the chambers family

Round Three

2011-09-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

Adam is now officially in Kindergarten! Adam is such a joy----he is the child that runs and jumps into your arms when you walk into the door, the one that if you ask him to do something he either says, "ok mommy!" or "mom, i just want to relax", but they are both in such an adorable voice I almost don't care! He's the boy that can make a crying baby start laughing and loves to color, make things (such as the "camping beanbags" he made for everyone in the family that included rocks, grass, etc. in ziploc bags, personalized with different colors of paper inside for each person!). Adam has the best laugh---oh, I just love this 5 year old sooo much!

Round Two

2011-08-29T22:03:00.000-07:00

Luke had his first day back at preschool today and did great. He ran right in with a smile ear to ear, jumped around the squares on the floor and then got right to work! It's so fun to see him know just what to do there.

And in other news, this little guy has found his new favorite spot to be, as in: don't put me down!

Round One

2011-08-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

I have so much summer to still post---it's on my never ending to do list! Julia and Jack started school today, then next week Luke starts preschool again and Adam in Kindergarten. Wow, that leaves just me and Ezra for a couple of hours everyday---the options seem endless!

Here are the darling and dashing Julia & Jack:

I should mention it's near impossible to get a natural smile out of Jack, he's got an upper lip thing going on. So, then I tell them put your arm around each other and Julia squeals, "Mom, this isn't working out!"

I finally just ask Jack to not smile. Then one last shot & oh yes he brings a ball to school everyday and bounced it the whole walk home! Then he was so done with pictures!

But, that Julia is always up for one more smile!

Adam met with his teacher today for his assessment and I was giving him all this advice, "Use good manners, speak loud and clear enough", etc. and Jack pipes up and says, "And slick your hair". I think Adam has the hair slick down---cute boy!

Ezra

2011-06-28T23:05:00.000-07:00

Who knew Macaroni & Chesse could be so fun?!

Mother of the Year

2011-06-28T22:34:00.000-07:00

I almost have no words to describe how bad I feel about this!

Tonight I decided it was a good time to cut the boys' hair. Ezra first, he did good, looks a lot more blonde now! Next up, Luke---he didn't totally need a hair cut, but since I was doing the other boys, I thought why not? I had an extra capri sun from some baseball treats, well this is a huge treat for Luke because we just don't give him junk food. So, I thought this is great, he'll drink the capri sun while I cut his hair. I got the bottom half done, number 2, looking good!
Capri sun is starting to get low, he's starting to get squirmy, he takes the straw out and puts it back in to get those last precious sips. Right as he sucessfully gets the straw back in, Ezra is freaking out as Adam is trying to get him out of the bathroom as I'm telling Adam to play with baby Ezra, and Luke is as still as can be, going in for his last bit of drink and I have a fleeting thought, "Here's my chance to get the top while he is so still." One short stroke and GASP! I hold my hand to my mouth in total shock and start to cry----The guard wasn't on!!!! I took off the number 2 to put on the number 4 all at the same time as the screaming Ezra and Adam chaos erupted. But, obviously number 4 wasn't on yet!

I was/am sick about this! My handsome Luke now has a shaved portion of hair/no hair!
I was literally crying and Jack came in and was so cute and calm. He put his hand on my arm and said, "Mom, it's ok, it was just a mistake, everyone will know it was a mistake because no one would do that on purpose!"

I've tried to spike up the rest of his hair and that helped a little. I tried to do some type of comb over, but that only covers up a little. It's just going to be a long few weeks until it grows out! Good thing he is so dang handsome and good thing he enjoyed that capri sun because right after that last sip, he just ran off, happy as can be!

He's watching a movie on the laptop in most of these pictures, that's why he's looking down.
First just focus on that darling face, can't really notice anything from this angle:

Luke thinking up some payback for me for years to come!

The spikes help, a litte:

No, the spikes helped A LOT because the combover action did not work!

I am so sorry Luke, but good thing you are so dang cute, you could rock any hairstyle! And no, I will not be looking into the hairstylist profession!

Double Digit Julia!

2011-06-28T22:19:00.000-07:00

Julia had her big birthday---I can't believe we have a ten year old! It was a fun birthday---We went to Lagoon on her birthday. I can't believe she talked me into going on Wicked with her. She kept screaming to me, "MOM, OPEN YOUR EYES!" I really was trying, but the best I could do is a mere squint in one eye! I don't have the roller coaster love I used to have. Ok, I never had it as a child, but then I did for a while, but now I guess having kids has taken it's toll.
Then Julia, Jack & Adam spent the night at Aaron's parents' house--aka, Nana and Baba! This was a fun for them and part of my big surprise---I planned a surprise party for her with her friends & it totally worked! She had no clue and the girls all had a blast.
We had a little family party that night. Grammy and Papa came a couple days later to stretch her birthday into basically a week long celebration!
We love our Julia SO much! She is a the perfect person to have four little brothers---she's loving, patient, wise, funny and a great teacher. I can't count all the times that I see her teaching her brothers things. She knows how to create everything into a fun event and party. We are so thankful for our beautiful Julia!

First Day of Preschool

2011-06-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

I know I say it all the time, but I am so proud of Luke. I am very proud of all of my children and I am thankful at how hard they are working to learn and grow and make good choices. But, Luke pulls at my heart strings at a slightly different angle---one that's hard to describe, but to see this little guy work so hard and put some much desire and determination into his life is amazing to me.
Today was his first day of preschool and I am SO happy to report, he did awesome! He sat in the chair for each rotation of 15 minutes, he paid attention, he followed instructions----he did it!
In all the rush to get there on time this morning I didn't get pictures before. So, by the time I got these pictures, he was ready to get out the door!

Fathers & Sons BYU Camp

2011-06-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post these great pictures of an awesome weekend Aaron and Jack had. They attended the BYU Father's and Son's Basketball Camp. It was weekend packed with events, games, instruction, food and lots of great memories. Jack was really excited about getting a basketball that he got all the player's signatures on. Also, he was REALLY happy about the surprise guest speaker--Jimmer!

I'm so glad they were able to have this weekend together. These were definately memories that will last forever!

Smirks

2011-06-14T14:23:00.001-07:00

There is a reason we call him smirks---because he's smirky, adorable and a bit of a rascal!

I posted a bunch all at once today, don't forget to scroll all the way down to the first post for today to hear one of my all time favorite things that Adam has ever said---he's says a lot of hilarious things, so that's saying a lot!

Rain....

2011-06-14T14:13:00.001-07:00

It has been a very rainy spring/summer so far here in Smithfield, so much so that I don't know if Jack & Adam will ever really get a baseball season in!
Jack has had one game at least---It was on a night that Aaron also had a game, so Julia & Adam wanted to go to that. I had this great idea that we could just pull the car up really close and watch the game from the car, two babies strapped into their car seats, I brought toys & snacks for my plan to work----as you can imagine, my plan lasted about 10 minutes! Then it was stroller time to watch Jack's game!

End of School Year

2011-06-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

I think the end of the school year is officially now as busy as Christmas time! It was fun, but really busy. Julia was in the fun run at the Sky View track. She also received her Great Utah Award after a lot of hard work throughout the year. Julia and Jack both had a great school year & we are so happy with the school they go to!

Camp Fife

2011-06-14T13:52:00.000-07:00

Jack & I survived our first Cub Scouts Day Camp. I should say Jack thrived, I survived! Lots of rain, freezing cold for June, but we got through!

Surprises Everyday--Post Edit!

2011-06-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

It's amazing to me that I can still have mom moments that surprise me on a daily basis---Mostly I feel like I've seen & heard it all until things like this happen:

*Today Adam was being a little over the top and I said, "Adam, you need to settle down" & he said, "Sorry Mom, I'm just in a superity, duperity good mood!" What could I do other than laugh?
Then, moments later after finishing his lunch he ran off saying, "Yummy, there's a party in my tummy!"

*Then, I walked into this:(took the picture off---realized I'm a little too desensitized to baby stuff---Baby yucky stuff!
Little one experienced his first shower this morning to be able to clean up this doosey!

Three Cheers

2011-06-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

Our Luke is 3! Tonight when I asked the kids what word they thought of when they thought of Luke, everyone blurted out "strong, tough" He's that alright, and adorable!

Here's to the strongest, most handsome, hardest working 3 year old we know!
Love him so very much!

Special Day

2011-04-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

Our handsome Jack was baptized today---what a great day! We are so thankful for all the family that came and supported us on this special day. It was so fun to have grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins all around!

New Chapter--YIKES!

2011-04-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

I've decided that I need to blog more, not cute, lots of pictures blog, just blog enough to record what's going on because there's a lot going on!

Last night I got a phone call that I don't think I'm ready for, actually one that has felt like a cloud looming over me as the reality of having four boys sinks in.

"Hi, I'm calling to tell you all about the upcoming scout meetings" She went on to talk about shirts, patches, pins, whatever---I was in a daze thinking about how quickly my Jack has come to this point in his life!
After that I heard a whole slew of words that frankly scared me, "packs, dens, cubs, bears, wolves"---why do all the names sound like they are about to attack me?!

Then the topper, "There is a Scout Day Camp that Jack is invited to in the month of June." "Day Camp?" I ask---where? "At a scout site around Tremonton."

At this point in mind I'm thinking, "you are not driving my barely eight year old to Tremonton with who knows what supervision!" But wait, it gets better, she rattled off the agenda filled with BB guns, zip lines and the list goes on! Now I'm really having to take deep breaths.

So, I did I'm sure I will be kicking myself for in June. I graciously said, "I do have some concerns with transportation for that distance, so I will take Jack and go to the day camp."

Of course she was thrilled with the added help, but she will quickly realize that I am NOT an asset at a scouting event, I am a liability, a safety patrol liability!

Absolutes

2011-04-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

This post has been a long time coming and I'm really just writing it for myself more than anyone else.

Today I was sitting in the hallway at a building at Utah State University where Luke receives a lot of his therapy. This was a first---me sitting in the hallway waiting, while he was in the room just with the therapist. Talk about major cutting of the apron strings!

I was sitting there in a total daze staring at the carpet with thoughts of "how did we get here?", "are the appointments ever going to end?", "how can we better support Luke's needs?", "what will things be like in 2-3 years, 5 years, 20 years?" Questions, Questions, Questions! When out of no where a lady walked up and said, "Are you here for the interview?" Without even thinking, I laughed and said, "No, I already got the job, I'm the mom!"

At first I just laughed about it, but then with more time to think, the depth of that statement sunk in. Sometimes the most obvious of things are the most poignant if the timing is just right. I AM THE MOM! Luke is my child, Luke is amazing, strong, beautiful, precious, smart, a boy with a will of iron and the endurance of a champion & I got the job to be his mom. WOW!

In the last several months I have cried enough to fill buckets. I have cried and cried as the reality of the scope of Luke's challenges have unfolded. Why have I cried? Let me explain....

I have cried not because I am stressed over all the million appointments, calls to insurance companies, dr. offices, internet research on every ingredient, vitamin, mineral known to mankind (slight exaggeration, but only slight!). I have cried not because this whole situation has changed our family, each one of us, no because there have been so many blessings in that. I have come to realize all the amazing ways that our hearts have opened and lessons that we have learned that could never have come through any other way.

The reason I have cried is because while I understand and accept all that I need to learn from this and am totally willing to carry on, I have really struggled to understand and accept why Luke has to endure this. I don't want his life to be harder than it has to be.

So, I have cried to release all the sadness that life is hard, sometimes harder than we expected it to be, sometimes a lot harder than we expected it to be. At several points along the way I have had amazing moments of reassurances of Luke's strengths, the Lord's awareness and the ultimate power of the Atonement.

So, I don't have all the answers to the questions that were running through my head today (everyday!), I don't even have very many answers at all. When you have this many uncertainties, you are forced to look at the absolutes.

The absolutes are that:
1. Luke is making progress, albeit slow, he is making some progress in the areas of awareness, behavior and communicative intent.
2. He is meant to go through this for a purpose (that statement is extremely painful still for me to admit, although I know it's true.) I may never fully understand all the purposes of it in this lifetime.
3. Aaron and I love him so incredibly much that we will not leave any rock unturned to try to help him meet his potential in this life. We feel this way about each of our children.
4. I am here for Luke, through everything---EVERYTHING! I got the job, I'm his mom and I get it---I get him!
5. Our loving Heavenly Father is completely aware of Luke's struggles. He is guiding all of our efforts in Luke's behalf.

I would love to look back on this post and think, "that was hard, but everything turned out great!" I have a tremendous amount of hope for Luke's future, but the other absolute is that no matter how things turn out, words could not even scratch the surface to describe how much I will always, absolutely love that child.

Adam's Birthday

2011-04-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

Adam is five! He was so excited that his birthday this year fell on easter egg hunt day (the day before easter sunday). He was singing all day, "Today is my birthday, I'm five years old--Adam is five!"
Adam is a spirited child that loves to have fun, talk and learn. He loves to play with others---always wanting Julia and Jack to play with him. He comes up with the funniest things. Before he goes to bed, he always says, "But, I need to watch my midnight movie". I have no idea where he got that one! Adam loves to have your undivided attention and loves to love! He finds joy in so many things. We love our Adam!

Eight is Great!

2011-04-19T21:52:00.000-07:00

So, I apparently either need to take a photography class or buy a new camera because all my pictures from Jack's birthday are about 3 seconds off! He's either looking away, up or down, like the moment had just passed---3 seconds ago and I finally got around to pushing the darn button!

But, great pictures or not, Jack had a great birthday! He was excited to get out of school early that day and it was so fun to have Grammy & Papa here for him to have a little party with opening his presents. I haven't been so excited to give a present in a long time, but for Jack's birthday this year Aaron & I registered him for the BYU Fathers & Sons Basketball Camp. I don't know who is more excited, Jack or Aaron!
So, I typed up this little letter telling Jack all about it and it was so fun to watch him open it and read it. He's super excited!
Jack is an amazing child that literally brings a smile to my face everyday. He is very obedient and has a strong desire to be good and accomplish a lot in his life. A couple of weeks, we were just talking as a family and Jack asked me and Aaron, "What if you had made good choices your whole life and repented when you needed to and then you were really old and you made a mistake and you were saying your prayers to repent and right then you died, but you hadn't finished your prayer?" We explained to him that Heavenly Father knows your heart, but the whole story just represents Jack----he wants to make sure that he's all squared away! I love that boy so much!

Conversations

2011-04-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

I have no pictures, but I am currently sitting upstairs listening to my three older children, Julia, Jack & Adam talk away, over an hour past their bedtime. It is one of my favorite things in the world to hear my children talk and laugh away!

It made me think of all the hilarious conversations they have had the last few days. I am horrible at recording things my kids say, which is sad because they are really funny. So, I am going to take this chance to record just a few gems from the last few days---these may or may not be funny to you, maybe you just had to be there, but at least I'll have them for my own memory.

Today in the car ride to piano lessons,
Jack: Why didn't you eat the BBQ sandwich at school today Julia?
Julia: I just didn't want to, it looked gross.
Jack: Well, in my opinion, it was delicious.

(Ok, this is only funny if you can imagine Jack's voice with how serious he was with "in my opinion"!

Next, another car conversation---a little background, we've worked with two realtors, one woman and one man.

Jack: Julia, who do you like better, Ron or Tracy?
Julia: I don't care, they're both fine.
Jack: I like Ron better.
Julia: Give me three reasons why you like Ron better.
Jack: 1. He's a boy. 2. He's nice. 3. Everytime he sees me he says hi.
Julia: First, it doesn't matter that he's a boy. Second, I'm going to teach you a lesson Jack, ALL REALTORS ARE NICE AND SAY HI TO YOU BECAUSE THEY WANT YOUR BUSINESS!

That Julia always has things figured out!

Brothers

2011-04-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

Life has been so crazy lately! I still somehow make time to read other blogs, so I've been thinking lately that I need to record things that are happening, even if I don't have cute pictures to go with it. I really need to get with it with pictures!

I have all these little moments that I have to just laugh at, that I want to remember, that make me smile, or make me cry! Either way, I need to be better at recording them. So, here goes:

*Julia is growing up before our eyes, ok all the children are, but Julia in particular seems older and wiser as each day passes! She is beautiful and such a great sister to her brothers.
*Jack made me laugh this week when we were sitting in church and he pulled out a pile of basketball cards from his pocket right in the middle of sacrament meeting---I should've been mad, but it made me laugh.
*Adam was so excited to go to Kindergarten Registration, so he called it Kindergarten Celebration!
*Luke broke his leg on Sunday---He has will of iron to go through all that he does! He was on the tramp and got bounced and come down right on his leg, breaking his tibia bone. So, he's sporting a cast from thigh to toes for the next four weeks. Not fun, but he's being a trooper and finding ways to get around.
*Ezra is into everything and loves to say mama and dada, so cute!

These next pictures make me so happy! It has been a year and a half since Luke got sick and during that time he has really struggled to warm up to anyone except me and Aaron and sometimes Julia (major trust issues after being so tramautized, it's a long story!) Anyway, that has slowly been changing in the last couple of months as he is more interactive with the therapists he works with, his siblings, etc.

Well, tonight I walked into our bedroom to see Luke with Adam watching a movie & they were all snug, holding on to each other's hand! This may not seem like a big deal, but it was so darling to me! I've waited a year and a half to see Luke like this with one of his brothers---makes me so happy!

Birthday Boy!

2011-02-02T22:00:00.000-08:00

Ezra is one! Wow, this baby sure puts a smile of all of our faces! You can look at him from across the room and catch his eye, he'll raise an eyebrow and just squeal and smile---what a doll!

We had a fun little party for the birthday boy:

The kids made this darling little book for him that had little pictures and notes in it, telling him why they loved him. It made me so happy that Julia and Jack came rushing into the door from school, both with darling notes for Ezra that they had made at school and so excited to wish him a happy birthday. Jack's note cracks me up, hopefully you can see it---"Have you ever tasted cake, ice cream or candy on your birthday? You'll find out it is super!"
Adam insisted on being the first one to go into Ezra's room this morning and tipped toed in and said, "Surprise Ezra baby, it's your birthday!" It was so cute.

I love this little guy so much!

Always Behind!

2011-01-12T23:56:00.001-08:00

I am always behind on updating my blog---oh well! This very well may be my favorite christmas picture!

Have I mentioned that I am convinced that a good family picture is not in the cards for us for probably ten years? I've accepted it!

And finally, look what I walked into the kitchen to find today....

A for effort!

2010-12-05T17:31:00.000-08:00

I have lots of catch-up posts to do, but probably won't happen---you'll understand by seeing the results of a simple desire to get one picture of the kids before church.

I'm setting my sights on a nice family picture in about 10 years, until then you'll understand why the Christmas card will be full of candids!

Living Miracle

2010-10-16T17:20:00.000-07:00

Jack's part for the Primary Program this year is:

"A miracle is something you thought was impossible, but happened because of the power of God."

One year ago, Luke was life-flighted from Logan to Primary Children's Medical Center and we were told a whole host of things that may be impossible and/or improbable. We desperately wanted a miracle. On that day, my repeated prayer was simply, "please let him live, we can deal with anything, please just let him live", over and over again.

Well, indeed he did live and indeed we have dealt with some things and continue to do so. I have really felt that Luke had the choice whether to live and press forward or to be released from the pain. While I know ultimately it was the Lord's will, I do feel that there were several moments of choice involved in Luke's situation. This creates this driving force for me to help him have the best life possible. It has helped me realize that there is so much opportunity for growth, joy and hope in life. What a blessing it is to feel so much increase in life's meaning--to learn and grow and become all that we can.

I am happy to report that Luke is pressing forward and doing very well. First and foremost, he is happy, strong, active and adorable! He is sooo much more responsive to sound and is learning more everyday. His laugh is the most wonderful thing to hear! He does all the actions to a few songs, just from listening to us sing---receptive language! He grabs my hand and takes me to everything he wants. He gives me a huge hug when I reach out my arms and say, "HUG!". He is vocalizing more and more all the time and last week in therapy he said his first distinct words, "up, up, up". I was overjoyed, I was so proud of him!

The more I have read, it seems that most children begin to say words about one year after activation of their implants. This was last December for Luke, so I feel like he is certainly on his way.

It has been a big struggle this last year to keep a steady positive attitude, but I have learned the power of a positive attitude. I used to think it was a nice idea, but it was better to be completely realistic. However, I now realize that there truly is a power in being positive, hopeful and keeping your faith steady. It becomes a fuel that puts you to work to assist the Lord in making the miracles come to pass. Ultimately, it is all in His hands, but there is so much through his inspiration that we can do to contribute. I cannot begin to list the times that I have received bits of inspiration for little ways to help Luke this last year from ideas about a little song to sing or a little toy that would help develop this or that.

I don't know what things will look like in a year, but I am certain that Luke is trying his hardest and he will be blessed for his efforts. His progress to this point is a testament of his strong will.

We love you Luke!

I didn't catch his famous smile in this picture, but it shows how big he is getting and what a handsome boy he is!

Eight Months Old

2010-10-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

Oh My Ezra---I'm almost speechless, seriously this baby is just strickingly handsome! I just love his deep blue eyes and his cute smile. He has two teeth now and is babbling away. It is so fun to see more and more of his personality everyday!

Slow and Steady wins the Race!

2010-09-14T17:21:00.001-07:00

Luke is making slow, but steady progress and steady is a BIG deal! I will never again have one of my children have one of those standard hearing screening tests where they drop the object in the bucket with every sound without being totally grateful for their gift of hearing. This has been hard work for battery operated ears, but Luke is finally getting the idea of hear the sound, drop the toy in the bucket.

There are six sounds that make up all of language: ahhh, oooo, eeee, mmmm, shhhh, ssss. So, we do these listening checks everyday to see if Luke is picking up on each sound. This has taken months to get to this point where he will respond to each sound---again, slow, but steady!

First Day of School

2010-09-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

I know I'm a few weeks behind, but what else is new? Backpacks, school lunches, a million worksheets everywhere---school is in full swing around here!

Adam wanted to be part of the fun, so he is in preschool.

And Luke decided to take the fast track in life and head straight to the university--so, he's there most days of the week. He's already picking up on all the elements of being a cool college dude: too cool to hold mom's hand, tries to skip class by running out the door and of course, doesn't want any homework! And sweet Ezra is bright eyed and along for the ride!

As promised....

2010-08-23T17:56:00.000-07:00

So I'm a month overdue, such is life these days! Anyway, I promised to update with some pictures of Luke, well our computer has crashed over and over again this last month and Dell has replaced just about everything other than giving us a whole new computer, I'm sure that will be next's week visit from the Dell guy.

Anyway, our little Luke is doing really well. He has always loved to be outside, more than any of our other babies. Well, here's the dilemma, this smarty and too active little pants wants to climb up onto the tramp and then roam around on that for a while before climbing back down. No big deal, huh? Well, he technically should not be on a trampoline because of the static electricity that it can create, therefore creating the possibility that it could trip up his programming on his cochlear implants. Sounds very technical, huh? I don't really understand how, but I just know it could happen. However, some parents say that's old news and with these newer models you don't have to worry as much, but me, not worry? Not typically an option. But, today he was just the picture of childhood and I couldn't resist just smiling at him being so happy!

Bringing another smile today....This little drool baby!

Back to Blogging

2010-07-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

I know---have I totally forgotten how to blog? Well, I guess sorta! My issue is pictures--I have been terrible at taking pictures lately, really for about the last year! Poor little Ezra, I promise to get better at capturing your babyhood through more pictures.

But, even just this one proves he is the cutest little five month old in the world!

Aaron took the kids hiking today. My kids take hiking really seriously, as in backpacks, binoculars, etc. When they got home, Julia got out a little first aid kit from her backpack to put it away and I just had to laugh inside how she is so prepared--I love it!

I took Julia to see the movie, Ramona and Beezus, tonight--it was a cute show. It was fun to go with just Julia. I loved the Ramona the Pest books when I was little. It made me miss my childhood--it's great being the mom, but I tear up just thinking about how wonderful and carefree childhood is.

And as a finale, a mom story for you!

I was brave and took the kids to Willow Park the other day. I say brave because that's exactly what it is to be alone and take 5 kids anywhere! So, when I went to get Luke out of the car, he had a poopy diaper and it was EVERYWHERE! It was one of those mom moments (which are happening to me like 25 times a day lately!), where you have to laugh, breathe and self-talk, "I can do this, I am strong, I can do this!"
So, as I am getting through this happen all too often dilema, I realized this same exact thing happened to me when Luke was only like 2 months old and I thought I would be super mom and take all 4 kids at the time to Hoogle Zoo. We were there for like 20 minutes in the 100 degree weather and you guessed it: head to toe, newborn baby blowout! I looked at the kids and said, "Pick one more animal to look at because we're leaving!"

Flash forward to the other day, I realized that all my little daily stressful mom moments are starting to duplicate! It's like when you've lived in enough places where you feel like you've met everyone's twin. Now, I've been a mom long enough that I feel like I've lived and re-lived these lovely moments of stress, yikes, what am I going to do moments.

However, there are still soooo many areas of unchartered territory for me as a mom that continue to present themselves. It is so true that as soon as you think you have your child figured out or you are in a little routine, things change! I think it's a child's way of keeping us on our toes. I have been completely overwhelmed with the demands of being a mom for these five souls, but I continue to feel the Lord blessing me and Aaron everyday with strength beyond our own and insight and personal revelation that is exactly what we need, to know how to care for the individual needs of each child.

I just realized no little Lukey Lu pictures in this post--I will get on that and post some more soon. Another motivation to not let so much time pass before blogging again!

Six Months

2010-04-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

Tonight in the midst of evening chaos I realized that it was exactly six months ago that Luke woke up from his nap restless, hot with fever and crying. These last six months have felt like a lifetime of lessons, a lot of refining, a lot of tears from a lot of different emotions--no, tears are so not just for sadness!
While Luke was in the hospital I bought a notebook that I wrote down lists, lots of lists: lists of questions for all different doctors: infectious disease, physical therapists, neurologists, audiologists, speech language pathologists and the list went on and on. Other lists were to-do lists, idea lists, budget lists, etc. Just yesterday I noticed that my notebook was full--time for a new notebook because we all know the lists go on and on!
I haven't been wonderful at keeping a journal through this process, but I reviewed back through this notebook as a refresher of the last six months and it was such a stark reminder of how far we've come. When we first left the hospital Luke was not even sitting up independently, now he is walking, running, climbing, just like before.
I wish I could adequately say in words what I have learned about life and the Lord's plan for all of us in the last six months. But, honestly I think that would fill a book--maybe someday--add that to the list!
There have been complete breakdowns and times of overflowing comfort and peace---typically in that order, the Lord has a perfect knowledge of what emotional pain level is bearable and then when the comfort needs to enter as a replacement.
Obviously the hospital stay was a constant up and down experience, the month after that we lived in seclusion to ensure that Luke was healthy enough for surgery, the surgery was a success in medical terms, but the days after the surgery were extremely difficult for me, among the most difficult as it was so painful for me to see Luke so swollen and uncomfortable. The days and weeks after his implants were activated were extremely trying on our patience after it was an hour to hour struggle to keep them on Luke--I should say minute to minute. Then we had about two months of what seemed like back to back illnesses--two ear infections, two bouts of stomach flu. In the midst of all of this our beautiful Ezra entered the world. Then as a sign of spring, our house sold and we bought a new house in Smithfield.
All of this in six months and the most amazing part is that we have felt the Lord's hand in every step of the way. Although this doesn't take the pain, the stress or impatience away, it brings a definite sense of peace at the end of the day.
So, six months ago I put a strong, healthy boy down for a nap and when he woke up his life and ours as a family changed forever. However, we are so incredibly blessed because he is strong and healthy again. He has occasionally issues with his balance (the PT thinks this will resolve in time)and his progress with his implants is slow, but sure. What he is hearing is still a bit of a mystery, but he has made significant progress in keeping his processors on throughout the day. Most importantly, he is happy!
The days are long, we are tired a lot, but Aaron and I are so blessed to have these five beautiful, amazing children as ours.

Three Weeks Old

2010-02-24T14:20:00.000-08:00

Bright eyed & chubby cheeked, just as it should be!

Experiences

2010-02-19T13:37:00.000-08:00

Some cute pictures from the last two weeks:

Last week, ok about 10 long days ago I was at the doctor with Ezra--just for a one week check up. I was asking the doctor about something and he said something that has stuck in my head since, for better or worse. He said, "Well, you are an experienced mother and you know blah, blah..." So he didn't say blah, blah, but he just continued on with his thought.
Here are my thoughts--since when did I graduate from being a "new mom" or even better "young mom" into an experienced mother?! To me, there are implications with this label, some good, some that need a little more acceptance on my part!
The good: I sorta know what I'm doing! I feel more confident in my decisions regarding the daily care of my children. We have five beautiful children to show for all this experience.
The part that needs more personal acceptance: I have way more gray hairs than when Julia was born. I have a wrinkle by left eyebrow that has somehow gotten a lot more apparent in the last four months! I worry more now about the safety and well being of my children than I did when I was a "new mom"--I guess it's true that ignorance is bliss!
I would love to compile a list of my funniest/most embarrassing/most stressful mom moments that have gotten me to this point of titled experience. But, that could be summed up with just what I woke up to this very morning:
Jack singing the Star Spangled Banner 50 times in a row because in his words, he feels like he needs to know it! Adam complaining to Jack that he is giving him a headache, even though Adam is playing with a play hammer at the same time. Julia throwing herself on my bed saying that I don't understand how tired she is. (Really?!, try waking up 3 times a night with new baby!) Luke squealing for me to come get him out of his crib while he throws his blanket, tiger and pillow out of his crib. And Ezra chiming in, to watch all the fun.
So, the list is endless, because something new happens every single day as a mother that is hilarious, stressful, embarrassing, worrysome and heartwarming---a constant cycle, just to make it worthy to get up everyday for more!

*On the pictures, I never know how they are going to look--somehow they don't show up for me on the preview. Anyway, here is Ezra at two weeks old, possibly getting sick of all the pictures! Ezra wearing the darling hat that my sister, Cari, made for him. Luke being cute! Adam all bundled up for Joy School. And yes, I need to take more pictures of Julia and Jack--it's on the list!

One Week

2010-02-09T17:52:00.001-08:00

Ezra is one week old and so darling! We have made it through that blur of time created by the first several days of a baby's life. I love that it is still amazing to look at a brand new baby. I love that he is ours and belongs to our family. He is so handsome with dark hair and blue eyes--I don't know if he'll keep either, but I love them both for now.

When I was about seven months pregnant with Jack, I had an interview with our Stake President in Salt Lake for a temple recommend. He knew that we had Julia and she was about a year and a half. He said, "I know what you're thinking--how can I possibly love another child the way I love this child." I was kind of embarrassed to say that that had crossed my mind. He replied, "Don't worry about that--your heart will grow in ways you can't imagine right now."

At the time, I thought--that's a nice sentiment, but he must not fully understand that I have the most beautiful and amazing daughter in the world! But, sure enough--he was sooo right!

My heart grew with my precious Jack, even after being so nervous about having a boy. My heart ached for another baby between Jack and Adam. And it grew so much with Adam, my little blondie baby. With Luke, I felt a calming love for him instantly. Luke has made my heart grow in ways I certainly could not have imagined, but in ways I am so eternally grateful for. And now with Ezra, the magic is not gone! I have had such an instant love for him.

My heart is full, but the amazing thing is despite the to-do lists, etc. of being a mom, I feel completely in control and empowered by my ability to love each of these children individually. I cannot imagine life without any one of them. So often, mothers don't feel enough--not organized enough, not productive enough, etc. All feelings I have had, but I complete reject any notion that I am not enough to provide the adequate amount of love to these children. I may have stressful days, but I feel at peace that my children know how much they are loved. This takes effort, but the amazing thing is that it's the most natural effort I have to make as a mom. It's not hard, like a lot of those other things on the to-do list!

Our Latest Addition...

2010-02-04T16:52:00.001-08:00

I will have to do a catch up post about the month of January, but the first couple of days of February have shaped up to be quite eventful!

Get excited--I am no longer this...(although I may or may not still have the double chin)

The day after this photo, we unexpectedly were headed to the hospital for a long night. Then, early Tuesday morning, a very handsome little boy arrived!

Ezra Ross Chambers was born, weighing 7 pounds 15 ounces and measuring 20 inches. He has lots of dark hair and has quickly stolen our hearts!

Adam isn't too interested in holding Ezra, but still thinks he's cute! Luke is still just pointing at him. As long as I will still cuddle up next to Luke to watch Curious George, his world is complete! I have a feeling there will be a lot of watching Curious George in the next couple of months! And by the way, Luke suddenly looks like a giant to us!

I will post more pictures soon, as soon as I can.

Progress

2009-12-30T14:28:00.001-08:00

I am so happy to say that Luke is making some progress, although it is slight, I see a definite improvement in the last two days. He will wear the processors for over an hour at a time now. When he takes them off, he hands them back to me with a smile, like he knows that I am going to put them right back on. Most of the 50 times a day of putting them back on, there is less of a fight. And yes, 50 times is much better than 200 times!

We still haven't figured out how to keep them on in the car, but I am going to try some different beanies for him to wear.

I am still not completely sure what he is hearing with them on, he doesn't seem to respond to everything. But, he definitely turns his head to sounds like knocking on the wall or loud abrupt sounds. So, either he is not bothered by just the normal sounds of the tv or all of us talking or he is not completely picking that all up. Either way, I am just thankful he is tolerating wearing them more and more everyday. Wahoo!

Now for some pictures!

2009-12-28T06:18:00.001-08:00

I love this picture of Jack & Adam--Adam's messy hair and all! These two are so fun together. Adam has been so hilarious lately. Here's a sampling of his comments:
After a PB & J sandwich: "Uh, mom I am all sticky and jammy"
After waking me up at 4:00 am to come lay by him in bed, he pats his pillow and says, "Here's a great spot for you, you will fit right here."
The two mornings when he wakes up, he yells out, "Hello, Hello, is anyone there?"

Christmas morning was fun, Luke probably thought I was crazy waking him up at 6:00, but he loved his presents. Julia, Jack and Adam were anxiously awake at 6:00, the earliest we told them they could wake us up at!

I am realizing I have no idea what order these pictures will show up, so hopefully it will all make sense!

Tonight the Christmas tree comes down and while that's always a little sad, I am looking forward to a great new year. This year has taught me a lot---maybe that's for another post! Mostly, I am so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, a very supportive husband and four beautiful children. And wonderful families on both sides that have helped us so much in the last few months.

Pictures or Thoughts?

2009-12-26T21:07:00.000-08:00

I have been horrible at blogging lately, I apologize. My dilema? I am not great about taking pictures and a big part of blogging is pictures. We did take lots of pictures on Christmas. I will have to download those by Valentine's Day---adjusted expectations, isn't it great?!

The truth is that I have been incredibly overwhelmed--even typing that doesn't seem sufficient in describing how I feel. So, here's the rundown:
*I go through a daily (most days, hourly) swing of emotions between so thankful and at in awe of how blessed I have been to the other extreme of feeling terribly picked on and not understanding how I can possibly deal with what is at hand. I am cry just thinking of this constant swing---sound crazy? Well, I actually believe in a little craziness, I think it teaches us to be sane!
*Another daily swing of feelings is the lovely good ole fashioned mom guilt. I feel like you know what when I strap Luke into his high chair to watch Blue's Clues or Curious George in silence. I feel like I am neglecting him by going to the bathroom or loading the dishwasher. This is of course after I have put his implants/hearing aids/processors (still haven't figured out what they are called!!) on 100 times and he has ripped them off again and again and again. To say this tests my patience is the biggest understatement of my life! So, I swing from guilt to self pep talks telling myself that all I can do is my best and my best is good enough and that Luke knows that he is loved, etc., etc.,
* I have heartburn, I ache and I feel huge, yet in the quiet of my heart I am so excited to see this new baby boy! I am so thankful that the Lord has allowed me to be unrealistic and almost ignorant about how hard it is going to be after the baby is born so that I can still hold on to my motherly excitement---I really do feel excited---thanks in part to a fleeting memory of how I really feel after a baby!
* There are toys everywhere in our house right now---everywhere: every room, every solid surface, behind every door. At least we finally got all the packaging throw away, including all those annoying twist ties that hold down every one of the hundred parts down.
* I haven't cooked a real meal since Thanksgiving, and that was even with a lot of help. So, I am putting a roast in the crock pot tonight to make myself feel better.

So, I will stop with the list, since I could go on and on!!!! In summary, Luke is an absolute miracle. He had his implants activated on Dec. 17th, but since then it has been a real struggle keeping them in place on his ears. He has made small progress, such as: when he takes them off he just hands them to me nicely instead of throwing them across the room. He is a doll, that is why so much of this is so hard. It's a constant judgment call of how hard to push him to wear them, like a contest between his immediate comfort and his long term success.
For every struggle I think and pray for an accommodation to make it better. And, thankfully I have thought of a few. I do have hope that things will get easier and at some point he will be aware of the association between wearing them and hearing.

Until then, I will be thankful for the moments like today when he just hugged me, put his head on my shoulder and both arms around me and hugged and didn't let go and did it again and again, smiling. He is such a sweet soul!

Well, I am off to bed, I don't normally stay up until 10:30, see I'm not the normal supermom blogger that stays up all hours of the night with all her projects, nope I usually go to bed by 8:30---I know gasp: a post with no pictures and mostly complaining and admitting that I go to bed without everything or maybe even anything on my list done!

Surgery Day

2009-11-19T11:30:00.000-08:00

This handsome little guy will be receiving his cochlear implants tomorrow. He will be in surgery for 5-6 hours. Please keep him and the surgeon in your prayers. We love you, Luke so very much!

“And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face.

I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts,

and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.”

Doctrine & Covenants 84:88

The Story of the Parentheses

2009-11-17T20:15:00.000-08:00

This picture is of Jack, but this story is about Luke. I love this picture.
The first weekend of August 2008, Luke was given a beautiful blessing from Aaron at church. He was given his name of Luke Newel Chambers, which I love and he was blessed with many wonderful things. Towards the end of the blessing, Aaron said something along the lines of, "you will face physical hardships in your life". I remember making a funny face when I first heard this--a face like what's that supposed to mean, he's perfect, nothing will happen to him. Later on that night, as we were typing up the notes from the blessing I asked Aaron about it. He said that he didn't have any specific reason why he said that, but that it could just mean that he will have to work hard/physical labor, etc. I was somewhat sufficed, yet I still didn't like the thought of my sweet baby Luke dealing with any physical hardship.
With the final draft of the blessing, based on notes taken during the blessing and Aaron's good memory, Aaron typed the now infamous phrase in parentheses next to physical hardship---(not health) to make me feel better.
Life is full of irony and learning. Looking back I realize that it is an absolute ridiculous expectation to think, "I don't want anything to happen to my child"--Anything??? Things happen to us all--it's called living. We are all faced with trials and hardships, some more obvious than others. The deepest among them most likely the most unseen.
Instead the expectation for me has changed to I want my children to face their trials in life with strength, faith and courage based on their testimonies of the Savior and the plan Heavenly Father has for them and also based on their personal confidence in their abilities and the love that their family has for them.
They will each undoubtedly face trials--haven't we all? Yet, this experience has taught me so much about how I want to deal with things that come as a burden and/or hardship to my children--I want those things to make them stronger! I want them to cleave to their testimony, and have a solid level of confidence in who they are and what family they are a part of.
Luke has proven his strength to me already in so many ways, however I know that he will need to continue to be strong throughout his life. Will he have continued hardship? Probably, but nothing that he cannot face and get through with the help of the Lord and his family. Again, the same is true for each of our children and us too.
It's maddening to try to think of everything that may lie ahead, but I do have a sense of peace that there is more joy than sorrow to be had in this life. There is more sweet than bitter. And there is certainly much, much more strength to Luke than hardship.

A Good Crazy!!!

2009-11-12T17:38:00.001-08:00

Don't you absolutely love those blog posts people do where they take a picture of their huge pile of laundry or how all their kids have messy faces by the end of the day, etc. I know those posts hardly exist, but this one is for all you reality lovers!
I am going CRAZY! 1. I will never home school--kudos for everyone that does, but I will not every do it, yet another lesson learned from this whole experience. 2. Bad sign when I looked at Aaron the other night and gasped when I realized I hadn't showered in three days--yikes! 3. Luke's nap time is the only time I am not sitting on the ground with him playing with toys, playing with toys, playing with toys while the others are running, running, running around me!
The list goes on, but remember this is the good kind of crazy--there is such thing. This is the kind of crazy that you constantly remind yourself that things won't stay like this forever and you will appreciate life's little blessings more because of this. One last thing on my list--if the pain in my right rib cage doesn't go away any day now I may just be signing my own contract saying I will never be pregnant again!
And just because:I never know what Adam will be wearing or not wearing I should say. Everyday is a new adventure!
An update on Luke: His strength continues to increase everyday--he is pulling himself up and standing while holding on to the couch, etc. He is climbing up on the couch--which keeps him on my constant radar. He is saying "ball" as he throws a ball. And continues with his normal babbling and waving, etc. He wore hearing aids for a week with no results--they were annoying to get in, but he didn't really touch them once they were in. We did a sound booth test with the audiologist while he was wearing the hearing aids and I may have sustained some ear damage from the noises they put through that thing (i'm joking), but he still did not have any response. This is depressing, but also adds to your assurance that the surgery is the right decision. We will have our final series of testing on Monday to know for sure of how/when to proceed. He is happy and doing really well--his laughs and hugs really do make it all worth it---see, I'm not really crazy!

The State of the Children....

2009-11-08T10:11:00.000-08:00

People have asked me about how the other kids have been through all this. My answer: amazing! Now for real honesty: it has been hard on them, but overall I am really impressed with how they have been.
They have not been back to school and we aren't sending them for a while longer because it is so important that Luke doesn't even get a cold or anything before his surgery, which is scheduled for the first week of December. Also, we need to gather more details on his recovery time, etc.
Julia and Jack made these adorable posters for Luke while he was in the hospital:I don't know if you can see Jack's all the way, but it says things like, "don't let the doctors make him freek (freak) out too much."
Just two nights ago things really hit Jack and he just wanted me to hold him and he just sobbed and told me how much he loved Luke and wondered why he would have to wear "hearing aids" for the rest of his life. It was so sincere and tender--I tried my best to explain everything to Jack, but mostly I told him that it was ok to cry and that it was sad, but it won't be sad forever. My shirt was soaked from his tears and it just made me cry more.
Julia has had similar experiences. She has asked why many times and how she wishes so bad that this would have never happened. They just both love Luke so much and it has been hard to see them sad, but also it's been a good opportunity for us to explain a lot about life, having faith, etc.
While Luke was in the hospital, Julia, Jack and Adam loved staying with grandparents--we are so blessed that our children have two sets of wonderful grandparents that love them so much!
Even though they were missing out on school, sports, etc. they managed to have a lot of fun...And these are the things that just Aaron and I managed to sneak them away for: U football game, visit to Temple Square, a trip to Build-a-Bear. This doesn't even show all the picnics, park visits, shopping, etc. that grandparents spoiled them with!
I know that this is a learning experience for us all, but with that comes a lot of growth. One of many things that brings me peace is that in many ways I feel like this will make my children even closer than they already are--they will love and support Luke through this and he will in turn show them love and inspire them.
By the way, he is doing really well--crawling, and just about sitting up on his own (until he realizes I'm not right there!)

A Different Halloween

2009-11-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

This is on Monday night, October 12th.
This is on Saturday, October 31st. The dates between are when our lives were turned upside down and changed forever---in some sad ways, some inconvenient ways, but mostly in ways that change perspective, increase faith and give a sense of undeniable gratitude.
I have to be honest, I've never really liked Halloween--it's just not my thing. I don't like creepy things, the kids are always cold and on a sugar high, etc. But, this Halloween was very different. This Halloween we were able to bring Luke home after a 17 day stay in the hospital. What a joyous Halloween!
And here is the story: From Monday, Oct. 12-Wednesday, Oct. 14, Luke a slight runny nose and acted a little whiny, but nothing alarming. On Wednesday the 14th, he woke up from his nap a little earlier than normal and had a fever of 104. I gave him Tylenol and what initially concerned me is that he was acting really lethargic & he was throwing up. So, I got him an appointment with the after hours clinic at our dr. office in Logan. We went in that night around 7:30 and the dr. quickly concluded that Luke had swine flu. I wasn't as sure, so I asked to do the conclusive 36 hour test. They agreed to do the test, but still sent us home with Tamiflu. By Thursday, I was more worried about Luke. He was increasingly more uncomfortable and he was throwing up--a lot! By the afternoon I called the dr. office back and said I thought he was dehydrated because he hadn't held anything down for 24 hours. My dr. said to come back in and they would admit him at Logan Hospital for the night to get him rehydrated with an IV.
So, we went in, he still had a high fever, it went above 104. They got him on the IV and throughout Thursday night, he was miserable. He didn't sleep at all. He would fall asleep for 3-5 minutes and then just cry and toss and turn and shift his body all over--I kept trying to hold him, rock him and he was just so uncomfortable.
Friday morning, Oct. 16th, our Dr. came in to check on Luke and said that the results came back the he did not have swine flu, but he still thought it was probably just a bad virus. I told him about the night and how the only way Luke would get comfortable in my arms was with his head completely slanted back with his chin straight in the air. As I was talking, the dr. just stopped me and his eyes looked like a deer's in headlights, something clicked in his brain. He later told me that all of Luke's symptoms from the last 3 days just flashed before his eyes and he realized that he had meningitis. (the first of several blessings along the way!) They did a spinal tap and they saw instantly that the spinal fluid was cloudy--not good. The dr. kept telling me that it was more than likely viral meningitis, that's a lot more common, etc. They started on antibiotics through the IV just as a precaution in case of bacterial meningitis. He told me it could be up to 24 hours before they knew if any bacteria was going to grow from the fluid.
40 minutes later, our room phone rang and it was the dr. saying that it had already come back bacterial and he had already been on the phone with Primary Children's to know exactly how to proceed, etc. I was stunned and the first thing I said was, "Is he going to die?" The dr. said, "Cortney, he might." The air was literally taken out of me, I couldn't breathe and then I just started sobbing.
The next hour was just making arrangements for Life Flight to come get Luke and take him to PCMC. He was was there 20 minutes after they arrived. One of the many gut wrenching experiences of this whole ordeal was watching them take him away in the helicopter and not being able to be with him. The drive to Salt Lake was the most anxious, longest, most horrible car ride I have ever had!
So, to spare you all the details, I will just give a quick overview of his stay at PCMC. He got there on Friday, Oct. 16th and left Saturday, Oct. 31st. From Friday to Sunday, he was in the ICU--he pain level was extremely high during this time and it was so hard to see him this way. They were preparing us for any possible outcome. It was an extremely emotional and hard time.
There are too many details to go into for the next two weeks. I won't give you a play by play of PICC lines, IVs, the pure torture he went through, etc. But, very long story short---he was on an EEG for over 24 hours, he had two MRIs and two CT scans of his brain during our stay there and all came back looking normal, with no signs of brain damage, fluid collection or residual pockets of infection. During this whole period, there were many ups and downs. He was extremely swollen for several days from the heavy antibiotics and his sodium levels. Then when that was finally taken care of, he had fever spikes for several days that needed to be under control before we could go on, etc.
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, Luke was given a hearing test called the ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response). One thing that we quickly learned is that bacterial meningitis can often have an adverse effect on your hearing. At this point, we were just so overjoyed to have our son still with us and that there was no sign of brain damage, etc. that we were willing to accept any other obstacles. Well, that is just what we were greeted with--an obstacle.
During this hearing test, Luke did not have any response on either ear up to 95 decibels. This test was repeated two days later with the same results. The infection had completely taken Luke's hearing from both ears. It was the most heart breaking news I have ever had as a parent or just ever in my life. I love this precious son so much and to hear that he would have something to deal with in his life that would make life more difficult was so hard to bear.
With the news, we were also told that he was a prime candidate for Cochlear Implants. In coming weeks, I'm sure I will blog more about this, so you can google it for now! In essence, in the coming weeks/months Luke will go through the implant process that will not restore his hearing, but provide a way for him to hear. It is not the same as natural hearing, but it is wonderful technology that will provide a lifetime of hearing.
We have been totally reassured that his long term prognosis is wonderful--he will have a successful, fulfilling life that is just as normal as you or I.
We are so incredibly blessed to have Luke--we have seen several miracles along the way through this whole situation. At times I feel completely emotionally drained and at others I feel so spiritually fed. Luke is an exceptional child who is strong and just so darling! He is laughing and playing again, interacting and funny. We still have our son & we will support him through this and we will have the same high expectations of him that we do for all of our children. I am confident that he will achieve great things in life & I am thrilled to be a part of it!

Moments...(Have I already had that title? I'm getting lazy!)

2009-10-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

I have had so many moments in the last few days that have felt so happy! My children have been doing cute things that just make my heart smile. I don't care if that sounds cheesy, it's true!

Jack wrote this song on Sunday. Ok, I know that it is only one sentence, but he's six and only been in piano for a few months. He wrote the notes to go with each word---so cute!

And I've realized that I have enough room on the counter for one more monkey boy!

Even if they do help themselves to a little too much dough (think fistfuls)!

Julia won her first trophy last night for soccer. She was thrilled! Jack burst into tears and Julia went on to explain that as you get older you just get more awards...to which Jack replied, "Older, Better, Older, Better---I get it!"
Jack went into his room to chill out about it and Julia came down and said that she had given Jack a dollar to make him feel better. Very nice of Julia, but not cool with me!
So, I went up to Jack to have a famous mom talk and told him how much I loved him and how wonderful he is and then said, "Now Jack, do you really need people to give you money to make you feel better?" And he said, "Only sometimes Mom".
I then explained that he didn't and told him to take his time to be ready to go down and give Julia a hug and congratulate her on her trophy. I told him he needed to wait until he really meant it. One thing I love about Jack is that he took this totally seriously. He waited about 45 minutes and came downstairs and gave Julia a big hug and said, "Julia, good job on soccer, I'm really proud of you". It was sincere & darling!

It's a....

2009-10-09T15:29:00.001-07:00

Let me just begin by saying: look at those lips, look at that nose--so cute! Or should I say handsome?! We are having what appears by all accounts to be a healthy, strong and most definitely BOY baby!
Some how I feel the need to stand up and accept an award in advance for being the mother of four boys! But, honestly once I saw his face, we bonded! I know that it will be a lot of work, but such a blast too!
In case anyone is wondering, Julia is doing just fine--she had her moment of shock, but then she was just as happy as me to see that cute face! We went shopping and to lunch, just as it should be for a mother and daughter!
And I will leave you with a little game of peek a boo:

Anxiously Awaiting...

2009-10-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we find out if we are having a BOY or a GIRL! Let me rephrase that: I will not get up off of that ultrasound table until they tell me for sure what we are having---no private/shy babies allowed!

And there's nothing like a terrible head cold to make the week just fly by, feeling like there's a bomb inside my head ready to explode is such a pleasant way to spend the week. But, there is truth to every time you get sick you are more grateful to be healthy!
Julia has gladly accepted the assignment of making all the phone calls tomorrow to let everyone know what the big news is. I'm pretty sure that you will be able to tell the outcome within the first 5 seconds just from her tone of voice. Do you detect that someone just maybe wants a sister just maybe a little bit???

Let it Snow!

2009-09-30T10:29:00.001-07:00

Yes, we woke up to snow this morning and it was still snowing! So, this isn't a full snowman, more like a snowhead, but it's still SNOW in SEPTEMBER!

Bear Lake

2009-09-25T20:45:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful week in Bear Lake--The air was crisp and there was fun all day, everyday from mini golf to bike rides to swimming to going to the beach to the playground---all so fun. Picture details: Jack hunting for treasures with cousin Tyler on the beach, Luke's licorice face was a daily occurrence & yes, that is my pregnant belly saying hello in the family picture!

Double Rainbow

2009-09-25T20:41:00.001-07:00

Beautiful scene in Grace with handsome Luke to present it!
Normal scene in Grace--Julia & Jack catching a bug with a ladle!

A Quiet Morning...

2009-09-01T08:32:00.000-07:00

Joy School officially started last week, but this is the first time it was not at our house, so this feels much more official to us! Adam inherited Jack's preschool backpack, a rite of passage around here!
He was very excited and now Luke or I don't quite know what to do with the quiet!

Jack-a-bub

2009-08-29T12:37:00.001-07:00

My sweet Jack--never grow out of this! You are such a joy!

I told you so....

2009-08-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

Isn't it wonderful how kids listen to other adults, but don't believe you?---Maybe a preview for teenage years, where everyone else knows a lot more than your parents!

I took Adam to my doctor's appointment with me today and we listened to the baby's heartbeat and the doctor looked at Adam and said, "There is a baby in your mommy's tummy."

Now remember up until this point every time I mention this to Adam he says, "No, you need to stay big."

We get in the car to leave and he says to me, "So, there is a baby in your tummy?" I say, "Yes". He says, "Did you eat it?"

More explaining followed!

Finally, some pictures!

2009-08-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

Remember being a teenager, in tears with your car broken down and you are just stranded and your dad shows up and listens to your awful drama and he says, "let's take a look" and by some great magic--keys go in and vroom, vroom, car just starts right up. That has been me all over again with the computer---minus the tears and maybe a bit less drama than a teenager, (& not my dad :), but Aaron has listened to me complain and complain about the computer and downloading pictures while he was out of town, then he gets back and after a few busy nights, finally sits down to the computer and again by some magic, the computer just works for him---where are the dang pop up messages when he's around?!

So, I finally give you my summer rundown and first day of school pictures----

We had a great and fun summer, apparently just like the rest of the blogging world because who really writes about how horrible their summer was! But, honestly we did have a fun one--lots of fun family parites, julia's baptism, t-ball & coach pitch baseball, swimming lessons, lagoon, the fair with family visiting (see cari & cricket's blogs), aaron & jack to flaming gorge (see marilyn's blog--I love the picture of Jack in it, he's so dang cute!)---and I don't have one picture of any of these events, but all the more dedicated family members previously listed do!

To top off the great summer we went camping for one night and I dusted off the camera! Ok, with babies and a tent, one night is my limit. I actually like camping, it's the sleep part that is the kicker for me or should I say no sleep!

It really was fun & the kids can now say we went camping, so we're awesome parents for it--providing camping memories for our children!
School has now begun and I have to say it's nice to have some type of routine back. Julia started 3rd grade, Jack started 1st grade and Adam is in Joy School!
More pictures of Joy School to come---needless to say Adam completely loves it and will sing to anyone that will listen, "Oh Boy, I got Joy, I do, Do you?"

In other news---for anyone that reads this and doesn't know---we are expecting a baby! We are super excited and this being the last paragraph of this long post is not reflective of how excited we are or how big of a deal this is for us! Obviously, Luke is clueless that he will be spending his babyhood with another babe, but I am confident that they will be close and little buddies. When I bring it up with Adam he gets all in a dither thinking that I am going to turn into a baby and says, "Mom you need to stay a grown up!"---whatever! The baby is due the end of Feb. and we get the big ultrasound the first part of Oct., so more news to come!

Long Summer Days!

2009-07-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

I am having computer issues, so I can't post any pictures---I gave Luke his first haircut and he looks darling, can't wait to get the pictures up!
I think it's time to break down and just buy a new computer--isn't a ten year old computer considered an antique in the computer world?
Aaron has been working like CRAZY--leaving at 5:30 am, getting home at 8:00 pm---this has been going on for what feels like forever, but really about 3 weeks-- and for the last 14 days straight! I've been promised it will be over in the next couple of days! He also has a break from school for a few weeks, so that's a double plus!
So, in my long, no break from children (that I adore, but come on no break for weeks on end!), living in the middle of no where, a/c broken (getting fixed this week) days I've realized some things that I hear over and over and over again everyday. There is such repetition in motherhood--which sometimes is wonderful, other times you want to scream if you hear it one more time!
So, I give you my latest top ten list of what I hear as a mother everyday:
1. "If you liked to make a call, please hang up and try again"--(think operator voice) Luke is constantly getting into the phone!
2. "Joe is coming over"--Adam thinks that Joe from Blue's Clues is his brother and that he is coming over to play--maybe in his world he does come over everyday!
3. "I'm hungry"--This comes from everyone at every minute of everyday--I swear there cannot be a time where everyone is full for more than an hour.
4. "Don't supersize me!"--A sign that the kids have watched too much PBS in the morning.
5. "Poop coming out!!!"--Gross, but reality in being the mom to a potty training child!
6. "Can we go to the gas station and get a sucker?"--I told you our lives are exciting!
7. "Can we ride our bikes?"--Sure, we spent all that money on grass and a fence for the backyard, but go ride your bikes in the free road!
8. "Goo, Goo, you're the Goo Goo, the president of the Goo, Goos"--Julia and Jack's loving name for Luke is Goo Goo and I hear baby talk A LOT around here!
9. "When's Daddy going to be home?"--Great question, let me know when you know the answer!
10. And my personal favorite....."MMMMOOOOOOOMMMMM!" Heard too many times a day to count in varying tones of voice!

There is one thing that I have to say is a huge blessing that I never hear my children say, "I'm bored"--they do have a wonderful way of keeping entertained, even if it does involve taking every cushion off to make the biggest fort ever or playing school for hours and I have to say that their shows (little skits they make up) are hilarious!
And, in all fairness to Aaron, after he comes home after a long day, he still takes time to bounce the kids on the tramp--they love it---I guess that's a few minutes of a break---I'll stop complaining!

Baptism Day

2009-07-08T18:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have a daughter old enough to be baptized---yes, that makes me old---I've already come to this conclusion on my own!
But, getting old is great when it involves events like this! Aaron baptized & confirmed Julia last Saturday and it was a really special day. She looked beautiful!

Birthdays, Basketball, Baseball=Busy!

2009-06-22T18:19:00.000-07:00

Jack had Basketball Camp for three days and to say he was excited would be a big understatement! He is in t-ball and Julia is in Coach Pitch baseball, so that's our Tuesday and Thursday nights!

June is a busy month for birthdays around here! Aaron & Julia's birthdays are 4 days apart, so it's just a big party around here!

Look Who's One!

2009-06-02T18:48:00.001-07:00

This picture just makes me want to squeal, honestly between the comb over hair to the rolls on the legs and the EYES---he is just the cutest. I have no reservations saying that at all! I just love Luke so much! He is such a joy to have around.
The kids & I had so much fun getting his party ready in time for Aaron to get home from work and Luke to wake up from his nap---have I mentioned what a great sleeper he is?! Doesn't that just make him even cuter?

Blogging--A Monthly Venture!

2009-05-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

You know how satisfying it is to reach a goal? And you know when you deliberately set your goal reallllly low just to sorta cheat your way to that satisfying feeling? Well, thats what I've decided to do with blogging! My goal: at least a monthly update--this way I stay in the game, but don't add anything to the guilt list!
So, here are a few tidbits from the last month:
He loves his lasagna and I love his cheeks!
He loves his cookies & I love making them with him---way too often his incentive for taking a nap: make cookies with mommy when you wake up!
Papa, Grammy, Baba & Nana know this very well---Jack loves popsicles! He even has created his own apple pops--frozen apple juice!
So, before you jump to all these conclusions like food is our only highlights in life and our children always either have a dirty face or a dirty shirt on (because these pictures are the ONLY time those things happen around here!), we have done a lot of other things lately----planted a square foot garden, pulled off a successful teacher appreciation week, played outside a lot & more. I will leave you with this beauty that I am currently extremely proud of:

I stopped by the school today during lunch (some may say I do this too much, but I say it's a wonderful window into your child's life!) and Julia excitedly ran up to me and announced that she passed off the final level of the Math in a Minute program, level 15---so, she will receive her "Master's Degree"! She said, "I'm the only one in the school that got it" and this cute little boy looked up at me and said, "Not even the 6th graders got it!" It was so fun to hear the news from Julia--way to go!

Birthdays

2009-04-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

I seem to always have an excuse about not having pictures to add---somehow it doesn't seem like an official post without pictures. But, this time I left my camera at my parents' house over easter---I always leave about 5 things at their house and Aaron's parents' house every time we go down.
So, I resorted to a disposable camera for all the latest events--I couldn't let two birthdays go by without pictures (Jack & Adam).
Jack turned 6 on Saturday! Wow--6! I love my Jack so much---he is such a great boy! Adam's birthday is in two days. When I asked him what kind of a birthday party he wanted (just with the family) he said a red one---I think I can handle that.
Pictures to come when I turn in my disposable camera, the old fashioned way--remember when we all did that--the envelopes, the excitement of getting your pictures back, the scramble to rip off your side of the picture where you have three chins or bad hair!
Also on Saturday, Julia had a piano recital and did a great job. Aaron was at school, so I had every intention of videoing it--well, I had the camera, but it never came out of the case. Somewhere in between Adam dancing around in front of the piano to him running out of the room to him slamming doors---the video just didn't happen.
Last night our family did Family Home Evening at the two nursing homes in Soda Springs. I was really proud of Julia and Jack--Julia played the piano, they both said parts and they sang the new primary song, "The Family is of God"--I think that's what it's called, it's four verses long--they did awesome, I love that they will do things like that with confidence. And Adam & Luke did a great job looking cute!
So, thats my pictureless post--I know boring! I guess I will throw in this picture I got on my email--for all the three people that read this blog--remember my blurp about pegged jeans, well I got this email from J Crew---the jean of the season--it's for real--pegged is back!

Ode to Grace

2009-04-16T07:42:00.001-07:00

Lately, I have been going through the usual cycle of feeling that the life outside of Grace would be a little more fabulous than within. It's not a the grass is always greener feeling, more like the grass is more exciting over there, some where, any where else kind of feeling.
But, because I have all the right answers, just not all the right actions (this is a joke!), I reminded myself to count my many blessings, name them one by one--So, here is my ode to Grace, in a listed form:
1. I can drive around the entire town & wave to everyone in 5 minutes, actually that's sort of an exaggeration, more like 3 minutes!
2. I can walk into the gas station to a very cheery welcome of "Hi, Mrs. Chambers" and a couple of weeks ago when I was minding my own business in a perfectly acceptable hot pink mom-suit (matching sweats with hooded sweatshirt) I had one of the "regulars" (you know the ones that sit at the table with their hats on the top of their head in the gas station and shoot the breeze about who knows what for at least 3 hours a day) tell me that I looked like the easter bunny. To which I replied, "I'm just doing my part to welcome in spring." My point: this type of exchange would only happen in a small town!
3. Thanks to amazon and diapers.com, I have all the shopping conveniences I need.
4. Remember the song from Cheers, "I want to go where everybody knows my name"---thats my life!
5. I pretty much see all of your potatoes before the hit the produce aisle at the grocery stores. I see them in large trucks, I see them fall off the trucks and bounce around the road, I see them growing in fields all around me--I see them Everywhere!
6. My children want to sleep outside, are easily pleased by having a quarter to get a gumball at the drug store and can walk in and out of the city library just from my view from the car. They are happy and have no idea what traffic is or how many Jonas Brothers there are.
7. In all seriousness, I have so much to be grateful for. I love our home here, even if I am tripping over a toy every time I turn around (nearly sprained my ankle yesterday). They are some great people here and most importantly: our children are healthy and happy.
Speaking of healthy---noticeably not on the list: having to drive for an hour for a dr. appt, but in that too I can see a blessing--spending quality car time with my children---ha!

Joy

2009-03-24T10:02:00.001-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about President Monson's talk about finding joy in the journey of life. I have had a lot on my mind lately, but I have realized that there are little things each day that give me a smile and bring joy in my life. I would also be amiss if I didn't mention that every time I hear the the word joy, I am brought back to Joy School--"Oh Boy, I've Got Joy!"---If you know this song, you'll get a laugh out of this! So, here are some little things that have made me smile in the last couple of days....

Aaron gets the Wall Street Journal everyday as part of his MBA program. So, the other day Jack grabbed the paper and sat down in the chair and gave out this really dramatic sigh (like, "look at me, I'm reading something important") I just watched him, I didn't want to get in the way of his curiosity. So, after a good 5 minutes of careful study, he got up and said, "Look mommy, they are so happy because they got their freedom." Not too far off from the original story---another great Jack moment!
Julia lost her other front tooth! As a mom, I feel like there are a lot of things I do, but pulling teeth out is not one of them! I am hands off with that one, it grosses me out. So, after several days of it being really loose, it came out at school.Also, I rediscovered a wonderful treat from my childhood. We've had little ones sick around here the last few days, so I had some saltine crackers on hand. Well, I had a blast from the past when I decided to make some frosting to go with those crackers---yep, frosting and saltine crackers to make a yummy sweet and salty little sandwich treat! So good! Don't knock it until you try it.

the "Goo Goo"

2009-03-21T14:32:00.001-07:00

One last picture for the sake of equality & because it's too cute to resist!

All in a Day---

2009-03-21T14:19:00.000-07:00

I always joke that there's never a dull moment around here, well there are dull moments, but usually while there is a dull moment for one person, someone else is up to something. Such as:Dressing up/making costumes is a big deal around here. It is also a big deal when a box comes in the mail because that box is a potential hut or car (yes there are four holes cut into that box for four little legs--one driver and one passenger!). And Elmo--does that even need an explanation! As I am typing this, Julia just handed me to self-made word search to do. I sincerely love how creative my children are, even if it does make quite the paper trail!

Brothers

2009-03-21T14:18:00.001-07:00

A new all-time favorite picture...

Safety First...

2009-03-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

I know long time no post--I actually have no excuses to give, so I won't! Today I was at the school for the Book Fair. Every year there is a safety poster contest sponsored by one of the plants in Soda Springs. So, I am here to report that Jack won first place for his poster with the very wise safety advice of:

"Don't fight with a bear without your dad"

I was cracking up!

2009-02-25T12:37:00.000-08:00

This picture is hilarious to me---he is so happy and loves to laugh and squeal. So, he is just hot stuff lately and loves to pull himself up on everything, he quickly learned that it is better to sit down first to get back down rather than just letting go and falling backwards--yikes!
And for some, growing up is just a hard thing to do!!!
Gotta love this biggie!

Two Month Review...

2009-02-19T10:07:00.000-08:00

So, I have tried to change up my blog and somehow I didn't get the background I wanted and I have "voting" on the side bar for no apparent reason---I don't know what you are voting for, but if anyone has any ideas, let me know!
So, Aaron found the long lost cord on top of the washing machine---if you wonder why it took me so long to find it in such a seemingly simple place, I'll leave that to your imagination. Remember I can barely keep up with the rooms that people see when they come over, let alone the ones with shut doors!
Other than to go through all the details of the last two months or so in great detail--I will just post some favorite pictures or just favorite memories with ok pictures!
Baby Luke's first Christmas! Yes, I said Christmas--I know it was ages ago, but I still have 3 feet of snow outside, that should count for something!

He was cute as ever and easily pleased with a few simple toys---Fast forward to today---still no teeth in sight, but crawling up a storm, so happy and fun to make laugh and squeal. He is done with his helmet and looks great!

Things like this happen all the time around here--meet Queen Julia, King Jack & Prince Adam.

"You & Me Day" for Julia and I turned into an overnight stay in Logan. It was sooo much fun to have a girls' weekend with my sweet Julia.
I survived a two hour long talent show at the school with all the kids! I love this picture with Jack's head on Julia's shoulder--so cute!

Julia played the piano for the talent s how.

Julia received her "Bachelor's Degree" in Math in a Minute at school---this time the assembly was only about ten minutes long, but at 8:00 in the morning!
Adam still prefers to be partially or completely naked--I love that I have three boys that are so handsome, but each have their own look and definitely their own
personality!

We went to the Draper Temple Open House--it was beautiful. It was a great experience for Julia and Jack, but I was so glad I didn't have the babies with me or the baby and the biggie, as Adam refers to himself as. It was a lot of waiting and a very slow process, but worth it. Thanks mom for taking biggie and baby!

Back to Christmas---we had a great holiday this year. We saw family on Christmas eve and we were snowed in on Christmas day & it was such a great day filled with lots of fun games, good food, relaxing and lots of practice on the pogo stick for Jack, which he has mastered! Other big events in the last two months---Aaron and I celebrated our ten year anniversary (sorry no pictures!)--it was so fun to get away for a couple of days with no kiddos! Thanks to Aaron's mom for that treat. Ten years have flown by in many ways, but also it's hard to imagine not being married. I am so thankful for the journey that Aaron and I have taken together, for all the love and support and excited for many, many more years to come.
I hope all these captions line up with the intended picture, I'm sure they won't, oh well. I will now be more on the ball with posting, I hope! Let's see what holiday is next---St. Patrick's Day--bring it on!

Slacker...

2009-01-08T19:22:00.000-08:00

I know I have been a big blogging slacker, but in my defense it's because I cannot find this:
I have searched high and low for the dumb cord to download all my pictures and no luck---I know exactly what will happen-I will order a new one, it will come in the mail and then magically I will find the original.
We had a great Christmas, maybe I will post pictures before Valentine's Day, maybe! Other things I need to blog about, when I get the pictures to go along:
*Snow, snow & more snow---it's only January and I'm already sick of it!
*Julia & I had a great girls' weekend to Logan--It was so fun to spent time with her and I learned all the secrets of the 2nd grade!
*My children continue to go through trees of paper, constantly creating hats, books, monsters, robots and on and on---which leaves a huge mess in the dining room that I have just accepted and choose not to clean because I just wouldn't want to get in the way of creativity!!!
*We have become game machines---we have played more Yahtzee, Phase 10, Cranium & Monopoly in the last few weeks than all of last year.
*I just realized I can post a few pictures from our family pictures---I got the cd in the mail today---once again, no perfect shot where everyone is looking, but I think that will have to wait for a few years, many years!

Happy Cake--Yummy!

2008-12-15T07:19:00.000-08:00

My mom has an amazing recipe for pound cake, not like any other pound---lots of butter, sugar, eggs, etc.! Well, just because I'm being festive (not because I was craving it myself!) I made a batch.
It seems that it is now Adam's favorite since he has coined it, "Happy Cake". I think that pretty much sums it up.
Luke seems to have his own recipe for happy cake down since he is sleeping 12 hours a night (this makes me very happy) and is so full of laughs and squeals during his awake hours. He is in my favorite baby stage--sitting up, rolling around, thinking about scooting, but not crawling yet.
After crawling, theres just no turning back!

One Year Ago...

2008-12-12T18:50:00.000-08:00

One year ago on this night I was sitting in a place I vow never to be again---Caribou Memorial Hospital---just the name sends my nerves flying.
After almost 48 hours in this wretched place my blood pressure could not take another moment and my dear Adam needed crazy, protective mama bear to come out roaring for him---all moms out there will know these moments in life where something just comes out from deep within and you just have the look on your face of "don't mess with my baby or you'll have me to deal with!". I was so at this point and beyond one year ago tonight---there was just a turning point that night of enough is enough, I'm not taking this anymore---Adam was so weak and many of you know the details of the story, but I've realized that at the time I was in crisis mode and it hasn't been until after the whole ordeal that it has sunk in how very blessed we are that things fell into place when they did so that we could still have Adam with us. From every creditable source, we have learned that a child will die within 3-5 days if intussusception as serious as Adam's was goes untreated. Well, one year ago today we were on day 2, entering day 3. And although we were in the named hospital above, it was going completely untreated!
So, on that cold, foggy night we were raced by ambulance to the small airport in Pocatello to get on the Life Flight plane to go to Salt Lake airport and on to PCMC. Those Life Flight nurses were amazing, after major anxiety attack involving a lot of crying, yelling at the staff of the mentioned hospital, breaking out in sweat and rash--I was so calmed by the Life Flight nurses, they took charge and ripped out every tube and IV that was in Adam and replaced them and informed me on every detail I needed to know.
After arriving at PCMC, Adam condition was immediately treated and he was in surgery and then recovered there for nine long days. Being there for nine days gave me an unforgettable gratitude for life and health. It truly is such a blessing to have healthy children.
I search for words to express my love for Adam and nothing seems sufficient. I will settle to keep my feelings to my heart and simply say I love him beyond measure! And I look at that picture above (which was actually taken towards the end of his hospital stay) and think that little Luke was still in me, waiting to come and it's hard to imagine life without him. And Julia and Jack that were so sweet and loving through this whole experience and continue to be so wonderful. I love these children so much, I love Aaron so much and am thankful that his heart also swells for these children.
I am thankful that the date is December 12, 2008 and that Adam is healthy and full of life today---what a difference a year makes!

Pictureless

2008-12-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

I have been sooo bad at pictures lately---I brought my camera to all of our Thanksgiving festivities, but did I take one picture? No! Even though I have no pictures to prove it, we did have a great Thanksgiving. I am really excited for Christmas!
Julia and Jack are really excited too---Julia of course has analyzed over the past year why there is no possible way that Santa could be real because in her words: first, he used the same wrapping paper that she saw me buy at the store and second, santa might be a real person, but there is NO WAY there are flying reindeers. I am not going to lie to her, so I just say if you believe then he's real---then she replies, "well, I'm going to pretend to believe so that Jack will believe."
Jack is at a magical age for Christmas and has asked for a pogo stick for months. I cannot think of another toy that would so perfectly match Jack's personality!
I've been trying to get Adam excited for Christmas, but he's not quite catching on to the whole concept of it all. When I ask him what he wants for Christmas he says, "make bread with mommy"-- He is my little baker helper, so that works out well!
Luke is obviously clueless, but who cares about what holiday it is when you are happy and laughing everyday?! The kids know how to make Luke laugh with peek-a-boo, and boy does he laugh---another thing I need to use my camera (video) for!
I took Luke to his 6-month appointment and they confirmed to me what I already know--he's big! He is 29 inches long and weighs 21 pounds. I didn't think it was possible to grow eight inches in six months, but I guess it is! Aaron informed me that means he has grown one inch every 18 days. All that sleep has done it's job!
Adam has coined a hilarious new term---when I ask him if he is a big boy or a baby, he always replies, "a biggie"---I guess thats the toddler version of a tween!
I will make up for lack of pictures with family pictures to come---I am excited that the same lady that did our pictures in July will be taking them again this week. I actually do not like the stress of getting pictures done at all, but I'm glad to have them when it's all done!

Hop, Skip & Jump

2008-11-13T22:27:00.000-08:00

I went to Parent Teacher Conferences tonight for Julia and Jack. Both teachers said really nice things, but what I loved the most is something Jack's teacher said. She said, "Jack really likes to hop to the pencil sharpener."
It made me laugh because it's so true--Jack prefers hoping/jumping over walking and he seems to pull it off with ease!
His teacher said he was "delightful" and that is just how I would describe Jack--full of delight, wonder, imagination, joy and love!
Today he wrote a book for Aaron called, "A Giant of Thunder" It goes like this: once there was giant, the giant is mad, (next page) mad, the end!
He is constantly coloring and making up books--yesterday's book was "I am Jack" I am a go-Jack, I go, Who is Jack? Jack. The end.

I love that boy that hops!

Bragging Rights

2008-11-13T22:13:00.000-08:00

I know that one big complaint of blogs is that they are too braggy---I agree, but if you are keeping a blog and neglecting your journal as I am currently doing, sometimes you just have to spill the beans about how perfect something was:
So, here's mine--Primary Program, Grace 2nd Ward, November 9, 2008---Julia gets up to say her part and has it completely memorized (something that she did completely on her own) and says it with perfect clarity to an audible gasp from the audience when she was done!
2 Nephi Chapter 4 verse 15:
"And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children."

Cookies, Cookies...

2008-11-13T22:03:00.000-08:00

I recently saw a quote from Hillary Clinton that said, (I'm paraphrasing, but the cookie part is exact!) "I guess I could've stayed home a baked cookies all day, but I wanted to make a difference..." Ok, in all honestly I don't know about the making a difference part, but that was the main jist of it.
Well, I choose to make cookies, maybe not all day, but lately, everyday! Adam and I are getting in this great and horrible habit of making cookies everyday after he wakes up from his nap---it all starts when he goes and gets a bowl and says in the cutest voice ever, "make cookieeeees". And then how can I resist him telling me, "good mommy" with every ingredient I add.
If you can't handle the idea of little feet being a bit too close to cookie dough and then little fingers finding their way into the dough then please don't eat the cookies from our house. Oh, and the Bumbo on the counter---a big no, no, but I was standing there the entire time!

Too much on the brain!!!

2008-11-13T21:28:00.000-08:00

Please refer back to previous posts about never getting that perfect picture with everyone looking and smiling! And I know, it looks as if Luke will soon be holding Jack instead of the other way around!
Anyone that knows me or I should say knows me well, knows that I get really into the news, issues, etc.
I remember as a teenager I heard this lady in church say that she just can't watch the news, it just makes her cry. At the time I thought this was the most annoying thing I had ever heard because I thought you have to watch the news, you must be informed, etc. Being informed on issues, current events, etc. is basically like a commandment to me.
But, I have to admit I am almost getting to the point of that lady in church. The news doesn't make me want to cry---it makes me want to scream! If I see another sound bite from the 50 million Sarah Palin interviews since the election has been over I think I will scream---15 minutes are up---please go home or moose hunting or whatever, just go! Not that I like the replacement news much more---let's change our minds yet again about how to spend this $700 billion and while we're at it let's add a billion more here and there and everywhere--it's like being Santa Claus with a noose---let's find our top 1,000 ways to raise taxes in our first 3 days of office---and the spin on the whole Prop 8 is driving me batty, if you can't already tell---
I hardly ever watch TV, I actually read all this news online, cnn, msnbc, fox news, ksl all among the daily reads, but today while trying to find a cartoon I watched just a few minutes of the View, needless to say after 5 minutes of watching I emailed Whoopi four different times (mostly because you could only have 250 characters per email) about how misguided her comments were---really, is Whoopi really going to read my emails or is she really going to care or change her views because of me---i'm thinking no!
So...this brings me to my point---is it really so bad to take a break from the news? I think that is what I need. I am still strong on my stances, I still want to know an overall picture of whats going on, but really I can't handle the half-truths, the twisting and turning of everyone's spin and agenda any longer.
Back to those that know me well, they know that I always have "just one more thing" to say--so here it is---On Prop 8, one thought: I am saddened to see so many members of the Church make comments and posts about how the Church is sorta right, but sorta not right and they agree with what the Church has said kinda, but how they would've done it this way or that way differently---seriously---take a step out of this crazy world we live in and look at the whole picture and wake up! You can love all of God's children and still have conviction--I promise it's possible--look at our amazing Prophet and then look again and listen!
Ok, I'm done--no more, back to cute & silly children stories!

Halloween times 4!

2008-11-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

I need to get my act together with taking pictures--we had two family Halloween parties the weekend before Halloween and I did not take one picture--I even packed my camera! But, they were really fun parties--thanks to mom and dad and Aaron's parents for two great parties!
Then there was the pictureless Halloween Carnival as mentioned before. So, when the actual night of Halloween came I thought I should redeem myself with a few pictures. The only problem is that Luke was asleep, Adam put on Jack's costume, Jack wanted to be a Dracula, instead of Buzz Lightyear and Julia thought her butterfly costume wouldn't be warm enough for trick or treating, so we came up with a makeshift clown costume for her!
So, here are the Halloween pictures, sorta!

My VP....

2008-11-01T15:54:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned before, being the PTO President is quite the adventure (well, thats one word for it!). Everyone keeps asking me, who is your Vice-President----well, I don't have one! Yes, thats right--I've been on my own, well not completely because I have Julia! So, I have decided from now on when asked about a VP, I'll say that Julia is my VP---because she is my best help!
This week we had the Halloween Carnival at the school and do you think I got one blasted picture to document the weeks of hard work I've put into this event--no! I guess you have to always forget something. It was a success though and I am very glad that it is over!!!

Lukey Lu...

2008-11-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

Luke is now almost 5 months old---he is such a wonderful baby that I love so very much. He is pretty mellow, although he has discovered a very high pitch scream. It is sometimes a mix between a scream and a squeal, but it's always really high pitched! He is a sleeper---he reminds me a lot of Jack as a baby--loves to sleep and grow a lot! In fact, I saw this picture of Jack & Julia when Jack was about Luke's age and it really reminded me of Luke.
I scanned this picture and I can't figure out how to make the actual picture bigger, but you get the idea---chubby cheeks, big eyes, really cute! That's just how Luke is right now!
Five months has flown by and I am actually hoping that the next four or five months fly by too because Luke has to wear a helmet to reshape his head for the next 4-5 months. A couple of weeks ago he had a cast made of his head and then they make a helmet from that mold that will reshape the head to be more round and symmetrical. The reason he needs this is because since he was born he always turns his head to the left while he sleeps, so he has developed a flat area on that left side mostly. The helmet will reshape his head during the next few months. It is the best time to do this while he is still young. But, I must say he is so dang cute that he can even do a helmet and be darling!

Recent Pictures

2008-10-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, after this I am done blogging for another two weeks! And to add to my last post---you know you have four kids when you blog by typing with one hand and drool is somehow all over your other hand & arm!
Just a few last pictures from recent events:
*It's official: Adam knows Luke is here to stay & he likes him!**Julia enjoyed the first snowfall so much more than anyone else!*

*This is so gross---update on the attack of the yellow jackets---after sufficiently destroying the nest by driving the car into the backyard to run over and over it and a lot of bug spray--this is what Aaron and the kids dug up--a creepy nest with hundreds of eggs--yikes!

*And I don't have a picture to show, but Jack is reading and we are so proud of him--he has brought home his first little books from school and it is so fun to hear him say things like, "sssam, sssam I am", "mmmat, mmmat has a hhhat".

Watch out David Letterman

2008-10-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

Here's my attempt at a funny top 10 list of my life currently,

Top Ten Ways you know you have four kids...

#10--You put a size 2T shirt on your 4 month old baby, roll up the sleeves and say, "that will do"...
#9--Your two year old is walking around the house with an empty toilet paper roll repeatedly yelling, "Hi Mommy, Happy Mommy"
#8--You see this in the kitchen and realize it's time for that two year old to take a nap:
#7--You add corn to every meal
#6--You can always find something on the couch to use as a burp rag
#5--You go through every name in the family until you get to the right name of who you are talking to
#4--You have a giant sock basket in the laundry room and hope everyone finds something that at least slightly resembles a match
#3--You think it's normal to hold a baby high in the air in public to sniff, sniff for a poopy diaper
#2--You count heads before you pull out of the garage
#1--Right when you think you are about to cry from insanity, some little person makes you laugh, smile & feel very important!!!

Parent Teacher Organization

2008-10-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

I am the PTO President this year at Grace Elementary, and yes I plan on putting that on my resume and thanks to Sarah Palin I can list it under "executive experience". Now that I posted that whole politics thing, the flood gates are open!
As the PTO President, this is how my house has looked this week:
All of those are Grace Elementary Broncos t-shirts and sweatshirts that nicely showed up in a Fed Ex bundle at my door, just waiting for me to organize them, so everyone would get what they ordered. Again, another activity to accomplish during Adam nap time!
Then there were Red Ribbon Week treats to be prepared. A little goodie with a little slogan on it like "Don't be a Dum Dum, Say no to drugs", "Smarties don't do drugs", you get the idea! Well, there are 170 students at Grace Elementary, which compared to normal school sizes that doesn't sound like a lot, but when you are taping little sayings onto little candies for each child for four different days, it quickly seems like a lot!
So, again I will praise my Julia! My friends and I used to have this little chant, "We are Women and what do we do, We get things done!"---I love that, I love them! Last night, I felt like proclaiming the same thing with the help of my Julia! We got all the bags set out for each class and then a separate smaller bag for each day and just whipped the whole project into an organized mode. Julia begged me to stay up until I was done, and I feel like a bad mom to admit, but that meant she stayed up until midnight! There was no getting her to bed until the task was completed, she was determined and I was very thankful for her help.

Good intentions...

2008-10-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

So, I always think of these grand ideas and a lot of times they don't really work out like I envisioned. Maybe I just have a too creative mind and I need to set my expectations a little lower!
Jack had a fun day at Nana & Baba's house and Julia and I wanted to make him a little party for when he got home with Aaron. So...she sprang into action, like she always does--with cards, signs to hang up and colored balloons, etc. All of that was cute, but then I got out a cake pan that makes six little cakes and had this grand idea to make six little cakes with all different colors of frosting. Six is better than one, right?
Well, this is how it turned out:
And yes, thats Adam mixing all the colors for his cake! I think I've mentioned this before on this blog, but cake decorating is not one of my strengths.

I did hang this up on the wall and it looked as cute as I envisioned:

Prepare for a long political soapbox...

2008-10-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

Get ready for a lot of posts all at once! Things have been crazy busy around here lately---we had a blitz of doctor's appointments and things with PTO come all at once (t-shirt orders, red ribbon week, halloween carnival prep, etc....), not to mention the normal craziness of Aaron's extremely busy schedule with work, school and church responsibilities which equates to my craziness from time to time!
But, before I move on to the happenings of my lovely family, I must comment on politics---I have resisted for sooo long to post about it because I get so fired up! But, I can no longer hold it in......! There are too many opinions to put them all out there, but just for record's sake and a little humor, I will comment on our current political season. Plus, I want my children to remember that mom cared about current events, probably too much, but I care!
First, I will just put it out there, I plan on voting for John McCain, after reading a lot on voting records, watching the debates and simply thinking it through a lot. I am proud to say that I did not reach this decision merely by watching a panel of analysts on CNN or listening to Sean Hannity on the radio or reading just one article here or there. There are several things that I tend to agree a little more with Barack Obama on, but there are just some fundamental things that I disagree too strongly with him on to vote for him. So, here are my three main reasons for voting for McCain: (remember this is just for my own record's sake, I don't care if most of you have stopped reading by now!)
1-I love the idea of an across the board spending freeze and I really hope he sticks to his word on that. I won't go into my thoughts on how ridiculous it is how much money the government wastes!
2-I tend to trust his choices on who to appoint as Supreme Court justices more than Obama---I feel like Obama has a much greater chance of appointing someone with a political agenda that wouldn't align with my values and frankly the values of the majority of America.
3-I can't stomach that Obama can't stand up and say no, just flat out no to partial birth abortion. Obviously, I want NO completely to abortion at any stage, but his fumbling around the issue of partial birth abortion just angers me. He tries to make this giant loophole of "the health of the mother" sound normal, well you can call being overweight from the pregnancy a danger to your health. Life and death situation is a different scenario, but "health" of the mother--that vagueness equates to meaning anything someone wants it to mean. Which by the way, those life and death scenarios I mentioned hardly EVER happen.

Ok....take a deep breath, no more talk on that subject or I could go on way too long...With all of that said, there are some things that drive me crazy about McCain (remember I'm voting for him, so I have the right to also point out what I don't like). There are some details of big issues like health care and education that I don't like what he is proposing, but here are some ticky tac things that are bugging, just today:
Did anyone else notice last night on the debate how he went off on a tangent about finding a cure for Autism and said that this is something Sarah Palin struggles with, etc. (not an exact quote, but that general thought)---hello, Sarah Palin's baby has Down Syndrome, not Autism---big difference!
--Also, in the last two debates he does this random jig at the end because he doesn't know where to go--he looks like he's going to fall over and have a heart attack (another subject altogether!)---He flares his arms side to side while making funny, confused faces--it's just random and looks like he's had way too much coffee that day! If you see me, I will show you what I mean!
Ok, enough--if I've had enough by just typing, I'm sure anyone actually taking precious time to read this has had enough too! And if you're wondering when I have the time to go on and on with this soapbox---Julia and Jack are at school and Adam and Luke are asleep and I want a break from PTO stuff!
Take home message: Just make up your own mind & VOTE!!!

Four Months Old

2008-10-02T15:36:00.001-07:00

My sweet Luke, four months old today----I love your big, beaming, blue eyes. I love that you smile and laugh so much. I love that you sleep through the night! I love that you love to hear my voice. I love that you are so strong. I love that you are mellow among lots of silly ( & loud!) siblings. I love you!

Camera ready....

2008-10-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for Julia's camera perfect perma-grin because I sure can't count on that with the others--I never know what I'll get!

One & Only

2008-10-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

My visiting teacher saw this picture and she commented, "theres always one in every family..." One.....one firecracker, one with an iron will, one that answers everything with "Yea", one that never meets anyone without that person commenting on his eyelashes, one that can pull an all out fit and still melt your heart all in the same minute, one that can wear blue clues ears, green froggy boots and still pull off a cute outfit, theres only one Adam!

We wouldn't have it any other way---we love our Addie-boo!

attack of the bees!

2008-09-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

there is never a dull moment around here---last night the kids were playing outside and julia comes running in and screams, "the yellow jackets are attacking the boys!!!" jack was right behind her screaming at the top of his lungs and poor adam was just in a standstill on the grass hill with bees swarming all around him---aaron jetted out to adam while i was frantically trying to get all the freaky creatures off of jack--there were three still stuck to his head, which in turn made for more screaming as they flew around the house---for several minutes i'm pretty sure everyone in our house was screaming! so, after a lot of screaming and many tears--we realized that jack and adam had each been stung four times---it was not a fun two hours for that benadryl to really kick in! jack's poor ear was all red---but, they finally fell asleep and they seemed to be a lot better today, but i have declared it a stay inside day!

Apologies for tags & Why I love this season....

2008-09-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

First things first, I have not neglected checking everyone else's blogs on a daily basis, but I have neglected keeping my own up to date! I have had two different tags on my do to list, but I am just really bad at getting to those, so heres a summarized version:
1-the first one was for julia to answer questions about me & bless her sweet heart, all of her answers revolved around the theme that all i do and am good at is cooking and/or cleaning---little does she know that i hate to clean---well, actually i think shes picked up on that by now! anyway, i was kinda depressed by this and committed to finding opportunities to show her more of my talents and hobbies, etc. i won't bore you with details, but i have thought of a lot of ideas and i am excited to try to be better in this area.
2-the next tag was a lot about where i've been (travel) and where i'd rather be now---and my first response is, why would i rather be anywhere than grace, idaho???!!! just kidding, i love my home and i have enjoyed having more "at home" days lately. to sum up---places i've lived: long beach, california (unitl i was 12), draper, utah, nauvoo, il (for four months), provo & orem, utah, salt lake city, utah, lehi, utah and now grace, idaho----
places that i'd like to go: boston and surrounding area, back to new york--i still think about all the fun things i would love to still see and do there and any relaxing resort!

Now, on to why i love this season, fall time (it is already feeling very much like fall here, but no changing colors yet)
1-i love when it is just cool outside, just enough to feel crisp and clean air---also, because it's not hot---i don't like the heat...
2-love that life gets into more of a routine
3-love crock pot meals & soups---soup is my favorite dinner to make--i have lots of different recipes i love!
4-love cute sweaters & just all the fun clothes related to cooler weather---i feel more dressed up and put together in fall/winter clothes
5-we can get the kids to bed at a reasonable hour!

And now, here some of the latest pictures:Luke has graduated from the Boppy to the Bumbo! This is his first reaction to it--like what are you doing to me, mom, but he loves it now.

This little handsome guy has become my second skin in the last couple of weeks! He is also is the hording things around stage, he is usually carrying two to three small stuffed animals, a blanket and a sippy cup! He currently takes up the majority of my energy, but he also melts me with those eyes and eyelashes!
And look at these cute school kids! Julia latest thing is when I ask her something simple, she gives me this huge, long descriptive answer, like she wore a sweater the other day to school and i asked her if she got too hot in it and she said, "i wasn't hot, i was hotter than hot, like lava coming out of a volcano" and it went on longer than that! And then Jack piped in, "I wish I could be a volcano!"
The mornings continue to be long for poor Jack waiting and waiting for that darn bus! He continues to love school!

And I will leave you with this one last picture....I predict major payback for this when Luke gets a little older--the joys of older and creative siblings:

Back to School....

2008-08-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Julia woke up bright and early and was ready to go with her backpack looking bigger than her and looking absolutely darling!
I am a little nervous for her very long day---she leaves at 7:30 and gets home at 4:20---ridiculous 4 day school week! But, I know she will love it, she has a great teacher this year, Mr. Sotutu---I am so proud of her and am so excited for her to have a great 2nd grade year! I just love my sweet Julia!

It would be a major understatement to say that Jack was excited for school to start. He was showered, dressed and ready by 8:00---the bus wasn't coming to get him until 12:15!
He came downstairs, feeling like hot stuff and said, "are you ready to take my picture?"
So, there he was, waiting....
He would alternate looking at the side window, he sat on the front porch for over an hour waiting, we started taking silly pictures while we waited and he waited some more....

And then the time finally came---only ten more minutes until he was off into the big world of kindergarden---I of course frantically tried to make sure I had taught him everything he needed to know---you know the basics: use your good manners, raise your hand if you want to say something, don't tuck your shirt into your underwear, i love you and i'm so proud of you!
And he was off---just like that, no turning back, he's off! I love him so much! (and he looked so dang cute too!)Now to these two little guys wondering what's going on---Adam waved and said, "OOOOh, bye Gack" and of course he will be so excited to see his "Ju Ju" when she gets home.
Luke is just chillin wondering where all the noise has gone, he'll quickly remember that Adam makes enough noise for everyone!

this just makes me happy...

2008-08-12T18:53:00.001-07:00

Luke is becoming more and more smiley everyday---it's so cute! It definitely makes up for the fussy times---he's growing and changing everyday and we just love him!

2008-08-09T22:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know that I typically use my blog just for cute pictures of the kids, etc., but I cannot resist commenting on this! I saw this and I just laughed--why? Because how could it be possible that pegging your jeans could be cute again??--seriously, some things are meant to stay in the past, the junior high past! The most hilarious thing is that these jeans are said to be over $300 jeans---but, just think we could all join in the trend and just borrow our husband's jeans and peg the bottoms!
I told Aaron that I am so not ready to embrace this and he said he was and that he loved the days of pegged pants--so, if you see him at the next family party with pegged jeans, just remember he's being fashion forward!

2008-08-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I have to admit-I am not a summer person, I don't like the heat and I get really excited for fall this time of year. I took Julia and Jack school shopping yesterday and I have to say I still get really excited to buy school supplies, just like I did when I was little. It somehow brings me back to the days of walking to Target with my sister, Cricket, with two dollars and buying spiral notebooks and pens and then a soft pretzel for lunch---back then you could buy all that for $2!
So, we got all their stuff, some really cute clothes (another thing that I get more excited about than they do!) and we went to see Kung Fu Panda and out to pizza. It was really fun to have a day with just Julia and Jack and just be able to hang out with them and joke around with all their silliness. Thanks to Aaron for staying home with Adam and Luke.
Then today we had Aaron's work party & I can only explain this annual event as a kid's dream come true. There is unlimited snow cones, cotton candy, ice cream truck with all different kids of ice cream treats, games, etc. I loved watching Jack go on the rock wall in making it look effortless for a five year old and Adam go flying down the huge blow up slide without blinking an eye and Julia was so good to keep up with Adam and Luke was happily asleep for this whole event!

2008-08-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

It was so much fun to have family come up for Luke's blessing. The kids had a blast playing with cousins and it was just so fun to hang out, eat and talk with everyone. Luke is such a great little guy and it's so much fun to see him smiling and making fun little baby noises!

The Caribou County Fair is the huge event for the first week of August every year here in Grace. Well, Julia and Jack wanted to ride their bikes in the kids' parade really bad. So, I got them a bag of candy to throw out to people and we got there all ready to go and the funniest part of it is that I'm pretty sure every child in Grace is in the parade, leaving only a few people to actual watch the parade! The whole thing is only about 3 floats and then just a bunch of kids on bikes and scooters!

more pictures!

2008-07-20T21:01:00.000-07:00

more to come...

2008-07-17T22:49:00.000-07:00

we got our pictures taken a couple of weeks ago at gardner village. they are supposed to be ready soon, but this one of julia was on her website today---cute! i'm excited to see the rest!

2008-07-11T20:51:00.000-07:00

ok, this is how you should not spend your summer--watching tv with a bag of tortilla chips at your side! but, in fairness we have done some fun things this summer. our big outing everyday is the school lunch here in grace and it sounds ridiculous, but it is a big outing to get all the kids ready and in the car by 11:30 and head out---i actually like having that little deadline for myself. aaron has done tons of campouts with the kids and is sleeping out on the trampoline with them (minus luke of course) right now and actually adam usually gets carried in around 11:00. we've had lots of fun family parties. and the reason i am speaking in past tense is because i suddenly feel like summer is almost over, but i guess it's just half way over---so, heres to a great second half of summer---(maybe the second half is when i will magically get all those summer projects done!---or maybe i will end up being the one laying on the ground watching tv with tortilla chips at my side!)

updated picture of cute Luke:

2008-06-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I felt like I got nothing done, was overwhelmed with every task and so tired, but at the end of the day I had to congratulate myself on one great accomplishment---I captured Luke's first smile with this picture! He went on to smile a lot last night---it was really cute. So, the laundry remains undone and I am currently in the same pajamas that I was wearing yesterday, but by golly after almost four weeks of sleepless nights and long days, I got my baby to smile for the camera!
Now, for this baby---Adam has a new found interest in a sucking on a binky and swinging in a baby swing---imagine that! He is being hilarious and I can deal with his fits because he is so dang cute & funny!
And one more birthday to document, our Julia is 7! She had a fun birthday at the Fun Park in Logan with rollerskating (well, she had rollerskates on and held on to the side the whole time!) and fun games and presents! On her actual birthday we had another makeshift party--I put the cake in and we forgot to take it out, so Julia was so sad that her strawberry cake was now chocolate---burnt! Thankfully I had a brownie mix as a backup!

Happy Birthday to Aaron!

2008-06-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

So, I am someone that takes at least a month to even catch my breath from having a baby, let alone "bounce back", whatever the heck that means, but people love to say it! I think a more accurate description of how I feel would be that I am currently being tossed around and maybe eventually will bounce back----back to whatever the new normal will be. But, I have managed to get little things accomplished today, but every night around this time I think---do I relax or do I try to get something done while Luke is sleeping, the kids are occupied and I have a couple of hours before I tackle getting them to bed---I think tonight I will relax!
Today is Aaron's birthday--Happy Birthday! I know it's all relative and 32 is actually really young, but dang it is sounding very grown up to me! 32, four kids, tripping over toys on the ground, cringing when we see crayon colored on the wall, you know the norm----these are all the things that we are supposed to enjoy now because we will miss them later!
The kids and I did a little makeshift birthday party for Aaron, I wish I could've done more, but I was actually proud that I made a cake, rather than just buy the pre-made hostess cupcakes (which I was tempted to do!) and we were able to get him some of his favorite treats, a couple of shirts and a couple of books. Even though this birthday is boring with long hours at work, trying to catch up on sleep (for both of us!), I hope he has had a great day---he deserves it!
Here are some cute updated pictures of baby Luke:

I am already so smitten with how cute he is!
He is growing fast---at his two week appt. he had grown an inch and was up to 9lb 7 oz!

Introducing....

2008-06-08T16:12:00.001-07:00

Here is our handsome baby boy, Luke Newel Chambers:

The week started off like this:
Then after a blur of events, this happened:

*The nurses set him there to run a little test on him, so thats why he's there and not in my arms, but this picture cracks me up, like a little foreshadowing of the next chapter of my life!*

The kids instantly loved Luke, Adam loves him a distant kind of a way! But, Julia and Jack are very hands on!
Luke was a healthy 8 lb 14 oz and 20 1/2 inches long, even at two weeks early! He is doing great, however he is jaundice, so since we came home, we haven't really been able to stay home, which put a huge damper on my plans to stay in pajamas for at least a week! We've had to take him every day back to the doctor to get blood drawn to test his levels, which brings me to my love hate relationship with this contraption that he has to lay on all the time other than eating and diaper changes:
I'm glad it is helping get rid of the jaundice, but I am so sick of it! We are hoping that tomorrow his level will be down enough to say goodbye to this for good!
We've had a few different people ask about his middle name, Newel, it's my great grandpa's name---I will try to scan a cute picture I have of me and him when I was little. I am excited to have a child named after him, he was such a kind person and growing up I was always really intrigued with his life, I always wanted to know more.
Anyway, what a week! I am hoping to have that pajama week this week!

the difference between boys and girls...

2008-05-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

so, two nights ago aaron and i decided to go into the hospital because my contractions had been regular for several hours and they increased to five minutes apart for a couple of hours. well, long story short we stayed at the hospital for three hours and the contractions were 2-4 minutes apart the whole time, but they weren't helping me dilate any more than i already was, so i guess they were just for fun---how fun!

so, anyway during this time we had to have a nice neighbor come and sit over night with the sleeping kids. so, after being home for 10-15 minutes and Jack says, "so, did the doctor get the baby out or not?"
he cracks me up---so simplistic! i guess he didn't think through the fact that we would probably have a baby with us if i had had him and i would hope to look a little different myself!

well, when julia got home from school it was a different story---she came through the door, shouting out, "where's the baby?" all excited! i had to dash her high hopes and tell her he didn't come yet, and she got really upset and said she wanted the baby now!
don't we all!