Hike the Y!

I can’t tell you how grateful I am that our boys don’t play football!

I am a sports nut. In particular I am a college football nut. We love to watch our BYU cougars (don’t mention last weekend!) each Saturday through the fall. We follow the Tennessee Volunteers, the MTSU Blue Raiders, Oregon, Oregon State, Boise State and Utah (in hopes that the Utes lose!) on a weekly basis. Taylor, Parker and I can turn on a game and instantly become rabid fans of the underdog, pinning our happiness over the next 3 hours to the fortunes of some college kids we’ve never met. Indeed, we LOVE college football around here.

We also love sports in general around here. I have coached the boys in basketball since they were 5 and 6 and in baseball for the last three years. I love it! They love it! But when baseball season ends in July, oh how grateful I am that our boys don’t play football☺ We need the break. So from July through November, we have no sports. Our family schedules all kinds of vacations, hikes, camping, cruises (ok…cruise…singular…once), reunions, you get the idea, during these months. I have at least four of these activities to blog about. I’ll start today with a family hike 3 weekends ago…

As I mentioned above, we are big BYU fans. As some of you may know, BYU is nestled in beautiful Utah Valley in Provo, UT. It sits at the base of Y mountain, which has a huge, white block “Y” half way to the summit. This Y is visible for miles around. (In fact, you can see it from Herriman, where we live, about 40 miles away.) It is 380 feet high and 130 feet wide. It is the biggest college symbol in the US and is bigger than the letters in the Hollywood sign in California. You can get a feel for the size of the Y from this picture. You can see several people hiking on it.


At the base of Y mountain is a trailhead which leads to the Y. It is a steep 1.25 mile hike up. I’ve been wanting to take the boys to the Y for quite some time. In fact, I’d eventually like to hike with them to the top of the mountain. But since I already do a couple of big camping activities each year with just Taylor and Parker, I thought this could be a family activity. Elli obviously couldn’t go, but I thought the other kids could at least give it a shot. Christi was originally going to come, but didn’t feel up to it that day, so she stayed with Elli.

Taylor, Parker, Jesi, Graci, Xander and I attacked the mountain on August 28th. Here’s a picture of the kids before setting off. If you look carefully, you can see the Y on the mountainside way above them. It is just a flat white spot close to the base of the rock outcroppings towards the top of the mountain and is centered in the picture. It helps to double click the picture to enlarge it.


The trail has about 11 switchbacks. Each switchback has a place to rest and look out over Utah Valley and Utah lake below. The kids loved stopping at the resting points and taking pictures. They also loved taking turns being the leader on each switchback. Everyone else had to stay behind the leader, who would announce as soon as they saw the sign indicating the end of the switchback we were on and the beginning of the next one. It was really cute.











On the second to last switchback, we had a great view of the Y from below.



As I mentioned before, this is a really steep hike that never really lets up. It’s not very long, but there are virtually no flat areas, so you’re climbing the entire time. I was really impressed with all of the kids, but especially with Graci. She paced herself and was able to hike almost the entire way. I piggy-backed her for a short spell, but other than that, she made the entire climb herself. (This hike did convince her that she did not, in fact, want to accompany us on our annual Lone Peak hike the next weekend☺.) Jesi also did very well, although I must say I don’t think she would have made it if Taylor hadn’t carried her for about ¼ of a mile. Go Taylor!!! Parker was a complete wimp and was actually in tears at one point, saying he couldn’t go on.




OK, I just made that up about Parker because I know it will mortify him when he reads it tomorrow. Love you, Park☺. As you can see above, Parker actually carried Xander part of the way up!

Here are a few shots at the top:




It was a great family experience. I feel so blessed to have kids who love each other so much. Taylor carried both Xander and Jesi at different times on the way up. Parker carried Xander. Everyone supported and encouraged Graci when she struggled. They are truly amazing. I hope that activities like this will cement the bonds they are forging and help them stay close throughout their lives.

At one point in my life, I wanted to be the President of the United States. Now, I just want to be a dad. There is no better calling☺.

Jer

School pics

All the kids are now in school. It's always sad to me when the summer is over and I have to give up time with them. I think I had a tougher time with Jessica starting full-day than with Xander and Elli starting kindergarten. Though I'd rather have my kids home, I will readily admit that I have enjoyed my first week of having 2 1/2 hours by myself each afternoon! I hardly know what to do with myself... HA! Just kidding. I have a thousand and one things to do, and what did I do on my first day alone? I spent an hour or so browsing the internet while eating my lunch, took a long bath with my magazine and folded ONE measly load of laundry. What happened to all those things on my list????

This week I'm going to be better and be super wise with my time-- that's the goal, at least!

All the kids except Elli go to the same school. It's a wonderful charter school and we feel so blessed to have them there. Elli just started a new school for kids with special needs. It is a brand new, state-of-the-art school. It has different sensory rooms and even has a swimming pool that they keep very warm. Kindergartners go swimming once a week, and older grades go even more often. Such great therapy for these kiddos. So glad this year for great teachers and fabulous schools!

Here are some pictures of the kids on their first and second days of school (again, my strap was in the way and cast a shadow--oops.) Oh, and I should point out that X always does his own hair-- he's very independent about it-- and does a great job!

-Christianne

Happy Birthday. Elli Mei!!

My darling little girl,

Today you turned SIX! I can hardly believe it! It seems so recently that you were placed in our arms for the first time, and yet it has been three and a half years. You have grown up so much since that day and turned into such a beautiful little girl. Elli, you bring such joy into our home. You have changed us all in ways that we are so grateful for. You have fostered gratitude, patience, and Christlike love in our home. You have been an example of purity and strength. You have brought out the best in each one of us, and attract goodness wherever you go.

I was trying to describe to someone what you are like to me, and the only word I could find was "oxygen." Sounds kind of corny, but I have to breathe you every day, and you keep my spirit alive.

Some of your current loves include chocolate chip granola bars, dried mangoes, jerky, peanuts, curry, pumpkin chocolate chip bread, papaya salad, breadsticks from Little Ceasars, and basically anything including chocolate (a girl after my own heart.) You love music and can pick out a few songs on the piano. You have learned how to tune in your radio and can often be found in your bedroom listening to some random station. You are on your fourth day of kindergarten and seem to like it more each day. You scream at the top of your lungs to get my attention, and as soon as I come in the room you change to your "sweet voice" and ask me for food. (: You can do somersaults and back rolls, jump on the tramp, and navigate the stairs at our house with ease. You know the words to over 100 songs and make us so happy when you sing. You are developing a sense of humor and often substitute the words "chocolate balls" for other words in a song-- ie. "twinkle, twinkle little chocolate balls." You make us laugh, you make us cry. Some of our greatest frustrations and our greatest joys have been found in you. You have blessed our lives in tremendous ways.

When Parker first met you, he was your age! Within minutes of knowing you, he said, "If you could catch blindness, I would still want Elli." The most profound declaration of love I have ever heard.

I'm pretty sure that's how we all now feel about you.

We love you, our sweet six-year-old. Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mom

PS. Thanks for the nice "birthday present" you just left me in the bathtub. Wow. The smell is just awesome. I think it's going to take me at least an hour to clean it up. It just had to be on a day where ALL of the bath toys were in the tub. And on a day when I had actually showered and put cute clothes on. Very clever for doing it on your birthday so I couldn't get too upset... (:


Here are a few pictures of Elli taken today... not sure what was up with the shadows. Wish I were a professional! Oh, and also a very happy birthday to Grandma Larsen-- we love you!

Panic

It started last week when I took Jesi on her Mommy Date. We rented a movie from Redbox, went to dinner, and then went to Kohl’s to exchange sizes on a cute birthday gift she’d been given. While in Kohl’s, my eyes wandered over to the little girls’ section, and I thought, “Oh, I want to buy something for Lexi and Sophi!” I haven’t as yet purchased anything for either of them. I think in the back of my mind I had just kept thinking that we have most things we’ll need, since we’ve already had girls their sizes.

As I looked around trying to decide what to get, I all of a sudden began to panic. I was realizing that I am completely unprepared for these two sweet girls! Yes, I do have a few hand-me-downs left for Sophi, though we have given away most clothes in her size, and Lexi will be the same size as Elli—but that doesn’t mean that we are at all ready! Jammies, jackets, coats, shoes, socks, shirts, pants, dresses, bedding, diapers, strollers, toys, AGH… I left Kohl’s feeling very overwhelmed and carrying one jacket and one outfit. (And also wondering, by the way, if I should be cutting out the sleeves and sewing them shut for Sophi to keep her warm in the winter-- any thoughts?)

Since that night I have awoken every day in a state of panic. Seriously, my heart at times begins to beat out of my chest. I think that I had just been so excited to hold my newest little girls that I hadn’t really faced reality.

Don’t worry—I am facing it now.

I am going through all the things that I need to do before we travel to China. I am thinking of all the deep cleaning that I should do to get ready. I am thinking of all the things that I need to purchase and the money it will cost. I am realizing that we need to really get hunting for our 12-15 passenger van. I am trying to figure out where to put everyone and where to hang everyone’s clothes and how to make it all work. I am contemplating all of the medical appointments and adjusting and sleeplessness that we will soon be facing. I am coming to grips with the fact that Christmas is coming soon and that I need to get my shopping done before China. And that I will be shopping for EIGHT kids.

I am feeling like I need to throw-up.

So it came as a sweet and much needed surprise when my sweet neighbor called today and asked if she could give me a shower for our newest additions! Somehow it seemed to take a huge load off my chest—just knowing that there are friends out there willing to help and support and celebrate with us. I mean, of course I knew that—I have the sweetest friends and family—but it just reminded me of it at the perfect time. And it makes me so excited to think of having a few new things to dress the girlies in without the guilt of spending money while trying to get a new (used) van and contemplating travel expenses.

So, today I just wanted to express my gratitude for thoughtful friends and a loving Heavenly Father who reminded me that I’m not in this alone.

I will try not to panic anymore…

Deep breath…

Some Random Thoughts...

YOU'RE WELCOME...

So you all are going to owe me one after today's post. Why? Because I'm going to give you the recipe for Taco Soup! This is the easiest dinner you've ever made, and yet it tastes like you put quite a bit of time into a delicious meal. This dinner is so easy, I can make it!!!

1 can of corn
1 can of beans (kidney or white northern)
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 large can of chicken
1 packet of taco seasoning
Put all of the ingredients into a large pot. (This includes the liquid from each can of food--do not drain them). Add one can full of water. Stir and heat until hot. Serve with grated cheese and tortilla chips.

Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Enjoy!!!

RECYCLING...

As I was making the taco soup for dinner tonight, I put all of the can lids into the empty cans, squeezed the cans closed (so the lids can't come out and so the cans take up less space in the garbage). I asked Christi, "Do you ever feel guilty for not cleaning out the cans, taking of the paper labels, flattening them and putting them in the recycling bin?" "No," she answered, "but I do think of your dad every time I put them in the garbage." I had to laugh, because I, too, think of my dad every time I do not recycle something that could be recycled. My dad is perhaps the world's best recycler. He meticulously prepares items for the recycling bin with more love and effort than anyone else I know. In the days when you had to separate your cardboard from your plastic from you metal, no one had a more organized system for doing so than Allen Green. Thanks for your great example, Dad. Someday I may follow it. For now, Christi and I just feel good that the kids were fed tonight:)

JESSICA...

Queen of the pouters. The Guilt Trip princess. It's not fair! Wow does our little blondie love to speak her mind. This afternoon, Christi and I took a LONG Sunday nap. It felt great. At about 5:45, four of the kids came in and: showered us with their love/attacked us with knees and elbows digging in to various body parts. (Sometimes we wonder how we're going to survive all of the love we receive from EIGHT children:) After enjoying a quarter of an hour of love from our kids, we asked them to go out for a few minutes and let us finish a conversation we were having. Graci, Parker and Xander obediently left the room. Little Miss Independent gave us her, "I'm very upset with you" look. She folded her arms, put on her pouty face, and said "It's not very fair! You and Daddy have a lot of alone time! It makes me feel like you don't love me!" Then she put her arms down at her sides and gave us her mad face. I wish I had a picture or, better yet, video of her mad face. In fact, one of these days, I may purposely aggravate her and have Christi standing by with the camcorder:) Anyway, she has the most hilarious "mad face" of all time. And she threatens you with it, as in, "If you don't do it my way, I'll show you my mad face!" We try to help her preserve her dignity by not cracking up in hysterics when she puts it on display:)

THANKS, T...

Taylor: "Dad, do you have a widow's peak?"
Me: "No, Tay, I don't think I do."
Taylor: "Oh. I just thought maybe you did."

ORPHANS

We are almost finished with Anne of Green Gables. We have one more chapter to read. The last portion of the book has made me feel particularly endeared to our sweet little Graci, who, despite her jet-black hair, has much in common with that little Anne girl. One passage in particular encapsulated very well my own feelings about our oldest daughter:

"As Marilla watched Anne's bright, animated face and graceful motions her thoughts went back to the evening Anne had arrived at Green Gables, and memory recalled a vivid picture of the odd, frightened child in her preposterous yellowish-brown wincey dress, the heartbreak looking out of her tearful eyes. Something in the memory brought tears to Marilla's eyes.
"I declare, my recitation has made you cry, Marilla," said Anne gaily, stooping over Marilla's chair to drop a butterfly kiss on that lady's cheek. "Now, I call that a positive triumph."
"No, I wasn't crying over your piece," said Marilla, who would have scorned to be betrayed into such weakness by any"poetry stuff." "I just couldn't help thinking of the little girl you used to be, Anne. And I was wishing you could have stayed a little girl, even with all your queer ways. You've grown up now and you're going away; and you look so tall and stylish and so--so--different altogether in that dress--as if you didn't belong in Avonlea at all--and I just got lonesome thinking it all over."


My how our Graci has changed and grown up in three short years! How I love her. How she has grown to be such an important and irreplaceable part of our family. Tonight she said something that made my heart sing. After we read, I hugged her close and talked to her alone for a few minutes. I started out by telling her how sorry I was that she had endured such painful trials in her life. I told her I was sorry that she had lost her parents at such a young age. Then she said these sweetest of words: "Oh. I forgot I was adopted until you said that." What a neat thing for her and for us. She feels completely a part of our family. Of course she knows she was adopted, but it isn't an overriding fact of her life at this point. She knows she has a family that loves her and she feels comfortable as an integral part of that family. What a joy!

Jer

PS. Tonight was the first time I have ever made taco soup. As I was making a double batch for our dinner tonight, I seriously thought, "This stuff is so easy, even I can't mess it up." As we started to eat, Parker mentioned that it tasted a bit stronger than usual. Suddenly I remembered that I had failed to add the called for cans of water...

PPS. This is Christi-- I have to give credit to my friend Heather for the taco soup. She made it for us years ago for a Halloween party and we've been eating it often ever since!

Happy Anniversary to us!

This is a bit late, but I’m just realizing that I never blogged about our wonderful anniversary celebration. It was just 12 years ago that Jer and I were sealed together as an eternal family. And here we are now with six precious kids. Eight if you count Lexi & Sophi. Ten if you count Jacob and Emily. And, we of course do count them all! I never would have imagined this crazy life that is mine, and yet it is so good. (:

Several weeks ago we received a sweet invitation in the mail. It invited us to an anniversary party at 6:00 on August 11. It told us that we needed to be out of the house 90 minutes beforehand for “prep-time.” (: I was also given a grocery shopping list that included balloons, root beer, and fruit. So cute.

We couldn’t wait!!

During “prep-time,” Jeremy and I took off to the Parade of Homes. We had a great time! We visited four homes and had so much fun talking about what we would do if we were able to build our dream home. One home even had a kitchen with a bar big enough for all our kids-- it was huge!! I wouldn't need that, but it would be nice to have a kitchen where we could all fit around the table! So fun to dream...

When we pulled back into the driveway, we were greeted with this:




Can it get any more precious? I mean, really-- we had just seen all these beautiful homes-- but nothing beats what we have right here! Xander was wearing one of Parker’s old suits since they couldn’t find his. Graci made her debut in her Make-a-Wish dress. They all looked great!

Jesi thought of little details like this:



We were first sent on a treasure hunt. Twelve clues led us around the yard and to a gift for each of us, including these flowers for me:



I asked them where they had gotten the flowers, and apparently they had called grandma several weeks before and asked her to send them. (: I had wondered what that box was addressed to the kids and saying “private.” LOL

The last clue led us to the front porch where the boys were standing. They “opened” their scooters to allow us inside.




Arrows led us to our room, where we were told to change. Jesi and Graci had picked out my clothes and jewelry. (:


We were then led downstairs to the guest room. The kids had hauled our backyard table and chairs into the room so we would have a place to eat.





We were given a menu, and Parker took our order.





We both chose spaghetti, smoothies, and ice-cream with chocolate sauce. Yummy!!

While the dinner was getting ready, Taylor and Parker serenaded us with “Fireflies.” I actually cried. It was just so sweet—the whole thing they were doing. I was overcome with gratitude for such good children.



Dinner was great—and we had the cutest little waitress...




After dinner we were told that we had 30 minutes of “alone time.” I think this is where they ate their own dinner. We were then brought out of the room and into the family room for more entertainment. The girls sang, “Love Story,” and the boys sang “Fireflies” again. Then they put on music so that we could dance. While we were dancing, Jeremy beckoned Taylor over and taught him how to “cut in.” After that, someone was cutting in every 10 seconds and we were all having a ball dancing. It was such a fun memory!!

Several songs later, we were sent back to our room. The kids told us that they would get themselves and Elli to bed and that we were supposed to sleep in the following morning.

Awesome.

You know, we have always thought it would be fun to go somewhere exotic for anniversary. But I can say with all honesty of heart that I wouldn’t have traded this evening for one in Hawaii.

It was perfect. (:

Thank-you, my sweet kids!

--Christianne

August 31, 2010

Dear 6:30 a.m.,

You came too soon. It was such a good dream…

Love,
A girl who loves her bed



Dear 8:00 a.m.,

Lunches packed—check.
Folders signed—check.
Backpacks ready-check.
Hair braided—check.
Kids looking spiffy—check.
Breakfast fed—check.
Prayers said-check.
Myself looking presentable for carpool—

Looks like you came too early as well.

Love,
One scary looking mom


Dear mothers of kindergarteners,

When you sign up to make playdough for the class, be sure to have your husband around. You’ll need the extra help stirring the big pot of dough as it starts to thicken and your arm starts to fall off. Also, add the food coloring BEFORE the dough thickens. That way it won’t be all streaky and weird-looking and you won’t feel embarrassed when you drop it off to the teacher.

Love,
A fellow mother


Dear kindergarten class,

Thank-you for letting me visit today. You were so quiet and good as I read the story about things that make us unique and special. I love that you smiled and oohed and ahhed when I brought Xander up to show his “muscles” off. I love that when he showed his “peace toes,” several of you said, “COOL!” I loved how you nodded your heads solemnly when I asked if you would stick up for Xander if anyone ever teased him about his legs or his special stockings. I am so glad for sweet kids like you!

Love,
A grateful mommy


Dear Dr. Daynes,

You are my favorite pediatrician. You always make me feel like you really do care about my family. Because of your son’s autism, you can relate to us in ways that other doctors cannot. I am grateful for that! Thank you for being so patient with Elli during her kindergarten check-up. Thanks for being so kind when I had to run home and get Elli’s Chinese immunization card and took forever finding it. Thanks for knowing that it would take three nurses to hold Elli down for her shots—and for being so kind and understanding about her screams. You do not have my permission to move. Ever.

Love,
A happy patient


Dear CCAI,

We were so thrilled to receive our LOA for Dang Qing Yin today!!! Woo-hoo!!!! You have been tremendous throughout this whole process. Thank you for always making us feel like you are cheering for us!!

Love,
A family very excited to go back to China!


Dear Elli,

Next time you tell me you want a frosty, and I drive all the way to Wendy's to get you one, maybe you should eat it instead of throwing it. And maybe tomorrow we could work on eating lunch in less than an hour. Just a thought.

Love,
Mommy


Dear Garden,

You are providing us with lots of yummy food!!! I especially loved the potatoes, carrots and onions we ate yesterday—mmmmm!! You’ve been patient with our lack of weeding. I had planned to fix that today but was only able to spend approximately 3.5 minutes with you before getting an urgent call that I needed to overnight a check for our adoption. Luckily, my kids took over—and you are looking spiffy.

Love,
A veggie-lover


Dear US Department of Homeland Security,

Are you kidding me? An extra $670 because we are adopting two at once? Hello?!!! We’re already approved for two—and I know that there isn’t all kinds of extra work involved for you. I mean, really, how much can one more sheet of paper cost?

Apparently, $670.

Sincerely (not love),
Fed-up with our government’s role in making adoption cost so much and take so long


Dear UPS Store,

When you advertise that the pick-up time for overnight delivery is 5:30, you should abide by it. That way, when a customer shows up at 5:23 and you tell them that the truck left 10 minutes ago, they won’t feel like screaming. Or crying. And telling them that there is another store just 25 minutes away that has pick-up at 6:00 probably won’t make them feel better, because HOW ARE THEY TO TRUST THAT THAT PICK-UP WASN’T EARLY TOO?

I’m thinking that maybe you ought to pay for the dinner I ended up buying my family after getting stuck in rush hour traffic while driving to a fed-ex location across the valley. And the clothes I ended up buying at Seagull Book while I waited for my dinner order to be ready. After all, if you had really had a pick-up at 5:30 like you said, we would be almost $100 richer!

Ok, I’m just kidding. Kind-of.

Love,
Someone who just wants to bring her kiddos home


Dear Jeremy,

This is the first time you’re hearing about the clothes from Seagull Book. Try to love me anyway.

Love,
A girl who loves a cute skirt!

P.S. Before you get after me, you should know that in my bag of clothes is a Utah Toffee Truffle just for you! (:
P.P.S. Thank-you for taking all three older kids to the orthodontist today. You are such a good man!


Dear Taylor,

You were a champ for taking care of Elli’s diaper today. I had no idea that when Parker said she had leaked that it meant what it meant. I’m not sure how you stood the smell. I thought I was going to pass out when I came in the house. You scored extra points with me!

Love,
Mom


Dear Massaman Curry,

I think you may be my favorite food EVER! I think you were worth the whole mailing-hassle. Especially when you add in the cute skirt.

Love,
A fan


Dear Graci, Taylor, Parker, Jesi, Xander, and Elli,

I am so proud of you! I couldn’t ask for better children. I love that you belong to ME!

Love,
Mom


Dear Dang Ling You and Dang Qing Yin,

We are itching to get you in our arms!! We feel so much closer now that we have that second LOA. It’s looking like we might be spending Thanksgiving with you in China! Oh, and guess what-- we have finally decided on your American names!! We hope that you will love them. They are:

Alexis Li and Sophia Breanne

Beautiful names for beautiful girls. We can’t wait to meet you!

Love,
Your new family


Dear self,

Next time when you fold a big load of laundry in the hallway, try not to become distracted before it is put away. That way, you will avoid folding it twice.

Love,
The voice of reason


Dear commenters,

Thank you for your sweet thoughts about my post on Elli's blog. It's always hard to open up and share personal things and you make me glad that I do.

Love,
The author


Dear kitchen floor,

What is making you sooo sticky?! And why do I hate to mop so much??!!
Wah!

Love,
I just want a maid!


And finally,
Dear 10:30 p.m.

You will be here in fourteen minutes! That means I will soon be cuddled up with my sweetie watching a rerun of Dick Van Dyke and settling into a peaceful night’s sleep.

Well, until one of the kids wakes up.

I love you!

Love,
A girl who loves her bed



Oh, and I'm adding just one more!

Dear Readers,

Please consider going to this site: http://beadingtochina.blogspot.com/
and bidding on some items to help my amazing friend, Holly, adopt her little girl.

Love,
Someone who knows how expensive adoption is

Elli and Graci update

I finally put a new post up on Elli's website: www.miraclesforelli.blogspot.com

Also, I promised to write about Graci's cardiology appointment. Her ECHO showed some improvement in one area, but mostly looked about the same. Her cardiologist consulted with other doctors on her "team" and they decided to start her on a new blood pressure medication. They were worried about some side effects and were struggling a bit as to whether the benefits outweighed the risks, but she began it today and seemed to tolerate it well. So that's good! She will go back in six weeks for another ECHO and EKG and he will decide whether or not to "allow" her to go to China. That's where we stand...

-Christianne

I smell good!

Parker and Taylor are now old enough to wear deodorant. They have for some time now. Parker is particularly fascinated with this concept. He often pulls out his shirt neckline so he can smell himself...for better or for worse. Today he came in and said, "I love musk! And sports talc! (Which, by the way, Taylor pronounces "Sports Talk":) Do you like Musk? Here, smell me." And of course he pulled out his neckline so I could bask in his glorious scent. Then he asked, "Do you like fresh?" "I don't know, I guess I'm ok with most deodorants." So he ran into his room and came back with the "Fresh" scented deodorant and shoved it in my face for me to judge for myself.

I guess these smells are better than the ones that Elli sometimes shares with us...:)

Jer

Quote of the day

After Xander complained to me that Jesi wasn't being nice, I called her in to ask what was going on. She replied, "Mom, it's nothing to worry about. It was just a little mistake. You see, I just forgot to use my brain for a second."

Don't we all...

Rewards of Fatherhood

Today was crazy. It ended with a 7:00pm block party with the neighborhood. We visited with the adults and the kids played with each other. It was quite fun. We all got back to our home at different times. About 10:30pm I decided it was time to help Jesi get to bed. She was downstairs watching TV and usually I would just call down for her to come up. But I felt prompted to go down and talk to her in person instead. What a rewarding experience!

She was just finishing up an episode of Dragon Tails. I scooped her up in my arms and sat down with her to watch the end of the episode. When it was finished, we turned off the TV and I held her close and talked to her. I told her how wonderful she was and how much I loved her. I told her how important she was to our family. I was pretty much done, but she looked up into my eyes and said, "Is there anything else you want to talk about?" If you know our family very well, you know that Jessica has me pretty well wrapped around her little finger. So of course we continued our talk for quite some time. I told her how important she was to me and how I would be lost without her. I again told her how important she was to our family, and she asked for specifics. I enumerated many of the ways she blesses our lives. The whole time she was just soaking it all up.

We talked about the new school year (she starts 1st grade on Monday). We talked about how much fun it will be. She wanted to know why she couldn't sit with her siblings at lunch, and I explained it was just the rules at Providence Hall. She looked at me and said, "And if you don't follow the rules, you have to go to (the rest was whispered very quietly) Mr. Johnson's office." Mr. Johnson is the principle, and she has obviously learned that it is not a good thing to be sent to his office! I asked her if she knew anyone who had been sent to Mr. Johnson's office. She said, "Joe (name changed:) got sent to (whispering again) Mr. Johnson's office." Regular voice: "Don't worry, I NEVER get sent to (whispers) Mr. Johnson's office!" Good for you, Jesi:) By the way, Mr. Johnson happens to be the nicest, sweetest principal ever, making her comments even more funny.

At one point in our conversation she told me: "Dad, you have no idea how much I love you. My heart would break if I didn't have my Daddy." AWWWWW. Come on, it doesn't get much sweeter than that.

Every night before bed we have family prayer and scriptures. Each child has one day a week during which they say all of the prayers and are in charge of family scriptures. Saturday is Xander's day. Tonight for scriptures he chose the story of Noah and the ark. The little kids love this scripture story because of how we tell it. When we talk about having two of each animal on the ark, each family member gets to choose one animal that Noah would have taken, and then all of us act like that animal. Graci always chooses Tiger (born in the year of the Tiger). Taylor usually chooses cougar (BYU mascot). Other favorites are cow, monkey, frog, cat, dog, etc. At the end of the scripture story, the person who's day it is gets to share their testimony of the Gospel. Tonight, Xander's testimony was one of the sweetest things I've ever heard. He had a hard time starting out, so I helped him with his first sentence. Then, on his own, he said, in his sweet little voice, "I know Jesus loves us. I know Jesus will come down to earth. I know our family can be together." As he said these three beautiful truths, his little eyes started to fill with tears. I picked him up and him gave me the longest, most heartfelt embrace. With tears streaming down his face, he did the same to Christi. He is such a sensitive little guy. It is a great thing to witness your children feeling the spirit and responding to it.

Jer