"The Hike"

For our Grandpa

We hope our songs will brighten your day. We love you.

A Few More Ideas

These are fleece boas that are a fun form of a scarf. I also traced an ear warmer to make a matching headband. Of course the girls love them and are begging for their own. They are really easy to make, and if your kids are old enough they could even help out to make one.
Supplies: 3- 6" strips of fleece. (for a very small child you might want to go to 5")
I used one solid strip in the middle of two pieces with patterns. Solids just aren't as fun.
*Fleece is usually 60" wide on the bolt, so for a smaller child you can cut it down to 45" or to whatever length suits you.

How to: 1. Make sure your strips are cut evenly to 6".
2. Cut off selveges (the ends of the strips)
3. Layer the strips in order of how you want them.
4. Sew right down the middle. (My machine has a special stretch stitch,
which helped avoid the breaking of the seam when I shook out the scarf,
so if you don't have this stitch option you will need to make a couple of runs down
the fabric.
5. Lay the scarf out flat, and make cuts about 1 inch apart.
Make cuts down the entire length of the scarf through all three layers at once.
(I prefer the cuts a little closer, than farther) I didn't use precise measurements,
but used my finger as a guide.

Here are the Tutu's I made. The girls also helped with these and thought it was super fun. Brooke is getting hers for Christmas but had a fun little sneak preview. Needless to say I have been neglecting other duties, but have had a lot of fun creating! But if you listened to Elder Uchtdorf's talk at women's conference that is what he counseled us to do, Right?

"Memories" the Game

I made this game as part of a christmas present, and thought they turned out super cute. Of course I got the idea from a friend who did a different variation in a file folder. The cards are made with wallet size photos, which you get 2 of when you order from Sam's club. I then mounted them and laminated them. My kids are already loving looking at them and playing the game. I also think they would be a good item to take to church to keep kids busy. Is there anything better than looking at a picture of yourself? All the pictures are from our recent family reunion. I am hoping to make a set for each of my siblings and their families.

(the crayon is just to give an idea of size)

Bike Adventure with Dad

Moss and the kids had a great time Saturday evening on a bike adventure down by flat branch park. It is a great place for the kids to ride because they get to go through tunnels and explore off the trail (as seen above). Brooke got to ride in the backpack on Moss' bike and had a blast. I guess she was too small to get up on the tree. The biggest news was that Jake beat Anna in a bike race. He was ecstatic. Unfortunately Anna desperately needs a new bike. She pedals like the wind, but to no avail. The diameter of her sprocket is so small that she had no chance against Jake. She was a good sport and is anticipating a bigger bike very soon!

San Francisco- The First Interview

Well, Moss had his first interview in San Francisco this week. After a lot of nerves and jitters he had a great interview (definitely a strength for him). He loved the practice, the people, and the city. While there is an obvious drawback to living in this area (the cost), I can't help but think of how much there would be to see and do. What's two years after all? This is obviously only the first interview, but it is nice to like your options. Now the the interviewing season has begun, it seems like forever until "the match" in December!

The Heritage Festival

The excitement began with a ride on a shuttle from the parking lot to the park. I think the kids associate airplane rides with shuttles, so they were thrilled. I was amazed how many hands on activities they had for the kids. It was not as fun for any of us without Moss there. This was definitely a "Fenberg" style event. There were several different groups playing music, displays of handcrafted goods, and of course bbq and cotton candy. Fortunately the lines were not too long, except for the face painting and balloon twisters (which I was glad to skip).

Here is Jake digging for an arrowhead.Digging for Candy

More Activities

They girls were amazed that they could make their own baskets. They really got into it and the ladies were so patient while helping them. I ended up making Jake's and was nearly cussing by the time it was all over.

Go Mary!

The candle making was fun, well unless you got hot wax dripped on your little hand or toe. It was a little confusing for the kids that the candle did not get bigger the longer it was left in the hot wax. Several times the whole thing melted right back off into the melting pot. Nevertheless, they were very proud of their skinny little candles.

I was amazed at the preparation that went into this festival. These men had cut out, sanded, and painted little cars for the kids to help pound the wheels onto. They must have made hundreds of them. My kids were in hog heaven with all the free stuff they came home with!

And More Fun

Of course the day was not complete without the consumption of cotton candy. It is amazing how much kids love this stuff.

Anna is always up for a chance to be with a horse. I imagine someday she will find a way to have one of her own. (but for now our new little Froo Froo will have to do.

We finished up the day with a hayride.

Brooke is growing up, and I was glad that I didn't lose her. She did have to endure being buckled in her stroller for a short period (while I finished the basket), but then she realized it was better to stay close by and have her freedom. Anna and Mary were great helpers which was very nice.

Christmas in September

Well, after much deliberation and a lot of tears, we finally decided it was now or never (or at least 3 years) before we would be able to get a dog for the kids/Anna. Of course you are thinking I am crazy for taking this on right before the babies, but you just have to know Anna to understand why we would even consider it. This little white fluffy dog has been her dream for as long as I can remember. While Anna is the most intense in her love for animals, all of the other kids are just as thrilled. In fact, we have to have designated personal time with the dog.

The Big Surprise. We had visited Mattie before and saw some other puppies while we were there. We made up excuses for why we would be going to look at puppies in the first place. We had also previously gone to see some lab pups as well. Lets just say I am not made for a big outside dog. Our previous dog, Copper, was intended to be an outside dog and that turned into a disaster. Obviously we no longer have that dog, which Anna reminds us of with every story she writes in school about how Moss gave "HER" dog away while she was sleeping. So after several days of going back and forth and considering the pros and cons we decided to get the dog and bring her home to the kids as a surprise.

This is Mattie. She is 4 1/2 months old and very sweet. She loves to be held and snuggled (one of Anna's requirements). She also doesn't shed (one of Moss' requirements), and will need to be brushed which is another plus for the girls. Fortunately she is a little older and not so breakable and supposedly trainable:).Jake is having a great time with her chasing him all over the yard.

A very happy girl!

One of the Family- I can't deny it, I like her too.

Growing Up

Just when I thought I would have all 2 year-olds, they turned into capable kids. It is so nice to have them be able to run around outside together and just play.

Brooke, 2 1/2

Anna, nearly 7

Mary, 8

Good Times are Here Again

While this may look like a typical sleeping child, we have not seen it for a while. After our last pacifier fiasco, I wondered if life would ever be the same, but I think we might be back on track. Brooke had not been sleeping through the night at all, waking up 2 or 3 times a night. I was beginning to worry that she would keep this up until the babies were born. I also decided that if she was going to be crying anyway, the passy might as well go at the same time! So we are officially "passy-free". It is now for the babies. HOORAY!

Crafting again- a "tag" blanket

So ever since Brooke was born she has been my hobby. She is still really busy, but today she took a really long nap and I actually had time to do a project! This is called a "tag" blanket. I think it originated from the fact that most babies will spend their time sucking on the tags of their stuffed animals and blankets. So I made this for my friend and thought it turned out cute. It is only about 14" square so the baby can carry it around without a lot of hassle. Plus as you can see my embroidery machine is up and running and I didn't break one needle on this, Hooray! (Sarah, no peeking). I am making the most of the second trimester and enjoying having some energy back. I figure that if I want anything for the girls when they are born I had better get started now:).

Our un-Labor Day

The kids started the day off enjoying the sunshine and water. They had a great time filling up the tubs. Who says kids need fancy toys anyway?

Brooke is never a step behind the big kids. If you ask her, she thinks she is 5 too. As you can see she still enjoys an occasional opportunity to put on my make up.

After Moss made a quick trip to the hospital to see a patient, he took the older kids on a bike ride down to a local trail that has a creek near by. It is one of their favorite things to do.

The creek is full of crayfish and minnows which they spend the whole time trying to catch. I guess after this pose, Jake's crayfish reached up and pinched his finger. He just stood their totally paralyzed by it and screamed. (He still doesn't think it was very funny.)

I don't think Jake is going to suffer too much being the only boy.

Its a Girl and Its aGirl

Well, we made the big mistake of setting our hopes on giving Jake a brother, especially since we had 2 chances with twins, but the ultrasound revealed two healthy little girls. I always get nervous about deformities or other risks when it is time to get the ultrasound, so we are grateful that everything is in order.
I am really beginning to feel concerned about the reality of caring for 2 new babies at the same time, but as always you just do what you have to do. It is not like I am all that great at keeping things in order anyway, but I am sure my social life is going to suffer:).
We are so grateful for all the help and support we have received from friends and family. As far as an early delivery, unless the babies come on their own they will not induce more than a week early. Even though I may be huge, the babies still need the full pregnancy to develop and grow. We are excited and can now begin the planning and preparing...

First Day of School

Just as Summer seemed like it was slipping past us, somehow the last week before school seemed to last forever. The girls were very excited and anxious to find out who their teachers would be and what their new class would be like. We have been so fortunate to have such fabulous teachers so far. We are so grateful for their teachers who work so hard for our kids.
Anna decided to go for a new look for the new school year and cut herself some bangs. I had to cut a few more to balance out her job, but unfortunately I did not do it right and she trimmed them up again! So now she is looking rather retro with her short spikey bangs, but still adorable nonetheless. I of course strongly impressed upon her the fact that no one cuts their own hair.

To pacify or not to pacify?

This is a big decision for many new parents as they bring their child home from the hospital. You may find that many individuals have very strong feelings about whether or not to use a pacifier, but I on the other hand believe in the happiness and health of the new mother. If the pacifier does in fact pacify the child, then why not? Mary refused to have anything to do with it, and Anna and Jacob gave it up around 9 months and would have nothing more to do with it. Well, Brooke is my first child to become addicted to her pacifier. Having Brooke so hooked on her pacifier really began to worry me, especially with new babies on the way. I had decided to let her keep it until she was a little older and could negotiate, or be bribed off it.
Our plan changed abruptly as Brooke allowed our pet hamster Silky to chew up her last pacifier. I thought this would be our chance to break Brooke from her "passy". She could explain very well what had happened to her dear passy, but in the end the affection was too strong. She teared up as she explained to Moss that "Hampter ate da passy". To complicate the transition, she came down with a fever 2 days later which only made it worse (now I wonder if it wasn't psychosomatic). But after 3 nights of very little sleep we were begging for a pacifier, anything to get a little sleep. So now we are back to square one. (Although I do think the attachment has lessened somewhat.)
So back to the question, "to pacify or not to pacify?". All I can say is that the pacifier allowed for a lot of peaceful days and great naps. I am pretty sure we will be using them again when the new babies come:).

Retina Fellowship

Well, Moss has had his mind set on doing a retina fellowship since he began his residency. He has submitted his application to several programs, and now we just have to wait and see where he will be asked to interview. As you can see from his first two invitations, San Francisco and Rochester, NY, we could end up literally anywhere. We are both hoping to end up a little closer to either of our families if possible. In the end we don't just get to pick where we want to go, we have to submit a rank list and go through a matching process. In some ways this simplifies the decision-making, but in other ways it is hard to not have more control. We know the Lord has a plan for our growing family, and we are anxious to see where we will end up. We will find out sometime in December. It is hard to believe all the changes that are coming this winter. We know we are blessed, and look forward to all our opportunities to come.