One Of These Is Not Like The Other

My husband and I have always brushed our children's teeth. We feel that it is important to establish good oral hygiene early and we view it as insurance against problems later.
Sean has had this whole week off and therefore we have seen more of each other's brushing techniques and habits. We have a dilemma. One of us feels it is necessary to use an exorbitant amount of toothpaste on each child's toothbrush while the other is much more frugal and is of the mindset that a little bit goes a long way.
The poor children they put toothpaste on their toothbrushes and bring them to a parent. Said parent inevitably sends them back for more toothpaste or they get reprimanded for using too much, it is a no win situation.
What do you suggest? What is the proper amount of paste? When are they capable of brushing properly?

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

Necessity is the Mother of Invention. I live 35 minutes away from any real stores. That, coupled with the fact that we are on a mission revamping our budget and therefore trying to save money on gas led to the Works for Me Wednesday.

Sweet Baby Paisley taking a snooze.

Jess suggested taking a couple sets of kids one Wednesday then having the next two Wednesdays to accomplish our 'to do' lists. I took the first Wednesday and had 13 children for 4 1/2 hours!

Five 2 and unders

We started the morning with a pancake breakfast complete with bacon and peaches. We decided it was mandatory for each person to bring their own highchairs.

I set up my gate in the kitchen and let the toddlers take turns in the sandbox. All my children love the sandbox and I love it even more when I figured out to put it inside the swimming pool to better contain the sand.

God provided a bit of sunshine and we went for a walk. We had a double stroller, a wagon with 3 two year olds, an Ergo, and at least 5 scooters. Then it was back home for yet another round of UNO.

Before lunch we had water play which ended up filling the pool and by the time the mom's came to pick up their children all the toddlers were only in diapers. We had several rounds of "Rosie", along with a toddler version of Soak Em' (somehow my snow angel's nose was broken off)

Aiden and Taylor

I wasn't sure how it was going to go or if I would even consider doing it again but we had a fabulous time! The time went very quickly and everyone was happy, well behaved, good manners and extremely helpful. Now, if I could harness that every day!

I am looking forward to my day tomorrow. I will start with a Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte, time with a friend and the added bonus of getting to take Paisley with me! I can't wait.

Life

The sanctity of life is very important to me. Too often I forget to pray for the warriors out there on the front lines making a difference, exposing the lies and falsehoods that our society has come to embrace as truth.  I have friends who are working tirelessly with the Whatcom County Pregnancy Center, other friends who support the clinic financially, and still others who fight for the clinic's rights in Olympia.
What can we do? We can begin by praying. Pray for our Country, Our Leaders, The Integrity of Our Men, Pray for The Truth to be proclaimed.
If you have any doubts about the power our enemy uses check out this episode:
http://www.facinglife.tv/episode/season_5/episode_5/episode_505.html
Former abortion clinic owners, abortion providers, and planned parenthood managers speak out about the atrocities used in the abortion business.

The Nativity Story Star Wars Style

Several years ago I purchased a Fisher Price Nativity Set. I love little people, yes I love how my children ALL play with them, but I enjoy them as well. I collect the different sets and love the creativity and imagination that my children use while playing with them.
I only pull this particular set out during Christmas time and my children are super excited to see it each year. In the past I have heard someone yelling "Jesus" and when I went to reprimand them, I discovered they were only playing with the 'Jesus Set'.
Yesterday, Ian and Ruby were happily playing with the Nativity Set when I overheard them say that Jesus was just like Yoda, He is the Master Jedi and uses the force. Then Ian informed Ruby that Joseph, even though he is Jesus' father, does not have the power that Jesus has. God, after all, is Jesus' real father. Therefore Joseph is just a Jedi in training.  Ruby went on as she does and said, "There is only one God. He is in 3 persons: The Father, The Son, And The Holy Spirit. Mary is Jesus' mom and she has to be a Jedi because she had to train Jesus and must have the force."
The game continued with Ian saying that Mary is a girl and can't have the force. I wish I had the force.
I am not into Star Wars AT ALL. In fact, they are only allowed to watch it when I am gone because I can't stand it.
I think The Nativity Story Star Wars Style was quite enlightening.  Maybe not the reverence we strive for, but funny.

What Fun He's One

Look at this cutie pie! This is my one year old nephew Loden. His birthday was 3 weeks ago! I know I have been slacking on the blog a bit lately but I guess my excuse is that we are living life, not blogging it.

We had a super busy November with a birth, birthdays, birthday parties, and snow. Our family was really looking forward to our trip south to Celebrate Loden's First Year.

I am extremely jealous that my Sister In Law, Nicole gets her hands on Loden on a regular basis. Because they are in such close proximity, and Noah thinks of Loden as his brother, Noah was given the honors of making a toast to the Birthday boy. Noah is very articulate and extremely funny. Noah said that he thought Loden was very cute as a baby but as he is getting older his is becoming less cute ~ Thus the reaction from Karina above.

We don't see family near enough but it is always fabulous to see them. Ruby was especially taken with Aunt Shelby because she listened to Ruby's stream of consciousness speak.

Taylor, Aunt Karina, Grandma

I was hoping for a photo of all the girls together but was pleased with the one I was able to get. We were all disappointed that Aunt Nicole was not able to make the party due to illness, and would covet any prayers for miraculous healing.

Aaron is my most tenderhearted child. He loves to hold babies and is always good for getting a smile.  Loden was completely thrilled with Aaron and offered up not only smiles but contagious belly laughs as well. 

Sean, Ian, Aaron, Grandpa Ivan, Erik

I am not sure even a professional can get a good group shot with my boys. This was about the only picture where Ian's fingers are not in someone else's nose, mouth or ears!

All the cousin's on Sean's side are in this photo except for Mikaela
Again, I challenge a professional photographer to capture 5 boys and 3 girls for a frame worthy picture.

Happy First Birthday you cute little man! 

Candle Making

Taylor recently joined Girls' Club. It is the answer to our prayers for friends for Taylor who share similar interests and values. We were especially excited when we learned  that they were using the Keepers at Home books for their projects and Bible Studies! We have used these in the past and Love them, it just isn't as much fun without someone to work on a project with.

I volunteered to teach the girls candle making. It has been several years (read: I had to dust off the wax and rid the box of spiders) since I have made candles. I decided to brush up on my skills and watched this wonderful video on different candle making techniques.

We have learned (the hard way) that in order to successfully teach a craft you should have at least attempted it once before. We made these candles at home with just the supplies I had on hand. The ones we made at Girls' Club were beautiful! We made light blue candles and red candles with pressed flowers.

My boys wanted to make candles as much as the girls did. I do see the allure of hot was and a delicious vanilla-cinnamon smell. This was one of those times where I really wanted to get the project done without all the 'little distractions' that slow things down. I had to stop and remind myself that it is an honor to have my children want to be with me, that we enjoy each other and most importantly we are learning together. Had I been in such a hurry I would have missed seeing the delight in their eyes, hearing their cheerful chatter, and spending time together. Remember to slow down and enjoy those who bring you the most joy.

Delightful

Liberty is a delight! We are so very blessed.

Liberty is extremely persistent and fairly easy to please. She loves to play with her baby and to read and be read to. She honestly does not know that she is not one of the big kids. Her favorite thing to say is ME! with her hand raised high in the air. What she is means is me too! Don't forget me! and I'll do it.  

Libby is my little helper. She is the first to unload the dishwasher, set the table,  and fold and put away laundry. In my perfectionist mind it is difficult to allow her to do those things to the best of her ability. I know she wants to do meaningful work and  teaching her to be delightful while she is working is a great reminder to me of how my attitude needs to be.
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She is such a sweetie pie. All her siblings clamour over who gets to get her up from her naps. They are first in line to help her, give her whatever her little heart desires (even whipping cream from a can, directly into her mouth). She knows how to open the freezer and we are often irritated by the little wet spots of melting ice that we step in on an hourly basis.

I love how she loves each sibling in their own way. She knows that Taylor is second in command all day long and that Taylor will provide comfort, and security. Aaron is our comedian and loves to get a laugh out of Libby, she will be coy and make him work for it. She also knows that Aaron is comfortable in the kitchen and if she wants food, or drink she will ask him for it. Erik is always on the go. Liberty knows that I am constantly trying to keep track of him and she will randomly go and find him and tell Erik to go see mama! She knows that he loves kisses and hugs and gives him more kisses than anyone else. Ian is our gentle spirit and Liberty knows she can trust him. She loves for him to give her horsey rides, piggy backs, and will play chiropractor with him (he pretends to give her an adjustment). Ian is fun enough to be entertaining but gentle enough not to accidentally hurt her. Ruby loves her little sister and wants to teach her all things girl! Ruby has shown Libby where we keep the nail polish and that anytime is a good time to get your nails painted. Ruby also has a special blanket named "Two-y" and it makes everything better so Libby now has a "two-y" for her baby doll. Libby also knows that Mikaela is on the phone. She picks up the phone and talks to Lala. She even asks to call her. Mikaela will talk to Libby for as long as she wants.

Lord, I pray that you use Liberty's joy and delightful spirit for your glory. I ask you Father to equip her with your grace and your forgiveness. Help me to be a Godly example of a woman who delights in you and in her calling to be a wife and mother. Amen