March

We started the month off with Chet going to state in archery. We had sickness in the house and Chet was so worried he was going to get sick and not be able to go. He went to bed early the night before the tournament, but after a couple hours he came out of his room in his uniform. He had a big ol' grin on his face and said, "I'm not sick!" After I asked him why he had only slept a couple hours he got a confused look on his face. That's when we realized he thought that he had slept all night and was ready to go. We had a good laugh and he went right back to bed. He woke up the next morning not feeling great, but he still went and did alright. It was a great experience for him and we're grateful for all the coaches who put so much time into helping these kids. 

 

We had some warm days and some not so warm days in March. But we tried to soak up the sunshine whenever it was out. 

Checking out the calves down the street is always a high light of Spring. The daffodils are another favorite. 

 

We moved around rooms and Asa is now sleeping with Eliza and Vivi. He loves climbing up these shelves...and climbing up on the top bunk and giving me heart attacks as he stands teetering at the edge of the bed. He's only fallen off once and luckily he landed on the bed below. This boy...

We went down to the cousins hoping to pick up a cabinet they got for us at Ikea, but decided it wouldn't fit so well in our van and decided to wait for when they came up to our house with their big van. But it was fun to spend the evening with each other. 

Tanner made these shamrock peanut butter rice krispies. He needed to redeem himself after Vivi's birthday cake...and he did. Ten points for presentation and taste.  

We had green pancakes for St. Patricks day and there were lots of reminders about not pinching hard. Just a gentle, good natured pinch allowed around here. I made shepherd's pie for dinner because corned beef and cabbage is not a favorite. 

The kids got creative and made a country scene on the patio. They used grass and rocks to rub their temporary picture on the cement. 

We got to have the cousins and Grandma Crossley come and stay with us for a long weekend while Brittany and Baydon went on a trip. It was so fun having them. One night I read a book to Jack and Porter about a bakery. After suggesting we could make cookies the next day Porter got so excited. He immediately began planning how we could decorate the cookies. As I was leaving the room he said to Jack, "you come up with one more idea for the cookies, and I'll come up with one more idea." He then pointed to me and with all the seriousness that is required when planning the perfect cookie said, "You come up with an idea too." He did not forget about those cookies, so we made cookies. I'm so grateful I get to have time with my nieces and nephews and that my children are building such wonderful relationships with their cousins. 

The big kids are such great helpers. They went to the temple on Saturday and Grandma and I realized what a help they were when we took care of the eight littles by ourselves. 

Eliza loved helping Elsie. We had a special conversation about how we are given a gift to be able to bring children into the world and nurture them. It is the most important way we can be like Jesus Christ. 

Mealtimes and bedtimes are always chaotic, but big helpers like Miri made it easier. 

I thought these three boys waiting to go to church looked so handsome. Porter and Jack decided on the drive to church that I needed to pass every car we saw. Later Jack told his dad, "Uncle Tanner accelerates fast and Aunt Ashley just drives fast." Probably accurate...in my defense, the speed limit is so very slow here. Sacrament meeting with 10 kids and two adults went surprisingly well. We had toys and books being passed up from the row behind us, which we were grateful for. 

Vivi was "writing a letter to Aunt Heather". 

Vivi and Asa got shots and it was quite the experience. Vivi did great with the finger prick to test for lead. But after that was done all she could think about were the shots that were coming. Throughout her whole examination and Asa's she kept her hands clenched on her arms and kept talking about how she didn't need shots, didn't want shots, couldn't get shots. I sent a desperate text to Tanner but he missed the wrestling her on to the table and holding her down while she screamed. He showed up after all the shots were done. Convenient...just in time to comfort them after mom tortured them. Vivi stopped crying right after the jabs because she wanted to see Asa get his. He koala gripped me as I went to put him on the table but once realizing resistance was futile he held perfectly still. I think he thought if he just behaved instead of freaking out like his sister did then nobody would hurt him. Poor boy's heart about broke. Next time I'm letting Doctor Crossley hold them down. 

We went to a homeschool event and Asa wanted to be in the middle of everything the whole time. Even after getting beaned in the head with a basketball. He came to me to be comforted but was wriggling out of my arms to join the crowd in less than a minute. 

I was able to go to Nauvoo and see a family be sealed to their son. It was so special; I love any time I get in the temple. I also enjoyed giving rides to some awesome youth and the missionaries. The boys kept asking me if I was having a "mom minute" whenever I lectured them. They got more of a "mom hour" if we're being honest. I then watched my friends' little boy so they could do a session in the temple. He fell asleep within moments and slept the whole time which was a blessing so I could prepare for the 5th Sunday lesson Tanner and I were going to be teaching in church. 

Asa likes to apply marker on his lips, or the walls, or the couch, or table, or whatever is within reach. 

The cousins came up at the end of the month for Sunday dinner and the kids love their Uncle Baydon...he makes it so fun for them. 

So much wonderful time with family this month. Just the way I like it.