The day after

Okay, now that I look back on yesterday, the day was not that bad! I think that it was what to be expected for 5 young children on Christmas day. The Chem-Dry people got here at 9 this morning to clean the carpets so I headed over to Mom and Dad's for the day. We had a nice visit with them and we got to eat a nice meal for dinner with ham, dressing, rolls, mashed potatoes, etc. It was fun. Turin, Jenn, Vivian, April and BJ came over for a visit too which was very nice. It is always good to see them. I headed back home with the kids minus the missing sippie cup, around 7 and got home around 9. The youngest 3 were already asleep and Brennan and Kerstyn went right to bed. It was a nice continuation of Christmas.

Christmas Day 2006

Well, this day started off WAY TOO EARLY! The kids were up before 6 a.m. and I was NOT ready for that. They were very excited to see what Santa brought and what they got from Chris and I and their grandparents. The gifts from Santa included for Brennan, The game of Life Pirates of the Caribbean Edition, Kerstyn, a Game Boy and Bratz game, Lauklan, Zathura, the board game, Greyson, Imaginext dragon and Aislinn, a sit and spin! They were very happy except for the fact that Santa DID NOT bring Greyson a Zathura game too. Oops... The other gifts they got included quite a few small gifts in their stockings, and a few other things that they wanted. We had 5 happy faces! However, around 11 a.m., it was time for a needed nap that NOBODY would take, so... the rest of the day was fussing, laughing, playing and so on. Chris's Mom, step dad, sister Holly and Devin, and Karen and Krystal came around 1 for lunch and fun. It got even crazier. When I finally got the kids in bed, I told Chris that they day had been awful! Now that I look back on it, I believe that it was a great day for 5 kids, and a day to be expected for their parents. I wouldn't change that for the world.

Christmas Eve!

>Today has been great! We got up and went to church. It even started off great since I didn't have to make breakfast because Kenney had already done it. Yeah! Church was a little challenging. The kids were off their games and I had several teachers and staff not show today. However, primary went on and we survived. After arriving home, we straightened up and then Mom and Dad arrived around 3. The kids were just ecstatic! Dad played the game of Life with Chris, Brennan, Kerstyn and Lauklan. Greyson and Aislinn just did their own thing. Mom and I got to visit and that was nice. We were also treated this evening by the Lowders that came here Christmas caroling. It was a really nice treat. Now, we must try to get the kids to sleep so Santa can come. I am sure that tomorrow morning will be quite an event. I look forward to it. Enjoy the pictures from the visit today with Mom and Dad.

Horray for Christmas break!

I am so glad that today is the last day for the kids until January 8, 2007! I know that in a short amount of time, I will change that statement, however, right now it is true. I look forward to being able to not be so rushed in the mornings, not packing lunches, NO HOMEWORK (that is the best part)! Lauklan and Greyson had their Christmas play at their pre-school yesterday and Aislinn and I attended. They were in the chorus and I never heard them sing a single word. I don't think that the chorus ever did sing when they were supposed to, BUT, they were happy that I came.

This is fun!

This is our tree. It has had quite a long life. Mom and Dad bought it for Chris and I 12 years ago on our first Christmas as a married couple. I love it because of that, however, I wish in a way that it would just go ahead and FALL APART becuase I want to get a 9 foot pre-lit tree! But I just can't do that, since it has been such a part of our life so far, and it really doesn't have anything wrong with it. So, thank you tree, for your faithful service to the Shipley family, but you really don't have to be so faithful, do you?

Aislinn and Greyson think it is the best thing to take ALL of the ornaments that they can reach off the tree! All of the kids were so excited to have the tree up and to look at it. I remember when I was a child, I always slept next to the tree the first night that it was up. That magic seemed to fade after that and before we had children that realized what was going on (which was only about5 years or so). However, once the kids got old enough to be excited, this has been such a fun time of year. Well, except for the stresses of finding the right stuff. It was just magical to see Lauklan so excited and wanting to help with the tree. He asked about every 2 minutes since the time he woke up on Saturday when we were going to do it. We had told him on Wednesday that it would be done Saturday. I am sure that it seemed like an eternity to him even though we did it at about 4 p.m. This time of year brings back so many memories. It was always a time of family gathering, way too much food, and fun! I look forward to enjoying this time with Chris and the kids.

I think I did it!

I think that I have purchased all the gifts that I need to for the kids. I did some online shopping yesterday and I went to Target today! I am so proud of myself, however, I think it was almost too easy. Did I miss something? Have I gotten the wrong stuff? No puppy for Kerstyn. Will that ruin the whole 'thing'? I sure hope not. We have had the opportunity this year to give quite a bit and we are grateful for that. I want our family to focus on the opportunity to help others and getting to spend time together, not just the gifts. We'll see if my grand plan works... hopefully it will.

Hustle and Bustle

I have not bought one, yes, that's right, not one gift this year. I did however, get my Christmas cards out promptly. I hope that I will be able to go out Saturday morning and purchase a few things from the grandparents and great-grandparents to put under our tree. Also, we have not even gotten our tree up yet. That is a Saturday chore also. It is so easy to get lost in the stresses of this season, but if I focus on the REAL reason for the season, it brings peace to my heart and joy. I am thankful for that.

Fun Days

This is what Aislinn found to be the GREATEST THING yesterday afternoon. She was pushed around the house in an empty diaper box until it broke to pieces. I wish that it was that easy to be amused in your 30's!

Today, it is so much fun to roll an almost flat soccer ball with your older brother, Greyson! I hope that they will be good buddies for, well, an eternity!






Don't we look like we are up to no good?

It's a crazy time of year!

Chris and I are supposed to be 3 places at once tonight. I'm not sure we're even going to make one of them. Greyson is running a low grade fever and Aislinn is a fusser pants! We are supposed to be at the Ward Christmas Party at 6 in Leesburg. The Dave Lowe Realty Christmas Open House in Mount Dora before 9 and Doug and Suzy's party in Sorrento at 7:30. Sound confusing? It sure does to me! You have to LOVE this time of year.

Update on the science project

We got the science project turned in. I forgot to take a picture of it before we sent it so I will take one when we get it back. That whole process was full of crazy events. Somehow, the solution leaked, or was spilled out of the 'control group' cup of crystals. The other cup, which we cooled in the refrigerator, never did anything! So, we did the best we could and turned it in. We'll see... Brennan, however, thought the whole thing was just the best thing! I wish I was still a kid!

Science Project

Okay, please help me remember this. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST WEEK to conduct the experiment to a science fair project. Here is what we got done tonight. We mixed the crystals and HOPE that they grow really, really fast! Brennan thinks that it is great. Maybe I should too. I am sure that I would if I had not waited until the last minute. Note the safety goggles and all. If you know Brennan, you know that he is very safety conscious. What a neat boy that I have, if I do say so myself.

Not going back to school

I will not be returning to teaching with Debbie this year. I do not have ESOL and they say that it was needed to get that position. So, I will continue doing what I am doing. Brennan put us all straight in the car today as to why I did not get the position. He stated, "Mommy did not get that job because Heavenly Father wants her at home taking care of us. She has enough to do. Daddy can do his job, and make all the money that we need so that we will all be fine!" I know he's right. Sometimes the kids know better than we do.

Do you remember these moments?

This is my first look at Aislinn. She was born June 16, 2005. I don't have any of the other kids on my computer since it was pre-digital camera for us. However, they all look the same. I can't even describe the feeling. I am crying just remembering it all. It can't be put into words, however, here are a few that come to mind. Amazing, beautiful, hope, fear, wonder, thanks, inspiration, courage... What a blessing! Not once, twice, or even three times, but FIVE! I am so thankful for my husband, my children and the rest of my family. Please know that I love you, all of you, and that you all give me strength! Here is one of my favorite quotes. Ponder it, and let me know what it means to you. "When all is said and done, this is what the gospel is about. The family is a creation of God. It is the basic creation. The way to strengthen the nation is to strengthen the homes of the people." – President Gordon B. Hinckley

Bear badge

Brennan earned his bear badge tonight. He will get his arrows in the January pack meeting. We are very proud of him. He will be 10 in January and start working on his Webelos then. It is always an accomplishment to earn each badge. He really enjoys it and we are glad.

Homework Time

The MOST stressful time of the weekdays are right after Brennan and Kerstyn get home from school. Brennan always has quite a bit of homework and it is a challenge to keep him focused on it. Kerstyn doesn't have too much work and even so, she loves it, so all I have to do is check it when she is done. I am sure that it is quite hard to concentrate since the younger 3 are playing hard while the older two are supposed to be working hard. See the pictures to illustrate the problem...

Our latest family picture

Here is the picture that I picked for our Christmas cards and to make enlargements for family. It could be better, but for 7 people and an amateur in front of and behind the camera, this is what we got. I can't believe how big the kids are getting. Brennan will be 10 in January, Kerstyn was 8 last week, Lauklan is almost half way through 5, Greyson is a little over 3 and Aislinn is already 17 months! How did that happen?

Christmas lights

We got the rest of the Christmas lights on the house and turned on tonight. The kids and I were so excited. Chris is just glad that I won't be bugging him about in anymore. I plugged all of them(7 strands) together originally. Then within an hour, all but 1 section was off. So, I summoned Chris outside to remedy the problem. He said he would take care of it tomorrow, but I would not allow it since I had worked so feverishly getting them on the house to begin with. So, he began working on it (only because he loves me - those are HIS words). I read the box and it instructed to only put 3 sections together, not SEVEN, so it was quite probable that I had blown a fuse. (Already, I was asking?) He was working on it for around 10 minutes and asked politely, "How long do I have to do this before I can quit?" To which I replied, "As soon as you get it fixed." :) It is fixed, it looks beautiful and I am glad that Chris persevered until it was complete. I went outside and took a picture, but I obviously don't know how to do it correctly since the white lights look multi-colored. I'll keep trying and if I get it right, I'll post it later.

Baptism Day

Today went great! We had a nice group of family and friends at Kerstyn's baptism. She looked at me after she came out of the water and was changing her clothes and said, "I've been waiting my whole life for this"! How sweet and pure. She was so excited today, so happy.
Here are some pictures from the baptism.

Kerstyn

Today is Kerstyn's 8th birthday. She got to do several things today just the way that she wanted. First, she got to go to Publix and pick out her birthday cake. She wanted cookies and cream ice cream with chocolate cake. We have enjoyed eating that today. Second, she got to pick what she wanted for lunch. She wanted Chick-Fil-A, but Aislinn fell asleep on the way there so we went through the McDonald's drive thru and ate it at home. Third, and last, we went bowling as a family. We had a really good time. It has been fun focusing on Kerstyn today and I believe that she had fun too. Tomorrow is her baptism, which she is extremely excited about! We have just finished printing her program, I practiced bassoon today, made a few phone calls to those that I needed to remind, and I think we are ready. What an exciting event, to be baptized into Jesus' church. We are all excited too...

Thankful

Since Thanksgiving is just 2 days away, I am reflecting on the things of which I am thankful. I am thankful for my life, the opportunity to live here on Earth, to learn, to love, to laugh, to cry, to serve, and to just be me! Now these things sound quite simple, however, they are the basic parts of my life in which I am very thankful. I have been pondering the simple things lately and how I need to remember ALL of which I have to be thankful for.

I got to visit teach Debbie Carter on Sunday and when I was pondering the things that I would like to share with her, I turned and looked at this certain excerpt in the Ensign from a talk given by Kathleen H. Hughes, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency. It read:

My mother died when I was a young mother. I still needed her counsel and advice. After her cancer was diagnosed, she lived only six weeks. Initially, my concern was for my father. I felt grateful that Mom had not suffered long and that her death had been a sweet experience for us. But a few weeks later Mother's Day and her birthday were coming, and I began to miss her terribly. I wanted her arms around me, and I wanted to know that she was all right. I wanted to tell her that I loved her and missed her.
One night as I was praying and crying (which I did often then), I felt comfort fill my body—suddenly and powerfully. The feeling restored me; it gave me peace. It did not last long physically, yet it was immensely comforting. I knew what it was—the Lord's love encircling me and granting me peace and strength. But just as important, that moment has remained in my memory as a sweet gift to unwrap and remember when life is difficult.

I quickly realized that this message was for me instead of for Debbie. However, I hope that Debbie got something out if it. It just points out to me AGAIN how Heavenly Father can and will comfort us. I am thankful for that.

I have had a hard time with my mother being diagnosed with cancer, and now having to undergo chemotherapy. However, I have spent much time in prayer about it and I have felt His love, I have felt that comfort, I have felt peace. It amazes me that I can receive those blessings, because He loves me. I know that, and for that, I am thankful.

Planning a baptism

Kerstyn will be eight on Friday, November 24, 2006. She is going to be baptized on Saturday. She is so excited. We have been working on the program this past weekend and think that it is done. I got out my bassoon for the first time since Brennan's baptism (almost 2 years ago) and played it. Kerstyn wants me to play I heard Him come, just like what was sung at my baptism. I also played it for Brennan. I think I should be able to do that.

As soon as I started playing this afternoon, I remembered why I love it so much. I just didn't want to stop. I am thankful to my parents for this wonderful gift. If it were not for their constant encouragement, and mountain of money spent on lessons and gas to and from, I would not have the gift of playing the bassoon. Thanks Mom and Dad!

We have hopes of going to Tallahassee for Thanksgiving to see Nana and other extended family. I sure hope we get it figured out before we end up here eating hot dogs! :)

Trip to the mall

I took Kerstyn, Lauklan, Greyson and Aislinn to the Seminole Town Center today. They were really good! We went to the mall because I had gone yesterday to get Kerstyn some long sleeved shirts and Greyson a shirt with a hood. Well, I accomplished both of those tasks, plus a few more :), and returned home with my purchases. Greyson was ecstatic! He even slept in the thing! However, the shirt that I got for Greyson had a place where you could put your hands in it and Lauklan's did not. So... back to the store today to get Lauklan a shirt, just like Greyson's. Mission accomplished! The kids really wanted to go up and down the escalator but I had Aislinn in the stroller, so they did it together while I watched. They just thought that was the grandest thing ever. We then got a cookie for each of them and headed home. I was quite pleased at our little trip going so well. Events like this one makes me believe that I can go on! :) Thanks for the encouragement little ones, I needed that.

Primary Presentation 2006

We had our Children's Sacrament Meeting Presentation on Sunday, November 12. IT WAS WONDERFUL! The kids sang with their beautiful voices, and the spirit was SO strong. I hope that I can hold on to this feeling for a very long time. Especially when I am having a rough Sunday. Anyway, we took pictures of the kids after the second practice to put it on the program. I love how the boys on the front row have their shirts hanging out. It just shows their true character. I have been meaning to post this for a while, but just got around to it. May I remember how wonderful and sweet all of these spirits are and how blessed I am to serve them!

Do you know what I am tired of?

I am tired of people looking at me when I am in public and asking me if I know what is causing "that"! So, I assume, that they are referring to the beautiful children that I have surrounding me... and I respond, "yes, I do!" (sometimes I add, "I must enjoy it...") Anyway, why do 'they', as in 'these people', feel that they have to make some comment like that? It is way less often, as in, I could probably count it on my two hands, that people complement me on my family. Now I know, that the kids can be kids, however, they are usually pretty good. SO why can't they just leave me alone? Sorry, I just had to vent about that. It seems as people assume that I don't want them, or that I must be crazy for having so many. Well, I would of had more... maybe that is what I should respond with. I digress,... I love my family, we (Chris and I), would not have it any other way. We are not on welfare and we are well educated. So, leave me alone, let me have my kids, and raise them with good values, morals, and direction! Okay. Done...

I have not heard about the status of my application for my old position back, but I feel confident that it will work out the way it is supposed to. In the meantime, business is picking up... let's hope that it keeps that way.

I love my family, I even like my family! (Just in case someone else wants to give me a hard time!)

Aislinn did what?

Okay, so the reason that I have not posted in a while is because silly me, let Aislinn tear up the wireless internet antenna. I deserved it, I put it in the computer right in front of her and then walked away. Don't you think that I would learn by now? Anyway, I have to go buy a new wireless antenna and I just haven't done it yet.

Well, I applied for my old position. I got someone to commit to watching Aislinn. So... we'll see. If it is meant to be, it will be. I feel pretty good about that. Chris's business seems to be picking up, let's just hope that it continues. I told Chris that all of this 'good stuff' was happening because we went to the temple on Friday and are going again this Friday. I think it's true...

To teach, or not to teach

I got a call today from Debbie Carter telling me that Linda Stewart quit. They are Kerstyn's teachers. This is the position that I had before leaving two years ago. I have been struggling with going back to work for a month or so, since business has been so slow. Now, the position that I loved so much is open. What do I do?

Rain

I love when it rains (as long as I am inside). It has been raining off and on today and for some reason, the rain seems peaceful to me. Which has me thinking of things for which I am thankful. I am thankful for the life that I have, for having the gospel in it. We read in the pamphlet, For the Strength of Youth, that even when things are really 'bad' that we still have much to be thankful for. I am thankful for the husband that I have. He loves me and tries to do what is best for us and our family. I am thankful for my children, that keep me humble, and GOING constantly! I am thankful for my parents that love me no matter what! I never knew this until I became a parent myself. You love your children unconditionally and maybe that gives us a glimpse of Heavenly Father's love for us. He loves us no matter what and we can experience that ourselves with our own children...

Aislinn is taking a nap, that's why she is not in the pictures. :)

Playing, walking, and just being together

We have a few of the moments, like the one in this picture that make you smile. Well, actually more than a few, but they sure don't last long. I love to watch the children play together. It is so nice to see them have fun together. I guess that it kind of makes all the fussing that they do with each other worth it.
Anyway, yesterday was fast and testimony meeting. It was nice, and what made it more special is that Chris bore his testimony. Now, knowing Chris like I do, it really meant a lot to me. With the firm just being open since August 1 and the real estate market going totally soft, it has been quite trying to keep positive with our new endeavor. So, Chris, being as consciencious as he is kept working harder and harder and longer and longer because this should make more money for the firm. But, he was totally stressed and not getting very far. Then, he had the spirit testify to him that this was not the way to go, that what he needs to be doing, to have his worries washed away, is serve harder and longer. Now, I know that this doesn't 'make sense' in the world because if you don't work, you don't make money. However, Heavenly Father wants to bless us, but we have to do all that He has asked to receive those blessings. I am so excited to see what He wants him and us to do and we will put it in His hands. If we serve Him as diligently as we can, then all of the other will fall in place. We have no room to be less than meticulously obedient. AND WE WILL! I'll keep you posted...

Family cleaning

This picture was taken in April when we were at Fort Knox, Kentucky. It has been on of my favorites since then. Sometimes kids can be so sweet...
Today we instituted Saturday morning family cleaning. We have stopped our cleaning service, which I was very sad about and I was feeling quite overwhelmed. Chris said that we would all wake up every Saturday and clean the house together. This way, it wouldn't be all on me, and the kids could learn how to do it and what keeping the house clean entails. So, today was the first time to try and overall it was pretty good. It surprised me how we felt closer as a family. I am sure that each week will bring it's own challenges, but I hope that each week, we learn something and grow closer.

Fall is here!

Friday was busy with school and then the Fall Festival at the kids elementary school. The weather has really cooled off and the wind was really whipping so we were bundled up like we live in Alaska. The kids had a blast and Lauklan even got to through a pie in a teacher's face! After the festival Kerstyn had to go to the Berge's for a birthday party and Brennan went to the Garrett's for a party too! Lauklan and I got to have a 'secret' and the two of us went to Lampu. I don't really get to do one-on-one time with the kids so I really enjoyed it. Chris gets to do those 'secret's' with the kids fairly often, but this was my first with Lauklan and we had a great time. So today, let's remember how great Lauklan is. My 'boo', my third child, my love...

Duck, Duck Goose!

After a fun time in the driveway and the yard playing games, riding scooters and skating, I decided to play Duck, Duck Goose! with the kids. Well, I am not as young as I used to be... After the fun outside, and because it was almost dark at 5:50, we came in to bathe and have dinner. Here are the youngest 3 having fun in the suds.

Does it ever slow down?

Aren't my girls pretty?
Yesterday was a blur. We had school, I tutored while 4 out of the 5 kids were in school. Then, time to pick up the boys, come home for quick naps. Big kids got home, we did homework and even had a little time to play. Then showers, a quick chicken noodle dinner, and off to Scouts for Brennan and me. When we got home everyone was asleep, including the Daddy and that was that.
I did have fun playing with the kids yesterday. Aislinn thought it was just the neatest thing to watch Kerstyn hula hoop. She would squeal with delight every time! The kids had scooter races, laps to the fence in the back, and fun in the woods. I appreciate the cooler weather so that we can sit outside and play like we did yesterday without sweating up a storm.

Happy Halloween!

Well, we survived Halloween day and Trick or Treating! Lauklan and Greyson had a Trunk or Treat at their pre-school this morning. Then we all went out as a family in the neighborhood tonight. Since our houses are not too close, Greyson ended up being pushed or carried on top of Chris' shoulders about 1/2 through. The kids got more candy than you can imagine. It might have to find a new home. Needless to say, right at 6 p.m. when the neighborhood had designated the start of Trick or Treating, the kids were standing in the driveway calling for Chris and me to come on. We all had a blast!
It is wonderful to have young children for many reasons. One of them being that all of the magical and fun things that you enjoyed as a child 'come back to life'. I remember how fun this night was, how scared I got, and how I enjoyed eating WAY TOO MUCH candy. These are the memories that make you smile. I am thankful to experience these types of things with our children. I appreciate the opportunity to make memories with them and to be their mother. I wish that I could only be the mother that I strive to be, instead of the mother that I am. I keep trying though, isn't that what counts?
Okay, enough of the mushy stuff... Hope next Halloween is as fun as this one.

Aislinn post-cast

This picture was quite hard to get since Aislinn did not want to stand still or have me touch that arm. You have to look closely, but under the elbow, you can see where it bows out. They physician says that in a few weeks it should work itself out. I sure hope that he is right. Notice the large abrasion on her forehead that she got from "kissing" the concrete on Sunday after tripping over a tennis racket.
Look later for pictures from Halloween night and comments on the trek around the neighborhood.

Cast off!

We went to the orthopedic physician's office today and after a lot of questioning from a very panicked mom, the cast came off. (Check back tomorrow for a picture, post-cast.) 4 x-ray's later, we left with a bowed arm. I am hoping that all will work itself out. Aislinn still has not gotten used to it being off, hopefully time will heal it completely.
Brennan is working on his crystal growing science project. Kerstyn had a good report for the previous week and Lauklan and Greyson are just enjoying being little boys. FULL OF ENERGY! Oh, yes, I am very tired and not used to this new time thing. However, it is nice to not be so rushed in the morning since the kids are up and about well ahead of schedule.

Why can't I get these pesky pictures to upload? Well, hopefully I'll figure it out soon...