Update

Things that have stuck out to me:


In church on Sunday another speaker mentioned Hadley's sweet testimony that she shared a few weeks back during the primary presentation.  I've heard from so many people about how she touched them and shared that with her.  I hope she remembers it.  She also got asked to sing at a baptism by her violin teacher very last minute but she happily rehearsed and did it.  I laugh because in the morning while I was sitting with her watching Vincent's soccer game she said she was so nervous.  She wasn't nervous though about the solo, it was for her soccer game that was afterward the baptism.  She is so funny like that - she'd rather sing a solo than speak or play a soccer game.


Lauren continues to be such a help with Bridget.  Last Thursday we found ourselves at the library and storytime was about to start.  It was for little ones with lots and lots of singing/dancing, action songs and a couple books.  Lauren was so eager to participate with Bridget and helped her do all of the things.  It was nice for me to just sit and watch the two of them - took some pictures and video as well.  I know that Bridget looks up to Lauren so much.  Lauren is always so aware of games or whatever Bridget is up to.


Gentry must be going through a 6-year old phase.  On top of not being very helpful, complaining about most things and being very very picky about what she wears she is also afraid of going to bed alone, in the dark, by herself.  She watched something scary at Halloween time and is convinced her closet is spooky and locks the door all the time now.  Ahh, this too shall pass . . . I think her siblings are anxious for it too because they don't like sleeping with the lights on or having Gentry get in their beds.


We should finally be moving in the next couple weeks.  The house is relatively finished although I'm just realizing right now it won't be painted before we move in I guess because we haven't decided on a color.


Quote of the week from Lauren: "If at first you don't succeed, delete the app."

Update

Wow, okay - more than a year has gone by.  I have discovered Instagram and Chatbooks has been printing photos so I haven't gone without any journaling - just not as much and the kind that I really want to.  Ahh well, do what I can.  It might help when we update our laptop and all of our technology, possibly when we move.  Whenever that might be????


So, yes, we bought another house.  Last spring.  We've been working on it ever since.  Actually Chris has been doing most of the work in his non-existent spare time.  Actually that has taken a lot of his spare time.  We were planning to move about every month since then and yet it still hasn't happened.  I've stopped asking and so have the kids.  I am excited to move though!  It is a smaller more simple home on a quiet cul-de-sac.  The younger kids' school is literally right around the corner since I changed them to Loma Vista after much stressing about it.  Vincent and Lauren are still acclimating to the new school the most I think.  It broke my heart and breaks it every day Vincent is unhappy with school that I took him away from some great friends - boys that I really liked and he go along with so well.  They come to scouts at the church but I know it isn't the same.  I pray the most for him, that he can find some new great friends that are like him.  I pray a lot about that.  A lot.


Lauren is starting to come around a little more to 2nd grade at a new school.  I love that she is strong enough to make up her mind about what she does and doesn't want to do and who to do it with.  Sometimes I think she feels left out or that she really wants one genuine great friend.  Other times I think she likes not being tied down.  Kids are funny. 


Gentry likes Kindergarten.  She started in a K-1 combo class but we had her moved to a traditional Kindergarten class which has been great.  She still talks more about TK and her friends from last year but I know she enjoys school this year too.  She can be so girly and giggly and happy about her school day!


Hadley started 6th grade, middle school and has really really enjoyed the experience.  I think she enjoys that the social-requirements are taken out of the equation.  Who to play with at recess, sit with, etc.  She has gained more independence and is doing really well.  She chose to go to Hewes instead of with her friends to our old feeder MS and I don't think she or I will ever regret her decision.  I stressed about it a lot too until she decided on her own - must remember to trust in my kids decisions. 


Bridget and I spend our days dropping kids off and picking them up from school.  Again, when we move at least we can just walk there or at least the elementary school is so close it will barely take more than 3 minutes to drop the kids off so she can stay home with daddy while he gets ready for work.  I've been trying to go walking or working out as much as possible when there is time and I take Bridget too a little preschool/Learning Links class that Gentry used to attend at the Blind Children's school.  It is great one-on-one time with her.


This afternoon we all went to Knott's Berry Farm for FHE.  Gentry was finally tall enough to ride several of the rides the bigger kids always go on.  It meant me and Bridget hung out a lot but it was so fun to see them all have fun with Chris.  I am so blessed for the wonderful kids I have and a husband who provides for all of us so much.

Legal Documents

Hadley came up with and wrote a legally binding contract for her and Vincent.  Will be interesting to see if it happens. I had to take a snapshot of it.

Lauren

I can't remember what Lauren got in trouble for and I bet she can't remember either but this is the sign she posted. She is not coming out until Fall is over. Addendum: except for school and to go places. :) oh and food and water:)

Bridget's Birth Story

My C-section for Bridget was scheduled for May 29th.  Approximately two days before my actual due date which will never cease to confuse me why Dr. Lagrew scheduled it then except for his Memorial Day weekend vacation.  Nonetheless, you decided to come early - on May 25th which suited me just fine.  I was tired of trying to sleep at night so pregnant.  Tired of being so swollen and sweating.  I was also excited because this meant I would also have a baby born on Sunday!


I had skipped church the last Sunday or so because I was so huge and swollen and no church shoes fit me (I am one who refuses to wear flip-flops to church).  However, this Sunday Chris was being called as executive secretary as part of a new bishopric.  I went to support and sustain him as well as be there for his setting-apart.  After the setting apart I came home.  Chris brought the kids home after church and we were sitting watching a baseball game when I got up to use the restroom - my water broke!  How exciting?  This had never happened before.  I tried calling Chris.  Then I called his mom to tell her we wouldn't be coming to dinner and see if she could come instead.  Called Chris again.  No answer.  Called Molly and Mom.  Chris again.  Tried texting him.  Finally I called the new bishop's wife to see if she could get a hold of her husband.  Called Sharon so she could come watch the kids while my mother-in-law was on her way.  Finally got a hold of Chris.


We went to the hospital in Laguna Hills and got admitted.  Unfortunately I had eaten not long before so would have to wait at least 4 hours since my last meal to get prepped for surgery.  Chris left to go back to the house and get a bite to eat - knowing it would be a long night.  Finally around 8:30 they started prepping me for surgery.  IV etc.


At 9:29 and with a huge push on my belly you were born!  The details of how I felt are hazy because daddy and I were so anxious to hear what the neonatologist said after his immediate examination of your cleft.  Chris came to my side and told me, "looks like just the lip is cleft."  I was relieved and grateful and yet reminded that all along I knew this would be the case.  Heavenly Father had blessed me with such peace and comfort from the first day I learned that you had a cleft.  I mentally prepared myself for the worst case scenario - but during those times I always felt there was little need for it and that it would be just your lip alone and a mild case. 


I loved you most immediately.  We took lots of pictures while in the recovery room and I couldn't believe how much love I felt for you and how adorably cute I thought you looked.  Your little lip just added to the cuteness especially with those adorable chubby cheeks.

Update

Today was Mother's Day.  Always a sentimental day for me.  I enjoy going to church and listening to my little children sing with the primary.  Today, sacrament meeting was all I could manage to sit through with my swollen feet.  Eighteen more days of pregnancy and the edema in my feet/ankles and really taken hold.  It doesn't help that we are having an unusually hot May.  In the 100's this week!


The kids and Chris wrote a Jeopardy question/answer game for me this morning about things about themselves: sayings, doings, and family history.  It was cute.  The kids were their usual rambunctious selves on Sunday mornings, particularly since we don't have church till 1pm.  After the game show, they actively picked up on a game of sumo wrestling on our new entryway rug - the only rug in the house since we got new flooring.  The three youngest quickly stripped down in their underwear to be more 'authentic' sumo wrestlers.  I love how well and much they play together.


Vincent was baptized two weeks ago today as well.  It was a nice service with even a couple non-member friends joining him.  I wish there could have been more but it was a nice day either way.  The water was cold apparently though because the water heater had broken.  Hadley and Lauren sang beautifully together a special musical number as well.

Update

Today in Sacrament meeting Lauren was curious about people getting up and bearing their testimonies.  After watching a few members share their testimonies and a reminder from me on what a testimony was she confidently went up to the stand.  She had to wait for another speaker to finish - which took longer than I would have liked.  I was nervous she would lose her nerve and come back down.  But she stayed up there and took her turn.  Her testimony was small and simple 'Heavenly Father loves us all and He is nice'. -- Wow, I know for certain I was not doing that at age 5.  It wasn't written, she needed no help and didn't ask for me to accompany her.


Unfortunately Chris missed Sacrament meeting due to waiting for a plumber to arrive at the house and fix a sink problem that had been plaguing the kitchen all weekend long.  Seems the projects and things to be done just keep adding up.  On Saturday he and I both went and bought bougainvillea plants for the driveway and he planted several.  I wish I could help him more with his tasks around the house - but 5 months pregnant, I'm getting around slower and slower these days.


Vincent is happy to be back into baseball.  His little league team is the Chicago Cubs this year.  I am anxious for the games to start.  Practice keeps him away from us so much during the week. 


Hadley and Vincent both started piano lessons a couple weeks ago.  Someone was right when they said it takes more discipline for parents sometimes.  I don't know that either of them love it, hopefully it will come with success in it but I feel it is a rite of passage.  One that I never go to be a part of though and always wish I had.


Gentry continues to be my buddy.  She is currently snuggled up with Hadley in her bed tonight sleeping.  Usually she can convince Hadley to come to her bed.  Lauren is happy to be no part of any of it.  Those girls all have such different personalities.