Happiness

15 years ago I went into preterm labor with twins. Their due date was June 24th. May 16th was a little early for that, but they had twin to twin transfusion (which we found out later) and they were ready to get the heck out of there! Jonah was taking a lot of Ethan's nutrients- he was getting too much and Ethan wasn't getting enough- so they knew it was time. After a pretty easy 11 hour labor, Ethan came into this world at 10:55 pm weighing 4 lbs 14 oz. He was tiny and pale and was whisked away by the Drs. Jonah flipped around from being breech and came rushing after him- 3 minutes later at 10:58- weighing 5 lbs 1 oz. He was red and puffy from taking in all that food and was whisked away too. A few hours later, I was wheeled into the NICU to see them but not hold them yet. Two days later, I held each one, so frail in my arms.  They each received a Priesthood Blessing from Josh (a blessing we give when someone is sick or in need of comfort or strength). Each...

  When Elizabeth and Ethan and Jonah and Asher are 20 and 18, 18 and 16, you will be 8- playing ball at the Park, teasing and laughing with friends, getting baptized. Maybe Ethan or Jonah will baptize you. Or maybe Asher. You'll get to decide. You turned 5 a week ago. Happy Birthday! You were SO excited to be 5! We made a paper chain and started counting down the days. You told everyone you met how many days you had left until your BIG day! 5! We had eggs on toast, per your request, and opened up birthday cards. You loved getting your own money and right away wanted to buy a hammock and a snorkel (where did that come from). The Saturday before you had your friend birthday party and people came to celebrate you! We had pink rainbow cupcakes you picked out and water games in the back. It was so fun! Maurice, Tyson, Jayden, Kimball, Emily and Kalea came. You loved opening each and every one of your presents and especially loved your new scooter! (New to you). ...

Headed to Church and soon to get the Aaronic Priesthood (something 12 yr olds get the chance to have and use when they turn 12. They take care of the members of our Church and pass the Sacrament.) We were all laughing at Declan's face right here.   Opening presents. The boys all went to the dollar store and pitched in to buy Asher some presents. He liked them! Happy Birthday, Asher, we love you!!

Waffles for breakfast! Racing go karts. The boys! Out for lunch and accidently matching! Ethan and Asher. Asher and cousin Mitchell in front of the 10. Our Hulihan reunion started that day so we had pizza and ice cream and Texas Sheet cake. I haven't been eating much sugar because of my headache so I didn't have any! My Aunt Janie and sisters Molly and Amy over for the reunion! Present Time! I'm so glad someone got Asher Legos! I get him some every year for his birthday and for Christmas and somehow this year, amongst our move and prepping for the family reunion, I completely forgot! At age 10 Asher loves being funny and making people laugh. He was voted Class Comedian and that made him laugh. He likes camping and scouts and eating. Asher enjoys reading Calvin and Hobbs and other comic books. Happy Birthday, Asher!

Elizabeth,               You are a beautiful young woman! You are caring- you take care of Declan so well and you care how I and others are feeling. You often worry about others before yourself and every single time I ask you to watch Declan for a minute or a half hour or a date night, you readily agree!        You are one of the oldest in your grade and as such you are a wonderful example and guide to others. You are often confidant, happy, creative and loving. I love how you write notes to others, cross off each day on your own calendar and love watching Dr Who and Studio C. You amaze me, Elizabeth! You are amazing! Happy Birthday!

Elizabeth, Anna and Allison on their Girls' Day Out Some birthdays are bigger than others in our family, 8 is a big one since that is when we get baptized in our Church. 12 is also another big one. It is when girls go from Primary- where the kids meet during Church- to Young Womens and become an Official Young Woman. To me turning 12 is even bigger than 13 even though 13 means that you are a teenager. Mostly because I remember anticipating turning 12 a lot more than anticipating turning 13. I was excited to be in the same class as all the older, cooler girls. I was also excited to go to activities with the boys. And I was excited to go to girl's camp too! So fun! And so, HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY, ELIZABETH! I remember holding you in my arms, your dark, soft, fuzzy hair sticking all over the place and sighing sweet little baby sighs. I dressed you in pink as often as I could and would hold you and coo and snuggle with you. Having baby D to hold right now and snuggle ...

***This is my first monthly update blog post! Enjoy!*** July was a busy month for us!! First of all, Asher turned 8 on the 8th (his golden birthday!) and was baptized on the 12th.  For his birthday, Asher got his very first set of scriptures and a new scripture case as well as a Lego Movie Lego Set, a basketball hoop for the swimming pool, fun bike things and an art set from his grandma! Asher was SO excited to get baptized. Amy, Fox and Cash, Coco, Quincy and Arthur came to visit and to be there for the baptism. The stake was in charge and 4 kids were baptized that day. It went really well and afterwards we came home to cinnamon rolls and big p  Asher and Dad on his baptism day  All who were there!  Coco loved Sadie!  Cousins! Declan is almost 3 months here and Arthur is 5 months. Asher's birthday: we got one of those balloon making kits at the dollar store and Ethan made this balloon hat for Asher for...

Jonah turns 10!    Ethan!   The Boys!    Jonah and his red angel food cake! (It was supposed to be red, but it turned out pink and he rolled with it!). Angel Food is a favorite at our house because it is simple, big and yummy! We realized that if you give the kids their presents before the cake, they are even happier for pictures with their cake- yay!   Ethan liked the Fresh Strawberry Pie from Mother's Day so much that he requested one for his birthday- can do (a bonus since it doesn't have dairy!)   The kids are all very similar in height now- especially Asher and Ethan and Jonah. Elizabeth's eyes and the twisted curtain capture a little of the craziness of the moment!   Presents!     Ethan loved this super flying kite and Jonah his red, flying bird!     Ethan and Jonah got some fun gifts this year! I noticed one of Josh's sisters with lots of boys has a Bir...