Chelsie's 22nd Birthday

Well, it is that special time of year again. March 5. Chelsie would have been 22 today. This morning I asked the kids what they remembered about her and surprisingly they remembered alot. She was such a presence in our family. E said, " she would have been on a mission right now, if she was alive" and I told him that was exactly where she was right now. Just a little bit longer than the normal 18 months that other girls go on.
Our tradition on Chelsie's birthday is to do something really hard for one whole day. Something that you struggle with and just can't seem to master. And ask Heavenly Father for his grace to help you accomplish it just for one special day. We have seen miracles happen by doing this. I truly think she must be allowed to help us today accomplish these challenges. I have seen it work every year. I am excited for the kids to see Heavenly Father's hand in their lives because they take this very seriously.
One of the kids is not going to cause any contention for one whole day, another is going to work on a relationship in the family that they struggle with, one of the kids is hoping for some extra help with a habit they are trying to break, one of the kids is going to work on trying not to make loud noises for one whole day, and all of us are trying to remember Chelsie by letting her know we are doing what we can to make it back to her someday.
I truly look forward to her birthday because of the spirit I feel and how close it helps me come to her. I know she is doing all she can to help us return to him. I know she would love to see us trying extra hard for her birthday. I am excited to accomplish my goal today. I know it will work with special help from her and the Lord. Happy Birthday Chelsie! We miss you!

The Moss Visit

Have you ever had a friend that understands you so well that she can explain YOU perfectly to yourself. AND in a way that helps you understand your self better? I have a friend like this. We have known each other for 12 years now. It has been wonderful for me to be able to process my thoughts outloud with someone who really "gets me". I needed her more than I ever realized and even took advantage of her friendship for a few of my more self absorbed years. But she forgives me for my weaknesses and is ALWAYS there for me. Sometimes I surprise myself in how much I tell her. In a way it is like a confessional, because I know that even though I may have unchristlike thoughts and behaviors, she will still love me and help me see the best way. I am so thankful for her friendship, especially in the trying times. I really don't know how I would have gotten through some of my more challenging times without her wisdom. We have grown so much together and someday after this life is over I am going to figure out a way to connect us together as family. Friends are forever right? I guess Jen we will have to do some matchmaking....I have lots of boys and you have lots of girls right?!!! Wouldn't it be fun to see us both on a pedigree chart connected to our grandkids? Just get them thinking, that is all I ask!!! I love you Jen! Thanks for all you do and have done for me!

This is our mass production of kids....my five and her six!I would have never imagined that we would have this many kids! Remember our little babies we had together when we first met at BYU! Who would have thought?!

Family Pictures

Well, here is my family pictures for 2009. My mom is our photographer and she is amazing. You should see the pictures before she gets ahold of them.

Really??? only 8 more days????

December is flying by! All of my good intentions are being put on the list for next year!!! It has been a fun month but I just am no good at being productive when I am pregnant!!! I miss feeling motivation!!! There will be other Christmas's to do everything right? This year I really am going to just enjoy the time with my family and not so much of the business part of it.

Thanksgiving at the Serrs (Grandma and Grandpa)

We had a great time in Spokane with the Serr family. There are 40+ of us. Yet Grandma and Grandpa Serr love to host us all at a extravagant Thanksgiving dinner. My kids love to eat on fancy plates with name tags and REAL napkins! They feel like royalty. While A and I love to help wash the 120+ goblets, 120+ plates, and 120+ silverware.(ha ha) It is alot of work but it is so fun to be all together as a family.


Did you know that they had a giant wagon in Spokane? My kids were amazed!!!

Sometimes I wish I had a wagon like this to carry all my kids around.(I wonder if they would have a special door to fit my huge wagon, so I could still go shopping!)

M's favorite part was discovering pomegranates. It is now her favorite fruit!!! (What a mess)

Down with the Tooth Fairy!!!!

We are so mad at that tooth fairy!!! She has just crossed the line! M lost her first tooth and (can you believe the nerve) SHE FORGOT to come and take the tooth!!! Then M reminded us she forgot to come and get E's teeth last week....twice!!! Then C reminded me (with a smile) that he still has his tooth under his pillow and it's been under there for the last three days!!! Can you believe it? Then after all that E told me the most disturbing evidence ever!!! He found a whole ton of teeth stuffed in my underwear drawer!!!!! Isn't that gross...can you believe she would have the nerve to go through some one's underwear drawer!!! And leave her gross used teeth in my drawer! I am appalled!! I was so shocked by the evidence I forgot to ask E what he was doing in my underwear drawer.... So does anyone know where you can go to file a complaint against the tooth fairy?

Halloween!!!

This was by far the funnest Halloween we have had! All of my kids are still young enough to Trick or Treat AND old enough to get in and out of the car by themselves. I pretty much just sat in the car like a taxi driver and waited for them to go to each house. They were so cute! "Wow! Sister "so and so" must really like us She gave us big candy bars!" or "Did you hear her say that WE were her favorite trick or treaters!?" Every house they each had to announce what they got at the last house! It was really fun.

Hannah Montana (or Miley Cyrus)


Indiana Jones!


A Zombie Princess


Frankenstein


Dopey and Grumpy ( I don't know who these people are!:) )

We had alot of fun carving pumpkins and going to the Zoo with Grandma and D. (who won the costume contest with his great homemade scuba diving costume) IT was a great Halloween!