Returning the girls (Laura story)

What a crazy roller coaster ride we have been on for the past 13 months. I canonestly say up to this point in my life his is the hardest thing I have ever experienced. But, I would do it again, in a heart beat. The lessons and experiences I have learned is so worth it.
The strength in the gospel is so tremendous. Moving day for the girls was amazing but hard. We celebrated Christmas with the, before we took the, back. We had a prompting to write them letters. We read them our letters, gave them a scrap book of heir life with us, said a prayer and loaded up. Yes tears were associated with this whole process, but so was an overwhelming peace. Christ had comforted us with peace at this time.
One overwhelming thought that came over me was it was time for me to let go. I at points of raising my children will have to let go and realize I have taught the, what I needed. I know I have done what I needed the ,sat 13 months and now needed to let go and put it in the lords hands. 

7 year house anniversary (Laura post)

7 years ago today we moved from Harrisville to our home in Farr West. I remember being worried and scared. I remember wondering if we would fit in and love the area like we did harrisville. I remember my cute 4 year old Max putting his head down and just crying the first day we went to church. He missed his old friends and worried no one would like him. I just cried, it broke my heart. Well I'm proud to say 7 years later he totally fits in. We have a loving neighborhood, amazing people to be with. We realize daily how blessed we are to live where we do and associate with the people we do.

Girls going home to their dad

The girls are getting ready to go home , but we are hoping their dad is ready for it. There are many things we know from this experience:
* we know the girls were suppose to be in our home
* we know for some reason the bowen family was suppose to meet the Sanchez family
* we may never know the full purpose behind all this but we know we were suppose to bring those two girls into our home for the last 13 months.
* I know my faith has tremendously been strengthened.
* I know I have faith in a Heavenly Father who knows me and trusts me and has a plan for me. He has lifted me through so many things so I know he is aware of me.
* I can honestly saw that every basic principle of the gospel has been strengthened. Susan as prayer, faith, scripture study, relying on the Holy Ghost and priesthood blessings. We have had to use all of these to help us get through our days.
The other day I had the boys list the blessings / lessons they learned. Max said that he has Learned to not even deal with girls while they are throwing a fit. Oh man does he realize this is a lesson he will need the rest of his life???
I can see Heavenly fathers hand in helping me cope with the girls leaving.  Two words have totally stuck in my mind- happy and capable. I was reminded the girls still have another chance to be happy even though we may not see it that way. Also capable, it is time for the dad to show what he is capable of.

faith- (Nelson story)

Today Nelson taught me a great lesson on faith. As always I pushed it more than I should have to get ready for church. I am sure I was trying to squeeze in accomplishing one more thing. As I was getting ready Nelson had come home From church with a migraine. He had a bad headache that morning, but headed out for meetings hoping he would be ok. He came home the worse he has ever felt. He couldn't stand the pain he was in. He laid down for 5-10 minutes and was convinced he was going to sacrament to support the primary program. I told him to just lay down because he looked miserable. I had asked the young men president to have the young men bring sacrament into him. But what do you know, 5 min after church he came walking in. I knodded my head a bit because of his stubbornness. But at that moment I had an overwhelming reminder of Gaithersburg. Reminder how my faith needs strengthened. I thought he should have just laid down and called it a day. Nelson was convinced to be a part of something and knew heaven,y Father would help him to accomplish it.

reaquanting with our neighbors - (Laura story)

On Monday nights we try to take treats to different people in the neighborhood. A few weeks ago I had felt a prompting to take treats and reaquant ourselves to the people who lived behind us.  It took me a time or two to follow through with that prompting. We made pumpkin cookies and headed over to the street behind us. We made a few stops then went to the Bushell's. I know John (the husband) but if I ran into his wife at the store I would not recognize she was my neighbor.
We knocked on their door and they let us in heir entry way. Lily jumped up in my arms next thing I knew she started barfing all over me. I started pushing my way out the door as she pukes all over the entry way, white carpet, front porch and driveway. We found ourselves standing outside completely covered in throw up. We couldn't jump in the car so we found ourselves walking home.
As I was washing the throw up out of my hair I was thinking what bad timing, and that the situation wasn't really ideal. But what do we do? I asked Nelson what we should do, can't really take treats to replace the throw up treats. I ended up calling and apologizing and having a fantastic talk with her. I decided this meeting couldn't have turned out any better. She in turn brought us a big bowl full of juicy apples and Carmel. We a few days later picked bushels of their apples for them and us as well. She in turn brought us a nice apple pie.
This mistake made our exchange greater than it would have been with just a plate of cookies. Grateful for that embarrassing moment and what we gained from it.

What a day - (Laura story)

Not sure what happened today, but the past few days have been super tough with lily. When she returns from her visits she is hard. She starts and ends her days with huge fits. Today I found myself in a downward spiral crying to Heavenly Father saying "I cant't do this anymore". I think in my frustration I was crying to the lord to take this from me and bare it for me.  I am often reminded many times that Christ bore a lot more than I am asked to bear.
While sitting outside the Brigham temple an hour after the fits I had an impression that heaven,y Father created and blessed us with so many beautiful things including the temple. Just as he does that, he also created us to be beautiful. We just have to take the opportunity to do something about it. To become the beautiful person we are meant to be through and with Christ.

10/12/2012- bodies
This weekend we were out of town to island park with our neighbors. Nelson and I went for a run together. I expressed my frustration with always having pain in my body. Nelson reinsured me that I keep figuring out it by bit and he strong,y felt I would continue to do so. In relief society our lesson was on the word of wisdom. The teacher stated...... we are all here to master our bodies no matter the challenge. I fell this applies to me especially where I have plenty to continue to figure out.

Heavenly Father has buoyed me up- Laura story

Today as I walked out my deep tissue massage I realized how blessed I truly am. I have gone to the doctor a number of times to figure out why I have so much pain. The last appointment I had he told me my back muscles are constantly spasming. I have been trying to keep it under control, but sometimes I can't. When I just can't that's when I need help. I go to a massage where they dig all the knots out of my back. It is rather painful and far from enjoyable. With the girls in our home, Nelson as bishop and stress in my sisters life, I have a lot going on.
Today I realized how much a loving Heavenly Father is aware of me how he has buoyed me up and giving me the strength to keep going. He has shown me many tender mercies.
I know my Heavenly Father knows and most of all loves me. He gives me no more than I can handle

darkness- Laura lesson

I usually meet my friends in the early (dark) hours of the morning to enjoy a run. The good thing about hat time of day is it is quiet. I usually have sometime to reflect on the person I am, the day And my life. I love these quiet moments of the day. Love to realize what I am blessed with.
Today my back pain was super high, which effects my whole body including my legs. Even if I have done nothing my legs feel super weak. I decided to cut off from the group. I found myself running on the dark bumpy rocky canal road alone.
It made me start thinking a lot about life.  How easy it is to be caught in darkness.  To be caught in those dark, rocky paths where we can't see much around us.  Where we get frightened and hope we can find our way back. I often find myself praying why did I put myself on this dark path on my own. Heavenly Father help me be safe and not bump into a itching undesirable.  So it is with the dark paths we get ourselves in. Hopefully we are seeking heaven,y Father, saying where did I get myself, help me get out.
When I am running I see some of the most beautiful things Heavenly Father has blessed us with, stars, moon, sunsets etc...

My cousin Rhonda

My cousins wife was currently in the Murray hospital for 24 weeks. She has diabetes and it has attacked her body. She has faced years of challenges from this disease. This current challenge has caused problems with her vision, her internal organs and her legs and feet. With this last hospital stay she had to have her leg amputated. What pain and sorrow she has suffered. Yet she has had such faith to stay faithful. 

I finally went to visit her on her 24th week stay in the hospital. I pondered a lot of questions. Why? Why doesn't it take me so long to reach out to someone in need. Why have I not been serving her earlier. As I heard in conference today I need to be in tune and find more wAys to serve.

Trampoline moving

This spring we ended up getting our kids a new trampoline.  We have been use to a smaller round trampoline that can be moved rather easily by yourself. We decided to get a rectangle tramp to allow our kids for more jumping space. Not on,y did we get a bigger tramp, we now have two tramps. The kids have spent countless hours jumping on those trampolines. We have even been asked if our kids were grounded to the tramp. The downfall to our backyard set up is mowing

Each week the duty of mowing falls upon me.  I mow as far as I can until I come to those trampolines. I stop my mower and grab a leg of the tramp. I tug and tug and it hardly even moves. I find myself discouraged and frustrated as I tug and pull all the tramps and it barely moves. I have gotten into a routine I count 1,2,3 pull one leg and move to the other and repeat the same thing. Rotating from side to side until the tramp is finally moved where I want it.

Weekly as I go through this silly routine I always think of the same thing. I think of our challenges in life and how we want to just move over them and be done. We want the, to be moved quickly instead of doing step by step and learning and growing in each phase. It's a gentle reminder to me that I need to be patient on Heavenly Father own time and not mine. Be willing to learn and grow along the way.

Laura's personal lessons from sept 30,2012

No gas no gas left in my car- 
Last week I let our week get away from us. There was a lot we didn't get done but needed to. Before I knew it we were canning on Sunday just to fit it all in. I realized I needed to manage better to make it so I did no have to do that.
Well that was not all- I let my gas tank get too low and before I knew it I was way to low on gas and it was Sunday.my instant thought without hesitation, guess I will be going to the gas station. I was that willing to break the sabbath because of my lack of preparation. I then figured out I should try doing my own part and dumped our lawn mower gas. My luck it wasn't working. So I had to borrow from my neighbor . How often do we find ourselves red face and begging others for our lack of preparation and lack of good choices? I need to do more to not be found in these situations .

Do more venture out- 
Lately I have had conflicts and been judging what others have been doing with their time. After asking for the spirit I had to realize it was not my job nor right to judge them. It was their choice. I found peace by realizing that my goal is for my kids to know I am here for than and will support all aspects of their life.

Save someone's life

I have a journal that I write some random thoughts in... I'm going to add those things into this so they are not lost.
While Nelson is bishop he holds bishop youth discussion at our house. The kids come over and he teaches them, the youth love it. Last night Nelson told them about when he was 16-17 years old and had to take over his dads carpet business to provide for his family. 
One August day he was on the third floor of an apartment working. He was looking out the window daydreaming when he noticed a little girl face down in the pool. He and his cousin ran down the stairs to get her out of the big aprattment pool. They were able to get the water out of her air way and get her breathing.
He told the youth we all have situations where we need to be "saved" so many times we can help others.
He challenged the youth to find someone to "save" and send him a text of what they did. I took the challenge and this is what happened to me...I was driving home from picking lily up from preschool when a car pulled in front of me. I honked my horn because I was a little irritated. I kept going but noticed they looked lost. The spirit whispered to go back. I followed them wondering if they were lost they came to the four way stop and headed down 1200 towards by house. I said a little prayer if they are lost have them pull over. They pulled over right in front of the veterans home. I pulled my car down our street and jumped out. I asked them if they needed help. They were from Idaho and were very lost. I got the number of where they were heading and called and got directions for them. They were the sweetest people I have ever met. 
What a tender mercy I was blessed with in order to help someone out. I am sure it wouldn't of happened if I hadn't prayed for guidance that day or watched for opportunities. I learned a lot from thT challenge from Nelson. 

Fourth of July

For a few years now it has been a tradition for our little family to go meet my 2 sisters and parents in Riverdale for the 5k run. It is cheap, fun run and a good middle meeting point for all of us. The whole family has enjoyed participating in this run. Everyone did great and we had a fun time. Max is pretty beat after that run- he completed it in 24 minutes

Asher finishing his run

Boy we sure have some crazy people in our family

Takara, Bruce,Nelson & Asher after the race

OUr cute little family

Everyone after the race

On the way home Nelson rolled down the car windows and was waving to everyone on the parade route. I was a tiny embarrased but the kids thought it was the greatest thing in the world. Nelson got a lot of people to waive at us.

June Happenings

It is so hard to believe that we have already completed one month of our Summer break. I have a feeling it is going to go way to fast, yet with 4 kids in the house there are days that it seems to drag. Yes in the summer we play non-stop. If you ask Nelson he would say we play too much. Here are a few highlights from our first month: - Me- I have loved that half the time I don't even know the date and that the kids never match. The fun playing days of summer allow you to do that. Believe it or not I actually read a book. For my birthday this month I asked my sister to get me the book Heaven is Here. I know everyone about passed out that I actually asked for a book. The bigger shocker is that I actually read it, and mostly enjoyed it. (Yes I admit I did catch myself skipping a bit, for some reason I still can't sit still that long to read, but I did it.) - The Family- I have to admit at the beginning of the summer we make a "Summer to do List" and go a little overboard. I think this year we ended up with 45 things to accomplish. Each year we have yet to accomplish all of them. But we have been able to enjoy a few trips to get air (kids favorite), hiking to waterfall, biking to the overpasses and jumping up and down until the semis honk, swimming, running and the fun archery competitions. They were hosting the Olympic Archery Qualifiers at the fairgrounds this month. Max asked to go watch them. We were able to go over a few times, even though we did not know much of the rules, we enjoyed watching it. -Willard- The kids have been asking to go swim and play at Willard. Not necessarily the cleanest place to go play, but oh well. So we loaded them up and headed out.
Asher- not much more needs said about that-

- Quilt- For the past few years I have been saving up the boys old sport jerseys and some of their favorite shirts in hopes to make a quilt. We have worked on it here and there for the past few months and now I am glad to say this month it was finally completed. I need to admit that there is no way this quilt would have been completed with out the help of my awesome mom. The kids have loved taking turns wrapping up and sleeping with their blanket.

- Asher- Glad to report that we were finally able to get Asher a new suit. I am glad we can replace the one he has been wearing for the last year. There is a bit of a storey behind the suit coat he has on in the picture below. Last year I went to the DI in pursuit of the best suit coat for his homemade Mad Hatter Halloween costume. I found this green tweed one and snatched it up in hopes I could dye it and make it look how I needed it to. Nelson later told me it was not going to work. If I would have known that Asher was going to beg to wear it I would have looked a littler harder. This jacket has been one of his favorites (not mine, but that is ok)

I needed to add one more thing about Asher. Just the other day he came to me and said "Mom I seriously need to be put into counseling" With the girls in our home, counseling is a thing they really need right now. I smiled at him and asked why. he said "can't you see i am a mess, look at me last night, I was crying like crazy." Yes he was but it doesnt help that bed time has been after 10 most the summer. Oh the fun that the fun lazy days of summer brings.

Discouragement

Do you ever wonder why we have to have discouragement in our lives? We all face it day to day, but why? We all have different situations in our lives that lead to it. Can you tell this has been on my mind a lot this week? One of my biggest discouragements is having a body that is capable, but pain that limits me in different ways. The desire to run (for physical activity) yet having the feeling I want to barf from the pain that always resides in the same place, in the middle of my back and up to my neck. My poor legs that just feel like they 100 lb weights in them because of the pain. Granted this is not everyday, just when the pain is at its worse. Luckily this week in the early morning time (during a very frustrating run) I was able to think about this for a minute and realize some of the blessings of discouragement: - Through discouragement we have the ability to realize what we really can accomplish. If we don't keep pushing on, we don't truly realize what we are capable of and what we can do. - Knowledge of a loving Heavenly Father that truly knows and loves me. He knows what I am capable of (when I have no clue). He gives me no more than I can handle. I know he is truly aware of me and the struggles that we all have. -Perspective and what is truly important. In our life, like everyone elses, we have tons of things going on. I have the expectations that it all has to get taken care of. In a blessing Nelson recently gave me it talked about focusing on things that truly matter most. Sometimes I need those reminders to help me focus on my little ones and not worry about the constant mess that is always being created. Even though at times it is not fun experiencing discouragement I know there is a reason and it is all for our good!

End of school

I swear the last few weeks of school are jam-packed with so many things. By time you times that by 4 (number kids in our house) there is a ton going on. When the end of the month is here I am so grateful school is over. glad to be living by no routine for a week or two. Here are a few highlights from the last few weeks of school: Max was able to compete in the iron kid at the science olympiad over at the Fairgrounds. He did good at the relays, not so hot at the hola hooping ( i think he gets his talent there from me). He had a super fun team and was glad he could go.
Then Max's class was able to compete in the football game against the facilty staff. They class had the most reading minutes in the competition held by the school. His teacher is amazing on encouraging the kids to read. I have never seen Max read so much in his life. He has also been able to participate in movie days, fun at toads fun zone and dinner at Timpanoki with his teach for completing extra stuff. He has one amazing teacher.

Shurtleff 1st Annual Family Race

This year Nelson and some of his cousins decided to organize a family 5k. A family get together is organized for basically any holiday that comes up, we love our time together. We decided it would be fun to promote some physical activity. We originally planned to host a 5k, 10k, half marathon and kids k. Decided we had better scale this down a bit since it was a bit lofty for the first race. It was awesome to see all the family members who had prepared so they could come be apart of the day. Thank heavens the family was patient with our inability to get everything set up on time. Everyone getting ready to race/run-

The race was held on Cinco De Mayo. Good thing Nelson's brother Spencer came into town and most of all came prepared with costume. I have to say there is never ever a dull moment with Spencer around.

Our handy nurse Jen who took all measures to ensure she had all equipment needed while riding her bike. Where do you find support like that at a race?

Max was convinced he was going to run the 10k. That would be the furthest distance he has ever ran, let alone his first run for the year. As we learned that everyone was backing out of the 10k I was a little skeptical to let him do it. I told him to just see how his body was doing and see what he could do. I also told him as he was headed to the finish line the first time to make up his mind of what he wanted to do so it was not easier to quiet. I just have to say he is one determined kid. He did not even hesitate. He crossed the finish line and just kept on running. He and his 9 year old cousin Tanner were the only ones that ran the 10k. When he finished he wanted to make sure he helped his cousin finish. He ran back and got him and helped him finish his run. Super proud of Max and the accomplishment that he made that day. He was also determined he was not going to quit before he hit 7 miles. He did hit that goal as well. Hope from this experience he remembers and realizes that he can do hard/tiring things. Asher ended up running the full 5k and was the first finisher (excluding Max and Tanner who kept going). Yes of course my silly crazy kids

Max after he finished running. Can you tell he is a little proud? He did a great job.

We were so grateful for being able to see everyone cheer and encourage each other to keep going. What a great way to start our morning out. No worries we have more of these events planned for the future.

Asher's School Comment

I have debated over and over if this is an appropriate place to put this, but figured it is something I wanted to remember years from now. Yesterday I stopped by the kids school to pick them up for the girls Foster visits. While waiting for them to come out Asher's 1st grade teacher pulled me aside to tell me what had happened in class. They were comparing three different objects and one of the objects was balls. Asher raised his hand and said "teacher I just need to understand are we talking about the balls in boys bodies or the ones we use at recess?" Who knows if he was joking around or actually 100% serious. Luckily his teacher laughed and understands his silly, goofy and light personality. Opps sorry to those other parents whose kids were exposed to more than they wished. Got to love boys.

April Happenings

I swear I have fallen off the blogger planet. Have not had much motivation to blog about life, believe me there has been plenty. Here are some highlights: For some reason Asher has a major obsession with rain. He loves being in it and getting down right soggy in it. I guess we all had that love at one point or another in our childhood, I sure did. I would twirl around under my umbrella as long as my mom would let me. The first rain storm we had this year left Asher a little disappointed. As I headed out for our walk I found him moving huge buckets full of water and dumping them down the gutter. If we did not get enough rain, he was going to create it. But the night finally came and Asher was able to get as soaked as his heart was content. He was a little disappointed that his rain jacket did not keep him 100% dry. He was wanting that thing to perform miracles while he played and played in the down pouring rain on ofcourse the soaking wet tramp.

Windows: A house would not be a house without it's fair share of damage. Believe me we have had our share. This is officially our 4th window break since we have lived in Farr West. Good news this is actually the first time one of my own children caused the damage. First time was by Nelson and a wiffle golf ball and the other two- neighbor kids. As we were mowing the lawn I asked Max to pick up the baseball off the grass (one of the many objects that were just laying around). As I continued to mow I heard an extremely load noise (over the lawn mower) yes one did not even have to guess what happened. Max thought it would be a good time to try to see if he could get the ball over the house. Instead it went through the living room window. Good thing for us it is just a window and stuff like this happens. Extra good news is we have 2 great glass guys that are always there to bail us out in times like these. The broken window (4th time)- Luckily this time I remembered to get a picture

Crazy Hair day The kids had crazy hair day and ofcourse are always glad to participate. Asher for some reason knew exactly what he wanted. For some reason he wanted ponytails in the shape of an X. Then he could put his head down and tell his friends they had found the treasure- "see X marks the spot" he would say. Not sure where he comes up with this stuff, but it sure is cute. Glad the boys are willing to be involved and not embarrased what others may think.

New play spot The kids have found their new loved play spot. Unfortunately it is as high as the ceiling- up on top of our built in entertainment center. They spent hours up their reading, eating and just down right playing. It was like they had just created their own indoor fort and had such a blast hanging out in it. Unfortunately I had to put the wall scaling fort playing business to an end. When I caught them jumping off of the top of the entertainment center I decided it was time to be done. That is the last thing we need- more injury. So here is to a short lived play spot!!

Believe me I have definitely felt the comfort and strength from a loving Father in Heaven. I know he is very mindful of me and my family and we are extremely blessed. I have strengthened a deeper love for fasting and know it is real. We are truly blessed by many friend, family and the gospel.

Easter

There is no way to hide the excitement the kids feel about Easter. The kids get excited about each little hunt and family gathering. Easter this year was right over Spring Break- so yes it was kind of busy. Easter Hunt at Grandma Weston's- My mom literally has popcorn popping on the Apricot tree. Fun little tradition that the kids enjoy, so do the adults. My kids have learned they had better hide their popcorn balls or I end up eating them all

Tradition has it that the kids go in the back and look for a certain number of eggs. Kids love doing this. Them after emptying out their eggs. Wanted to get a picture of both the boys with Grandma for keepsake

Once the backyard was cleared out they then get to start their scavenger hunt for more fun treasures. For some reason that pesky hider put the clues way to high up on the address sign. No one could manage to shimmy up the pole but little old Asher.

The kids had a blast. We were grateful we were able to spend this Easter Day with our family instead of in the hospital like we were last year. Grandma Bowen's Easter Hunt- There is no easy way to explain the hunt at Grandma Bowen's house. There are a lot of kids, lots of fun and lots and lots of food. When the Bowen's get together all the Aunts, Uncles and Cousins come. it is always a fun and large family hang out. We would have it no other way. This year I let the kids pick what they wanted to throw out on the grass. Their selection was something non traditional, but hey who cares, the kids loved it:

All the cousins hanging out after the hunt-

Last but not least- Asher being silly and hanging out with his Great Grandma Miner. The boys have a tenderness in their heart for her and she loves having all the kids around. It has been good having her in Jeannie in Court's house, we get to see her more often and spend time with her.

We are so grateful for the holiday season and for what it truly means. Grateful for a Savior who sacrificed for us and was resurrected so we can return and be with him again. This easter was fun with the boys helping to get to explain to the girls in our home what Easter is truely about.

Spring Break

Spring Break this year was scheduled for a week over Conference Weekend and Easter Weekend. I learned it was a long break and I need to gear up for fun things to do in the Summer to help avoid Summer boredom. With Nelson's current church calling he does not have a lot of vacation time. I wish he had more time off so we could go and play as a family. So for the first part of the week the kids and I went and played as much as we could. We visited a few different parks, went ice blocking, which was a first for some of the people with us, and visited the Airplane Museum. We had a great break and had fun spending time with each other. Museum-

Later in the week we decided to take the kids on a little get away to Salt Lake. We did not have much time to go far so decided we could have fun in Salt Lake. We got a hotel and went and visited some of the places we don't go to often. We started the night off at the new City Creek Shopping Center. Of course the kids gravitated to the water and had a ball playing. The next day we purchased a Salt Lake Connect pass and hit some of our favorite spots. First stop- Discovery Gateway We don't go here often and now I know why. It was jam packed with kids. The kids had a blast hanging out, Max on the rock climbing wall

You can interpret Nelsons face however you want in this photo,and no I did not let a stinker:

We then headed to the Hansen Planetarium and watched an IMax show. Let's just say I had a good nap, it was one of the worst movies I have seen in my life. Of course a trip to gateway can not be complete without over an hour spent in build a bear. Kids were able to spend their own money and buy themselves a new pet. We then headed up to spend sometime at the zoo. We could not have picked a better day to go. There were about 40 other visitors in the park and the day was slightly overcast. It turned out perfect.

Yep!! not hard to figure out that my family fit in just perfect here!

Max and Asher hanging out in the Giraffe house. They were not too fond of the smell.

We tried the shot of Nelson and i one more time. Not sure this one turned out any better.

Our day was then topped off with dinner at the Lion House Pantry. All of this was included in the card we purchased (except Build a bear). Yes we ran the kids ragged. They had a good day but were pretty tired when it was all said and done. It was a fun way to spend time together and get away from the hustle and bustle of our life.

Feb/March Random Happenings

For some time now our trampoline has been on it's last leg. When we took it down for the winter 9 of the mat hooks had ripped from the springs. Since the winter has been so mild we decided to put the tramp back up, full knowing we needed a new one asap.
Each day the kids were out jumping and it seemed we lost another. We decided it was time to buy a new one. We have gotten our moneys worth out of that thing. We even had a neighbor tell us we should set it up in our house during the winter since a kid is always on the tramp (that is not too hard when there are always 12 kids here, of course someone will be always jumping).
Well as luck would have it we found a great deal on a rectangular tramp. The kids were in heaven and stayed on it all day (good thing we are experiencing great weather). Max decided to flip from the new tramp to the old one. As soon as he landed 3 springs went flying through the air. Max's cat like reflexes kicked in so he could grab the bar instead of falling off. We are just kicking ourselves we did not have our camera. Needless to say the tramp has been officially retired!!
Here's hoping for many more years of backyard fun:















Wax Museum:
This year for 5th grade Max has one awesome teacher. She goes above and beyond in all that she does. She had the kids do a wax museum. They were tasked with researching a person, preparing a background, gathering a costume and a speech. As people walked through their display and pushed their buttons they had to start speaking. It was such a neat thing. As Max was leaving he said "Does the family not know this the biggest day of my life". It was way cute and he did a good job. great way for him to learn public speaking and many other things. He chose Jan Ulrich (a German biker) Here are a few pics:
I think this year for St Patricks Day I may have gone a little overboard. We ended up having green everything and I am not exaggerating on that. We had green- eggs, milk, ham, spaghetti, jello, water, and even had our rolls made up extra green. Good thing the kids were in the "holiday" spirit because they loved every minute of it. Good thing for blogs so next year when they expect the same craziness I can remember what I did.

Is Fear A Factor for you?

Now as I try to recall, I am not even sure how it even happened. How did I end up hosting a fear factor activity with a ton of kids (16 to be exact)? Was it my crazy idea or did I somehow let my kids talk me into it? Not sure, but for some reason I said yes. Thinking it would be a good way to keep the kids entertained during the 3 days of early out they had from school. So here is how it went:

I went to the effort of decorating the door with some of the same stuff that was on their invitation, but the kids did not even see it. They entered our house different ways than the front door.

Max competing in the transfer the fish team challenge. This was the first event they participated in as well as that generated vomit. (not off to a good start)

Max and Asher competed in jumping jack competition then had to roll a dice to see what they "got" to eat. Luckily Asher got pickled beets, unlucky Max got cocktail onions. Hence, second event that generated vomit (not a good track record 0/2). At this point I was honestly contemplating quitting the events.

The shot that was close to vomit

Against my better judgement I let them talk me into eating the baby food. It was getting pretty ugly so I made Asher and Emily quit. I was done with the vomit at this point, and we had just started.

Asher convinced he was going to finish the baby food (he never made it)

Next event was wall sits. This was one tough group of kids. Those kids were determined not to quit. After 8:30 minutes I finally made them quit, they were not getting close at all.

Asher and Passion competing against each other on the wall sits. Neither one of them was going to give up.

Next event was raw egg relay. This was voted one of the kids favorite. This will be a repeat if I am ever talked into doing this again.

Max being brave to fish peanuts out of a pan of spaghetti, onions and pigs feet. Asher was brave enough to taste the pickled pigs feet and did not care for them.

Last but not least Max and some of his friends hanging out after the worm challenge

The kids loved it and are ready to plan another one. We will see how long we wait until we do another one.