A Very Merry and Wilde Christmas!

December is almost over, and I am behind in my blog AGAIN.  In my defense, I think everyone is crazy and busy this season, so it makes sense that I am as well.  Quickly, I will update the happenings at our house this month. 

• I got in trouble with Logan for writing in my blog that he wants to run for State Senate.  This is actually more of a family joke, and I put it in the Wilde family scrapbook for this reason.  Then I posted our little family interviews in my blog, forgetting that I had written that he wanted to run for State Senator.  Well, somebody asked him about it, thinking I was serious!!  Then he wasn't very happy with me.  So, in the future, if I talk about my sweetheart's political aspirations, it is a joke!!(mostly)
• We celebrated Joseph's first birthday on the 14th.  What a happy day that was for us.  He truly is a gift from Heavenly Father, and it is so fun to have him in our home, and see the love that his siblings have for him.  The struggles that we went through as a family to bring another child into our home, makes our love for him that much sweeter.  His sunny personality and sweet little nature fills our home with happiness.  That we celebrate his birth during the Christmas season, seems so appropriate to me, for he truly is our little Christmas miracle, and a manifestation of God's love and awareness of our family's needs.
• I have been busy, busy, BUSY getting ready for Christmas.  I have sewn and snipped a rag quilt for my mom(with my sister, Jen), made about 40 little wooden blocks for my neighbors and friends, stitched a picture for my mother-in-law (finished at 11:45 on the 24th), and did LOTS of  baking in between.  Plus, cleaning the whole house for Christmas (Told the kids Santa doesn't come to dirty houses, and yes, he checks under beds, in closets, and under toilet seats!  The big girls just rolled their eyes, but were good sports and helped, anyway.)   And, baking cookies and dipping pretzels for Grandma Camille, so she would have a treat for anyone who stopped by to visit her during the Holidays.  Add to that wrapping presents and going to various holiday activities, and it's a wonder I got any sleep this month!  

Just a few of the funny things that I heard or saw during the month of December in our Wilde house:

• Driving home from Black Friday shopping with Reed and baby, listening to Christmas music.  The Peanuts theme song is playing, about half-way through, Reed says to me, "Mom, I think this guy forgot the words to his song."
• Emma, who loves Curious George, was singing one of the songs from his Christmas special yesterday.  Unfortunately, she misunderstood the words, so instead of singing "Christmas Monkey", she is bellowing "Christmas JUNKIE"  at the top of her lungs, all through the house.  I'm picturing some poor strung out girl, hanging out on the corner, trying to score on Christmas Day.
• At Temple Square to see the lights with the kids and Logan.  Reed is less than impressed with the lights and keeps asking if we are done yet.  Until we get to the Reflecting Pond, where a beautiful white Nativity is displayed, with floating lights all around.  Reed gets really quiet, and I'm thinking, yeah, he loves it!!  He turns to me and says, "Mom, those lights are so cool."  I say,"Aren't they beautiful?"  Says Reed,"No, Mom, they look like BOMBS!!"  He is such a boy, through and through.
• Went to help in Emma's KINDERGARTEN class right before Christmas break.  Her teacher had the kids drawing pictures of what they wanted Santa to bring them.  Every one of them had drawn pictures of iPhones, iPods or iPads.  Am I the only one who thinks there is something wrong with this picture?
• Charlotte got an MP3 player from Grandma Julie for Christmas this year.  Among the music she has asked to download, JOHNNY HORTON, KAREN CARPENTER and the soundtrack for PAINT YOUR WAGON!!  Though I think the music she has asked for is funny, I am thankful that she isn't asking for Lady Gaga or Katie Perry!  But I am starting to wonder if I have sheltered them a little TOO much!
• This wasn't funny to me, for Christmas, Madison didn't want any toys.  Instead she asked for makeup, earrings, and jewelry.  I am looking at this girl and thinking, who took my baby and replaced her with a teenager??   I am not sure that I am ready for the next stage of her life, even if she is!

As I look back on this month of busyness and cheer, I am so very grateful for this family I have been given.  Yes, it is hectic and busy, sometimes stressful.  But it is also fun and funny, joyful and tender, just plain old good!!  How I love this season, and all the joy that comes with it.  I pray that this Christmas season found you and yours Merry and Bright, and that you remember the reason for the season, not just this Christmas Season, but every season.  Merry Christmas from our WILDE home to yours!!

Family Stories 2011

I know, I know two posts in one day is too much, but this is the 2nd half of Karen's homework.  I thought the kids stories were fun, and needed to be included in our family blog for the year.  Enjoy, or skip it, it's up to you!!

Logan and Kim Family Stories 2011

This July, Ian hurt his head in a wreck.  While he was in the hospital, Caleb and Jacob came to stay at our house, and that night we watched Looney Tunes and Little Rascals.  The hilarious parts in Looney Tunes weren’t as hilarious without E-bird.  Caleb, Madi and I stayed up until Midnight watching movies and visiting.  The next day, I begged my mom to let me go with her to the hospital.  I was disappointed when I learned I couldn’t, and I had to go to Alysha’s.  On Sunday, I was really happy when Ian came home.  Mom and Aunt Karen made snow-cones for all the kids to celebrate!                                                                                                                                         Charlotte Jean Wilde

This year we went to the Ocean.  My Uncle Jeff lives there in Santa Cruz, CA.  I taught myself how to boogie board.  Most people wait in the water then swim away in the wave.  I tried that and went under.  So I made a new way to boogie board.   Then we walked down the beach to a cave.  Charlotte and I jumped off some rocks into the water below.  Charlotte was hesitating, but I jumped right in.  When I went down, my feet touched the sand and I pushed up.  I did this a couple of times before Charlotte was brave enough to come over and try.  She landed on the rock and wouldn’t try anymore, but I thought it was fun and didn’t want to stop!              Madison Anne Wilde

This year we went to California to visit Uncle Jeff.  While we were there, we went to Monterrey.  We had lunch at the COOLEST PARK I’ve ever seen, Dennis the Menace Park.  There was a hedge maze you can walk through.  I ran through the maze and jumped on my Dad’s back.  There was a rock climbing wall, and a slide made of rollers. It was REALLY BUMPY.  I tried to walk down it and fell onto my back.  That was no fun!  Next, I went down on my stomach, and my laugh sounded funny.  I had TONS of FUN in California!!                                                              Reed Paul Wilde

This year, we had the chance to go visit Uncle Jeff, Aunt Dawn, Alex and Anna Belle in California.  We got up REALLY EARLY in the morning and loaded in a BIG VAN with Grandpa Paul and Grandma Julie.  We drove all day long and stopped in “Rhino” to sleep.  The next morning, we woke up, ate breakfast and loaded back in the van.  In a few hours, we got to CALIFORNIA!!
We had so much fun swimming in the Ocean, going on a train through the Redwood Forest, and riding the rides on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.  I fell down and hurt my arm, but Mom kissed me better.  We saw a pier full of seals and sea lions and they were STINKY!!  I had so much fun in California, that I wish we could go there EVERY YEAR!!  Next time, I hope we go to DISNEYLAND!!                                                                                                                                                 Emma Loucille Wilde

It has been such fun to watch our little Joseph grow and change over the past year.  He loves his brother and sisters, and is such a good-natured baby.  He truly is a blessing in our home.  He loves to roll all over the house, and picks up everything he can manage to get in his mouth.  He is just a TINY bit spoiled, but is so very sweet that nobody seems to mind too much.  It has been so much fun to watch his personality develop and to hear him giggle and laugh at his siblings.  We are truly grateful to be blessed with this happy, healthy, strong boy in our home.  He is a miracle in our home, and an answer to many prayers.                                                                                Joseph Richard Wilde

What a year!! I can’t believe that 2011 is almost over.  It has been such fun to watch my children grow and change and become more than they were before.  I have felt so very blessed as I have held my children close and watched them grow.  What a blessing it is to be a mother of joyful children.  I never pictured my life quite like this, but I can’t imagine it being any better!  As I try to think of one memory to share, I can’t think of just one that stands out, they are all simple, but just right for me. 
However, I have had the chance to stretch and grow this year, so I will share one of the many learning experiences that I have been blessed with this year.  In September, I was asked (more like ordered) to speak at the SUNDAY SESSION of our Stake Conference the next week.  Did I mention that I have a huge fear of Public Speaking?  Pretty much the WORST thing you could ask of me.  So I was very scared and spent the entire week worrying about what I would say, what I would wear, and how I would manage to not throw up in front of the entire stake.   I bought a new dress (at the DI, thanks to my thrifty fashionista, Karen).  I went to the temple.  I (Logan) invited my parents to come on SUNDAY, if you are wondering Logan invited them instead of me, it wasn’t because I didn’t want them there.  It was because I figured the less people that saw me throw up at Stake Conference, the better.  I stayed up til the wee small hours of Saturday morning writing a talk that I was terrified to give.  I went to the SATURDAY NIGHT adult session of conference and heard these oh so scary words:  “Next we will hear from Sister Kim Wilde.”    At that point, I panicked!  I didn’t have my talk, my parents weren’t there, and worst of all, my cute DI dress was at home, hanging in my closet!!   Luckily, I was singing in the choir, so I was already on the stand.  With as much calm as I could muster, I, oh so casually, leaned down to President Walker and said, “President Porter asked me to speak on SUNDAY!!”   To which he replied, “Are you SURE?”  Ummm…YES!!!!  Fortunately, we were able to work it out.  I offered to give up my spot on Sunday, but they wouldn’t let me off that easy, and I ended up giving my talk in my cute dress, with Mom and Dad there to see.  Although I never want to do that again, I am thankful that I had the chance to share my testimony and the love I have felt from my Heavenly Father with the members of our stake.                                                          Kimberly Wilde

Logan says that not much has happened in his life this year, but I disagree, so I am writing his story for him.  If I don’t, Albert will make something up that will be complete baloney, so I am beating him to the punch so you can get my spin on things instead of Albert’s. 
This year, our Anniversary fell on a Sunday, and we wanted to do something as a family.  We decided to take the kids up Pine Canyon in the Ranger.  So we cleared out the back, taking out the ROPE and spreading a blanket for the kids to sit on.  We loaded up the BOBBLEHEADS (what my kids look like in their helmets), and strapped Joseph’s carseat in the front with us.  Away we went.  We were having a grand old time “making memories”, and everything was going great.  That is, until we came to the fallen tree across the road.  I said that we should turn around, but Logan said that it would be fine.  “We can make it over that tree, EASY.”   Famous last words.  So I load all the kiddos out of the Ranger and wait on the side of the mountain to watch Logan go up, up and ALMOST over the fallen tree.  Instead, the Ranger is high-centered on the tree.  Then he says if he had a ROPE, he could have just pulled the tree off the road and out of the way.  We worked for at least 45 minutes to get that stinkin’  Ranger off the tree and headed back up the mountain!!  We ended up pulling the tree (tree, not LOG, mind you) completely off the road, Logan, Madi, Charly and I, while Reed and Emma watched the baby.  When we finished, Logan said how good it was for our family to have to work together!!  How I love that man!
I did learn a few OTHER lessons from that experience as well:  If you are taking a Ranger ride with all your kiddos in tow, you should bring a rope, a cell phone with a signal, and more snacks than two water bottles and a bag of Twizzlers.  Oh, one more, NO FOUR WHEELING ON SUNDAY!!                                                                                                                                                            Logan Wilde

Our Wilde Bunch 2011

This was a homework assignment from my sister-in-law, Karen.  I had so much fun doing, I decided to post it this week.  Hope you enjoy it.  If not, BLAME KAREN!!

Logan and Kim Wilde Family 2011

What an incredible journey 2011 has been.  We have laughed and cried, worked and played.  We have grown together and strengthened one another. There have been many joys, and a few sorrows.   We are so very thankful for this Wilde Bunch, and we can’t wait to see what 2012 will bring.

Richard Logan Wilde, Age 35

Something New I discovered I liked:  Politics (Kim says this obsession isn’t new, just more pronounced this year.)

A New Food I tried:  Clam Chowder fresh from the Ocean- SO GOOD!
Favorite Book for 2011:  The Hidden Traditions of the Kingdom of God.
Favorite TV Series:  MASH
Church Calling:  Ward Clerk (forever and ever, Amen)
Places I’ve gone:   Nashville, TN; Washington, DC; Santa Cruz, CA; Choteau, MT; and Delta. UT (Kim says that one is not worth mentioning)
Accomplishments:  Enduring a very painful back for most of the year, finally finding some relief in the form of Cortisone injections in late October.
Goals for 2012:  To be elected State Senator.  My wife says not to hold my breath!

Kimberly Ann Wilde, Age 34

Something  New I discovered I liked:  Facebook  (I know, but it really is a fun way to keep track of what’s going on around you)  Blogging (I never have been much of a journal keeper, but I like writing about what our family is up to every week, it’s fun!)
A New Food I tried:  Peach Salsa, Karen and I bottled our own this year, and it is pretty tasty!!Favorite Book for 2011: too many to name them all, but I really enjoyed The Rocketboys by Homer Hickam Jr, and Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank & Ernestine Gilbreth
Favorite Movie:  Ramona and Beezus, just a fun family movie, I laughed and cried, sometimes at the same time.
Church Callings:  I was released as the 2^nd counselor in the Primary Presidency and immediately put in as a Den Mother in Cub Scouts. (I guess they figured I knew how to handle squirrely little boys)
Places I’ve gone:  Santa Cruz, CA and Choteau, MT (both of those are very LONG drives)Accomplishments:  Spoke in our Stake Conference to an audience of 2,000.  Wrote and directed my 2^nd Primary Program.  Learned to sew with a machine, and mastered rag quilts (but I still CAN’T read a pattern)
Goals for 2012:  Find more patience for those I love the most (my family).  Quit drinking Dr. Pepper.  Find the good in those around me.  Smile more than frown, laugh more than cry.  Love every minute I have been given!  Oh yeah, scripture study and prayer every morning and night.

Madison Anne Wilde, Age 11

Something New I discovered I liked:  Boogie Boarding, Rock Jumping, and Rock Climbing.
A New Food I tried:  Fried Oreos-they were YUM-YUM!!
Favorite Book for 2011:  Peter and the Sword of Mercy by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Favorite Movie:  Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
Church Calling:  My job is to watch the kids and keep them reverent when Mom has to take Baby Joseph out!
A New Place I’ve Gone:  Santa Cruz Boardwalk in California
Accomplishments:  I have been given more responsibilities at home.  This year, I started babysitting for Mom.  I really like it, and have even watched Aunt Karen’s kids!  I have also been learning to bake on my own, and can make cookies, brownies and Top Ramen!
Goals for 2012:  Plan and make dinner by myself.  Learn to sew on a machine.  Earn my Faith in God award before my birthday!

Charlotte Jean Wilde, Age 10

Something New I discovered I liked:  Driving a four-wheeler by myself!! (but only with a HELMET on)
A New Food I tried:  Norwegian Waffles, the best dinner EVER!!
Favorite Book for 2011:   The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan
Favorite Movie:  Narnia
Church Calling:  My job is to help Mom get everybody ready and out the door for Church.  She says she wouldn’t get there without my help.
Places I’ve gone:  Temple Square with Grandpa Paul and Grandma Julie; Santa Cruz Boardwalk, CA; Monterrey Bay Aquarium, CA; High and Dry NEVADA!!
Accomplishments:  Made a new friend at school.  Babysat Reed and Emma all by myself.  Read the entire Percy Jackson Series.
Goals for 2012:  Read The Son of Neptune.  Babysit Karen’s kids.

Reed Paul Wilde, Age 7

Something New I discovered I liked:  Boardwalks, they have really fun rides on  them, and they are right on the beach.
A New Food I tried:  Eggnog Fatboys.  They are REALLY GOOD!!
Favorite Book for 2011:  Interrupting Chicken
Favorite TV Series:  Scooby Doo
Church Calling: My job at Church is to TRY to be reverent during Sacrament Meeting.
Places I’ve gone:  Dennis the Menace Park in Monterrey, CA
Accomplishments:  Rock climbing.  Forming the “Koala Home Club” with my cousins.  (sidenote, Mom has no idea what this is)
Goals for 2012:  Make another “Koala Home Club.”  Get no N’s on my report card for the rest of the year.  Become a Cub Scout!

Emma Loucille Wilde, Age 5

Something New I discovered I liked:  Going to Kindergarten.
A new Food I tried:  Angel Hair Primavera…YUMMY
Favorite Book for 2011:  The Little Mermaid, by Hans Christian Anderson
Favorite Movie:  Hello Dolly
Church Calling:  My job is to TRY to be reverent in Primary.
Places I’ve gone:  Santa Cruz, CA
Accomplishments:  Started Kindergarten.  Mastered the Alphabet.  Learning to read.
Goals for 2012:  Learn more words.  Go to California AGAIN!!

Joseph Richard Wilde, Age 1

Something New I discovered I liked:  My toes, my fingers, my sisters and brother.  Being tickled, playing peek-a-boo.  Pretty much EVERYTHING has been new to me this year.
A New Food I tried:  I try to eat everything I can get my hands on…a few examples- mud off Dad’s boot (I HOPE it was mud); a dime I found on the floor; bobby pins and dryer sheets.  Not all of these things taste good, but I have to make sure!
Favorite Book for 2011:  God Gave Us You (that’s Mom’s favorite anyway, so she reads it to me A LOT)
Favorite TV Series:  Curious George, I watch it with Camisen every morning!
Church Calling:  My job is to be cute during church so everybody will smile at me and make me laugh!
Places I’ve gone:  Basically anywhere and everywhere Mom goes, sometimes I wish she would stay home a little more!   But I was a really good baby all the way to Santa Cruz and back, and then all the way to Choteau!!
Accomplishments:  Rolling over.   Sitting up.  Army crawling.  I don’t like to sit up very much, because I like to roll all over the house.  I find it is a very efficient way to get around.  Between that and my army crawl, I may NEVER need to learn to walk! I am also really good at waving BYE-BYE, playing  PATTY CAKE, and being an INDIAN.  I don’t know why, but doing that always makes Mom and Dad laugh, no matter how many times I do it!  Guess they are just easily entertained!
Goals for 2012:  Get some teeth.  Learn to crawl, and then to walk.  Be weaned (oh wait, that’s Mom’s goal) Continue to be HAPPY HEALTHY and STRONG!! 

Thankful

This is the season to reflect back on the year that has passed and be grateful for the blessings I have been given.  So much has happened in our little Wilde family, that I can't possibly name every single thing that I am grateful for.  So I think I will just settle on naming a few of those that stand out for me.  Some of them are big, and most of them are little, but all of them are blessings from my Father in Heaven. 

•  I am grateful for the safe arrival of our sweet baby Joseph last December.  I know that he is such a blessing to our family, and he truly is a miracle to us.  What joy he brings into our home and our family.
• I am so very thankful for all my Wilde ones.  Thankful to be their mama, and for the love that they share with me each day.  I am so glad to watch them grow and change, and to see the world through their eyes.  I pray that I can raise them to love the Lord, each other, and those around them.  I hope to always see the wonder in the little things, as children have such a talent for doing.
• I am, indeed, very grateful for their father, the biggest Wilde one of ALL.  He is the best husband this girl could ask for, and I am so glad he is mine!!!  I am so thankful that he is willing to work and support our family, so that I can stay home and be paid in HUGS AND KISSES!!  I am grateful that he is a worthy Priesthood holder, and is striving to teach his children to love the Gospel.
• I am thankful for my parents, who have ALWAYS loved me and supported me, even when I didn't necessarily deserve it.  They do so much for my little family, I am grateful for their influence in our home.
• I am thankful for a warm home, food on our table, and safety and security in our little valley.  There isn't a better place to raise my family, and I am thankful to be able to call Croydon home.  I love watching my children work alongside their father, grandfathers, cousins and uncle.  What a blessing it is to watch your children grow and thrive in a place  you love.
• I am thankful for my own brothers and sisters.  They are, and always will be, near and dear to my heart.  What an influence for good they are for me.  I am so very glad to call them my own!
• Most of all, I am thankful for the Gospel.  I am so very grateful for a loving Father, who knows my needs and my heart, better than I do.  I am thankful for the chance to learn and grow, repent and improve.  I am so grateful for the perspective that comes when you realize that today is not forever, and you can get through the trials that are placed in your path, when you trust in Him.  For the knowledge that my family can be forever, I can never express enough gratitude.

As I started to list all the things that I am thankful for I realized two things.  One, I could go on and on and never run out of things to list.  Two, not one of these blessings are LITTLE!!  I am always amazed at how blessed I truly am when I stop to think about it.  The blessings are always there, I just need to take the time to recognize them. 
May you have a very Happy Thanksgiving, and stop to count your blessings today!!

Bawling through Book of Mormon Stories

Yep, that's right folks, today, the unthinkable happened.  I sat and cried through Book of Mormon Stories in our Primary.  Granted, there were extenuating circumstances, but still, I never expected to cry like a baby while singing BOM Stories.  This morning, our Primary Presidency was released, and I was sad.  I can't believe how much I have grown to LOVE Primary and those beautiful little ones I have had the joy of serving each week.  I have also had the pleasure of serving with some of the most amazing women in our presidency, and to think that I don't get to share the joy of Primary with them anymore makes me sad.  Not to mention the fact that we pretty much have the BEST teachers and music leaders on the planet!!  I know they will survive without me, but how am I going to survive without the Primary??
I wanted to share just a few of the neat, fun or funny things that have happened to me while I have had the blessing of serving in the BEST Primary in the known universe...and no, I am NOT exaggerating (at least not very much)!

• I had the chance to witness two beautiful daughters be sealed to their adoptive parents.  What a blessing it was to be there that day as a family knelt across the altar and became a forever family.  As I watched these sweet girls be sealed, I knew that they were placed in that particular family because of Heavenly Father's love for them and for their parents.  It was a testimony to me of our Father's hand in that family.
• I had the chance to make a connection with a very special child of God.  There is an autistic boy in our ward  that I had tried to reach out to and never had any success.  Until I had Joseph, that is.  I wasn't aware of this, but this particular boy LOVES babies.  The first Sunday that I brought little Joseph in to Primary, this sweet boy came right up and sat next to me.  He started asking me all sorts of questions about the baby, and I could tell he was really excited.  I asked him if he would like to hold the baby, and told him that he needed to be very careful because Joseph was very fragile (only 2 months old).  As Tyson took my son into his arms, I felt so grateful for the chance to share that moment  with both of those children of God.  The neatest part was that, Tyson was so excited that his legs were bouncing up and down about ninety miles a minute, but his arms were perfectly still as he so very carefully held my son in his hands.  It was beautiful, and still makes me cry when I think about that moment.
• On a lighter note, I have learned that those cute kiddos say the darnedest things.  They tell all sorts of family secrets, and basically say whatever is on their minds at that moment.  One week, during Opening Exercises our first counselor asked if any of the kids could think of another word for lucky and her little boy piped right up with SUCKY! (I don't think that's quite the word she was looking for).  The same week, the kids were supposed to be drawing pictures of something Jesus has done for us, my boy came up to show me his picture, and it was Jesus WATER SKIING(he told me it was His favorite thing to do)!! 
• I have learned to expect anything and everything in Primary, because if you don't think it could happen, it still just might.  One week, I witnessed one of our cute boys army crawl under the entire back row of chairs.  I was so caught up in whether or not he would get caught, I completely forgot that I should be STOPPING him. 

I have learned and grown so much this past year and a half as I have served in Primary. I am so grateful for the chance I've had to love the littlest members of the Morgan 7th ward.  I'm not quite sure what to do with myself now that I am without a job in our ward, but I am looking forward to going to Relief Society for the first time in about 5 years next week.  Here's hoping I don't tell all the sisters to put on their Elephant Ears and Lizard Lips so we can be quiet and hear the teacher speak!!

Blankets for my Babies

This time of year, especially the end of October, always makes me a little bit sad.  I spend a lot of time thinking of my little ones.  William was delivered in October, and the other two should have been born in October as well.  So, I find myself thinking and reflecting on them so much during the fall.  And yes, it makes me sad to think of how old they would be, and what they would be like now.  I miss them, and I guess that part of me always will.  But I am by nature, a cheerful person, so I try not to dwell on heartaches and sorrow.  Instead, I try to do something to honor the memory of those sweet little ones.

When I was in the hospital delivering William, there was a kind group of women who came to see me.  They belonged to an organization called SHARE.  They are all women who have experienced infant loss as well.  They came to the hospital, and took care of my sweet little boy.  They washed him and dressed him, and wrapped him in a little tiny blanket.  When I came home from the hospital, I didn't get to bring my little one, but I did bring the blanket that held him for just a moment.  Being able to hold the tiny blanket that had held him brought me so much comfort.  There were many nights that I fell asleep with that little blanket tucked in my arms.

Every year since then, I have made little blankets for Utah SHARE.  My hope is that some little momma will find just a little comfort and peace from them, as I did.  Making them also brings me comfort, and helps me to remember my little guys.  Here are this year's, I finished snipping the last one this morning, and I think they turned out pretty nice.



  

Busy as a Bee!!

Hubby asked me today when I last posted on my blog...which made me feel just a little guilty...see my blog is kinda like our family journal, and I'm SUPPOSED to be keeping track of what's going on in our lives each week.  Ideally, I would like to be posting about once a week...

Well, for the past two months I have been slacking.(or rather, been WAY TOO BUSY doing other things)  I have posted maybe twice in two months, so I am a little behind...hence the guilty conscience.  But I am still really busy tonight, so just a very quick update on what I have been doing, instead of keeping up on my blog...

• CANNING, CANNING and MORE CANNING-it takes a LOT of food to feed our growing family, and I like to help the grocery budget in any way I CAN, (did you catch that pun) so I put up as much produce as I can get my hands on in September and October.  I am officially done, but my kitchen has yet to be put back together! (that will have to be next week's project)
• Sewing, sewing all day long-my brother and sister-in-law are expecting a sweet baby girl, just in time for Christmas.  I have been working on some very CUTE things for the new little cutie, and I would put some pics in here, but I am afraid it might spoil the surprise for Sis-in-law, Dawn.  We were hoping they were coming to visit us this month, but the trip fell through.  At least I got most of her cute baby things made, now I won't have to stress about them while I am working on Christmas Goodies!
• Halloween Fun-most of this week was spent making Halloween Costumes for my kiddos.  Logan and I made Reed and Madison's costumes by ourselves, and I am pretty proud of the results.  Reed wanted to be Link, and Madi wanted to be a Banshee.  Charlotte wanted to be a Weber State Student, which was pretty easy (jeans, purple tee, sweatshirt and duffel bag).  Emma was a Butterfly Fairy, with hand-me-down costume and new wings.  I was Mother Goose, and Joseph was my little Gosling.  Of course, we couldn't get Logan to dress up...I offered to make him a sign that said "Party Pooper"  He said he was too cool for that!!  It's okay, we still love him, even if he WON'T make a fool of himself for us.

There are many other things that have been keeping us running hither and yon as a family, but since you all have families too, you know how it goes.  If we're not busy, we must be dead, and who wants to be that??

Here's hoping I will remember to keep up on my blog, even if our family does get super-swamped with other stuff!!  Oh, and Happy Halloween!!

The Plain Black Tees

                                                                         Had the chance to get our yearly family photos taken on Saturday.  Think they turned out pretty great, thanks to an AWESOME PHOTOGRAPHER!!  Thanks so much Dianne, for making my Wilde Ones look so cute!!  I don't know how you manage to make us shine, but you are incredible!!!  As you can see, she did a great job making us look good!

We had such a fun time goofing off and spending the afternoon together, I was reminded of how very blessed I am with this beautiful family.  I am so very grateful for my children, and my husband, and for the bonds that tie us together as a family.  I am thankful for the happy times that bring us joy, and the trials and struggles that bring us closer to Heavenly Father and each other.  What a blessing it is to have a family.  We may not always get along, or see eye to eye, but we always have each other to lean on, and for that blessing, I am eternally grateful!  I am also so very thankful for this beautiful place that I get to raise my family.  I never thought that I would live on a ranch and be a farmer's wife, but I have to say, I couldn't have been put in a better place, I LOVE it HERE!













Thanks, Dianne, for sharing your talent with my WILDE crew!!

Primary Program Mayhem!!

Today was the Primary Program in our ward.  As the 2nd Counselor in our Primary Presidency, it is my job to write the program for our ward.  So I thought it would be fun to share just a few of the highlights from this year's program, and a few of the more memorable moments from last year's. 

• This year our Bishop used the analogy of hanging your head out the window and enjoying the ride.  Does that make the rowdy little ones the bugs that fly in your face??
• One of the little boys giving a talk(my nephew Ian) was telling how the Priesthood had blessed his life.  He was telling us how he had been injured and how his eyes had swollen shut for a day.  His mom was helping him and corrected him, saying it was three days.  He turned to her and said, "Three days. one day, whatever, Mom."  Very typical of our little Ian!
• Another little boy came up and whispered to me, "I know my part", then he proceeded to yell it into the microphone.
• The Junior Primary treated us to a very rousing rendition of Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.
• Last year, the little boy sitting next to our Secretary kept poking her in the chest and saying "Booby".  I don't know how she didn't slap him.
• One sweet little girl picked her nose through the ENTIRE program, only stopping to say her part.
• My son and his best buddy sat on the front row, right next to me, for the entire program, and pretended to shoot each other.  I kept telling them to stop, and they would just smile sweetly at me, and then keep on shooting.  They both knew I wasn't going to SPANK them in front of the entire congregation!!
• Last year, one of our sweet little sunbeams would not stop wiggling.  His teacher finally had him sit on his lap.  He promptly fell asleep, and didn't wake up again until after the program was finished.
• One sweet little sunbeam got up with both of our sunbeam classes, and then wouldn't say a part in either class!

These are just a few of the very fun moments that we saw in our sacrament meeting program today.  The funny thing is, I loved every minute of it!!  I looked at those ninety wiggling, squirming, trying to be reverent primary kids, and I felt the love of Heavenly Father.  I love serving these children, helping them learn, and learning from them.  They are great kids and I feel blessed to serve alongside of these beautiful sons and daughters of God. However, after the last two fairly stressful Sundays, I am really looking forward to PAJAMA CHURCH next Sunday (what we call General Conference at our house)!!

Saturday Night Panic Attack!!

Had the chance to stretch and grow this week by doing something that I find totally terrifying.  If you guessed speaking in front of an enormous crowd of people then you are right.  I was asked to speak at our Stake Conference during the Sunday session.  I told our Stake President that I didn't think I could face a crowd of 600 people.  He said not to worry, it was more like 2,000 anyway.  Way to make me feel better, Pres. Porter!  At this point, I told him that my good friends Karen and Kristen both had wonderful experiences that they would love to share with our stake.  He said that he would keep them in mind for the next time around(sorry guys), but he was sure that I was supposed to speak this time.

So I worried, stressed, prayed and spent much time thinking about what I would say to this enormous, terrifying, crowd of people.  I went to the temple, I stayed up until the wee small hours of Friday night/ Saturday morning writing a talk.  I planned what I would wear on SUNDAY.  I went to the adult session on SATURDAY night, and heard these very scary words...next we'll be pleased to hear from Sister Wilde...I had a PANIC ATTACK right then and there folks!!!  My talk was at home, along with my cute dress, and all my calm and composure!!  What was I going to do???  I was sitting on the stand with the choir, so I leaned down to the 2nd Counselor in the Stake Presidency and said, "President Porter asked me to speak on SUNDAY!!"  He says, "Are you sure??" Umm...YEAH!!!  Pretty sure I wouldn't forget which day he asked me to do this HARD THING on!!!  So President Walker gets up and explains the mix-up and then calls people out of the audience to bear testimony instead (sorry Bro. Toone).  I told them if they didn't have time for me on Sunday it was totally okay with me!!

But they wouldn't let me off that easy, and I was honored to share my testimony with my stake today.  I had the chance to reflect on my Father's Hand in my life this week, and for that I am very grateful.  The past week of reflection reminded me of just how much he has blessed my life and my family.  I am grateful to live in this beautiful valley, and for those who have touched my life for good. 

I also learned a very important lesson.  When you are asked to speak in Stake Conference, double-check which day they actually schedule you for, in case there is a mix-up!! 

A Bountiful Harvest Season

Five days into September, and I am EXHAUSTED!!!  This is my favorite time of year, but it can be very tiring.  Between getting the kiddos back to school, and harvesting, and preserving all the healthy veggies from my garden, there aren't enough hours in the day!  But it is such a great feeling, knowing that I am helping to provide for my family for the coming year.

So far this fall, I have frozen green beans and zucchini.  I have canned peaches and tomatoes, with Madison's help (she was so cute, so excited to be helping Mom can peaches for the first time) .  Made raspberries into jam, and eaten TONS of all these good things.  Still to come are corn and carrots to freeze.  Apples to sauce and slice and then can.  Beets to pickle, for the first time.  MORE zucchini and green beans (they truly are the plants that keep on giving and giving and giving).  Then hitting all the case lots sales to pick up what I don't can on my own at home.  It ends up making September a very busy month, but it is worth it in the end.

I am always thankful to the bounty that has been given when September is done.  I love looking downstairs and seeing the shelves full of good things to feed my family.  I love getting in the freezer, and seeing it full of the vegetables that we grew, and the piggies that we raised.  I have such a feeling of accomplishment when the work is done and the pantry is full for the coming year.  I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for the bounty that he provides us each fall.  I am even grateful for the chance to work hard to help prepare it!!

Back to School Blues

We are one week into the routine of back to school, and already, the blues have set in.  Not from the kids, who are still loving every minute of it, but from me.  I miss having my sidekicks, well, at my side.  The house is too quiet, and Joseph just doesn't talk enough (ok, not at all).  Today was Emma's first day of kindergarten, and she was SO EXCITED!!  She doesn't get on the bus until after lunch, but she insisted on getting up and ready to go with everybody else at the crack of dawn.  We ended up changing into a CLEAN shirt after she got PBJ all over the first one.  Tomorrow, I'll try to talk her into waiting until AFTER lunch to put on her new school clothes. :)  I kept it together, and didn't sob as I put her on the bus for the first time, but I wanted to.  I miss having my little sweetie here with me. 

Reed started 2nd grade last Tuesday, and seems to be doing well so far.  His teacher is very soft-spoken and sweet.  I'm hoping that she can handle all those rowdy cute boys from our primary that ALL landed in her class.  She will probably be just fine, but the 7th ward boys may just give her a run for her money :)

Charlotte is in 5th grade this year, her last at the elementary.  I have missed her constant chatter at home.  She is having so much fun catching up with friends, and making new ones, that the chatter is full steam once she walks back in the door. 

Madi started Middle School this year, and I DID cry as I watched her get on the bus.  I blinked and she went from a tiny baby to a beautiful young woman.  I just know that I will blink again, and she will be getting married and starting a family of her own (boy will I cry then).  She is loving Middle School, and doing very well.  She had a little trouble with her locker, until her teacher showed her the trick to opening it.  I was worried that she wouldn't be ready for Middle School, but I guess it was just me that wasn't.

There are a few benefits of having the kids gone all day, and I love finding the good, so here goes:

• I am much more productive if I get up and get going when they do.  This morning I cleaned the house, mowed Grandma's lawn, and picked green beans, all before Joseph woke up from his morning nap.
• When I clean up the house in the morning, it stays clean all day long!!  LOVE that feeling.
• When Joseph goes down for his afternoon nap, I can do WHATEVER I want!!  Nap, read a good book, soak in the tub, whatever I want.  Having time for me, after 11 years of always having at least one toddler around, is HEAVENLY.
• When the kids come home, they are so HAPPY to be here!!  They shower me with hugs and kisses, and I feel loved.  As a Mom, there is nothing better than that feeling.

Just wanted to share a few pictures of the kids on their first day back to school.  They are such cuties, I can't help but love them.  Hope this school year will be a great one for all of the WILDE ONES at my house :)

California Dreamin'

So I missed blogging last Sunday because we were out of town.  We took the kids and my parents to visit my big brother in Santa Cruz, CA.  We had such a great trip, I didn't want it to end.  I am still in recovery mode from the nine people stuck in a twelve passenger van for FOURTEEN HOURS trip home, so I am keeping today's blog short.  Just a couple of things that I have learned over the past two weeks, and our big trip:

-it is a TON of WORK to pack up five kiddos and two grown-ups and all the gear they need for a week.(But TOTALLY worth it)

-no matter how much you love the people involved, 14 hours in a van with them is a REALLY LONG TIME (again TOTALLY worth it)

-no matter which way you go through the great state of NEVADA, all you see is brown and sagebrush (no wonder they have gambling, why else would you go there?)

-spending time with my family is ABSOLUTELY my FAVORITE thing to do.(which you probably have guessed by now)

Just a few pics of our fun trip.  So glad we had the chance to go, I'm really hoping that we can go back again SOON!!  We had such a great time with Jeff and Dawn and their kids, I so appreciate them hanging out with us for the whole week :)

One more thing I learned- my big brother has turned into an amazing man.  I watched him care for and enjoy his children, and I was just so touched by the love he has for them.  He really is such a great dad.  He is so patient and understanding, and he just had such fun with them.  I loved having the chance to watch him enjoy his children. I already knew he was a great man, I guess hanging out with him for a few days just reminded me.

If you ever get the chance to visit the Santa Cruz area GO!!!  It is well worth 14 hours in a twelve passenger van!!

13 Years of (mostly) Wedded Bliss

Today Logan and I celebrate our thirteenth wedding anniversary.  I can't believe how fast the time has flown by.  It seems like yesterday that we were newlyweds, trying to figure out how to blend two very different personalities and lifestyles.  What a change it was for me to move to the country and become a rancher's wife.  I'm pretty sure that I wasn't all that Logan expected, either, but he was willing to learn and grow alongside of me, and build a happy little family together.  I am so thankful that he took a chance on me.  I think that it has turned out to be a pretty good choice for both of us.

When Logan and I first met, I was just starting to turn my life around.  I had moved back home, and started going back to school at Weber State, which is where we met.  I was attending church and meeting with my Bishop, trying to gain my own testimony, and become a better person than the girl that I was. 

We started dating, and I really liked this kid!!  That scared me, because I was sure that he was going to run the other way when he got to know me better.  I can still remember when he first told me that he loved me and I said that he was crazy.  I still remember him telling me that those things in my past didn't matter, and that he loved me for the good person he knew I was.  That's when I knew he was a keeper, and the perfect guy for me.  A few weeks later he asked me to marry him and I said YES!!

We were sealed in the Bountiful Temple on August 7, 1998, and I was scared!!  I was sure that Logan was going to realize what I already knew, that he was making a terrible mistake!!   I was so nervous that I was sick to my stomach, and I said yes at the wrong place, and had to say it again.  But, we made it through the sealing, and he didn't run off screaming in terror :)

Thirteen years and 5 kiddos later, we are still happy and in love.  Yes, there have been sorrows, trials and tears.  On occasion there have even been arguments and yelling (very LITTLE, of course)  Mostly our life and home has been filled with joy, laughter and love.  I am so thankful that Logan was willing to make the biggest mistake of his life and marry me!!  Happy Anniversary Sweetie!

Summer Summer Summertime!!

Summer is flying by and August is fast approaching...before it is gone, I thought I would share my top 10 reasons for loving summer...there is no particular order, just the way they jumbled out of my brain and onto the screen...

1- Love having my kids all to myself, and not sharing them with teachers, friends or other activities unless I choose to.  What can I say, I am selfish with my kiddos :)

2- Love my garden...love the sweat and effort that goes into planting and caring for our little garden...love the feeling of satisfaction that comes from enjoying the fruits of our labors...love working in the garden with my kids, and even pulling weeds :)

3- OK, I'll admit it, I LOVE being the Snowie Lady at the Widowmaker Hill Climb...Love earning a little income for two days of work, because for the rest of the year, I am paid in HUGS and KISSES which is satisfying, but doesn't get you anything but weird looks when you try to spend them at the store!  And I love serving up SUGARY GOODNESS to cute little kiddos...what can I say, it is fun :)

4-  Love watching my kids irrigate the lawn, and play in our "poor man's pool"  Yes, it is dirty and hard work, but they love playing together in the irrigation water...I always tell them NOT to drink the water, so far nobody has gotten sick.

5- Love the 4th of July...family...food...FIREWORKS...What's not to love??  I especially love the Henefer Fireworks, they do a great job, and are five minutes from our house!!

6-  Love mowing my lawn...Yep, I know this one is dorky, but I love mowing the lawn...Mostly because nobody bothers me while I ride around and aorund for about three hours...it's a great time for thinking, because the only things you can hear are the lawnmower and your own thoughts.

7-  Love the FLOWERS!!  They are beautiful and cheerful, they brighten my day, and I love filling my garden and my front porch with their cheer...I just wish the weeds were as pretty as the flowers that they overtake :)

8-  LOVE FAMILY TRIPS!!  Love spending time as a family going new places and seeing and experiencing new adventures...This year, we are going to sunny CALI to visit my brother and I CAN'T WAIT!!  I love the trips that we take with the WILDE family each year, and I have missed them these past few summers.

9-  Love going to work with Logan and the kids...Whether it is up on the Mountain to move the sheep camps, or out to change the water, I love spending time with my sweetie...Love going up on the mountain with him, it is so peaceful and beautiful, you can almost ignore the truckful of noisy kiddos :)  I just realized that I haven't been up the hill yet this summer, I will have to remedy that SOON!!!

10-  Love LAZY SUMMER DAYS...you know, the ones where nobody gets out of bed before 10 am...no chores get done all day long...nobody fixes hair...we eat cold cereal for dinner, and it's OK...somehow these days are much more acceptable in the summer!!

There are just a few of the reasons that I LOVE this time of year.  There are many more, like movie nights at the park, the county fair and swimming at Aunt Annie's...I could go on, but you guys would get bored, and quit reading, so I won't.  Here's hoping that your summer is as enjoyable as ours is this year :)

Happy Birthday to You (and YOU and yes, YOU TOO!!)

So, as if you couldn't tell by the title, we have LOTS of birthdays at our home in the month of July.  We started with Reed's seventh birthday on Friday the 15th.  Which happened to fall in the middle of the Gibby Family Campout.  So for his birthday, he got to spend time playing with cousins, having snowcones, and a HUGE cake.  He then got to stay up late for an outdoor movie, topped off with sleeping in the tent ALL BY HIMSELF with Mom.  (I am NOT a camper, so I hope I earned extra brownie points for that one!!)  The next day he informed me that the movie was a girl show (Ramona and Beezus) and that the cake didn't count because it had EVERYBODY"S NAME on it, not just his!!  But I still got credit for sleeping out in a tent with him.  What can I say, you can't please everyone all the time, and sometimes you just have to be happy with what you get :)  Keep that in mind....
Next up was Charlotte's tenth on Monday.  For her birthday, she really wanted to go swimming.  But Dad was out of town, and I didn't think I could manage to take ALL 5 KIDDOS to Cherry Hills by MYSELF without drowning someone.  I talked her into the Zoo for her birthday, and swimming for the next birthday.  I'm a genius, right??  So we spend all day getting ready to go to the Zoo.  I look online for discounts, I pack a picnic, we go pick up Grandpa, and the discount coupons.  Then we go to pick up Grandma from work at 4:00, and we drive all the way to the zoo.  We get there at about 5:30, only to find out that the Zoo CLOSES at 5:00 pm!!  So much for being a GENIUS!!  Am I the only one that thinks it is CRAZY for the zoo to close at 5:00 in the middle of summer??  So I have a carful of really unhappy kids at this point, and I am scrambling to figure out what to do now.  We ended up eating our picnic in the car and then taking the kids to Temple Square instead.  Which was fun, but maybe not exactly what we had in mind.  Like I said, sometimes you just have to be happy with what you get....
Last, but certainly not least is Emma.  We celebrated her 5th on Thursday with a trip to Cherry Hills.  We brought Grandma and her big kid (Grandpa) along with us.  Grandma watched baby Joseph, while Grandpa, kiddos and Logan and I swam all evening.  It was so much fun to play together as a family.  I love watching these kids play and change and grow together.  It makes me happy to be their mom...
So our Birthday Week wasn't perfect, but it was fun.  I am so grateful for these kiddos that bless my life each day, and I surely am happy with what I've got.  Happy Birthday to my sweet JULY babies :)
 

Yippie I'm a Gibby!!

So summer is racing right along and dragging me behind it!!  I can't believe that July is already half gone, and I will be sending my kids back to school in just over a month!   This has been such a fun summer that I don't want it to end!

This week, our family had the opportunity to host the annual Gibby Family Campout.  It was held at our local town park, and I had such fun showing my aunts, uncles and cousins all around Croydon.  I took them to see the Widowmaker hill and the fish ponds, and up to the farmyard to see our baby piglets. (I felt like the country mouse showing my city cousins all around the farm :))  Later Friday afternoon, Logan took all those that wanted to go up on the range four-wheeling.  They came back covered head-to-toe in dirt, and sun-burned to boot.  But they were laughing as if they had the time of their lives. 

Friday evening we had dinner as a family. and then settled in for a big-screen movie in the park, or laughing and visiting around the campfire, making smore's (of course!!)

Saturday, we had breakfast, played water balloon volleyball, and started to pack up for home.  I was happy to be the Snowie Lady for one more weekend, making snowcones for all the little kiddos (and quite a few not-so-little kiddos as well!)

It was so fun to see my family again, and to be able to share part of my life with them.  I realized how thankful I am to share the bond of being a GIBBY with them.  I am thankful for the heritage that we share.  It was so good to be able to renew our friendships and share laughter and memories with my family.  I can truly say Yippee I'm a GIBBY!!  I hope that they all had as much fun as I did this weekend!!