What's in a name?

Jaymeson is in a big phase right now where he's not cute, handsome, or anything else.  He's Jaymeson.  My favorite moment with this has to be.

"No Mom... I'm JAYMESON!  Can you say it?  Jay-me-son!"

Another quick Jay story is from today.  My mom took Kienna and Saryn to Calaway Park (Kaia is at Basketball Camp for the week).  When they left, Jaymeson got really sad and started to cry.  Our conversation went something like this...

"Mommy, I want Gan" (Gran)
"I know hon, Gran will come back"
"I want go in baby car"  (Gran's car... it's a sedan, but compared to our SUV and Van - it's tiny, therefore it's a baby car)
"Well, maybe when Gran comes back..."
This stops the crying for a few minutes... and then:
"I want my guys" (this is what he always says for his siblings)
"I know... they'll be back, Bud.
"Mommy.... Gan took my Nenna" (Kienna)
"I know, but she'll bring her back"
"Gan took my Sayen" (Saryn)
"I know... (pause)  Jay, do you want to watch Thomas the Train?"
"YEAH!!"  and the crying stopped immediately.

Money Can't Buy Everything...

Well, I am sitting here today pondering the big deal that is money.  Supposedly Money can't buy everything.... BUT there sure is a whole lot that it CAN buy and it seems as though there is some truth in "Money makes the world go round".  At least, it sure keeps people running around in the world.  I've been reviewing budgets, trying to sell a house, trying to find a better house in a better place for a better price (harder than it sounds), trying to start teaching piano in the fall and looking forward to Jarett being admitted to the bar in one weeks time.  All these time consuming, thought comsuming things revolve around Money.

So what is it that makes us SO focused on Money?  Well, it feeds us, clothes us and shelters us... and those are basic needs.  It can make us feel happy when we use it to help others.  It can pamper us, protect us and fill our lives with many wonderful things.  I think that the big thing is that without money, we can't do many of those things.  On the other hand, money can bring us too much, our lives get cluttered with nice things, but TOO many.  How often do we find ourselves short of money, but surrounded by too many things.  (This would be why garage sales become quite popular).  I'm SO sick of having so many things around me.  I feel like taking at least half of my things and just giving them away.  Have a "Take whatever you want" garage sale and call it a day.  Why do we keep buying things that we end up not really wanting less than a week later??

Wouldn't it be nice if we could just go into a place where money wasn't a factor?  We could trade our goods and services for other goods and services and not have to worry about money.  How neat would it be if making a skirt would pay for lessons?  or babysitting would get you some eggs?  I wish we lived back in the day where you just went out and claimed your land and built your own house.  There were no set floor plans you HAD to chose from.  There wasn't plots of land around the houses that were so small that you couldn't even grow a garden.   I wish my kids could have a good education at home that consisted of learning how to be good Mom's one day instead of whatever new liberal agenda is out there... and I didn't have to pay almost $2000 a year to have them learn a regulated curriculum for the "average student", be on a bus for an hour and a half and be able to eat lunch (that was sent from home) at the school.  Shouldn't a teacher LOVE their job?  And shouldn't she actually get paid more than the administration who sits at their desks and decide what school deserves more funds than others?

People get so corrupted by money as well.  I have seen good people go crazy over the lack payment.  People fight with each other over a mere dollar (I'm not just talking about bartering... I mean when people feel ripped off by service and are SCREAMING at eachother...).

I'm just sick of it all today.  It truly drives me crazy to have to count pennies daily.  I really wish that people could be trustworthy enough that you could just expect good service and honest payment for a good exchange.

I should point out that I TOTALLY understand that people, in general, will try to get the best deal for themselves to the point that they totally take advantage of other people.  I realize that this is WHY we need a constant to even things out.  I REALIZE that this is why money is what it is...  I just wish we were all above that.  Sigh, one day...

PS - I should also say that no one has ripped me off recently or anything.  It's just a mere reflection on the world and my budget. ;)

The wee hours of the morning...

It was about 5:35, and Jaymeson had been torturing Jarett and I for about half an hour crawling in and out of our bed.  I finally said, "Jaymeson, you have to go to sleep.  Do you want to stay here or go to your bed?"  He, of course, chose to stay.  As we're working on letting Benson sleep as much as possible, Jaymeson has been finding himself in our bed more and more.  I realize it needs to stop soon, but it is what it is for now.  After another 10 minutes of jumping on us etc, I said, "Jaymeson you HAVE to lie down and be still no matter where you are, so where do you want to go?"  He stopped and thought while tapping his finger on his chin and said, "Costco!"

My First Haircut

I do understand that in reality, this wasn't my first haircut.  It wasn't even Jaymesons first haircut... but it was the first haircut I did for Jaymeson (actually it was the second, but the first one was with scissors and wasn't nearly as nice).  After a couple months of having Jaymeson look like Harry Potter (complete with the stand-up hair and glasses - all we were missing was a lightning scar), I got the nerve up to cut it myself.  My hair cutting friend, Amber, recommended some good cutters for kids and hooked me up with some.  I got them and was in HEAVEN.  I NOW understand how all these moms cut their boys hair.  It's SO much easier.  In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I might even make it a bi-weekly deal.  Maybe I'll even take on Jarett.  I can conquer the world!!

The before picture!  Please note the pile of hair coming down over his ear.  This looks especially smashing with glasses.

After!  It was short and sweet and he was so good!

My Handsome little Devil!

 

My Excuses

"You've really neglected blogging.  So, what the heck is keeping you so busy, Ashley?" you might ask.  Well, I suppose I could tell you - since you might be a captive audience (which is hard to find around my house - trust me).  Conveniently, I just wrote my excuses to my sister, Kim (who is serving her mission on Temple Square in Salt Lake City), so I'm going to use them for this too!

#1. I've been quilting (don't tell Alanna - she'd be impressed).  I'm finishing the double quilt that Alanna helped me start over a year ago.  So that's been time consuming AND has really kept me off of the computer (which is general IS a good thing... just not when it keeps me away from blogging and writing letters etc.)

#2. I've started to workout in a group.  Well, not just me (clearly - or it wouldn't be a group).  But there's about 5 other women in my ward who are feeling a little "larger than life" after having babies (I suppose I could say that they're feeling large because of life too).  We are working out 2 nights a week (it may be a kin to torture), and whipping ourselves back into shape.  We've also been doing "food journals".  I've cut out sugar except for Sundays (and to be completely truthful - whenever a good dessert is offered.... but that is REALLY rare).  I've really caught myself snacking a lot and I've been able to take that out.  I've been pushing fruits and veggies.  Having awesome smoothies and I'm not eating at night at all (except for date night).  All this considered, I've lost a whopping 1.6 pounds (no, the "." is not a type-o).  Don't get too worried.  I'll slow down soon enough - you don't have to worry about me wasting away to nothing.  Ugh.  It'll come.  I know it will.  It's a gospel principle.  Patience and moderation in all things.  Endure to the end, right?  (I am just hoping there's an end - or a result for that matter - before the judgement day, because I might lose my mind any second now).

#3.  Scratch that last fragment of a sentence.  I HAVE completely lost my mind.  I am getting very little sleep (Thank you, Benson) and I'm running after 4 other kids.  Kaia and Kienna are finishing up school for the year.  Kaia has just finished her violin lessons, I'm looking for Kienna's cello teacher and Saryn will be starting both Kindergarten and Violin in the fall.  Since I'll be so bored at home when my girls are at school, I've decided to take on the BRILLIANT plan of teaching piano and theory one night a week (Jarett convinced me to knock it down to just one night... I think I have a tendency to torture myself).

#4. I am actually watching Peso for a couple days while my Gran and Aunty Beryl have taken their half-sister, Bubbles who is visiting from South Africa and her friend up to Banff.

#5.  I am in the process (hopefully nearing the end) of potty training little Jaymeson.  He's doing great - all we need to work on now is changing what he is calls it.  For some reason he decided it's called "Mom and Dad".  I'm just not a huge fan of that (for some crazy reason).  I THINK that Jarett said, "Wow are you a big boy like Mom and Dad?" when he went potty once and so he decided that that was the correct name for it.  Hopefully this will be a fleeting memory very soon.

#6. I have also been busy celebrating.  Hayley's birthday was fun, but that REALLY big celebration happened last Friday.  Jarett and I went to the Keg on a date to celebrate his LAST (like VERY VERY last) grades coming back as a "Competency Demonstrated" (aka, he passed).  He's DONE!  DONE!!!!!!  No more hoops to jump through, no more student at law.  All that is left is the celebration and ceremony of being "Admitted to the Bar", which will happen on June 29th (the day before Dad's 25th anniversary of being admitted to the bar).

#7.  Jarett's sister, Erin, is getting re-married on June 30th.  So I've been having fun doing a few little wedding plans etc.  She's so excited, and I'm so happy for her.

#8. Marvel (my niece) just did her Grade 5 piano exam on Tuesday.  She is my first student to do so, and I spent MANY hours every week drilling everything with her.  We went over to my old piano teacher's house and had her play there, we've had multiple 2-3 hour sessions of mostly scales etc.  I'm really proud of her.  I think she did fabulous!  Can't wait to hear her grade!

#9.  I've been busy with rain, snow, sleet and hail.  Bad weather really keeps you busy when you have 5 kids.  Many much more things to think of to entertain.  Today is sunny and I'm LOVING it.  We took Peso on a walk around the pond behind the house and played on the playground etc.  The kids were dancing to 'candyland' (the demo on our piano) and we've just had a lot of fun!

#10.  I've also been busy with Mechanics.  Apparently the van's transmission is on the fritz.  We've taken it to a couple places to get more opinions, but pretty much, I'm driving a time bomb.  We just don't know when the transmission will blow.  In the meantime, we're going to try to sell it (someone else might want to put $4000 into it) and get an 8 seater, so we can all fit more easily (and maybe even be able to pick up a friend or something too).

Well, I figure I've now given you the top 10 reasons that I've been crazy busy and away from the computer (except for maybe the Peso thing, but I think I'll add that I've been busy being a Mom, trying to keep the house clean and SELL It and being a chauffer etc.)  I'm sure I could add many more things, but I'll stop there.


Anyway, needless to say, life has been busy.

Kaia's Baptism

I feel so bad that it has taken me this long to post this.  I suppose my life has been such a whirlwind that I haven't had a chance to put all that I felt into a post if I only do it in fragments.

Kaia's baptism (due to many scheduling conflicts - including mom being stranded in Vegas) was delayed a little bit, but we found it very worth it due to the loving support from all those who came.  She was baptized April 16th and it was a beautiful event.  She was baptized along with 2 other kids in her class, and 2 others in the stake.  Jarett was able to baptize and confirm her and both of them looked so happy through the whole thing.  The spirit was so strong and I had a strong reminder of how much this church means to me.

Kaia woke up in the morning and wrote on a piece of paper (adding more in the evening):
"I woke up this mornig Feeling very happy.  I wondered why.  Than I remembered that it was my Baptisam!  I am exited Because the Spirit told me that what I was doing was right.  I felt Warm on the inside.  When I went in the water I was shivering on the outside.  When I got the gift of the Holy Ghost I was warm on the inside and outside!  Afterwords I got 2 bucais (bouquets) for geting baptised.  I am glad for the choice I made.  I hope you get baptised too."
It was such a neat thing to see how excited she was and how she was glowing.

After, we had all our family and close friends who traveled from afar join us for a little buffet and ice cream sundaes.  We had over 40 people in our house.... but it was wonderful to have so many loved ones near by.  I'm so proud of my little Kaia.  She's growing up to be such a beautiful girl. 

Big shout out to the Anderson Family who drove to and from Edmonton in one day through a snowstorm to spend this special day with us!

Aunty Brookie came all the way from Rexburg

I thought that it would be appropriate to write my 8 favorite things about her (as she is eight now).  It might be hard to stick to the top 8 though, but I'll try.

1.  Kaia is ALWAYS trying to make others feel better if they are sad, hurt or lonely.  She is VERY full of compassion.  She is always very concerned for anyone who is in a bad situation - even if it's on the other side of the world.

2. Kaia has the cutest freckles, the biggest smile (even though she tries to hide it), the sparkliest eyes, the longest hair and the longest back of any 8 year old I've ever met.
3. Kaia has an incredible inquisitive mind.  She's always asking questions that really make me think hard to answer.  I think she's going to surpass my knowledge sooner than later.
4. Kaia has a strong will.  Sometimes this gets a little frustrating, but when she's standing up for what is right, I couldn't be more proud of her.
5. Kaia is a great example to her sisters.  She is always trying to do what is right and is frustrated when other people aren't.

With Lexi Cooper and Riley Aneca in her Primary Class

6. Kaia reads extremely well.  Not only pronouncing things well in French and English, but she reads with expression - and with passion.  She LOVES books.
7. Kaia has a strong testimony.  She was blessed with an incredible relationship with her Savior as a baby, and it is clear to me that she has it.

8. Kaia is always trying to serve.  She comes and just rubs your feet, brings her sisters water, finds a comfort blanket or toy when someone gets hurt, wanting to raise money for orphanages in Thailand.... you name it.  She is ALWAYS trying to find a way to help others.  She asks about how we can help others every day.  Something she has heard of has made her sad and she needs to change it.

I'm so proud of my sweet Kaia.  What a wonderful helper she is to me.  I tell her frequently that I couldn't live without her - and it's VERY true.  I was so honored to be part of her special day.  I love you Kaia!

We're Seeing Spots

Well, last night was frustrating.  The kids wouldn't go to bed.  They were being silly, Benson and Jaymeson took turns waking us up through the night and we both woke up tired.  I was looking forward to a day at home to just get ahead and maybe sneak in a nap.  I didn't even have to make dinner because we're going to a friends house tonight.  It was going to be nice and easy and low key... until I saw perfect circles of bluey-green on Saryn's leg.  Weird.  It seriously looked like she had taken a bingo dobber to herself - but as we have no bingo dobbers... this was just strange.

The classic questions immediately come into play.  Where did THAT come from?  Was there anything changed from normal?  Is it itchy?  Is it painful?  Has she been sick?  Does she have a fever?  Are the dots raised?  The answer?  No.  No to them all.  Not a clue where it came from.  I called my mom, my mother-in-law, my sister-in-law, my sister... no one had any clue.  Just one common consensus was that it was really weird.  Did some research online and couldn't find ANYTHING that looked even vaguely close.  Changed my status on facebook to see if anyone knew of such a thing... and headed off to the walk-in clinic.

We got there and the nurse was stumped... soon followed first doctor (ironically enough a girl I went to Elementary and High School with) had NEVER seen anything like that.  As she's only been practicing for a couple years, she asked for my patience while she went and did some research and asked another doctor for their opinion.  The second doctor came in - he had never seen anything like it either.  He asked if he could take pictures so further analyze.  First doctor called the Pediatric Dermatologist.  She had no clue what it would be, but had an opening at 1:30 if I'd like it.  GREAT!  We pack up, visit, Granni on the way - she thinks it's absolutely bizarre... so does her co-worker.  Then to visit Gran, Grampa and Daddy while getting a quick lunch on the way (they also agree that is was very strange, indeed).  Daddy tested to see if you could scratch it off or anything... but alas, it was stuck on and deeper down.

The dermatologist was very nice.  I got to haul all 3 kids up and down the stairs multiple times due to bathroom breaks etc.  Finally she came in - and decided that they're completely strange.  She described the whole thing as very "puzzling" (also put herself into my bad books by commenting on my 5 kids with one on the way).  She decided that she wouldn't do a biopsy, but wait to see if they get worse or if Saryn starts to get sick.  At this point the only kind of sickness Saryn was showing was a great sickness of being hauled from one doctor to another.  She recommended some blood work in case there was some kind of bleeding disorder.  Called back to the other doctor and discussed the oddness of the bluish-green dots.

We then leave and head down to Sundance to get the blood work done.  I go to my moms to call my family physician first to see if she had any insights as to our family history and this strange phenomena.  She'll be willing to see me on the 31st... ugh.  I also called my Uncle Vernon to see if he knew had an insights... but he wasn't home.  I decide (as all three of my kids now look like this)  to postpone the blood work and just do it tomorrow if they haven't cleared up

I then get a brainstorm of what it could be... but I decide to make it home to see if I might be right.  I pick up Kaia and Kienna from school and run my theory by them... they agree it's quite possible.  I get home and run upstairs (camera in hand) to confirm and sure enough.... there it is!

I bring it downstairs to see if this could POSSIBLY be as ridiculous at it was turning out... I measure it against Saryn's leg and it's a perfect fit.

Apparently Kaia and Kienna had been playing with money when they were supposed to be going to sleep last night and missed a penny while they were packing it all up... sigh.  Copper.... why didn't I think of that 12 hours ago before I wasted all that gas and time?  I guess it goes to show that money really does make the world go around (and it can drive you crazy).

PS - Way to go Lynsey, if I had just checked facebook before I went crazy I could've saved a lot of time.

Talents

Okay, so every once in a while I have a lesson in Relief Society or Sunday School that REALLY hits home.  Today we had a phenomenal lesson on Developing Talents.  There were about 3 things that really hit me as we went through the lesson that I thought I'd share.

#1.  People tend to hide their talents because they feel like their talent isn't "as good as" someone elses.  For example she said, "How many here can paint?"  "How many here can dance?"  "How many people here can sing?"  As expected, a couple raised their hands per question, but that's it.  Then she said, "If I asked this question in Primary, how many people would raise their hands?  ALL of them, right?  Because I didn't ask, are you the 'BEST at painting?' or 'Do you get paid to sing/dance?'  I just asked if you CAN do it."  I find that we "grown-ups" really tend to put ourselves down because we know that someone can do something better...

#2. As the lesson continued, she had all of us go around the room and say a talent that they had.  Simple enough, right?  We had hemming and hawing and "Well, I guess...." kind of imput.  Why are we SO embarrassed to admit that we're good at something?  Even something as simple as, "I have a contagious smile" seems to be painful to say.  My thought was how different this would be if we had our husbands there to tell everyone what talents we had.  Or if we went through and had to name something that our husband was good at.  Or even how different it would be for the men to do this about themselves than for us women.  I verified this at home when I asked the kids and Jarett what they're good at and they all answered without a second thought.  Kienna even answered, "Well, LOTS of things!"

#3. The challenge we were left is to be able to just say, "Thank You" when someone gave us a compliment.  No excuses, not "Well if you only knew...."'s.  No, "Oh please...." Nothing.  Just a "Thank You" and be able to believe that you really DO have that talent.

So, I wanted all of you to know that I think this is INCREDIBLY valuable.  If we sincerely accepted compliments, can you imagine how much better our self-esteem would match our self-worth?  If we realized how many things we have been blessed with and recognized them as talents...  If we thought of our talents how kids think of theirs - without inhibition and believing that we can do anything, how different would our lives be?

So... here's the challenge.  Leave a comment with at LEAST one talent you have (Most of you should be able to leave at least 5 off the top of your head) and I will name some that I think you have in return.  Deal?  Be sure to check back for my response!

I suppose I should name my top 5 that I came up with to make it fair... so what are MY talents?

Not dancing.... but -
I play the piano, I can learn quickly (if I want to), I can feel what others are feeling, I have a decent hand writing, and I can take good pictures.

A Somewhat Busy Day

Yesterday started out simple enough, but as the day progressed, it got crazier and crazier.  By the end of the day, it went something like this:

7:15-7:30 - Wake up and get out of bed (yes, it takes me that long.... Jarett appreciates your sympathy)
7:30-8:10 - Get lunches made, breakfast for the kiddilinks, hair done for older girls, and send Kaia and Kienna out the door with Jarett to catch the bus.
8:10-9:00 - Feed Saryn, Jaymeson and Benson.  Clean up breakfast/lunch prep mess.  Fold 3 loads of laundry and haul them upstairs to put them away.
9:00 - YIKES - check the calendar and remember that I don't have a babysitter for my doctors appointment or rehearsal
9:00-9:30 - Try to call Mom, Mary & Bruce to find a babysitter.  No luck.
9:30-9:45 - Shower!!  Benson had a bottle in his mouth the entire time and we had a show on downstairs, so I managed to get a whole 15 minutes to do so.
9:45 - 10:30 - Get dressed, do hair/make-up, call Gran for her birthday, call Hayley for a little bit, find out that Mom can watch the kids (thank heaven) round up the kids, make a bottle for the road.
10:30-10:45 - Get message from Kaia's violin teacher saying she'd like to have the lesson today instead of tomorrow if possible.  Gather violin/music, piano music, 3 kids, purse, keys, cell phone and jump in the car.
10:45-11:15 - Drop kids off at Moms house and bolt to the doctor.
11:15-12:30 - Doctors appointment.  Why does it have to take so long?
12:30-1 - Run to Moms to get a bite to eat then run to Rehearsal with Gloria (opera singer).
1:00-2:30 - Run through songs and enjoy some improvement.
2:30-3:00 - Listen to Gloria talk about and play me her CD (she has put out a fabulous kids album in Spanish of all her own original songs.  If anyone is interested, let me know!)
3:00-3:45 - Run to the school, pick up the girls, go back to my moms to pick up Kienna and violin and breathe for about 10 minutes.
3:45-5:00 - Violin lessons and commuting time.
5:00-5:30 - Find Mom (who had taken kids to the park), pack up the kids and head home to start making dinner and put the kids to bed.
5:30-6:00 - Drive home, put millions of shoes/backpacks away and start to think about dinner.
6:00-7:30 - Find out I was grossly wrong in thinking the business was over with a phone call from Jarett saying that we have a showing at 8, clean like a mad woman for an hour and a half while giving my children (literally) a crust of bread until we can get them more dinner (ignoring comments about how I should've just cleaned it up this morning before I left).  Leave with half an hour to spare as the people show up half an hour early (thank heaven we pulled it off).
7:30-8:30 - Go to Little Caesars, then to the Community Center to eat and vote.  Of course, we forgot our memberships at home, so we had to wait for the showing to be done, go home, get them, go back, vote and then return home.
8:30-9:00 - Put kids to bed (brushing 5 sets of teeth, getting Jammies on and saying prayers).
9:00-10:00 - Enjoy a clean house and celebrate by watching "My Rona Home" online and cheering Team Ausmus on... then heading to bed, feeding the baby and praying for a good nights sleep.

Can I just say, "I love you Mom - I couldn't have done today without you."  I think she just earned (yet again) the best Mom in the World award!

And just for fun:  Enjoy some pictures from the night before - we had a picnic on the hill behind our house (and therefore had to have bathtime after)!

 

Star Gazing Saryn

All wanted to join in

My big girl.... she's just getting way to pretty these days.

Yep - Saryn posed and asked me to take this one...

Bath Boys

Best Buds in Striped Pajamas - post bath

Today

When all else fails (with blogs or journals), start with today.  This advice has saved me many times from ignoring my journal and blog.  Unfortunately, both are being somewhat neglected these days... but, ahem!!

I am writing in my blog today about today, because today is today and I know what happened today... and we wouldn't want to be repetitive.

So, today is a glamorous day.  Laundry, dishes, bed making, bathroom cleaning.... the works!  I've even changed out of the clothes that I was wearing because they were spat up on and I REALLY didn't want to do more laundry later... SO.... I take a moments break (literally a moment) and sneak one spoonful of ice cream.  (What did women do before they had ice cream readily available??)

Of course, that's when it happened.  "MOM, come take a picture of us!!"
They had been playing very nicely all day and I always like taking pictures, right?  So, I grab the camera and walk around the couch to where they are sitting - IN the laundry basket that WAS full of neatly folded laundry.  Serves me right, I suppose.  I should've put the laundry away immediately instead of waiting for the next load and doing it all at once.  I also shouldn't have had my spoonful of ice cream.  Sigh.  It's a cute picture though, right?  Complete with all the (until recently) folded laundry!

I suppose, I COULD move on to last night, I still remember that one too (I know, you're super impressed).  'Twas a night like many others... except different, of course.  Nothing ever is exactly the same when you have 5 kids.  It was like many others because:  Jarett was working late and I had no dinner plans.  SO, this night I decided to spice things up.  We'd put on a movie that we got from the library (Alice in Wonderland), have popcorn for dinner along with lettuce, cucumber, carrots and dip.  They loved it!  We had a pajama dinner party and then off to bed.  Jaymeson is getting very sad being the only one in his room while all his guys are having a "party" in the other room.  So, last night, Benson was tired and I let Jay snuggle Bens (aka "Kicky"-he just doesn't stop kicking or "Bensubee" (what Jaymeson called SUV's)).  He was in heaven to have company.  I might just have to let Benson sleep in the boys room instead of ours soon.  Doesn't he look so happy?

and a special kiss for a special brother.  Jaymeson was also thrilled that they both had monkeys on their Jammers.  I mean, how cool is that?  I can't wait until these boys can play together!


Okay, I'll even venture out to Sunday.  Mothers Day.  I had SUCH a fabulous day.  It actually started the day before.  Jarett cleaned the house for me when he got home from work (as he had promised) so that I could REALLY enjoy a day with my kids.  I was able to practice piano while he cleaned after a day of painting and playing and dancing (yes, Alanna, I let my kids PAINT!!).  Then I woke up to breakfast in bed (usually not a surprise, but this time, I actually got to sleep in!) and some wonderful presents handmade by the kids.  Jarett (aka, I) went and got the purse I've been really wanting and so I get to have it guilt free!  Got chocolate at church and had the Visiting Teaching conference with treaters at the end!!  Then I had a fabulous dinner (courtesy of the men) with some of my favorite people.  My Mom, my Mother-in-law and my sister, Hayley (her first Mothers Day) and their husbands (along with Patrick and Macy who don't fit in either of those groups).  The husbands went all out and made steak, mushrooms, zucchini, baked potatoes, salad, apple crisp and punch.  It was so much fun to be treated like a queen and to be surrounded by such wonderful company!  Hayley took out my camera for the first time this month and we took some fun pictures.  Enjoy~

PS - I enjoyed this video and a few more of Hilary Weeks videos...

Late Night Musings...

I have been feeling somewhat overwhelmed these days.  I'm fairly sure that has been somewhat apparent in my writing.  I have been completely sleep deprived, exhausted and completely unable to find energy ANYwhere in my body.  I've been trying to keep 5 kids in order and trying to keep an immaculate house.  I, also, have been trying to get some projects done, have 1 on 1 times with the kids, keep a balanced budget, learn more about photography, keep on top of violin lessons, teach piano lessons, get the groceries bought, make dinner, read good books, teach my kids to read, write, do math, identify colours and sit up.  I've also been trying to support a husband who is going through a lot of stress in this year of preparation to be admitted to the bar.  The biggest thing, however, that I have felt lacking in my life is a chance to sit down and read scriptures, pray or contemplate spiritual things.  I miss the days of Seminary and Institute where I could go and get daily insight that I could document and reflect on.  Going to church is always wonderful, but with 5 kids in tow (and a nursing baby), I really don't get as much out of it as I wish I could.  These days, it seems rare when I actually get a chance to really study scriptures at all.  I really could go on and on about how overwhelmed I feel some days, how I just can't seem to pull it all off - and admittedly, some things just suffer.  Quite frankly, I've been so lacking in energy, that a lot of things have been suffering as of late.

So tonight, I had the house perfectly clean (as we were showing our house this afternoon), we had dinner at Manya's (after violin and before the school play), so I had no mess to clean up.  The kids all went to bed quickly and quietly and, although Jarett is away tonight, I've been enjoying the silence.  I admit that I instinctively reached for Harry Potter to relax and enjoy the night when I decided that I'd read a talk from the Ensign instead.  I went onto lds.org and found a talk that called out to me.  It was exactly what I needed to hear.  I suddenly feel like I can do this.  I feel like I have the power to do anything because I am not alone.... and here's why.

Elder Holland addresses Mothers in a beautiful talk called "Because She Is a Mother".  If I may, I'd like to share a few quotes that really made me feel empowered (or at least understood).  I would recommend you reading the whole talk, however, because it's just too good to pass up!

"In speaking of mothers generally, I especially wish to praise and encourage young mothers. The work of a mother is hard, too often unheralded work. The young years are often those when either husband or wife—or both—may still be in school or in those earliest and leanest stages of developing the husband’s breadwinning capacities. Finances fluctuate daily between low and nonexistent. The apartment is usually decorated in one of two smart designs—Deseret Industries provincial or early Mother Hubbard. The car, if there is one, runs on smooth tires and an empty tank. But with night feedings and night teethings, often the greatest challenge of all for a young mother is simply fatigue. Through these years, mothers go longer on less sleep and give more to others with less personal renewal for themselves than any other group I know at any other time in life. It is not surprising when the shadows under their eyes sometimes vaguely resemble the state of Rhode Island.

"Do the best you can through these years, but whatever else you do, cherish that role that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones. Husbands—especially husbands—as well as Church leaders and friends in every direction, be helpful and sensitive and wise. Remember, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” <sup>6 

"</sup>In light of that kind of expression, it is clear that some of those Rhode Island–sized shadows come not just from diapers and carpooling but from at least a few sleepless nights spent searching the soul, seeking earnestly for the capacity to raise these children to be what God wants them to be. Moved by that kind of devotion and determination, may I say to mothers collectively, in the name of the Lord, you are magnificent. You are doing terrifically well. The very fact that you have been given such a responsibility is everlasting evidence of the trust your Father in Heaven has in you.

"Yours is the grand tradition of Eve, the mother of all the human family, the one who understood that she and Adam had to fall in order that “men [and women] might be” ⁹ and that there would be joy. Yours is the grand tradition of Sarah and Rebekah and Rachel, without whom there could not have been those magnificent patriarchal promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob which bless us all. Yours is the grand tradition of Lois and Eunice and the mothers of the 2,000 stripling warriors. Yours is the grand tradition of Mary, chosen and foreordained from before this world was, to conceive, carry, and bear the Son of God Himself. We thank all of you, including our own mothers, and tell you there is nothing more important in this world than participating so directly in the work and glory of God, in bringing to pass the mortality and earthly life of His daughters and sons, so that immortality and eternal life can come in those celestial realms on high.

"Rely on Him. Rely on Him heavily. Rely on Him forever. And “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope.” ¹¹ You are doing God’s work. You are doing it wonderfully well. He is blessing you and He will bless you, even—no, especially—when your days and your nights may be the most challenging. Like the woman who anonymously, meekly, perhaps even with hesitation and some embarrassment, fought her way through the crowd just to touch the hem of the Master’s garment, so Christ will say to the women who worry and wonder and sometimes weep over their responsibility as mothers, “Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.” ¹² And it will make your children whole as well."

How blessed we are to have living prophets who know what we need to hear and understand what we are going through.  I am so grateful that I stumbled across this talk today.  I know that many of my friends out there also have days of the "crazies" with their kids after many a long, sleepless night.  I wanted to share this with you - so that you know you are not alone.  Not just because I say it - but because an apostle does.

The Post-it Note

Not until I wrote the title of this blog post did I notice the pun involved.  I had written on a Post-it note probably as late back as October a couple funny things that Jaymeson and Saryn had been saying.  Since then, I added a couple things, but I kept coming across this post-it note as a reminder to "post" on my blog what ridiculous little critters I have been raising.  As I still have no time or energy to put a stupendous effort into my blog.  You get the post-it note version (with a little expansion so you can understand it).

#1 - Saryn was walking around the house singing:  "The Wiseman built his house upon a rock".  But who, do you ask, built his house upon the sand?  Why, that would be the Fireman, right?  When Saryn started singing about the Fireman building his house on the sand, I grabbed a post-it note and wrote it down... I didn't want to forget about that one.

#2 - Jaymeson saw a picture of himself on my computer and announced to me, "Look, it Jay-a-son".  This was after many a pictures on my screensaver where he was naming each of "his guys" as their pictures came up.  He was SO excited to see himself.  Quite adorable - so it got jotted down too...

#3 - Of course, with Jaymeson being who he is - he's realized that he is quite an adorable little boy.  He went through a long phase where he would constantly say, "I coot!"  We may have let this get to his head a little bit.  He started by merely asking, "Mommy, I coot??" after he'd do something funny or give me his extra long and sweet stare (deep into my eyes).  I suppose after saying, "Yes, you're SO cute" a million times, he didn't need to ask any more.  Thus - it made it on the post-it note.  It's just SUCH a Jay-ism.

#4 - My Mom took Saryn and Jaymeson to Lethbridge in October and gave me a day off (this was very appreciated as I was expecting a baby within the month).  I asked Saryn if she wanted to bring a movie or just watch one that Granny Jubber and Aunty Beryl had.
"Oh, I'll just watch one of theirs... They have Barbie and the Diamond Castle, don't they?" 
"No, I don't think they do." 
"They DON'T??  Oh no, Mom, they must be poor."
Then she continued on, listing a bunch of the Barbie movies.  As they didn't have any, she was quite concerned as to their poverty.
(Making me laugh hard - and having the time to write it down - this made it on the post it)

#5 - Jaymeson has recently taken a LOT of interest in the different kinds of cars.  He's realizing that some cars are bigger than others and have different shapes.  He's known cars vs. trucks vs. tractors etc for a while, but we're throwing in things like Van's, SUV's and the like.  My favorite is the SUV, because whenever he sees one he yells with excitement, "Look, it's a Ben-soo-bee!!"  (Incidentally, this has become Benson's new nickname).

#6 - Today as Jaymeson found his new favorite toy (Lightning McQueen from 'Cars').  He said, "Mom, it's A-keen.  Says, 'Ka-chow'!" Then he started doing McQueen's moves when he's posing for all the press.  I laughed so hard that I busted out the video camera (and of course my trusty post-it note).

So there you have it.  I can now part ways with my post-it note, so it is no longer cluttering my drawer... and I have documented something of interest (to me, if no one else) that has happened in the last 6 months!!  Hooray for the reminders that post-it notes can bring!!

It's Been a While

So, WHY??  Why Ashley, has it taken you for-EVER to write on your blog?  You must not care any more.  You must have given up.  You must have nothing going on to write about.  Perhaps you're just sleeping on the job!
Well, ladies and gents (if there's any gents that read my blog)... it's simply because I have had a couple major things take over my life that I haven't quite learned how to balance along with blog writing.

The first is just plain and simple... I had a baby in November and he is getting worse and worse at sleeping.  Quite simply put... I'm exhausted.  Too exhausted to think and too exhausted to get to doing any "extras" that may come my way - like blogging.  We LOVE Benson... he is an extraordinarily happy baby during the day with one of the biggest and best smiles in the world.  At night time - he turns into a teething monster and can't seem to make it through more than 3 hours at a time.

The second is just seeming to be a really poorly timed choice.  We decided to sell our house.  Note to self:  after having a C-section and a fifth child.  DON'T PUT YOUR HOUSE UP FOR SALE!!  It's slightly more stressful than I had ever imagined.  Having 5 kids run around while you're trying to make a house completely spotless is not a small task.  Add to that the fact that my dear husband is working between 60-80 hours a week between his work and CPLED (a course that has replaced the bar exam) and just not around enough to make it sane.  Oh, throw in there Spring Break last week, my Mom being gone to the states for 6 weeks (my MAJOR support) and sick kids every other week (or close to).

So, how is the selling go, you might ask?  Well.... we've had THREE people come either 2 or 3 times and then decide to buy another house.  All of them have said that our house was #2 on their list.  I'm not sure what it would take to make it up to #1.... but I'm getting quite desperate to find out.  We DID, however, have one couple say that they love it, they'll buy it.... they just need to sell THEIR house first.  Ugh.  So we're waiting - ever so patiently (or not so much) to move on.  In the mean time.  I have neglected 'le blog'.  My apologies!

Quick update otherwise:

Jarett has a mere 6 weeks left of the CPLED course and 2 months left of articling before he qualifies for admission to the bar.  YAY!!  He also has not ceased to stop making me laugh.  After many times of being reminded to shut all the cupboard doors after using them, Jarett left me THIS lovely surprise... he really never will stop, will he?

Ashley - well, is just going crazy.... but what else is new, right?

Kaia is doing extraordinarily well at school.  She's starting to show an attitude of improvement in violin (which is great) as she learns more and more songs.  She's doing phenomenal and seems to really excel quickly when she decides to practice without whining.  She is growing up so quickly and is making me so proud of her with the efforts she makes to be a great sister.  She is always the first person there to comfort someone who is hurt or to help me get ready for dinner etc.  She will be baptized on the 16th of April and I couldn't be more proud of her!

Field trip to Heritage Park

Kienna is gaining more confidence with those around her and isn't NEARLY as shy at school as she was.  She's learned a few songs on the piano and is playing those as much as she can.  She's becoming more and more silly and beautiful with each passing day.  She is reading in French and English really well and has wonderful math skills.... but you should see this girls art.  It blows me away!  I think she's already surpassed Jarett and my capabilities.  She is such a fun, beautiful little thing.  I'm terrified of her teen-age years.

Saryn is still dancing, singing and acting her way through life.  She never stops - except when a movie is on or a book is there to read (or of course, if I let her go on Barbie.com).  Actually, she frequently is found dancing to movies and books AND barbie.com.  She makes me laugh every day and is growing up WAY too fast.  I can't believe she'll be in Kindergarten in the fall.  She is such a ball of energy!

Jaymeson will always be my little dude.  He lives for Marbleworks, cars, trains, balls and "ben-soo-bees" (SUV's).  He is learning his colors, giving high fives and pounding it (fists).  He's playing with "Bens" constantly.  He is super charming with his smile and his constant "Tank-Oo's"  Most of all, however, he always wants to be with his "guys" (sisters).  He sneaks into their room to snuggle with them after many pleas of "Nuggle Nenna" (or Aia or Sa-in).  They are his heroes and he tries to be like them constantly (a little too much when it comes to Barbies and other such silly things).  I have sure loved having a little boy!

Benson is growing like crazy.  He had a little bit of a rough start going from the 32nd percentile to the 18th in one month.  After one month of supplementing, he rocketed up to the 54th percentile... and after a couple more weeks, he up in the 80s.  He's weighing in at about 15 pounds at 4 months.  (of course Saryn hit 16 pounds by 6 weeks.... but not many babies can be Saryn).  He's super sweet and happy and one day (we hope) he'll stop spitting up and start sleeping.  Those are his only imperfections.  Otherwise he's just snuggled and cuddled and loved to death.  He's also started to grab at things and bring them to his mouth.  He rolled over from front to back on Family Day (Feb 20's) at almost 3 months.

Well, I think that's about it.  I'll post more when life settles.  Just thought I'd write a few things to remember.

Anyone Need a Calendar?

Yesterday, Saryn saw some people playing on the park behind our house and spoke her mind once again:

"Mom, I guess those people don't know about Sunday....  I guess they just don't have Calendars!"

A Lot Like Dad

I think that it's easier to see your husband in your kids than yourself, on Thursday this was VERY much the case.  I had been cleaning the bathrooms and rotating laundry while the kids had some quiet time.  This is how I found them.


Just sitting on my bed, Saryn on Kaia's DSi, Jaymeson on my iTouch.

 Benson was in his bassinet right next to them - of course, when he woke up, Jaymeson had to say hi.  (Jaymeson says hi to Benson over and over again until I take Bensons hand and wave back saying, "Hi Jay!")

Yep, my kids, like their father, LOVE their electronics.  In fact, Jaymeson has been walking around the house holding this "Poke-Walker" repeating over and over again, "So Cool!!"

Now, not only has Jarett's love of  "cool" electronics been passed on, but his way of relaxing.  Very few of you could fully appreciate these pictures without further explaining, but Jarett actually sleeps with his legs like this...

 

It really is fun to see the random things that come up.  I still can't believe how much all of my kids lie down like this.  What will I see next?