my cuties

Yes, I let them run around like little rag-a-muffins most of the time but they are still pretty cute to me.

while josh was in hong kong

Beck came to play, more like work.  I was supposed to be out visiting her, but alas, the trip was trumped for China.  Kids were sick most of the week (like deep suctioned, breathing treatments etc).  We did sneak in a few activities before we knew how sick they were.  Clara did her first scripture in church, she was so brave!  I had to snap a picture for Josh. We also went to Temple square.  It  has great museums to check out that are free, and child friendly.  We loved it. Josh's business trip to Hong Kong went well.  Noah just made it into the Chinese immersion program so hopefully in a few years will have some fluent speakers of our own to help us out while traveling. Our first visit to China was in 07. I was pregnant with Clara and missed Noah so desperately I didn't think we would ever go back!  

we are pbs kids

K-BYU sponsored an awesome kids concert and activities for Dr. Seuss's birthday.  Steve songs are enjoyable for the whole family.  His music is fun, teaches great concepts, without the "kids will only like me if I'm crazy and over-the-top".  I had my hands full with just me the littles, but definitely worth the trip.  He let all the kids come on stage and sing with him and then stayed after to meet everyone.  Now when the kids see him on T.V.  , they are pumped.

confessions of a mommy blogger

There seems to be this interest & mystique into the lifestyle blogs of many of the Mormon mom bloggers.  I find myself intrigued & inspired by some of them.  It seems many of us share a love of creating happiness and beauty for family,  our home, and ourselves.  I follow and make ideas from pinterest.  I like a theme to parties. I hang banners, and buntings.  I like it when all the children are dressed in outfits of my choosing with their hair done.  I like decorating seasonally.  I love doing projects with my kids. I love cooking healthy for my family. I love taking little adventures, reading nightly, singing silly songs, dancing together in the family room.  Those are real, wonderful moments that I love. Yet there is the reality of some of my days which are not usually reflected in many blogs.  Since my blog is used mainly for my own family's history. I thought I would make sure to include some of the real moments that are a little less glamorous.  I pick my battles and usually the kids wear what they want (Logo T-shirts, pajamas and sweats).  I've served many a meal without a veggie (just mac and cheese, or quesadillas). I referee fights while nursing and bouncing my toddler on my foot playing horsey.  I pray every night that my children will recognize that choosing the right will make them happy.  Sometimes I wish we didn't have ipads, iphones etc. and other days I am so grateful for them.  I've endured trips (just today)  carrying the infant carseat/with baby, diaper bag, screaming toddler all in my arms, with my three and six year old holding on crying (because they are cold and want to be held as well)  as we walk through the snow to the mini van parked ridiculously far away.  I have little to no privacy.  I never knew how much I would worry about my children's struggles and trials. I can miss their childhood in the same moment I can't wait until they're a bit more independent.  I'm exhausted physically and emotionally.  I can count the number of a full night's rest  in the last five years on my fingers.  I am so INCREDIBLY grateful for my children.  Sharing these less then stellar moment I hope doesn't make me feel ungrateful. It is just a recognition of the difficulty of this time with four young children.  I have learned to be less judgemental.  I've learned that accepting help from others is a blessing. I'm learning there is a time for every season.  I'm learning that you can never stop learning patience.  I'm trying to love first.  That's hard when toothpaste is smeared all over door (trying to help make it sparkle), they've fed the dog by dumping the food all over newly cleaned carpet, a cushion with a hole has become a "snow-maker".  Someone just mentioned that it is much easier to be a bad parent and much harder to be a good parent.  I hope that holds true.  So if you want a glimpse into our  everyday reality, here goes...

ballerina girl, you are so lovely

Clara started a pre-ballet, tap class this week.  Naming her Clara after my love of ballet I secretly acknowledge a little hope that she may share my love one day.  She loves reading Angelina Ballerina, and has been asking to go to dance for a while. I held out signing her up as a motivating factor to stop the multiple meltdowns.  The time seemed right and a friend from church started as well.  She is SO sweet about it.  SO excited.  SO serious.  She has taught us several of Miss Sally's steps.  Is there anything sweeter then little girls in buns and leotards holding hands skipping in a circle.  Tap was her surprise favorite...I blame those clackety shoes ;). And so begins the years of driving to class, rehearsals, expensive costumes and performances. I can't wait.

go mighty cougars

Cousins, maybe one day they will all be at BYU together.

3 of the 5 Sanders brothers, the side profiles really show  the resemblence.

tired, hungry, and mostly happy

Last weekend was packed with fun, family activities.  Carson's baptism was the greatest highlight. We also got to go to a BYU basketball game with the Sanders crew, visit Josh's dad at the shop and then to Springville for more Stika visiting, and Lissy's for Sunday dinner.  Ben slept in the Bjorn most of the game.  Noah was pumped and so cute cheering along.  Clara was a bit nervous at first but once her buddy Summer was there she was super happy.  Rowan would only sit long enough to eat candy. Poor Josh was running around moving the car to the right parking lot, and chasing Rowan, I hope he enjoyed some of the game.  We left a little early, but I think we even won the game. 

the hair cut :(

While waiting for Josh and I to load Ben/Rowan, get Scout water, grab cell phones etc.  Noah decided to give Clara a hair cut in the car.  I would love to say I played it cool but I was devastated. I cried.  The week had already been a challenging one so this just was icing on the cake. I had also just trimmed her hair less then a week ago and it was the beautiful, all one length, early Nicole Kidman, soft curl, mane. We drove directly to Cookie Cutters where they squeezed us right in. I thought for sure we would be losing all the length for a short boy cut, but they just cut about 3 in of length and layered throughout.  If she doesn't have a clip in, it has a bit of mullet look, but not bad considering.  Clara loved the experience (I don't think she even minded Noah's cut too much).  She keeps asking if she can go back to get her hair cut.  My favorite comment later in the night was from Clara, "wasn't the girl from cookie cutters so talented?" and yes, she was!

**a silver lining---brushing and doing her hair has more of a fun experience then traumatic one.

planet of the...

President's weekend we were lucky to host Kris, Justin, Diana, and Ella.  The kids had so much fun together.  I wish I got more (err, any) pictures of our buddies.  I always enjoy visiting with Kris and prying her on all her Mommy wisdom.  These pictures were taken at an outing at the Hansen Planetarium in SLC.

ol' man winter...

finally came to play.  We went sledding as a family on Presidents day and few other times recently.  It's actually been fun to have a little snow. Aunt Liz knitted that darling hat for Rowan, it fits Ben as well, and he looked so darling for taking Noah to the bus stop I couldn't resist sharing.