Kitty Ride

Nope, not the kind of kitty ride you'd find at a carnival, but an actual kitty ride. Jack is going on 12 years old, and he's loved the last two babies more than any other, he Loves Aiden and Thayne so much, it used to be that he would never let the kids play with him much (he's more of a mama's boy) but lately he teases the two little ones, and rubs on them, rolls around near them, and for Aiden just enough out of reach to make Aiden want to get him. He's always been a finicky cat, not liking company and the sort, but I think with his old age he's given in and decided being loved isn't so bad. To actually get a picture of him allowing Aiden to ride on his back is proof of his surrender.

Pumpkin Pie

HOW YOUR PUMPKIN PIE IS MADE
Happy Thanksgiving!

First Snow

Well, it happened, the inevitable. SNOW. I'm not too happy it's here, but Thayne and the other kids don't seem to mind at all. Thayne immediately said "nice day, make a snowman, it's snowing" so Matt took him outside to play in it.

Here's Thayne, our little snowman

This is our sledding hill we built up this year when we cleared out backyard. The kids are excited for it to get more snow.

Matt was attempting to still drag out the lawn, we got most of it flattened, we had a large heavy type contraption attached to the back of the Ellis' 4-wheeler, and were attempting to flatten out all the bumps, we did some while it was just dirt, but it's going to have to wait til spring though unfortunately now that the snow has fallen.

Here's Liam enjoying his first snow of the year...he was happy just to lay in it

chocolate Fondue

The other day we had family home evening and the kids LOVED the treat, we had a chocolate fondue with Bananas, walnuts, mini marshmallows, cake chunks and animal cookies. The banana was the favorite (and even Aiden could enjoy them without the chocolate), they used corn pokers to dip, but I think more ended up on their face, shirts and hands than anything else. It was a pretty fun night!

Wierdo!

So this is what Lochlan would look like if he were a girl or had long hair! I was behind him with my head on top of his and my hair fell down below his face, I thought it was so funny so Matt took his picture. He's not too happy I'm sticking this on the blog he says "don't do it, it will kill me popularity wise mother!" Oh well, what are mothers for if not to embarrass their sons!

Cruiser

Aiden no longer wants to lay down. I wouldn't say he crawls, just sort of scoots backwards and rolls. He has no interest in it, he would ather go straight to walking. I know walking is a few months out, but his favorite things is to stand against the couch or the coffee table and bang on things. his legs are really strong for such a little guy. We sit on the floor and stand him up freestyle for a second or two and than clap and he's so proud of himself. It won't be long and we'll have a cruiser on our hands!

Coconut Marshmallows

NO, I did not give this to Aiden. We call him "Mr. Grabber Guy" because if he wants something he gets it by reaching and squirming to get it. We found these delicious treats at Three Bears (our version of Costco) they are roasted coconut covered marshmallows. The kids had them for a treat yesterday and Thayne left one of the couch, the next thing we hear is a sucking noise coming from Aiden, and sure enough he got ahold of one and LOVED IT, but of course, his first sugar! I let him suck on it for a minute and than made him mad as I took it from his grubby little fingers. Aiden, the rule is you get sugar when your one! (Birthday cake at least:)

Ghosts and Gobblins

Trunk-Or-Treating

The Celebrations started on Halloween by teaming up with the Maws and going Trunk-Or-Treating at the Boys and Girls club. It was sooooo cold though, we got through half the parking lot and had to go in to warm up. While inside the kids did the cake walk and we ended up with 3 cakes! Just what we needed...they had fun, but it was too cold for me to enjoy it, they on the other hand love everything about Halloween!

Ward Party

The Evening continued as we went to the ward potluck Halloween Party. Again, we won the big Spider Cake (total of 4 cakes we won during the Halloween festivities), there was lots of candy, good food, good company, pinatas', spooky maze, trick or treating, games, fun, and a costume parade. The kids enjoy their freedom as they run around with friends, and I enjoy watching them! Happy Halloween

School Carnival

I was sick and wasn't able to go, but Matt took the kids to the school carnival, they went trick or treating, ate lots of junk food, and played games.

Carving Pumpkins

The kids always have fun when we carve pumpkins, they did teams this year, Boden and Cecily were a team, and Lochlan and Liam were a team, Thayne was everyones residential scooper, he loved it. They came out scary!

Mr. Snugglepuss

This is our new favorite thing from Aiden, he bunkers down and cuddles in simply for loves and snuggle time! Doesn't get better than that!

pop pop pop

Daddy's are the best! Matt brought bubble wrap and a huge box home from work and the kids think he's just the greatest! they each got their own sheet of bubble wrap to pop and it's amused them all week!

Look Ma' no wheels!

So one exciting thing that happened this last summer was Boden learned to ride his bike without training wheels. He just took off without much help at all. Matt ran beside him, he did a great job. Now if we could just teach him how to get started on his own without a little push and to not fear the fall. He was pretty funny, Matt told him "don't look at the obstacle in front on you, look straight ahead" so Boden decided he would look at the clouds and the sky around him, which caused him to be wobbly and wiggley. he was pretty goofy and pretty proud of himself...as we were proud of him too!

Walkin' in the Rain

this hike was soooo rainy!!!

CowFolk

So I have sooooooooooo many summer pictures I haven't blogged or posted anywhere, I figured I'd better get some of em' on here while I've got a few minutes.

Old Posts-Ninilchik Fair

Amazing Catapults

I'm behind on my blog and need to get some pictures posted here. This was the Mind a Maze event this year called "amazing catapults" Lochlans team had the biggest one, it would have been pretty accurate. However, they had 5 minutes once their team was called to move it to their launch spot, and callibrate it (the chosesn distance to launch a ball from and into a basket was 6 meters-the distance as announced on the spot) , during this time it pre launched and their turn was done. It was pretty upsetting, they had a short problme to solve as well. Maybe next year they'll lhave better luck.

Out for a Walk

The kids took the baby out for a walk on our street, they looked so cute.

Just hangin

Cecily is Baptized!

We woke up to a Beautiful day for a baptism. It was clear skies and 48* outside...perfect cool crisp autumn weather. Cecily had a sleepover the night before and her little friends sauntered out of the house by 11 am. She had partied all night and was a bit tired, but it didn't take long for the excitement to kick in. In fact the excitement for this day began months ago. she was able to pick out her beautiful dress and shoes online, which made her feel very special. We had sat down and she chose who she wanted to speak and participate in the baptism, so we planned that, every Monday for Family Home Evening for about 6 weeks we talked about some aspect of baptism and prepared her how to be immersed properly in water. We talked about her testimony and what she understood of the covenants she was making. The day of her actual birthday she received a set of scriptures, maroon in color and inscribed with her name (a gift each child will get on their 8th birthday) and a carrying case. She was officially ready to become a member of the church.

After a much needed shower to wash off the popcorn balls, pizza, candy, cake and ice cream from the previous nights partying, she was refreshed and excited. She transformed into an angel before our eyes as the white dress was put on and her hair done. Her little brother Thayne called her "a sister princess" and that she was. She was so beautiful. The morning went flawlessly as we got all the boys ready, and things loaded into the car. She had helped make the dessert (jelly bean covered cupcakes, root beer floats and veggie tray). Once everything was loaded we sat down as a family and presented her with a couple more gifts. One being a baptism remembrance book. The other a baptism bracelet, made all in white to remind her of her covenants. She loves it and hasn't taken it off.

We were then off to the church a little early to set up chairs, and get everything else ready. A few pictures were taken and than we waited. We sure wish more family could have been there to support her, moments like this make living in Alaska hard when we are so far from those we love, as it was she had her wonderful Aunt Heather, and a few very good families come in support, it was small and intimate.

Aunt Heathers Talk was absolutely wonderful. She grabbed Cecily's attention right away by first telling her they both had the same thing in common, Matt had baptized both of them. Then she asked if Cecily knew the story of the 3 bears. She then talked about the covenants we make at baptism and that we continue to make during the sacrament ordinance. During the renewal of these ordinances is where we learn the story of the 3 bears of Baptism...she went on to pull out a plush little brown gunt bear, He was to remind Cecily that she was to always "Bear the Saviors Name" Then she pulled out a cream colored bear, He was to remind her that she was to "Bear her Testimony always", and then a dark brown bear was pulled out and he was to remind her to "Bear one anothers burdens". Explanations were age appropriate and I don't think she took her eyes off her Aunt for even one second. She will always remember that, and has since placed her little bears on her special shelf as a reminder.

We then walked down to the font. Cecily said the water was warm, and that she felt really happy going into it. She said "I didn't look at anyone in the room, just my dad" I slipped through the doors so I could watch and than she was immersed. However, her right leg came up and out popped her toes. This took her by surprise and there was some quiet giggles...the witnesses shook their heads and Matt explained briefly to her what happened. She was all smiles still. So She was baptised again, this time fully. In helping her get dressed she talked about being happy, and that she was glad she got baptized. While she dressed everyone else watched "Reflections of Christ". I then gave a talk on the Holy Ghost, talking in specific about his roles and what happens when we stop listening to his council, presenting her with a treasure chest full of scripture treasures she could mark in her scriptures about the Holy Ghost.

It was a sweet day, she was welcomed to the ward by the bishop, who is always so amazing in his choice of words. Earlier before the ceremony, She was presented with a gift from her friend Rylee Ellis, a Glass block that says "I love to see the temple, I'm going there someday" and even when she was handed that I looked over at her and she had started to get teary eyed, I told her that was the spirit of gratitude she was feeling, and she really was thankful. I know she had a wonderful day and it'll be a day she won't forget.

Me and my Daughter

your never too old to be picked up by your dad!

her family loves and supports her

Cecily loves all her brothers tremendously...some of the kids began feeling unwell on her baptism day and you can see a bit of that in their expressions here...they tried so hard to make this her special day though and be on their best behavior because they love her tremendously too!

Cecily wanted Lochlan to say the opening prayer at her baptism. I love my two baptized members, their just so cute

So this is my favorite pictures of Cecily, the excitement in her face, the way she's holding her hands, the pure angelic expression about her. She truly is a sweet blessing from God and I love every inch of her!

So bishop made a joke Sunday during sustaining her as the newest member of the church, he said something to the effect of "If you see Cecily in the halls congratulate her, we all know how much she loves to talk but at least try and get a word in" for those of you who know Cecily this was quiet funny...Cecily does not talk to "other" adults usually, even if asked a point blank question. She is getting better about her shyness though. Bishop Ellis did say she answered all her interview questions and was excited about her baptism. This is also a picture of Cecily with Sister Mitchell, her primary teacher. We have loved Sister Mitchell as a teacher. I appreciate he willingness to teach my children and to support them through their baptism.

Cecily and friend Alyssa

Her brothers waiting anxiously for her to open her gift

Swine Flu

"The Center for Disease Control said the symptoms of swine flu include fever, aches, and an uncontrollable desire to roll in the mud" Yup There's all kinds of jokes going around about the swine flu, but all jokes aside we have it! I remember when those first few cases came out of Mexico and the widespread fear that caused. Everyone went out and bought face masks, the CDC reported this could become a pandemic and it seemed unbelievable. Guess what, everyone forgot to wear their face masks and now it's a pandemic! My take on this is that this is one of the 7 deadly plagues that was prophesied to usher in the coming of our Savior. With the collapse of the world around me I find that more than once I'm caught singing "it's the end of the world as we know it"...It's hard not to think that this is the end isn't it? And that this pandemic is just one more sign of the times. I have a lot of fear when it comes to this virus, however the fear that once we were to contract the virus we would all be dead has subsided with a little bit of knowledge, luckily it should act like most other flu's, most will not be on deaths door, but some may. The fact that it's a new virus and NO ONE has immunity to it is the panic, because no ones body has the resistance to it so it will be widespread. Saturday night Boden, Liam and Aiden all came down with fevers, aches, chills, fatigue, a cough,grumpiness and for one a runny nose. We kept them home from church Sunday. I took my other 3 to Sacrament and by the end of the meeting Cecily was miserable so I rushed them out of there so as to not subject anyone to it. The kids were seen by our dear friend Dr. Carlson that afternoon and he said it was viral and it was most likely H1N1...so we were put on Tamiflu for all the kids. That night Thayne also came down with the fever and the head count was up to 5 kiddo's sick. Lochlan was the only one sent to school on Monday, and I was told that out of a class of 24 only 9 were there, so this is hitting our area hard. However by Monday night he too had all the symptoms of Swine flu, in fact he became very week and his knees almost buckled in the kitchen, he was pretty miserable as was Liam. The kids fevers seem to be hovering around 99* but that's probably cause were keeping them pumped up with Motrin, their coughs come and than go, come and than go. Today Cecily, Thayne, Lochlan, and Aiden all crashed on their beds for a much deserved nap without me telling them to go lay down, now that's unusual in my family. So all 6 kids have been home from school for a few days, our home is a cesspool of yuckiness, and I'm not diggin' it. I came down with a fever of 100.2 yesterday, couldn't move off the couch, but I'm thinking it's a kidney infection because my right back is shooting a jabbing stabbing pain at a nonstop rate to one area, I can't move with out screaming out loud...I will be seen today. And so, we start the flu season. Along with the fear that maybe this wasn't the H1N1 we now have to decide if kids are being vaccinated or not, (probably not), we are trying to figure out all the ins and outs of this new virus and who can go on what, and is it safe, and I worry that if it's not the swine flu how hard will it hit us when it does? I guess what it comes down to is this isn't a laughing matter, people will get sick, some more so that others, we need to be aware of others and not worry that our kids are missing school, cub scouts and girl scouts, and respect the virus... I'm hoping we get better soon, and that this will pass by us quickly!

How can we keep them from Growing?

Seasons Colide

I went up to Anchorage by myself this week, it turned out to be a long day with the rain nonstop and the treacherous winds that literally blew my suburban off the road at one point, but none the less, it's always nice to shut out the noise of day to day life for an entire day and have my thoughts to myself. I was able to stop when I wanted to and document the rapidly changing season of Alaska...

The Fall Foliage and rushing waters of the Russian River

The colliding of seasons: the pass was getting fresh snow while the leaves below were clinging on for their dear life

Fresh snow on the mountains in Coopers landing

These beautiful swans enjoying a bitter afternoon swim in Glacial Waters