David and Goliath

I suppose I should have realized when we named our fourth son, David, that every David must have a Goliath to defeat. Unfortunately, today his younger brother, Ben was recruited for the job. Our Goliath was not quite willing to go by the books, however. Their reinactment quickly turned into a contest of who was stronger and who had the better slingshot.

It may appear that I haven't had anything to write about over the past 3 weeks. On the contrary, we have been very busy. I struggle to find time to record everything that happens. This past week we had the school's music program and award ceremony. Each of the kids got at least one award. Just before the ceremony we had an emergency trip to the doctor after Ben fell out of a shopping cart. On Thursday, David had 2 cavities filled. I was worried because he is a little more sensitive than some of my other children. I encouraged him to pray before going. After it was over he literally jumped happily out of the dentist chair and said it didn't hurt at all. Best of all, he recognized that his prayer had been answered! The faith of a child...good lesson for me this week!

Mother's Day

Yesterday was Mother's Day. Jason woke my husband up at 6:00 AM so they could make breakfast in bed for me. Before long, everyone was up. A little while later and they all came in singing and carrying a tray with bacon, eggs, fruit, juice, and an english muffin. The tray nearly toppled with all of the hugs and kisses that followed. I felt like the luckiest mom alive. For Mother's Day, Jason made me some flower pens in a pot, Keith gave me coupons for a million back rubs, bubble baths, hugs, and dishwashing service. Rebecca made me a jewlery box. They all gave me a wall hanging with a lighthouse and the scripture "Let your light so shine...". It was such a wonderful day! The kids sang special songs in church. I sobbed through it, wondering how I ever allow myself to get discouraged and frustrated with these sweet children that bless my life in so many ways! We had LaMonte's family over for dinner in the evening. Then we walked over to the duck pond and caught baby turtles. What a wonderful day!

Confession-after my first posting I called my mom to tell her about the new blog. I asked if she would leave a comment then jokingly said.."just don't say that you're my mom." My husband informed me that I was being rude...so I called to apologize and we had a good laugh over it. Anyhow...I will definately claim ownership of the first two comments posted on my blog...they are from my parents!

Opening

A few years ago I was shopping at Wal-Mart with my crew. We needed some last minute groceries and a new garbage can. My oldest boys were having a great time barrelling down the isle with a 50-gallon garbage can while I coaxed my tired 2-year old (who had dressed himself that day) to get up off the floor and keep going, assuring him we were "almost done." (He'd heard that line one too many times.) A lady with an older daughter were shopping in the same aisle. After passing by us, I heard one of them whisper to the other, "And she's pregnant!" I laughed as I realized how we must look to the rest of the world at times. I've been called amazing. I've been called crazy. Most people just look at us and wonder what life is like for a family with six small children. That is why I have decided to start this blog. In this way, I hope to give a behind the scenes view to the joys and challenges of raising a big family. I also look forward to documenting the priceless memories that make it all so worthwhile!