Thoughtful Thursday

In 1776, Thomas Jefferson penned these words:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

With the ratification and signing of this document, many men entered a war almost certain to fail. Our Founding Fathers understood that “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” are God given rights and that government is responsible to protect these rights. They fought the Revolutionary war not for themselves, but for their posterity. “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” affirmed by the people and protected by the government began only after the sacrifice of many men—most of whom did not enjoy the fruits of their sacrifice until the end of their lives. Their sacrifice, unselfishly given, was for their children.

Their sacrifice stirred in the hearts of men throughout the world spurring revolutions in many nations. Democracy and religious freedom found a place in the hearts of men.

Again, we find ourselves in a battle for the God given rights of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”.

Our government once protecting all life has turned against the innocent. Some lives are valued less than others. Women, in the names of “freedom” and “rights”, legally terminate the fruit of their wombs. No longer can we say, “our nation and our people sacrifice their lives for the lives of their children.”

Laws that for generations have protected the liberty to speak, believe, and worship according to the conscience of the individual are being sacrificed for laws protecting the arbitrary sexual rights of the individual. Democracy and religious freedom are losing. Men’s hearts are turning from liberty.

As sexual rights remove liberty from the laws, governments falter trying to take the place of mothers and fathers. The costs of social programs stifle the pursuit of happiness.

Slowly, the majority is becoming comfortable with the idea of sexual rights being superior to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. Our children will not know the blessings our forefathers bestowed upon us. They will not understand the meaning of liberty.

Like the Founding Fathers of our nation, our generation is being tested. Are our children important enough to for us to give what we need for their future? Will we sacrifice what is necessary to assure the blessings of our Creator? Will we once again, in the face of opposition and tyranny boldly declare:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Monday Management

Okay, so for this I am only pretending that I know how to be a good homemaker. Our house is the white trash house on the block. We have weeds in our grass and broken blinds lining our front windows. I dream of lovely new curtains and plush green grass lined with a lovely flower garden. It's not going to happen anytime soon. So I will move on to a topic that I am a little better at: Laundry!

Laundry is my nemesis. My whole married life, laundry has been a challenge to me. In the beginning and for many years we had no washer and dryer, and so I had to tramp out to public laundry facilities. that wasn't so bad until I was hauling three kids along with me.

Once we got our own washer and dryer and a lovely home, I had four kids and laundry became it's own new nightmare. I had to find ways to conquer it. I think I finally have.

First I did the wash a bunch and throw it in baskets and fold and put it all away at a later date. That never worked very well for me.

Next, I began folding as soon as the clothes got out of the dryer and putting every single load away individually. That took way too much time, and it wasn't long before clean clothes were left in baskets again.

My next try was folding everything right out of the dryer and  putting it onto a table. Then when I had time, I moved the laundry to the bedrooms. That worked well until I had so many little kids. Laundry was consuming my life.

Finally, I found the perfect solution. Only kids mature enough to put their own clothes away get dressers in their bedrooms. All other family members get baskets set on shelves for all of their clothes in the laundry room. Actually everyone has their baskets including bathrooms and kitchen and cleaning rags. It works! I never put more than dish towels and my own clothes away. I never have unfolded clothes sitting around in baskets. I never have big 3 hour laundry folding parties. I wash the clothes. I fold right out of the dryer while putting each item into its designated basket. The kids change their clothes in the laundry room leaving the dirty clothes in the dirty clothes baskets. I have not had to worry about making bedroom space available for dressers. It works!

Oh and one more great invention. I keep a bucket of folded socks on the dryer for the kids to rummage through when they need socks. We haven't lost so many socks that way.

This Week at Our House # 23

1. John is still looking for a job. If anyone wants to pray for us, we'd be very grateful.
2. I have been doing some freelance writing. BUT... I only get paid about $5 to $6 for an hours worth of research and writing. It's not that great. AND... it's honestly hard for me to find the time. I have rearranged my cleaning schedule to find more working/playing with kids time. That actually has been good. It really was time to readjust my schedule to better fit my large family.
3. I can't remember if I wrote about how much fun Ruth had on trek yet. She had a wonderful time! She came back happy. She hasn't spent so much time moping and complaining. Today in church, the Stake President came up to me and told me that Ruth bore a courageous testimony that a lot of the other kids needed to hear. He told me that what she said has helped other youth be happy. Of course, I asked Ruth what she said. She talked about feeling her pioneer ancestors and doing family history work. She talked about getting to know her ancestors and choosing to be happy in the face of adversity. Ruth is a good girl. 
4. Kate is having a nice relaxing summer hanging out with Ruth and Bonnie. Kate came to the Celebration of Marriage with John and I on Wednesday. Kate has spent a lot of hours talking to me and doing family policy political stuff. I love that Kate is interested in the same stuff I am.
5. I'm not sure if I mentioned this or not, but Johnny  had his first scout camp out. He had fun. He doesn't like fiahing, but he said it might not be too bad if he had a book to read while fiahing. I agree. Johnny said he thinks a lot of girls are pretty. Apparently, he likes girls with blond hair and blue eyes. Cute!
6. Adam had his last week of second grade-- finally! I was done two weeks ago. The last of any school year is crazy. I went with him on a field trip to the splash pad, and he had a little singing thing the next day.  I know Adam is glad to be done and on vacation.
7. Rachel had a little singing thing this week too. She is the cutest little thing. Rachel told me a lot about school. She said she is excited to start the second grade in three weeks. I am sad that she did not get into the charter school so she could be on a normal schedule. Rachel said she is glad because her second grade teacher is the funnest in the school.
8. Anya's been really cute asking me to play with her and read to her. I am always glad when my kids demand the attention they need in a nice way. 
9. Joseph is growing out of those toddler years. He is more mature. He's starting to think about things before he acts. Joseph has been LOVING the hot weather. He spends all of his free time outside and usually playing water and mud. I let him have his water and mud even though it is extra work for me. We have a small yard, and I know my kids need to be out and exploring, so I let them dig and play and water as much as they like. 
10. I love how Josh loves his cars and trains. A toddler that loves toys more than toilets is a really nice thing.
11. Arwen is standing up to things and even walking across the couch a bit. She is 11 months now, but still looks like she did at 6 months. Arwen is the sweetest baby! I remember feeling strongly against having more children after Josh was born. I feel blessed that Heavenly Father forgave me and sent little Arwen to brighten up our lives.

Poor Neglected Blog

I missed last Sunday and never found the time to make up for it. I want that to change. In fact, I've been thinking that I want to start doing more-- writing more-- upping what I do on the blog. Here is my plan:

• Sunday-- My This Week at Our House Post-- my kids have LOVED that!
• Monday-- "Management Monday"-- my tips, ideas, morning, etc on keeping house
• Thursday-- "Thoughtful Thursday"-- my thoughts on motherhood and life in general

Time for me to get back and care for my poor neglected blog.

This Week at Our House # 22

1. Just the same story. John had a couple of phone interviews, with another one scheduled for tomorrow. We're still praying and John is working full time on some android apps to try and bring in a little income.
2. I spent a bit of time signing up for at a couple of free-lance writer websites to see if I can bring a little more money while still being at home with the kids. It is still yet to be determined whether or not I'll even be picked to write anything, but at least I am trying.
3. Ruth had Trek Youth Conference! She had a wonderful time. I am so glad she went. She came home glowy and happy. I feel like Trek washed away my unhappy Ruth and brought back the girl I know. School was tough this last year. She is going to try and make friends that help her to be happy next school year.
4. Kate missed being old enough for Trek by 2 months. She was very disappointed and definitely lonely without Ruth. I love that my kids are good friends.
5. Johnny doesn't know it yet, but last week was his last free for all week, and starting tomorrow, I will be making him work a few days each week for the rest of the summer. He will be disappointed. That kid loves his free time.
6. Adam has a book report due Monday. I only found out about it Friday night when I got a reminder email from his teacher. After some coaxing, he finally brought me a pile of papers that I have seen sitting on his shelf for about 2 weeks. Ughhh. Fortunately, I had been reading Fablehaven with Adam. We finished reading right away and he spent all day Saturday getting his book report written up. Adam complained about having to do the report on Saturday saying, "But Saturday is my relaxation day." Sorry kid, that is only true if you have not procrastinated. 
7. Rachel talks and talks and talks and talks. I could write that some more and I am not sure it would get suffice for how much this girl gabs. She is cute, following me around the house telling me everything and when she is out of actual events, she tells me made up things. 
8. Anya caught a baby bunny. After, watching it, I knew it she had caught it because it was a sick baby bunny. It died a few hours after she had decided that it was her forever pet. Poor girl.
9. Joseph had a good week. Maybe he is easing out of his terrible threes. These days, I am finding that I think he is more cute than naughty. I like how time heals.
10. Josh seems to be growing more into the terrible twos. He was sent back to bed every morning for throwing a crying fit, and he had to take naps for the same reason. He's also back to saying "No" to everything, even if it is what he wants. Toddlers are funny. I think I will like them better when they are my grandkids rather than my kids.
11. Arwen got off her belly and is now crawling on her hands and knees. She is standing up and getting into things more. Arwen loves water. She loves bath. She loves the sprinklers at the local splash pad, and she loves playing in the water when she gets her hands washed. I suspect at some point, Arwen will discover the toilet and then I won't think her excitement about water is so cute. For now, I'll just enjoy how adorable she is around water.

This Weeks Pictures

 

 

Happy Father's Day

John is just the greatest father. He spends individual time doing something each kid likes each week. That is pretty awesome for a Dad of 9. He spends a lot of time teaching the kids gospel doctrine and making sure they are reading their scriptures. He loves holding and playing with the babies. He wrestles and plays with the little kids. He plays board games and wii games with the boys almost every night. My kids are down right lucky to have a Dad that cares so deeply about them, loves them, and like hanging out with them!

This Week at Our House #21

1. John and I had our 16th wedding anniversary on Friday. We are at 16 years with 9 kids. He is a good dad. He spends a lot of time playing with the kids. They are lucky to have such an attentive father.

1. On Saturday, I walked the half marathon that I did not train for. It took me 3.5 hours. There were a good 200+ walkers with me. Some had trained and some had not. The first 8 miles were pleasant and I kept a pretty good pace. The next 2 miles were more difficult, and I slowed down some. The last three miles were a bit grueling and many of the other slow joggers/walkers that I had passed earlier in the race, passed me. I only decided to go through with it on Thursday. After that I felt pretty nervous and frightened. In the end, I was glad I did it. John's  65 year old Dad and Brother Jeremy began the race with me. John's dad finished the race in 2:15 minutes and came in 4th place for his age group. He's pretty awesome. Jeremy came in under 1:45 for a new personal record. My friend Christina Bartholomew, a mother of 9, ran it and came in just over 2:15. I think I will walk some more half marathons, but actually train by walking long distances ahead of time. I do not plan on running anything so long until my little kids are older or all of my kids are much older. Running is not a stress reliever for me. I would run, come home tired and then feel grumpy that it was time to start the days labors. However, I think I may run a neighborhood 5K in a couple of weeks. I will make my 3 oldest run it too.
2. Ruth had a busy and a fun week. She finished the 9th grade off with some fun school activities. On Wednesday, Ruth had service day. They walked along the Legacy highway cleaning up the garbage. Ruth shocked a bunch of kids when she bagged up a dead snake. On Thursday, Ruth and all the other Davis County 9th graders spent the day at Lagoon. Ruth had one friend willing to go on all of the fun roller coasters with her. Friday was the last day of the 9th grade. I am glad to have Ruth home for the summer. I feel like summer vacation gives my older kids a time to detox from all of the friend drama that occurs in this age group.
3. Kate got into Legacy Preparatory Academy for the 9th grade. She is down right excited about getting to wear school uniforms. She has spent some time online looking at all of the options for her school. Kate is also glad about Legacy Prep because the education is a classical education, she gets to take art year round, and a lot of the kids that go to Legacy Prep are the calmer more studious kids.
4. Johnny and Kate spent the week playing outside and building legos. They spent a lot of time trying to catch the babies of the rabbits that ate our peach and apple trees last winter.
5. Adam had school all week. Adam got to be a part of the 200 hundred club. I am not sure what the name means, but it is a group of just 12 kids that had a party and were awarded for excellent behavior throughout the school year. 
6. Rachel had a good week. I am grateful that she is reading better and better all of the time. I am also grateful that even though it has been hard for her to learn to read, Rachel loves reading and can be found sitting with a Magic Tree House book.
7. Anya got accepted into Legacy Preparatory Academy as a kindergartener this week. I signed her right up because that is where I would like all of my kids to attend school as soon as there is room for them. This will make Rachel the only child at the public school and on a year round schedule. But, I need to put my kids into Legacy Prep as soon as the opportunity arises. I am hoping that Rachel, Adam, and Joseph will all be in Legacy Prep together in 2014. This school year will be a bit rough with one homeschooled 3rd grader, one kindergartener at one school, a second grader at another school. An 8th and 9th grader at another school, and one kid in the 10th grade in High school. I will still have the 3 littlest at home and will give Joseph a pretty structured pre-school to prepare hime for kindergarten. Anya is excited to attend school. She starts Aug 19th.
8. Joseph is definitely behaving better every week. I have been trying to remember to praise him when he builds things or cleans up after himself. The more I remember to praise the good, the less damage he does to the house.
9. Joshua seems to have switched from his sole love of cars to trains. He loves trains the most now. He plays with trains all day long. Joseph and Joshua build some intricate train tracks together. They are pretty clever little boys.
10. Arwen stood up for the first time this week. She's more vocal and has a couple of words now. Arwen is pretty friendly with people and still very adored by her family. One of the fun things about having such a big family is seeing the adoration my children have for each other. It must be great growing up with so many people thinking everything you do is cute.

This Weeks Pictures

Joseph hardly ever sleeps in his bed. He either sleeps on the floor or the bean bag.

This is the first time Arwen ever stood herself up just after she removed a bunch of books from the shelf.

I promised the kids a picnic dinner at a park where we could feed ducks.

Ruth made an annoyed face at me when I first took a picture of her. Then I reminded her that she would want a nice picture.

All of my girls have worn this little Old navy dress.

Once upon a time, I said that I would never have kids with messy faces and dirty shirts because you know, it only takes a little effort. Bwahaha