leading up to the BIG DAY...

We had a great December. We really did. I was practically through with my shopping by the 1st, so we had time to relax, enjoy eachother, visit with friends...all the important stuff. We had 2 Schofield family parties. And let me tell you...these people know how to party. They also know how to eat! I love them all. I feel really blessed to be a part of their family. I love that we laugh a lot. I love that they dig food just as much as the Temples, if not more! I love that I don't even need my husband there to feel comfortable.

Our first party was at the Stephens. Kim is the oldest of the 13. I know...13! She and Randy had us all down to Fairview the Sunday before Christmas for food and games. The kids love to see their cousins. The adults love to graze and laugh. Kim does the coolest thing. She buys $ Tree goodies for EVERY person there. We sit in a circle while she reads Twas the Night Before Christmas. Every time she says the word "the" we pass our gift to the right..."and" to the left. When it's over, we can open and trade around. It is total chaos, but the kids love it. It is so fun to watch and so cool of her to do.

LOTS of shoveling in the days before Christmas. LOTS.

Grandma and Grandpa Schofield, along with uncle Tom (Molly's BEST friend) came by for a quick visit. Then we saw them at Kami and Jason's on Christmas Eve for a sledding, eating, laughing party. :) Kami is #9 in the 13. She is quite a hostess. We had such a fun time. The kids did some sledding in the driveway, on shoveled snow mounds. It was hilarious to watch! They really loved it.

Puff ball.

Our live nativity to end the night. Time to head back to Provo, get to bed, and anxiously await Santa. WOOHOO!

eleven years...

Eleven years ago today, I married a kind, gentle, strong, smart, funny, good, good man. I am still counting my blessings.

visit Santa. check.

Sometimes I worry that my kids are getting jipped. I tend to be a little lazy when it comes to doing cool things with my kids. Cool things usually seem like more hassle than they are worth. I start to feel guilty if I think about it too much, and noone likes guilt. I really needed to get to the mall to visit Santa. Molly had never visited with him before, and it had been a few years for the girls. Generally we get lucky, and he comes to us (our dear friend Paul), we see him at K-mart, he comes to their pre-school. Not this year.

The kids got out early on Friday to start the holiday break. I picked them up from school and we raced over to the mall so we could catch Santa before his lunch break. Noone in line. Noone. He was just sitting there on his huge, velvet chair waiting for us. I wasn't sure if I should take my video camera or my photo camera. I decided on the latter, but missed capturing a few details because I was too busy watching and being a part of them. Molly was beside herself. Waving at him. Staring. I had kindof trained the kids before we walked in side. Reminding them of what they REALLY wanted for Christmas, the treasures I already had tucked away in the trunk of Dave's car. :) They were really cute with him. He was gentle and jolly, just like he should be. He kept wiping the girls static-y hair out of their faces. Alex seemed a little timid. I think that was because there were some other kids in line behind us by that time. Embarrassed a little maybe. I love him so much. You can tell by his hands messing with his pants that he isn't totally comfortable. Santa told him to make sure he got to bed early this year. A few minutes later when we were eating some pretzels at the food court, he told me he was pretty sure that was the real Santa, not a helper. "Otherwise, how would he have known I was up late last year?" Really good question, Alex. :)

little chickie...

So, THIS is what Molly sings all day every day (I wish you could hear the tune):

Oh I had a little chickie and he wouldn't lay an egg,

So I poured hot water up and down his leg.

And (said...aaaaaaayyyyynd) the little chickie laughed and the little chickie played,

and the little chickie layed me a hard boiled egg!

Duh, duh, duh, duh, duh, dumb chickie!

Courtesy of daddy. I laugh every single time I hear it. I really do. Especially because she slurs all her words together like an old drunk. One of these days I will video tape it and give you all a taste. So, so very cute when she wants to be. :)

best pals...

Right now I am grateful for this little relationship. Lizzy and Molly. It seems to get stronger as time goes by. Molly adores Elizabeth. I think in her little 2 year old mind, they are best friends. Molly now gets locked in her room at night. She knocks in the morning when she's ready to come out. Don't think less of me. Before that, she was waking up every night (we don't even know what time), going downstairs and climbing in bed with Lizzy. Lizzy would just move over and let her stay. Every morning when the kids go to school, Lizzy kisses Molly. If she forgets or is running late, Molly cries...alot. When the kids come home from school, Molly squeals her name. She wants to show Lizzy her drawings, tell her about her day. And Lizzy listens. Lizzy protects her. She plays with her. She gives her loads of attention, and I love it.

I know I talk about it alot, but Elizabeth is a gentle angel. She is easy going, easy to please. She is always the last to choose a popsicle, a lolipop, a candy. She'll take whatever flavor is left. She'll even trade with someone if they decide to change their mind. She's always the last one out of the car. Emily and Alex generally push past her, and she doesn't care. She doesn't get heard as much around here because she is so quiet, she allows herself to be interrupted. When we sit as a family to read together or watch a movie, the others quickly plop themselves next to me on the couch, while Lizzy sits across the room. They'll cry if she takes one of those spots, so she moves. It is SO HARD to balance your kids. To make sure that each one gets what they need. I'm not even quite sure how to do it. I'm going to go give her a kiss.

confused...

Where is my date and time stamp on my previous entry? I've tried posting it twice, and both times it disappeared. Anyone?

some good stuff...

Saw this on another blog this morning. Love that Jason Mraz. His voice, his silly bobbing head, all of it.



So Dave and I finally got a date last night! Thanks Christy. :) It's probably been 6 months. So very sad. I love when we can go out. It makes me happy to be with him. We ate a Christmas dinner with Grandma Bird at her rest home first. It was lovely. I wish you all could know this woman. I'm pretty convinced I knew her before we ever even got here. I love her so much. After dinner we went to see this:



I have to say...it was as good as all the hype. It really was. I would highly recommend it. It is almost 3 hours long, but doesn't feel like it. Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman were amazing, but little Nullah...you won't forget him. It was a great night!

Now is the time when I start to itch a little to open my presents. We've gotten a package from my parents and my sister Lisa. The gifts are calling my name. I generally open everything before the big day. I just can't handle it. I'm going to give it everything I've got this year though. Wish me luck. :)

BELLA.

So Dave and I have been on a little movie kick this past week. I think we are actually desperately craving a date, but until we get a sitter, this will have to do. We've watched 4 in the past few days. 27 dresses...we liked it. Flawless (with Demi Moore)...quite slow but very interesting. Made of Honor...total bust, and I am a huge Patrick Dempsey fan ever since Can't Buy Me Love. It was garbage in my opinion. Then yesterday it was time for Bella. I saw it at redbox, and had never heard of it, and sometimes those can be the best, you know?

This movie was so beautiful. One of the most beautiful I have ever seen. The story of 2 sad, broken people who are able to enrich eachothers lives. I can't stop thinking about it today. It was so simple, yet so well written. The lead actor, Eduardo Verástegui was so gentle. I couldn't stop watching his sad, kind eyes. It was clean, uplifting, the kind of movie you need every once in awhile to refresh your spirit. The kind that leaves you feeling good, hopeful, like you want to watch it again and tell everyone you know to join you. I have seen a handful of movies like this. In America. Wit. Water. Life is Beautiful. I love most movies, I really do. I'm pretty easy to please. But sometimes there is a movie that stays with you...completely surpasses the rest. Raw emotion without the special effects. Try this one...I promise you'll love it.

sometimes you just KNOW...

Do you ever have those overwhelming moments where you KNOW what you have been taught is true? It's true. I am having one right now after listening to this amazingly moving song sung by a dear, dear friend of mine. My best friend in the whole world's father. He and his sweet wife have just left the MTC to serve in Africa. They are tender, kind, funny people who will touch so many lives. I got off the phone just minutes ago with another dear friend. We talked about everything. That kind of conversation you just don't have very often outside of church. Yet, the kind that you need. It is true...all of it. My children and my husband are mine...forever. There is hope. There is peace. That is what I KNOW at this moment.

my solution...

to the Wal-Mart tantrums. The kind where your 2 year old climbs back and forth in the cart, you worry she'll break her neck so you get her out and she runs away screaming.




















I bought her a new pair of slippers (I know...I said I'd never go back)...I had her totally reined in! Slippers come connected. I don't carry scissors in my purse. SO...Molly's feet...also connected. I will now be marketing elastic straps you can throw in your purse, then during your most frustrating shopping experience, tie your kids shoes together. She tried to get away from me for a second at the store. Her stride was only about 6 inches. She almost lost her balance, and I laughed. Oh man, I love her so much.

sieze the day...

Guess what. I love Newsies. I love it all...the music, the dancing, the outfits. If you have never seen it, you ought to. I also love the Backstreet Boys. Not enough to have posters on my walls, but their music makes me feel good. WHEW. That felt good.

Our stake put on "A Night On Broadway" a few weeks ago. When my friend Jen and her kids decided our primary would do "Sieze the Day" from Newsies...I was sold. The kids practiced so hard. Even Molly memorized the whole bit. :) My dear friends Sharene and Kristin did the leading and accompaniment. They had actions (not quite a dance...but actions). They sang REALLY loud, and a little off-key, but I loved it. So much. Every time I watched them practice, I would get teary. I don't know why...other than that they were so passionate about it, and so unbelieveably cute. Alex and his best pal Jon weren't too sure of the whole singing/dancing thing at first. Until they watched the movie. You can actually sing AND dance, and be cool all at the same time. Like Troy Bolton.

Performance night was almost too cute for me to cope with. They were excited beyond excited. They were ready and standing in their positions off-stage for 30 minutes before the show. They were nervous, jittery, anxious, thrilled. It went off with out a hitch. I was so proud of them. The audience loved it. I hope they can remember all the cheering for a long, long time to come.

amazing...

You want to see amazing? Check out HIS new website. Take your time browsing. You'll be glad you did. Today, I am thankful that my family was able to be photographed by him.

So, so thankful for my family, the gospel, this country, my friends, good food, my health. I could actually keep on going, but I won't. Gotta go prepare a feast. :)

a question about the big man...

OK...some help here. The other day on the way to scouts, Alex asked me if Santa was real? He said that kids at school were saying it was just the parents. Considering I had the 3 younger girls in the car too, I didn't know what to say. I asked him what HE thought. He still believes, but said that he is almost getting in fights about it at school. I knew this day would come. When did you all learn the truth...or do you still not know? :) I don't think it hurts him to believe...plus that's what Polar Express tells him to do. What is the appropriate age to let him in on it? Will he tell his sisters? Help.

the will of Molly...

Years ago, when Alex was 2, a dear friend of mine showed up at my house with a book...The Strong-willed Child. At the time, I wondered why. Alex was a breeze. I had a lot of control with him. I realize now, that she must have known what would be coming...years later. She must have known about my Molly.

Let me describe for you our last 2 trips to Walmart. 2 days in a row. 2 nightmares. Why did I go back the second time? I'm learning. She is cuter than a button within the confines of our house, but leave, and it's all up to her. Really. Day 1: finishing buying gifts for my sister and Dave's sister who we have this year for Christmas. First off, even after promising me in the parking lot that she will be good and sit in the shopping cart the WHOLE time, she does not. She climbs into the back, then stands the whole way. It terrifies me. Tons of kids do it, but MINE will be the one to fall when I stop the cart. The one to cause serious harm to herself. Let me just say...when a 2 year old does not want to sit, she WILL NOT sit. You can't make her, no matter how hard you try. YOU HAVE LOST ALL CONTROL. I do not like that feeling. Whew man, I really don't. She wanted everything she saw. She tried to grab it all. SO, I had to wheel our cart down the exact center of the aisle so she couldn't reach either side. She was furious, but I had control, right? I started placing gifts in the back with her, telling her she could hold them for me. It was great until she started opening them. Opened a Hotwheel car that I had bought for our nephew. So, now she was going to get a prize for being rotten? I picked a few more for him, then hid them under my purse. She was happy until she saw the others and decided she didn't want the one she had opened. Screaming. Sweating. Out of there.

Yesterday was worse. The minute we entered the store, she was hollering at me. I want that. I WANT THAT! NOW! It sounds a lot like Veruca Salt, doesn't it? She's 2 though. Uuugh. Once again, she stood the whole time. Screamed because I wouldn't buy more yogurt. Then we went down the cereal/fruit snack aisle. We picked a box, but I told her she couldn't have a pack until we paid for it. Whatever Mom. She tried incessantly to get in to the box. She would NOT give up. I turned to grab a box of cereal, and in that 4 seconds, she had opened the box, opened a pack and eaten 2. I took them away and put them back in the box. I knew there would be a fight. She screamed at me with everything she had in her. People stared. I squeezed her...really hard. I wanted to throw her, but the staring people would notice. She says...well I'm going to throw this cereal then. She takes the Applejacks and chucks them. I squeeze again. She screams again. HELP. If I can't throw them, I'll crush them. I'll stand on them until the boxes are flattened. Her mind is constantly wondering...what can I do next? I got all my produce, trying to pretend I couldn't hear her. Trust me, I could. I'm not going back with her. EVER. I will do all my shopping at 5:30 in the morning if I have to. I'm tired.

awesome elves!

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my friends...

2 1/2 years ago, we found this great, tiny little house. It's actually our first home. We rented from our dear friends for the first 7 years of our marriage. I was really excited to own, but not excited to leave my dear Grandview ward. I had grown so close to those people. This ward could never replace that. This ward is different, yet equally as great. I never ever thought I would say that. Grandview was heaven. Don't get me wrong, I still love it there, but down here...the "west side"...man, I love it. I am so happy here. Happier than I really thought I could be. The reason for that is my friends. In those 2 1/2 years, I have made life long friends. People I am sure will be in my life forever. There are at least a dozen girls I could call if I needed help, if I was sad, if I was thrilled about something. The people here are kind. They serve eachother. They love eachother. The past few days have been overwhelming for me. I'm overwhelmed by my friends and how good they are, how much I love them. You sweet people know who you are. Thank you. I love you. I will be eating like a queen for the next few days...a queen sitting on the couch watching Enchanted. :)

blech...

Not feeling so hot lately, though not having to run to the bathroom either which is quite a change from my other pregnancies. My mom just left yesterday. I'm sad. I miss her. It is comforting having your mom around when you feel crummy, you know? I'll post some more stuff later...halloween, grandma...that kind of stuff. Don't hold your breath though. :(

I am SO happy today...

You all need a little Jonathan Canlas in your life...here's why. I love him now, even more than I did. Thank you Jonathan!

HUH?!...

The picture is just because I feel like I need one on every post. Silly, I know. So, I'm still trying to come to grips with this whole 5 kids thing. At times I am REALLY overwhelmed and REALLY nauseated. Whew...breath deep. So we told the kids a week ago. Molly was in and out of the kitchen during the whole conversation. I think the kids were excited, but certainly not consumed. 2 seconds after the announcement, Alex was asking for fruit snacks. The next day, when Molly and I were home alone, and I was eating some applesauce for breakfast, we had this conversation:

Mommy: Molly, what does Mommy have in her tummy?

Molly: (focusing, thinking) Applesauce.

Mommy: Yeah, applesauce. What else?

Molly: blank stare

Mommy: Mommy has a BABY in her tummy!

Molly: still blank with a touch of fear and confusion...I could read her face...and it said...you ATE a baby?

She's slowly understanding...I think. She was really quite confused. She is so very cute. You know what is so sad though? She is making me a little nauseated...her smell, her paci. I'm sure it will pass. It makes me sad. :(

One more funny...this morning she and Emily were wearing their little mini Home Depot aprons playing "snack bar". Molly would take huge handfulls of marshmallows and ask for help putting them in her "apricot". HA!