The Seven of Us

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...