More Than a Housefull!!!!!

Its been a long...long time

2012-01-04T03:41:00.000-08:00

Ok...here you have it....finally an update after years! SO very pathetic and sad! I haven't posted since Max was a baby. Since that time we have been joined by our sweet little Addie Noelle who just turned 1 on Dec. 17th. Jeremy has graduated and is serving a mission in Villahermosa, Mexico. Chad is has been working with the Migrant Head Start program for almost two years and finished his degree before he was hired there. As usual things are crazy busy here. I am home schooling some of the kids and Janice is in HIGH SCHOOL....man it is hard to believe how time just flies. Celia is living in Utah, and is almost finished with her Senior year. Zak is busy working and living in Utah. Rose and Kimi are in the 8th grade and are constantly cracking us up!!! They have the greatest sense of humors those two!! Savannah is in 6th grade and as smart as ever. She is our fashionista...she always has to be dressed up and ready for fun! Anna is in the 4th grade and is such a caretaker. She loves playing and mothering the little ones and its fun to see her thrive in school and enjoy what she is learning...except Math...she hates math. Levi started kindergarten and it was really hard for me. I was not ready for my little guy to be away from home. Luckily, he is only in school every other day. Ellie is almost 5 and she is soooo very much girl!! Its all about the makeup the hair and all the same things the big girls are doing. Maxson is 2 and man....he is so so cute...He looks at you with those big blue eyes and melts you to pieces, never do you think by looking at his sweet innocent face he could be such a master of disaster!!! That boy can destroy like no other! And little Addie...she is so sweet and has the temperment of the last child! She knows its all about her. Christmas was wonderful. We had all but Celia and Jeremy here. Jeremy did get to Skype with us which made my entire year!!!! It was really emotional because I have really missed him a bunch but soo very enjoyable all the same. Now that our little Miss Addie is one, I hopefully am starting to get back to some kind of normal and get my spunk back. I will post some of the stuff I have been doing and the crafting and sewing. Also try to update some pics from the last two years (sigh..shameful I know).

2012-01-04T02:50:00.000-08:00

2010-01-18T14:37:00.000-08:00

Well its been a long time since my last post....I made it through the holiday's and enjoyed every crazy minute of it! As one can imagine we are very busy with our kids and run daily to keep up with them. Max is almost 8 months old...it hardly seems possible. He is such a wonderful baby and I am so glad I have him. I will be updating a few pictures and things over the next week. I started my own business last fall, Shutterbug Photography. I have done several shoots and I was just offered the opportunity to Payette High School's junior/senior prom this year. I am really excited about it. I am really enjoying learning as much as I can about this new business. I enjoy it so much!

Chad is still unemployed and looking for a job. It isn't easy for him, but I know that Heavenly Father has a much bigger plan for us then we understand. I can honestly say that the money being gone hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be and truthfully I have cherished this last year with him home. He is a wonderful husband and father. He finished his degree and got his diploma in the mail from University of Utah last fall. I am really proud of him for finishing his bachelor's degree,I know it is something he has always regretted not doing.

The truth of it is that we have been so amazingly blessed this last year. We have been able to see little mircles in every single day and have still been able to do things to serve others which gives us such joy! I know that with out my testimony of the gospel I probably would have completely unraveled, instead of fraying a bit :)!! I look forward to sharing some of our memories from the last months with all of you.

Maxson's Blessing

2009-08-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

On August 2nd Maxson was blessed at church. He was adorable in his little white outfit and only fussed a bit while his Daddy gave him a blessing. In some of the pictures you could even see how really red his hair is. He is such a special little boy. I never imagined that the Lord would send me another son, and I was content with my two boys. I have since realized that life would never have been complete without our little Maxson. He is such a good baby and is such a joy. He has been smiling since he was a week old and is already recognizing faces and knows who is holding or talking to him. It was so exciting to have Chad's mom, Grandma Marsha come from Utah and be here for this special weekend.

Anna's Baptism

2009-08-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

August 1st Anna was baptized. She looked beautiful in her white dress and was glowing. She was thrilled to make sacred covenants with Heavenly Father. Tons of our family and friends came to support her in this decision and we had a wonderful cake and icecream afterward at our home.

July 4th

2009-08-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

Fishin with the Boys

2009-08-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

Jeremy and Levi were able to go fishing with their Dad and Grandma and Grandpa Birch. Their cousin Devon and Uncle Richard went too. Levi was so proud of the fish he caught. They had a blast!

Birthday cakes

2009-08-06T11:42:00.000-07:00

In July we celebrated Celia and Kimi's birthdays! I worked for hours on their cakes. I have really started to love cake decorating and I am getting better and better at it. It was my first try with fondant, and gum paste flowers and leaves. It was time consuming but so worth it. I still have lots of room for improvement so I will continue to practice. In August I am doing a wedding cake....hopefully it will be beautiful!!

Ms. Ellie's Makeup

2009-08-06T11:20:00.000-07:00

Ellie loves makeup. I have caught her more times that I can tell you in my makeup and in her sister's this time was her sister's make up. What a little hottie!!!

Ellie's First Hair Trim

2009-08-06T11:00:00.001-07:00

When I was doing the other girls hair Ellie was having a fit, yelling that she wanted her hair cut. I wasn't ready to cut her hair because she is finally getting some hair, so I decided to trim and I mean trim a bit off so that she would feel like she was a part of what was happening. She definitly enjoyed it and was thrilled with the trim.

Hair hair and more hair

2009-08-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

Celia has a new hair cut so I colored and highlighted it. Several of the other girls wanted highlights and cuts including my best friend Shannon's daughter Jillian so I spent hours on my feet doing hair. They all looked adorable when it was done!

Oops a daisy!

2009-08-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

Imagine never having any broken bones in a family with 10 children....well Anna broke our record this summer. In June she was sliding down the slide (the wrong way, of course) and fell and landed on Levi's super soaker. She broke her ulna in her right arm. Lesson for all slide on the slide correctly and put your junk away, hehehe!!!

Smarty Pants

2009-08-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

Jani and Rose earned the Academic Parade of Champions Medal for the last quarter of school last year!!

More of our little man

2009-08-06T10:14:00.000-07:00

Isn't our little red headed angel beautiful!!

First Bath

2009-08-03T22:49:00.000-07:00

Maxson had his first bath on June 17 at 6:01 p.m. He didn't really care for it at all. He fussed and cried out and once I got him out and dressed he needed to nurse in order to calm down. He would much rather shower with Mommy!

Maxson Thomas Ross

2009-08-03T22:35:00.001-07:00

Well it has taken me two months to get to get back to catching the blog up. I am finally starting to get back to normal a little. Of course how normal can you be when all you do is breast feed and take care of 9 other kids? Maxson joined our home on May 28, 2009, four weeks early. He spent a week in the NICU (intensive care unit). He was 5 lb 14 ounces and 17 inches long. He has RED hair and lots of it. I don't know where he gets it. I get the red hair at the salon (LOL) but I think Heavenly Father heard me say I was hoping for a red head one day. He is the best baby. Levi calls him "my baby" which is so cute. He kisses him no stop. Everyone else of course thinks he is the most adorable little guy. All I know is that I am so thankful that Heavenly Father surprised me with another little boy. He is amazing and brings me more joy everyday. He has been smiling and following me and his Daddy with his eyes since he was a week old. I have never had a baby do those things so early. He is such a joy!!

What's happening!

2009-05-19T08:43:00.001-07:00

It's been really crazy around here with the last few weeks of school and I have had to be off my feet as much as possible. I have TONS of really good pictures to post for everyone to see and hopefully I will get it done before the baby gets here. I am 9 days from 36 weeks. Once we get there the Doc will let the baby come, since it will be safe enough for him and more likely he won't need the NICU. Keep watching adn I'll be adding as many pictures as I can.

My Mom

2009-05-09T22:08:00.000-07:00

On this Mother's Day, as I have contemplated the joys of being a Mom, I have thought a lot about my own Mom. I have been blessed to have a Mom who truly put myself and my siblings first in everything. Even now when the chips are down and I struggle, my Mom is quick to offer help or try and help me see the positive. I am the Mother that I am today because of the Mom that she has been to me. I have learned so much at her hands. I have learned to cook, clean, sew, canning, and many other things. But by far the greatest things I have learned from my Mom are of a spiritual nature; I have learned love, compassion, true service, and selflessness. I have seen my Mom give without a thought for herself. I have been one to whom she has given so freely. She is a wonderful Mother, and Grandmother. Happy Mother's Day, Mom!!

My First Mate

2009-04-11T20:42:00.000-07:00

The title of this song is The Voyage. The first line says "I am a sailor, you are my first mate." I consider my beautiful wife my first mate or co-captain if I may say. From the moment I spoke with Jessica, my heart was taken. I have fallen in love with her every day since then. I love every minute I am with her and count the minutes until I return, if I leave her presence.
I have watched the way she takes care of our children and I am amazed at her strength and commitment to motherhood. Never in my wildest dreams did I know I could know love like this. Another line in the song is that when we started it was me and you, now gathered around us we have our own crew. I love the large family we have put together. I look forward to each and every day with her. I have my Heavenly Father to thank for bringing her into my life.
I dedicate this song the most wonderful woman, wife and mother I get to be with for all time and eternity, God be willing. Words cannot express the love, gratitude and friendship I have with the love of a lifetime...my wife Jessica Ross. I love you more!!! Happy Easter my love!!!

My Husband

2009-03-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

Today Chad had to drive to Twin Falls and I miss him terribly. Its funny how we sometimes have little moments that really make us grateful. It isn't easy sometimes to parent so many kids and still have patience at the end of the day. And its even harder when you are pregnant and sick and would rather stay in bed. Yesterday amid my mental meltdown, with snot running down my face and mascra dripping everywhere, my sweet husband drew me in with his loving arms and gave me a the best hug. He didn't have to say anything. He just held me and he communicated it all. How much he loves me and that it will all work out. I am so very very blessed to have this beautiful man in my life. I am so blessed.

Blessings

2009-03-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

I hasn't been easy having Chad out of work. We thought he would be with Kimball Equipment until retirement...but things didn't work out that way. I continue to be amazed at the blessings that keep coming our way. Chad decided to go back to school. He left University of Utah in 1992 with only a semester to go. We thought for sure that he would have to redo much of his degree but when he started the process we learned that he was only 18 credits shy of his degree completion. What a awesome blessing. The second struggle of course the money. We didn't qualify for as much financial aid as we thought and being tuition being out of state we really worried about how much we would have to take out it loans. It was looking like it would be almost $6,000. Today he learned that during summer term which is when he is finishing everyone is considered in state and our out of pocket will probably only be $2,000. Talk about blessed. Everyday another little mircle comes and we see more and more how much our Heavenly Father loves us. I am so thankful for this knowledge and the understanding that our Heavenly Father is constantly aware of us and that we are truly blessed, in spite of the trials that we sometimes face.

Washing Dishes with Mama

2009-03-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

Ellie is quite the little helper. I can give her a rag and she will wash doorways or wipe up the floor. She decided a few weeks ago that she wanted to wash dishes with me. I started out dreading the mess and ended up having a blast. Chad and I laughed until we nearly cried. We actually got the dishes done and she was so proud of herself.

Out comes the Sun!!!!!!

2009-03-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

Finally sunshine!! Levi and Ellie were so excited, they begged to go out on the playset and of course we couldn't deny them. They played hard and loved every minute. And of course, when it was time to come in there was a lot of whining. I am so glad that spring is upon us.

First barber haircut

2009-03-17T14:43:00.001-07:00

I have been cutting Levi's hair for three years and I finally decided I didn't have the patience for the wiggling anymore. We went down to Barber and Style on Main (where his Grandpie Birch goes) and Mark the barber cut his hair. Wouldn't you know he sat stock still and was a dream, go figure. The barber comed his hair in the traditional 'Leave it to Beaver' style and it was funny, Levi wrinkled his nose and said, "Spiky." The barber chuckled and gave him a awesome mohawk. He kept saying the rest of the day, "I got a hair cut, don't touch my hair." He is pretty darn handsome if I do say so myself.

My nephews

2009-03-17T14:35:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to brag on my two youngest nephews. Coben (Lee and Chanthy's baby) just turned 1 on the 3rd of March. He is so cute and is starting to walk. He has a huge smile and an infectious laugh. Aiden (Kara and Rich's baby) is 6 months and discovering solid food. If you eat near him be prepared to share. He is rolling over and is very ticklish. I love you babies! I love Devon and Kien, too! I love all my nephews.

Band Dinner Concert

2009-03-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

Celia and Jeremy had their Band Dinner Concert on the 12th and did a beautiful job. Both of them had solos in different pieces and did a great job. The food was ok, but the Tiger Butter I made for the dessert aution did really well, it sold for over $30. Thanks to Grammie and Grandpie Birch and Auntie Kara for buying tickets to support the band and our kids.

Prom

2009-03-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a little bit of a mush when it comes to my kids. I tear up easily and embarrass them often. On Saturday the 14th Jeremy went to his Junior Prom. His date was Allie Gelsky. He doubled with Ty Higley and Tyler Vine. He was so handsome and was such a gentleman (I watched out the window as he opened the car door for her). I can't believe that he is going to be a senior and will be graduating next year. It seems like it has flown. Jeremy said they had a wonderful time. They had Especially For Youth in the afternoon, dinner at Romio's, danced and then went bowling. He made his Mama proud.

Special Day

2009-03-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

Anna was chosen as VIP or Very Important Pirate this month. We went to the school and watched her get her award and then got to stay and eat lunch with her. Gotta love that school lunch. Talk about inflation, $3.00 a piece for us to eat with her, but we had a blast. Grammie and Grandpie Birch came and were there to support Annabanana!

March Birthdays!

2009-03-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

This March we celebrated Jeremy's 17th birthday and Savannah's 9th birthday!

Handy Levi

2009-03-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

I was walking into the living room and Levi was standing at the front door tools in hand. I walked quietly and got my camera and was able to get some darling pictures before he caught me watching. I asked him what he was doing and he replied, "I am hanging the door, Mama." What a cutie!

Catching up

2009-03-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a bit and I can't seem to get my groove. I have been sick and so has most of my family. I am constantly reminded how grateful I am for different things and my health is one lately. Yesterday I was feeling a bit discouraged and asked my husband to give me a blessing. I was sitting on the edge of my bed and Ellie was right next to me (she had blessing the night before because she was sick). Anyway, she jumped up at the word blessing and put both her little hands on my head and said, "blessing, blessing." Of course we had a little laugh, but as I thought about it the chuckle turned to a tear in my eye and it made me realize just how blessed I am. To have a husband who can give us blessings and that my little ones know what a blessing is and to have those memories to cherish and those experiences to build their testimonies.

Reflections

2009-03-06T01:53:00.001-08:00

It is early in the morning and I have found myself unable to sleep. The trials of the past day have weighted heavy upon me as I struggle to reconcile myself to battles this life brings me a times. As I have tossed and turned in bed for hours thinking and contemplating, I have sought peace which to this point has alluded me. I pulled up the blog to just look at pictures of my beautiful family and as I looked at each of my wonderful children, that peace distilled upon me with a force I can't begin to describe.

Frustration,fear, sorrow, exhaustion and hurt have fled and in the wake of these things I am reminded that I am so blessed. I can feel the love of my Heavenly Father and my Savior. I know that tomorrow is a new day with beauty in and unto itself and that with that new day is the opportunity to write what I wish for it to be. I am reminded as I think of the promise of Elder Holland in his talk For Times of Trouble, that we are never alone. Elder Holland said:

"Elisha, with a power known only to the prophets, had counseled the king of Israel on how and where and when to defend against the warring Syrians. The king of Syria, of course, wished to rid his armies of this prophetic problem. So, and I quote:
“Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.“… [They] compassed the city both with horses and chariots.” (2 Kgs. 6:14–15.)If Elisha is looking for a good time to be depressed, this is it. His only ally is the president of the local teachers quorum. It is one prophet and one lad against the world. And the boy is petrified. He sees the enemy everywhere—difficulty and despair and problems and burdens everywhere. The bus is gone, and all he can see is Chicago. With faltering faith the boy cries, “Alas, my master! how shall we do?” (2 Kgs. 6:15.)
And Elisha’s reply?“Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kgs. 6:16).“They that be with us?” Now just an Israelite minute here. Faith is fine and courage wonderful, but this is ridiculous, the boy thinks. There are no others with them. He can recognize a Syrian army when he sees one, and he knows that one child and an old man are not strong odds against it. But Elisha’s promise: “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
“And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” (2 Kgs. 6:16–17.)
In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike—and they will—you remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of Abraham’s seed. I close with this promise from heaven. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;“And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.”“… I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, … and mine angels [shall be] round about you, to bear you up.
“… The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.” (D&C 78:17–18; D&C 84:88; D&C 78:18.)"

As the quiet promptings of the Spirit have chased darkness away, I am filled with peace and quiet.

New Mommy Do

2009-02-27T12:44:00.000-08:00

I haven't had my hair done in over a year and I was feeling kind of welfare mom...so my husband insisted I go and get it done. After finding two very white hairs and pulling them, of course, I didn't need anymore convincing. I am not sure the color is what I wanted but I have always loved red. Being pregnant and a mom to 9, sometimes leaving me feeling very unattractive. This was just what the pregnant mom needed.

"Pretties, Mama!"

2009-02-27T12:39:00.001-08:00

My sweet sister, Kara, took pity on me and my poor feet. The more pregnant I get the harder it is to keep my toenails painted and presentable. She helped me get them done the other night. Ellie came running in my room the next morning and the first thing she notices was my toenails. She hollered, "Pretties, Mama." Throughout the entire day she would touch them and was facinated with them. I was sitting down to pay some bills on line and she came up to me with the same colors I had used in her hands and again told me "pretties, Mama" I asked, "Do you want pretties?" She squeeled and ran around yelling, "yes, yes." So we did her "pretties."

Suger and Spice.....

2009-02-27T12:35:00.000-08:00

Grammie made us homemade suger cookies! They were to die for and Ellie was so immersed in hers that she was covered. The bathtub was our only option. She hammed it up for the camera and even practiced her winking abilities in the last one.

Picky Picky

2009-02-27T12:32:00.000-08:00

Savannah is our pickiest eater. My Mom brought over dinner when my sinus infection was at its worst. It was an awesome dinner. Barbaque ribs, potato salad, jello, homemade rolls...anyone who has eaten my Mom's food will understand just how yummy it was. Anyway, Savannah took 35 minutes to eat her ribs...you would think we were killing her.

Beauty Shop Fun

2009-02-27T12:27:00.000-08:00

Celia wanted her hair colored all one color (no more grown out hightlights). She posed dutifully when her Dad came at her with the camera, of course we had to see attitude in the picture. I will have to add an after pic when she is home long enough to get one.

Turtle Speed

2009-02-27T12:22:00.000-08:00

Janice was doing her kitchen and was moving at turtle speed. I thought taking some pictures that would be immortalized would motivate her....it didn't work!

To Grandpa

2009-02-17T14:15:00.001-08:00

Today I found out that my Grandpa Alvin Bernard passed away. He wasn't really my biological grandpa, but in truth he was there at the most monumental moments in my life. He and Grandma would come to Grandparent Day at school, and we always did Christmas Eve with them. They were always right there. I remember countless hours spent in the shop with him watching him work. I remember his flowers and summer nights on the back porch watching the sun set. I remember 4th of July celebrations and hot cocoa in the winter. I remember sleepovers and cuddles. I would always feel safe with them. Later in college I was lucky enough to live with them for a few months before I married and I always felt like I belonged there. I am so glad that I have the gospel and the perspective that I know I will someday see him again. I am thankful for their love and the impact that they made on my life. He always used to greet us with, "what you doin' stumblebumm?" One of my most precious memories was them being in the temple with me when I was endowed. Together Grandma and Grandpa Bernard enriched my life and impacted me forever.

Chocolate Mess

2009-02-16T15:04:00.000-08:00

Chad and I woke up Sunday morning to hear our little ones laughing. We didn't hear them as early as usual, and we should have known that something was up. Levi had determined that he and his sister were hungry, so he tood the bag of Lindor Milk Chocolates that I was given for Valentine's and they ate them....all of them (a full bag). Levi was clean as ever, Ellie however was covered in chocolate. So was her crib, bedding, and all of her blankets. Talk about want to make you holler. So we took pictures instead.

First Piggytails

2009-02-16T14:56:00.000-08:00

Miss Ellie has just enough hair for her first piggytails. She was adorable and now wants them every day. Uncle Adam keeps telling me to cut her "mullet" but we think he is crazy. We actually have a few curls in the back.

Valentine's Tradition

2009-02-15T10:25:00.001-08:00

Every Valentine's morning we decorate our kitchen and fix the kids a yummy breakfast. Each of them have a plate with a gift and candy and a card from us. We always try to tell them in the card how important they are to us and remind them of everything we love about them. This was this year's breakfast. Our older kids had to be gone for a youth activity by 7 and I didn't get pictures which was frustrating.
There is nothing like family tradition to draw us closer.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-13T19:53:00.000-08:00

It seems that sometimes we get so caught up in life that we forget all that we have to be grateful for. I am so grateful for the gospel and for my Savior and on Valentine's Day especially I am grateful for my husband. Chad and I have a very special story and how we came to be. I can look back and see the hand of the Lord in our lives as we were led to each other and as I see the many blessings that have come from blending our lives together.

Chad is a wonderful man; he is loving, kind, patient and he loves the Lord. I am privledged to be his wife and to enjoy this journey with him. Not a day goes by that I don't look at him and feel as if I am in a wonderful dream, one in which I am the princess. He is so thoughtful and is so quick to lift me up and bring joy to me. I am blessed to watch him with our children. I always prayed I would find a man who was like my Dad and I found him. He is amazing with our kids. I could go on for hours but mostly I just want him and the whole world to know that he my hero and my heart. I am so lucky to be his wife. Happy Valentine's honey....I LOVE YOU MORE!!!

Celtic Thunder

2009-02-10T23:26:00.000-08:00

If I had a money tree in the back yard, I would be on a plane with my sis, hubby and bro-in-law to Ireland to see this group in person. They are amazing. Take the time to look them up on Youtube if you like what you hear. There are songs called Christmas 1915, My Boy, and The Old Man that are amazing. Talk about goosebumps!

For Chad- I love you more!!

2009-02-10T23:21:00.001-08:00

Who Doesn't Like Cake Batter?

2009-02-10T23:14:00.001-08:00

Any Questions?

Music Man

2009-02-10T22:49:00.000-08:00

Chad and I were in the kitchen listening to music and working when I heard Levi thumping around. I turned around and saw that he was dancing and singing with his guitar. The song ended and he hollered, "More David Cook, Mama"! It was so cute. He just loves music.

Anxiously Engaged

2009-02-10T22:38:00.000-08:00

Chad and I realized all of the sudden it was very quiet. We hurried to the living room and found Ellie and Levi sitting down in the living room with the Book of Mormon looking "anxiously engaged" in reading. Talk about give a parent hope.

2009-02-10T17:34:00.000-08:00

Anna and Savannah loved the attention when Savannah was Student of the Month!

My Heros!

2009-02-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

Being out of work hasn't been easy for Chad or I but he is finding his inner hero

as he plays and interacts with the little ones. They thought this was so cool.

Update!

2009-02-10T16:28:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I have taken time to sit down and blog. Usually it is just about my kids and their pictures. I am going to change it up a bit and start adding a little bit of life in there. A week ago today we learned that we are having a little boy. I was convinced that this was a little girl I have been feeling for years. This would have meant I am done. Apparently there was a little boy that needed a family and we are tickled to have him. The boys in our family are severely out numbered (right now our count is 7 girls, two boys, parents not included). We had to travel to Utah this weekend for another court hearing. I admit sometimes my faith lags greatly when we struggle through these and wonder if why we have to endure these types of things, but my Dad reminded me today what Joseph Smith was told in Doctrine and Covenants 121. Let's hope I don't ever have to be as Job. I don't say thank you enough in my life. I want all of my friends to know how much I love them and appreciate them. To my family.....I am not sure where to even start. My sister for her unfailing love and time and her hubby for his support. To my brother's and sister-in-law who knowing that they love me in spite of me gives me added strength. To my Mom and Dad.....there aren't words enough to express all that I want you to know. My Mom for teaching me what a real mom is and never backing down in doing what is right. My Dad for quietly listening and always always being a rock for me. They have together taught me the true meaning of love, patience, and strength no matter what. But mostly they gave me the gospel and the foundation that I know God loves me. To my cousins, Amy and Anna, words can't express how much I value their love and friendship. I will always be grateful for our Mother's who made our relationship's possible. To my kids who love me unconditionally. Lastly to the man I call husband. I never in my wildest dreams thougtht love like ours exsisted. Chad, I love you, you complete me and lift me up every day of my life. I am so thankful to your Mom and Dad who raised you to be the man you are and for their unfailing love and support of both of us. I love you both so much.
Lastly, I want to thank my Heavenly Father for the gospel. For his Son, Jesus, who sacrificed for me. I know God lives and I know without a doubt that He loves each of us. Lately especially I have learned and continue to learn and relearn that He never leaves us, it is only us that can leave Him.

I am going to post a bunch of new pictures and try to add some other things as I can.

King of the Hill

2009-01-07T17:12:00.000-08:00

Savannah, Anna and Kimi enjoyed playing King of the Hill on the huge mound of snow in Grammie Birch's yard. It took awhile to get everyone warmed up afterward.

Christmas Concert

2009-01-07T16:47:00.000-08:00

Kimi and Rose looked adorable during their Christmas concert. They sang beautifully and looked radiant. They are such talented girls.

Her Magesty

2009-01-07T16:17:00.000-08:00

You wouldn't know from looking at this picture that her Majesty spent the better part of the entire day throwing up. She was undressed because she had already gone through three pair of pajamas at this point. Ellie made a miraculous recovery just in time to pose and fight going to bed.

Such Beauty

2009-01-07T16:15:00.000-08:00

Celia being her typical teen self was making her best face for the camera.

Enjoying Church

2009-01-07T16:10:00.000-08:00

Ellie was busy borrowing a purse and accessories from a gal in our ward during Sunday School class. I was really glad I had my camera handy. She is ALL girl!!

Ross Halloween

2009-01-07T16:02:00.001-08:00

Halloween with the Ross Clan....yes there are two extra kids in this picture!

Rice Bandits

2009-01-07T15:52:00.000-08:00

We heard quite a commotion in the kitchen and came in to find Levi and Ellie dumping and playing in our 5 pound box of minute rice. We had to laugh or we would have had to holler.

Great Grandma Woolf's Birthday

2009-01-07T15:30:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to add some pictures that are from the last six months or so. On Great Grandma Woolf''s birthday all of the family all over sent balloons afloat at the same time so that we could celebrate her birthday all over the country.

Handsome!

2009-01-02T18:38:00.000-08:00

Bubba saw Ellie getting her picture taken and couldn't be out done. He was all dressed up waiting for Auntie to come and get him to play. He drove us nuts for two hours, asking us if Auntie was coming and telling us he was going to be late.

Blankie!!!

2009-01-02T18:35:00.001-08:00

Ellie probably has ten different blankets in her room but she has two that look like this one. She kept looking for it today. Rose and Kimi where folding clothes and she spied it in the basket. She started squealing and yelling, "Blankie!" She grabbed it and pulled it around her and ran around with it repeating blankie over and over. She looks like a total angel.

"Bearmee"

2009-01-02T18:31:00.000-08:00

Ellie and Jeremy have become the best of friends. She squeals with delight when she sees him. She calls him "Bearmee." When he goes downstairs, she will stand at the top and yell, "Bearmee, come me" with her arms outstreched.

Such a Tween!!

2009-01-02T18:28:00.000-08:00

Everytime I look at Jani I can't believe how fast she is growing. She is constantly at my side. I love my talks with her. She is such a great kid. Those braces complete the totally "tween" look since she started Junior High this year.

2008-12-27T19:27:00.000-08:00

A few days ago Ellie was in the high chair and Chad came in and said, "Hi, babeee." She looked at him and grinned and said it right back. It was so darn cute. She is talking so well. Anyway, today I took her in the shower to hose her off before a baptism we were headed to. Chad was in the bathroom getting dressed and she pulled back the curtain and hollered, "Hi, babeee." She repeated again luckily so we could catch it on film. She knows just how to work her Dad over.

Just like Uncle Adam

2008-12-27T19:18:00.000-08:00

Levi and Uncle Adam have a pretty special connection. They talk on the phone almost daily. Adam is a wonderful Uncle and is very eager to share with Bubba his passion for the drums. He even bought himself a new set and brought Levi his old one. We were over visiting at Grammie's and it didn't take long before Bubba found Adam's drums and was making sweet music. He's pretty good for a 3 year old.

Making Memories

2008-12-27T18:48:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year. I love the snow and fresh smell in the air. It is always full of first experiences when you have little ones around. I love and enjoy my older kids and the talks and time we spend joking around, and I just love the joy of discovery I am privileged to watch with my little ones. Ellie was too little last year to enjoy the snow so it was a true first for us this year with her. She loved it at first and enjoyed it briefly but was thrilled to get to hurry and go into Grammies and get warm.

Christmas Morning!

2008-12-27T11:46:00.000-08:00

It seems every year gets a little crazier Christmas morning. With 9 kids, Aunt Kara, Uncle Richard, Devon, Aiden, Chad and I, our little living room was full. It is aways fun so see the kids open their presents. This year was no exception. This year I worked hard to handmake bracelets for the girls, blanket for Jeremy, baby cradle for Ellie, and Super Hero outfits for the Levi and Ellie. I was ready for a nap when all was said and done. The night before we all gathered to read the story of our Savior's birth and open our Christmas pajama's. This has been a tradition in our family since I was small. Hopefully, the kids will remember that the number one reason we celebrate isn't the gifts but the birth of our Savior.

Moving into the 21st Century

2008-12-27T11:37:00.001-08:00

I am finally trying to create a blog. No laughing, please! Hopefully you will all enjoy the comments, pictures with our growing family of 11. Mostly this blog is for all our friends and family who are farther away than we'd like. We love you all. Enjoy!!!