Happy 2012!

What a wonderful time of year. Fresh from the holidays, eating too much, playing games and spending lots of family time. It was fun, but I'm so glad to get back to the routine. No more birthdays for a while, no more stressing about gifts, parties, hosting, making food etc. whew! Our Christmas was nice, simple but good. My favorite moment was when I looked over amidst the wrapping paper mess to see Gabriel and Spencer laying together on their new pillow pet knock-offs sucking their thumbs and looking as if they wanted nothing else in life. It was sweet. The ward choir put on a really beautiful program about Christ that made me really appreciate the true meaning of Christmas, away from all the presents and stuff. Chris is still working hard at his calling as bishop, and I'm still the gospel doctrine teacher. I guess no one has gotten too offended by my teaching- yet. Life is good.

And we're back!

Um, is it really August 31? I am still in shock. Summer is over, school has been back in for over a week now and time is really no longer my own. Really. I had a few extra minutes tonight (I am sure I am neglecting something, just can't remember what) and decided to blog a bit. I am taking 12 credits this semester, applying to the BSN program that starts in January, canning like crazy, (see above photo- I picked all that YESTERDAY from our garden.) homeschooling Conner and Jackson with the help of K12, and trying to be a good mommy to all eight kids in the process. It is hard. For the first time in my life, I truly understand why people sometimes wish for more time in the day. I just don't have enough to get it ALL done. Every time I sit down, my mind is flooded with 10 things I could/should be doing at the moment. Overscheduled? Nah. Just call me every once in a while so I remember my name, ok?

Fun summer pictures

 

I haven't had my big camera out in a while (although I do love my iphone for quick, spontaneous snaps!) so I got it out tonight. I didn't change clothes on the kids, no energy for that. This is just a snapshot of a summer evening in my yard. I love it. Oh, and Alex and Benson were swimming at a friends house so they aren't in any of these.

Gabriel

 

My baby Gabie, he is on the go so much lately! When I took them out for pictures tonight, these are the best ones I could get because he does not hold still now that he is walking all over the place! I can't believe I got this many, actually! What a cutie though, a few months we wondered if he might be retarded because he was so calm and easy going. Now, he is full of personality and life! It is amazing to watch them grow into little people from tiny babies.

The many faces of Spencer

 

He will be 16 months old on the 25th. Sniff sniff, my babies are growing up really at the speed of light.

Catching up

Things are going well for us, Chris still has a job, (unlike so many good people these days) we still have a home to live in, and no one has died or gotten seriously hurt. We are great! The babies are getting very mobile. Climbing stairs, playing in toilets, etc. Love this shot, Gabe crawled under the cupboard and got stuck. Spencer was just munching on raw potatoes. That's healthy, right?

 

Among the highlights lately:

Benson has learned how to write his name, almost.

Susanna has graduated from Kindergarten. I have never seen any of my kids so excited about anything! The other morning she missed the bus, and instead of being like all of her brothers and saying "oh well, can I stay home and play Wii now?" She bawled for half an hour because she didn't want to miss school. Some days I wish I could give her away because she has so much attitude and spunk, and other days I wish I could clone her because she is so amazingly smart and everyone loves her.

Gabriel is starting to take steps, and is doing pretty well. Never mind that they are 15 months old now. I have heard that crawling for longer means that they will be smarter. I must have little Einsteins on my hands then! All of my kids were late walkers though, so I am not too worried- yet. Spencer refuses to even stand up when I want him to walk, mr. jello legs. I know he can though, he does it when he is playing with something and forgets I am watching. Stinker just wants to stay the baby.

We got our garden planted a bit earlier this year, hopefully that is a good thing. We have had some wild weather with tons of rain and even hail at times. Thankfully no freezes so all the plants seem to be doing well still. Chris is excited to have me can all the produce I am able. Me, not so much. I do like eating it though, and it is a good thing to learn.

Conner, Jackson and Bryce are all doing great and will be in 7th, 6th, and 3rd grades respectively. Alex and Benson have "graduated" preschool but aren't old enough to be in Kindergarten next fall so will repeat it. Benson will be bummed because he told me today: "Tomorrow I am going to Kindergarten!" They are definitely smart enough, Alex will be teaching the class next year. Hehe

Everything else is just as usual. We are getting ready for some lazier days and less time spent in "double big" driving back and forth to school. Hope to make some fun trips and spend a lot more time at home enjoying one another.