Double Date

One of the best decisions we ever made was to make time for weekly "mommy dates" and "daddy dates." We take turns rotating through the kids. We've been doing this since it was just Taylor and Parker, so that's a lot of dates with the kids! Most of the time the dates are simple-- ice-cream at the park, a basketball game, movie and popcorn downstairs without the other kids, etc. But sometimes we go all out. This was one of my latest mommy dates:

It was my second time taking these two cuties skiing. I loved every minute of it! It was a bitter cold day, but it didn't matter. We went out to dinner and stayed in a hotel, making it a real adventure. These two boys of mine are among my best friends. I'm so blessed to their mom! They are going to make some girls VERY happy someday. (:

(:

I haven't even checked my email today.

I'm just sayin'.

-Christianne

Precious Moments

Jesi had been going through a phase where she definitely wasn't in to dear old dad. Hugs and kisses were hard to come by. Trying to be cute with her was met with raised eyebrows and a scornful look. It was hard for papa to deal with the fact that he wasn't everything to his baby girl. Happily that has started to change over the past few weeks. More hugs, more looks of endearment, fewer "Dad is a moron" moments.

This morning I had one of those precious experiences I will treasure always. Nothing big, but oh so special. Elli was having a rough night (lots of those lately!). She was up from about 5am, hollering and generally making it difficult for mom and dad and the boys to sleep. (The other kids rooms are situated so that they can sleep through Elli a bit easier.). I went down to help her. Changed her diaper. Danced with her. Tucked her back in. I also turned on the bathroom fan between her bedroom and the boys' as a white noise maker. Didn't help much. She is still hollering away.

When I came back upstairs, I noticed that someone was in the bathroom. A quick bed check let me know it was Jess. I sat down outside the bathroom and waited for her to come out. She opened the door and smiled a big, sweet, uniquely Jesi smile at me. She didn't say anything, just started to go to bed. I held out my arms and asked for a hug. She gave me a huge one. We sat there together for a couple of minutes before I said, "I could stay here forever and be happy!" "Really?" She asked. "Yes." Then she said, "Thanks for the McDonald's yesterday." (I brought home fast food for dinner.). What a funny thing for her to think of right then. But the whole experience was so tender, it melted my heart. I gave her a princess carry in to bed, tucked her in again and said goodnight.

I am so grateful for the little moments that define life as a father. President Gordon B. Hinckley once said that life is like a train ride. Much of it is pretty ordinary. The view out the window can get monotonous. But occasionally, a vista will open up that will absolutely take your breath away. The secret is to persevere in between the vistas so you can enjoy the beauty of those magnificent views. (I am very loosely paraphrasing.) I think there is nothing in this life that provides so many vistas as being a father. How blessed am I to have fatherhood times eight!

Jer

Things I both love and hate

**Waking up at 4:00 a.m. to the sounds of Elli playing the piano and singing "She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain" at the top of her lungs.

**A big pan of scotcharoos.

**The fact that Graci is old enough to attend EFY this summer.

**Doing big homework projects with the kids.

**Finding that Sophi has applied "make-up" just as we're ready to head out the door.

She always scowls when she's been caught doing something "fun."

--Christianne

So Sophi!

Yesterday Christi was doing Sophi's hair. When she got done, this conversation took place:

Christi: "Sophi, you are so adorable!"

Sophi: "Yep! I am!"

:) -Jer

Addict

Hello. My name is Christianne, and I am an internet-holic.

There, I said it. That's the first step, right?

I don't mean to be like this. I sit down with the purest of intentions-- and it always begins with just checking my email. This is something unavoidable, as it's how we communicate with teachers, among other important things. It has to be done. But before I know it, I'm sucked in-- reading stories off of yahoo, then moving on to Foxnews, checking favorite blogs, following adoption journeys, finding a recipe for that evening, looking up medical information for one of the many ailments affecting the kiddos-- you get the idea. All good things, until I realize that an hour of more of my life has been sucked away, all while Sophi is parked in front of the TV. Yeah, I'm a great parent sometimes.

It wouldn't be as big of deal if it didn't often happen multiple times in a day. I walk in my bedroom for whatever valid reason, see the computer, and I'm like a nail being pulled to a magnet.

Can anyone relate, or am I the only moron out there?

I don't do facebook, because I know how I'd be. I did it for about two days before I realized that it would soon take over way too much time. I go on once in a blue moon. And I've always kind of patted myself on the back for that. "At least I don't facebook," I tell myself, knowing deep inside that I probably spend a good deal more time on the computer than facebookers. And at least they are keeping up with friends and family, not some random news stories on the web.

The funny (sad) thing about this ridiculous issue of mine is that there are many productive things I could be doing while sitting-- but I always think I don't have time for it. Blogging, for instance. Blogging is one internet activity that I feel no guilt over-- there are a million good reasons to blog, not the least of which is the positive impact it has on my kids. They LOVE reading the blog, and it is such a good, easy way for me to keep a journal. I enjoy writing. And yet, most days I sit down thinking, "I don't have time to blog-- just to "check email" or whatever other supposedly short activity I have in mind. An hour later I realize I've done nothing of great value, and could have spent that time doing several blog posts if I had any foresight or discipline whatsoever. Also, there are many times that I somehow don't take the time to answer an email or follow through on something important because I have so much to do-- and yet I read the latest story on KSL.

Sigh.

So there it is. I'm putting it out there. Why? Because I need help. You see, I have eight lovely children that need my love and attention. I have a house that needs all kinds of help. I have an empty fridge to fill and full baskets of laundry to empty. And even 20 minutes a day spent toward those good things, rather than surfing the internet, would be a great blessing to my family.

Therefore, I am making a commitment. And I'm making it public, because I think that will help me feel more accountable! This is what I want to do. For this week, I promise to change my habits. I'm starting small-- I can't just let go of the computer cold turkey. I will allow myself 20 minutes in the morning to check my email and whatever other thing I choose to do on the computer. I think it's a good release for me after getting seven, sometimes eight (on preschool mornings) kids ready and off to school. After Elli has gone and it's just me and Sophi, I think it's ok to get my breakfast and sit down for those 20 minutes. BUT, before I spend even a minute more doing anything on the computer that day, I have to do five things. Read my scriptures, say my prayers, clean the kitchen, start a load of laundry, and read with Sophi. After that, I'm allowed computer time IF, and only IF, I blog first. And even then, I will commit to be more aware of the time I spend. How does that sound? Because, like I said, the time I'm on the computer is usually used for good things, and I think that's ok, if I'm not giving up BETTER things.

So there you go. It's my commitment to you. I think you'll be hearing a lot more from me this week. (;

--Christianne

Family Reunion 2011

Last July we had our annual Green family reunion. Most years we go to the Oregon coast, but this time we were lucky enough to be able to go to beautiful Island Park, ID. We stayed at an amazing and spacious cabin right on the reservoir. (Thanks, Matt and Carla!). The first floor is almost entirely one giant great room, so we we able to fit our entire family and still be comfortable. The kids loved spending time with grandma and grandpa and all of my siblings. It was a great week with some way fun activities.

The kids loved hanging out with Steve:



Katie Rose wants to play the computer with her toes, just like Sophi!




This year for the first time, we had a talent show night. Taylor pitched a baseball, Parker stood on his hands, Jesi danced, Graci did origami. Elli gave me a kiss, Xander cooked, and Lexi and Sophi just looked cute.





















My brother Tyler had the most muscular act by supporting all 5 of his nephews plus his son, Ben, and the same time:


(Taylor is in there. Can you find him? Hint: look for his tan and white plaid shorts:)

One of our days there, we rented jet skis and had a blast on the reservoir. we had them all days and were able to pull tubes behind them. Everyone had a blast, including grandma and grandpa. Great sports! We won't mention which family member fell off the back of one of the wave runners and flew several feet up in the air before landing in the water, but we also won't forget the story any time soon:). One down side of riding tubes in the water, especially when you are 6 feet tall, is that your knees slap against the surface at high speeds for a l one time. Here's a bunch of us with cool cloths to sooth our knees from a combination of the abrasion and a little too little sunscreen.



There is a mountain near Island Park called Sawtelle Peak. You can drive right up to the top and the views are spectacular:


























Canoeing, fishing and swimming were favorite outdoor activities. Ping pong, air hockey, Guesstures and other family games were great in the cabin. Before we left, my mom wanted a family picture and a picture of her "four big boys":



(Not too hard to tell who the old guy is...)




Grandma and Grandpa with all of their grandkids!




The whole group!

On the way back home, we stopped at Mesa Falls and Matt and Carla's house in Rexburg, ID:








































Sophi and Steve enjoy the teeter-totter:)






All in all a fantastic trip. This summer we are headed back to the Oregon coast. Matt and Carla, we will miss you. Laura, hope you can make it this year.

Jer

Happy Superbowl Sunday

I am a pretty big football fan.  My boys are, too.  Tony Dungy is one of my heroes.  I am grateful for the many wonderful people who utilize their fame to share important messages such as this:



Jer