Surprise!

I'm only going to take a minute, but I need to start recording my trip, or else I may begin to forget the details.  The Saturday before the 16th, I was running around like a crazy lady, going from cleaning job to cleaning job.  I was between jobs and had run home to change into my uniform for the one job, when Morgan stopped me to talk about scheduling the 16th.... Me being in a rush and not very patient at the moment, interrupted him and said something to the effect of, " I know you need to go to Idaho for Grandpa"s funeral, I'm OK with it.  We will be fine."  Morgan being persistent and knowing me entirely too well, continued with something like, " you're going to need to adjust your schedule for a trip to Idaho..."  I stopped right where I was, sat down on the stairs and began to cry.  It still makes me tear up when I think about it.  I immediately broke into the "I can't and what will I do with the kids and do you realize how much time I have to plan this?"  Morgan lovingly waited for me to finish before hugging me and telling me I had no choice the ticket was already taken care of, thanks to some loving family members who shared sky miles.  So it was off to Idaho.   This trip was made possible by my amazing family and friends who lovingly took on my kids.  More on their adventure later...  So I was able to keep the trip a surprise and not tell my parents.  I will never forget as long as I live the look on my mom and dad's face and how long it took to register that it was really me.  It was perfect.  I'm so grateful for the blessing of being able to surprise them, grateful for the family and friends who made it possible to enjoy the trip and not worry about my kids and especially for my sweet husband who orchestrated the whole surprise!

Dear Liam

Dear Liam,  11 ago (well technically 12 years ago) you came into our lives at 11:20 am. It was in that moment, that my life changed. You have taught me how to love deeper than I ever thought possible. You have brought me so much joy. You continue to brighten my days. I know we have our moments, especially when you have to write something long in school, but those moments are so small. You remind me to be creative. I love your artwork, stories and your lego designs . You've helped me learn patience. I am grateful for your honesty. I appreciate that you will tell me how you feel about things especially about how I am handling a situation in our home. You've helped me make great strides in communication and controling my mom temper. I appreciate so much your work ethic and your determination to work hard and succeed in your business. I love that it matters to you how your customers feel about your work. You remind me to do my best and give whatever comes my way, my all. You are an awesome big brother. I'm grateful that you aren't too big for mom hugs and good night kisses. I'm proud of your accomplishments and your ability to set a goal and accomplish it. I'm grateful for your testimony and faith. Liam I'm just plain old grateful for you. I couldn't have asked for a sweeter blessing than to have you join our family first. You are a leader and a friend to your brother and sisters and I love you. Happy Birthday little man!
Love, mom

 

 

           I'll have to head home to find some photos of you at 3, 2, 1, and birth.  You've grown up so much!  I love you buddy! Hope your day is FANTASTIC!

(Liam just reminded me via skype that he is officially out of hand counting stage.  He is older than he has fingers to count!  YIKES!  who said time could fly so fast!!!!

Epic Moments and the first day of school

 Epic moment...We have a dryer that works!   It dries all the clothes in one go, thus, I was able to get all my laundry done before my trip...did you hear that ALL my laundry...that my friends, is EPIC!  And it is all in thanks to great neighbors and friends who so sweetly came and tore down the ceiling in my garage, organized my totes, repaired said ceiling and added an awesome dryer vent...I am so blessed!!

 More blessings as my cute son makes me tortellini soup for dinner!  mmmmm

 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!!!

 Emery 5 years old and in first grade!  Ready and Rearin to go!!!

 Class Connect with her teacher and classmates!

 Liam 10 years old and in 6th grade!

 Back to work!

 Isabelle 8 years old and 3rd grade!   We'll get better first day pics later.   She was having a bit of a tough start to her year...

 Brother Buddies!

We mean business!

Editorial by Liam...

   Are you wondering how to teach your kid responsibility, hard work and goal setting?  Well, here's your answer, summer jobs.  Not for me you say?  Well, maybe you're more the chore and allowance type of parent.  Either way, you're ready to help your kid learn new things.
   If your child works a job that requires equipment he or she will have to learn to take care of the tools required and always be prepared with back-ups.  The child will need to learn to manage his or her money, save for fun (toys, legos, etc.), save for repairs, equipment, and tithes, and finally save for the future (like college).  They'll also learn to budget time, stick to a schedule and be aware of the calendar.  If their job is outside, they'll need to check the weather before they plan their work days.
     A job will teach your child to work hard.  It's a good idea to work hard or might become lazy and your work will become sloppy. "Do it right the first time and you don't have to do it again.", is what my grandpa says.  If you work hard, you do a better job and pay attention to details.
   Setting goals is another benefit of early jobs.  A kid can learn to first research the price of the thing they want, make a plan to save up for it.  "Make a plan, set a deadline, and act upon that plan,"  Elder Thomlinson says.
      Don't agree with paying jobs?  Chores and allowances will do.  It still gives kids a work ethic.  Some people think 15 and 16 are ideal ages to begin working, but I believe any age is good.  Eight years old is a good age to begin teaching kids to work using chores.  "Chores help kids learn to work as a team.  Together as a family, you are keeping your home clean.  It takes patience, compromise, hard work and a team effort to keep a house in order." says Jessie Williams (aka my mom)
      All these things have made me a better person.  The goals I set are wise and I'm a more responsible kid.  I also thank the people sho made it possible for me to do my job, like my parents and customers.  (I own a lawn care business, and though my job is pretty easy, sometimes, I need a little help from my parents or another person.)  I feel it is important for kids to learn how to work at an early age,  It's an important step to helping them be confident and successful in the future.