Lindy turns 6

Our Lindy-Lou-Who turned 6 this March. What a unique, wonderful person she is. Since all of the kids are having friend parties this year, she got to work planning her very first one! She knew she wanted a sprinkles inside-purple cake, with some pink on it, with an "L" and some hearts. She chose to buy a disco light and a bubble machine as her presents so that she could use them at the party. And she wanted to take her friends to get a manicure and pedicure like she and I did a little while ago.

She invited Lucy, Harper, Beksley and Aimsley. While everyone got here, we set up twister. But because Lindy feels the weight of hostess-ing very seriously, she had a small meltdown when nobody knew their right hands from their left hands, and fighting over who got to be the spinner. :) Then we had cake and mint chocolate chip ice cream, and opened presents. Then we loaded up all the girls in the van to go to the salon. I'd say they all felt pretty special and fancy. When we got home we turned on the bubble machine, the disco lights, and some jammin music. :) Again, Lindy had a minor meltdown when she spilled the bubbles. She screamed, "I just wanted it to be perfect!!". I see a lot of myself in that behavior. :) I think overall though, she had a good time and felt loved and special That's the main goal, right?

Lindy is gorgeous, caring, helpful, smart, a cuddler, has a servant's heart, is capable, seriously goofy, and we can't imagine our life without her!

First half or March

Everyday school stuff! Trying to keep Davy entertained during school proves harder and harder. Water beads. Poetry Tea Time. Lindy finished the entire first box of Bob Books and was very proud! Miles drew this awesome SWORD :) Benson's love of non-fiction books continues.



Lots of quick visits in early March! Jenn got to stay with us one night, Adrienne was up here with some of her kids for a swim meet for Paris (can you believe how tall he's getting??), and Mom came up to visit us and her sisters. It's ALWAYS such a treat to see my family! And it's NEVER long enough.


"Call it Courage" Party. The kids and I finished the audio book and decided to celebrate. We had decorations thanks to Dad's mission, pulled pork, cucumber salad, and all sorts of tropical fruits. We watched Moana, and then we went to the curiosity museum to test our courage. :) They have the "cove of courage" in the jungle area where they have little "tests". Then we thought we'd let the older 3 try the upper ropes course. You have to pay extra for that, but thought it would really test their courage. Miles and Gwen loved it and did great, Lindy decided she wasn't ready and stuck to the lower rope obstacles that lead to the airplane. :) We really packed it in! :)



2020 is the year of the Coronavirus. We have been largely unaffected by it because of our way of life. We homeschool, so school cancellations aren't an issue. And because of our beliefs and the counsel of our religious leaders, we have stockpiles of food and supplies. It's brought much peace of mind when it seems like the rest of the world is going absolutely bonkers. One of the noticeable changes is that with quarantine regulations, we had our first official "church at home" last Sunday. What a unique and special experience. The kids were excited to find out what it would be like. Sunday morning Richie and I woke up and mostly Gwen had set up our sacrament room! She had written out the schedule, including a special musical number by all the kids, and even had all the doors in the house labeled (complete with dots for those who need to read Braille, just like at real church) :) :) :) I loved it.


The other big thing this month is that our house is almost ready to be put on the market. Yikes! Richie and I have learned so, so much during this process. And we are so grateful it's almost over. We have had countless hours put in by loved ones. Countless!!! So many people have come to our aid during the last 6 months or so, that it's impossible not to feel loved and supported. Last Saturday we had our last big group push. Ian came out again, as well as Jeff and McKenna, while Mom took the kids all day. We worked our tails off in anticipation of listing that Tuesday. Well, our basement decided to flood on Sunday, so that derailed our plans a little. Thanks to the coronavirus, Richie was at home a lot more, and Mom took the kids again on Monday so that Richie and I could push hard in order to finish things in time for pictures. Turns out, trying to make it look like you don't live there, when you actually still do, is really hard. We were literally screwing on faceplates as the photographer took pictures of the adjacent rooms. It was a top 5 hustle moment in our marriage for sure. Whew! Now we're planning on listing this coming Monday (March 23). Fingers crossed the virus doesn't affect our selling price and that all goes well. Whew!

Kid Updates

Miles

*You got your arrow of light! I felt bad that I forgot it was happening. Woops! Good thing we were there. Ha! You felt so proud and accomplished. As you should! As you were getting awarded things, you'd always try and give the boys next to you a high five or a handshake. You reeeeealy love scouts, so Dad and I might have to find a troop for you come January, since the church is no longer participating.
*I'm not sure I could nail it down to something specific, but both Dad and I can sense a new level of maturity in you lately. Something in your air and manners. In the way you respond to conflict and inconvenience. I don't know. You're growing up. That's all there is to it.
*You've expressed some discontent with your weight. I was a chubby kid around the same age, so your feelings of inadequacy really sting me, because I know exactly how you feel. As a grown up, looking back on my youth, I am so sad that I felt that my body was less than ideal at such a young age. I was hoping I could magically avoid that with my kids. ? So I hope I said the right things, and am doing the right things to help you through it. You're helping me stay on track with my weight loss goals by coming on board with me. We decided on some tactics to help us, and you're doing so well! Mostly, I just want you to remember that your body is wonderful and capable and a gift!

Gwen

*I am such a lucky Mom! For some time now, you and Miles wake up early in the morning, before I get up, and get started on school. Many times this also includes you getting Davy for me when he wakes up and either taking care of him while I sleep a little longer, or you'll bring him to me so I can nurse him in bed, and then you come get him and entertain him while I get going. It's amazing! I remember days of dreaming about something like this! And the thing is, you're completely happy, eager even, to do it!
*When we sing songs as a family, I'm getting a kick out of listening to you try and sing...like Dad. With vibrato, and emotion etc. It sounds very much like an 8 year old girl, trying really hard, and I love it.
*Something's going on with your breathing lately. We haven't taken you into a Dr. yet, but after talking with Aunt Becca and Uncle Chris, we think it might be asthma? You just seem short of breath all the time. Always taking big gulps of air. Sometimes it makes you seem more pale with circles under your eyes. I know I need to take you in, but I've heard the test is kind of long and intensive...I'm planning my next step. We'll get it figured out.
*When you go to dance, you'll typically wear anything that is stretchy and you can move in. Sometimes it looks very much like a "dance outfit", but most of the time it doesn't. I kind of love that about you. All of the other girls in your class tend to dress for class in the same-ish way, and I love that you are comfortable enough to just wear what you want to wear.

Lindy

*Your thinking process is really growing these days. I really should start writing your questions down, but you're constantly asking me really well thought out, curious, in depth questions about everything. I'm generally able to explain things to you, but sometimes not. A few weeks ago we were riding in the car and out of no where you asked, "How come parents always know the answers to everything?" :) I made sure you knew that we don't, but we'll always try and figure it out.
*Becksley and Riggin (neighbor friends) came over again today, and you immediately went into hostess mode, as you typically do when friends come over. You ushered them to the table to share the play-doh you were playing with. You showed them how to use it, and then monitored them as they played with it-not you. And then you directed them to the next activity-playing house in the living room, and so on. This is very typical of you. I worry a little bit, but it's so darn cute. You did the same thing the other day at the park. You found 2 little girls-younger than you-and you took over taking care of them. You pushed them on swings, helped them on the teeter-totter etc. This went on for quite a while. You seemed to be having lots of fun, and were so sad when they had to go.
*Your greatest desire is to be helpful. So when I ask somebody else to set the table, or someone beats you to grabbing a diaper for Davy, or I tell you to not worry about switching out the trash bags, it sometimes elicits a huge tantrum. It's funny and frustrating to me that you want to help so much, but the tantrum often times causes more trouble. :) Oh my Lindy. :)

Benson

*You are maturing and growing in lots of fun ways. You are frequently apologizing (on your own) for mistakes you make. For instance, today we were rushing to get to church and you had opened the garage door. It's semi-broken, making it a pain to shut it again. I was agitated. When I got back in the car you apologized, very sincerely, all on your own. You are also developing lots of empathy. The other day I was having each of you kids take a turn helping me paint our family room. By the time it was your turn I was frustrated (again) because I hadn't had any alone time and all of you kept needing things. I shouted for everyone to get in their rooms. And you just very tenderly put your arm around my neck and shoulder, snuggled in and asked, "Are you feeling frustrated Mommy?" I was able to take a deep breath and keep going, thanks to your sweetness.
*You still are really drawn to non-fiction books. The other day you wouldn't leave Grandma's house without taking her college level human anatomy book home with you. And you've been "reading" it every night. Today at the D.I., among all the books, you found one called "Explosions" which was a book that gave you and inside look of machines.
*You HATE church lately. Hate it. We have to really negotiate and handle you with kid gloves to get you to go to nursery most weeks, and you actively try to escape. (poor nursery leaders). We think it's because there are a few boys in there about your age who push you around quite a bit. I'm proud that for the most part, when other kids your age push you around, you usually take it in stride and don't retaliate.
*You are so full of emotion! When you are mad, you're really mad. But usually your hard emotions really don't take that long too pass. You're so full of happy! And when you are happy, you're totally thrilled! Not just a smile about something, but exuberance! And such simple things make you so joyful. I love it!

Davy

*Since I last did an update, you've started crawling and pulling yourself up on things! You're not a super fast crawler yet. It's still very slow and takes a lot of effort on your part. It's adorable, and I'm glad you're not too fast yet! However, this is one of my least favorite baby stages because it means your find every.little.thing on the floor and put it in your mouth! I have to swipe your mouth multiple times a day for crazy things you put in there.
*You have tried so many new foods! I'm fairly confident in giving you most food, as long as it's "mushable". But now that you've had more exposure, you no longer like to have just one food/flavor/texture when you eat now. You'll eat more if we switch up bites between different things. And like your siblings, you like it when I scoop a little food up onto another piece of food, instead of using a spoon. Like some mashed sweet potato on top of a bit of banana.
*You got constipated again. Man, it makes you SO angry. The night we came home from Thanksgiving you were constipated, probably teething, and exhausted from lack of sleep and traveling. It was the angriest you've ever been. I would start to get worried and then remember that this outburst was warranted. We rode it out all night, but man, you were grumpy.
*I'm not sure what I wrote last update, but in the relatively recent past, you've learned to wave, clap and blow kisses. Makes us all smile so much!!
*You have started pulling a hilarious face that looks kind of like a smile, with your bottom jaw jutted way out. When you're really into it, you also put your hands in fists and shake your whole body. :)
*You know the sign for all-done and are starting to use it on your own and in the right context. You also said your 1st word on your first birthday! "Dad!" :) You've been playing around with a few words, but this was the first time it really seemed obvious that you knew what you were saying.

Davy Turns 1!!

I can't believe it came so quickly. My last baby is one. Crazy. It's the end of an era. Richie said, "Well, we don't have babies anymore!" And I flat out refused. "Davy is still a baby!!! He's not walking yet, so that means he's not a toddler, and that means he's a baby!" :) I thought it would be a lot more heart wrenching, but it was surprisingly routine. ??? I think it might have something to do with the fact that he's still so small. He still seems very much a baby to me. I'll write more about all the fun things he's into lately on a kid update post soon, but it should be mentioned here that I took him in for his first well child check since he's been born (ha!) and he was in the 90% for head circumference (right on track), but only 50% for height (Huh??) and 15% for weight (what the what??) I don't think I've ever had a baby lower than 80% in anything, so I was dumbfounded. I asked my awesome doctor, in all sincerity, if he was ok. She said he's fine, just maybe inherited some small genes somewhere along the line. Mind Blown. It will be fun to see how he grows up and changes. But for now, he's still my little baby!

On the day of his birthday, we made his favorite pumpkin sourdough pancakes and made sure he got a #1 pancake with a candle. He had no idea what was going on, and was still getting over a cold, so he was not entirely happy or overjoyed with his pancake, candle, or present. (Lindy wrapped up her old Barbie car to give to him, since it plays music. :) ) And that was about it, as far as celebrating goes on his birthday!


That Sunday we celebrated with family. He LOVED the sweet potato fries grandma made. (I think sweet potatoes are his favorite food) I made him a chocolate zucchini cake with blue icing (way more blue than anticipated), which he really enjoyed. He got a few outfits from Mom and Dad, and Grandma and Grandpa, and then an awesome stuffed animal from us. With our no spend challenge, we decided that birthdays get $100 to be spent however you'd like. Since Davy won't be planning a party, and the clothes I had for him I bought on clearance last year, we splurged and bought an expensive, hand knitted, stuffed fox that also provides 10 meals for food banks in needy areas, through our purchase. He seems to enjoy it, and I'm glad about that. Benson wishes it was his. :)


Davy is a joy to us all. I'm so grateful we have him here to teach my other kids how to handle babies, to teach me to slow down and savor things, to make us all laugh during otherwise tense or boring moments, and mostly to cuddle me in the mornings when I nurse him. I don't know if I can give it up! Richie jokes that I'm spoiling him and that I'll be nursing him till he's a teen. *eye roll* But being my last baby, I can't help if I just want to hang onto his little-ness forever! And he officially said his first word on his first birthday: "Dad!" :) Of course it sounds like "Da!", but he knew exactly what he was saying and what it meant. :) Happy 1st Birthday Davy!!

2nd half of February

Bath time for these cuties is a nearly every night event. They both love it so much!!



We are getting rid of everything. EVERYTHING! I can't even count the trips we've taken to the DI in the last 6 months to donate little things, and we've gotten rid of/sold so much furniture. It's completely liberating. One that was a teensy sad was getting rid of the crib. Davy rarely sleeps in it, he mostly uses the pack n' play, so we decided we didn't want to haul it to Idaho, and gave it to a neighbor who is going to turn it into a bench! Yay!


We took a homeschool group field trip to Conservation Gardens in West Jordan. It's a really neat place and the kids love running around.



I'm trying to be more intentional about taking Benson to actual story time at the library when the older kids are at Canyon Grove. He was loving it for the first 20 minutes- singing along with the lady, answering her questions etc- then he got bored and triggered the alarm when he opened a door he shouldn't have when I was distracted with Davy. Sounds about right.


We got these cool passes to fun things around the valley by filling out a PBS reading log. So on this day, we took advantage of free passes to the Natural History Museum. Such a cool museum! The kids were lucky and caught a screen printing station in the works, among other things. Benson just wanted to ride the "alligator" (elevator) though, and while we were on the top floor, I turned around for literally 20 seconds, and he was gone. We're not as familiar with the layout of this museum, so I was panicking that we wouldn't be able to find him. There's no way he even knows where to go, right? On a lucky whim, we took the elevator down one floor and started looking for him. We found him almost to the dinosaur exhibit (a ways into the 4th floor). The dinosaurs is what he was most excited about, so it made sense, but geez! I couldn't believe he made it that far in that short time, and that we actually found him.


My kids are awesome. The latest testament to their awesomeness, is that most mornings, Gwen wakes up before everyone, reads her scriptures, starts her schoolwork, starts breakfast, and then brings Davy to me when he wakes up and wants to nurse. Yeah. Pretty amazing. On this morning, Lindy had set the table by herself and Gwen had made pancakes, all ready to go. All of this on their own, without me asking at all!


We had been counting to 100 days of school for Lindy and finally got around to celebrating it by her request of making 100 cookies. (We actually made 120, but no one complained)


More baths for this kid. He loves when Davy gets out so that we can fill the tub more, add bubbles, and turn on the jets!



Working on the flooring! Richie took a couple of days off to try and knock out more home improvement projects. We are trying to get the house on the Market in a few weeks, so we are running around trying to do all.the.things. One this day he was working on getting the flooring in the kitchen finished. We're almost there and it looks so good! Also, Benson's bum crack in this picture! :) :) :)


Again, trying to squeeze all we can out of our Thanksgiving Point pass until it expires. I will really miss this pass. It's such a great one. I told the kids that if they got their math for the week done a day early, we'd skip school on Friday and spend the day there. They were in. We went with our neighbor friends. Love that picture of Benson and Riggin. Riggin is Benson's best (only) friend. :)



Miles's good friend Colton invited him and their other friend Parker to go ice fishing last Saturday. Miles, Parker and Colton are good buddies and I'm so sad to break them up when we move. They are such good boys, from such good families, and they have such a great time together! I was grateful to the Peshell's for setting this up. They said to be at their house by 730 am on Saturday, and Miles was up at 630 raring to go! He was so, so excited. He caught fish, spent the day with his buddies, and got a mega sunburn on his face. Successful outing, I'd say.



Almost 6 months ago, I saw an ad on our pandora station that Stacey Kent (one of our very favorite singers) was going to be coming to SLC. We missed her the last time she was here almost 8 years ago. So I did something sporadic and bought the tickets right then and there without asking Richie. I kept it a surprise for months until he accidentally saw it in my planner. This was our Valentine present to each other. Less Stuff, More Adventure. The concert was fantastic, and the company was even better.