Repeat... repeat... repeat...

Good-bye baseball. James has had his official last game, and I thought I'd include the highlights! You know, Todd and I have never been a fan of watching baseball, Todd especially. But James insisted on playing baseball, partly because he LOVED watching his cousin Beau play back in MN last year. So, off we were to our first coach-pitch season. You know, Todd, Glenn, Alex, and I never knew how much fun it could be to watch baseball! Watching these little kids grow from never hitting the ball the first game, to hitting it within the first 3 pitches the last game, was adorable! James definitely went from a wimpy batting stance to a full-bore 'attack the ball' stance by the end of the season. He improved so much in batting!

And the team we were on were full of families with young kids. So when game time came, all the families pulled out their bubble guns, bubble wands, and ran around constantly! Of course, the bubbles would go onto the field, and our team was used to the bubbles.
But the other teams would get distracted, and their fielders, or runners, would try to run around and catch the bubbles. It became our teams plan to distract the other team, so we could win :-) They don't keep score, so it really was a joke! But there really was nothing better than sitting back and enjoying a great baseball game! So cute! And it never failed... rain or sleet, or sun, whenever the game was over, there was little Glenn with the baseball helmet on, running the bases! He loved it! And 9 times out of 10 he was in his cowboy boots, too! Little Alex grew up during the season as well. Went for being a tyrant in the beginning, and it was a nightmare to keep him near us! But by the end, I guess he'd been trained enough, that he could run around freely, because we knew he'd come when called... most of the time :-)

So, I am now the nursery leader in our ward... what a stark contrast from Enrichment counselor! But I am LOVING it! Last week, the stars were aligned, and these little 18 month-olds to 2 1/2-year olds, were little angels! They played so well, and they actually stayed on their little carpet squares, and had 5 minutes of singing time, 5 minutes of lesson time talking about feelings, and how HF wants us to be HAPPY, and how if we're upset, we need to use our words! Thought I'd throw that in there, even if they were all looking at me, like "What are you talking about lady?" I even was teaching them to play Duck Duck Goose. And they ALL SAT and LISTENED! It was fantastic.

Well, Alex is into repeating everything! I had Taylor and Alex on my lap, and were reading books to them. We were reading an animal book, and I would take turns asking them questions... what animal is this? What does this animal say? And so forth. Well, I had asked Alex what a sheep says, and he said Baaaa.... then I leaned to Taylor's ear, and said, can you say "sheep, Taylor?" Well, Alex was perfectly happy to answer me, and kept saying "Sheep Taylor, Sheep Taylor" He was so proud that he could say it, like I asked. It was cute.

After the Zoo the other day, Joleane and I stopped by the temple. The flowers were gorgeous! And Glenn was doing his typical self! He loves to be as close to his family as he can, to the point of annoyance! At night, he needs to be RIGHT next to you while you read. And in the case of Todd, he has to lay on top of Todd while he's reading! He's not a little boy! So, there are times, when you just need to say, Glenn, I need you off! Church can be like this too... competing for lap space! Well, James is reading like a madman lately, and has discovered boxcar children books, which he loves! So, he has been reading us to sleep. Well, Glenn apparently doesn't have a fetish for Todd or I, it's just to whoever is reading! Poor James is trying to read, and Glenn practically smothers him to get as close as he can to cuddle with him! So, I thought the pictures of Glenn hanging off of James' side at the temple was a perfect picture!

And my little Alex tries so hard to keep up with his brothers! What a cutie he has become! The other day I was talking to MawMaw on the phone, and Todd was in on the computer. The older boys were out front, and Alex is only allowed to be in the back year if we're not around. So, we hear Alex yelling for help, and so Todd had gone out there and said, Sarah, you've gotta see this! So, this is what we found. Little Alex trying to climb over the fence to be with his brothers! My other boys have climbed up on these to talk to the neighbor kids, so I'm sure Alex got the idea from them... but I wouldn't put it past him that he came up with this on his own as well :-)

Well, that's about all for now. I'm still trying to catch up on past events, so that's why we have such a hodgepodge of pictures! Hopefully I'll be back to the present soon! Take care everyone!

Recapping some past events....

Ellie really has allowed us to slow down a bit to enjoy life, like the picture to the right! :-). When you have a baby, you are supposed to slow down, in theory! But with 3 other kids, slowing down doesn't mean you can sit around and eat BomBom's... although I certainly have been doing my share of eating chocolate bars! Slowing down, has meant for us, enjoying our time together as a family. Instead of heading off to the races, and running around with our heads cut off all over town, we've been able to enjoy our time around the house getting things done, enjoying play dates with friends, and just enjoying time together as a family playing games and reading books. Sure, it's crazy at times, but as I sit around in the late hours at night, or the wee hours of the morning, contemplating life, I wouldn't change it for the world!

Today my dad found out that his cancer has spread. And it was hard on him... which made it very hard on me! I contemplated a lot today. I took time to just sit and read my scriptures, looking at the grand scheme of things... and I am oh so grateful that I know we have one!

The relationship that I have with my dad is one that I cherish. It is a father/daughter relationship to its finest. And as I thought about that today, I thought of all the little things that we've done together to develop that relationship. Sure, we did some grand things together... camping in the BWCAW was my highlight, but it was the little things that I think was the cement. It was the drives to school and the talks that were associated with it (nothing earth-shattering... but just talking... this is where I learned what streaking meant!)... it was the night past curfew where I got in big trouble, but was a great conversation we had out of it... it was the time I got the car stuck 3 hours away from home and we had to go tow it out, it was the times he would take me to work with him after hours, because he had to get something. I just loved spending time with him... it didn't matter if he was busy, or tired, or even upset with me. Just sitting in the same room with him was all that I needed to know that I was loved and cared for. I am so thankful for his example, for it has helped me realize how to make our cement in our family. I only hope and pray that my kids can have the same bond with Todd and I.

My dad has had cancer for 10 years, and I predict he'll have it for many more! This is by no means a death sentence. It just has given me time to pause and reflect. Life isn't about what you aquire materially. It is about experiences... what we learn from them, and how we deal with them. And I truly hope that we can always keep this in perspective. I am thankful that Todd and I are content with our life enough to be able to try to truly enjoy these experiences, and use them to make us better people, a better family, and have a stronger relationship with our Savior.

This past month with Ellie, has been full of experiences! So many, that as you can see, it causes us to pass out at times... as you can see with Todd and the boys! But we've had a great time going to the zoo, enjoying watching James play baseball (Alex loved wearing James' batting helmet... he still does), watching Alex grow up and start adoring Ellie, and watching Todd grow older :-) And by the way, this one picture is of Todd with his birthday cake. His hand is out, trying to prevent Alex's spit from landing on the cake... Alex was trying to blow out the candles by blowing raspberries :-)

It has been officially decided that we are going to drive back home. Again, life is for experiences, and we decided that driving would be a much better experience for us as a family, than flying. And it will cost us almost half as much as flying, believe it or not! Tickets back to MSP or Milwaukee have skyrocketed! So, we'll probably leave July 12th, and be gone for 3 weeks. We're taking lots of bikes with us, and can't wait to be together without interruptions! James wished that he could go back in time to do the trip again... well, he's getting his chance! How wonderful it will be to have Todd with us this time!

Well, that's all for now. Summer is finally coming here! 90 by Friday, and looks like the sun is here to stay for a while! I can't believe I'm looking forward to this! We went to the park the other day, and I was wearing a coat when it was 70 out! I used to wear shorts and t-shirt at 70! My friends in MN would mock me! :-) Now, I love the 80's! Anyway, have a great day everyone!

Our House is a Home

Last Sunday our Glenn came home from church and said that one of his classmates at church said he didn't like his house. Glenn, with a sad expression, said, "Isn't that sad, Mama." Later that night, and every night since then, Glenn tells me how much he loves his house. Well, I thought it would be fun to prod the mind of a 4 year old. So, I asked him why he loves his house... and he said "because our family lives in it." Talk about hitting the nail on the head. Our house is not a home because it has 4 walls, because it's full of toys, because we have running water (although I can't imagine loving a house without it :-)), or because we have beds or clothes or wonderful food inside. Our house is a home, because there is a family inside who loves each other unconditionally. And for a 4-year old to recognize that importance makes me tear up.

James and Glenn have always appreciated their family (thus far! :-)) by constantly telling us how much they love us, and by doing things for us, and putting each other first before themselves. Although this may not always be the case, it is the moments when James puts a tiny piece of his cookie that is rightfully only his, in every persons spot at the table to share, or the moments when Glenn specifically tells James and Alex 'I love you' in his bed before he goes to sleep. God knew what he was doing when he created families!

No where else can I learn so much about love, patience, and charity. No place else can stretch me like a rubber band beyond my limits, but when I relax back, I've become stretched a little more and have become a better person because of it.

Being away from our immediate family, here in Corvallis, I have learned to stretch my definition of family. It was so hard living far away from family when we first moved to Corvallis. Each year it became a little easier, as we made our own family with the friends we made. I am so blessed to have a circle of friends, after 10 years of living here, who watch out for me as much as my own family would. We help each other clean house, watch kids, get things at the grocery store, and sometimes just drop something by just because. It's love in watching out for one another and caring for one another.

Anyway, I just thank my Heavenly Father for His wonderful Plan of Happiness that includes families. I can't imagine life without my little James, little Glenn, even little Alex, and especially little Ellie who has changed all of our lives. And I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family back in MN and WI, but also such a wonderful family here in Corvallis! Glenn is right... I LOVE my home, and it's because of my family inside, and my friends and family around us who share their love with us as well.

Have a great day everyone, and I'll include a picture, even though it has nothing to do with the post :-)

To the in-laws

OK, so I may be on a sentimental kick, but I want to take a post to thank my in-laws for all that they do for our family.

So, I thought I'd look online to see if I could find a poem that would encase my feelings towards my in-laws. Wow! I found websites dedicated to bashing in-laws, and found lots of corny poems... I finally found one very positive one, and it had to do with how supportive her mother-in-law was, even after their divorce! So, I decided to can the poem idea :-)

Jeanne and Glenn drove over 7000 miles in total to come out and help with baby Ellie, and the boys. That should be enough to show their personality right there. True dedication. It doesn't matter what we need, they are always there willing to help. Living the distance we do can be quite challenging, yet they work hard to close that gap, and create the relationship they want with their grandkids. At this age, we could care less what they think of us... :-)... really, we just want them to develop that relationship with our kids. Both Todd and I were so blessed to have such wonderful grandparents whom we loved. And thankfully MawMaw is still with us for all of us to enjoy. But we loved those experiences that we had, and want our kids to enjoy those same experiences.

So, out they come, ready to build Snowspeeders and Mellenium Falcons, cook fabulous meals for us, drive James to baseball and karate, and play their DS together! What fun the boys had with their grandparents! And how wonderful it was for me to watch them interact with my boys while sitting back and feeding Ellie :-) Oh, and I need to mention, that they also came with a prize for me.... OREOS! Since I couldn't have them while pregnant, Glenn specifically brought me strawberry milkshake Oreos! They were FABULOUS! Very soft and creamy... I'd highly recommend them to anyone! Next time, I'll make sure to share :-) And as you can see from the picture, Jeanne also bought a chocolate cake from Costco to celebrate! We'd been scheming that one well before Ellie came along :-)

I can honestly say that I love my in-laws. They are such wonderful people, and have done a wonderful job raising my husband! I couldn't ask for a better man, father, husband, and know that their raising shaped him into who he is today. Hopefully I've helped a little :-) That's the great thing about being married to Todd, though, is I really think we help bring out the best in each other. Todd has taught me how to do laundry so they don't wrinkle (I'm still learning, but have come a long ways!), taught me about dish and hand towels, and taught me about putting drinks on wood. Usually men don't care about these things, but obviously Todd was taught well, and did care! Although on a side note, once Jeanne came to visit, and put her drink on the wood end table. Todd gave her a look, and told her that she was the one who taught him otherwise! It was funny. And once I did ask my mom if she knew there was a difference between hand and dish towels, cause Todd told me there was! She said, of course there was a difference, but Dad never adhered to those rules, so she finally gave up, and that's why I didn't know there was a difference! Good ol' dad! He always has marched to beat of his own drum, which is why I love him so much!

Jeanne and Glenn came a week before Ellie was born, and stayed for a week afterwards, and they could have stayed longer! We loved having them with us, and are thankful to them for putting up with 3 loud energetic boys! My boys LOVE to play with each other, and many times do so very loudly! And coming from just the two of them, I'm sure it's a little adjustment to say the least! But they never complained, and always went with the flow! Even Alex, who was starting his tantrum stage, was still doted after. And when Ellie came, and Alex was out of his sorts, Grandma D did so well with him! Thankfully he's adjusting better now, is becoming more of the Alex we once knew! He still has a ways to go, but he's talking up a storm, which is helping him communicate, instead of tantruming :-)

I am so thankful for my in-laws, and am thankful that I don't have to waste time bashing them, but hopefully I spend enough time thanking them for all that they do for us and our kids. My heart aches for those who don't have a relationship with their in-laws, because it is such a treat, and I know my life is more enriched by having them in our lives. Our family is so blessed to have such wonderful grandparents to our kids on both sides. They both live so far away, but do such a great job trying to keep in touch. It's difficult sometimes with so many things going on in our lives! But I am grateful for the time they take to come visit us in OR (especially with gas and plane prices what they are!), and hope to see them all soon!

Thanks Jeanne and Glenn! From the bottom of the hearts of The Boys Club, plus one girl! And from your son and daughter-in-law!

James has turned 7....

I was browsing others blogs, and found a really neat video clip that Anna Fowler (Bro. and Sis. Rampton's daughter) put together for her son. I found it so touching, that I went to work the next day and created one for James. So, I hope you enjoy it!

I was scared to death to have James. We were not expecting to have kids yet, and I didn't think I was ready! So, with many tears, Todd held my hand through it all, and we started our adventure as parents. From the moment I finally laid eyes on him (30 hours of labor!), I instantly fell in love. He changed my life in more ways than I thought possible. He taught me about true love for a mother and a son. I had no idea! He taught me about heartache when they hurt, and you just wish you could make it all better. He taught me what a real belly laugh sounds like! And he taught me about patience, charity, service, and has truly helped me to stop and enjoy the flowers.

James is my charismatic, full-of-life child that is not afraid of anything! He's the first to ask a question... which as parents we always worry what is going to come out of his mouth when he raises his hand! He never complained when I was constantly making treats/dinners for other people in Relief Society, and there was none left over. He's so patient with me, and with his brothers. He's the one who keeps me in check, and tells me when I need a little time out, or when we need to stop to say a prayer to calm everyone down. He's my little adventurer who loves to dive, walk on roofs when it's raining (he's promised NEVER to do that again), play baseball, and do karate, yet so gentle to hold Ellie, snuggle with Glenn, and constantly tell his family that all he wants to do is be with them. I can't imagine life without James. He has made me such a better person, I think because he was the one who made me a mother.

Now, 4 kids later, I still have so much to learn. And James teaches me new things every day. But knowing that I have him by my side to hold my hand (at least for now), I know we can conquer anything. Thanks James, for all that you've taught me, and I look forward to many more years to learn from your wonderful spirit! I love you with all of my heart! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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