No More Germs. . .

It seems like our family spent the bulk of January being sick. I think I started the trend around New Years. My bout lasted about 10 days before I was feeling better. Then baby Kate got pretty sick--throw up, fevers, two ear infections, asthma, cold, coughs, etc. Finally when she started to act better, Abby and Mason too their turn. As they got better, Emma Claire and Taylor got sick with the same yucky stuff. Then, poor Kate got hit again and is finally getting over her illness.

The breathing treatment machine has been running nonstop for a month, the cool-mist humidifier has been turned on every night for over 4 weeks, rotating the kids bedrooms according to whoever needs it most, and I have had more sleepless nights, doctor appointments, more wiping noses, and cleaning up throw-up than I can count. Do I dare hope that we're out of it for a while?

I'm crossing my fingers.

Out of all the children, Kate has definitely been the sickest, and the most worrisome because she's still so young. Three years ago when Andersen was a few months old, we ended up checking him into the hospital for 5 days after an ER visit because where he was diagnosed with RSV.

We were blessed that Kate didn't get that sick. She got pretty accustom to getting breathing treatments every 3 hours.

Through all of this, I have gained more appreciation for a generally healthy body. What an amazing creation.

T-I-M-E

My family got a "gaming" computer for Christmas from a family member (an old laptop full of hundreds of games for all ages). A few of our children don't enjoy sitting for very long and staring at a screen. Other children could sit and play for hours on end without realizing it. With this new computer, we've had a few opportunities to visit with our children about what's appropriate with regard to playing games. The principle we have focused on is how we spend our time.

As always, I was impressed with John's way of teaching the children. He's so good at helping the kids "want" to do the right thing. A few rules were established: (1) always play with another sibling (never play alone), and (2) play only after other more important things have been done-- household responsibilities, school responsibilities, physical exercise, spiritual exercise (studying scriptures), some kind of service, and spending time developing a talent.

Not surprisingly, there's not much time left to play games after completing all those other responsibilities. Mission accomplished! I'm happy to say that the gaming computer hasn't been an issue.

Here are a few great quotes about the topic:

"Another way to spell 'love' is 'T-I-M-E'."

"Every day, every hour, every minute of your span of mortal years must sometime be accounted for".

"Your time in this mortal life is a proving ground. How well you meet its challenges determines how strong your character will be."

"This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God."

"You can tell a man's character by observing how he spends his time."

I'm always wishing there were a few more hours each day to finish all the to-do's, and a few more hours each night to catch up on sleep that doesn't usually happen because I'm burning the candle at both ends. Regardless of what I do each day, there are only 24 hours. I'm the one who decides how I spend it, and I'm responsible for every minute of it. I can't ask for more time, and I can't redo how I've spent past times.

One last quote:

"We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day."

So how am I spending my time each day?

Something to think about. . .

Six Children

I've had 7 months to get used to the idea of having six children. Wherever I go, I get comments. Some people think John and I are crazy, others share their admiration in our efforts of raising a large family, then there's those who think we're doing the world a disservice. At Disneyland last Fall, we got all kinds of comments and looks. (Of course, all wearing bright red shirts made us stand out a little). Some people we passed would visibly point and count the numbers.

I love John's comment to someone once. With a smile, he said "we're only half way to our dozen". (Yea right!) But it let that person know that we love being parents and are happy with our family. Regardless of what people think, we couldn't be happier.

Even if it means that we have to drive a big 12-passenger van to fit everyone. (No, we don't have a van right now, but my kids think it would be awesome to get a van and spread out a little). Even if it means that three boys "get" to share a bedroom. Even if it means that we're not saving nearly as much as we could otherwise. Even if it means that most of the time, we don't get to do "our own thing" because family responsibilities take precedence.

We couldn't be happier. Really!

6 Months Old

Today Baby Kate went in for her 6-month wellchild check-up. Besides a few tears from shots, everything went well.

One my my favorite things about going to the dr. with my new babies is to find out how they are growing. So, for the record:

Kate's weight is 18.6 ounces; 85th percentile.

Her height is at the 90th percentile.

So far, she's a very chubby but proportionate little thing.

Then I find out that her head is. . . .totally and completely OFF the charts. If the percentiles kept going, it would put her around the 140th percentile.

Wow! We've got a BIG noggined little girl.

I remember as a new and young mother, being a little bothered and offended when people would mention that our second baby, Mason, had a huge head, even though it was VERY true. Then there was Andersen, with yet another HUGE head.

I've since lost my sensitivity-and it's a good thing. John and I just have big headed children.

All the more to love, I guess. And lots more room for big brains too.

Sweet Kate!

Homemade Turkey Trot

Mesa holds a 10K Turkey Trot every Thanksgiving morning. Three years ago, I and a few inlaws wanted to run in the race but were opposed to paying the registration fee, didn't want to deal with the crowds and parking, and weren't sure what to do with our children while we ran the race.

So John and I decided to hold our own LeSueur Turkey Trot. The race started at our home and jogged through a few parks, around a nice lake, and back home through different neighborhoods. Double joggers, bikes, and scooters were all allowed. It turned out so fun, we decided to make it a Thanksgiving tradition.

This past Thanksgiving marked our third LeSueur Turkey Trot. We had close to 40 people race, including a special guest, Mr. Turkey (my super awesome brother Neil). If the turkey beat any of the runners, then they got "gobbled".

Good times, good company, good memories, and great exercise!

November

The month of November is and has always been my favorite month of the year.

As a child, it was the favorite because it is my birthday month. But now, turning one year older isn't such a big deal anymore. November is still my favorite though. I love the cooler evenings and mornings it brings with it (living in the heat of AZ, we're still in shorts and tee shirts on Halloween. . . ), the beautiful winter lawns, the orange trees finally showing their fruit, and sweatshirts.

I also like November because it's one of the few holidays that haven't lost it's true meaning through commercialism. Christmas is flooded with themes of Santa and gifts instead of the birth of Christ, Easter is filled with baskets and bunnies instead of thoughts of the Resurrection. But Thanksgiving is about being with families, remembering that first meal years ago, and just being thankful.

My favorite part of November though is that it tends to bring a general change in attitude, an excitement and anticipation for the holidays, and an overall love and appreciation for my family and friends. November has always brought me an increased sense of gratitude.

Here's a few quotes from Pres. Monson in last month's General Conference:

• Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God's love.
• A prayerful life is the key to possessing gratitude.
• Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place.
• Often we feel grateful and intend to express our thanks but forget to do so or just don't get around to it. Some one has said that 'feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.'

The last quote has been on my mind since General Conference, and probably because I'm one of those who feel like I have a grateful heart--I 'intend' to say thank-you but don't get around to doing it. . . Especially to those who deserve it most, like my children and husband.

My goal for this next year of my life is to not only be grateful, but to EXPRESS my gratefulness. Because that's truly how to have an attitude of gratitude.

No More Size 4

After a few months of him begging to wear big-boy underwear, I finally felt "ready" to do the job. With two days and a bit of motivation, Buster is a big boy now! You might ask, what was the motivation?




We tried candy, soda pop, stickers, etc. . . But what did the trick was Woodie underwear. The funny thing is, he is determined to wear it backwards so he can see the picture. Who cares how it fits, right?


It's nice to be back to just one in diapers!