When you're a professional pirate.....

You can give these out.

It's a dreaded 'black spot'! 

I found this on the kitchen counter the other day. I knew immediately what it was, but didn't know why it was there. So I asked around and found out that Charles had made it and given it to Hannah.

We all had a good laugh over that one. Charles thought he was pretty clever.

If you don't know what a black spot is, you NEED to watch Muppets Treasure Island. It is a classic. One of our favorite movies and we love to quote it and sing the songs from it. We watched it recently as a family and I guess Charles was annoyed at Hannah for some reason and decided to give her a black spot, or a pirate's death curse! 

Good Things:

Sunday!

Safe return of my hubby from a meeting in Blanding

An upcoming wedding this week. :D

Goofy

I have some goofy kids. They regularly reinforce that notion and this time I caught a bit of it on camera. I do not know who started this, but at dinner we had some green pepper cut into strips and when someone decided to use a strip as 'teeth' they all decided to do the same. So we had a whole tableful of kids with green 'teeth'.

Aren't they just so special? And photogenic? Yikes!

Soren doing his Grandpa Barton imitation on his lovely sisters, Sadie and Cambria

James doing his Grandpa Barton impression on his own head with the lovely green 'teeth'

Charlie and his 'teeth' 

You just never know what crazy idea will pop into their heads or what they will come up with. 

Dinners at our house are crazy anyway, usually just a movie quote fest. I used to long for some deep serious conversation and discussion around the dinner table but I've given that up. Crazy, chaotic movie quoting it is!

Lego-master Soren

I've shared before that we are fans of Legos. We got our first (large) bunch of Legos from Grandma Welch who gave us all of Ben's Legos when he went on his mission. It was a small tote bin full of bricks and I couldn't imagine that we'd ever need more. Oh, how wrong I was. Since then (it's been about 10 + years) we have collected so many more. We have a Lego building table downstairs with two large drawers underneath in which we put color-coded plastic containers of bricks and they're full!

With so many bricks to choose from the boys can really let their imaginations run. I have saved the instructions but they are rarely ever used after the first build. They just like to see what they can come up with one their own. And I think they do a really good job of creating some cool stuff.

Soren has started making large ships, usually with missiles and guns and all sorts of fancy features. All the details are quite amazing. This particular ship was huge. I have no idea how he was holding it because every time I tried to move or pick it up it came apart…the wheels underneath were always falling off.

 A Soren original...

Unfortunately, the ship met its match in Miss Kami, who deconstructed it while Soren was at school one day. I'm glad we took pictures to remember it and who knows? Maybe he will want to remake it someday and the pictures will help him remember what he did.

That's quite the ship

He wants to send it to the Lego magazine...

Consistent

A new year, a new word. I didn't really start thinking about what I wanted my word for 2016 to be until after the first of the year. I had a RS lesson to prepare for the first Sunday in Jan and that took over all my pondering time. One morning as I lay in bed, unable to sleep, the word CONSISTENT popped into my head. I noticed it and began to mull it over. I really liked it but I felt drawn to the word CONSTANT too, and decided I would look them up, think about it some more and then decide which it would be.

I looked up both words on the Internet and I liked the definition of constant better. See the photo below. So I thought maybe I'd go with that. Then I found the quote from Sis. Burton(screenshot below), the RS General President, from the Oct 2014 General Conference. It described exactly what I was going for. 

So my word for 2016 is CONSISTENT. Defined as steady, constant, and dependable. Also regularly recurring and steadfast in purpose.

I have many areas in my life where I just need consistency. 

I began a slow, careful study of the Book of Mormon in the fall. I need to make that a regularly recurring event. Daily. 

I am determined to be more consistent at praying in the morning. 

I have also been writing in a gratitude journal. Need to be consistent. 

I started indexing a batch a day after reading Mari's blog post about that. I have been, but still need to be consistent. 

I want to be much more consistent in my temple attendance. It's only 5! minutes away. 

I have determined that a blog is the best way for me to record our family's story. I like to look at people's scrapbook pages, but I can't get enough of the story on a fancy scrapbook page. And I still end up with only one book. A blog allows me more writing space and my kids can access it anywhere they have Internet service and anytime they like. AND, I can print it into books if I want to. SO, I need to be consistent at writing and publishing posts. About both current events and past history. 

I have jumped back on the THM bandwagon and consistency is needed there to see any progress...

I need to be much more consistent in my parenting. It's always been a weakness of mine as a parent. 

I need to be more consistent in doing my calling and my VT.

So many areas. Consistent can be applied to Every. Single. Thing. I. Do. 

I feel good about the small changes I've made in the last few months to make the time to do these small and simple things we've been asked to do. I just need to continue, to be CONSISTENT, and I know the Lord will bless my efforts. 

I have made a new little reminder to put in my kitchen window. It's right below my cheerful sign which I'm leaving up because I'll also be working on being consistently cheerful! :)

Reflecting

Recently, I read the whole blog called Cling To Courage, written by Mari, who lost her husband to pulmonary embolism in 2014. I had found her blog shortly after her husband, Charles, passed away and read the current posts. For some reason last fall, I felt that I needed to reread those posts and as I read, I felt like I should back-read her whole blog to get a better sense of her story.

As I reread her posts outlining Charles' last day, I was filled with gratitude that my story with pulmonary embolism turned out so differently. I am thankful to still be here on this earth to raise my children and see them move on with their own lives. I did not experience the horrible pain she described him having. In fact, I felt sort of silly going in to the doctor because I was sure they would tell me it was gas, to go home and take some antacid. I remember thinking as they drove me in the ambulance to the airport for the flight to Provo, that I just didn't feel bad enough to be in a life and death situation. I am thankful, after reading her story, that I was spared that pain.

As I have reflected on my experience compared to Charles' experience I came to one conclusion. I was told by my doctor after finishing up my regimen of Warfarin or Coumadin, that I should take a baby aspirin every day to help keep my blood a bit thinner. I bought one bottle and took most of it before deciding, (consciously?), that I didn't need it. But I have felt impressed that I need to begin doing that again. So I've bought another bottle of baby aspirin and I've been very diligent to take one every day.

You never know when your time is at an end. But I want to try to do what I can to live as healthily as possible while I'm still here. I know that if Heavenly Father wants to call me home, a baby aspirin a day is no obstacle for Him, but I will do what I can to prevent another clot or embolism from happening. It's just not worth the risk, when a small daily dose can help keep my blood thin. I have also been told that if I ever have another clot or embolism that I will be put on Coumadin for life. I DO NOT want that. Baby aspirin is now my friend.

Good Things:
Sunshine
Heaters that work
Children who love and care for their siblings

Ponderize Jan 1-9 1Nephi 18:3

This week I have been ponderizing a scripture I found as I studied. I have read it countless times before but it never grabbed me the way it did this time. 

It is Nephi speaking of when he was building the ship. He often went up into the mountain to pray and get further instructions and guidance. The Lord gave him what he needed to continue to construct the ship, not after the manner of men, but after the manner God showed him. 

It hit me that I can apply this to my life. By considering the mount to be the temple. I need to go there OFT. It's so silly how hard it is for me to get there regularly. It's 5 minutes away! But if I make an effort to go there and pray OFT there, the Lord will provide the instruction and guidance (show unto me great things) I need to construct my ship. My life. My family. Not after the manner of man, but after the manner shown me by the Lord. 

In some areas of my life it's apparent I haven't patterned my family after the manner of men. 9 kids is definitely not the manner of men. But that's not the only area I want to pattern after the Lord's pattern. I desire to follow Him in all areas, yet my human-ness makes that so much harder than it should be. Kind of like how hard it is to go 5 minutes to the temple. Sounds easy, but is not. 

I really liked the thoughts this scripture gave me and as it's a new year and I'm thinking of ways to improve it has been instrumental. My word for the year came to me early one morning when I woke up before my normal waking time and I was lying in bed, thinking. It's CONSISTENT. I need to be consistent/constant in so many ways. And making a consistent effort to 'go into the mount (temple) oft and pray oft' is one way I can improve this year. 

James as...Hermie?

James has had some really awesome bed head during vacation. And to be honest I have not bothered to comb it often since we're just at home.

He has had a habit of twisting his hair, you can see his kewpie look here. But now that his bangs are longer they're getting in on the fun and this is the result. All day I kept trying to figure out who he reminded me of...and it finally hit me. 

What do you think? James = Hermie?

I think it's a pretty good likeness. :)

Snow day!

We had an unusually long Christmas Break this year, not heading back to school until Jan 7. It was snowing that day and when we woke up on the 8th this is what we found! About 12-18 inches of snow had fallen overnight. Curtis got a phone call early in the morning. I knew he was dreading having to go shovel at the school, so when I heard him say "Hallelujah!" I knew it meant we were having a snow day.
So, after going back for one day of school we had another 3 day weekend. It was so nice not to have to get everyone out in it and just stay cozy and warm together at home.

back yard - deep enough to completely cover the garden boxes 

looking out our northeast door. It always piles up here due to the swirling action of the wind. 

Looking to the northwest. See how buried the trampoline and bushes are...

a better look at the trampoline. I love how the snow is lying on the trees. A winter wonderland.

I had promised the kids we would do gingerbread houses during Christmas and New Year's for something to do to fill time. But we never got to it with all our trips. So, because of the unexpected day off and no plans, we decided it was a good day to make gingerbread. However, I could not find the cookie cutter I have that makes tiny houses, so we had to settle for regular cookies. I did trek out to to the grocery store for candy to decorate the cookies with. Kami came over for a couple of hours in the afternoon and we had a good time decorating and eating cookies and candy.

gingerbread

Kami deciding whether to decorate her cookie or just eat the candy...

decided to put this piece of candy on the cookie

lots of decorating going on

Hannah got artsy with a baggy of frosting…

Hooray for a Snow Day!

Ford @ wk

watching Ford do his thing…

Ford has been working for Emery Telcom for almost 1.5 years now. For the first year he commuted to Moab every day to work there while they brought their services to San Juan county. Now that all the lines are installed clear to Blanding he now works mostly in Monticello and Blanding. He installed new internet service for us over the Christmas break. I snuck a photo of him working out at our pole. He talks about what he does and I have no idea what half the stuff he refers to is, but I'm so glad he has a good job and seems to enjoy it and be competent at it. He has to climb under houses and up poles and other fun things like drive and use a cherry-picker.

I never could picture this kid sitting at a desk for work. I always thought he would have some sort of hands-on trade. Kind of fun to watch your boys become capable, competent men. :)

Soren hits double digits

Soren's birthday falls on Jan 6, which is traditionally the 12th day of Christmas or the Day of Epiphany. I have always found that significant, since he was the first child born after my epiphany about my role as a mother. Anyway, it always feels like it's so close to Christmas and we have to do the present shopping and goodie thing all over again. But Nature helped provide some entertainment for the birthday boy today. The kids all bundled up and went to the Golf Course to sled and have a snowball war on their last day of Christmas Break and Soren's birthday.
We are so lucky to have this awesome boy in our family. He provides us with laughs, groans and fun. He is incredibly smart, he's a deep thinker, he loves Legos (particularly Tahu Bionicle), he just finished all the requirements for his Bear badge in Cub Scouts, and he has a good knowledge of the Gospel and tries very hard to be and do good. We love you Soren!! Happy Birthday.

Hannah, Cambria, Sadie, Soren and Charles in front

Holding up 10 fingers for Soren's 10th birthday!

Playing in the big drift we always get on the north side of the garage.

We have a tradition where the birthday person gets to choose to have whatever they want for dinner on their birthday. Soren chose to have tin foil dinners. Because of the snow, we could not get to our smoker to cook them, so we had to settle for the oven, but they were delicious. I love that everyone gets to put in them exactly what they want. Whenever we have these, there is little talking at dinner, everyone just snarfs down the delicious meal they concocted. Good choice, Soren!

Foil dinners for supper - Soren's choice

He also decided he didn't want a cake this year, but wanted donuts instead. Twist my arm! Much less effort on my part, for sure.

Lighting the Donut cake

prepping himself to blow them out

it required being above the pile of donuts

got them all...

A Star Wars activity kit from Ford and Shiala.

Looking good there, Yoda!

He really liked his kit and redecorated that R2-D2 several times

Still can't believe it's been 10 years since this boy made his appearance. There is quite a big gap between him and Sadie because I believed we were done having kids. I'm so thankful Heavenly Father had other plans for our family. He was such a welcome joy when he arrived and continues to be one to this day. He does have his moments, but with that face, they don't last long!

Happy Birthday, Great-Grandma!

My mom's birthday is on Jan 5. It was a really busy day and I didn't get a chance to call her, but I took this funny picture of Kami and texted it to her along with all the lyrics of Happy Birthday.
I love how Kami looks like she is singing. Mom thought it was really cute!

Cute Kami

Mom and Hugh at the Jazz Game the week after Christmas. Aren't they cute?

I sure love my mom and I'm so happy she has found love and friendship again. I am thankful she chose to be a mom and to have me and my sisters and give us such an amazing childhood and raise us with the Gospel. As I look back, my childhood has such a golden glow to it. I know that's because I had great parents, sweet sisters, a wonderful extended family, the Gospel and grew up in a safe place. Thanks, Mom! Love you!!!!

Pie face!

We had to go to Spanish Fork for Charles' dentist appointment. It was at 9 in the morning, so we drove as far as Price the night before and stayed at Stacy and Stewart's house. I noticed a stack of games in the corner and one was the new game called PieFace. I mentioned it and before we knew it we had decided to try playing it. I was surprised how simple it was. I thought maybe there were question and answers involved, but, no. You simply pass the machine around, spin the spinner and turn the handles that number of clicks. You never know when it'll release and splat you in the face!

Stacy clicking away...

Charles was much braver than I expected.

Unfortunately, he was the (un)lucky guy this time.

He got it right between the eyes. He was smiling, but then the whipped cream got into his eyes and the tears started. He didn't cry out or fuss but he was done playing this game.

Zoe waiting for the splat

Even Curtis played. Never thought I'd see this!

And he got splatted...

Every time he had a turn! LOL
I got hit twice but have no photographic evidence of it. hee hee hee.

NYE

We have never been big on celebrating New Year's Eve. Occasionally we have made a big deal but mostly we just drink our traditional Pizzazz when New York celebrates the New Year and head to bed. This year, the kids wanted to have a bit of fun with it. Cambria and her friend Mary found some fun party supplies at Family Dollar and we made a bunch of yummy appetizers to munch on.
There was Wii-dancing and game playing and silliness all around. We did open and drink the pizzazz at 10 so the 'old folks' (Curtis and I) could go to bed. The kids decided to stay up for the real deal and went outside and blew an airhorn and party whistles while others in town shot off fireworks. We are looking forward to what the New Year will bring. Lots of changes both hard and good, I'm sure.

Our appetizer fare...bean dip and chips, pizza rolls, crackers and dip, veggies and dip, meatballs

Who is that 'man' behind the disguise?

He's a bit dangerous looking

Just can't have New Year's Eve without Pizzazz...aka Sparkling Cider or Juice

Here's to a Happy 2016!!

Charles, Sadie, Soren, Cambria, Mary and James

Mm-mm. De-lish!

They were in a very silly mood, not sure what these faces were all about...

Cheers!

We had better make sure all she ever drinks is Sparkling Apple Juice!

James liked the homemade Almond Roca. Can you believe it's made with saltine crackers?

GOOD THINGS:

Uncle Erin. For passing on the Pizzazz tradition.

Good Friends.

Silly Friends.