Oklahoma and 2011

I'm going to have to change the name of our blog and heading.

I realize that it's been eight months since I last said anything and so much has happened during that time. Since the last time I wrote: Matt was on the road for the better part of 4 months, I threw my back out, Benjamin was baptized, had a big family Christmas celebration, prepped a house to go on the market, flew with the kids to meet Matt in Oklahoma, Jack started sleeping through the night and taking naps, sold a house, bought another house in Edmond, back went out again, and repainted about 1/4 of the house. Crazy to say the least but everybody has survived and still loving each other.

Life in Oklahoma is about as opposite as I can get from that in Alaska. It will be awhile before I can fit in around here. Edmond is its own little place where heals and make-up seem to be required attire for a girls night. My 5 year old Keene tennis shoes and make up only on Sunday just don't seem to cut it! Having sold all of our furniture when we left Alaska shopping for furniture here sends dread through me. I must say that I have found some great Antique malls and that is really fun. I have been invited to church by total and complete strangers at the DMV and have had more opportunities to say that I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints than ever before. People are so nice but so much busier it seems. The kids have been able to enjoy swimming 2 to 3 days a week. I caught the boys outside with a magnifying glass trying to burn a bug, of which there are plenty. Josette is becoming a very proficient scooter rider and has the wounds to prove it. Sophie is realizing her cupcake decorating dreams. 2 acres to run wild in has been so great and I can't wait for a garden bed to done so my dreams of canned tomatoes will become a reality.

I find myself looking back at 2011 and wondering where it all went. I then realize that April is almost done and am wondering what is happening to 2012. I have come to really realize that I love being a mom. I want to hold on to every moment with the kids because they are growing faster than I'm ready for. I enjoy every little thing Jack does and just want to hug and kiss him all day long because soon it might be like Benjamin who doesn't want a kiss from his old mom. That is something that has been a positive with this move, there haven't been friends (who we still miss terribly) to hang out with, we've had each other. And they don't mind being with their mom!

Locks of Love

Sophie has not cut her hair in two years with one goal in mind, donating her hair. I love her short hair and I couldn't have been prouder of her.

Easter dresses

2009

For the last 3 years my mom has been using her creative sewing abilities to make Easter ensembles for the munchkins. Every outfit has been memorable and the kids look forward to it every year.

Easter 2010
This was the "Princess" dress year. We were asked several times if the kids had participated in a wedding the night before.

Easter 2011
When mom called this year to describe the dresses she said that it was a St. Patrick green. I think these were my favorite so far. Jack even had a bib to match but of course spit up on it within 30 seconds of having it on. The best part was that I was I unintentionally found a green linen skirt to match the kids. We'll be looking forward to next Easter's package.
Thanks MEME!

Jack R. Mower

Jack Randall Mower
February 4, 2011
9lbs. 10oz 22 inches

Still alive

It has been so long since I last posted that hopefully you all haven't lost hope in updates. It has been such a busy 6 months for us. Since the last post a lot of wonderful unexpected surprises have come our way. Pictures will have to follow at a later date but for right now I will give a very abbreviated rundown.

*Hmmm I'm a bit late....take a pregnancy test, and can't really tell.
*Matt goes to the Bahamas with his Dad to sail a big boat back to DC.
*I run the mayor's marathon and at this point and time will never do one again.
*Confirm that Mower baby #5 will be joining our family, a very happy and unexpected surprise.
*Travel to Vancouver WA to spend 2 1/2 weeks with Matt and my family. Good times.
*School starts. Only Josette and I at home I should be able to get tons done.....
*Sophie and I visit the Campbell's in Rochester, NY. Incredible trip!
*Meanwhile I continue to expand at an incredible rate, ultrasound confirms that this baby is on the big side of things.
*Week before Thanksgiving decided to go look at a couple of homes that have dropped their prices. After 2 years of looking we find one that has most everything we've been looking for and make an offer.
*Present day: we have a contract on a home and hopefully moving the end of the month! Trying to rent out our home (if anybody knows anybody wanting to get into a home we are open to lots of different options...) My body has proven again that it can stretch even further than I ever thought possible. We will be celebrating Benjamin's and Sophie's birthdays, I can't believe that they are that old already. And ......

WISHING EVERYBODY A MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

L & J Wedding

As many of you know I do photos on the side, as much as time permits. It is something that someday I hope to develop more fully. Until then I enjoy the times I get to keep the skills I have developed somewhat sharp. Last month I had the great opportunity to do a wedding. This was truly a family affair and such fun to be part of. What a great couple these two are. I am really excited about how the pictures turned out.

Study Time

I'm currently sitting in a dark room with piano music playing and a little girl asleep on a car seat throne. We are in the hospital with J. for her pH study. She comes in fasting, then alternates every 4 hours between being flat on her back and inclined at a 45 degree angle. Not pleasant but my little J is a trooper. I have realized so many blessings. There have been 3 specific moments in the last 2 days that have really struck me. And by moments I really mean moments.

1. My family is so loved by family and friends. I am often asked if it is difficult being so far from family, especially with children. Yes. We have been very lucky to have parents that love their in-law children as much as their "birth" child. And 2 sets of Grandparents who will hop on a plane to come support and give aid. I however do not feel alone and without support because I have great friends who bring little gifts to help amuse J. during her study time. I know that those little gifts were said to be "no big deal" but they really meant the world to me. Add to this 4 children who always seem to step up.

2. This moment came from another child leaving the hospital after a week. He had some big, really cool monkey balloons and of course J. stopped to look at them. Without a moment to think he asked his mom if J. could have them. I need to be more like him. Give with out thought.

3. I was in the parent lounge, which is next to the PICU, as I open the door a sheet covered gaurney passes being pushed by a man in a dark suit. It lasted all of 30 seconds but the emotions welled. In the next 39 seconds my thoughts were with that family, who ever and where ever they may be, my children and how grateful for their current health, and a faith in an eternal family.

I ran across an old lesson about having and maintaining a strong testimony. These 3 very brief encounters all strengthened my testimony in one way or another. Sometimes these times in the hospital are very good for me because it seems to narrow my focus on eternal matters and not just what needs to get done before the end of the day. I just wish it didn't take a hospital to help me realize these things.