Every Little Thing.

Each day I start out with so much time, but it seems to disappear like a puddle in the Arizona summer sun. Before I know it, all the good intentions that I had of getting things done are gone. Evaporated like the water. A time and a season, right? Keeping up this little blog journal of mine has been one of the things that's been neglected. I've got so much to catch up on, and let's be honest, it probably isn't going to get done. I had such a nice visit from Katie (She is adorable). Meeting a person in real life that I've been getting to know for 5 years online was so much fun. My dog got hit by a car going 40+ miles an hour, dragged 100 or more feet, then hopped right up and has been fine ever since (miracle dog). Ella had a school concert and a kid threw up all over the stage.  Ames is sitting and cooing and eating solid foods. (but still nursing A LOT, which I really love- except the biting part, little stinker.) We had a really fun visit with Grandma and Grandpa, got to go up to the cabin with them and enjoy the outdoors.  Jared  is starting up this really amazing bread business (which I WILL be blogging about soon) All this and so much more, not including me almost losing my mind a few times trying to keep up with the reality of having 5 kids.

It is a busy life and I'm trying really hard to pay attention to the details that really matter. Like listening to my kids and trying to teach them as best I can. And running. And eating Jared's really good bread. And building a block tower with Hudson right this minute, cause he can't wait any longer.

We got a new couch.

Its a strong one. Good thing, cause the kids jump on them. And built forts with their cushions. And execute gymnastic inspired flips from them. Don't try and tell them that is not what couches are for. But really, I do love my new couch. It makes me smile every time I pass it.

Three.

Violet requested two things for her  birthday party this year. 1. no boys. 2. for it to be PINK. 

So that is what we did for the loveable little scamp.

She had fun with her little girlfriends and squealed/commented/gasped each time she opened a gift. Of course the cupcakes were pink, and after she got over the trauma of almost all the balloons popping, (it was super windy) she had a good time. 

I love this little marshmallow. 

Brother + Sister

They are just enough years apart that they can't decide whether they love each other or hate each others guts. Every once in a while I catch them being really sweet to each other and it makes me smile.
I'm not sure what Violet is going to do next fall when Hudson starts school. Actually I do. She will boss Ames around and talk my ear off. 

I loved growing up with my brother Chad,  who is 2 1/2 years younger than me and my constant playmate.  Hoping these two will be as close (and tolerant of eachother.)

Violet Elizabeth

 All of my girls were born in the spring, and my boys were born in the fall. Ella and Violet were born just a week and a half apart (5 years apart). This year, Violet turned 3. 3! And she is as fiesty as ever. And brilliant. This girl has had an amazing vocabulary since she was just one, and it's just getting more so. She is fiercely independent, but also needs a lot of praise. She takes after Rory in the way she likes to be mama's helper. She likes to feel important and needed. She is brave as can be and if she doesn't like something, you know it.

I think it's really interesting to take your child's personality traits and quirks and see how they will be useful as they grow up. Violet will be one strong, hard working, independent thinker. (at least that is what I tell myself when she is being difficult.)

Some things Violet has said to me as of late:

"I just want to pick some flowers."

"I want to be a Gram when I grow up."

"I'm not a baby!!!!!!!!!!"

"Look, it's PINK!!"

"That's a stop sign, mama. A red octagon."

"I'm nobodies girlfriend!"

"I just want to be by myself."

"Mama. I a good babysitter."

"I Violet Elizabeth. I want some gum."

This girl is pretty remarkable. She makes me want to laugh all day long. And sometimes cry. I wish I could bottle her squeaky little voice up and save it forever- for future rememberings. I'm so grateful she is part of our family. She's our little spark.

Into the fold.

A few weeks ago my little brother got married. It was such a happy day for our family. Brett and Bree-n wrote such sweet vows for each other and I am so excited to have another sister in the family. They had it out at my uncle Greg's house and it was just beautiful. We got to spend the whole day out there. I went out early with Ella and Rory to get ready, then we had the wedding and afterwards the reception. I am excited to see the more professional pictures when they are ready, but here are a few I snapped on my phone of the day:

The ring bearer.

It's hard being two.

Hilary, Bree-n, and me. 

All the cousins.

3 of the flower girls.

The only picture I got of Ames all day. 

My handsome brothers.

It was such a nice day- perfect for an outdoor wedding- and reminded me of Jared and I's wedding 11 years ago. Having someone in your life who loves you unconditionally and without regret is so important. I am so glad that Brett has found that someone. He is such a sweet, loving, guy and he deserves to have someone who can see that in him. I am looking forward to getting to know Bree-n better and hopefully have more little nieces and nephews soon! (wink wink)

And then there was Ella

Ella had exactly 11 months and 1 day to be the baby in our family. She is and always has been a good sport about that. My sweet, easy-going, imaginative, happy girl. She is always creating something, whether it be a story, a drawing, some sort of costume or play. She is drawn to music and musicals and loves the songs from wicked and Annie. We've just introduced her to Les Mis and I just know she will love it like I do. She is a hopeless romantic and always sees the good in everyone and everything. She brings a calming spirit into our home, that is for sure. 

Here are some things you may or may not know about Ella:

She loves horses. She says green is her favorite color but I think it might be pink. She loves to make stuff and is always building things in the backyard out of wood/palm leaves/ whatever she can find. She loves to try new foods and is the best veggie eater I have ever met. Enchiladas are her favorite food, more specifically, Mangoes enchiladas. 

She likes to organize ways to earn money. Pecan sales, art sales, art classes, and now a "spa" club are different things she has come up with. She puts up with me and my need for everything to be neat and tidy and I try to put up with her and her need to build things and create. 

Ella is naturally very spiritual and has always had a sweet relationship with God. She loves to get up and bear her testimony at church and give talks at primary. (she does not get this from me.) She is always drawing pictures of Jesus and other scripture stories. She is very thoughtful and kind and giving to others. She gets really bored with homework but loves the social aspect of school. She read Charlie and the Chocolate factory this year and couldn't stop talking about it, and possibly her favorite books are the poems by Shel Silverstein. 

The older Ella gets, the more I realize what a special girl she is. She made me a mother, and she's been so patient as I've learned (and am still learning) the ins and outs of motherhood. She most definitely has turned my life around. I have so many fond memories with this girl, I just love being able to spend time with her and get to know her better as she grows up. I just adore her!

Send Me Photographs and Souvenirs

This year my oldest child turned 9. I can't believe I have a 9 year old! Isn't that what everyone says? It really is crazy, though. Ella is part of our family for a special reason. She is sweet, calm, and kind. She brings a peaceful spirit into our home. I'm pretty sure God knew that we would need that. She also has the best laugh. It makes me laugh or at the very least smile just hearing it.

We are having simple birthdays this year. It is so nice to be able to just celebrate as our family. So low stress and sweet. I think Ella had an extra special day this year. Rory and I made her very favorite cake, angel food with strawberries and whipped cream. Jared and I picked her up for a picnic lunch on her birthday from school. It was really fun- we had her favorite- enchiladas. The little kids and I blew up a whole bunch of balloons and only 3 of them popped on our cactus. (haha.)

 I put together an art kit for her and she has been drawing non-stop. She got that, a dress, some much needed sandals, a scooter, and a book. Don't you think they love it more when it's stuff they really want and need and not a whole bunch of fluff? Just another thing I am learning on this journey of simplifying.

Today Jared took the oldest 3 out to the dollar theatre, because that is what Ella requested for her special day. I am sitting here while the babies sleep enjoying the quiet. Heaven knows it won't last long! Last year Ella will be a single digit! Yikes!! I love this girl sooooooo much.

Turning knots into bows.

Easter Sunday began early. We are all early risers, but it was an especially early morning. I know I'm not alone in this, but I've completely forgotten what it feels like to be well rested! A time and a place, right? I guess at this point in my life is not either of those.

The night before Easter morning,  I let Ella and Rory help me with the baskets- they had fun putting everything inside them and hiding Hudson and Violets for them to find in the morning. I think they felt pretty important helping out. I am pretty sure that is one of the keys to having happy children (it works for adults, too.) Give them a responsibility, a job, something that makes them feel important and needed. I am also finding it is how big families survive. Everyone has to pitch in.

Every year I try to keep the baskets super simple, and this year was the same. I've been trying to teach them (and learn myself) that less is more. This is yet another thing that is important when you have a big family. It is really easy to get overrun with stuff which leads to more stress. I am learning this more and more. If I don't have a place for it or it doesn't serve a purpose, I'm better off without it.

After getting all ready for church services and when Rory finished making an extra big batch of her Sunday biscuits, we headed over to my parent's house. This year we started a new tradition: an Easter morning brunch and Easter egg hunt. Of course the kids loved it, but it was really nice for the adults, too. It was so pretty outside, and we got to sit out on the back porch and talk while the kids ran around and played. I am so grateful for family and friends and the chance we have to get together. It is definitely what I am most grateful for this Easter. That and the fact that my Iris's are blooming like crazy.