Friday, October 30, 2015

Our parenting philosophies and style

*****One asset unique to our situation is that we will not be first, second, third, or even fourth-time parents to Baby. :) We can give you an accurate idea of what to expect with the ways we will raise Baby vs. guessing or predicting based on our hopes.  We have 10-years of experience as parents with 4 very different personalities.  Through experience, we have come to parent differently than we did when we first became parents. We are excited for a little one to jump right in to this dynamic rather than our older children who have acted as poor lab rats to get us to this point! :)  Over the years with real-life experiences, we have learned what works and what doesn't...what maintains dignity and what doesn't...what brings about change and long-term results and what doesn't.  We have learned that children are resilient; however, we are excited for Baby reap the benefits of seasoned parents, a smooth family dynamic, and intentional parenting right from the start.*****

{At the Heart of How We Parent}

~We recognize our children's feelings and experiences are valid.  We seek to discipline in a way that is respectful and kind to both parent and child.  We don't believe in physical discipline nor the nose in the corner time out.  We don't believe in shaming or threatening or manipulating. What is discipline really?  We believe it is simply teaching. Why did they do what they did?  What are they thinking? We want more than just different behaviors.  Our goal is for our children to understand AND make different choice in the future...especially during those times when we aren't with them.  We want them to grow up to be adults that know how to work through obstacles and difficulties, disagreements and conflicts...aware of themselves and others.

~We seek to connect first.  Physical connection is offered if possible (a hug, a touch to the arm, an arm around a shoulder).  We do our best to be inviting with our body language, facial expression, and tone of voice.  If the child responds to connect and is ready (and Mom or Dad is ready too), we can talk about what happened and why plus what we can to about the current situation as well as the future.  That doesn't always happen immediately.

~Since connection and waiting until the child is receptive is our goal, sometimes that means that we may need "happy time." During happy time they can do whatever they need to calm down.  This may be a bath.  It may be playing with something else or somewhere else with or without others.  The purpose of happy time is to get out of "flight or fight" thinking.  We call it being stuck in problem brain at our house.  Even as adults, we know we do better when we feel better.  When everyone involved feels better and our solution brain comes back, we come back together to discuss it.  Why were we doing that?  What were we thinking?  Can we connect the misbehavior with the results?  What would be a good idea for next time?  If it's between two children, then help them negotiate towards an agreeable solution for all involved.  The longer we have parented, the more we have learned to ask, ask, ask questions.  We seek to come from a place of love. We recognize our need as parents to take care of our own "stuff" so we can be present to parent consciously rather than reacting.

~We have learned there is no "if child does/says this, then parent should do/say this" to parenting moments.  We have learned to asses the situation and take the details into account before responding. What is the temperament of the child, what is my style as a parent, are they tired or hungry, what is really happening here (why am I seeing what I am seeing?), etc.  Sometimes the situation may call for extra love with a simple redirection. Sometimes it may be the opposite and we really need to push a bit more.  As parents to your child, this is the approach we would continue to take: to do our very best to tailor our parenting to the individual needs of the child at that time.  We cannot promise we will do it perfectly, but oh, we try (and we overall get better every day too). :)

~We include our children in problem solving for family challenges.  When we can offer a choice, we gladly do!  If it doesn't matter, we don't make it a big deal; however, when correction is needed, we seek to do so in private and at a time the child would be receptive.  

~Along these lines, we encourage feeling emotions.  Sometimes it isn't the right time to feel them or process them in the moment, but we acknowledge potential feelings (i.e.---"you seem mad" or "frustrated" or "sad") and ask questions and invite for sharing.  We try to coach them to understand the difference between what they are feeling and how they respond to that emotion (ie---it's okay that you are mad, but it isn't okay to hit your brother.) Sometimes the discussion happens after some happy time or sometimes even at the end of the day (or a day or two afterward).  We don't believe in "sucking it up" or pretending that everything is fine if we are actually angry or hurting.  We believe that it is okay to be angry or sad and seek to teach our children appropriate ways to express all emotions, including "negative" ones.  We teach the connection of tuning inward to why we are feeling emotion.

~We believe in hugs and kisses.  We believe in physical affection.  We believe in getting down on the floor with our little children.

~We say I love you.

~We believe in geting down to their size, especially during teaching moments (AKA discipline).

~For us, experiences are more important than things.  We would prefer to spend our time, energy, and finances on experiences rather than a more expensive home or car payment, more toys, etc.  We seek for these experiences to be meaningful or purposeful.   

~We are fiercely protective of family time and individual time with the kids.  Our lives are more simple, yet, we feel, more meaningful.  We prefer simple and meaningful over complicated and hollow frills or thrills.


See family traditions for more.

Homeschool

It had never crossed my mind until a few weeks ago the significance of what I have been doing for my children.  Sennika attended public school for Kindergarten, so I can't take direct credit quite the same way; however, Gavin knows how to read because of me.  Wow!  That was a big thought.
Sennika knows how to divide with remainders because of me and Gavin knows how to borrow while subtracting because of me.  Leland can write his name and count because of me. As their teacher, it is humbling to think about this.  Instead of because of me...maybe in spite of me is a better description. :)  Either way, our children are learning things and three years into homeschool, it is fun to see the direct results of my daily effort.

FAQ: Homeschool


Why do we homeschool?

Sennika attending public school was positive for us.  She has a wonderful teacher at a fabulous school and reported herself as "popular."  She did well in school and was one of the smartest kids in her class.  Many turn to homeschool after a negative experience.  That wasn't the case for our family.  In the past 5 or so years, we have learned to be more open minded.  We had heard extremely positive things about homeschooling and wanted to give it an honest try before we decided whether it would be a good fit for our family or not.  We actually almost homeschooled for Kindergarten, but I felt too overwhelmed about finding curriculum and wasn't sure what I would teach.  After our first year being a great success, here is why we plan for the foreseeable future to continue to homeschool:

1.  We love the benefits of feeding hunger for knowledge.  Because our schedule is flexible, we can tailor activities, field trips, or research to the children's interests, even if they are ahead for what they "should" be studying for their age.  A huge benefit for Gavin falls into this vein.  His birthday would have meant he would have been in preschool for another year, but instead I offered Kindergarten work and he devoured it.  He is technically a year ahead on his grade level for his age.  He is such a bright kid and would have been bored academically.  It has been a blast to dive deeper on subjects that are important to us without restriction.  

The flip side is true too.  Although we haven't experienced actual delays, Homeschool can be a great option for children behind in any subject.  Sennika could keep up, but really struggled with the Saxon math approach in Kindergarten.  It just did not resonate with how she thinks math through and she trudged through it.  I will never forget the day in 1st grade that Singapore math "clicked" for her.  She giggled and clapped her hands to finally have figured out a way to do her math that made sense to her more than just going through the motions of the steps.  Homeschool can give the opportunity to catch up on delays or offer a different approach to learning that may better stick with the child.


2.  Another huge benefit to us is the free time is gives us as a family together and also the children themselves.  There is no homework and our school day is usually plus or minus 3 hours a day.  That is it.  That frees up our evenings and weekends as a family and onceschool and chores are done lends to free time for the kids.  For our family, time to explore, enjoy, and create...time to just be... and is precious to us and we fiercely protect the simplicity by which we live.  We would much rather see our children have a strong core of education with plenty of time to play than jump through the hoops to regurgitate information or to pass test.  Like our life philosophies, we want it to be meaningful and feel that homeschool supports that.  Our children learning how to learn and that is exciting to us.  

3.  A fun benefit is that the little ones learn faster.  All of the children are exposed to the learning material as I am teaching an older child.  Shipton is already recognizing the Alphabet.  Let me clarify before that sounds outrageous...he sees letters and says "A, E."  (That is how he refers to the Alphabet).  That has been amazing to watch my 15-month-old pick up on that without any direct teaching from anybody.  We research, have field trips, and read together, plus the day-to-day school work that the little ones overhear or read over our shoulders all add up to lots of learning happening without doubling our efforts or time.

4.  Other factors to mention include: no common core, controversial topics introduced and discussed in a context of truth, we decide what we are learning, positive school environment, less crowds at parks/museums/or vacation sites, and plenty of sleep to name a few (at this age they are still waking up when they wake up, but we will introduce a set schedule when they are a little older).

The only downside I have encountered over the past three years is to me.  Don't get me wrong, I have many benefits, especially like sleeping in later than I otherwise would and I don't live in the car like some of my friends seem to in order to get everyone everywhere on time.  I love that I get to be a big part of my children's day and that because of that I soak them up more.  I do recognize, however, that my day would be different with two in all day school and Leland attending a preschool.  I have learned to take time for myself each day to care for my own physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.  With that skill in mind, it's such a small con compared to all the pros for our children and family.  

What is a typical day like?

MWF we have our curriculum days.  
Sennika: Language arts, handwriting (cursive this year), journal, Math (singapore)
Gavin: Phonics (Explode the Code), Math (Singapore), reading, handwriting, journal
Leland: Phonics (Explode the Code), Math (Singapore), reading, handwriting, journal

T field trip or research, art projects

TH History, Science, and we hit the library
Sennika: studying astronomy for Science, and Ancient History
Gavin:  My Father's Kingdom for 2nd grade, and the beginning of the world
Leland:  My Father's Kingdom for K, and American History

What do we teach?

I purchase the grade-level kits from LoveToLearn.net and supplement as needed.  When I researched each individual subject, I found great reviews.  After 3 years with this curriculum, we are very happy with it too.  We also read, read, read both to the kids and the kids to us.  The most recent books we have read together are Betsy, Tacy,  The Chronicles of Narnia series, and Hellen Keller.  We usually get through a chapter book every week or two.  Sennika is the biggest bookworm and has recently devoured the Disney Fairies chapter books.  We also offer a big dose of Science.  All of the kids love National Geographics.  They enjoy the kid versions, but actually prefer the adult programs.  We own many programs and watch others online or borrow from the library.  They also like Bill Nye the Science Guy and it's fun to hear Leland use words such as "momentum" in reference to his swinging motion on the swing, etc. :)  The kids also adore museums.  We have yet to find a museum they haven't been absolutely thrilled about.

What about when they get older?  

We will explore our options when they are closer to Jr. High and High school aged; however, a GED and college education is important to us.  There are so many options for homeschool and we are excited to see continued options unfold in the future.  We are confident we can find a good fit for each child.  We are hopeful that our children will even begin college education courses early, but will support their desires and interests.

What is a snapshot of where they are at academically right now?

All three children are at their grade levels or advanced.  Sennika, as mentioned, likes reading the most.  She reads books that I read in Jr. High!  I remember literally reading a chapter book most days.  I would get my homework done at school or on the bus so I could read all night once my chores were done.  This is Sennika.  Reading like she does has given her a wonderful vocabulary and the confidence to use it in context.  Although she reads a lot, she has struggled with spelling.  I didn't realize how ridiculous our language is until coaxing her with spelling.  She was taught to spell phonetically in Kindergarten and as she has gotten older, has struggled when her phonetic spelling makes more sense to both of us.  This year it has been exciting to see her spelling take off.  It seems to be a combination of maturity and also a fabulous Language Arts curriculum.  She passes most of her spelling words off the first spelling test now.  In addition to reading well (and actually quite pleasant to listen to as she reads), she has grown leaps and bounds with math.  It is by far her favorite, but she enjoys tackling challenging problems.  Right now we are about 1/4 in to our school year and she has recently learned to multiply large numbers (not just regurgitating times tables any more) and also division with remainders.  As mentioned, she is learning cursive this year, which she has really enjoyed.  It has given her reason to slow down and write surprisingly more legibly.  She loves making the letters fancy and is starting to form her own handwriting style.  From an education standpoint, the 3 R's are the bread and butter to our children's education.  If they can learn to do that well, the rest comes with exposure and exploration.  Sennika is well on her way!

Gavin has begun to read with inflection this year and that has been fun to watch it unfolding.  In the previous two years of teaching him, reading was really not of interest to him, but he could usually accurately produce the sounds.  Even Shipton was beginning to pick up on the rhythmic monotone of his reading by mimicking the "eh, eh, eh" sounds, so this has been music to our ears!  He still occasionally grumbles and would prefer other endeavors over sitting down to a good book, which is normal for his age and boyish desires.  He is reading at a 2nd grade level and we are overjoyed for him.  He is beginning to see the advantages to being able to spell what Mark and I try to keep secret by spelling across the room to each other and also enjoys being able to read signs and billboards.  As mentioned, he is a whiz at math and has kept up easily with 2nd grade level.  He recently learned how to borrow during subtraction and how to carry in addition.  Most of his math problems he is able to count on his fingers and keep track of it all, then blurts out the answer after a few moments of silent math.  His handwriting is extremely neat.  This has been one difference I haven't been sure if it is his nature or that he learned at home under my watchful eye, but he is careful to keep the letters their proper height and lowercase below the dotted lines, etc.  Gavin also loves Science and figured out how and why things work.  He loves when we research and gets so excited to add more information to his growing knowledge about the world around him.

If we had sent Leland to public school, we would have felt most comfortable with him doing another year of preschool.  He would have made the cut off by a few weeks.  With homeschool it has been a perfect middle ground to introduce Kindergarten curriculum, yet back off or keep moving forward based on his abilities and interests.  He has a preschool workbook that he enjoys.  Many of the activities or things he already knows such as writing letter, patterns, shapes, etc, but he still enjoys the review.  He is in the beginning stages of reading and can read most 3 letter words and other simple words.  It has  been darling to watch his confidence grow and see how he reads with his whole heart.  He can write most lowercase letter, but still has a few of the more difficult one yet to master such as "y" and "e" needs a bit more practice.  He has started to write on lined paper and has fun keeping the letters where they should be.  His favorite things to journal about is his magic mice, because he recently learned how to spell the word "rat."  He learned how to write and count to 100 this year.  I am curious to see if he will continue keep up with the K math as our school year progresses.  Aside from serious academics, he loves to color, cut, and glue, which I feel are just as, if not, more important school skills for his age. :)    












Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Meet Mom AKA Katy

Leland snapped this picture while watching me during my yoga practice one morning. When I got to my headstands, he commented: "Wow! That takes so much power!" We were able to talk anatomy for a moment, that yes, it takes a lot of power and strength from the core...but then I asked him if he knew why I think I can do headstands now. I explained that what powers our core is actually our ego. We can have too much ego and be full of ourselves. We can also have too little ego and constantly be beating ourselves up. I can do headstands now because I love myself. <3 It has taken a long time and lots of practice (both to learn how to do headstands and to love myself). I have fallen down. I can show you the knee print in my wall from a day last summer! :) It felt really unnatural at first. I had no idea how to do it or that I was even capable of it. It has been a beautiful journey to discover in recent years who I really am and just how strong I am both deep down inside and outside with my amazing physical body.

Hi!  I'm Katy.  I am passionate and vibrant person!  Jesus Christ is why I do what I do. One of the reasons I am on this planet is to help others to find Him personally. Two of my favorite things are spray paint and glitter.  I love to read and I'm always reading a good book...or two at once.  I am passionate about Hatha and Kundalini Yoga and other "new age hippie" awesomeness. :) 

I spend most of my time as a homeschooling mama, but also now run a small business extremely part-time. Right now that means I go into the office for a few hours to work with clients on most Saturdays as a QNRT practitioner, and starting this fall, I anticipate also returning to teach yoga again.  Most days I can see the importance of what I do as a mom and I love it! I will always have a sink full of dishes and a pile of laundry, but my presence as a Mom is urgent.  I seek to keep things as simple and meaningful as possible, so that I can be available and mindful to intentional parenting.

Learning a difficult pose at Hatha YTT (Yoga Teacher Training).
For me, yoga has been such a powerful experience to
discover things about myself that I never knew before. It has become a
way of life, and for me, is more than just moving my body on my mat.

I have learned that the greatest gift I can give to my kids is a happy mom, so I take careful care of myself every day. I have learned that as I have my own unresolved "junk," it deeply effects my ability to be present for my kids as they are facing the challenges of their daily lives... So I keep my relationship with Mark strong, I do yoga every day, I eat well, I get as much sleep as I can, I read my scriptures and pray every day, and I regularly attend the temple and church. 

I have come to recognize God's presence and His wonder in my personal life, and I seek to help others discover it for themselves.  I have a deep testimony of Jesus Christ and have literally watched miracles unfold before my very eyes because of His Atonement and grace. 


Mom with Gavin as he heads off to scouts. We feel like we have found the "sweet spot" when it comes to extra-curricular activities with the kids. We recognize how important it is for the kids to have opportunities to learn and grow outside of what we can offer in our home, but we are selective and intentional about what and how much we are committed to. Each of our kiddos is in a weekly activity (right now that means preschool, karate, gym, or tumbling) as well as our 3 oldest have a weekly church activity (right now that means scouts or YW). We also love to have play dates with friends in addition to our weekly playgroup we host for families in our stake and the weekly homeschool co op groups we host and participate in.

I truly have had a beautiful and miraculous life!  When it's the right time, I look forward to sharing details with you.  For now, here are a few Q&A's: 

One night a week, we tuck the other kids into bed and then
 Sennika stays up and we have what we call  G.T. (Girl Time)
together. One the other week nights each week Gavin, Leland, 
and Shipton also get 1:1 time with a parent, or, ideally, they 
get both parents all to themselves! Individual time
with our kids is important to us as parents. In this picture, 
Sennika and I are enjoying the spa night that she
prepared for us. Oh how I love this girl! <3

~What are some of your favorite things?

In addition to learning, reading, yoga, trauma healing, and brain wellness,

I love spending weekly and monthly 1:1 time with our kids!

I love to sing opera...but that usually get "booed off the stage" by my little ones! :)

I love people and I believe we can learn something from everyone...even if our paths only cross briefly!

We are die-hard date-nighters and I love that set-aside time every week to only be a wife and nobody else for a few hours!

I also love to go to the temple and attend most weeks (in this time and season of our lives).



~What's a fun fact about yourself?

A tender moment of me with Shipton. Although there are so many
challenges to parenting and especially parenting so many kids
(who are all very different from each other), I am completely in
love with what I do in nurturing and growing these amazing kids from day to day.
My nick-name from an early age was "Little Ray of Sunshine."

I truly have been blessed with a happy disposition and the gift of finding joy, optimism, and positivity in even the most dreary of circumstances.

That sunshine follows me wherever I go and gives me the ability to brighten the lives of others too. 


Shipton and I have been doing yoga together since I was pregnant with him. <3
~What motivates you and what are you passionate about?

I am passionate about teaching my children (and not just punishing/discipline), but helping them to develop skills that will serve them into adulthood.

I love learning truth in ALL its forms.

I LOVE sharing truth and uplifting those around me.

I am most passionate of all about helping others to discover Jesus Christ personally.



Leland reading to me during his school time. How many kids
get to have such a loving environment to learn?! We aren't
perfect every moment, but do our best to be purposeful in
what and how we offer daily living to our kids.
~What is a challenge you've faced in your life and how did you overcome it?

I am in the middle of a very challenging time and season of life right now. I accepted the call to help lead the women in our stake (an area) for our church as the Stake Relief Society President. One of my biggest concerns was feeling too young and too under-qualified only second to the impact it would have on our young family! It has required a whole new level of communication skills between Mark and I. He has been so very supportive of me! I have learned to toggle back and forth between wife, mom, leader, business owner, etc. and truly be present wherever I am rather than worrying about what is happening at home when I'm in a meeting, etc. If I am home, I am home. If I am working, I am working. It has meant that we have needed to let some things go (like our yard or laundry or hanging Christmas lights). I have also learned just how deeply I can rely on my Savior to sustain me and strengthen me...to work in His love and strength in everything that I do. On my own, I will never be enough to help support the women in this stake, but with my Savior at my side, we can accomplish anything.

Meet Dad AKA Mark

Handsome man!

I am Mark.  I believe that as a parent, I have a unique and sacred responsibility to provide, protect and preside over the needs of my children.   I was blessed to be raised in a home where my needs were taken care of any many of my wants were also met.  

I learned to value work and money as a paperboy before I was a teenager.   I enjoy observing the business world around me and observing the positioning and success of businesses and organizations both large and small.   As an employee, parent, spouse, and individual, I am interested in continual improvement. Likewise, I pay ongoing attention to the influence I have on raising happy, healthy, and secure children. 


Mark and the kids at the aquarium.

I consider myself an energetic father still feeling as if I’m in my mid-twenties.   I see joy in each day and treasure the moments that I can learn about my children’s daily adventures.   I enjoy sharing experiences from work, around town, current events or reflections from my childhood or youth. 

Mark being silly with Gavin and Leland. He comes home from work ready to engage with the family and hear from the kids about their day and share about his.


~What are some of your favorite things?

I love soccer, both indoor and outdoor.

I enjoy learning about the people from other countries, and cooking their cuisine.

I enjoy the changes in the season, and holiday celebrations, both for “big holidays," as well as the “smaller holidays."

If I were given the choice to quietly read a book by myself or play Legos with the kids, I would definitely play Legos!

Proud of his cooking skills.


~What's a fun fact about yourself?

I love camping year round! Some of my greatest memories have come from being outdoors with family as I’ve seen the world around me and treasured earth’s creations. I see camping as a gateway to seeking adventures, gaining education and self-sufficiency. I’ve made/slept in snow caves, enjoyed sleeping under the stars and hiking miles just to see what was on the other side of the ridge.


Flying Easter kites in the backyard with the kids.

~What motivates you and what are you passionate about?

I am motivated by progress and development. It’s inspiring to see my children grasp a new idea, begin noticing the sound of animals around our yard, or ask endless questions that usually start with the word “why.” I am passionate about sharing my love for life with my children---helping them grow up in an environment where they feel safe, treasured, and unique. 


After family prayer, the kids do "pig pile loves" with Dad.


~What are some challenges you've faced in your life and how did you overcome them?


As I faced unemployment, I have gained a better perspective of the real joy and meaning in my work. While a paycheck is crucial to provide for those I love, it’s not a single motivator for me. Leaving a legacy of integrity, process improvement, and synergy among co-workers has become more important than the resume-driven-attributes I once focused on for leading me to the top of an organization.

Hiking with Shipton on his shoulders.



Mark with Shipton. The kids love to go with Mark to the playground at the school and play soccer, throw frisbees, fly kites, and run through the sprinklers.

Working to remove a stump from the front yard.  Mark has worked hard in our overgrown yard (and although we still have years of work to get it how we eventually want it, he has done so much!) Counterclockwise beginning at the left to right: Senn,  Gavin, Mark, and Le.

Shipton walking on the ceiling with Dad.



The infamous "Taco game"

You might have noticed that in many of these pictures, Mark has a beard and long hair. Gavin and Mark were in the beautiful production on Temple Square called "Savior of the World" Christmas season 2017. In summer 2018, Mark was also privileged to be in the filming of The Book of Mormon as "an extra" (background actor).



Daddy cook on the weekends.  His favorites to make are crepes, German pancakes, and Hungarian food.


Mr. Incredible INDEED!


Mark at the top of Willard Peak. He loves the outdoors and hiking.

Mark giving our FHE lesson about Pioneer Day. Do you see his "handcart?" :)




Meet Shipton




Shipton (almost 5) has grown into a confident preschooler with a budding sense of humor (thanks to big brother Gavin).  He is a busy little guy and loves anything silly.









Still needs updating!


















Meet Gavin


Gavin is our witty 10-year-old. He loves to figure out how things work. He love to fold origami, Star Wars, and Jurassic Park (and combines the three by folding intricate origami dinosaurs or Star Wars figures). 



At the Aquarium
He is hilarious! If Gavin isn't building Legos, he is most likely out digging in the sandbox or entertaining Shipton. Because of Gavin's apprenticeship, Shipton can build all kinds of vehicles out of Legos (Shipton is now a much better builder than we as parents).  He is so good to share with his brothers and sister.  Gavin is very social and loves to play with the other kids, yet plays happily on his own if nobody is interested in his game.





















These are cards that he meticulously and patiently lined up
and stacked to create a domino effect.


Gavin has an active mind, yet constantly surprises us because he doesn't tend to share while his thoughts are rolling like our other kids. Instead his ideas come out as well-thought-out ideas and expressions that we didn't know he was capable of stringing together. He usually can solve his math problems in his head faster than I can and/or without having to write it out like I need to. I remember watching him one day playing with his Geo-track (battery operated train set). He would run the train, then shut it off to excitedly adjust something then see what would happen, then tweak again, until he finally had the results he was working towards. He had hung string to catch it at just the right place and was also working to get the "right" weight loaded in the trailers for it to go down the hills at the desired timing. 



Gavin at his Christmas performance for gym
Gavin is consistently at the top of his class for Urban Gym. (It's a super hip, boy version of gymnastics). 

Gavin also participates in cubscouts and will be representing our pack as Cub of the Year in 2019.


Gavin's greatest gift to us is his sense of humor. He comes up with the most clever and well-timed things to say. Often, his humor is expressed in quoting lines from movies. He will either quote the line directly or alter it slightly to fit perfectly in context. Gavin has a light heart and can find the humor in any situation. His gift to our family is helping us to keep things fun.

Meet Sennika


Senn at the Grand Canyon

Sennika is 11 years old and quickly growing into an amazing young woman.  She is a major bookworm and loves to plan, then carry out art projects or other creative endeavors. She loves her chickens and family history.  

Sennika is the most beautiful of our children. :)  She reminds us constantly that she is outnumbered by "smelly" boys and looks forward to the possibility of one day having her very own sister.  She does hold her own pretty well with all the rowdy boys and Gavin even occasionally takes pity on her and plays Barbies or Polly Pockets when Mom isn't available and she is sick of Legos.  Mom and Sennika have "GT" (girl time) every week. We usually spend an hour or so together doing something fun, connecting, and that we can't sneak in during the day without brothers teasing or ruining it. :)




Sennika is radiant and confident.  I overheard someone complimenting her at church on how cute her new haircut is and she responded with, "I know."  I love that she walks with a bounce and approaches life with high spirits.  She has a big heart and cares for her toys with great love.










Senn with Mom and Dad on her first time in the temple! With the new
changes, Sennika is one of the 11 year-olds who qualified for a temple
recommend and the Young Women's program "early." (for our church)
She has taken her own family names most times. She has LOVED
learning about and finding her own ancestors.
Sennika's greatest gift to our family is her example of desiring things of the Spirit.  She was baptized last year and is learning to listen to the Holy Ghost more each day.  When she has a challenge or frustration, nine times out of ten she will come bounding into the room and announce that, "I prayed about it" then share the answer or solution.  One of our favorite times of the day has become tucking her into bed at night.  It has been a privilege to listen to her discuss her day and we cherish the opportunities it has given us as parents to speak on a spirit to spirit level with her.




Ready or not...? YW! <3

Out for milkshakes for "Mommy's Club." On the day of the month the kids were born they get to do something 1:1 with Dad. On the day for the month (ie- May = 5th) that they were born, we do something 1:1 with Mom.





Her favorite color is blue (Robin's egg blue like her bedroom).

Her favorite food is anything at Maddox.

Her favorite toy is either books or barbies.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Meet Leland




Leland is a busy eight-year-old.  He is as filled with energy as he is love!  Leland is best explained by a few minutes in his presence. 





He is so genuine and so tender, yet a firing ball of energy bursting to go, do, and experience! He gives the most love-filled hugs and kisses and stops his play often to pass them out. 


















One of Leland's greatest gifts to our family is that he teaches us about love. When he helps in the kitchen he makes sure that everything has his "secret ingredient" of "love" in it (he blows kisses in whatever he helps to prepare). I agree with Leland, the food doesn't taste the same without love put into it.:) When we had our first garden I explained to him about weeds vs. garden plants. His idea of weeding the garden is, "being mean to the weeds so they won't grow." He reported, "I told the good plants that I love them and gave them lots of kisses so they will grow."
Oh how this sweet guy melts my heart and how we all appreciate his genuine wisdom! It's rare to see him walk; he gets around mostly by galloping or skipping. Leland is such a joy!  He is an extremely observant child and constantly asks what words or situations mean.  He pays attention to the details and wants to understand.  


He LOVES to play with his brothers...any brotherly mischief will do.  He loves to ride his scooter, play legos, and any activity outside.  He loves nature, gardening, and cooking. Leland does Tae Kwan Do, and already has two stripes on his belt. He also is Wolf in the Cubscout program.





Leland's favorite color is blue.
His favorite food is chili.
His favorite toy is his Legos.