Today I had the kindest woman shower me with motherhood compliments. You know the sort..oh what beautiful children you have, You keep such a nice home, I can see that you really work hard teaching your children, keep up the good work Mom!

I smiled at the speech therapist working with Thomas and wondered why she would say such nice things after an hour of comedic faux pas. Did she not notice that dishes were piled in the sink (buying a mower at 5pm, fixing dinner at 6 pm, homework and wrestling at 7pm, bedtime routine dragging from 8-9pm, running speed work at 9:30pm, turning sprinklers and well pump on at 11pm, grocery shopping at Albertsons until midnight...no reason I didn't get them done!), did it escape her eye when Gideon pulled out the entire carton of eggs in the kitchen and drop them, did she not internally giggle when the door bell rang and three kids fought tooth and nail to see who could answer it first, did she ignore the cute daughter of mine who was removing all of the cushions from the couch to start the cannon ball game off the furniture?

I think there must come an age or stage of development in a persons life where you recognize something refreshing and pure in the workings of little children that a mother cannot always recognize. I thought briefly about the embarrassing feelings that were erupting internally as my toddler was squealing over a shared toy car and realized that the speech therapist was not taking notes on my imperfect world rather probably noticing the good I was overlooking.

Eliza and Thomas briefly sat together in a big green chair and held hands. Gideon came up babbling Mama, throwing his arms around my neck and kissing me. Thomas answered every question with a smile on his face. His pleasant, happy countenance is very fun and contagious. All the kids were clean, combed hair, smelled good but most importantly obviously felt secure and loved. The speech therapist did not comment on the possibility of a family spread to thin for individual needs instead she recognized the abundant love that so often is due to supportive siblings and parents.

Well, at the very least, if this very kind woman didn't notice the positives that I needed to remind myself about, then at least she recognized the need for encouragement that all mothers appreciate. The eggs are cleaned up, the dishes are almost done, the children are playing together and I have much to be grateful for!

Lucky Charms or trouble on wheels

I think I may have a turkey on my hands. Little Bubba, Lucky Charms or Gideon is too smart for Mom and Dad's peace of mind. I have to know where he is at all times. He cannot go outside alone-at all (we have a stream and pond). He climbs on everything and is Master of Disaster.

Today I called him to come here and heard no response. I had just seen him one minute earlier. I looked in all the usual places- bathrooms, kitchen sink, laundry piles-but had no luck. He always babbles when I call him so I began to get worried. I started to run through the house calling his name and checking everywhere. Then my heart sank as I realized the back door had been left unlocked (he opens doors). I ran around outside frantically calling his name. Now I was really perplexed. I got a feeling to go back inside and re-check Isaac's room. Nothing again! Then I heard something from inside the closet. I opened the door and there hiding was my one year old. He was so proud of himself that he started giggling and ran the other direction. He had been playing a game and won round one.

My little stinker knows how to hide, knows how to sit quiet for extended periods of time and has Mom wondering if this is the beginnings of Eliza-isms all over again.

Three weekends in a row...early morning drives in PJ's and wrestler weigh-ins!
We have wrestled in Boise, Melba and Mountain Home in the past three weeks. Micah and Isaac have had a great time participating with the Idaho Rattlers. They love their coaches and feel camaraderie with their teammates.
The other siblings are becoming well versed in the wrestling terms and lingo. It is like having your own cheering and coaching squad on the sidelines.
Gideon and Thomas are going to be tough wrestlers after having older brothers show them the ropes!

Having a large family is always busy but so rewarding and fun. I love being a Mama!!! I am so delighted in watching my children discover and develop interests. These boys are tough!

Isaac is in the red singlet!

Mission accomplished

About the time I think I am in a good groove of balance in my life I get reminded I'm not in charge! After 12 straight years of pregnancy or nursing I figured it was my "season" to explore interests (somewhat selfish I know). Everyday it is figuring out the best choices. Exercise, hobbies, and a sparkling home are still temporarily on the back burner.

I have reason to celebrate though! Yes we are one of those self proclaimed tax experts (Scott) who gets it done just under the wire. Scott officially filed this morning at 4 AM. I unfortunately was not there for the triumphant moment. I was conked out at the kitchen table where I had been adding a bazillion business numbers. I finally took it to my bed fully dressed including my coat (it gets cold at night when you sit for hours). I am really glad I married a numbers genius otherwise it would be off to H & R Block for me. If we ever catch up on sleep today I am going to go workout and maybe even grocery shop!

Lets just say Daddy was in charge.
It is a good thing I got that entire box of Pops with a coupon and that it was cleaned up before I got home.

I was so impressed Scott had moved all the stools and chairs and had swept the floor. He didn't tell me the motivation until later.

Great Grandma is going on a mission.

Our family traveled to Reno Nevada this weekend. It was a whirlwind trip, but so worth it. We got up really early Saturday morning. Scott took the two wrestlers, Micah and Isaac to a tournament in Melba. I stayed home with the others and cleaned and packed. We made a quick stop at the library for books on tape and Kohl's. We drove out to Melba just in time to watch Micah's first match. We missed Isaac's wrestling but he was pleased with his tough wins and a cool medal. Micah is really starting to show talent and promise. He is improving drastically. After chasing kids in bleachers all day we headed to Caldwell to pick up Gina and David.

The drive went well. The little kids were content with snacks, stories, toys and constant entertainment from adults. The big kids brought books and a couple games. We arrived around midnight. Mike Forman set us up with a sweet sleeping arrangement. Everyone had plush accommodations. He even got up early and made breakfast for us. Mike was awesome.

Sunday was a beautiful sunny Easter day. I felt such joy walking into the chapel seeing so many family members smiling and rejoicing in a tender reunion. We were grateful to hear Great Grandma Forman share her testimony in preparation for her Family History Mission in SLC. Rachel sang I know that my Redeemer lives. We all felt the spirit of missionary work and forever families.

We visited on the lawns out front for the next two hours while we waited for the setting apart. The cousins ran around, threw rocks, built bird nests and laughed together. We had some tired hungry babies but everyone understood. We all took turns entertaining the busy toddlers. We gathered together at Grandma's house for a lunch. It still amazes me that comfort and closeness can be had in the smallest of spaces. Her house is 1100 sq. feet and we had well over 50 people there. The kids love the stream and Willow trees in the back.

This was a day my older children will always remember!

It beat out any Easter egg hunts or the traditional festivities surrounding the holiday.

We left Grandma's that afternoon and made the long drive back. We had a new potty trained toddler who needed to stop every 10 minutes, two restless one year olds, a back seat full of anxious kids, and three sleepy adults. It was all worth it. We are so proud of our Grandma Forman for her courageous decision to leave all that she has ever known and go and serve the Lord. There was nothing more important than sharing in those special moments with family!

Busy Crazy Great Day!

Still working on surviving...will post later when I find the time. How do I keep missing all these great moments! I would have missed more if I was relying on my journal or memory.

Oh and someone stole my clean cut hubby and replaced him with Grizzly Adams...I'm getting used to it...maybe I shouldn't have commented on so many long lost friends facial hair...it seems to be catching on. Dare I say mountain man is trendy, that might fix the problem immediately...hmmm!

Mom occasionally starves the kids...They have learned to fend for themselves!

I've got to keep a close watch on this one.

Danielle did a great job entertaining her younger brothers last week. One of many creative castles.

Where did this hail come from? Isn't it spring?

Fast Scout Car

Thomas 3 days old

Thomas is a sweet little boy that we love. He doesn't speak very well with his expressive language. He is still only putting two words together at a time and hasn't developed sentences or language structure. He has mastered non-verbal cues and nonsense sounds to indicate everything he needs (point & grunt is his favorite past time).

This week he has been babbling non-stop about something, insisting on me understanding. Translator Mom here is not always great at fully grasping his message. I caught 'fast car' but was missing half the Tommy sentence. He was becoming increasingly agitated. Eventually he brought me a wooden block and plastic wheels. It was then that I realized that he was saying 'Dad make fast Scout car'. I chuckled at my inability to interpret.

Who would have thought a two year old would be already planning his Pinewood Derby car. I called Scott at work and had him talk to Tommy. He seemed pacified by Dad's promise to build a fast Scout car later. Later sometimes never comes, as anyone can attest too, with so much always to do.

That night I took boys to wrestling, went grocery shopping and ran my speed work. I left Scott at home for the evening to hold down the fort. I only asked one thing...please make sure the dishes are not left for the midnight shift (not a usual request from me) and try to put the kids in bed before 8:30. I returned later than anticipated (indulged a little in the freedom of grocery shopping without kids) and walked into a kitchen, completely a mess. I heaved a big sigh. It looked like a tornado had passed through. I walked into all the kids rooms to say goodnight and give kisses. To my surprise Thomas was missing from his bed. I searched the whole house. Everyone was there but Dad and Thomas. I followed the loud noise and smell coming from the garage. My heart melted when I saw my little boy propped on a wooden stool next to Dad's work bench. There were shavings flying and the smell of wood in the air. Thomas was grinning ear to ear as he told me about his fast Scout car being made! Despite the very late hour, Daddy had been working hard to keep his promise.

I chose to leave the boys to their work. I happily unloaded the groceries from the front driveway where I had parked. I did the dishes and then tucked my Thomas in bed with his car clutched in his hands. The car is not finished, but it made Tommy's day. The next morning he proudly carried his car and the instruction box with him everywhere in a bag.

Life is always full of good choices. It is figuring out the better part that is tricky. Daddy chose the best!!!