Alexander Philip

Our spunky, thoughtful, creative, helpful, goofball, oh-so-fun Xander is now ten!  We were recently reflecting on his "gotcha day" and remembered how we said, "We're pretty sure this little guy is going to be student body president someday!"  Well, we must have been right on!  At the end of last year, 4th graders were encouraged to run for student body officers for the 2015-16 school year.  Xander, along with 80% of the kids in his grade, decided to run.  First they had to run against the kids in their class. Out of the 25 kids in each class, 3 were voted to move on to the school elections.  Xander was THRILLED to be chosen.  Then we began the work of making posters and practicing the speech he would give to the school.  After a week of campaigning, the 21 kids that had made it that far gave their speeches in front of the whole school.  One of the things he talked about in his speech is how he had been teased about his legs as a kindergartener and knew what it felt like when other kids weren't kind.  He promised to be accepting to everyone and to watch out for others.  Xander did a great job and after the votes were tallied, was one of 7 kids chosen to represent the school as an SBO.  We were so happy for him!

One of my favorite things about Xander is his creativity.   I will often find backpacks or laundry baskets or other containers filled with various items that he has been busy creating/playing with.  He loves legos and k'nex and anything he can build with.  But probably the most fun thing is his creative genius when it comes to cooking.  Almost daily, Xander whips up something in the kitchen.  This morning, it was something with noodles, jalapeños, and hot dog pieces-- lol!  He often has other kids begging him to make one of his delicious omelets or fried rice (always with his unique twist) or meat wraps or salads.  He wants to be a chef and I really think he has the makings to become one.  On school mornings, the kids are typically on their own for breakfast (with the exception of those who can't help themselves.)  Most kids go for the normal cereal, oatmeal, bagel, fruit, etc.  But Xander almost always is at the stovetop cooking something or at least warming up left-overs.  He makes me smile!  (Even if his messes don't!)

Xander is playing fall soccer and had a game last night in which he scored TWO goals!!!!!  One goal a season is what we consider an awesome season around here, so to score two in one night was phenomenal!  We actually missed the first one because we showed up late (it's hard getting our family out the door!)  When we got there, he came tearing down the sideline with the biggest smile on his face letting us know that he had scored a goal.  After congratulating him I told him, "Well, you're just going to have to score a second one now since we missed the first!"  I had no inkling that it would even be possible-- I was just trying to give him some motivation.  So we were ecstatic when he scored a second one later in the game.  His team won 3-2.  So fun!!!

Xander loves ALL his siblings.  He thinks it's the greatest thing in the world to hang out with Parker and Taylor and their friends.  But he also gets along so well with all of the girls and is often a sidekick to one of them.  He shares a room with Conner and has never once complained about helping Conner with whatever he needs help with-- picking out clothes, cleaning, finding the things he needs, etc.  He is such a thoughtful boy.  Of all the kids, Xander is typically the one I like to ask errands/favors of the most because he nearly always says "yes" with a super great attitude.  Oh, and he's incredible with Molly and easily takes on most of the responsibility of having a dog.

Xander, can you tell we think you're pretty great?!!!  We sure love you, X-man!

Let's start out with some of his goofy pictures...

Can you tell why this Halloween costume is perfect for him?

Birthday breakfast in bed.

10 years old!

First day of school and wearing his SBO shirt

First time driving with Taylor!

He loves Molly!  Incidentally, this was taken after Molly got spooked by fireworks and ran away.  When she came back, she was covered in foxtails, so we had to shave her.  She's normally super fluffy!

Off to explore!

Oops!

Jeremy and I recently decided to allow adsense ads onto our blog.  Seemed like a very easy way to make a few extra dollars when we were already blogging.  With ten kids, we can easily put it to good use!  Today we noticed the ad on the side of the blog was a dating ad with some mildly provocative photos.  Oops!  I immediately went into our adsense account and hopefully took the steps necessary to ensure that the ads that show up on our blog are appropriate from now on.  If you ever see anything that isn't, please let us know.  A few extra dollars is obviously not worth having anything inappropriate on our blog!  (:

Jessica Anne

Our darling Jessica is growing up way too fast!  Luckily for us, though she is mature, responsible, and definitely having fun with the newfound privileges associated with being 12, she has retained so much of her innocent, girly self.  I adore that she still enjoys barbies and American girl dolls and playing dress up and make believe.  Her childlike nature makes her such a fun sister, and I will often have several sweet girls playing dress up and theater and fun made-up games on Jesi's initiative.  

Jessica is very creative.  I don't know how many of you know this, but we actually have an 11th child living with us.  Her name is "Messy" or "Messy Jesi."  We don't see her very often, but every once in awhile she comes out and makes a short appearance, always at completely random times.   Messy has an abundance of crazy hairdos and outfits that we all find very humorous.  We love having Messy in our family.  (:

Jessica was able to go to Girls Camp this summer for the first time.   In fact, she turned 12 during the camp!  I have never had such a hard time letting one of my children go away.  I think I feel extra protective of Jessica precisely because of that innocence I spoke of.  She is so special.  I was so grateful for a sweet Beehive leader who told me as they were leaving that she was going to especially watch out for Jesi and take extra good care of her.  (:  As it turns out, I had nothing to worry about.  The girls in our ward are wonderful and took Jessica right in.  I was especially grateful for Cali's friend, Kaytlin, who went the extra mile to make Jesi feel important and loved.

If I thought sending her off to Girls Camp was hard, I was in for a treat (ha!) when just a couple of weeks afterward it was time for Jesi to begin jr. high.  I went to back-to-school night with her and found that of her 8 classes, she only had three with friends.  Pretty sure I was more upset about that than she was!  It about killed me to say goodbye to her that first morning, but she came home happy and content and has done great ever since.  One thing that many people don't know about Jessica is that she has Ehler's Danlos Syndrome and another genetic abnormality which affects her in many ways. When Jes was little, she had early intervention services for speech, physical and occupational therapy.  When she began school, she was on an IEP.  Since then, she has come so far!  She works so hard in school and is likely one of the most organized kids there!  Her grades are fantastic and we just couldn't be more happy at the way she is succeeding in school.  I'm also so proud that she has reached out and made some new friends this year-- I know that can be hard to do!

Jessica Anne, you have our heart!  You've had Dad wrapped around your little finger since you were tiny and he is still tightly holding on.  We adore your big, bright smile and unique personality.  We love the sweet, innocent way your amazing brain works.  We smile at the way you have to lay out your next day's outfit (down to the earrings!) and be tucked in before you are able to sleep at night. We appreciate how you are almost always the first one to get your chores done. We think you are gorgeous and smart and driven and talented and courageous and absolutely perfect.  We know you have faced hard challenges in your life and we are so proud of the grace with which you handle them.  We love you, sweet Jesi!

Messy

Again

And another...

Playing one of their creative games

Awww!  Just came across this.  She has always been a Daddy's girl.

Dance recital

Not Jesi's best picture but I loved it of my mom, so I had to add it!

So much fun camping in a teepee

Have you ever tried curling hair with socks?  I tie Jesi's hair in Jeremy's socks the night before and this is what it looks like!  It's so beautiful and only takes a couple of minutes!!

A tea party Jesi made for all the girls

Jesi's best friend Rylie moved from Utah a few years ago but they have always stayed in touch.  This summer, she came to visit and Jessica had SO much fun with her!  

First day of jr. high and does the "Mom, PLEASE don't take a picture of me here!" look perfectly.

At her 12th birthday party.  P.J.'s., pizza, games and the new Cinderella movie with 14 adorable 11 and 12 year-olds.
So fun!

Parker Matthew

Parker, Parker, Parker.  What can I say? We have one AMAZING son!  So talented, fun, handsome, super smart, hard-working, athletic, spiritual, funny, and sweet.   His vibrant hair matches his big personality.  This guy is going places!!!!

Parker had a great summer.  For the first time, he went away on his own for five days to attend AFY (Adventures for Youth) and had the time of his life.  He came home with wonderful stories and testimony and new-found friends.  It was such an incredible experience for him.  He also attended BYU basketball camp, high adventure, youth conference and some fun bball tournaments.  He works hard to earn the money for these neat opportunities and we're so glad he has had them!

It has been awesome to watch Parker grow and mature into such a handsome young man.  He's always been a social butterfly and watching him as a teenager is just plain fun.  He's survived his first broken heart, has a million girls that like him (and he likes them!) and is such a good friend.  Everyone likes Parker.  If you really want to get a sense of the kind of guy he is, you can watch this video.  Sophi wanted him to write her a song, and he delivered in such a special way.  He has always been the most incredible, thoughtful brother.  Parker, you are amazing!  We love you so much!!!!

Youth conference

Parker carried his team to the championships!

Jr. High champs in their division!

Super league

Our annual get-away date!  Two nights just with these two handsome guys= one lucky mom!

Holding his niece, Violet.  We're loving the red hair!!!

Off to Lone Peak!

More bball tournaments-- first place!

Off to Homecoming!  I love that here, the kids don't feel like they need to take dates to go to big school dances.
 So much fun!

Calais Rose

In many ways, it feels like Cali has been in our family forever.  In others, it feels like just yesterday we were seeing her cute face for the first time.  We are so proud of how well Cali is doing.   She has the most darling group of friends that love her and look out for her.  Kaytlin, Kara, Anna, Lily, Karolina, Abby, Candice (and many others)-- we LOVE you!  We are so glad Cali has you in her life!  

Cali's giggle lights up her whole face.  It is so much fun to see her comfortable in our home and with our family.  She loves to tease and be funny and has a special relationship with her dad.  (:  She has the softest voice and sweetest disposition (most of the time (; anyway) but has plenty of spice in her too.  She likes drawing, keeping in touch with her friends in China, books about princesses, being with her friends, shopping, listening to music, spicy food, singing and boys.  (Though she might not admit the latter to just anyone.)  She's a pretty typical teenager in most ways, which is incredible considering the trials life has offered her thus far.

One of Cali's hardest trials is school.  Because Cali didn't receive a great deal of formal education in China, she is struggling not only with language issues and all that entails, but also a lack of understanding of the basics in many subjects.  She is smart and works to keep on top of her grades, but is at a major disadvantage compared to that of her peers.  We've learned that schools don't always know the best and most effective way to help kids like her and we are constantly trying to be her advocate so that she can receive the best education possible.  Not gonna lie, that's kind of exhausting.  We've found that some teachers "get it" and some just don't.  We've found in talking to other adoptive parents that it is pretty universally one of the hardest aspects of older child adoption.

Cali recently had an appointment at Shriner's that showed her scoliosis is getting worse.  This is both painful and problematic.  We're weighing the pros/cons of surgery soon vs. waiting and will likely be able to make a better decision at her next appointment.    Jeremy said that actually seeing her spine on x-ray kind of took his breath away.  It's amazing that she lives with what she does without complaining a lot.   She's a tough girl and such an example of triumphing through hard things.  We love you, angel Cali!  

Kaytlin and Cali at youth conference.

A sure way to Cali's heart-- pick her up some noodles and milk from the Chinese market.

Jeremy took Cali and Graci to a special Chinese performance in SLC-- they loved it! 

Daddy date to Lagoon

Best friends