No one can resist a baby laugh. I swear. It's like some wierd phenomenon. Sam's first laugh happened when I was changing his diaper in his room. I was all alone, but the sound drew Lizzy, Andrew and then.... even Aaron. (Who was post call and awakened from his few hours of catch-up sleep). Even at 2 in the morning a baby laugh can make me smile. Watch and see. You'll smile.
Who knew a staple gun could be funny?
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
A Year in Review
Here we go...
What did you do in 2009 that you have never done before?
I had my 3rd child. That was pretty big. I learned to make bread, I took out a loan on a vehicle, and held a piano recital. I went to Cozumel and Zions. I experienced "THE MATCH". I lived with a sibling (first time at least since I've been an adult), I added three fish to my family. Their names are Emily, Rachel and Max.
Did you keep your news years resolutions and will you set more for next year?
I did okay up until Sam was born. After that it all went out the door. I did accomplished a few of them however. This year I am going simpler. Like maybe 2 goals.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
This was a busy year for births. Of course... there was my own baby and then there was my sister and 2 sister's in law. Also dozens of friends gave birth this year. So many that I won't name them.
Did anyone close to you die? I don't think so. Well my brothers dog...
What county did you visit? I visited Mexico. This is cool because it was on my wish list from last year and I GOT it. Maybe there is something about putting it on a blog that makes it come true.
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? Some time to think. Alone. My time. Really I don't mean to complain or anything because I am grateful for who I am and the responsibilities that I have accepted. But 24 hours a day 7 days a week I am Lizzy, Andrew and Sam's Mom. Wife, sister, secretary, daughter and so forth. I'm afraid I've entirely lost track of who Rachelle is. With a husband who is gone ALL THE TIME, I've found it hard to find some alone time. That's what I need this year. Whether that means getting a babysitter sometimes... or waking up earlier to be alone. I need to make it happen. Also I hope to own a home. It looks like that may actually happen.
What dates from 2009 will stay etched in your memory and why? June 27th... my brother moved in with us. September 4th... Sam was born.
What was your biggest achievement of the year? Building relationships with people that I love. Also... I became a better cook this year.
What was your biggest failure? The biggest regret that comes to mind is the times that I snapped at my kids about something and then wished that I really hadn't. I wasn't patient enough.
Did you suffer illness or injury? no.
What was the best thing you bought? My Bosch. Well Aaron bought it for me. Seriously it has changed my life. I'm even putting it ahead of our awesome van, which was also a great purchase. I am such a minivan Mom.
Whose behavior merited celebration? Aaron: Graduating from medical school. Lizzy: I have been so proud of her these last few months. Since Sam was born she seems to have just suddenly grown up so much. She is responsible and compassionate and I am coming to learn that I can depend on her. My brother, Eric: He has just impressed me this year with his willingness to do whatever it takes to help family in need. Aarons sister and her hubby: they lost their job this year and their faith is just so admirable. It's impresses me. Also... they have learned to live on so much less. They make their own bread, laundry detergent and Christmas gifts.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? The Tiger Woods of the world who have no respect for what marriage is all about.
Where did most of your money go? Since we are trying to pay our van off quickly... most of our money has gone to that and rent.
What did you get really, really, really excited about? Going to Mexico!! Not being pregnant anymore (having a baby!), and giving Christmas gifts that I worked really hard on.
What song will always remind you of 2009? Horsey, Horsey!! It just reminds me of the kids. Lizzy came home singing it her first week of Kindergarten. She taught it to Andrew and they still love to sing it.
Compared to this time last year are you richer or poorer? fatter or thiner? happier or sadder? We're really and truly employed now... so richer. I'm a wee bit fatter and about the same in the happiness question.
What do you wish you'd done more of? I wish I'd gone to the temple more. I wish I'd worked harder on my goals. I wish that I had spontaneously played with the kids more often. I wish that I had thought of others more often.
What do you wish you'd done less of? Played Spider on the computer.
Did you fall in love in 2009? Ummm..
What was your favorite TV program? The Mentalist. Only here's the thing. I start to like a show and follow it, but it only takes one or two seasons before they start throwing in lots of sex and stuff. So... I have no idea how much longer this show will stay good.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? No
What was the best book you read? Laddie, Precious Bane, Piggy Back Rides and Slippery Slides and Return of the Prodigal Son
What was your greatest musical discovery? Taylor Swift
What did you want and get? A vacation with just me and Aaron.
What did you want and not get? A penpal.
What was your favorite film of the year? I don't know.
What did you do on your birthday and how old were you? I turned 30. 30. 30. Wierd. Aaron and I went out to dinner. My best present was a wheat grinder. Yeah!!
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Seeing the people I love get all the good things they deserve. That would be awesome.
What kept you sane? Friends and family, books, baths, the baby wrap thing that I use with Sam.
What did you do in 2009 that you have never done before?
I had my 3rd child. That was pretty big. I learned to make bread, I took out a loan on a vehicle, and held a piano recital. I went to Cozumel and Zions. I experienced "THE MATCH". I lived with a sibling (first time at least since I've been an adult), I added three fish to my family. Their names are Emily, Rachel and Max.
Did you keep your news years resolutions and will you set more for next year?
I did okay up until Sam was born. After that it all went out the door. I did accomplished a few of them however. This year I am going simpler. Like maybe 2 goals.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
This was a busy year for births. Of course... there was my own baby and then there was my sister and 2 sister's in law. Also dozens of friends gave birth this year. So many that I won't name them.
Did anyone close to you die? I don't think so. Well my brothers dog...
What county did you visit? I visited Mexico. This is cool because it was on my wish list from last year and I GOT it. Maybe there is something about putting it on a blog that makes it come true.
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? Some time to think. Alone. My time. Really I don't mean to complain or anything because I am grateful for who I am and the responsibilities that I have accepted. But 24 hours a day 7 days a week I am Lizzy, Andrew and Sam's Mom. Wife, sister, secretary, daughter and so forth. I'm afraid I've entirely lost track of who Rachelle is. With a husband who is gone ALL THE TIME, I've found it hard to find some alone time. That's what I need this year. Whether that means getting a babysitter sometimes... or waking up earlier to be alone. I need to make it happen. Also I hope to own a home. It looks like that may actually happen.
What dates from 2009 will stay etched in your memory and why? June 27th... my brother moved in with us. September 4th... Sam was born.
What was your biggest achievement of the year? Building relationships with people that I love. Also... I became a better cook this year.
What was your biggest failure? The biggest regret that comes to mind is the times that I snapped at my kids about something and then wished that I really hadn't. I wasn't patient enough.
Did you suffer illness or injury? no.
What was the best thing you bought? My Bosch. Well Aaron bought it for me. Seriously it has changed my life. I'm even putting it ahead of our awesome van, which was also a great purchase. I am such a minivan Mom.
Whose behavior merited celebration? Aaron: Graduating from medical school. Lizzy: I have been so proud of her these last few months. Since Sam was born she seems to have just suddenly grown up so much. She is responsible and compassionate and I am coming to learn that I can depend on her. My brother, Eric: He has just impressed me this year with his willingness to do whatever it takes to help family in need. Aarons sister and her hubby: they lost their job this year and their faith is just so admirable. It's impresses me. Also... they have learned to live on so much less. They make their own bread, laundry detergent and Christmas gifts.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? The Tiger Woods of the world who have no respect for what marriage is all about.
Where did most of your money go? Since we are trying to pay our van off quickly... most of our money has gone to that and rent.
What did you get really, really, really excited about? Going to Mexico!! Not being pregnant anymore (having a baby!), and giving Christmas gifts that I worked really hard on.
What song will always remind you of 2009? Horsey, Horsey!! It just reminds me of the kids. Lizzy came home singing it her first week of Kindergarten. She taught it to Andrew and they still love to sing it.
Compared to this time last year are you richer or poorer? fatter or thiner? happier or sadder? We're really and truly employed now... so richer. I'm a wee bit fatter and about the same in the happiness question.
What do you wish you'd done more of? I wish I'd gone to the temple more. I wish I'd worked harder on my goals. I wish that I had spontaneously played with the kids more often. I wish that I had thought of others more often.
What do you wish you'd done less of? Played Spider on the computer.
Did you fall in love in 2009? Ummm..
What was your favorite TV program? The Mentalist. Only here's the thing. I start to like a show and follow it, but it only takes one or two seasons before they start throwing in lots of sex and stuff. So... I have no idea how much longer this show will stay good.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? No
What was the best book you read? Laddie, Precious Bane, Piggy Back Rides and Slippery Slides and Return of the Prodigal Son
What was your greatest musical discovery? Taylor Swift
What did you want and get? A vacation with just me and Aaron.
What did you want and not get? A penpal.
What was your favorite film of the year? I don't know.
What did you do on your birthday and how old were you? I turned 30. 30. 30. Wierd. Aaron and I went out to dinner. My best present was a wheat grinder. Yeah!!
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Seeing the people I love get all the good things they deserve. That would be awesome.
What kept you sane? Friends and family, books, baths, the baby wrap thing that I use with Sam.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
This is Why..
Here is my favorite picture from Christmas this year. 
And that really sums up why we parents do all that we do during the Christmas season. We work so hard to create THAT magical moment. It's for THAT expression. And you know what??? It was so worth it.
And that really sums up why we parents do all that we do during the Christmas season. We work so hard to create THAT magical moment. It's for THAT expression. And you know what??? It was so worth it. Saturday, December 19, 2009
Magic...
I believe in Santa Claus. I don't know how he does it, but somehow he helps kids decide to be nice instead of naughty, get to bed early on Christmas Eve and even brush their teeth. He is jolly and kind and the spirit of Christmas in action.
He is welcome at my house anytime. 
(Trying to catch a glimpse.) 
Seriously.... I never want this look of wonder and amazement to disappear. I'm so glad that for a few years atleast my kids can have this magic in their lives.
He is welcome at my house anytime. (Trying to catch a glimpse.) Seriously.... I never want this look of wonder and amazement to disappear. I'm so glad that for a few years atleast my kids can have this magic in their lives.
Besides if I didn't believe then I'd have to buy all of those presents. And that isn't happening.
Blessed
Sam was blessed a few weeks ago. 
Then we took some pictures. That is our undecorated tree in the background. Aaron picked out a good one for us this year. But back to the blessing....
Then we took some pictures. That is our undecorated tree in the background. Aaron picked out a good one for us this year. But back to the blessing....It was a great day.
I was frazzled and nervous about the whole thing when Lizzy and Andrew were blessed, but I was feeling pretty cool and calm with Sam.
Perhaps a little too calm. The bishop surprised me when he announced that it was our turn. I didn't even have the kid dressed yet....
Everyone waited. My sister whispered, "I told you they bless the baby BEFORE the sacrament." Next time I'll remember.
P.S. I love how Andrew's smile just gets better and better with each picture.
P.S. I love how Andrew's smile just gets better and better with each picture.Thursday, November 12, 2009
Leaf Inspired
Fall leaves inspire me. I don't know what it is, but I suddenly want to create things out of leaves, play in the leaves, decorate in the color of leaves, take pictures of leaves - if I could I would probably bake with leaves....
Love it.
Yee-Haw
I love how this picture captures Halloween in action. Hold on to your hat cowgirl 'cause we've got some serious trick or treatin' to do. 
Here we have (from left to right) a cowgirl, superman, spiderman, a bug, a pumpkin and a chubby little baby. Happy Halloween.Friday, October 30, 2009
Uninvited Guest
Dear Guilt,
Since the birth of Sam nearly 2 months ago you have been my constant companion.
You have tormented me each time my baby cries because I can't always hold him.
When I spend time soothing him... you remind me that I am not spending enough time with my other kids.
When I have all three kids adequately happy... you whisper to me that my house needs attention...
....and frankly, Guilt, I am growing weary of you.
I am tired of you telling me that I can't supplement with formula, rock my baby to sleep, or let him cry himself to sleep. I don't believe you anymore.
You try to tell me that I should be good at everything that my neighbor/friend/family member is good at and that my family should resemble the perfect family described in my various parenting books. I'M NOT LISTENING ANYMORE.
Considering everything, I am respectfully asking you to leave. I am sure that you will have no problem finding another place of residence. If you have trouble... try watching the news for the latest murderer, molester or adulterer. Perhaps they need a visit. But please stop bothering me and all of the other hard working mothers out there. We're simply doing our best and no one can ask for more than that.
Sincerely,
Rachelle (a liberated mom)
Since the birth of Sam nearly 2 months ago you have been my constant companion.
You have tormented me each time my baby cries because I can't always hold him.
When I spend time soothing him... you remind me that I am not spending enough time with my other kids.
When I have all three kids adequately happy... you whisper to me that my house needs attention...
....and frankly, Guilt, I am growing weary of you.
I am tired of you telling me that I can't supplement with formula, rock my baby to sleep, or let him cry himself to sleep. I don't believe you anymore.
You try to tell me that I should be good at everything that my neighbor/friend/family member is good at and that my family should resemble the perfect family described in my various parenting books. I'M NOT LISTENING ANYMORE.
Considering everything, I am respectfully asking you to leave. I am sure that you will have no problem finding another place of residence. If you have trouble... try watching the news for the latest murderer, molester or adulterer. Perhaps they need a visit. But please stop bothering me and all of the other hard working mothers out there. We're simply doing our best and no one can ask for more than that.
Sincerely,
Rachelle (a liberated mom)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Cuzins!!
8 grandkids. Oldest to Youngest. 
Didn't we just plan it so well?? Megan, Camille and I had our babies only 3 months apart. These guys are lucky to have built in buddies. It looks like Sam and Cameron have already gotten pretty close. (ha ha) With Luke only a year older I think family get togethers are going to be pretty wild in a year or so.
Stockton, Sam and Cam. (Yes, it rhymes!)
Didn't we just plan it so well?? Megan, Camille and I had our babies only 3 months apart. These guys are lucky to have built in buddies. It looks like Sam and Cameron have already gotten pretty close. (ha ha) With Luke only a year older I think family get togethers are going to be pretty wild in a year or so.
Stockton, Sam and Cam. (Yes, it rhymes!)Just For Fun
My boys!!
I'm thinkin' they look pretty similar. Whatda you think? Can you tell which one is Andrew and which one is Sam?
Monday, October 12, 2009
Walking Home From School
Can we keep this weather a bit longer? We haven't yet had enough of the beautiful colors, scooters, crunchy leaves and chatting with Lizzy on the way home about the new friend she made during recess. We need a few more months of this. Okay?!?
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Reflections on This Past Month
I'm grateful that being pregnant and then delivering a baby hurts and is HARD work....
it reminds me that nothing worthwhile comes easily.
I'm grateful that Sam needs me to feed him every few hours....
it forces me to sit down, relax and hold my baby throughout the day.
I'm grateful that while I was upstairs helping one child, another child broke a favorite piece of furniture......
it reminds me that people matter and THINGS do NOT.
I'm grateful that as I get more kids and they get older, my life keeps getting busier....
it helps me to enjoy a lazy Saturday morning that much more.
I'm grateful that many people brought meals, watched my kids and cleaned my home even when I insisted that "I was fine"....
it reminds me that I can't do this alone.
I'm grateful that no matter how many parenting books I read, sometimes I still can't figure out how to help my children.....
it helps me to get on my knees more often.
I'm grateful that my kids have messy faces, misbehave and pick their noses in public....
it keeps me from being arrogant or from judging other people's kids.
I'm grateful that I simply don't have time to do everything I would like....
it helps me to determine what is REALLY important.
Mostly I'm grateful for this gift I've been given and hope I can learn everything I'm supposed to.
it reminds me that nothing worthwhile comes easily.
I'm grateful that Sam needs me to feed him every few hours....
it forces me to sit down, relax and hold my baby throughout the day.
I'm grateful that while I was upstairs helping one child, another child broke a favorite piece of furniture......
it reminds me that people matter and THINGS do NOT.
I'm grateful that as I get more kids and they get older, my life keeps getting busier....
it helps me to enjoy a lazy Saturday morning that much more.
I'm grateful that many people brought meals, watched my kids and cleaned my home even when I insisted that "I was fine"....
it reminds me that I can't do this alone.
I'm grateful that no matter how many parenting books I read, sometimes I still can't figure out how to help my children.....
it helps me to get on my knees more often.
I'm grateful that my kids have messy faces, misbehave and pick their noses in public....
it keeps me from being arrogant or from judging other people's kids.
I'm grateful that I simply don't have time to do everything I would like....
it helps me to determine what is REALLY important.
Mostly I'm grateful for this gift I've been given and hope I can learn everything I'm supposed to.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Vistors from Hawaii!!!
Sam was born on a Friday and by Monday I was so overwhelmed... I didn't think I'd survive. That's when our visitors arrived. Normally I'd want to avoid seeing people at such an emotionally volatile time... but these guys are different. Kaelene walked in the door and asked me how I was and I started to cry. I couldn't have asked for a better person to sit there and tell me everything I needed to hear. Like how it's hard for everyone and it gets better and it's okay if your house is messy and you forgo making dinner for a year. Thank you so much. The kids were so happy to play together for a few hours. So.... could you guys strongly consider Texas for your residency. I'm serious. Please?!? 
Kiara, Lizzy, Maka, Andrew.
Kiara, Lizzy, Maka, Andrew.
Firsts
Around here we've celebrated a few "firsts" lately. It's been a whirlwind and only now as I sit down to type am I starting to feel emotional about my kids growing up too fast. It just reminds me more and more that I need to take the time to enjoy them when they are little.... like this little guy. Because it seems to be gone oh so fast.
First day of preschool. I thought he'd be more nervous since he is kind of a "momma's boy". But he didn't hesitate. He ran right in and knew exactly what he wanted to play with. I think he'd been eyeing some of those toys each time we came to drop off Lizzy last year. Now it was HIS chance. He was so adorable and told me that he "loves preschool SOOOOOOO much." 
First day of preschool. I thought he'd be more nervous since he is kind of a "momma's boy". But he didn't hesitate. He ran right in and knew exactly what he wanted to play with. I think he'd been eyeing some of those toys each time we came to drop off Lizzy last year. Now it was HIS chance. He was so adorable and told me that he "loves preschool SOOOOOOO much." 
First day of Kindergarten.
Lizzy wasn't really nervous either. We got up early and walked to school the first day. I did notice her steps getting slower and slower as we got closer, but upon seeing her friends she was gone and didn't look back. She loves it. Last week was cowboy week and she confided to me that at recess, she and her friend played cowgirl instead of princesses, which is a big concession for Lizzy. She even wore jeans to school on cowboy day. It seems that Kindergarten is working wonders in our lives.
I also need to say what a sweetheart Lizzy has been these last two weeks. She's been willing to run any errand, grab a diaper, wipe up spit-up... whatever. She has just been so great and absolutely adores Sam. She is such a good big sister and I'm so proud of her. She seems to have grown up a lot in the last few weeks. I'm proud and sad at the same time. 
First bath. Of course... Lizzy was there ready and willing to help.
First bath. Of course... Lizzy was there ready and willing to help.
And here is a first for me. It was back in August... but since I took August off... I'm blogging about it now. My first piano recital. And the first piano recital of my 6 students. They were awesome and I was so proud of all of them for working so hard. Lizzy performed as well. She did a rousing rendition of "Row, Row Row you Boat" and then "When the Saints Go Marching In." I don't know when I'm going to be able to pick up teaching again after Sam... but I sure have enjoyed the last year and watching kids gain confidence as they learn something new. That's a good feeling.
Jaime, Jessica, Lizzy, Grayson, Madeline and Jane.
Jaime, Jessica, Lizzy, Grayson, Madeline and Jane.
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