A 7 Year Old's Testimony

We got to Oceanside last night. The kids did excellent in the car and besides some heavy traffic in a few areas, the trip went smoothly. After we got here, we dropped everything and headed to the beach. We let the boys play for about a half hour. Then it was getting dark and hard to see the water so we called them in and went back to our condo. Trevor went to unlock the door and wasn't able to get the bottom lock open. He tried for a while. It didn't make sense cause when we arrived the first time, I unlocked it and didn't have a problem. I remember I checked the bottom lock before I attempted to unlock it so I didn't waste time trying to unlock it if it was already unlocked. I remember it was locked so I unlocked it without any problem. Now it wouldn't unlock. After about 5 minutes of attempting, Trevor finally went to the security office to get help. He took Jacob & Hunter with him. I had Adam & Ashlyn. When they returned, they brought a security guard with them. She had a couple sets of keys but they didn't work either. During this time Hunter said he would be right back. He went just outside the building and sat on a planter wall. He came back a few minutes later and told me quietly that he had just said a prayer to help us get the door open. Trevor & the security guard decided to go check the sliding glass door to see if there was a key hole they could try. We had already thought about the glass door but Trevor said he remembered locking it so we hadn't tried. He went over with her while I waited by the front door with the kids. A moment later the front door was opening. I was surprised they got it open and so quickly. Trevor said the sliding door wasn't locked but it was so weird because he remembered pushing the lock down. I said it was a blessing that it was unlocked (even though all of our belongings, including wallets & phones sat right in the open and this condo has easy access for anyone to enter the porch). Hunter exclaimed, "I know what happened!" "What?" I asked. "It was my prayer!" He said excitedly.  I had forgotten about his prayer. In that moment I had the spirit confirm to me that my 7 year old's prayer really had worked and that it was the only logical explanation. It was such a touching experience and such a proud moment to know that my 7 year old thought to ask Heavenly Father for help during our time of need. The eye opener is that he was the only one of us who even thought to ask for help by prayer. What a strong testimony he has! And what an example to me that even a 7 year old has strong enough faith to make miracles happen!

Hunter's Primary Teacher

Hunter doesn't always warm right up to new people, but once he does, he treats them like his best friend. It is so hard for him to change teachers and classes. When we changed church classes at the beginning of the year, he was so sad he wouldn't be with Sister Shelly Smith anymore. But after just a week or two, his affections for his old teacher shifted to his new one. He now has Sister Jenny Sherwood and Sister Jennifer Walker. I hear about his teacher, Sister Sherwood a lot (he calls her Jenny). Over the summer, she was gone for about 3 weeks and I heard every Sunday how much he missed his teacher and couldn't wait for her to come back. This last Thursday, at pack meeting, his teacher was there since her boy is in scouts. He saw her sitting alone and said, "I'm going to go sit by Sister Sherwood."  She didn't notice him sit down next to her at first but she suddenly discovered a person sitting very close to her. When she realized who it was, she immediately put her arm around him and he quickly reciprocated with a beaming smile. Sister Sherwood's father recently passed away. In exchanging emails, she sent me this note about Hunter: "That Hunter of yours is the sweetest most sensitive boy. He has made a point to ask me how I'm doing and has been so sweet. You guys have raised him well!!"  Proud parenting moment!!! I love hearing positive feedback about my kids. It reminds me of how special they really are. I love that he and his teacher share a special bond. It is such a happy feeling to know when others appreciate your children!!! 

Raisin Bran

Trevor asked Adam to go downstairs to the pantry and get him some Raisin Bran. I told Trevor that Adam would not know which cereal was Raisin Bran. Meanwhile, Adam disappeared into the garage. We heard the door open upon his return and his little boy voice asking, "Is this Raisin Bran Daddy?"  

He was carrying a can of WD-40. We were cracking up. He did not like us laughing at him. 

I got the door closed in my face in retaliation. I thought it was so sweet that Adam was trying so hard to please his daddy. 

Sneaky Adam

I don't usually make the boys clean their rooms on Sunday but today was an exception because it was really bad and it was supposed to be done yesterday. I was getting ready for church and Adam came into the bathroom.

"Is your room was clean?" I asked him. 

"Yes" he answered.  

"OK" I said. "I'm going to go check it."

"No!" He told me.

"Why not?" I asked.  

"Because Batman would get mad." He said. 

Then he told me in an annoyed tone, "I haven't even had 'breakthis' yet or my vitamin!"

"OK I'll get you breakfast in a minute when I'm done with my makeup." I told him. 

Then he randomly said, "I'm going to go close my door."

"Why?" I asked. 

"Because my kitty is sleeping" he told me. 

It's funny how young they learn!!

Grocery Help

Jacob was trying to be helpful when he made me a grocery list. 

His handwriting is not the best but he requested:

4 milk jugs

Berries (raspberry, blackberries)

Fruit snacks for Adam

Fruit roll ups for Hunter

Gushers for Jacob

I'm impressed that they asked for berries. I find it comical that they have requested I buy them each a different type of fruit snack. And nothing more. 

Moving Out

Ashlyn and I have decided to stop sharing a room as of last night. I thought I would be sad or feel like she was too far away being next door instead of right next to me. I am happy to report that we both slept wonderfully. By the time I crawled into bed, I was too tired to put much thought into anything! 

Ashlyn has officially graduated from her pack 'n play at 5 1/2 months old. 

It was definitely time.

We moved Jacob back downstairs to his room 2 nights ago so the room was ready for it's intended occupant. It's so exciting getting our house put back together and putting people & things (lots of things) where they belong!!

Sleeping Beauty

Have I mentioned that I have the BEST BABY EVER? Well I'm here to write again about just how awesome she is. Yesterday, I laid her down for a nap around 4 p.m. She slept and slept. I was able to get the kitchen clean for the first time in a very long time. I fed the kids and bathed them and got them to bed. She woke up about 7:30 to eat. I fed her and she went back to sleep. I was able to help Trevor with some painting in the basement (almost done!). I waited for her and expected her to wake up and be up for a few hours before she settled in. At around 11:30, I turned in, thinking she would be up shortly. She slept until 4:00 a.m. Then ate & went back to sleep until 7:30. So a total of about 15 hours of sleep, waking up twice to eat. I think that qualifies as the best baby ever. I would never believe such a good baby existed, especially not amongst my children. But she does exist! And I am SO very grateful. I keep telling people that was the deal I made with Heavenly Father. A good baby for my husband being the bishop. So far he has definitely held up his end of the bargain!