. Packard spoke a little about fathers and asked that the Primary kids sing, which I know Caleb loved. Right. But, it was a very good conference and a fitting Fathers Day.) *Today was Isaac's t-ball tournament. He played exceptionally well, which a neat surprise, and very fun to watch.  I'll do another post about it. Isaac is now done with t-ball. I have now attended 34 games since May 19th. Jared went to 2 games that I didn't attend, and I missed 4 of Taylor's games this we...

My parents were married 36 years ago today in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  (My dad was stationed there while in the Air Force.) They had a simple, last-minute wedding in military housing. Two of my mom's brothers and their wives attended (mom's parents had moved to Phoenix 2 years before, so they missed out), along with a few friends from the ward and the Air Force. Like my parents, the wedding was simple.  Here are some of the things they've done in their 36 years together: Lived in N.H., Korea, TX and New York Traveled the U.S., finding many favorite destinations in the process: Big Bear Lake, CA; Phoenix, AZ; various places in Florida; Glacier National Park, various places in New Mexico Re-activated themselves and others to whom they've given service in the Church Earned a couple of degrees built our home Biked throughout the tri-county area where they live, along the Erie Canal, and in the Mojave Desert Supported one another in their endeavors Raised my brothe...

Pretty AHHHMAZING nickname, right? Well yah, because someday when I get big n' rich, living not for the fame but the love of my game, they'll praise me by that name:  T-Rae.  (The 'Issa is for fun. It's in my other nickname, Talissa.) Lately, a lot has happened. 1. Elected NJHS president 2. Elected Stu-Co president 3. RAN track. More like.. jogged 4. Started softball 4. Did relay for life 5. Became a prisoner of.. Anemia THERE IS SO MUCH MORE!!! But, I don't have enough time to tell you more. =) Love ya! ~Taylor

This post is signficant only to me. I have never actually counted the number of ballgames I have attended in June. This year I decided to. And actually, I am off by one game...Jared went to Oshkosh with Caleb yesterday, so I think I've attended 10 games so far this year. And the girls usually play at the same place, so their 2 games are like one...until I realize that my backside is twice as tired as it would be if I only had one daughter. Nonetheless, I do enjoy ball season, and I'll continue to add to the count. Eventually I'll post pictures, too. Isaac's first game was on Sat. June 5. He woke up at 7am and dressed in his uniform, stretched and jogged, and then sat down to wait. At 4 pm (1/2 hr. early) he and Caleb walked to the ball field. We weren't at all surprised when we arrived and found Isaac warming up and Caleb on the mound, feeding the pitching machine. Boys are priceless. Or crazy. Also on Saturday,McKenna slid home . Since I was in OShkosh, NE with...

Maybe parents were afraid I would do this to their child. Or maybe someone caught a glimpse of what my home life is sometimes like. Or perhaps someone was tired of Corbin refusing to take the aprons off every week. Whatever the reason, it's alright by me.

On top of the flour bucket. Hmm...RIGHT where I always look!

One sunny day in early April, I taught Corbin how to make a 'No-Man. First, we roll the snow into a big snowball. We do this three times and stack the snowballs together. We find stuff for the eyes, nose, arms and legs, scarf and buttons. We pose for a picture together. We add finishing touches as desired. Voila! Beautiful. It was short-lived; our 'No-man melted before Corbin woke up from his nap. Made me think of the early childhood years. They are also short-lived, and they are beautiful.