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?

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.

The beach in the fall

Before the cooler weather set in permanently we would take advantage if any fairly dry and warm day and take a lunch to the beach. Joseph loves it there.

Everytime, without fail, he would be into the water fully clothed before I even had lunch out.

Rebecca had her first experience feeling and playing in the sand. We hadn't been to the beach since she was sitting up on her own. She loved feeling it in her hands. I love watching her explore and learn about the things around her. 

This morning Joseph was begging me to go to the beach. It's much too cold now. We huddle up inside staying warm while dreaming of the beach and putting together puzzles and playing with balls. 

Joseph knows his colors an shapes very well. He surprised me when I showed him the shape of a half moon and he called it a crescent. He can also count to 14, he just misses out a couple numbers.