Good To Be Back

I've been a weee bit sick... like pneumonia sick. Oooopsie! I thought for sure I just had a cold. I was wrong, which rarely happens!! ;)

Life continued to move while I laid on the couch, watching Christmas movies on Netflix, sucking on cough drops and coloring. Thursday, Randy drove up and he and the boys used the rest of the Boondocks cards up. The boys were so fun to watch. Randy told me that my face lights up when I watch my boys having fun, with no sense of stress or sense of time. They racked up the tickets! I wish I had taken a picture of all of their loot! They smiled and laughed and took their prizes over to Randy who was patiently sitting on the darkened countertop at Boondocks because they were closing. Braxton got a lava lamp! He walked over and said, "I've been trying to get one of these for four years!!!" So cute!

Colton got a TMNT mask. He was Leonardo pretty much all day Saturday! This kid is pure joy. Pure joy! I was able to go to the gym Saturday for the first time in two weeks because I haven't been feeling good. It felt awesome to get back at it! There is an elderly gentleman who comes to the gym everyday. He is on oxygen and is very fragile. Every single day he gets on the treadmill and walks and walks. Every single time I see him, I wink at him and he winks back. It's a little piece of heaven, really! He inspires me so much!

Yesterday, Randy drove up again. Poor guy! Kaydon had asked he and I to join him for his Patriarchal Blessing. Once again, sitting and listening to Heavenly Father talk to your child is a slice of Heaven that I just want more and more of! Kaydon is an incredible 15 year old. He is a miracle kiddo who fought everyday of his first three years to be on this Earth. He is so valiant in his beliefs and in his values. He normally doesn't like a lot of people, but has really taken to Randy. It's fun to see his competitive side come out. The blessing was unbelievably beautiful and glorious. We asked him his thoughts once we were in the car. He just said he was overwhelmed. These little moments are huge blessings in a mama's life and I am so grateful!

We had dinner when we got back. Then, we pulled Braxton in to my room. My peanut is struggling so much in life right now. So much. I started to talk to him and then Randy took over. I was stunned at the words that were coming out of his mouth. Later, I thanked him and he told me that they weren't his words but rather HIS words. I knew that to be true. It's impossible to describe what it's like as a parent to watch your children struggle so much and not be able to choose for them. He was reminded last night that he is never, ever alone. We are all here. He is loved beyond words. When he is ready to let God back in, He is waiting close by. When he feels like praying, he will be buoyed up. Until he feels like praying, we will do it for him. He is enough. He is worth it. He is incredible just as he is. He is an imperative part of this family and he is needed and wanted. Pray for Peanut if you have a chance.

Then, Randy headed out to the car and asked me join him. We talked about his excitement for MacKenzie and Colton to come home. We talked to his mom and sisters on speaker phone. We talked about challenges and tender mercies. We laughed and we talked about the coming week. Guys, he's pretty rad.

Trying New Stuff

Yesterday, Jackson asked if we could try something new every Sunday for dinner. Why not?!?!

So, we made a meal that a sweet friend posted on Instagram. We kind of really suck at following instructions, so we tweaked it a bit and made it our own. It was AMAZING!!!

Introducing: Chicken Yakisoba

Seriously, try it. It was amazing. Amazing.

First Snow Cones of the Snow Cone Season!

Monday night it was QUITE necessary for us to go get our first snow cones of this snow cone season! This mama could live on snow cones - seriously. They make me so happy. So do my four boys. So, it was a pretty happy night with our first snow cones of the snow cone season!

Pity Party

You might know you're being raised by a single mom when... the 16 year-old comes home with three boxes of ice cream bars, the 14 year-old instructs the 13 year-old to put in a sad movie, and the five of you sit on the couch --- eating the entire three boxes of ice cream bars and watching a sad movie. The 14 year-old is "breaking up" with the "girlfriend" who he broke up with last year. The 16 year-old was sad about the girls he has broken up with over the years. The 13 year-old is quite proud of himself for not having a girlfriend at this point. The 12 year-old just wanted to play with his Legos.

Seriously, we had THE best pity party ever!!!

Hello, I'm Mom

On Friday, I took the day off from both jobs. I needed to reintroduce my children to their mom. We slept in. I got up and ate my favorite frosted shredded wheat, which I never get to eat anymore. Delicious! Then, Kaydon asked if I'd make cookies with him. Why, yes!! They were delicious. I made the family lunch, followed by warm homemade cookies. Yummo!

In the afternoon, we went to see Goosebumps. It scared the tarnation right out of me, but let's face it - EVERYTHING scares me! They children loved it. Josh said he could hear Kaydon laughing through the entire movie. We ate our extra buttered popcorn and laid back in the sweet recliners. Afterwards, we had Nielsen's Frozen Custard. Heaven!

It was SO nice to be able to spend time with my family for the day. I feel like I miss out on everything there is to miss out on. I loved having a day with all of us together to catch up, laugh, play, and just be together.

Back to School Dinner & Theme

We had our back to school dinner last night. Brooklyn started school last Monday and the boys all start next Monday. Josh grilled steaks and I made rice pilaf, green salad, and corn bread. Dessert was our favorite - Christensen Diabetes. It's an ice cream sandwich dessert that is amazing!

Our theme comes from Elder Boyd K. Packer. It is: "If you stumble, rise up, go on." I read from the talk that Elder Packer gave. It talks about keeping your body and your mind clean. It also talks about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and how because of that we can always rise up and go on.

I explained to our kids that we are not on Earth to be perfect. We are here to make mistakes. Stumbling is okay - as long as we get back up and go on in the right direction. I told them that they are going to have times during this school year when they stumble. I told them that there will be bad days. I told them that they will struggle, but that because of the Atonement, they can get back up and move forward.

This year, we will have a tenth grader, eighth grader, seventh grader, sixth grader, and first grader. I am beyond grateful to be their mother. I am so proud of them and the choices they have made thus far. I am also eternally grateful for Josh, who by all accounts is the greatest patriarch our family could have. His focus is always on those kids.

Swimming at Martha's House

On the 24th of July, our sweet neighbor has a big block party - complete with food, water slides and dog poop! Only a few of us showed up to it this year. After dinner, and the dogs eating the food off of the table, we opted to go a couple of doors down to Martha's and swim for the rest of the night. Some of us planned on swimming (all of the kids and Josh). Some of us did NOT plan on swimming (me). However, my husband opted to throw me in the pool (clothed). Funny.

The kids had a blast. Joshua broke the make-shift slide to the pool. Awesome. I eventually got into the pool willingly. The kids rock-climbed and jumped into the water over and over again. Mostly, I just loved being with Martha and watching Baby Brooklyn smile.

I sure love that family!

4th of July

Our 4th of July was really fun and very relaxing. After Braxton and I ran the race, several of us took naps and it was awesome. Then we loaded up the kids and some food and headed to Papa Bruce's for a barbeque and some swimming. The kids LOVE swimming at Papa's! After that, we went to Davis High School's roof and watched the fireworks. It was beautiful and relaxing and patriotic.

When it comes to holidays, I love that we are able to spend time with family. We are blessed to live near family and to be able to make memories with them. I am grateful that my kids get that opportunity!

Pearly Whites

West Point Dental was pretty much amazing on Wednesday. Dad, Mom, and the four boys went to the dentist. Colton went first so that he wouldn't get worked up about the experience. He did SO great, but the staff was incredible! They were patient and calm. I patted his leg the entire time with the heart beat rhythm. He rocked it! And, for an Autistic kiddo who has hygiene and sensory issues and doesn't brush hardly ever, he had ZERO cavities!!

Kaydon was next - well sort of at the same time. Kaydon loved it! He also has ZERO cavities!!!

Braxton and Jackson were next. I only have pictures of the first three boys because I had to go too! Braxton is in a bit of rough shape. He has a few cavities, with one that is so bad it may need a root canal. :( He was a tough cookie, though, and in the next two weeks we will get it taken care of!

Jackson also has quite a few cavities. He and Braxton were so stinking frustrated because they brush every day and they do a good job. Their teeth just aren't as healthy.

Josh has one little issue - a cracked tooth. They'll fix that next week.

This girl - this girl right here - this girl who NEVER EVER EVER goes to the dentist - this girl has ZERO cavities!

Flying High

On Monday, Colton asked me if he could fly his new kite that he got for Easter. I got it ready for him and we went out to the front yard. I LOVE these pictures. Can you see the joy in that kid's face?!?! I love how he is looking at the underneath of the kite. Why don't we ALL do that?! The picture is always on the underneath! He flew that thing around for a good 2 1/2 minutes, and then he became frustrated with the way the wind was blowing it around and how he didn't have control over it. When Kaydon heard his shrieks of frustration (the whole neighborhood can hear when he shrieks!) he came out front and flew it around for Colton so that Colton could just enjoy it! Colton was in pure bliss. He watched that thing soar through the sky and expressed his happiness in his most awesome way! Moments like this seem rare. Autism is challenging for the one who has it, but also for the siblings who try so hard to understand and support. I was so thankful that Kaydon came out and flew BumbleBee around for Colton for a good 20 minutes so that he could just enjoy it!

Day Eight

Day eight, we departed the ship. It was a crappy morning! We didn't want to leave! My parents surprised the family with a trip to the Everglades, an airboat tour and a gator tour. I freaking held a gator! A real gator! I wanted to die! Listen, this trip was a dream trip. The only missing was Brooklyn, and that was a HUGE piece missing. We made some great memories. It was paradise in every sense of the word. We laughed so hard. We played hard. We rested A LOT! We ate even more! I got stuck in a water slide. I also got stuck on a ropes course TWICE. Jackson and Braxton have Facebook friends all over the world now. Kaydon ate his heart out! Colton swam for hours on end. Josh just relaxed and laughed and loved being with his boys. Our room steward was outstanding, extraordinary and perfect. We miss you Marvin! The food was outstanding. Being with the whole family was amazing in every way! We are so thankful for this trip of a lifetime!!

Day Six and Seven

Day six was spent at sea and we just swam and ate and did what lazy cruisers do! Day seven was spent in the Bahamas. I have to tell you... I was not impressed. The people in the Bahamas, at least at port, are VERY aggressive and somewhat scary! They were coming at you from every direction. I couldn't get back to the ship quick enough! It was warm and sunny and cool to be there and say that we were there. The kids got some cool souvenirs, for sure. But, I don't have any need to go back to visit. Still a great day, though!

Day Five

I am sorry about the sideways pictures. It is what it is, and this post will tell you of my biggest regret! Day five was spent in St. Thomas. I didn't get off of the ship. Only Josh and Braxton got off. I was just completely happy with sitting my butt on the ship all day and doing nothing. It is my biggest regret. Josh tells me it was the most beautiful island, and I believe him. I so wish I had more to say about it. Maybe someday, we'll go back.

Day Three & Four

Day three was VERY similar to day two, except that everyone was feeling much better! Day four brought us to St. Martin. Oh my gosh, People! This is my favorite place on Earth! We got off of the ship and took a water taxi to St. Martin. The natives on the water taxi were pure perfection. They had the long braids and dreds, just as you would imagine. They sang and sold soda and water, which we bought! They had the coolest accents and I wanted to just eat them up! We got to St. Martin and just walked around the "streets." You had to pay to use restrooms, or to walk or sit on the beach. So, we did neither. It was quaint, simple, and beautiful. The natives were the happiest people I have ever seen, and yet they had nothing. We talked to our boys about it as we walked. These people have nothing, yet everything. They were funny and kind and happy. We walked by the school. It was completely open-air. I just wanted to eat those little jamaican kiddos up! SO cute! Josh had attended a jewelry conference on the ship and had got me a set of free earrings and a necklace. He had a coupon for another free necklace, so he and the boys went into the jewelry store to get it. They were in there for a LONG time. Little did I know, he bought me a wedding ring. I have been wearing the ring my dad bought my mom. My wedding ring is perfect, beautiful, so special, so meaningful, and I am in love with it. Pictures will be in a later post. It makes me love St. Martin even more! Paradise.

Day Two

Day two was a bit rough. The seas were rough, the wind was blowing, the air was chilly and we were a wee bit miserable. At least I was! The patch wasn't working like I needed it to. The boys were not feeling the best either. We were at sea the entire day. So, the pool was busy with our kids. The ping pong table was busy with our kids, the basketball court and soccer court were busy. We hung out, ate a lot, played a lot and just tried to keep everything down. Really, though, it was beautiful sailing!