How many cooks in the kitchen?

Is it normal for kids to fight over who gets to help mom in the kitchen? Sometimes I question why they are actually fighting.

On Sunday we plan our week and they choose a day they get to help make dinner. However sometimes we end up with all of us in there working hard to create some delicious masterpiece.

This one occasion was beautiful. Everyone had their tasks and it turned out beautifully. All recipes were from Josh's cooking class at school. We made a Pumpkin Gnocchi with Herb Sauce,  and a Corn and Bacon Dip with Toasts.  YUM!

Josh making the fresh vegge dip, more like a spread with loads of different fresh veggies. It's his favorite.

Seppe and Rach are busy rolling and cutting out the fresh pumpkin Gnocchi pieces.

After dropping the pieces of batter into boiling water they would sink, once they are cooked they float to the top and we scoop them out and then crispen them up with fresh herbs in a pan. Rachael's favorite part was waiting for them to float to the top and then scoop them out.

Bon Appetit!! 

Love

"Love is the only force that can erase the differences between people or abridge the chasms of bitterness" 

"Love is the very essence of life. Love is the security for which children weep, the yearning of youth, the adhesive that binds marriage, and the lubricant that defeats devastating friction in the home. It is the peace of old age, the sunlight of hope shining through death. How rich are those who enjoy it in their associations with family friends and neighbors."

"Love like faith is a gift of God. It is also the most enduring and most powerful virtue. "

-Gordon B. Hinckley-

I started reading "Stand for Something" by Gordon B. Hinckley and haven't been able to get past the first 30 minutes as I keep going back to re listen to it. Already I have SO much to learn from this book.

The first virtue he speaks about is Love.  I have realized this is the answer to a lot of my problems in our home.  "Love is the security for which children weep".  We all long to feel loved and care for right?  My single most important job is to give that very thing to these 4 growing children.

Sometimes love seems like the furthest thing from my reach as with 4 kids the house is constantly full of noise.  For a pessimistic person it feels like 90 percent of the time it's full of screams, shouts and yelling. For an optimist person its feels full of laughter, smiles, giggles and words of love.
I hate to think of myself as a pessimistic person but I often feel that 90 percent is what fills our home. It drives me to my breaking points sometimes but until I can remind myself about LOVE I cannot reverse my feelings and actions.

Today we went to a beautiful baptism for 4 young girls between the ages of 8 and 15.  We were on time dressed in our best and with food in hand.  We sit down and the fighting begins all because all four of them want to sit next to me. I am not joking when I say that this happens ALL the time.
My heart stretches and tears as I can't physically let them all sit right next to me so who do I let down? Well doesn't it always happen that the oldest, most quiet children get put aside as we focus on keeping the younger louder ones quiet?
This happened and I began to feel something I wish I understood and could physically figure out. How do I possibly show all my children the love they deserve? I am one person trying to divide my love between 4 children and a husband. It is so hard but yet I am learning that it is what heals everything!

We then went to the movies and same thing, they are all competing to sit next to me. Im feeling so frustrated but yet shouldn't I be feeling so honored and loved? What is my problem?
It is hard, and I am learning. But one thing that will always help me through is that one very thing, LOVE!!

While driving to the cinemas Josh got me with one of his jokes:

Josh "Mom I bet I can get you to say black"

Mom "oh ok, lets see"

Josh "what color is that sign?"

Mom "white"

Josh "what color are the trees?"

Mom "green"

  This went on for a bit....

Josh "What color is that car?

Mom "red"

Josh "see I told you I could get you to say red"

Mom "No you said you would get me to say black"

Josh "HAHA I just got you to say black"

Mom "oh man, you got me"

I felt loved that he wanted to joke and have a laugh with me. He felt loved because I let him sit in the front seat 'next to me' and he was able to get me laughing.

In preparation to move back to the USA and for my sisters visit in a few weeks we are going through all of our belongings getting rid of stuff and condensing.  Josh decided he wanted to share rooms with Joseph and has been slowly moving his stuff in. He also gave Joseph some of his old toys.
Joseph feels loved because Josh gave him some of his things and wants to be with him. Josh obviously feels loved by Joseph and that's why he wants to share a room.

After the kids were all fast asleep in their beds I did one last check. It was lovely to see Josh setting his stuff up in his new room.

What got me with a swelling heart was when I walked into the girls rooms and saw Rachael curled up in Rebecca's toddler bed with her. Just the sweetest sight as Rachael obviously wanted to be near Rebecca as it made her feel loved and secure. That bed is tiny but she just wanted to be near her.

Rachael is constantly trying to be a mother figure to Rebecca and even had Rebecca calling her Mum for awhile. I had to end that one quick.  Rach longs to be a mother figure like I am to Becca  and she gets so sad when she wants to help and Rebecca won't let her.  I only realize now that it's another sign of wanting to show love and be loved in return.  Isn't it such a wonderful cycle if we can only keep our eyes on that?

I will end my day with this circle of love today in my head hoping for a renewed Sabbath day tomorrow and a greater sense to show love rather than criticism and constantly nagging for things they may be doing wrong. Don't we learn better through love anyway?

Joshua's Blue Belt Grading

Saturday 9th May I had the privileged of attending Josh's Blue Belt Grading.
It's a grading that lasts 2 hours and showcases all of those who have achieved and earned their new belts. Aaron usually attends but I was able to go this time and oh what a treat it was.

This would be the 5th belt Josh has earned since he began Kenpo in March 2014.
He has put so much time and effort into his two classes every week. I never knew anything about karate before now and never was too into it but Josh's involvement in it the past two years has been good for us all. It teaches such wonderful life communication skills as well as defense and respect.
We love to see Josh get passionate and working hard to achieve new levels.

We see a lot of his techniques and forms at home but to watch him in action and immediately react as they are called out is incredible. It wasn't until now how alert and attentive you have to be. We are all so proud of him.

See for yourself in the video below or at this link.

Active Family

We constantly try to keep our family active and outside as much as possible.
A frequent visit to the field next to our house helps to keep this activity alive.

I do love watching Aaron and Josh playing soccer together.

February 2014 Recap

*In an effort to remember our first year in Australia I will recap each month. January has already been done so I will begin with February 2014*

February was a great month filled with a lot of new adventures.

We visited the Melbourne Aquarium in the city.

It was fun to see advertisements downtown for the Super Bowl and still amazes me how expensive parking is.

The picture where the kids are standing on glass above a massive Croc still creeps me out.

The aquarium sits right next to the Yarra River with a lovely view.

Beaches were a frequent occurrence in February as it's one of the hotter months. This beach was Mordialloc Beach right near where Aaron catches the train into the city every day. There is nice shaded park near the beach, a beautiful pier and shops within walking distance.

Rachael had just started school for the first time the beginning of February. She was struggling and cried a bit at first. One day in particular I went to the market after school drop off and Joseph wanted to buy some flowers for Rachael to make her happy. He specifically picked these ones out. It was the sweetest thing that day as he presented them to her after school. She was happy!

Looking back at these pictures is such a bitter sweet feeling, Rebecca was so small.

I loved seeing Josh interact with her, they have a special connection.

One day just before Valentines Day we picked Aaron up from the train station after work and he presented Rach with some beautiful gerber daisies. I think she was feeling extra loved and knew we all supported her starting school.

The picture just below on the right is Joseph watching the washing machine while sitting on the toilet. We began potty training the beginning of 2014, I am so glad that is over and can't believe it has already been a year. He was sitting on his little toilet waiting for his monkey to finish washing. He sat there through the entire cycle.

School pictures and Joseph trying passionfruit for the first time. He really enjoyed it.
Sandra invited us over for dinner one evening, she really does spoil us. It was fun sitting outside together chatting and eating some of the best food.

We played a lot of games. Rachael is our Uno champion and Josh won his first game of Settlers (with some help;). 

I delighted in simple pleasures such as .60 cent watermelon and lunch at the shopping center while Rebecca and Seppe napped in the stroller. That doesn't happen anymore.

Pearls and Lillies from Aaron. I felt extra loved that day.

These two became very close friends and Josh was excited to have her at the same school as him. He does a good job of taking care of her. 

We were invited to an Aussie Engagement Party and a Kiwi (Kiwis are what we call the New Zealanders) birthday celebration. The Kiwi's cook their food in the ground, it's spectacular. Both were new and fun experiences.

Josh and Rach rode their bikes to school a couple times while I ran pushing Becca and Seppe in the stroller. It is much easier riding to school since Rachael is on two wheels and I have my own bike and trailer.

Super Bowl Sunday  (Monday for us), Aaron took work off and we watched the game at home. For lunch (at half time) we walked down to the end of our street to dine at The Nest Cafe over looking the lake. After lunch we resumed the game and Joseph went missing, we found him asleep under Rachael's bed.

We had a great time taking a day trip down to Queenscliff and celebrating Valentines Day in the city.
I also had a fun little photo shoot with Rebecca at 5 months old.

Staying Busy

Time is going by way too quickly. We get excited for upcoming events and then they come and go way too fast.

Last Friday I made a day trip out to Sydney to see whales *More on this later*

Saturday until now has been jam packed for us...

Rachael was invited to a birthday disco party at a hair salon. Food, music, disco lights and they even had their hair and make up done in a crazy fashion. She came home with LOADS of goodie bags.

We ventured around getting a few bits for Josh's upcoming school camp and then took the kids to San Churro.  Churros dipped in warm melted milk chocolate and caramel, Spanish hot chocolate with added hazelnut, a milk chocolate dulche de leche hot chocolate (my personal fav),  white chocolate chip milk shake and a chocolate peanut butter milk shake. We shared around the table and felt so full leaving. It was a nice treat to prepare ourselves for the manic week ahead.

Sunday we had our General Conference broadcasts at the chapel. That evening we drove Aaron to the airport, it was his turn to fly to Sydney but not to see whales, he was working.  He was however fed and put up like a king.

Monday morning Josh left early for his 3 day school camp. It was a whirlwind getting prepared and packed but we did it and he was so excited. It was a bitter sweet feeling saying goodbye as he ventured out onto his first 'away from home' experience.

With me, Becca, Seppe and Rach left behind it felt different but went ever so quickly.
We picked Aaron up Tuesday night from the airport and Josh came home this evening from camp. He had so much to share about camp and said how he wishes he could do it again. Success!!

The kids have still not seen Aaron since Sunday evening as they were asleep when we picked him up from airport and he is gone in the mornings before anyone wakes up. Tonight I sit here typing at 10 pm and he is only just on his way home from the city. It's busy but good and should mellow down next week.

Rebecca is growing, talking and has a very funny personality but is refusing to walk. Ever since she learned how to crawl up and down stairs she has no desire to walk.
As long as she is near me she is content, so while I am cooking in the kitchen this is what she gets up to.

 Joseph is my little buddy growing ever too quickly. He has changed from the toddler to a preschooler. Today we made our own almond milk and blueberry lemonade. He helped shell the almonds and squeeze the lemons. I love that he is so happy to help me.

Hours of reading

Josh is a pretty good reader but has struggled to find a book that he could really loose himself in until now.

He came home from school with one of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" books. Within a couple days he had read the entire book.

I surprised him the following day with the complete set.

Two weeks later and hours upon hours of reading he has completed nearly 4 of the 7 books.

I love seeing him quietly sitting reading his books. I never expected that he would get through them so fast. Hopefully we can find another series of books after this one that he will love even more. 

Oh Josh... I laugh...

Picking Josh up from school and he seemed unhappy. I asked him what was wrong. As he began ranting and raving about all the bad and wrong things of his day I began to roll my eyes at the front of the car. "Here we go again" is what I thought. When he then paused and said "then... someone called me sexy... Yeah a girl named Nadi said I have sexy nipples." 

Bhahaha What??? I couldn't help but start to laugh out loud. Probably not the best move on my part but I never expected to ever hear anything like this. 

After Josh realized that sexy isn't a bad or mean word he was laughing with me. I still chuckle every time I think about it.

Josh is in a swimming program with his grade at school and that is where this would have taken place. If he really didn't like what she said he would have worn a shirt today for swim. 

My Heart Breaks

14 March 2014

I knew that the easiness of the last two days wouldn't last forever I just didn't expect what happened today.  Instead of open arms running towards me with smiling faces I saw a boy with a heavy heart, slumped head and shoulders with tears rolling down his face.

My heart breaks at times for Josh and all he experiences. When we got home Josh continued to cry for another 30 minutes, he struggled to express his feelings. He went to his iPod and typed a short paragraph of the way he was feeling and gave it to me to read. This is exactly what I saw:

After a long evening of homework and then dinner we had some one on one time and he opened up with me like he never has before.  He told me all about what happens at school and inside my heart was breaking but outside I had to put on a brave face. Kids pushing him down, taking his hat and throwing it in the opposite direction over and over. Name calling, teasing, swearing (he told me about some of the things the kids say and things they talk about, I can't believe it's already happening this young).

I realized that along with the feeling of 'not fitting in' he is dealing with new worldly issues that he otherwise never had to back home.  Things that Josh knows and feels are not right and he is learning how to deal with it. Boys talking about video games, movies that have naked women, taking the Lords name in vain and much much more. These boys are seeing Josh a different way and teasing him for it. He is intelligent, a deep thinker, not afraid to ask questions and much more emotionally in tune with his feelings. He communicates at a much more mature level and sometimes it irritates the other boys, we've seen this happen a couple times.

Today it all started with a girl (same girl that has been teasing him since school started) she pushed him down to the ground twice. Then a boy he thought was his friend is swearing at him, telling him he never wants to play with him again and he gets annoyed by him. Another boy begins teasing Josh saying he is in love with a certain girl and begins a chant in the classroom that the teachers don't do anything about. He then begins crying at his desk and they only feed into that even more.

My poor boy, how do I help him? We talked about his feelings for an hour and he kept opening up about more things. He said how he feels the teachers don't care as they don't ever do anything to intervene. We started writing a letter to his teacher together but he expressed his concern that he wasn't sure anything would change.

Our conversation turned in another direction and we began speaking about the gospel. About satan and his plan to bring Josh down. This is exactly what he wants when he is focusing on the negative. Josh asked "why is Satan attacking me and not Rachael? She is doing so well in school and has so many friends" I waited a minute before responding and he said "it's because I have been baptized isn't it." Our conversation continued on for another hour, it was such a deep and heart felt hour. We were able to connect and open up in ways we never had before. Josh shared feelings that he otherwise has been afraid to and we were finally understanding each other. It was beautiful.

At the end of the night he said over and over the words "I love you so much mom and have enjoyed talking to you tonight so much, let's do it again sometime." These words have stuck with me for the past few weeks. As we have continued on we have seen some incredible improvements in our home and with Josh. There are still some hard days but he is 'bouncing back' (as he would call it).  He is taking a religion class at school and they have been talking a alot about resilience. Every day that has been tough Josh says "I am going to be resilient and bounce back from the toughness and hardness of today". It makes me happy and I rejoice that he is seeing the bigger picture and is becoming stronger.

Tender Mercies

Yesterday morning was going well, until the drive to school... Rachael asked Josh to help her with her site words. She was struggling a little and within 2 minutes Josh was getting angry and frustrated. Just like a flick of a switch the mood changed. I was pleading for strength to help me stay calm, focused and to speak to the children in the correct manner. Before we arrived at school I was told to shut up and was already the meanest person in the world. The bell rang as I was walking them up the the school, Josh said to me "sometimes I really wish I had a different mom". I turned to him, said "I love you and hope you can have a good day". That was it, he was off and I was feeling hurt.

I took my time driving home, I was very hurt and upset. Once home I found Josh's school diary on the table. I contemplated; do I take it to him or let him learn the hard way. I wanted to show love and compassion but also want him to learn more independance. I decided not to take it to him and instead cleaned the house to keep my mind off it. Thankfully I had a pre arranged lunch with some friends that helped to cheer me up.

On my way to pick Josh and Rach up from school I was preparing for the worst. I am sure that his feelings were only festering and becoming more hostile towards me when he realized his diary was not in his bag. Because we all know, it's my fault right?!

I waited on the sidewalk beside the car watching for them to come out of the school and ready for the attack. To my surprise I saw a happy, energetic boy running at me with his arms wide open. Josh wrapped his arms tightly around me and offered the most sincere apology about that morning. I was in shock, did this just really happen? He was so upbeat and in such a great mood. The entire evening was a joy for everyone. Josh was so willing to help and be helped without complaint. He unloaded the car and carried Rachael's backpack for her, he helped clean up, spoke with kind tones and tried to calm Rebecca when she was crying.  Numerous time throughout the evening he was giving me big hugs and kisses expressing his love for me.
This was a tender mercy moment that the Lord knew I needed. 

Today I had another tender mercy. As I picked the kids up from school I was greeted with two lovely smiles, hellos and I love you mom. Josh first exclaimed "Mom, I am really starting to like school, I am learning so much". He also said "I chose to pass my free computer time at recess and instead go play with Rachael on the playground, I had so much fun".  I am not only happy that he is enjoying school now but he is making new friends, greeting and saying hello to those friends in my presence and then also taking good care of and looking out for his litter sister.  I love that he chose to play with her for the hour lunch break instead of playing the computer. Such joy fills my heart.

My evening finished up at the Melbourne Temple. It has been a wonderful couple of days and my heart is full!

Josh's Baptism

I still can't believe I have an eight year old. Where has the time gone?

I had always had an idea of how I thought the day would go for our first child's baptism. Never in a million years would I have imagined us doing that in Australia.

I am usually very organized with events like this, but this time it came so fast. I wasn't ready and nor did I know the things I needed to prepare for outside of Utah. Because there are so many children baptisms every month in Utah, things are done a little different. The program and everything is arranged for you. All I would need to worry about it getting fit for a white suit, sending out invites to family and friends and then preparing the food for afterwards.

The sunday before Josh's baptism we drove to the Melbourne temple to take some pictures and I put together a little invite that we sent out to a few of our new friends and ward members. 
Literally a couple days before his baptism I was in a panic.  I wasn't ready, we didn't have white clothing for Josh, we needed to plan and prepare the program, create programs for the day, ask someone to play the piano, give prayers, prepare food and fill the font for us. Whhaaatttt? 

I went to Costco and bought finger foods, muffins, fruit, cups, plates...

Josh had asked his grandparents back home to speak at his baptism a week or two earlier. They were given assignments and recorded their talks that we played on the day.

I was really missing my mom and the help she would have given me. I have been blessed to have angels put into my life here in Australia that helped make the day special.
Sandra took the lead on so many things, she made calls and arrangements, purchased items I forgot to and even found some white underwear for Josh. Yes, it's literally impossible to find white undies for boys here, she found some women's that could pass as boys briefs. 
She corresponded with two other people and they found white pants and an extra white shirt for Josh to wear. Noellene went out and bought a pair of boys white cricket pants. Lesa loaned me a white shirt. I was feeling overwhelmed with help and extremely emotional. 

The night before Josh's baptism Aaron realized he didn't have white pants. He had forgotten that he didn't bring his over from America and had been borrowing them from the temple. Early Saturday morning he was frantically tracking someone down, Marcelo kindly let Aaron borrow his and brought them around early that morning. 

Sandra continued to remind me through all this that I need not worry. That I needed to focus on what was special about this day and not all the 'fluff'. It really did help me focus my attention and worries. We sometimes let ourselves get so caught up on all the 'fluff', the non important things.  It was a good reminder that I needed. 

The day began a little stressful but it turned out so wonderful. Better then I had ever expected. 
I was overwhelmed with joy for our son Joshua and his choice to be baptized. I was emotional hearing our parents speak to Josh and overcome with love by all the ward members that showed up to support us. 

 I had put the food I bought into the kitchen and planned to get it out after the baptism. By the end of the baptism Lisa W. had arranged and incredible spread of food in the Primary room. As I walked in I nearly burst into tears. There was SO much food, people brought plates and plates of food. Someone grilled up sausages and Lisa baked up some ham and cheese croissants. I was speechless, didn't know what to say or do. My heart was filled with incredible joy and love for all of these wonderful people. It truly was the perfect day!

I am so grateful for the women pictured below. They helped to make this day perfect for our family and particularly Josh. I will always remember and love these women dearly.

*Funny side note:  We had forgotten to take the second white shirt for Josh to wear after coming out of the font but no one realized until after the baptism. 
While we all went back into the Primary room where we watched mormon messages and wrote special notes for Josh, Aaron was coming up with a solution.  Aaron ended up wearing his wet white shirt under his suit and dressed Josh in his spare shirt. No one even noticed but I had to take a picture once we got home.  I was wondering what took them so long to come back into the room.

Josh's 8th Birthday

Where has the time gone? I can't believe Josh is now 8 years old…

Josh was the first one up this morning and full of energy and excitement. He waited patiently in our room for Rachael to wake up and join him. Joseph was still sleeping which is a rare thing as he is usually up by 7am every morning so we let him sleep in.

Our birthday tradition is to open gifts on our bed in the morning with everyone piled on. Rachael got his gifts out and Josh began the opening. Rachael gave him a hero factory and Joseph got him some modeling clay. Then onto the other gifts…. We gave Josh a Chima (similar to hero factory) and then last but not least a build your own internal combustion engine. As soon as he opened it he was beaming from ear to ear with the biggest smile. "YES, this is exactly what I wanted" is what he exclaimed.

The morning continued as he anxiously opened the box to examine the pieces.

We had planned to take him to the Enchanted Maze Gardens for his birthday so we quickly got ready, ate breakfast and headed out to hopefully beat all the crowds.
After a lovely 45 minute drive we arrived at the park in Arthur's Seat. It was beautiful there and smelt lovely. All the trees, hedges, flowers and distant rain made the air so wonderful. Thankfully it was a very mild day.

We explored our way through a hedge maze and let the kids play on the other attractions before getting to the real excitement, Tube Slides.  The kids were in heaven and I loved listening to them cackle on the way down. Rachael's laughter was contageous.  I went once with Joseph and couldn't' believe how much he enjoyed it, it was quite the workout walking up the hill with the heavy tube. I was then surprised at how quickly we raced down the hill on those tubes.

I sat and watched them go up and down the hill quite a few times before it started to get really busy. It turned out so perfect and the kids were sad to leave. After a bit more exploring of the park each of them got their own cup full of lollies to take home.  

The drive home was beautiful as we over looked Port Philip Bay from Arthur's Seat and watched the ships and sail boats go by.

Mama and Pops had sent Josh some birthday money so Aaron took him out to purchase a gift with it. He found this really cool Hero Factory set that was originally $60 on sale for $30. Josh used what Mama and Pops sent along with some of his own money to purchase it and spent the entire evening assembling it. 

He had his choice dinner of pizza, pasta, and garlic bread and then we ended the evening with a delicious cake and a #8 sparkler on top. 

Happy Birthday to our big boy!!