Happy Birthday Chase

Chase celebrated his 15th birthday a few days ago, and got some new shoes that he let Cash try out for a little while.

Cash, you've got big shoes to fill.

For lunch, Larry, Cash and I, checked Chase out of school and took him out to lunch. It was really fun hanging out and visiting together.
Chase is a great kid. He is even-tempered and is the peacekeeper in our family. He is creative and expresses himself artistically through his unique designs--especially athletic shoes. He has a great sense of humor and a quick wit. He is spiritual, shows up for early morning seminary each day, and serves faithfully as the president of his Teacher's quorum.
He is a great athlete who loves playing on the high school basketball and football teams. He is a great son, and while he doesn't really like my hugs, he is respectful and quick to show gratitude and say kind words. He is an awesome brother, treating his siblings with kindness and especially showing extra love to Chloe and Cash.
He hates to comb his hair and dress up. He loves gym shorts, team t shirts, and awesome basketball shoes. He studies up on the latest shoe designs, reviews, and inspiration--so if you need to know anything about basketball shoes, ask Chase. He has rarely met a chocolate chip cookie he doesn't like. Chase is one of a kind and a great blessing to our family. Happy 15th!

It's hard, but it's worth it

I don't sleep for more than 3 hours at a time. I'm exhausted. Laundry, meal making, homework, practices, games, school, grocery shopping, doctor appointments, church callings, dishes, and the like haven't stopped happening. Baby Cash has no comprehension of these things. He is content and peaceful if his tummy is full, his diaper is clean and he is being cuddled in the arms of a family member (preferably mommy's). To say this is easy would be an enormous lie, but it is totally worth it and I am incredibly grateful that this sweet little guy has joined our family.
I feel elated by minor accomplishments. For instance, today was blue day at Chloe's pre-school. It was my day to be the parent helper, for which I hired a local college girl home for the semester to do it for me (she was awesome--"and beautiful", Chloe told me). This enabled me to make the blueberry muffins Chloe desperately wanted to take for the snack--pressure free. I think she looks pretty cute in her blue clothes (thanks Grandma for the dress) holding her muffins.
Here are a couple more pictures of Cash cuddling.
I saw Corbin's school writing book today and on one of the pages he has written: This Book is Dedicated to My Sister Chloe and Baby Brother Cash. I thought that was so cute for a middle-schooler.
Over Christmas Break we went to Portland, and Larry took the boys to see Jimmer and the Sacramento Kings play against the Portland Trailblazers. They had a great time.
Carter and Chase are in the middle of basketball season. They play together on the JV squad and it is so awesome watching them play together. Carter gets some playing time on the Varsity and Chase gets some playing time with the Freshman, but they usually play about 2 to 3 quarters together on the JV.
At the end of season banquet in December, they also received these awards for their efforts on the football teams.
Larry has been coaching Corbin's basketball team, and this past week took Corbin and Caleb to compete in a Hoop Shoot contest in Moses Lake. Corbin took 1st for his age group and Caleb took 2nd in his. This qualifies them to compete in Districts on Saturday.