Kyle had a great choir concert this week. Scott said it was the best school concert he has ever gone to.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
A week in review
Happy Birthday Papa!!! October 27 2008We love your visits, your funny stories, your nicknames for all the kids(Lucky, Chunky Chicken, Sissy Sou...just to name a few), the humour you provide (usually at our expense...thanks for the mustache shot), and your genuine love and enthusiasm for your family and life.
This past week has been dedicated to organizing, cleaning, de-cluttering, sifting through kids clothing, and giving and selling unnecessary items in the home. I have been nervous to do Craigslist in the past but gave it a shot last week. Withing two days I had sold the following...bunk beds, dresser, couch and two chairs. I think I made enough money to have all of the carpets cleaned throughout the entire home.
We were feeling bad for all of the sick children in the home this week. Several missed school with the stomach flu. Poor Danielle was no where near a restroom when her stomach hurt and had to settle for the garbage can in class...she will remember that for a while. The school nurse seemed to think she needed to stay in class and did not call home despite Danielle explaining her symptoms. I felt bad that the nurse waited so long to recognize how sick she was. Danielle is usually a tough cookie and does not complain unless she is really hurting. Our sick children paled compared to my nephew Jackson. He had similar complaints all last week with the flu bug. My sister Dawn finally took him in to the doctor to discover his appendix burst and he was really ill. They operated the same day and discovered infection and an abscess in his body. Poor little guy is still in the hospital and very sick. We have been praying for him and hope for a speedy recovery.
Sunday we were triumphant!!! We were at church early, none of our children needed taken out(just Dad who was falling asleep on the bench), and we actually came completely prepared. I have to record it because it has become the exception rather than the rule. I do not remember the last time we made it through all of Sacrament without needing to leave for a restless child. Kyle read 18 pages in his scriptures, Micah filled out Ad Libs, Isaac and Eliza colored, Danielle was naturally attentive and prepared for every hymn, Thomas drove his car all over my dress and legs, and Gideon was an angel on Dad and Mom's lap (fever might have had something to do with it). I was so grateful. The week before was a disaster, with two kids standing in the corner of an empty classroom, with their noses against the wall, for most of the meeting (O.K. so at least sitting in the corner with 4 attempts at walking reverently back into the meeting).
Grandma and Papa Stevens came over to visit Sunday afternoon. We love their visits.
Grandma played rook with the older children while Mom made a quadruple batch of cinnamon rolls. Grandma always said it was a labor of love to make homemade rolls and I would agree. That was Micah and Kyle's request. We also enjoyed a yummy lasagna that sweet Gina brought by earlier in the week. She is the ultimate thoughtful sister-in-law. She is currently in Washington helping the Cahoon's move and helping Tami with her new little baby boy. Granny Skidmore was also very helpful this week watching the two smallest kids when I was in a pinch.
Grandma did all the dishes while Scott and I delivered plates of goodies to several people in our neighborhood. Two sweet ladies that have been recently diagnosed with breast and colon cancer had us come in a visit shortly. We stopped by the second to last family when we heard a thumping noise. We had ran over a large metal wire. It went right through the tire. What dumb luck. We zoomed home as fast as we could on a flat tire. Scott spent the rest of the evening putting on his spare while I put the kids to bed.
Little Lucky Charms was so snugly and not feeling good.
Papa tried out his new camera. He has quite the set up.
As a side note: I am mourning the loss of my running partner...It goes like this. Scott and I have this silly Half-Marathon and Marathon coming up in a few short weeks. We have both tried hard to run at least three times a week alone or together. We go out whenever we can. I prefer to have company when it is dark. Earlier this week we set out to do a comfortable 7 or 8 mile run. We committed to each other that it would be slow and just get it done. It was pitch black outside and cold. We took off and jogged the first mile. I could tell Scott was getting edgy about something so I stopped talking. When I ran behind him he felt like I was on his heels, when I ran in front of him...well a girl just shouldn't be in front. Alas I came up with the idea to cross the street and run opposite Scott. This worked great at the beginning...I felt secure being able to see Scott and know that I was not alone. I initially was impressed with Scott's stamina. He seemed to keep raising the bar each mile. I did not have a watch on so I was not sure how fast he was going. I kept thinking I didn't know if I could keep up with him. We came up to the corner of Floating Feather and Eagle Rd. I knew there was a small hill up ahead. I watched as Scott just put it into overdrive. I decided I could not stay with him and that I would be better off tackling the incline at my own rate. I stopped looking around and concentrated on getting to the Eagle Middle School as fast as I could. When I crested the top I looked ahead to see how far behind I was from Scott. I could not see him anywhere. That was about the time I heard the "I hate running, just leave me behind!". Scott was now walking up the last of the hill. I walked back to meet him and encourage him on. By the look on his face I knew no cheer leading from me would be good. He gave me his watch and ordered me to go home. Let's just say I zoomed home and knew my running partner was not happy. The funny thing: Yea, so apparently we both thought the other was pushing the other. Scott said he kept trying to get ahead in anticipation of the hill, only to have me increase my pace along side him. He thought it was turning into the battle of the sexes...and that Mom was out to prove herself.
We were feeling bad for all of the sick children in the home this week. Several missed school with the stomach flu. Poor Danielle was no where near a restroom when her stomach hurt and had to settle for the garbage can in class...she will remember that for a while. The school nurse seemed to think she needed to stay in class and did not call home despite Danielle explaining her symptoms. I felt bad that the nurse waited so long to recognize how sick she was. Danielle is usually a tough cookie and does not complain unless she is really hurting. Our sick children paled compared to my nephew Jackson. He had similar complaints all last week with the flu bug. My sister Dawn finally took him in to the doctor to discover his appendix burst and he was really ill. They operated the same day and discovered infection and an abscess in his body. Poor little guy is still in the hospital and very sick. We have been praying for him and hope for a speedy recovery.I took pictures of the beautiful fall colors at our house this week. We have had gorgeous weather with sun and mild temperatures.
Sunday we were triumphant!!! We were at church early, none of our children needed taken out(just Dad who was falling asleep on the bench), and we actually came completely prepared. I have to record it because it has become the exception rather than the rule. I do not remember the last time we made it through all of Sacrament without needing to leave for a restless child. Kyle read 18 pages in his scriptures, Micah filled out Ad Libs, Isaac and Eliza colored, Danielle was naturally attentive and prepared for every hymn, Thomas drove his car all over my dress and legs, and Gideon was an angel on Dad and Mom's lap (fever might have had something to do with it). I was so grateful. The week before was a disaster, with two kids standing in the corner of an empty classroom, with their noses against the wall, for most of the meeting (O.K. so at least sitting in the corner with 4 attempts at walking reverently back into the meeting).
Grandma and Papa Stevens came over to visit Sunday afternoon. We love their visits. Grandma played rook with the older children while Mom made a quadruple batch of cinnamon rolls. Grandma always said it was a labor of love to make homemade rolls and I would agree. That was Micah and Kyle's request. We also enjoyed a yummy lasagna that sweet Gina brought by earlier in the week. She is the ultimate thoughtful sister-in-law. She is currently in Washington helping the Cahoon's move and helping Tami with her new little baby boy. Granny Skidmore was also very helpful this week watching the two smallest kids when I was in a pinch.Grandma did all the dishes while Scott and I delivered plates of goodies to several people in our neighborhood. Two sweet ladies that have been recently diagnosed with breast and colon cancer had us come in a visit shortly. We stopped by the second to last family when we heard a thumping noise. We had ran over a large metal wire. It went right through the tire. What dumb luck. We zoomed home as fast as we could on a flat tire. Scott spent the rest of the evening putting on his spare while I put the kids to bed. Little Lucky Charms was so snugly and not feeling good.Papa tried out his new camera. He has quite the set up.As a side note: I am mourning the loss of my running partner...It goes like this. Scott and I have this silly Half-Marathon and Marathon coming up in a few short weeks. We have both tried hard to run at least three times a week alone or together. We go out whenever we can. I prefer to have company when it is dark. Earlier this week we set out to do a comfortable 7 or 8 mile run. We committed to each other that it would be slow and just get it done. It was pitch black outside and cold. We took off and jogged the first mile. I could tell Scott was getting edgy about something so I stopped talking. When I ran behind him he felt like I was on his heels, when I ran in front of him...well a girl just shouldn't be in front. Alas I came up with the idea to cross the street and run opposite Scott. This worked great at the beginning...I felt secure being able to see Scott and know that I was not alone. I initially was impressed with Scott's stamina. He seemed to keep raising the bar each mile. I did not have a watch on so I was not sure how fast he was going. I kept thinking I didn't know if I could keep up with him. We came up to the corner of Floating Feather and Eagle Rd. I knew there was a small hill up ahead. I watched as Scott just put it into overdrive. I decided I could not stay with him and that I would be better off tackling the incline at my own rate. I stopped looking around and concentrated on getting to the Eagle Middle School as fast as I could. When I crested the top I looked ahead to see how far behind I was from Scott. I could not see him anywhere. That was about the time I heard the "I hate running, just leave me behind!". Scott was now walking up the last of the hill. I walked back to meet him and encourage him on. By the look on his face I knew no cheer leading from me would be good. He gave me his watch and ordered me to go home. Let's just say I zoomed home and knew my running partner was not happy. The funny thing: Yea, so apparently we both thought the other was pushing the other. Scott said he kept trying to get ahead in anticipation of the hill, only to have me increase my pace along side him. He thought it was turning into the battle of the sexes...and that Mom was out to prove herself. Moral of the story: Never run as fast as the Man You Love, don't talk incessantly when the Man You Love is out of breath, and by all means don't be a cheerleader!
Conclusion: Saturday I was determined to make up for my lack of awareness. I waited until 2 PM to leave for my last and final long run. Scott didn't want to leave before that. I went out at a very slow pace and stayed one step behind. I tried not to talk. I couldn't help but point out the gorgeous fall weather and colors along the Boise Greenbelt. I carried the water and offered it frequently. Unfortunately Scott's knee injury presented itself in full blown pain and he had to stop. He was almost 4 miles from the car. He told me to leave him. Failed again. I ran a miserable 18.7 miles, slow, without my sweetheart. Scott has officially explained his position on the matter and I am left to run in isolation from here on out. Scott is a fast top end runner and will always be that way, but he has no interest in torturing himself mile after mile. We tried, we accomplished and now it is time to close the chapter in this book and open a new one.
Conclusion: Saturday I was determined to make up for my lack of awareness. I waited until 2 PM to leave for my last and final long run. Scott didn't want to leave before that. I went out at a very slow pace and stayed one step behind. I tried not to talk. I couldn't help but point out the gorgeous fall weather and colors along the Boise Greenbelt. I carried the water and offered it frequently. Unfortunately Scott's knee injury presented itself in full blown pain and he had to stop. He was almost 4 miles from the car. He told me to leave him. Failed again. I ran a miserable 18.7 miles, slow, without my sweetheart. Scott has officially explained his position on the matter and I am left to run in isolation from here on out. Scott is a fast top end runner and will always be that way, but he has no interest in torturing himself mile after mile. We tried, we accomplished and now it is time to close the chapter in this book and open a new one.
Monday, October 20, 2008
I've been Tagged again....
Sorry to all those who have tagged me in the past...but I just am not that good at it. This is essentially my families "large plates" and I have not strayed too often!!! This was an easy request...the 6th picture in my 6th file! We went to so many sporting events in the earlier days supporting younger siblings. We especially loved watching Bobo and Ang fly over the hurdles. This was taken at a time when I had four children under five, a foster son with severe disability, Primary President at church, Scott was 1st counselor in YM's and living off of a dime and a prayer!!!! Those sporting events were a wonderful highlight every time. Gina was the cool, fancy foot free sister who came with me to cheer on Bobo...now she has a wild one in tow!!! We were also the duo who helped Bobo with her awesome Junior Miss Competition, fun fun fun.Friday David came to spend some time with us. David is 3 months older then Gideon. He is Brian and Gina's first child. He is a cute little boy and loves the outside. That is what we did with most of Friday afternoon. He was so content. Poor little guy has teeth coming in and the remnants of a nasty cold.
Thomas is so typical for a boy. He doesn't want to ride his scooter on the street the dirt is more fun.
Our road is so picturesque. I love the country. We are not really in the country but it sure feels like it when we walk along the road.
Top of the world.
Bark throwing is so much fun.
I survived four children four and under all afternoon and enjoyed all of it.
Who can resist throwing rocks into the water. We live near a development that has been abandoned by most builders and Realtors. It is a beautiful Tuscan style high end neighborhood that has been greatly affected by the market. Million dollar homes are sitting without any owners and no hope for residence any time soon. The kids and I consider it our magical secret - beautiful pathways, ponds and fountains, playgrounds and construction sites to explore. 
Friday night was dedicated to feeding the large brood and watching Boise State Football. David did not feel good and did not want to be put down or share my lap with anyone. I was glad he had taken so well to me. Kyle was a champ and rolled out the bread sticks, Micah entertained Gideon, and Grandad and Daddy watched the game. We were glad to have Daddy back from Milwaukee. Single parenting is for the birds. He flew in Wednesday at midnight and left for work before everyone woke up on Thursday. He went to Scouts until after 8 PM that night. The kids were in bed when he finally got home. They did not see Scott until Friday night. BSU football occupied the night.Thomas is so typical for a boy. He doesn't want to ride his scooter on the street the dirt is more fun.Our road is so picturesque. I love the country. We are not really in the country but it sure feels like it when we walk along the road.
Top of the world.
Bark throwing is so much fun.
I survived four children four and under all afternoon and enjoyed all of it.
Who can resist throwing rocks into the water. We live near a development that has been abandoned by most builders and Realtors. It is a beautiful Tuscan style high end neighborhood that has been greatly affected by the market. Million dollar homes are sitting without any owners and no hope for residence any time soon. The kids and I consider it our magical secret - beautiful pathways, ponds and fountains, playgrounds and construction sites to explore. 
Saturday morning Scott was full-time Dad. He had his "twins" at 7 AM waiting for entertainment and food. Mom took off on a run. Scott did great with the eight kids. He organized book cases and enjoyed being home with his family.
I ran the most difficult run of my life on Saturday...18.16 miles. I started out riding my bike to a drop-off point three miles from home. I then began my long ascend uphill, along the highway and in the foothills of Boise. I was out in the middle of nowhere. My running highlight came when I figured I was alone and with no bathrooms around and no choices, I found some sage brush. It was still getting light and I had not passed anyone in over two miles. All I needed was thirty seconds of clearance, but of course the second I braved the unthinkable, I hear the sound of tires on a gravel road. To my dismay I hurried to get my running shorts up as fast as possible. I somehow rolled the waistband on the way up and could not get them up right. I had to stand up to fix the shorts just as a truck with three cowboys passed by. I am sure they were roaring with laughter in their boots. Mooning people lost its humour about twenty years ago for me, but my kids thought it was funny. I continued to run the 1200 foot climb. I felt good until mile 14. I finally reached the highest peak with downhill and flat dirt roads to go, but my legs were jello and burning. I kept on for 4 more miles until I could not go any further. I was glad I had run with a belt pack. It held Gatorade, mace, cell phone and snacks. I called my sweetie to come rescue me. I was only a mile from my bike but could not go any further. It was a slow run but a huge accomplishment. I hope I don't feel that way in the upcoming marathon. I would have had to been carried off on a stretcher if someone forced me to run 8 more miles on Saturday. Scott came rolling in with the twelve passenger van. He was cute with the four youngest loaded up in the van. They looked happy. We picked up my bike. That hot bath afterwards never felt so good even if it included three babies and a boat load of toys.
Scott was amazing and ran 13.1 miles that night. He had only ran that far three other times in his life. Go Scott!!!!!
Gideon is so busy. His newest activity is climbing...everything. He has the fireplace down to a science. The furniture and treadmill are favorites. He knows how to get onto the first shelf in the fridge(if the door is left open by a sibling). He loves the stairs and the pantry wheat buckets.
I caught him on camera doing his newest act of fearless exploring. He is sure a physically active tiny boy. We think he is adorable but would prefer him to save the climbing skills for later.
Kyle had his last Cross Country meet at Settlers Park. There were many runners from all over the valley! He was so excited. Kyle is happy go lucky that he just has a blast the whole time. He waved at his siblings several times and gave huge smiles.
Grandma Stevens came armoured with snacks and treats. She ran a lot of the course to catch Kyle on the corners and keep up his spirits. He felt like a million bucks.
Daddy was racing across town to see the final run. He ran up just as Kyle sprinted into the finish line. He was proud of his son. Eliza on the other hand refused to wear warm clothing that day and cried the entire time because she was so cold. She was in the stroller with two blankets and Mom's coat and still unhappy. Sweet little Gideon was such and angel with his red nose and cheeks. Micah was awesome and played with Thomas on the playground most of the race but made sure he was there at the finish to cheer on Kyle.
Grandma Stevens came armoured with snacks and treats. She ran a lot of the course to catch Kyle on the corners and keep up his spirits. He felt like a million bucks.
Daddy was racing across town to see the final run. He ran up just as Kyle sprinted into the finish line. He was proud of his son. Eliza on the other hand refused to wear warm clothing that day and cried the entire time because she was so cold. She was in the stroller with two blankets and Mom's coat and still unhappy. Sweet little Gideon was such and angel with his red nose and cheeks. Micah was awesome and played with Thomas on the playground most of the race but made sure he was there at the finish to cheer on Kyle.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Scott is out of town again...Milwaukee! I think he is spoiled, several hours in a airport to read and people watch. How relaxing is that! He is going to miss is little flock of children, except maybe Gideon at 3 AM. I love my sweet hubby and am glad he isn't gone long.
The kids gained a new cousin today Spencer Clifton Cahoon!!!
Oh and another visit from the JW's today... I think they think there is hope for me....
The kids gained a new cousin today Spencer Clifton Cahoon!!!
Oh and another visit from the JW's today... I think they think there is hope for me....
Friday, October 10, 2008
Passionate about running!!
This week has been good (no complaints), but emotional. Scott and I have been faced with big and small decisions. I chose to wean Gideon this week. It was an extremely difficult decision for me. I have been nursing babies for the last eleven years. I love the natural closeness. I like that it forces me to sit and stare at every little feature of my baby. I love to admire their little ears, fingers, eyelashes and bright eyes. I love the cuddle time early in the morning when I draw their little tummy in close to mine and stroke their hair (bald head). I love that God has created this amazing miracle to completely nourish a small child for the entire first year. I am so grateful for these years and feel an ache in my heart as I am moving past this stage with Gideon. I had a good cry at 1 in the morning 3 nights ago when I knew I would never have that closeness again with my baby. Gideon is putting up a great fight. He is still pawing at me daily. He is refusing all other forms of milk. He has only had water for days. I feel a mixture of guilt and sadness. It was a necessary decision and I am trying to move forward.
Yesterday the weight of life seemed heavier than normal. I stared at my laundry but couldn't motivate myself to fold it. I stayed up with the dishes and carpooled all over the place but didn't have the energy to tackle projects. I tried to think of some way to serve somewhere else and forget myself. Scott came home from work and noticed my melancholy mood. He suggested running, after the kids were all asleep. I wondered if I could muster the energy. I looked outside and noticed the huge storm coming in...predicting snowfall by morning. I put on my running gear and waited for Scott. He helped feed Gideon rice cereal and put him down for bed.
We went out the door and immediately I was reminded of how important exercise is in my life. We ran for six miles finishing after 11 PM. I felt like a new person. My lungs were burning from the sprint home, my legs ached from the frigid cold, but I felt exhilaration. My mind was more clear than it had been all day. I felt recommitted to be a better mom and take on all the projects that were daunting just the hour before. I know physiological consequences that occur while running but who can explain the mental benefits.
Earlier in the week I ran with the two babies in the stroller. They both fell asleep and I had an entire hour to take in the fall colors, the beauty of the country surrounding and to ponder in my heart the many blessings I enjoy. I love the positive energy that is associated with being healthy and active.
I frequently get asked "How do you do it with all those children?". I attribute a large part of my sanity to my love of running. It is easy to look at a person that regularly runs and instantly pass judgement that it just comes "naturally" to that person. I can testify that there is an internal battle every time to overcome that great hurdle of doing something painful, ambitious, and sometimes monotonous. I love the feeling of success after overcoming lack of self-discipline, challenging my physical body and tapping into my mental toughness. Everyone has a passion and a poison(or many), I choose a long run out in the fresh air any day!!!! I am so grateful to have a healthy strong body that allows me to pursue my "love and passion of running".
Yesterday the weight of life seemed heavier than normal. I stared at my laundry but couldn't motivate myself to fold it. I stayed up with the dishes and carpooled all over the place but didn't have the energy to tackle projects. I tried to think of some way to serve somewhere else and forget myself. Scott came home from work and noticed my melancholy mood. He suggested running, after the kids were all asleep. I wondered if I could muster the energy. I looked outside and noticed the huge storm coming in...predicting snowfall by morning. I put on my running gear and waited for Scott. He helped feed Gideon rice cereal and put him down for bed.
We went out the door and immediately I was reminded of how important exercise is in my life. We ran for six miles finishing after 11 PM. I felt like a new person. My lungs were burning from the sprint home, my legs ached from the frigid cold, but I felt exhilaration. My mind was more clear than it had been all day. I felt recommitted to be a better mom and take on all the projects that were daunting just the hour before. I know physiological consequences that occur while running but who can explain the mental benefits.
Earlier in the week I ran with the two babies in the stroller. They both fell asleep and I had an entire hour to take in the fall colors, the beauty of the country surrounding and to ponder in my heart the many blessings I enjoy. I love the positive energy that is associated with being healthy and active.
I frequently get asked "How do you do it with all those children?". I attribute a large part of my sanity to my love of running. It is easy to look at a person that regularly runs and instantly pass judgement that it just comes "naturally" to that person. I can testify that there is an internal battle every time to overcome that great hurdle of doing something painful, ambitious, and sometimes monotonous. I love the feeling of success after overcoming lack of self-discipline, challenging my physical body and tapping into my mental toughness. Everyone has a passion and a poison(or many), I choose a long run out in the fresh air any day!!!! I am so grateful to have a healthy strong body that allows me to pursue my "love and passion of running".
Monday, October 6, 2008
Clarification of "Weeding"
To satisfy those in question. This is a picture of my days accomplishment on Friday. The garden and sandbox weeded including all the grass growing inside the boxes.
The football field mowed, technically not weeding but I did get the mower stuck on the front hill. I had to recruit others to push it out of the mud.
See the dead spots? It had been taken over by weeds and covered by tools. I lay the bricks against the fence and cleared out the eight grape vines. All in a days work! I never knew acreage would be so much work for Mom.
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