Father Daughter Dance

This year Brynn got to go with Daddy on her first Father Daughter Dance with Branches Homeschool Co-op.  She was adorable.  All dressed up and looking like a lady (since she's a tomb boy it is rare) and ready to hit the town.  

They had a great time dancing and snacking and I'm so thankful for a husband that doesn't ever complain about outings with the kids.  This was special being his only girl and it was so precious.  I hope they have many more of these special nights. 

Pretty Girl, you are the light of our family. Our only daughter. Perfectly placed by God right in the middle, surrounded by boys. What a special life God intended for you to live.  We love and cherish you!

Mommy

Who Are My Children--Brynn

It's strange having a daughter...strange for me. I can't exactly put it into words but I'll try.  She's so special. The only girl among 5 brothers, a daddy and a tom boy mother.  G-d placed a special calling on her life from the moment she was conceived.  At the time we didn't know how many children we would have although I was confident she wouldn't be our last.  Everyone always assumed she would be. "Oh you got your girl, you can be done now."  This is the statement of the year that year.  I never felt having a girl would mean we were done.  For me, I felt it was just the beginning to a new journey.

She has such a unique place in the world and her purpose and position are certainly exceptional.  I'm sometimes not sure what to do with her.  To be honest.  She is innately different from the boys.  She's creative, emotional, demanding all while being loving and sweet.

Well I've always understood boys.  I think I was meant to be a boy mom. Being friends with boys was always easier. Hanging out with boys was always more fun (growing up that is).  So, being her mommy, the mommy to a precious daughter is something I didn't see coming. I should have...right..everyone has a daughter at some point right?! I mean what were the chances we'd have 5 boys...

She is petite, precious, tenderhearted, emotional, sneaky, sometimes demanding...she is simply HER.  She is her own person, created in G-ds amazing image and she stands her ground in ways that sometimes inspire me and sometimes inconveniences me!

She LOVES her daddy.  Right now at age 5 he is the top of the list.  She loves to wrestle and tickle with him (something they call rough house) and she'd give anything to snuggle with him uninterrupted.

She is a TINY, petite little firecracker.  She can stand up for herself, sass talk you if you're pushing her, and make sure someone knows she's being bothered.

She LOVES to laugh and giggle and be wild.  She has an extreme amount of energy.

She LOVES to play house but often lacks participants.  It's so cute when the boys decide to play with her!

She LOVES to pick the TV show.  It's not surprising because most of the time she doesn't get to. There are just too many boys to compete with.

She is ALL GIRL.  She loves pink, purple, dresses, dress-up Princess dresses, sparkly shoes, tappy shoes, SHOES, and pretty much NEVER wants to wear jeans.

Now, that being said, she is also perfectly fine with getting DIRTY.  She will wear jeans if we are going camping.  She LOVES camping.  and S'MORES...mostly campfires and s'mores.  She loves hiking, the dunes, riding bikes, running around barefoot, and playing in the hose.  She can SHED the girlie stuff in a heartbeat for activities she loves.
She pretty much NEVER remembers to put on those shoes she LOVES when we leave the house.  It can be infuriating but it's also a little bit cute.  It's one of those things we'll remember and look back on with laughter.  But, today...it's crazy.  Nothing like pulling up to the store with a daughter who forgot shoes. Ain't nobody got time for that!

She HATES me doing her hair.  She's all prinecessy but could care less about her hair being done.  She'd rather it be a train wreck and a bag of tangles.  Anything to keep me from combing it and putting it up. But, DADDY can comb her hair after a bath no problem! It's a conspiracy I think.

She LOVES her Baby Brother and would give her right arm for a SISTER.  I'd love to make that happen for her someday.  I'd love to adopt a little, precious, girl who needs a family and Brynn would be over the MOON!

She is a PROFESSIONAL MIND CHANGER.  She's hungry...no she's not really hungry.  She wants Cheerios...not she doesn't really want Cheerios.  She wants PB&J...no...after four bites...she's not really hungry.  She wants to watch Strawberry Shortcake...after 10 minutes (barely half an episode) she's flipping to another show.  I've never experienced anything like it.  It still blows my mind sometimes.

She LOVES music and dancing.  She's a twirling master and recently discovered toe touches. It's pretty cute and I can always count on her fabulous dance moves when I put the music on.

For MOST of her young life so far she's been confused as to what to call her female parts...I think we've finally convinced her she doesn't have a "penis" and that hers has another name! (Is that TMI? I thought it was a cute little factoid of an only girl among boys).

She LOVES to play with girls.  Any girls...big girls, girls her own age...hopefully this will translate into her being a good friend with girls in the future (which I think I was lacking as a younger gal).

She ONLY likes like 5 foods. Cheese Roll Ups, Chicken, Go-Gurt, Chips, Apples or Pears...Oh and anything that can be dipped in Ketchup and Ranch. I'm sort of exaggerating but it's pretty close to the truth.

She's SMART as a WHIP and schooling her will be an easy task.  She's ready now but I'm not quite ready to devote a lot of time to that.  But, next year as the twins go to school, I'll have lots of time for her and I and I'm excited about that!

She MIGHT always want what someone else has even if there was no interest on her part 5 seconds before.

She recently started doing chores for an allowance and her first expenditure at a baseball game was for a TENNIS BALL!?! What?  It was so weird.  But, she bought it herself and she was so proud of that! Her second purchase was a water bottle (like a plastic bottle of water) even though we brought water and there is a drinking fountain...that one I didn't quite get also.  Needless to say, I watch her spending a little more closely now!

She has a PRECIOUS little face with bright eyes and an adorable little smile! I LOVE HER.

My hope is that as she grows and we get to spend time together doing "girl" things that we will have a special friendship I don't have with the boys.  I'd love to take trips with her, laugh with her, cheer her on in her activities, and relish in every moment of being her mother.  I can't wait to one day watch her have her own child and experience the joy of being a mother. Mostly, I pray I can somehow, through my human-ness, point her towards Jesus and help her find her greatest value in being HIS daughter.

Mickey Ears and Princess Dresses

My amazingly generous parents took Cole and Brynn to Disneyland at the end of February.  They've been taking the kids to Disneyland since Cole was 3.  This was Cole's second trip but Brynn's first time to the Happiest Place on Earth! 

They spent the first day in Chinatown looking at goodies and eating some Chinese food.  Cole's favorite type of food.  

The second day they went to California Adventure and had a great time.  There weren't too many people and the lines weren't too long.  My dad was able to take Cole on some of the scarier rides while Brynn and my mom spent time together.  

The third day they went to Disneyland and at 10:00am Brynn had an appointment at the Bippity Boppity Boutique to have a makeover and meet the Princesses.  It was such a special thing my mom did for her.  She had a wonderful time.  

They had a great day of Fast passes and riding rides.  Cole LOVED Space Mountain.  Brynn loved the Princesses and the parades.  It was just such a cool time for both of them and something I'm so grateful for...my parents willingness to take them places and invest in memories.  

Thanks again mom and dad.  We love you!

Sipping a Cup of Tea

It has happened. My sweet Brynnie girl is now 5.  FIVE...F.I.V.E...what?!?

I feel like we just had her 3rd birthday party in California as Justin's parents house.  A Hello Kitty Party with sweet, tiny little 3 year olds.  Now, here we are turning 5!

Well, the girlie little girl (still tough as nails beneath the girlie exterior) wanted a girls party.  Trouble is, we don't know a lot of people with girls, much less girls that are between 4 and 6.  It's a shame really. She's surrounded by boys even within our group of friends! G-d must have something pretty special lined up for her husband.

So, I was troubled with the thought of not being able to pull off a girls party.  Then, the Lord gave to me the name of a place I'd seen before.  Girly Girlz.  I wasn't entirely sure what it was all about or that it would fit the bill but I called any ways just to find out.  Sure enough you can have a quaint little party with 3 girls and they get to do a Diva Day Spa (makeup, hair done, some dress up, and a picture to keep) and a Tea Party with Pink Lemonade, crackers and gummie bears.  They then bring out cupcakes and cookies for the birthday celebration.

It was a cute little party with 2 of her bestest friends her age and Grammy joined us too.  I was so thrilled with how cute they were with their hair and their makeup and their nails.  It wasn't too long or too short.  Just too too cute.

Brynn of course is my special little girl and I'm so glad we have years of special parties together, us girls.  G-d knew what he was doing when he gave me her and I'm so thankful.

30 Things I Want My Daughter to Know

As a compliment to the 25 Things I Want My Sons to Know, Lisa, wrote 25 Things I Want My Daughter to Know.  Again, because it was so cute I wanted to write it here in our blog, with some changes to wording, and a few additions.  It's just a sweet little note to leave for my only daughter, Brynnie Girl!

1. Enjoy the innocence of your childhood. You only get to be little once.  And, although daddy and I try to teach you how to be a lady, we also want you to enjoy being little.  Giggle, laugh, spin, run, and try to fly!

2. Smart is the new cool. Never be ashamed of being smart or nerdy, having freckles or glasses, or loving science and math.  Smart never goes out of style, it stays with you as you grow, and it will lead you down the most successful paths.

3. No matter how many times you hear it, “Diamonds are NOT a girl’s best friend.” Firstly, Jesus and the Lord love you the most and want the best for you. Secondly, good friends are invaluable.  They are trusting and loyal.  They stick with you through good times and bad, happy or sad.  Some will come and go, but your true friends will be with you always.

4. Go for it, get dirty! It’s good for you. Try not to get dirty in your new dress or in your socks...but get dirty none-the-less.  Besides the fact that getting dirty actually does help support your immunity, it’s also a great way to express creativity!  Sculpt, draw, and stomp.  Better yet, go “classic” and make some mud pies.

5. Beat the boys at their own games. Football, baseball, hockey or golf, never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because you’re a girl.  So go ahead, build the tallest tower of legos, kick butt on Xbox, and bust out your light saber (there are about 20 of those things around the house).

6. Although Farts are Funny they aren't really Lady Like.  Be stealth and make them matter!

7.  See the world while you are young.  Make memories seeing the places you desire to see.  

8. A strong hand shake leaves a lasting impression. It represents self-confidence and ambition.  A strong hand shake and eye contact exemplifies a mutual respect for one another and is a sign that you are friendly, trustworthy, and honest. 

9. Choose your role models carefully. There is nothing cool about girls who sell themselves short, degrade themselves by using sexuality as their supreme value, or forget who their Creator is. Look up to women who are strong and capable but have self respect and desire to honor Jesus.

10. Read something every single day. From the Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seuss to Junie B Jones, reading is exercise for your brain.  It expands knowledge and vocabulary- and lets your imagination run wild.

11. When it comes to wearing make-up, there’s a general rule of thumb that applies – LESS is MORE. You are already so beautiful, inside and out.  Just let makeup boost your natural beauty.

12. When it comes to fashion, shorter does not always equal better.  Fashion trends come and go and not all of it is fabulous.  Allow fashion to express who you truly are...are daughter of the high king.

13. It isn't Lady Like to Pick Your Nose.  I know your brothers think it's great...it isn't. Get a tissue. 

14. Always remember your Daddy Loved You FIRST.  He is your biggest fan and your protector. Confide in him and come to him in times of need. He'll always be there for you.

15. Remember to Love Jesus First. Love Him so deeply your future husband has to find you in His arms in order to make you his bride.

16. Since you’re growing up in the technological age of iPad, iPod, iPhone, and texting, don't let it distract you from personal relationships and face to face time.  Make a phone call, write a letter, and put your arms around someone.

17. Be trustworthy.  Make a promise and follow through. Be a woman of your word.  Be someone people know they can always count on.

18. Don’t let pop culture define you. Let G-d define who you are.  You have a purpose and a calling in life and it cannot be found in pop culture.  It can only be found in the Lord.  You can be current without letting go of your true value. 

19. Accept yourself for who you are.  You’re one-of-a-kind and that’s what makes you beautiful.  Tall, short, big, small, blonde, brunette, redhead, white, brown, blue, pink, yellow – we are all DIFFERENT.

20. Mainstream your health. Remember what it takes to be truly healthy. No fear. No shame. Eat Well. Chiropractic care. Natural disease prevention. Exercise. Essential Oils.  Keep yourself healthy.

21. Have confidence in yourself. A positive self-image assures power, strength, ability, and value.  It will enable you to conquer your goals and allow you to fearlessly pursue your biggest dreams.

22. Be a sister. Be a friend. Be a protector.

23. Love with all your heart. For where there is love there is life.  Love is universal and felt by all living things.  So strong is the feeling of love that it is said it makes the world go round. Love God and Love Others!

24. Never be afraid to laugh at yourself. Laughter is humbling.  It inspires and motivates.

25. Wherever you are in life, you can come home.  I will be here – always.

26. Remember your brothers and your crazy childhood...it will keep you grounded and help you be a good wife.

27. Stay at Home and be a Mommy. There is truly nothing greater and more rewarding.

28. Find the man of your dreams.  Be sure you know what you are looking for, pray for him to find you and you him, and make a happy life full of love.

UPDATED--2 MORE

29. Don't get distracted by having things. Things come and go. They break and they can be replaced.  Make Memories, be thankful for what you have, and always express Joy.

30. Remember how much we LOVE you! 

Love , Mom

Father Daughter Campout

We've done Legacy Adventure Camp with the twins and Cole and this time it was Brynn's turn.  She was SO EXCITED to spend two days with daddy.  It is such a neat thing.  They go up on Saturday morning, grab some breakfast on the run, and meet up with the group in Payson.  This time they went to Tonto Creek.
There was a nice quaint little group.  With the boys the groups have been about double, maybe 40 kids and adults together.  This time there was maybe 20 dads and daughters.  They make a craft, shoot bows and arrows (which just happened to be pink), hiking, fire starting and so much more fun.

They slept in Justin's truck rather than a tent, since the weather was getting a little bit chilly up there.  She would have preferred the tent!  They had a wonderful time and made some special memories.

In the evenings the dads gather up to talk and share, and be encouraged.  They also have a time of sharing in which the dads speak to their daughters.  It really is special.

They get a t-shirt, water bottle, group picture, craft, and all the food is provided.  It's really such a stellar experience (so they say of course).  It's also very affordable. You can see more about Legacy Adventure Camp here.

Pictures Please, Say Cheese!

I just LOVE our family pictures and somehow our photographer, who is all of 23 years old, manages to capture some adorable moments of our crazy family.

There are several guarantees I can expect when it's family picture time: 1. someone will be stubborn and try to not smile (and I don't mean the baby). 2. someone will be tired.  3. I will break a sweat.  4. Everyone wants to sit or be held by Justin.  5.Someone (or a couple) of kids will oversleep their nap on this day and we will have to wake them.  6. I will struggle to decide what everyone will wear and inevitably leave it up to chance that it all comes together, after buying some of us new clothes to make it all work (and I'm not a great accessorize-r). 7. Bribery will ensue...you smile...YOU WIN SOMETHING! 8. Encouraging manipulation might occur: "if you smile we can send these pictures to grandma and grandpa and they will love them soooo much!" 9. Everyone will be done taking pictures before me. I will want to catch every single possible angle and everyone else will be ready to go! 10.He (the photographer) will manage to get at least a dozen perfect pictures in the chaos.

I don't know how he does it, but his lighting in impeccable, timing is great, and in a flash of a second (ha, like that little pun), he gets all their personalities.

I always tell them I'm not too worried about getting the baby smiling, it's hard to get your typical size family to smile...6 kids is darn near impossible.  But, we got lucky and in so many pictures the baby was at least looking at him and the camera and although we didn't quite catch his amazing little smile, we did get is precious little face.  Then, the photographers girl friend managed to put him to sleep mid-shoot, so we had a few snaps with him sleeping.  So precious to me.  His little feet and his little face.

I had to load in all my Favorites, because they are just awesome.  As the kids get bigger I am just amazed to see them grow.  And, although, on some days it is difficult to remember how incredible they are over the noise, tired whines, and bickering, they truly are MY GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT.

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Family Pictures 2013 - slideshow

You can also view it here.

Back to Home-school

We are officially all back to school now that Labor day has passed and summer (although the weather isn't changing) is over.  Since Cole is attending school this year I will have more time to spend with the twins and Brynn.  

The twins are in first grade this year.  Where did the time go?  We will continue to work on bible, reading, writing, and math primarily and throw in some science, history, art, and some unit studies.  I try not to spend more than 3 hours on school each day (more like 2.5 if I get my way, but that depends on how cooperative they are).  That way it isn't over whelming for them or me, I don't neglect Westin for too long and I can try and fit it in when baby sleeps. 

They are such different kids than Cole, I am having to learn how to teach them the same things but in a whole new way.  It helped that Cole was almost a year older in this grade than they are now.  But, it's a huge change.  It's good for me and keeps me on my toes.

They will be taking Piano this year and Grammy has enrolled them in Tennis lessons.  They have a filled semester already. And, if daddy gets his way, they might play Fall Baseball this year.  I'm hoping to wait until Spring, but who knows.

The nice thing about homeschooling, which I tell people all the time, is it's not about doing school at home. It's about finding what works for your kids and keeping at it.  For my twins, it's about review, repetition, hands on, and keeping it brief.  Success is huge. If they don't have success they are totally defeated.  Also, I realize, that in some things, they just don't care yet.  Which is fine and when they do finally care, it will click.

I'm not sure yet if this will be their last year at home. They might not transition until 3rd grade. We will be praying about that.  Until then, I will do my best to fulfill the calling in their life as their mother, teacher, and their daddy's wife!

Brynn, although she is only 4 might as well be in Kindergarten this year.  It will be tough to keep her slowed down and in her appropriate grade level.  She is more like Cole, eager to learn and quick to retain information.  She is a January birthday so I cannot just let her get ahead. I don't want her to graduate high school at 17.  So, I plan to spend most of the school year just keeping her busy with crafts, cutting, letters, shapes, colors, painting, letter sounds, reading books with her and making school fun.   She is also taking Piano and trying Ballet for the first time this year, thanks again to Grammy.  We are also sending her 2x a month to see the tutor, like the boys did, our long time friend Alana.  It changes things up and makes learning fun and gives her some one-on-one.

Next year she will be 5 and we will start "real" Kindergarten but by then she'll probably be ready for first grade.  Oh well.  We do what we can right!  She is a lot of fun because she enjoys learning.  I haven't had her complain or whine about anything other than wanting more work to do.  Crazy in comparison to the twins.  She wants to keep everything she makes and colors.  If I let her my house would be stacked up with papers and pictures.  We toss those things in the quiet of the dark night and never bring them up again.  She often doesn't notice.  We've all been there I know it.

Cole has been enjoying school at NCS.  He really LOVES math and is an excellent reader.  Dropping him off and picking him up provides nice structure to our day. It gives boundaries to work and play and allows for a nice nap for the littlest ones.

He is doing Mathletes after school and also taking Piano lessons.  He is so quick to learn and eager as well.  We've been praying he makes friends easily.  Each day on the way to school we pray a verse over him out loud. I write it on a 3x5 card and put it on my visor so we can read and pray it together.  He has all the opportunities to be successful in school (not that I believe that is the gauge of a man), but if he enjoys education he has the ability to do well.  It has given us, already, opportunities to work on character, problem solving, the power of words, and so much more.  Those little blips in time I am so thankful for because those are the moments that refine his heart.

We took some pictures outside to commemorate being back at school, all the kids that is.  They were so funny.  I asked them to do serious pictures and then funny faces.  They were hysterical trying to make those funny faces.  I think Brody won the funny face contest this time around!

Of course, Westin had to jump in there. He is such a ham and cannot be left out! Stinker bug.