Things We've Learned!

Here are some of the things we've learned (or been reminded of) about our big family over the past week:

1.  Two babies are twice the fun of one!  

2.  Babies don't always sleep through the night!

3.  Older children feel empowered when a baby says their                       name ("Seff" and "Jucka" for Seth and Jessica)

      4.  Families can hold more love (and children) than you think!

5.  Thank heavens for baby gates.

6.  Thank heavens for those little plastic locks to keep little    hands out of cupboards!

7.  Keeping the house clean seems less impo

rtant than it used to.

On a different note, a friend in the state just celebrated the birthday of their late daughter, Mara Adams.   This dear family has an amazing and touching story, if you are inclined visit their website at www.maraadams.com.  Be sure that you have some tissues ready. These sweet parents are an inspiration to many, they continue to give and inspire as they lament the loss of their daughter.

We are now expecting to have Landon and Lillie for much if not all of April.  The older children are excited and enjoy the opportunity to help out.  It is interesting when I say "who wants to help bathe the babies?" I get six volunteers.  However if I ask, "who wants to clean their room?" everyone quietly sneaks away.  Go figure!

Seth and Ethan participated in a school track meet yesterday.  Seth place first in the one mile and 4x100 relay.  Ethan set personal records and was pleased with his performance.  He has three more seasons of growth and experience.  Seth is looking forward to seeing his cousin Ben run at the state meet in May.  Seth and Ben won't run against each other, their schools are in different divisions, but they still enjoy each others accomplishments.  Ben's older brother Nick will be submitting mission papers in a few days.

Tess and Amanda have done well in Water Polo this season.  Tess, a seasoned third year goalie is doing great.  She really enjoys the aggressive nature of the sport, and is talented not only as goalie but as a field player too.  Tess wants to play water polo in college, perhaps as an intramural sport at BYU.  Amanda is an outstanding athlete.  She's the type who can play any sport and excel!  She has learned a lot from Tess, and her basketball experience has helped a lot. She is  happy to be playing with the varsity team as a 9th grader.

We were pleased to find out that Evan and Alyssa earned a special award from their middle school for getting straight A's last quarter.  I think that they may have even surprised themselves.  Aarun has had the great experience of helping to publish the school yearbook.  He has learned a lot about writing, deadlines, and publishing!  Way to go Aarun.  

Jessica is preparing to take the national AP exam for her European history class at school.  This test, along with the ACT take up a lot of her time.  She is very self-motivated, she studies and prepares without us having to "bug" her about it.  

I hope is doesn't sound like bragging, but I always feel inclined to mention the accomplishments of each child.  I don't want anyone to be left out...and each child enjoys reading about themselves in each post.  We have also enjoyed reading posts from some of your blogs too!  I think we've looked at Anna's, Cammie's, and Sarah's.  Lots of ooooh's and aaaaah's at Sarah's new baby! Congratulations!

Lastly, I've added some images to this post.  You'll see one of Travis, Jessica, Amanda, and Evan with a cousin in Moses Lake.  Jessica and Amanda at the Hawaii temple (visiting grandparents who live in Hawaii), and three of Landon and Lillie.