Drum Roll Please....... No really drum roll

So let's test your temple knowledge. Can anyone tell me which temple this is? You may be asking yourself why I would want to know this, but it's because come next summer we will live very close to this temple. That's right we're moving.

Jason got offered the spot in Utah. We are very excited to move back out west nearer to family (only a 10 hr drive away). It'll be so nice to be so close to the temple as well. We'll also get to see some old friends who are currently living out there. I can't wait to take the kids skiing for the first time, to build a snowman or maybe a whole snowman family, to have snowball fights (Faith can't wait to throw one at Jason and I'm sure he'll love throwing them at all of us), to go camping and not feel like I'm melting, to get to see family on a more regular basis (especially our siblings who we hardly ever see).

With all this excitement comes some sadness. In the 10 yrs. (OK it'll be 10 yrs. on the 16th) that Jason and I have been married we have only lived close to family once (only for a year) so we have had to make a new "family" every time we moved. Being here as long as we have we have been able to build a group of friends who really have become family. It is hard to leave them. They have been there for us whenever we needed them, like when the toilet overflows and floods the house, or when you need someone to watch your kids so you can go to the doctor, or my personal favorite help you have a baby on your couch, just to name a few. We have been given so much love here. We were blessed more than we deserved with the friends we have made here. Thank you for everything.

So have you figured out where in Utah we're going? See picture below.

Our Dearest Faith

I know it's not your actual birthday, it was on the 28th, but better late than never.

To Our First Born,

Wow, 7 years already! Where have the years gone. We have watched you grow from an infant into a young lady. You have given us so many wonderful memories. We are so proud of the girl you are becoming. Your love and loyalty to your family fills our hearts with joy. You have just a thirst for knowledge. You are always asking questions and wanting to know how things work or why things are the way they are. You love learning (now if we could just get you to learn to follow directions). You have a great sense of humor. You are probably the funniest little girl I know. One of my favorite things about you is when you do your funny dance. It never gets old and I almost always pee my pants laughing.

One of my favorite memories will always be you learning to read. Now you read us stories. I love cuddling in bed with you while you read to Emma and I. I love how you also write and illustrate your own books. You have told us before you want to be an illustrator and a writer when you grow up. You can do whatever you put your mind to. We will always support you. Follow your dreams my love. You are going to do amazing things in your life and we are blessed to be a part of that. We love you goober. Happy Birthday!!!

Mommy and Faith at the beach in Monterey, CA

Halloween 2005

Faith at 2wks

Just outta the bath

Mommy and Faith in the snow in Germany

Grandpa and Grandma's visit to Germany

Nana and Papa's visit to Germany

Faith at Uncle Sean and Aunt Liz' wedding

R &R and Payton Update

Where to begin? I feel the past month has just flown by. It's funny how time works. On a day to day basis it feels like time just creeps by, bedtime seems to take for ever to come, but when I look back I realize how much time has really gone by. It's been a month already (well a little over) since our beautiful Payton was born and Jason was home. I miss the days filled with the noise of the boys wrestling with Jason while Payton sleeps on my chest. The house feels different without him here. Only two more months till his next R & R. I can't wait.

No more of that now. On to what a great time we had when he was here. Mostly we just hung around the house (mostly because going out with all five kids felt like something they should put on the show Fear Factor), the girls were at school most of the day so the boys got lots of daddy time. Daddy taught them so many wonderful things (can you tell I'm being sarcastic?), like how to say "Yeah sucka!!" and some other things that I'm not going to put on here. They also learned how to beat each other up (although I'm sure they would have learned that on their own, they are boys after all). I know they were happy to play with someone who could get down on the floor and roll around (before Payton came I obviously wasn't getting down on the floor to play, I probably wouldn't have been able to get back up).

Jason and I got to do a lot of talking. He was so sweet the first couple of nights, he would get up with me when Payton woke up and just talk to me. It was wonderful. A few nights we stayed up way too late and play games together on his ipad. I can't remember the last time we got to spend so much quality time together. It was so wonderful and I really needed it.

He took the four older kids to a place called Steed's Dairy Farm one night. They had a blast. They played on this giant slide, which of course Charlie had to go down about a million times. Once they were able to pry his little body off of it they jumped on this thing called a jump pillow (see pictures for what it looks like). The kids loved that too (surprise, surprise since they love to jump on their beds too). Hyrum enjoyed putting his head on the jump pillow while people jumped around him causing his head to shake. I have no comment on that besides I hope it didn't shake anything loose. They also did a hay ride and a corn maze which they all loved. Because they went in the evening and it was getting dark they gave all the kids ( both the big and little kids) flashlights. They had a great time jumping out and scarring each other. One of the girls got Jason good ( I have trained them well). I wish I could have been there to scare Jason too (plus I have always wanted to run through corn just to hear it make that sound, don't ask it's one of my weird little things).

We also decided to have Faith's birthday party while Jason was home (her actually birthday isn't till the 28th). The thought of having a bunch of extra kids by myself was not a pleasant thought. Faith invited her three best friends over, Kaya, Tanner and Morganath. I was a little sad (and relieved) that she didn't want a themed cake this year. Now mind you I didn't miss spending the four hours it took me to decorate the cake (I know Jason didn't miss me stressing over how it was coming out or hearing me yell that I was going to throw it out into the street because I was so frustrated). She just wanted a chocolate cake with strawberry icing. It came out very well. She had a great time with all her friends once she got over her little attitude moment. She is so much more moody than she used to be, I can't imagine what the teenage years are going to be like. I will say this though, she is an amazing big sister and she loves her newest brother so much. One of the girls hadn't been forewarned about Payton's condition and she starting making fun of him. Faith got very upset and stood up for her brother. She told her friend to stop making fun of him and that this was just they way God had made him. It still brings tears to my eyes just thinking of it. She is an amazing little girl. The girl apologized and there were no further incidents. All in all Faith had a great time.

We also picked out the kids Halloween costumes. The boys are going to be Buzz and Woody. The girls are going to be Jesse and The Little Mermaid. I tried to convince Faith to go as Barbie so we could have another character from Toy Story Three. If Jason were here we could be Mr and Mrs Potato Head. The boys are so cute together.

And finally an update on Payton. He has been such an amazing baby. He had gained almost 3 and 1/2 pounds by his one month check up and grown two inches. I can't believe how much he has grown since he was born. He is now sleeping eight hours (sometimes a little more) at night. He never ceases to amaze me. He smiled for the first time yesterday. I love this stage where they can show their love and happiness. I love holding and cuddling him and he gets lots of kisses from both me and his siblings (I actually have to pry the kids off of him a lot of the time, they have no idea about personal space when it comes to Payton, hopefully he won't be claustrophobic when he is older). He is very much loved.

I know many have asked about his condition and what it means for his future. We finally got some answers yesterday. The news is bittersweet (more sweet than bitter thankfully). Yesterday Payton had and Orthopedic appointment. His doctor was so wonderful and explained a lot and answered all of my questions for me. I really like him. He is almost 100% positive that Payton's condition isn't genetic. What a relief that was, we are still going to go to see the geneticist tomorrow just to make sure. We won't have those results for three to four months though. Anyway back to yesterday, the reason he is so sure it's not genetic is due to the fact that there are no other problems with Payton. All of his organs are normal as well as all his other bones. Something just caused a malfunction in the gene sequence as he was developing. That's probably all we'll ever know about this if his diagnosis is correct. So we have no name for what Payton has, but at least it won't be passed on to his children and we don't have to worry to much about it happening to another child if we choose to have another. I was very happy about this news.

As for his hands he will have to see a hand surgeon in six months to see what we can do. Hopefully he'll have enough bone in at least one of his hands for them to make a thumb. It would be a huge help for him, but if not we'll learn to do things another way. On to his feet, his doctor has highly recommended that we amputate his feet. He'll have prosthetic feet. In the long run this is actually better for him. First there is no guarantee that they can even reconstruct feet for him. Second he would need multiple surgeries to even accomplish this. Third it may not work and they would have to amputate anyway. Plus he couldn't have the reconstruction surgery till he was much older, like Charlie's age. That in it self (the fact that he would be almost four and not walking) can lead to other developmental delays. If we really wanted to push the issue we could go the reconstructive route, but I don't want to put him through all of that just to end up amputating anyway. With the prosthetic feet he'll be able to walk and run just like any other kid. He goes back in six months for x-rays and for us to let the doctor know what we want to do. I'm pretty positive we going to go ahead with the amputation. He would have this surgery sometime in May, around 8 months old. They recommend doing between 7 -12 months so that he'll learn to walk wearing the prosthetic. Our hopes are very high for him. I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared about my little baby having major surgery, but I have to have faith that it will all be alright. This is a great chance for him to lead a normal life. He'll still have his challenges, but we will be here to support and love him.

Some have also asked how I am handling all this and I ask you not to worry. I am doing great with this. I am usually a worry wart, but since Payton has come into our lives I have found a peace that I can't explain, I'm sure it's a lot of things combined that have changed me. Two things stand out; one, my love for and faith in our Heavenly Father has deepened. I have a stronger faith and testimony. I know that as long as I exercise my faith that it will grown and I will be more able to deal with the challenges our family will face in the future. The second, my love for husband has grown more too. This has only brought us closer together (if you thought we loved to talk each others ears off before, you should see us now). I know that he will lift me up when I am not strong and I will do the same for him. I am thankful for such a wonderful man to share this life as well as the eternities with. Our family is strong and you need not worry. The road we walk will not always be easy but as long as we are together we can make it through whatever comes our way.

I also want to thank everyone for their well wishes and help. We are so blessed to have so many wonder family and friends.

A Baby Story

This is the amazing story of Payton's birth.....

Friday, September 17, 2010 started like any other morning. Got up way too early for my taste to get the girls up and moving for school. Got myself dressed for the gym and made all the kiddos breakfast. Got the girls on the bus and off the boys and I went to go walk at the gym. Got home from the gym and my friend Emilie came over to do my hair (the important things you want done before you have a baby). Jason was coming home in a few days and I wanted to look nice. We had a nice afternoon of hair coloring and chit chat. Around 1 pm she left and I went to lay down to take a nap with the boys. Up to this point a totally normal day. That would all change when I got up.

I woke up from my nap at around 3:30 pm. Fired up the flat iron to do my hair and started some house cleaning projects (that would never get finished). About 15 minutes later I start doing my hair. I have my first contraction. Wasn't too bad (still doing my hair). Then exactly 7 minutes later I have another one (weird). Still doing my hair, I have another one 7 minutes later. At this point I decide to lay down. I lay down and 11 minutes goes by with no contractions. I thought it was false labor. Get back up go to the bathroom (didn't know it at the time, but I believe this is when my water broke) and finish my hair. Just as I'm finishing my hair I have another contraction. This one is stronger than the ones before and it lasts longer. About 5 minutes later I have another one. Now one would think that after having gone through this four times before I would have known how close I was to delivering, but apparently I wasn't pay attention the last four times. I debate about what I should do, do I call everyone or not, what if it's not real labor. Needless to say I start making phone calls. So contractions are 5 minutes apart and about two minutes long. It's a little after four at the point and I know the girls are going to be home any time from school. As the girls are getting off the bus I have another contraction and can't get down the stairs to answer the door. So you want to know a way to annoy a lady in labor? Ring the door bell over and over and over. Of course the girls didn't know what was going on. Finally get downstairs and open the door for them and they are all happy to be home and are asking for snacks. So quickly dish out snacks (a mom's job is never done) and head back up stairs to finish trying to pack and make phone calls. My wonderful babysitters show up (really these girls are amazing with my children) and take over the kids for me as well as help me pack my stuff. I never realized how hard it is to concentrate on the things you need to pack while you feel like your dying, but we're getting of track. Finally get all packed and am waiting for my ride. My good friend, Jessica (well really good friend after this day) was going to take me to the hospital. I decided I wanted a comfort blessing before we left for the hospital (thought we had plenty of time). Did I mention that now my contractions are about 3 minutes apart and I'm laying on the living room sofa (just for future visitors who might want to avoid the area or take pictures of the famed spot, it's the red one in the front room of our house). She shows up and tells me her hubby is about 5 minutes away, still thinking that waiting for my blessing is a good idea. Adam (Jessica's hubby) shows up and I' m not sure how I looked to them, but I'm pretty sure I was just withering there in pain. Adam so nicely gives me my blessing. Later I would realize how much it really did help me get through everything.

After my blessing I have maybe a couple more contractions. It's at this point a little light goes on in my head and I realize we won't make it to the hospital if Jessica drives me. I did not want to give birth on the side of the I-20 on a Friday during rush hour traffic. I don't think all of Augusta wanted to see me give birth either. I tell Jessica she needs to call 911. At this point it is a little before 5 pm (I'm sure Jessica will correct my times if I'm off, I was a little busy doing other things at the time). While Jessica is on the phone with the ambulance her husband is standing by in case I might need something. Did you know pain can cause delirium? I ask him in my post pitiful voice for pain meds. Now I hear laughing in my head. My logical self was saying, "What do you think he's going to give you. Do you think he has a syringe of morphine in his pocket for instances just like this?" So obviously no pain meds coming my way. It's also at this point I feel like I have to push. I don't tell anyone at first, hoping I am wrong. I tell the babysitters that we need to get all the kids out. So Adam, the babysitters and the kids head down the street to Adam and Jessica's house to play. On the way out the door the girls come by and say goodbye. Faith was crying because she could tell I was in pain, but somehow I was able to tell her it was going to be OK and that we would have a new baby when this was all over. She put on her best brave face she could muster, gave me a hug and headed out the door. Then Emma comes up to say goodbye and she is all excited that we're going to have a baby. She wanted to not just hug me, but get up on the couch with me (I was totally not having that). She was so excited. Once all the kids are gone it's just Jessica and I......still waiting for the ambulance. Jessica says it only took them like 12 minutes to get there, but it felt so much longer for both of us.

Jessica is trying to be so helpful, but there was nothing she could do (she didn't know it, but I'm not one of those women who likes to have her hand held or back rubbed. I hate to be touched while in labor). I know Jessica felt so helpless, but she did a great job. Anyway, once the kids are gone I tell her I have to push. This is the only time I saw a hint of panic in her eyes. She looks at me and tells me, "You have to push? You can't have this baby right now, I don't know how to deliver a baby!" In my head (and maybe out loud, not sure) I say I'm sorry. I am now laying on the couch on my left side with my legs as straight as I can get them, crossed at the ankles trying to keep the baby's head from coming out while I'm panting like a dog to keep from pushing. After I tell her I have to push I tell her,"You need to cut my pants off!" She runs and gets the scissors and then asks me if I'm sure. I tell her to just cut them off. I didn't care at that point, plus I knew I couldn't move. If I did the baby would be coming out. As she is cutting my pants off she is calling 911 again to get instructions on how to deliver a baby. Just then Heavenly Father sent angels, called the EMTs. I know we were both relieved. Just at this point Jason happens to call the house (Jason got to hear him being born).

Jessica throws open the front door and tells them the baby is coming right now. I think they thought she was over reacting a little because they came in and were like OK. Let's get this yellow tarp under her (which they did somehow). As soon as I rolled on to my back they were like "Oh, there's the head." I don't know if they told me to push, but I did anyway. He was out in 2-3 pushes. He was so small looking. I couldn't believe he was here and that I had him on our couch. He was so beautiful (and I was right, it was a boy, I love being right). After a few seconds I notice there is something wrong with his hands (I couldn't see it at the time, but he had the same problem with his feet). He was born with only one digit on each of his hands and feet. We didn't know about this before hand and it was a bit of a shock. Jason heard me ask what was wrong with him. Jessica didn't know what to tell him and handed me the phone. As I was trying not to cry I told him and he broke down. It is amazing how marriage works, when one is weak the other is strong. Heavenly Father helped me to pull it together so I could be strong for him. I also realized at the same time how blessed we were. He seemed to be completely healthy and normal in every other way and we had nothing to be sad about. It could have been so much worse (this is where that comfort blessing came in handy). I couldn't talk to Jason long and it killed me to get off the phone like that. I told him I would call him as soon as I could. They handed me our beautiful little boy and I melted. I was just so in love.

They took him to the ambulance shortly afterwards so they could check his vitals and I could deliver the placenta. Once that was done they moved me to a stretcher and gave me Payton. We got to ride to the hospital in the ambulance with the sirens on. I know it sounds dorky, but I really enjoyed it, it was really cool. People move real quick when you have lights flashing, horn honking and sirens wailing. What a cool way to announce his arrival.

Once at the hospital we were both checked out and found to be doing great. Payton also received a blessing once things calmed down a bit. Listening to his blessing gave me so much hope for this little man. He is a very special spirit and we are so blessed to have him in our family. I was given another blessing which only brought more joy and comfort to me. After this they took him to be weighed and measured. He weighed in at 6 lbs 5 oz and 20 1/2 inches long.

I know that the road we face will be challenging, not just for us as parents, but for Payton and his siblings. However, knowing that God has a plan for him and for us fills my heart with joy. The feeling I get every time I am near him is amazing. For such a small, new little thing he just radiates a calmness and joy that you can't help but feel. We are truly blessed to be his parents. I know that we will probably learn more from him than he will from us. I thank Heavenly Father for him and surprisingly enough the way he came into this world (although not looking to do a repeat performance). Welcome to the world and to our family Payton. I hope that we will bring you as much joy as you bring us.

I have included some much awaited pictures for your enjoyment. We will post more after he has had his professional baby photos taken next week. Enjoy and thank you to all those who helped out during my labor and delivery. You were our angels that day. Thank you as well to everyone else for all the well wishes. Payton is loved more than he knows. Thank you again everyone.

These are the amazing EMTs who helped delivery our boy.

To Our Dearest Payton

Who could have guessed the way you would enter this world? I never thought I would be one of those moms who gives birth at home. You obviously had other plans. You were born today at 5:11 pm at home on our living room sofa. I can't believe how fast you came. You are such a blessing. I know with all my heart and soul you were meant to be ours. To finally get to hold you and meet you just fills my heart with joy. I know that your road will be harder than most, but know that your father, myself and all your siblings are behind you all the way. We will lift you up when you have fallen and share in your joys (I know there will be many). I hope that we can be the kind of parents you deserve and I promise we will do our best. Know that you are loved, not just by us, your family but by your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as well. We will all be here to help you grow throughout your life. We love you sweetheart and Happy Birthday.

All Our Love,

Mommy, Daddy, Faith, Emma, Charlie and Hyrum

Happy Birthday Hyrum part 2

Just some cute pics of the birthday boy enjoying his birthday muffins!! Happy Birthday Hyrum!!!

Sooooo Yummy!!!

"Far out man"

I think he likes 'em.

He totally loved them!!!

Happy Birthday Hyrum

Two years ago today Jason and I were at the hospital having our little man. It seems that time as flown by so fast. As is becoming the tradition here is a little letter for his birthday.

To Our Hyrum,

You are such an amazing child. You have a light about you that shows every time you smile. There are many days when I wish you would stop growing right where you are. I don't want the age of cuddling to end. You are a snuggle bug and I love it. You already have a great sense of humor (we'll say you got that from me). You make me laugh on a daily basis and it fills my heart with joy. I love the way your eyes light up when you are excited about something (like eating, you definitely got that from your father). I love how you tag-a-long with your older siblings trying so hard to do all that they are doing. You love your family and we love you, probably more than you'll ever know. I thank our Heavenly Father everyday for you. I can't imagine our home without your sweet spirit in it. I look forward to who you will grow to become in the course of your life and I thank you for letting us share your journey with you. We love you little man. Happy Birthday!!!

Proud Daddy

Our sweet little sleeper

Having fun with the boys (I love his face in this picture)

Not a baby anymore.

Let the Games Begin

You need to ask yourself... Do you feel lucky? Well, do you, punk? First you gotta love Clint Eastwood, second it's time for a little fun. As you all know we are only about two weeks away from the arrival of our fifth child, Jason and I have decided to make this baby's arrival even more interesting. We are holding a little friendly competition. Here it goes...you have to guess the baby's sex, date of birth and birth weight. The person who gets the sex, date and is closest to the weight will win a yummy chocolate dipped fruit box. Please leave your guess' on the blog comments. Happy guessing!!!

A Party and The First Day of School

So last week we celebrated Emma's fifth birthday. She wanted a big party where we went swimming and had everyone stay the night. The kid must be on something because there was no way I was going to invite 5 little girls over to swim and sleep over. I would have had 9 kids to take care of, no thank you. So she settled for just her best friend and princess cupcakes and movies. She had a good time despite my not being superwoman. Here are some pictures from her little party.

More big news!! Today was the first day back to school. I can't believe that their summer vacation is over already. I remember having much more vacation time when I was a kid, we didn't start till after labor day and got out at the very beginning of June (I guess I'm showing my age). This year the girls are in the same school so...... they get to ride the bus (which really means I don't have to drive all over town like a taxi and I can stay in my pj's all day if I want). The bus picks them up and drops them off right in front of the house (this is great because I don't have to bring the boys down to a bus stop and it'll be even nicer when the baby comes). They were both so excited. Faith hadn't ridden the bus since Pre-K and this was Emma's very first time. They were so excited in fact that they didn't even give me a kiss goodbye. I was totally crushed. They could have a least faked liked they were going to miss me, I mean did I not carry them for nine months, give birth to them and feed and clothe them and buy them toys? All I wanted was a kiss.

They had a great first day. They both did really well about listening in class and behaving. At dinner all they could talk about was what they did at school. When I asked Faith what her favorite part of First Grade was she said,"Everything!!!" Emma said she loved nap time because they didn't make her go to sleep like I do (still don't understand what kids have against sleeping, I wish I could do more of it). I know they are going to have a great year.

Happy Birthday Emma!!!

The date on the camera was wrong when we took these, so please ignore. She really was born on the 1st of Aug. :)

Today is my little Emma's birthday (OK technically speaking it's 10 minutes till her actually birth day, but I can't stay awake waiting for midnight any longer). I can't believe that five years have gone by already. She has been such a joy in our lives. She is probably our sweetest child. We just want to tell her some of the things that we love most about her.

1. You always put others feelings before your own. As long as they are happy you are too.
2. You are always singing a song. I love hearing your little voice singing in the house or car. It always brings a smile to my face. Especially when you're singing "Hey, Soul Sister".
3. You want to be just like your big sister. It cracks me up to watch you try to be like her. You love her more than anyone in the family (at least that's what we think). She is your best friend and I love to watch you with her.
4. I love your voice. It is so small and sweet sounding. I wish it could stay that way forever.
5. I love that you still love to cuddle with me.
6. You are so compassionate. It's one of the things I love most about you.

7.I love you for exactly who you are. You are an amazing girl and I know that as you grow you will only become more special.
There is so much more that I want to say, but I don't have the words for the feelings I have for you. To say you are loved is an understatement. We are so proud to be your parents. Thanks for a wonderful and loving five years. We love you peanut!!

Happy Birthday from Mommy, Daddy, Faith, Charlie and Hyrum.