A Nadauld Weekend

Today Aaron and I headed to California to attend the sealing of our newest nephew Kirabo. Aaron's parents and five of his six brothers and wives came for the big event. We got to gorgeous Orinda in the late afternoon, checked into a spa hotel in Lafayette, which is so breathtaking, and hung out together at James and Rebecca's for the evening. We had a little discussion to prepare the children for the sealing and some very wise words from my extraordinary father-in-law, whose birthday is TODAY! Steve has a real gift for the patriarch role. I love watching him speak to the family and counsel together. I could listen to him for hours. Happy Birthday!!!

I find it most amazing to contemplate on the great journey James and Rebecca have had in order to bring Kirabo here. It has been a very bumpy road, and it took a lot of faith, patience, sacrifice, and persistence on the part of each family member. I have also pondered on the great opportunity and blessings Kirabo will now have in this life, especially the gift of the gospel. Just six months ago he was left and forgotten in an overcrowded orphanage. Now he is happy and growing in leaps and bounds. While my heart aches for all the neglected children each time I see pictures of Kirabo's home; I find peace knowing that our Heavenly Father has not, nor will He ever forget, His children. He knows and loves each of us with an infinite love. It's been a beautiful process watching God's hand in this adoption and watching James and his entire family bring so much joy and love into Kirabo's life and he in theirs.

On another note, Mary had her final recital of the school year. Grandma and Grandpa Idiart, who are watching our crew, called to tell us about the great job she did. It is hard being away from our children, I miss them always. But I am so happy and overjoyed to be spending time with Aaron and his wonderful family.

Happy Birthday Tiff!

Tonight we celebrated Tiffany's actual birthday at the Twin Creeks Pavilion with cake and ice cream. The kids ran around while the adults chatted. It was very relaxing. Tiffany is the kind of sister-in-law everyone dreams of. She is always willing to help me with my kids or projects or whatever it is, and I count her as one of my greatest friends.

I think I really lucked out in the sister-in-law department; between my side and Aaron's I have nine of the most amazing women I know. Each one teaches me something about how to be better and more Christ-like.

Happy Birthday to one amazing lady!

Kiss the Owie

Nicole got hurt outside and Cameron listened to her tell me what happened then went up to her and kissed her on the head. He then said, "Okay, Nicole?" Nicole then told him she had an owie on her foot, so he kissed her foot. Then she told him it was in a spot other than where he kissed it and so he kissed it again. And again, and again, and again. Most of them were actually injured areas; some of them were not. Fortunately, it gave me enough time to grab my camera. It was so tender. He was really worried about her and Nicole loved his genuine compassion.

She's Home!

There was great excitement today when Mary came through the door after school. All the kids were anxious to play with her. Mary grabbed a snack and started coloring upstairs with Nicole. Nicole was in pure heaven! This was one thing Mary wrote. I thought it was so sweet and a good reminder of what it's all about. I can only imagine how exciting our return to heaven will be someday . Perhaps I got a little glimpse of it today?

"We all should walk in the light of Jesus and follow his example. And the Holy Ghost will comfort you. Then we will live with Him again."

A Wet Memorial Day

We woke up this morning and ran some errands. Then we all met up at McDonalds before we hit the movie theater to see Epic. It was a darling movie and again it was so fun bringing all of our children. All this week Aaron and I debating on whether or not we should throw a Memorial Day BBQ. Since the weather was rainy we thought we would just skip out on doing something. Plus, our house was a disaster from the 90 something rolls, mango salad, and 15 lbs of potatoes I made the day before.

But we couldn't pass up the opportunity...even if it was only two hours before showtime and it was raining off and on. So, Tiff took our kids, we cleaned up, ran to the store and texted as many people as I had in my phone. We ended up having about 10 families come. It was so fun, especially being so last minute like that. And you would have thought everyone planned the menu..the food coordinated so well and there was the perfect variety of deliciousness.

When Aaron and I were just getting to know each other over ten years ago we would do potlucks all the time. On Sunday we would pass around notes at church that said, "P-luck tonight? What can you bring?" It was easy to see even then that we made a good team.

Aaron also grabbed some flags he had in the garage and hung them up outside. I love that he thought to do that and it made me feel patriotic. I am just so grateful to live each day with so many freedoms. I recognize the lives of many soldiers and God's hand that have made us a very blessed country.

Happy Birthday!

Today we celebrated my mom's and Tiffany's birthdays. I am so grateful for each of these amazing women who love and serve me and other people all the time. Love you!

A New Milestone

We've entered a new era. All of our children were able to sit through an entire movie today. We have never even attempted to bring all of them, but it was relaxing and entertaining. I remember bringing an infant or two into a theater and it was always a challenge. Today was so easy.

In the future I will need to come prepared with more snacks and drinks stowed away in my purse since sharing a 6 dollar medium drink and a 6 dollar medium popcorn was a little tricky, especially for our ever thirsty Cameron. We had a great time though and plan on going again soon, like Memorial Day in fact.

Cameron the Escapee

The other morning while getting Mary's school lunch packed I saw two big eyes with long lashes peek up over the stairway ledge. Was it Cameron? Had someone helped him out? No, I counted three little ducks all in a row watching a cartoon on the couch. He had climbed out of his crib on his own!

On a typical morning I would wait to hear Cameron call for me to get him out. I knew it was only a matter of time before he'd figure out that he could climb in and out on his own. This new revelation brought him a sense of independence and excitement. There was no turning back now. Since that morning he has trailed his way downstairs, blanket and bottle in hand at his usual time, making it rather delightful and even convenient.

That is until today, when he realized, Hey, I can do this for naptime too! I laid him down for a nap closed the door and went to fold some laundry when I heard the bedroom door open and pitter-patter footstep steps down hall. "Cameron," I called. "Yes", he replied. "Go back to bed". "OK". He raced back to his room, closed the door and snuggled back in. I know this because I went in and checked. He smiled and I left thinking there was a very good chance this might just happen again. Three more times of the same scenario until Nicole told him to stay in his room and he decided to listen to her for some reason.

He slept for two hours.

And when his nap was over, he came out on his own.

Backyard Woes

A mole has made his home under our perfectly manicured lawn. Aaron bought a metal pinwheel that is supposed to vibrate the ground and keep the pest away. That didn't work. He has sat and waited and tried to smash it with his foot. Nothing. It's still here.

Something has eaten our newly planted strawberry tomato and pepper plants in our garden. So sad. I guess living in the country requires extra measures...a fence maybe?

"Hey Mom.."

"...do my eyes look like allergies?"

Can you tell who has been talking about allergies around here? Yes, they're still pure torture. I am affected night and day. I pray my medication won't make me too sleepy at the carpool wheel. This week I did a little reading on some tips for seasonal allergy relief. I've vacuumed my bed, dusted everywhere, cleaned like a maniac trying to rid my nose of pollen infested dust mites in the home. I think it's helped. At least I can breathe, kind of.

Yesterday, while driving the preschoolers back from carpool I listened in on their conversation. It seems as though the preschoolers make the best comments. So, Noah tells Luci and Elise, "Hey guys, do you know why I love Nicole?" My ears perk up (for obvious reasons). "Because she is funny, really funny". And then Nikki smiles her huge beautiful grin and starts thinking of ways she can entertain the crew. "Did you know that my mom's foots is bigger than my foots," she begins. "My mom's foots is GINORMOUS!" followed by her big heart cackle. They all join in the laughter and Luci says, "That's funny, GINORMOUS is not really a word!"

Pure entertainment.

You Clean Up Real Nice

The house is pretty clean...it looks clean I should say---vacuumed, mopped, dusted, windows, toilets, laundry, (don't look in drawers...I have far too many "junk drawers" than I'd like to admit). I want to document it for my husband who will not see it this way before he returns home in just a couple hours. Hopefully the smell will stay. I love the clean smell.

Wiggle Wiggle ZOOM!

I bought these new wiggle cars for Mother's Day and they arrived today. We put them together and rode them on the new asphalt for our family night activity.

Familiar Faces

Today our fabulous nursery workers took this picture of Estelle and Cameron. They told us that once Estelle was dropped off she looked around the room searching for a familiar face and she spotted Cameron (the only family member there). He was playing with a toy on the floor. Estelle walked up to Cameron and sat right in front of him. They chatted and played for a while. The teachers said they kept sitting by each other and Cameron kept looking out for her. Just so sweet.

All Tuckered Out

It's interesting to me that children can go to bed way past their bedtime and still rise at the same time they usually do the next day. I knew Nikki would be tired from trying to keep up/stay awake with the big girls. She made it through two soccer games and lots of outdoor play to fall asleep on the floor wedged between the couch and sofa table. I guess laying on the couch didn't look comfortable enough.

Sleep Over

Tonight we have Annie and Ayla sleeping over. It's always a real treat to have friends stay with us. Eric, Sarah's younger brother who is staying next door for a couple of weeks while he studies for the MCAT played tag with the kids tonight. It was beyond fun.

Bed Buds

We have a three bedroom house...including a room for the boys and a room for the girls. However, Cameron requires his own room, so Noah bunks with his sister and Nicole escapes her toddler bed most days for a crib in our room. It sounds crazy, but it makes sense for now and it allows us the most sleep possible.

At first Mary and Noah resisted sharing Mary's queen sized bed, and now I'm sure if we went back to separating them they would not like it. I recall sharing a bed with my brother too...way longer than I'd like to admit. Now that Cameron is really getting older I'm sure we'll be making the switch shortly. But for now, I think it may just be creating a bond between Mary and Noah that I am really loving.

More Holiness Give Me

I have been reading a book by Sister Wendy Nelson that my mother-in-law gave me for mother's day. It is entitled, What Would A Holy Woman Do? In it she offers a challenge to think of ways, just one small way each day, in fact that you can improve by asking yourself the question What would a holy woman do?

So, I started this on Monday. I kept thinking about this question through out the day and what I found was was no surprise. I have a lot of things I need to fix. I could spend every second of every day improving. I spent the morning avoiding using the computer entirely and I snuggled with the kids one by one on the love sac. It was small, but I knew a holy woman wouldn't spent too much time looking at this and reading that on the computer when there are far more important tasks and people to give my attention to.

Then yesterday, when the kids were in bed and I looked at the huge pile of socks I needed to pair together. I thought How would a holy woman handle this? And I just got it done. I didn't procrastinate this chore that drives me nuts. And it was fun doing it while Aaron and I chatted and watched a television show. A holy woman would try to be organized and would know that putting off and worrying about finishing mundane tasks expends more energy than just getting to work.

Today, the end of her three day challenge, I decided I would try not to complain too much. I avoiding whining about my allergies. I avoiding complaining about my church calling and I noticed how much happier I was. I think a holy woman would know that there is wisdom in controlling your tongue.

I haven't read the rest of the book, but I was excited to ponder a little more on what the Spirit is prompting me to improve on. I believe these three simple changes made me more patient and loving and the best part of it all was that it didn't feel too overwhelming. I know that trying to be a holier woman will bless me and my family.

Round 'em Up!

Tonight was Noah's Kindergarten Round Up. We got him all signed up and registered to start school in the Fall! I really can't believe it. He is getting so old. I will miss having him around here being the best big brother to Nicole and Cameron. Luckily, I still have the summer to enjoy everyone together. Honestly, I can see why people homeschool. It's hard to see them go.

Garden

We planted the rest of the garden for family home evening tonight. I really love "living off the land" in a small way. Once the kids finished "helping" they played basketball with Josh and enjoyed time together.

Mothers

Every Mother's Day I think of all the many incredible women that have helped love and care for me, inspired and directed me, and influenced my life for good.

I also think of my grandmother who is no longer here with us. I really have no memory of my grandmother since she passed when I was only two years old. I am curious to know her. I am now at about the same stage in parenthood that my mother was when she died. All that I have heard of my grandmother is how kind, humble, strong, and hard working she was. I know that she has passed down these traits to my mother and in a sense I know my grandmother through my mom. And I have a feeling I would really love her.

My mom speaks of their relationship and I imagine it to be a lot like my mom and I. My mom would do anything for me and I her. I love to be with her and I am so impressed with all she can do and sacrifices for others. She is strong, loving, and so full of faith and wisdom. I look to her all the time, especially now that I am trying desperately to be a good mother.

I recall in high school a very influential English teacher who impressed to the boys in the class that if they wanted to know who to marry, look at her mother. Of course this is not true in every instance, but I think there was some great wisdom in his words. I remember one boy that had been in my classes since kindergarten turned to me and said, "Well, then whoever marries Allison is one lucky guy."

I am so grateful for this day when we can think on all the women who are full of charity and integrity, who have helped us know of our infinite worth and shown us how to draw closer to God. I am even more grateful that I was raised with such an extraordinary one by my side.

Happy Mother's Day to my blessed earthly Mother!
I love you forever!
xo
Daughter

To Women Everywhere

Aaron mowed the lawn, planted the vegetables in the garden, and took care of a lot of details today while I battled with my allergies again. Love that husband of mine. I came across this fabulous video today. So beautiful.

Science Works

Today I chaperoned Mary's field trip to Ashland's Science works. I have never been so it was a real treat visiting for the first time. But what made it so extra special was that I got to spend the entire day with my Mary Sunshine. Oh how I love this girl! I am sad at how fast she is growing up. She is beautiful, smart, and so so good. I am so very blessed to be her mother.

Tanta Henri

Today is my Tanta Henri's birthday. We stopped by work to bring her a little gift and flower for her beautiful garden. We are so lucky to have her live near us.

I have a lot of wonderful memories of Tanta Henri from my childhood. When my grandpa lived with us, she would come and visit every Sunday.  She would bring treats (usually some yummy chocolate chip cookies or Nestle crunch ice cream bars) and do hair cuts or color pictures. I loved coloring with her. There were always snapshots with her Polaroid camera and for every birthday there were numbered candles she'd bring to top one of her frostingless cakes (which I loved). I always remember running over first thing after church. I am sure she never knew how much her visits with her dad would mean to me.

Happy Birthday to my wonderful aunt.
Love,
One of your little Chickadees

Super Seals

Mary had her last oral presentation of the year today. She got to choose her topic...seals. They are fascinating animals and we let her bring her kindle to share a little audio clip of bunch of seals. We attempted to make these oreo balls into tiny harp seals. When that failed miserably we stuck a little topper in them. At least they tasted better than her last food presentation---sim sim cookies.

JUMP!

Is there anything more entertaining than children and a trampoline? Sarah's dad fixed our old one this week so we have two pushed together again. I can't think of a day when we haven't used our trampoline. It's gotta be one of the top Craigslist investments we've made. Today I watched Noah do all these flips and Nicole and Cameron do somersaults.They were loving it.

When Your Heart is Filled with Love

I don't know if it's just that it's Monday or that my allergies are super annoying, but this morning I woke up and needed some kind of change. Blah. Blah. Blah. My energy was low, probably from the medicine. The kids were playing with each other, but someone kept crying and getting hurt or drawing on something they shouldn't. Maybe someone used a stool to reach the medicine shelf in the pantry and chewed up an ibuprofen tablet that came from a "child proof" bottle that someone poured out on the floor? Lucky for me it tasted terrible and I think he someone just ate one. I kept looking at the messy house and overflowing laundry room and didn't want to clean it up or wash a thing.

In between helping the kids with their needs I knew I needed a little spiritual boost, so I read my scriptures, said my prayers and reread Elder Ballard's talk on motherhood. It lifted my spirits. I peeked at facebook and saw two really inspiring stories one of a man who quit his job to help serve starving people in his town. He taught that these old and mentally ill people who were basically left to die not only physically needed food but spiritually they needed to be filled with love. He cleaned them, cut their hair and spent time with them. It was beautiful. I also watched a clip about the trials of a homeless man that was very tender. Each story helped me see how very blessed I am.

Then I read a little article on things you can do to help feel more joy in motherhood right now...they were simple, but really work. I loved the one that said to just read to your children. That always helps bring a happy feeling. I also really loved the tip to take a lot of pictures. It always helps to step back and capture the beauty of children.

So, we worked together and straightened the house. It felt good when it was done and any fighting or complaining had left the home entirely. We read some books. And tonight we got togther to watch the Warriors game which was a big treat. Then the rain came and the lightening and thunder. I love a good summer storm. It was beautiful. The boys came in and played marbles. We barbecued. It was so stimulating and enjoyable and I loved taking pictures of it all even though I had to delete most of them.

In my mind I picture these amazing photos, but since my camera is pretty lame and I don't know what I'm doing it just comes out blurry. Elder Ballard said to develop more talents like this. That's one I would really love to learn...photography.

I learned from Ashton today how marbles really work at MRE. Kids can bring their marbles to school during the month of May. Mary has brought hers a few times. She isn't super into them, but she likes them. Each class is allowed to have a boy and girl representative who help fill the marble committee, where I think they help establish and maintain rules...I missed the rest of that story. It sounds complicated and it's so darling how they sort and share, play and trade.

Then this sweet little niece let me hold her. She just fills my heart. Love her so!

Tonight when I put Nikki to bed I sang the song, "Jesus said love everyone, treat them kindly too; when your heart is filled with love others will love you". Nikki usually asks about what a word or phrase from a song means. After I sang this verse she asked, "Is your tummy filled?" Huh? Then I realized what she meant, "When your heart is filled with love...others will love you. My reply was, "Yes, it is filled with love...because I'm with YOU!" And her smile melted my heart.

I could get used to this...

Every year the young single adults in our region have a huge weekend long conference. This means that they need the building for their various talks, meals, and activities. Since we have three wards that usually meet in our building each Sunday we accommodate the Singles Sunday services by combining our three wards into one sacrament meeting from 9-10. Church is only one hour long! It is so nice not having to coral the children to their various classes and keep them from crying for the two hours following. We took full opportunity to relax at home and get together with family for dinner and a little play.

Modest is the Hottest

Tonight is Emma's first date and first prom. She looked stunning. This is proof that it is possible to be gorgeous and modest at the same time. In a few short years maybe Mary can borrow this dress?

Cousin Lovin'

It was absolutely necessary we turn on the water and play in the hot sun. These little cousins love each other so much.

We also got to celebrate Josh getting his Eagle Scout award at his court of honor this evening. I'm just so proud of the honorable young man he is. I'm so grateful for his example to all the younger cousins. I also see that the Boy Scout Program is pretty amazing and unique in these days. It teaches young men to serve, to be loyal and cheerful, to be courageous amd morally clean, to fulfill their duty to God and their country. What a great achievement.

"My Do It!"

Cameron usually knows who he wants to do something for him. When getting something to drink, "Mommy do it". When changing a diaper, "Daddy do it", when getting on shoes, "My do it". It pretty random most days unless Grandma's here and she needs to do everything for him. Lately he's been wanting to do it all. Get in and out of the car, climb onto the trampoline, or into his crib. Cameron is talking ALL the time. I love hearing what he has to say.

I know I've mentioned it a million times before, but can I just freeze time and stay in this stage forever? Being a mother of young children is the best.

Good, Better, Best

I decided to reread a talk today by Elder Oaks Good, Better, Best. It is one that I think of often, and for good reason---it's all about how to prioritize our lives and activities (especially regarding the scheduling of our children). The last few weeks have been very busy and I am happy to see a sweet lull in the home. I loved reading with Noah today and sitting back with the kids to watch the pavement get poured. It really is a balancing act and a conscious decision to choose what is best first.

I read this quote that has made me rethink how I serve in my calling. It's something I think I needed to hear, and is making me reevaluate the last few busy weeks and my motives.

"In general conference last year, Elder M. Russell Ballard warned against the deterioration of family relationships that can result when we spend excess time on ineffective activities that yield little spiritual sustenance. He cautioned against complicating our Church service “with needless frills and embellishments that occupy too much time, cost too much money, and sap too much energy. … The instruction to magnify our callings is not a command to embellish and complicate them. To innovate does not necessarily mean to expand; very often it means to simplify. … What is most important in our Church responsibilities,” he said, “is not the statistics that are reported or the meetings that are held but whether or not individual people—ministered to one at a time just as the Savior did—have been lifted and encouraged and ultimately changed.”

During our stake training one of the ward leaders presented a personal story about the time her daughter was about to be baptized. This woman had spent hours preparing the perfect white outfit, beautiful invitations, a flawless program and delicate white frosted white cupcakes for her soon-to-be-baptized daughter. At the same time her husband had been preparing...preparing that his daughter would feel the Holy Ghost when he laid his hands on her head and gave her this special gift. His hours of preparation were spent fasting and praying and spiritually preparing for his soon-to-be-baptized daughter that she might feel the Holy Ghost on that special day and remember the covenant she was making. This experience reminds me of Mary and Martha when Mary "chose the better part" to learn from the Savior. At the training this woman shared that her husband had essentially chosen the better (or best) part. 

It's a lot to think about. I feel humbled. And that's a good thing.

Here is a picture of this machine that lifts it's wheel high up in the air and zips around carrying the asphalt. It was fascinating. I thought for sure it would tip over when the suspended wheels went so high. If it can stay balanced...so can I!:0)