Christmas in boxes

After having read a personal story of adoption from another friends website, I feel relief.  For the first time in a while, I felt the ice trickle off my crusty heart.  Her story of love, sacrifice, devotion, faith, and endurance have really strengenthed me and reminded me about the real meaning of Christmas.  Seriously, it has not really felt very "Christmasy" at the Vallender stead this season.  We moved on December 17th again from our 2nd purchased home into an apartment only 2 miles away.  Struggling with so many why's and what ifs all melted away in the sight of a new born baby girl and two doting parents.  Joshua has only asked for a motor scooter from Santa for over a month...with the move, and no park, culdesac, yard, a motor scooter would be a lost cause.  So, I told him that the complex didn't allow motor scooters.  His unprompted response was...maybe Santa can get me my own set of scriptures to read since I can read them now.  E'lan has truly stepped up the game at home.  He has been getting up every morning with the kids, making bfast, reading scriptures, and cleaning the kitchen.  So much easier to clean 1100 sq feet :)  Count your many blessings.  All that matters are those three children asleep across the hall. 
     I have been horrible to them and to E'lan.  It has been a very hard transition for me this time.  I am not really sure why.  I think perhaps it has to do with E'lan finishing up school soon, looking for a job within a city and so unsure about our current employment, seling our home that we put so much time, money, effort, and love into...all very poor excuses for forgetting what really matters, people.  I went to a Christmas concert a year ago, and as I was sitting their alone listening to a string quartet play Pachabel a vision opened to my mind about me writing a book.  The book was to be about the last week of Christ's life, from Passover to Easter Sunday.  A guide for parents on how to teach their children the events of the Saviors last words and steps here on the earth.  I learned so much in Jerusalem over 14 years ago, and then on my mission about Jesus Christ.  I have always felt passionately about teaching children doctrine.  Well, here I sit a year later with only one lousy page written.  Can you believe how I let time pass me by?  IT was truly an inspired "vision" over a year ago, and I felt the hand of God tell me it was what He wanted me to engage in and do.  So, my gift to Jesus this Christmas is to promise to complete that work this year.  My "spare time" will be devoted to Him - be it in the temple, studying Jewish history, writing my book, or teaching my children.  This year, today I begin. 
     Why do we delay those things which we know will bring us the most benefit?  Why do we withhold from the Lord?  I have been so suctioned into the "Things" of life that I didn't even see or realize it.  Perhaps God is teaching me to let go of all these things, and lean directly on Him, and my husband for support.  I have felt so many answers come and go regarding our situation.  It has been a whirlwind to say the least.  I know that E'lan has a work to do in his life in buildling a city or helping a city improve as well as a work for God's children.  One step at a time.  Can you imagine being Mary?  Combining the feelings of motherhood with your feelings to our Creator?  Holding that baby and rocking Him to sleep knowing that He is the world's....that night, He was certainly all hers as the angels watched over her babe's sleeping head.  I cannot fathom it.  I am grateful for it.  I know that He is leading E'lan and I somewhere in our life.  Each day's choices matter, how I talk to my children.  If I choose to stop unpacking and play, tickle instead of pay bills :)  I hope to be more like my children.  I hope that He sees my heart and knows that I yearn to be a better mother, daughter, wife, friend.  If only to become like His Son.  Thank you God for my gift of life. 
   I guess this post was more a plea and prayer from my heart that He will hear...

Moving...

Okay, we added it up, this is move number 8 in 8 years of marriage...We have been in our home for 2.5 years.  A record for us...we thought it would be much longer.  We have determined to not buy a house again until we have lived somewhere for more than 5 years.  :)  So, here is an update on what we have been up to.  We went to Strawberry/Payson  a couple of weekends ago to escape the madness of our life.  It was great.  We hiked Tonto National Park, saw some old antique shops, played with fire, and had no cell phones!   We went to the zoo, had Aunt Juju and Nana visit to collect blankets for http://www.becausewehavebeengivenmuch.com/  and  and and...Christmas is coming.  We sold our house without listing it and we are on the move again!  More details to come.  Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

FWD:

Good times beatin uofa

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Stuff

Joshua started Fall Flag Football, and Fred is teh coach...it is so much fun to watch.  He threw a couple of touchdown passes, grabbed a few flags, and made a good run.  Go Josh!  He loves playing with his cousin and being coached by Fred...he always makes it fun.

My new doo...I cut 8inches!  Happens about every 3 years with me.  Linda sucking her thumb! 

This child is so happy...she rubs her feet on the floor when she is excited and makes  a growling AAAHHH sound.  I love being in her presence!

Pasta out of our Christmas bowls...yes they are out already in hopes of cooler weather coming sooner rather than later :)  Naomi loves Sghetti!

Her new dress from Mexico that Grandma bought her.  Seems like she gets loads of cool stuff from them every time they go on a trip, which is often.  She is so loved and spoiled!

One Saturday, E'lan and I were working outside for a while, and the kids were busily doing something inside, they called us in to a "fine dining" experience.  They even put a tablecloth on their Kiddie Lightning Mcqueen table :)  First course, string cheese and almonds, followed by a divine carrot and cucumber dip, and finished witha spinach salad DRENCHED in dressing!  I was so not hungry but I ate every last bite!  It was so sweet, I hope to always remember it. 

Josh at Football again.

E'lan sweaty and hot from working - eating the meal the kids made for him for "working so hard". 

Ho Ho Ho, Santa can I have a new car?

Joshua is the greatest big brother.  One night she was fussy so he made her a bottle and said he would feed her...not even 5 minutes later this is what I saw...adorable. 

Nuff said...oh wait 7 turnovers!

Nuff said...oh wait 7 turnovers!

Elan decorated our pregame cookie treat for our fellow byu ers...lol go utes

Elan decorated our pregame cookie treat for our fellow byu ers...lol go utes

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New stuff

     So, I am going to start journeling more in this blog - due to the fact that I am going to print it.  It will serve as a life history for my kiddos and us.  With the start of the new school year for both E'lan and Joshua, we find ourselves adjusting to many things.  E'lan is working with the city of Apache Junction of the downtown revitilzation project as well as whatever else he wants experience in.  He is also doing a site Committee for Joshua's school, and serving on the City of Mesa Human Services Advisory board along with a full time load at ASU for his MPA.  He is in his last year, and he is keeping very busy with all that school, internship, and full time job entails.  Joshua, on the other hand, is transitioning into the rigors of 1st grade.  To some it is no big deal, but it is his first time in school all day.  He did half day last year - which was AWESOME!  We prayerfully decided to switch his schools on Friday last week.  He is now attending Augusta Ranch (Gilbert public school), and is loving loving loving it.  He doesn't have a dress code anymore, and has more freedom.  He was sobbing a week ago and so upset about being gone so long.  As a mother you feel such a burden of choosing your childs path initially.  Questions like "will this switch do him good, mess him up, be the best for him?"  and the list goes on and on.  Finally you must leave it in the hands of the Lord and move forward in faith and a belief that He will stop you if you are headed in the wrong direction. 
      I - at home, domestic Goddess - :)  am keeping busy with my girls.  Who knew that I would love having girls?  I absolutely love tea parties, dress up, cooking fun, and oh playing in the mud.  I am working with Naomi at home on her letters and numbers...and she is on a playdate swap, which is heaven!  Linda is the happiest baby I ever saw in the morning.  She doesn't cry in her crib.  She literally waits for us to come and get her, and when she sees us, its just all SMILES.   I just have one class left for Nursing prereqs and it's gonna wait till life slows down for my hubby.  I am training for a half marathon in May....I despise running - DESPISE.  But, I need a goal of some sort, and I need to stretch myself. Sooo, why not?  I just discovered exercise with a friend.  My neighbor and I run together 2 days a week, and I am on my own for the third.  It is the best thing that ever happened to me recently.  It keeps me motivated and moving forward.  So, there you have a synopsis of our lives.  Naomi is starting a tumbling class....then off to Broadway stuff when she is 4.  She will be taking a singing and dancing class...she loves to do that! Well, until the next time.  Pics to come.

A Day in the Life...

Well, today was one of those:  "Really, should I be a mom?" days - Ever have one of those.  It starts of with me waking up to all kids awake before me... I get them ready, plop baby down in front of sleeping husband to wrangle the other two.  Go downstairs to start breakfast, because I always do hot breakfast for my kids - no pop tarts here:)  As I am making the food, Josh enters with the intent to finish off his "weekly" homework assignment so as to free up his afternoons after school.  He begins to whine and cry and yell....I don't wanna do it.  Then, husband says he doesn't want potatoes I actually made for him (usually I just do pancakes n sausage and skip the effort of fried potatoes, but not today...) Husband leaves for work, and I am left to my own on taking Josh to his new bus stop.  We switched him schools on Monday.  About when we reach the end of the driveway, we have meltdown - he doesn't wanna wear his boots.  Mind you we are already pushing clock to make bus.  He refuses to walk down street...screams and yells, returns to house and changes to tennis shoes. Comes back outside, Naomi riding her bike VERY SLOWLY, linda in stroller dying of heat, Josh is sprinting ahead.  I turn corner of bus stop only to see bus waiting for Josh to get on as he is cowering under a tree in greenbelt and crying.  I tell him to hurry and get on or he'll miss it (with much more flowery language and in front of all my neighbors, don't judge me).  He refuses.  We all run back to house (me with stroller, bike, and naomi in hand) to take him to school.  Not my finest motherly hour.  He gets to school, Naomi watches cartoons for an hour so I can nap while Linda goes down - I know things you say you would never do....like sit kid in front of boob tube so you can snooze if only 10 lousy minutes.  I watch friends kid.  Naomi spills an entire gallon of grape koolaid all over kitchen floor and fam room carpet after having already cleaned the floor 4 times today, literally!  Toliet paper roll is totally undone and all over bathroom...  I go to get bloodwork and orders aren't in so I have to return TWICE with 2 little girls again on same day.  Make Naomi feed baby so I can make lunch and she gets it EVERYWHERE.  Fax docs to hospital which I sent already twice doesn't work.  Linda screaming on floor...run to walmart and lose it with clerk, no dinner plans, Totally cheat and park in illegal parking to get Joshua from school to try and make amends for my bitterly horrible mothering morning episode.  And, E'lan is telling me that I am unhappy.  Thanks - didn't notice that myself.  Doesn't sound like anything too bad, but it sure feels bad.  This is what I feel like, what the *&^%^%##$&*(!  I know I must repent.  But, God will forgive me right?  That is not even all of my bleeps today either...Can't totally berrade myself now can I?

Inspired

Our sister, Juliette has begun a campaign to collect blankets for the homeless.  She has created a website, and has begun her journey on helping those in true need.  She is an inspiriation for me, she is a light in our life and an example of selflessness.  I thank her for reminding me what true Christlike love is and true selfless service means.  Please check out her new begininngs on her website and donate a blanket - If you live in AZ, bring it to me, as we have started our own blanket drive to assist her in her efforts.  November 15th will be the end date where we will be making a new quilt to donate as well as those collected between now and then.  http://becausewehavebeengivenmuch.com/  Here is her website. 

Remembering this:
"And now behold my beloved brethern, I say unto you, do not suppose that this is all; for after ye have done all these things, if ye turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflited, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need - I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith." 
Alma 34:28
I also love what Alma says in Mosiah 18:28-29
"And thus they should impaort of their substance of their own free will and good desires towards God, and to those that stood in need, yea, and to every needy, naked soul.  And this he said unto them, having been commanded of  God; and they did walk uprightly before God, imparting to one another both temporally and spiritually according to their needs and their wants."

Thank you Juliette for remembering the needy, the afflicted, and weary.  Thank you for giving me a way to help, to serve man and even my Master!  I love you.

Linda

This is my favorite picture of me and her.  Could it be that one of my babies takes after me finally?  It is debatable.  But, either way she wins! 

 This was her first feeding,but she was more interested in her thumb as always.  So cute.

She is teething too, so she loved chewing the rubber on the spoon.  She is nearly 5 months old already.  Time flies when its #3!

Summer Fun?

Oh man, has a lot happened.  We got a new swing set, JuJu visited, E'lan turned 33, had Father's Day, Joshua turned 6, stayed in hospital for a week....I thought the week of festivities would burn me out until we admitted Joshua to the hospital for a leg infection that turned into a staff infection and lymphangitis, cellulitis with an abscess on the knee.  By the grace of God it did not get into his blood stream, it stopped with the lymph system.  He was hobbling around on his knee this past Monday, then it got really red and hot to touch.  He woke up with what looked like spider bites in his groin, which eventually turned into big red puffy leg!  He was admitted Tuesday night at 1am, after a day of testing and shots. Apparently this type of infection if spread to the reproductive system can sterilize . what???   He was so terrified.  But, he made it through.  The irony is that he is NEVER sick.  We always end up in the ER with him.  A broken leg, glass in the head, eye poked out, and now this.  I would rather him get a cold :)  So, he was sent to a room alone....he watched a lot of tv, played the wii (which was totally a treat seeing as we don't have one), puzzles, tv, and anything else you can think of.  He had lots of visitors that brought him nice things to eat and play with.  The ultimate gift was Grandpa's thumbwars book and glove.  It was hilarious.  You paint your thumbs and put them in this glove....anyway.  Friday late afternoon, he was sent home after 4 days od iv antibiotics.  I feel like it was a test for many purposes, to remind me of what really matters, refocus our efforts, and get our finances a push.  Linda was sick with an ear infection at home this whole week, and Becky and Jason cared for her while Grandma and grandpa had Naomi.  Thank you to all our friends and family that helped us this week.  Thank you God for healing Joshua, and stopping the infection from spreading, taking care of my girls while I was gone. 

 I found this swing set for free on Craigslist, Elan is having to do it in pieces because it is so big.  Has 2 slides, monkey bars, swings, olympic rings, and 3 platforms :)  So, there is his summer project!

 Aunt Juliette aka JuJu visited for a week.  We had our annual and standard water fight outside - the kids love it and look forward to. 

 Linda outgrew the bathroom sink finally, she has graduated to my kitchen sink!  She is nearly 5 months old now.

 Happy Fathers Day to our Super DAD!  We hope to juice lots of fruit from those trees you planted :)

 So, at 6am on Joshuas birthday, E"lan went and picked up his new bike, then rang the doorbelll while he was eating his fav breakfast, and to his suprise- A BIKE with 7 gears, shocks, a kick stand, and and and....

 More water fighting!  What is summer in AZ without water - INFERNO!

 Joshua's 6th birthday party was a water fight with water balloons, squirt gun things, a pool, and don't forget the pinata, pin tail on donkey.  

 Dad had to get in on the action...ofcourse only after I got drenched by his orders did I plot revenge and told the kids to get him. 

 Joshua loves pinatas.  We have them every year at his party. 

 You all just thought you were tought, Naomi wacked this thing to death!
 Happy Birthday Joshua! 

 The best gift at the hospital.  Thanks Grandpa!

Wedding

Many of you know that my sister got married!  Yes, it is true to Jason Posey.  It was a lovely ceremony.  Here is a sneak peak into their beginnings.  Thank you to all my friends that helped us out last minute!  May God bless their union and their life together. 

 Seriously every bride should have a KILLER dress like this one!  I was drooling!  It was so freaking Awesome!  Mom still has it hanging from her "celestial curtains", and why not? 

 Getting Becky ready for her Bridal portraits was lots of fun. 

 Loading her into the cart was even funner!  The kids just trailed after her especially the girls. 

 Me being me.  I couldn't believe all the material, but it was sooooo lightweight. 

 Naomi with her buddy and cousin Evie Mae.  They both loved her flowers. 

 Need I say more? Pink and more pink....many of you will be shocked to hear that I wore babypink, yes its true.

 I love this picture.  Rebecca is the last one of us to tie the knot, and we are all so happy for her, because...

 Jason Rocks!

 The scenery was truly breathtaking as were the bride and groom.

 I cannot believe my little Joshua is growing up so fast.  He is such a good boy and an example to me. 

 Our little family is growing.  We were all in Pink and green, oh except the purple tie????

 Ruth and Naomi.

Oh my goodness.  The oldest girls in each family.  Abbie, Kamree, and Naomi.  Such good buddies.