Beats and More

Beats Brothas 

We sent Logan on a little hunt to find his gift

As expected, Logan was thrilled about the Beats he got for his birthday.  It is fun to buy gifts for your children and see them enjoy and appreciate them so much.

My family is truly my greatest joy.


Logan gave our FHE lesson last week about family unity.  He used great props to make his point.  He had a basketball game on Thursday.  Our neighbor, Robin Yeamans, her daughter Claire, and another friend Julia Anderson (kids call her Noni) came.  It was so nice to have a little cheering section for Logan.  All these years we've lived away, we rarely have family to be at games.  Sitting with them gave me all the more excitement to be surrounded by family in Utah.

Which Lipstick Lasts the Longest?

Mariah completed her first ever science fair project.  We worked hard on that together and the final result was something she could be proud of.  She is such a lovely girl.  She has a heart of gold and is strong in her sense of self.  She has embraced the values of the gospel and lives them.  She is an exceptional girl.  Mariah tried out for an AAU basketball league.  The coaches were impressed and during a conversation with Tyler showed her name had been written down at the top of their list.  We are so proud of her!

Listening to Vovo's music.  His favorite song is "Firewater"

Harrison had an amazing basketball game scoring 18 points and taking his team to a victory.  He was sure excited and proud, as were we.  He has really improved on being more organized as the school year progresses.  He is a smart little cookie and is always asking deep and inquisitive questions.  He wants to know how everything works, what words mean, etc.  He is the most endeared to my dad, and since receiving my dad's special CD he recorded for Christmas, Harrison constantly listens to it and seeks to understand the lyrics.  He has cried a few times for his Vovo.. I think those 2 have a lot in common and share a special bond.  It feels good to tell him that soon we will be neighbors.  It will be a wonderful time while my dad is still here with us.

Years apart in age, but share a lot of similar interests.  Snap Circuit time.

Jake is about to turn 3.  He is a delight and doesn't miss a thing.  He is doing a lot of the usual toddler/preschool stuff:  going on hunger strikes, throwing a tantrum here and there, and saying cute things all the time.  He is such an easy going, compliant little guy.  I took him to his cousin, Bea's birthday yesterday.  He had a great time.  He was so sweet with all the other kids and thoroughly enjoyed himself.

Tuesday is chopping and baking day.  Jake is always there to help.

Our house is still for sale.  I get asked all the time if it's so hard to be doing this with 4 kids.  This has actually been the least stressful home sale.  Usually Tyler has to move before us and I am left with little ones to keep the house up on my own.  Tyler will be staying with us until we move and is a huge help.  The 3 older kids are all contributing by keeping watch of their "zones" and keeping their rooms tidy.  We have a good system down and everyone is vested in the home sale.  In fact, there have been a lot of life lesson opps during this process.  They had a hard time at first when people would come through and didn't want to buy it.  We have had a lot of talks about the Lord's timing, and how waiting is hard when we really want something.  They are learning about the real estate world and how things work.  It has been a great family experience.

BBQ for Fred's birthday turned into a neighborhood party.  

The more I ponder on the timing of these things, the more I see God's wisdom in waiting for some time.  The inspiration to move came so swiftly, so urgently, that once the house was up, we thought it would go quickly and we'd be out of here.  But I think the Lord knew Jake's extended family needed some time to digest and cope with this unexpected change, and also the Lord has given me time to process all of this and doesn't want me moving feeling guilty.  I have struggled with that since we announced the move- knowing that my decision was hurting them so much.  But the vision is clear and I know we are doing the right thing.  I am happy that I will be moving feeling that assurance.

So now we're ready!  Hopefully an offer will come soon.

God Gives us Weaknesses That Can Become Strengths

Our home is or sale.  It is time to move to Utah to take care of my parents.  One day I will write that story...

Showings started picking back up this week.  Hoping for an offer soon.

This was our first week starting back to school and routine.  We all did well.  I'm proud of my kids.  They are so adaptable and hard working.  They really care about their grades and apply themselves.  Jake and I enjoyed some time together and appreciated the quiet a few hours each day.  But we are always ready and excited for siblings to come home.

On Monday we had a FHE lesson on Giftedness.  As part of the lesson, I had everyone write down one strength/talent they see in each member of the family.  I was shocked and touched that when it was my turn to hear what strengths/talents my family sees in me, that Logan listed "patient".

I immediately thought about my favorite scripture in Ether 12:27 where it talks about how we are given weaknesses and through the help of God they can become strengths.  Patience is a virtue that I naturally lack.  I have prayed and prayed and worked on this for years.  To hear one of my children identify patience as a talent was amazing to me!  Heavenly Father has really helped me all of these years, and maybe because my progress has felt like such baby steps, I didn't realize that patience has become one of my strengths.  Not to say that I'm a saint who never loses it, but I have come far, and it is all through the grace of God that it is possible.

On Thursday I took Jake to Rollie Pollies.  It is a fun little gym for kids where they can climb, jump, roll, and slide their hearts out.  I was amazed at how much more agile he is from the last time we went a few months ago.  He is gaining more balance and upper body strength.  It is a joy to watch your kids use their bodies and see them so healthy.  I'm grateful for all of my healthy, strong children.

Tomorrow is Logan's 14th birthday.  Tyler and I had fun picking out some Beats for him.  They are big headphones with amazing sound, not to mention they are wireless.  Logan will no doubt be thrilled about this gift.  Our birthday tradition of decorating the bedroom door, and serving favorite meals continues.  Logan requested my famous stuffed french toast with homemade buttermilk syrup for breakfast, Pasta Roni for lunch, and Rudy's for dinner.  He requested we get take out so we can be at home to eat and watch college finals.  He's definitely my home body.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  Fourteen years though... crazy!!!  So proud of this all around great guy.

2015

Walking around Lake Austin

This was the first official week of January.  I feel so good that I planned ahead of time and was prepared to begin my new goals.  This is the first time I actually feel the excitement of a new year, goal wise.

Mariah and her bestie Chloe.  Her best friend in Iowa was also a red headed Chloe.

It was a great week.  The kids are still home from school.  I have always been a go go go type of mom feeling like I need to constantly entertain the kids.   Of course, part of why I'm that way is because I enjoy it.  I love being with my kids and taking them places.  But I've been trying harder to just learn to relax more and let my kids play more independently.  We have had no plans all week.  We watched tons of movies- Mariah and Logan have been introduced to the world of Hallmark romances, and love them.  One night Tyler slept on Mariah's bed and she and I watched a movie on my bed and stayed up late.  It was so fun.

My Fitness Trainer

The other morning I announced that I would be heading out for a workout and Mariah offered to be my trainer.  She really worked me hard!  It was not only a great workout, but a nice time to spend with her.  I was one of those mom moments that make you smile and remind you how amazing your kids are.  Apparently Logan has a workout ready for me tomorrow.  Yikes

Happy New Year!

New Years was fun.  The kids spent all day and most of the evening running between homes with friends.  Linda, our MomMom also stopped over for a couple of hours.  She sent me a text later that evening thanking us for having her and sharing how much she loves to be in our home and see all of our children.  It was sweet.  At one point we had several neighbor kids over to play Apples to Apples, which is currently our kids' favorite.  Tyler joined us and we had a blast.

In typical Mons fashion, we rang in the New Year, and then headed straight to bed at about 12:03.  Have I mentioned we are not night owls?

Does anything warm a mother's heart more than seeing her kids loving each other?

Tyler and Jake Sanders

Fred came by a few times with the kiddos.  It has been nice living near them.

My oldest and youngest.  Logan's biggest fan.


Tonight we had the sister missionaries for dinner.  We introduced them to the Mons' original recipe of  maple bacon waffles.   It has become a Sunday tradition to make these.  We take maple bacon and make they cook inside the waffle.   And that is the complicated recipe for you.  They had a little activity after that gave us each an opportunity to share something.  Tyler drew the card that asked him to express love for someone.  He took that opportunity to share his love and appreciation for Logan.  We are so proud of this kid.  He is about to turn 14.  He is the Deacon Quorum president and an all around great guy.  He is starting to take on his role of biggest brother with more pride and purpose.  I think he sees how much his younger siblings look up to him and strives to set a good example.  He is still the honest guy we've always admired.  He loves the Lord and talks and plans for the day when he will serve a mission.  I know he was sent as our first child because the Lord knew he would help us lead our kids to righteousness.  I could go on and on about him!

I have continued to feel the peace, joy and consolation from seeking repentance and a change of heart.  I am so grateful for the spiritual experiences I have had these past 2 weeks.  I can feel that these changes will be lasting because they come from motivation of the spirit and it's backed by an indescribable love from Heavenly Father.  Repentance is a gift.