What we've been doing!

Update on the last few weeks!
First of all we have a new tradition for Halloween. Have the kids stock up on candy from previous Halloween parties and trunk-or-treats and then on Halloween stay home and let the kids hand out their own candy to get rid of it. That's what we did and the kids loved it. They were supposed to be babysat so I could go to the adult session of stake conference but Lantz was sick so we were home, but I didn't have any Halloween candy. Now I am glad I know about this new way to celebrate Halloween.

Lantz was sick last week. He had a fever of 104 one day but we were able to get it down and keep it down most of the time during the next few days. For being sick he still is a great baby, he doesn't cry much, but he does want me to hold him or let him go to bed.

Stake Conference was awesome. I felt bad missing the adult session because it is always the best, but Sunday session was still good. The kids were amazing, they make me so proud. I went to conference about twenty minutes early with Zak and Makelle. John stayed home with Lantz. We usually go about an hour early to get a good seat, but I didn't want to go to early with the kids. Well we got there and the chapel was mostly empty. I went around talking to the few friends there telling them how we usually have to go to conference an hour early to get a good spot, but that I didn't want to bring my kids early this time. I also said I was so glad that I didn't come any earlier because I could have any seat in the house. Well, I started getting anxious for things to start as it approached ten. The chapel was still mostly empty and the stake presidency wasn't even there. I was talking to someone when it was mentioned that it was only nine. Imagine my stupidity as I realized the time had changed and I had no clue at all. I was completely oblivious, and to add to my embarrassment I had talked to several people telling them how I didn't want to bring my kids too early and here I had brought them an hour and twenty minutes early. Thankfully my kids did great and it was a wonderful meeting,I just felt like an idiot. Goes to show how much I get out and have contact with the outside world.

Last week was full of appointments. Makelle's tooth was turning brown, she must have bumped it so I took her to a pediodontist. It was a great experience, all of the kids were good for me and Makelle wasn't even scared. They told her she had princess teeth and they were great. Makelle and Lantz had check ups this week. Makelle is 29 pounds and Lantz is 20. When it was Makelle's turn to get weighted they said they wanted to see how big she was so she stretched her hands high. We all started to laugh. She was showing them how big she is! Then we had to take Lantz for a testicular ultrasound, and once again my kids were all great. They make me so proud. I am always so worried to have to take them all with me to appointments, but they do so good. We have one more appointment on the 19th for Zak with a cardiologist. He has had a heart murmur since he was born, and they are just going to check it out and make sure it is innocent. We weren't going to get the kids much for Christmas, but now they all got to have Doctors appointments and tests for their gifts!

Last week the weather was beautiful and we took advantage. We went to a different park to play at everyday last week and we loved it. There is nothing better than playing with the three best kids at the park in the sunshine on a nice fall day. We found a new park back in the forest and it was sooo pretty with the sun shining thru the leaves and the trees. One of the favor ties for the kids was playing in all of the leaves at the park. We also went to the zoo. It was my first time by myself with all of the kids and we did great. One afternoon we were at the river swinging together on a big swing and Zak said, "Mom, this is one of the bestest days ever. I could just sit here and swing with you and play with you all day. This is one of the greatest days, thanks mom." Now that is what life is all about right there. So we had a great week (exhausting, but great)! I have really been trying to learn from the last conference talks and have the spirit with me and not get angry. Also at our stake conference our Stake President said to find out our purpose in life and make it a priority. Well my family and raising these kids is my purpose so I am trying to make it my priority. It is amazing how just trying and praying to be better at not getting angry and use a quiet voice has helped us all. It helps to get out of the house away from distractions of things I need to do and just play with my kids. I haven't been as good as i should, and it feels good to get back to where I want to be. I was feeling a little bit depressed this past week. But as I have tried to be a better mom and looked for ways to maybe brighten someone else's day it has made a difference.

Zak had his first primary program Sunday. He has been so excited and he had his whole part memorized. I was so excited to see him. He looked super handsome and he sang loud and good. He looked extra smart when he gave his part because he had it all memorized. Makelle is excited to do it next year, is that crazy?! John needed a partner to go teach someone the new member discussions and he couldn't get anyone so he took Zak. Zak was so excited and had his scriptures all ready. He shared his lesson about Jesus teaching in the temple that he gave to us last week for Family Home Evening. At the end he had his finger on a scripture and he read it to everyone. What a big kid already being a missionary.

A few months ago John went home teaching and he went to a lady's house and who hadn't had home teachers or been to church in years. She said she wasn't interested in having home teachers so the next month he sent her a letter with the first presidency message and numbers of people to call if she needed help. Imagine our shock when she called this morning to find out what time church is so that she could come. She sat by us and stayed for all three meetings with her four year old boy, so hopefully she will come again. It was so exciting, way to go Johnny!!

Here is one more thing to add to John's long list of incredible talents. He cut my hair!! Crazy I know but he did an awesome job and he is feeling a little proud about it himself. I got my hair cut at just a cheap hair place instead of the salon. Well, it was a bit of a disaster. After complaining about it for a few days John once again offered to cut my hair for me. He has offered lots of times but I have never been brave enough to take him up on the offer. I figured my hair couldn't get much worse so I let him. I was scared as I could feel the clippers going half way up my head I may have even started to cry once as I realized he has never been with me when I have gotten my hair cut so what would he know about this. Once again I was amazed by his talents as he shaved about an inch off and cut some more with scissors. The back looks awesome I am going to go to him for now on! Hopefully he won't decided to quite dental school and go into cosmetology!

And now for the pictures, sorry not to many of us actually playing it is way to hard to capture all of the fun cute moments when my hands are full and we are having fun at the park.
Zak spotted a bear on our way to feed the ducks!
Just Enjoying the park!





Makelle found a little umbrella and she was keeping the rain away for her and her daddy.
Zak playing after a long day of church and home teaching.
Lantz checking out the fridge.
Lantz is so fun these days, besides the getting into everything. He loves to play games and have you chase him or hide from him. He has quite the fun personality and he gets bigger by the day.
Lantz is always wanting to play whatever Zak is doing. Zak gets so bothered and wants him to stay away from his toys, hopefully they will be buds one day.
Cutest kid ever!
Nightly scripture reading and Zak's medicine.
Crazy #1 My little princess with her special tooth.
Crazy #2 Makelle took this picture, didn't she do a good job?
Reading to themselves! They both memorize their books and love to read them to themselves and each other. They are too big!

There you have it life is great!

Song Request

A few weeks ago it was requested by Grandma Valynn that I record Makelle singing the Rain Rain Go Away song. So here is at least one version of it.



She was playing with the flowers at the time and insisted on having them.

Journal Entry

I went to a Stake RS retreat last weekend and we had a journal workshop. I got excited to write in my journal again and started keeping one online. It was brought up that sometimes when we share thoughts or experiences it might help someone else. I felt impressed to share a little from my first entry. I learn everyday about someone new who looks at my blog so here are my thoughts to all of you friends and family.

It has been forever since I have written in a journal, I have just been lazy, but here it goes.

I have too many blessings and life is too wonderful to not make record of it. I love living here in nowhere Indiana. I know we were led here and I know that we are here to make a difference in the lives of others and to bless our own family. My testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ has been strengthened so much in just this short six months. The happiness that comes from the gospel is so amazing. I love my little tiny branch, I never realized the importance of calling each other brother and sister. They truly are my family. Missionary work here is so awesome, what a great responsibility and opportunity. I am out of my comfort zone most of the time, but it is great.

John is almost done with his first semester of dental school. It hasn't been bad at all. He does most of his studying before school, so he can spend the evenings with us. Some things have been more challenging than other things. He has found that if he puts the Lord first, the Lord will bless him in all aspects of his life. He is the first counselor in the Elders Quorum and he has already grown. What a leader he is. I am always humbled by that man. He truly is my best friend. He loves me now matter what and he always make me want to be better. I become better because of him. He is an example to me of so many Christlike attributes. I am so grateful to be married to such an amazing man. He lives his testimony, honors his priesthood, and is a great dad. What did I do to deserve this guy and to call him my Husband? Our journey together is amazing and is the most wonderful thing in my life.

Zak, my little boy is already so grown up, where has all the time gone? I remember when it was just me and him. He has been such a joy in my life. I am so privileged to have him as my son. He has been special from day one. He has such a desire to learn new things. Already at such a young age he has a testimony. He knows what is right and wrong. He wants to be obedient because he knows that is how he can be happy. He helps John and I to stay on track. If he sees any hypocrisy in us he is quick to point it out. He is such a great big brother always serving his brother and sister. He has made a lot of new friends since our move and is really growing. Only one more year and my big boy will be gone to school. Am I really ready for that?

Makelle, what a beautiful girl. She is one of a kind. She has been strong willed and independent from day one. What do I do with such a cute and stubborn girl. How do I teach her how beautiful she is and guide her to make good choices. The future scares me. I like to tease John that he spoils her rotten, but I think I am just as to blame as he is. What a cutie, but she is definately teaching me patience.

Lantz is almost nine months old. He is not much of a baby anymore. He crawls all over the place and loves to be in his high chair eating. He pretty much is done with baby food and wants all the real stuff. He climbs up to things but hasn't really started to walk around the furniture. What a great boy he has been. He is so easy going and happy. Sometimes I feel like I don't give him the attention he deserves because he is so content.

I love being a mom. What a blessing to stay home with these little angels all day. I know I am lucky to be a mother and especially to such special children. Some times I feel overwhelmed. How do I be everything to everyone? I feel like I don't give any of them the time or attention they need, so why even try. Then I get encouragement from my Heavenly Father, John, my family and my friends.

I just got called last week to be the Young Women's president in our branch. What a responsibility, but what an opportunity. i have great counselors and I look forward to serving these young women. How do I help them to have testimonies that will sustain them through their early adult lives?


I have grown a greater appreciation for all of my family. How blessed I am to have such love and support from both sides of our family. Most of all I miss the hugs from my sisters and their families. Even though we are far away, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of them and pray for all of them. What a blessing they are to me. I try to be better because of them.

Friends, a tender mercy form my Heavenly Father, I have come to realize now how many I left behind, and how much I love having friends here. What a great thing it is to surround myself with others who have goals just like me. I am thankful that I friends to fill the void of my family.

Halloween

Here are the kiddos in their Halloween costumes. Today we had storytime and a parade around the library. Tomorrow we have a trunk or treat with some friends and branch members and then we are done. We have Stake Conference all weekend so we get to be done a day early, and I won't have to avoid giving out candy on Halloween! Wahooo!




All of my kids love that I let them eat their candy so we can be done with it. Lantz is loving Halloween.
So this isn't Halloween, but it is my Grand Finale from my cake classes. I did all those roses isn't it a little bit impressive?
We had our Halloween party. Zak wanted to invite fifteen of his friends. He really wanted his cousins that came last year, but he figured friends would be fine this time. Well, I wouldn't let him invite that many because that is insane and our house is small. So we cut it in half and only invited seven friends. Well then everyone was sick and we only had two friends, but we had a great time still. I got in trouble for not letting him invite all of them since only two came, so our next party might be a little HUGE!




We have all had sickness this past week but luckily we are all doing better except for Lantz. He was up all night with a fever, the poor guy . I was only sick for a few days so that was lucky because sickness around here has been crazy.
I have been the YW president for almost two weeks now and I love it!! I feel a huge weight of helping these young women realize their worth, gain testimonies, and be able to withstand temptation. I just need them to realize that no sacrifice is to great for staying worthy to enter the temple. We had our Evening in Excellence Pageant of Values this week and it was incredible. It was a lot of effort, but the paybacks were so worth it. The girls were beautiful and it really felt like a pageant it was amazing. I was in charge of the evening and I was the one to interview the girls and speak at the end, so I was up front a lot. Well, as I was getting dressed for the evening I put a hanger in my mouth to look at a dress in the mirror, and my front porcelain tooth cracked! What a night to have that happen, so I had a fanged tooth for the evening and still do until I get an appointment somewhere. I was hoping to not have expensive dental work for the next four years but I guess that won't be the case. Makelle has been complaining of her tooth hurting when she eats or drinks hot or cold things. We thought she just had sensitive teeth, but no her tooth is starting to turn gray. She goes to the dentist Monday. She will probably either not have a front tooth for four years or have a gray one for four years. Poor girl, she has such a pretty smile.

That is about all the excitement for now! Life is great for this little family in nowhere Indiana!

What We've Been Up To!

It's been a while, I know so enjoy the next gazillion pictures as I get you up to date!!


Like all of my kids Lantz likes to play with bowls and kitchen stuff. John kinda likes it too, don't the hats look good?
Makelle wanted to join in too.
Lantz was feeling so proud that he could stand up on his own in the bathtub.
Lantz getting a cushy ride in the clothes basket.
Cruiser around in his own car. Does he look like a ladys man or what?!

Zak getting a lift from Lantz.
Makelle hanging out in her own car.

Zak in his police gear ready to fight of crime.

Makelle with her bling bling earrings ad purse! She is a true girl. We had a girls day out and spent the day shopping together. John was out of school for Fall Break so he hung out with Zak at home. Makelle and I had a great time out looking around. She wanted everything from shoes, clothes, jewelry, to purses, you name it she wanted it. I was able to avoid all of it by telling her to ask Grandma Valynn to buy it for her when she comes to visit. It worked every time.
We finally got our pumpkins done! This year it was great because the kids were old enough to clean them all by themselves. Zak still didn't like touching it with his hands so he used a spoon most of the time. They did a great job getting all of the guts out.
Makelle didn't have a problem getting her hands dirty, she could have played with the guts all day.

We spent yesterday at the zoo for John's last day with us. We had a great time. The weather was cool, but the animals were doing all sorts of fun stuff. They had all of their Halloween stuff out so Makelle and Zak got to dress up.


John loves to tickle Lantz and laughs and laughs. Poor Guy!
My three boys takin it easy.
We love the park! We played for a long time enjoying the not too cold weather.







Lantz was getting very hungry and he just wanted a little of Makelle's cookie. He tried and tried to get some for himself.
We finally had to give him his own to enjoy. Much better.


Makelle got too tired and fell asleep by the hippo. Just kidding but she is good at acting isn't she?!
The kids love to play in an old van that they have at the zoo.
Whoops they crashed into Lantz and Dad, oh well!
Would you say it was a long day?

The final result with the pumpkins. They designed them all by themselves.
It doesn't get much better than that!

I wish I would have taken pictures of us during General Conference. Our whole house was rearranged so that we could have the computer in the front room. It was definitely different to watch it on the Internet, at first it was soooo slow and very irritating but we were persistent and it paid off. Zak told us Saturday morning as we were getting dressed that we needed to wear our church clothes so we would think about listening instead of wearing play clothes and thinking about playing during conference. He told us that one of his church teachers had told him this. We tried to talk him into wearing church clothes for the Sunday sessions, but nope we got to dress up at home for both. What an amazing kid. He teaches me everyday. What an example about listening and then obeying.