The Seven of Us

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...