{growing up}

When they first place that sweet baby in your arms, your heart is full of dreams for the future. You picture them saying "mama" for the first time, holding their hand as they learn to walk, the first day of kindergarten, their baptism day, becoming a teenager, going off to college, and then marrying and having children of their own. Then you look down at that precious baby, and it seems so far away, you just can't imagine it all.

Then you go home. You are so enraptured with your darling baby and so busy with all that life is, that the days go by quickly. Then those milestones are reached before the blink of an eye, and one day, you're looking at a young man.

.........

BLESSING



BAPTISM



ORDINATION




........

My parents are currently serving a mission, and were given permission by their mission president to visit us, so they could be present for Ryan's ordination. We were so glad! It was a wonderful day, and I know that none of us will never forget it.

My baby's growing up!

{half-marathon}

A few months ago, my life changed, when Erica suggested that we train for and run a half marathon. At first I thought she was totally crazy, and then after seeing the training schedule, I knew she was. I had been running for years, but never more than my usual 3-4 miles, and always just as a necessary form of exercise. I just couldn't imagine it. But, the idea took hold. I knew that it would it be a challenge, and the thought of be being able to accomplish something difficult was really appealing. So, I agreed.

It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

...........

The morning of the race came early. I think I was up every hour the night before, nervous that I wouldn't wake up to my alarm, and anxious for what inevitably would come. Some of my closest friends were also running that morning, and it was wonderful knowing that they would be there with me. We met in the lobby, then drove over together, so our families could meet us at the finish line. When we got to the car, we saw that it had been decorated by one our friend's husbands, and it was the perfect way to start the day.




At the start line, it still seemed very surreal. I wasn't really nervous, just anxious. I knew I had trained well, and that I was prepared, but it's amazing how the chip on your shoe and bib on your shirt can affect you.

Suddenly, we were moving, and the race was on.



I had been warned to not start too quickly--to stay within 10 seconds of my normal pace for the first part of the race, keep my adrenalin under control, and prevent hitting a huge wall later. So, I started out running what I seemed to be my regular pace. I didn't see a mile marker 1, but when I checked my watch at mile marker 2, I was running a little more than 1 mile per minute faster than I should be. So, I started running at what I thought was a slower pace, but by mile marker 4, and then 6, I was still maintaining that faster pace. On one hand, I was thrilled that I had just run that far at that speed, but I also knew that I had been warned for a reason.

It was a cold and very windy day, and by mile 7, it was about to take a turn for the worse. The course went right up to and along the shore of Lake Michigan, which was a beautiful sight. The lighthouses, white-capped waves, and sandy beaches were lovely to look at, but I would have enjoyed them a little more had the wind not been so fierce. It was blowing so hard that it was all I could do just to propel myself forward, and keep the sand out of eyes. It was a rough couple of miles, and by mile 9, I was tired. Really tired. I could also tell that running those first 6 miles so quickly was starting to affect me. At that point, I knew I just needed to keep running--no matter what. I also soon discovered that the description "flat course" is very subjective. It was a lot more hilly than I had expected, or trained for, and it was an added challenge the last few miles.

With about a half mile to go, and not much left in me, I looked up and saw Rick.I was so glad to see him! He started running with me, and it was just what I needed to get to the finish line.

Once I crossed, Ryan met me with Gatorade, water, and a big hug. I loved that he was so proud of me. It's been so important to me that my kids know that I did something hard--that I worked for it, put in the effort, and succeeded. I want to be that example to them, so that moment really meant a lot to me. My dad was able to come on this trip with us, then be right there at the finish too, and I wouldn't trade that for anything.

I made my way over to the rest of my family and friends, so I could help cheer the next of my friends to come across the finish line. When the last of us came around the bend, we all went out, linked arms, and ran with her to the end. It was one of the most amazing moments, and one I will never forget. We all worked so hard to get to to that point, and I was so proud of each one of them.



Crossing the finish line was indescribable. Running 13 miles is totally empowering.

I'm already planning the next one.

{week of firsts}

It's that time of year again! As a child, I loved school, and looked forward to the first day all summer. Even now, I get caught up in the excitement--buying supplies, deciding what to wear on the first day, choosing the "first day of school dinner", and learning about teachers and friends. Maybe it's because it goes along with my favorite season, but it's always a fun week at our house.

The girls started their second year of preschool, and have been itching to get back to see their teachers. We made new tote bags that they haven't stopped carrying around since, and it's never hard to get them motivated in the mornings to get ready. It's a coop preschool, so I also have the opportunity to spend time in the classroom with them once or twice a month. I love seeing them in that atmosphere--I feel like you can learn a lot about your child when you can view them in a different environment.

There is also an upside for me, too. For a few hours a week, I only have the boys home with me, and it gives me the chance to spend some time just with them. It also makes it a lot easier to run a few errands with two children, as opposed to four. Usually I just can't go during the day, but I might be able to this year!


It was also the first week of ballet. I'm not sure if they're more excited about the dancing, or the fact they get to wear a leotard, tights, and ballet shoes.




Ryanboy (Yes, I still call him that. I think he'll be 30 years old, and he will still be my Ryanboy.) started 6th grade, and he allowed me one picture before he left for school. Unfortunately, it turned out totally blurry, so I guess he lucked out. I guess you'll just have to take it from me...he looked pretty handsome!

P.S. One more important first...Jack Jack is now walking too! It didn't take him too long to catch up with his brother, and now with two little ones walking around, it's definitely time for some baby proofing!

{photo rights}

Motherhood should have certain rights that come along with the job. And one of them should be that we get to take as many pictures of our children as we want to, with their cooperation.

What do you think my chances are?

That's what I thought.

I think I make it more difficult for myself. I admit it. I have high expectations. And darnit, I want cute pictures of my kids for my walls, and for posterity! Not only do I want pictures of the kids individually, but then I have to have each set of twins together. And smiling. Then all 5 together. Preferably smiling, but at some point I'm happy just to have the fronts of their heads.

Well. I guess it's a good thing I like candid photos best of all.

...................

kate

emma

...................

jack




henry




P.S. Before you think I left Ryan out on purpose, I would have gladly included him, if any pictures were in existence. :)

{out of the mouths of babes}

Kids are hands down the best entertainment around. There really is nothing funnier than some of the things they say, and at our house, we love to laugh about them time and time again.

Right now, my girls are in the most hilarious phase. Seriously, they say something that cracks me up every day, which is good, because it makes it easier when they're naughty. :)

I have committed myself to writing them down, because as much as I think I'll remember, I never do. Here are a few of the most recent...

................

(as she's pulling and tugging at her pajama top)
Kate: I'm stretching these pajamas out, so I can wear them when I grow up.

...............

Me: How did that marker get on the door?
Emma: Something made me trip. That's how I got marker on the door.
Me: What made you trip?
Emma: Mr. Trip.

...............

Me: (talking to Ryan) I need you to get your Scout shirt so I can iron it before we leave.
Kate, to me: I didn't know you could iron.

Sassy Sue. In my defense, I DO know how to iron. I just don't get a lot of practice. :) Rick has been the chief iron-er in our house since we got married, and I don't think Kate has ever seen me iron!

...............

(trying to get her to try some bites of her dinner)
Kate: I will try it, if you give me 4 pennies out of your wallet.

If only she knew how tempted I was to accept her offer...it would have been worth every penny. Lol. Too bad I didn't want to set a precedent for bribery.

...............

(as I'm putting them to bed)
Emma: You sure are a busy mom. You just work, work, work, all day long. You must be ready to get your girlies settled down for the night.

How right you are, Miss Emma girl.

.................

Kate: I'm never getting married.
Me: Why not?
Kate: Because I do NOT want to kiss a boy.

Can we please remember this conversation when you're sixteen?

.................

{anniversary surprise}

Our "major" anniversaries have found us doing other major things---like moving, undergoing IVF, and having babies. Our time and money just had to go other places besides a trip, and that has always been okay with me. Not because I didn't want to go, but because those other things were more important, and I knew our time would come.

This year was proving to be the same. Rick's work schedule was busy, it was the peak week of my training runs, and school was starting. Add in two babies, plus three other kids, and the odds of us getting away were low.

Or so I thought.

-----------

Early last Friday morning, I was pulling into the garage after my long run, when I saw a little card tucked into the door leading into the house. I found it odd, and my mind started wondering which one of my friends had sneaked into my garage! When I got closer, I saw that it was a note from Rick, with instructions for me to be packed and ready by 2pm, and that everything had been taken care of--dinner, hotel, kids--it was all set.

Usually I'm the one that's doing most of the planning, and I love it so much that I was surprised to see how much I enjoyed just being able to not think about all the little details. Because of our very kind and generous friends, the kids were well taken care of, and I was really able to let go and enjoy myself.

The weekend was full of shopping, eating, and total relaxation. Thanks to a husband who thought of everything, and very sneaky (but wonderful) friends, it was perfect.

-------------

In honor of our anniversary, here are a few pics of the early years:
(oh, and don't mind the picture quality. These are pictures of pictures, taken from a scrapbook.)

At the zoo

Wearing suits, and on our way to work! Rick and I both worked in downtown Salt Lake City, for the same bank. Our offices were on different floors, but we were able to take breaks and lunch together. We loved it. This picture was taken at my parents' house, as we dropped Ryan off for the day.

Happy Graduation!

Ryan's blessing day

Meeting my sister at the airport, just home from her mission

Merry Christmas!

Happy Anniversary, babe.

{saying goodbye to summer}

Tell-tale signs that summer is on its way out...

• crisp morning air
• longing looks at the sweaters in my closet
• lingering over my soup recipes
• thinking about fall decorations a little too much
  
• imagining nights curled up around the fire, with a good book and cup of hot chocolate
• school starting, and getting back into a routine
  

Fall is my absolute favorite season, and I love everything about it.
As soon as September 1st hits, I'm ready for all things autumn.

• cider mills & pumpkin patches
• toasted pumpkin seeds
• brilliantly colored leaves
  
• comfort foods--creamy soups, hearty stews, baked goods, & delicious breads
• pumpkins on the porch
  
• Halloween costumes
• pumpkin carving
• cider & doughnuts
  
• cozy sweaters
• caramel apples
• nights by the fire
• family & friends

I can't wait!

{someone's walking...}

A lot's changed since my first child. When Ryan was a baby, I just couldn't wait for him to meet every milestone. Whether it was eating rice cereal, sitting up, crawling, walking, or saying his first word, I was counting down the days until he was on to the next thing. Well, now I know better.

There's a lot to appreciate about babies that are immobile. How about being able to shower and not worry about your house standing still? Or not wondering if one of your babies will open the oven, while the other one climbs in? You know, the little things.

So, I've been praying that they wouldn't walk until at least 14 months, but I guess a few days into 13 months isn't too bad. My Jack Jack us taking a step or two, but Henry's record is about twenty...so far.

Already I've realized that baby-proofing does not equal Henry-proofing, and since he is also extremely tall, it makes things even more tricky. So, we are stepping up our game. I'm not quite sure how yet, but we're working on it.

He is so absolutely darling, though, that I just can't stand it. He big grin lights up the whole room, and it wouldn't be the same without his little chatter and happiness. I can't wait to see what exciting things will come from him exploring his new world.

{twenty}

Walked 20 miles today. No metaphors here, I literally walked every single one of those 20 miles. My feet are sore (even though somehow I was lucky enough to get no blisters), my muscles ache, and I have a sunburn. (Running 10 miles yesterday morning didn't really help the situation.)

The upside?

I was able to spend the day with my Scouting, merit-badge-earning son, and watch him work hard to accomplish something difficult. I'm a proud momma--he did really well.

I got to talk to my very good friend for seven straight hours.

And I burned 2500 calories.

---------

It was a good day.

{picking blueberries}

In our family, August means blueberries. Each year we visit one of the local blueberry farms and pick to our hearts' content. We walk up and down the rows of blueberry bushes, buckets in hand, picking and eating in rhythm...one for the bucket, three in the mouth, a few for the bucket, a few more in the mouth...and so on.

This time around, the weather was absolutely perfect. It was cool, but not cold, the sun was shining, and there was just the smallest hint of a breeze. We pushed the stroller down the row (we really need to invest in backpacks...soon), and parked the babies right in front of a bush. Picking blueberries must be innate, because they knew exactly what to do. In the end, they couldn't pick them fast enough to satisfy themselves, so I spent most of my time plunking blueberries in their open mouths.

Kate and Emma were true-to-form. Emma spent her time carefully picking blueberries off the bushes, and placing them in her bucket. Kate ate most of hers, and was up and down the aisles singing and dancing. Ryan went after the big bunches of plump berries along with Rick, and between them, picked us enough to last for quite awhile. My mouth was watering the whole time, thinking of blueberry waffles, pancakes, muffins, cobbler, and one of our favorites, Blueberry Buckle.

I can't believe there are less than 3 weeks left of summer. We have a few things left on our summer list to do, and I'm looking forward to those, but I have to admit--I've started thinking about cozy sweaters, yummy soup, apple cider, and the pumpkin patch.

I know, I know. It will come soon enough.

{family getaway}

Rick had the week off, and despite a long to-do list, we decided to take a few days and explore something we hadn't seen before. So, we packed our bags and headed down to Detroit, to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.

I love history, so this was right up my alley. Rick and the kids were super excited for a variety of reasons (hotel pool, anyone?), and we were glad to take a few days together as a family.

---------

GREENFIELD VILLAGE




We saw so many incredible things, and didn't even have time to see it all. We were immersed in history, seeing things like: The "idea factory" of Thomas Edison, the original birthplace of the first airplane (the actual home where the Wright brothers built it), the Robert Frost home, Henry Ford's home and factory where the first Model T was built, and more. Henry Ford started "collecting" these home almost 80 years ago, moving them to create Greenfield Village. The Wright home was actually taken apart brick-by-brick, numbered, then put back together again on top of soil that was also taken from it's original plot. Incredible. There was also a peek into the home life of past America--with their "Porches and Parlors", Main Street, railroads, and even a working farm.


HENRY FORD MUSEUM


We could have spent three days in the Henry Ford Museum alone. There were just so many fantastic exhibits, and they were each as fascinating as the next. Just a few included: The rocking chair that Abraham Lincoln was sitting in when he was assassinated, the Kennedy limo in which JFK was shot, and the Rosa Parks bus. Of course there was the "Automobile in American Life", which shows how "the automobile has refashioned our nation's way of life more than any other invention in history". We saw cars of all kinds and shapes, all the way back to the horse and buggy days, and it was easy to imagine people throughout history.

THE HOTEL


This deserve its own paragraph, just because of how much the kids look forward to it. We always joke that we could just get a hotel here in town for a night, and they would be perfectly happy!
After a day at Greenfield Village, it was back to the hotel for dinner (takeout from Red Robin, my favorite!) and then the pool for the three older kids and Rick. I stayed back with the babies to put them to bed (I love hotels that provide cribs!), and then enjoyed a little quiet time with my book and a good movie. When they got back from swimming, the babies were fast asleep, and the rest of us curled up in bed together to watch a movie. The best way to end the day!

The next morning we enjoyed a really nice breakfast there at the hotel, where they cook you up your own omelet and Belgian waffles, not to mention all the other great food. Ryan set a record for how many carbs eaten in one meal, which he is always trying to beat. He ate so.much.food. But just so you know, we don't let him try it that often.

After another day at the village and museum, we stopped for dinner, then headed home. I'm usually not very spontaneous, especially when it involves packing up a family of 7 to stay overnight, and generally have to plan everything out. How glad am I, that I was able to let loose, put everything else on the back burner, and just go. It was wonderful!

{the beach by the numbers}

• 5,000,000,000,000 grains of sand
• 25 sand toys
  
• 15 different snacks & drinks
• 8 bags + an umbrella
  
• 7 towels
• 5 kids
• 3 hours in the car
  
• 1 perfect day
  

P.S. If you think this is a lot of pictures, you should see how many I started with.
That would be 202. :)

{hush, little baby}

Bedtime has long been one of the hardest parts of the day for me. It comes close on the heels of dinner time, bath time, homework time, grumpy time, and tired time, and I'm just plain ready to have a few minutes to myself. I'm ready to not have anyone touching me, pulling on me, asking for a snack, or having to clean up one of the seemingly endless messes. I'm ready to watch whatever I want on TV, and not hear one more episode of Max and Ruby. I'm ready to sit and have my favorite popcorn and be able to eat the whole thing myself, run a few errands alone, or even meet up with a friend or two.

I know something else about bedtime. Snuggling up to a child with damp, clean hair, reading a few chapters out of one of our favorite books, talking about "sports" (or whatever subject they request), and singing their favorite song (Hush, Little Baby) is one of the sweetest moments of the day, and one that is worth enjoying, even when (and especially when) I'm anxious for that alone time.

One day, when all I have is quiet nights, I know that I will be so glad that I did.

HUSH LITTLE BABY

Hush, little baby, don't say a word,
Mama's going to buy you a mockingbird.

If that mockingbird won't sing,
Mama's going to buy you a diamond ring.

If that diamond ring turns brass,
Mama's going to buy you a looking glass.

If that looking glass gets broke,
Mama's going to buy you a billy goat.

If that billy goat won't pull,
Mama's going to buy you a cart and bull.

If that cart and bull turn over,
Mama's going to buy you a dog named Rover.

If that dog named Rover won't bark,
Mama's going to buy you a horse and cart.

If that horse and cart fall down,
You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town.

So hush little baby, don't you cry,
Daddy loves you and so do I.