Is it March already?!

I've been reading back through some of my journals this week and am reminded of how time flies and how precious it is to be able to read sweet little memories of my kids.  So, here I am to record of some those. . .

Just for the record, "Hi" with a little wave of the hand is Sophie's first official word other than ma-ma-ma-ma (not sure if that's official or babbling).  She stood for several seconds all by herself the other day but no walking ideas past that.

Sophie is a chocolate-a-holic.  Valentine's was a very happy day for her.

Sophie-Doph is also a great snuggler.  I often find her with one of her siblings on the couch.  As a testament to the cleverness of my children, her older siblings realize that "taking care of the baby" will also occasionally get them out of other chores. 

Sophie and Camille crash at nap time.

Bradley had a History Fair at school.  They were supposed to make a model of a structure or event from somewhere other than the US.  He chose the Sydney Opera House and did a fine job.

Alex & I got to serve as Captains of 10 for the youth at the Gilbert Temple cultural celebration (dancing & singing).  It was a wonderful adventure -- especially during the actual performance when an AZ rainstorm rolled in.  They were able to finish the show but by the time we got the kids and our stuff back to the cars we were all soaked to the bone.   Bradley was able to be a part of it too which was fun. Here's Alex's lanyard a day later -- it made a great rain gauge.

It's spirit week at school and Eve and her cousin Ivy wore matching shirts for twin day.  Sophie & Camille had one too (they were on clearance at Target a while back) so we took a "quadruplet" picture.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

We are days late on just about everything these days so why not family journaling . . .  A quick update on the kids.

Sophie:  Incredibly cute and sweet and wonderful.  She gets lots of compliments on her stellar thigh chubs.  She continues to sleep almost 12 hours a night every single night (bless that girl!).  She got her two bottom teeth in June, the two uppers in July and is a gung-ho eater of solids as of late August.  She loves her Daddy and lights up when he comes into the room.   Sophie also has entered the world of mobility.  I wouldn't call it crawling yet, it's more of a get up on fours and lunge, then repeat until reaching intended destination.  She's a champion sitter (and spitter) upper.  She loves to snuggle on the couch with big brothers and sisters first thing in the morning, sucking her thumb and welcoming the new day.

Camille:  A girl who is growing up!  Her language skills have blossomed.  At our recent Kartchner Family Reunion she talked to herself and anyone else who would listen whenever possible.  I heard she was telling people that she talks so much because her "Mom and Dad always talk".  Hmmmm . . .  She's also recently potty-trained herself.  When she heads to the bathroom she wants me to come with her and then sends me away  saying, "I need some pwivacy".  Then I hear her talking to herself, "Come on, you can do this Camille!"  The other day she came to me with her hands cupped under her chin, "Mom, is my eyes beautiful?"  She's a beautiful and wonderful and fun girl!

Eve:  Turned a big 5 years old on July 24th.  She loved going an a date with Grandma Matheson for her birthday as well as the PJ set Grandma Sue got her so that she and her Tangled doll can match.   She's been attending Mrs. Richardson's preschool this year and enjoys it.  She set a goal of learning to swim this summer and her hard work paid off.  She can jump in and swim to the steps by her self and with just a little more practice will be an official "fish".  She's joined the ranks of the big kids with chores and entered the assigned room rotation.  When she is in the mood she's an awesome worker.  Eve continues to be a thoughtful, charming and enthusiastic girl that lights up our lives.

Lydia:  Had her 7th birthday in April (that's how far behind I am!).  I think both she and her hair have grown a couple of inches over the summer and I can't believe how tall she is!  She's in 2nd grade and has Mrs. Johnson who is an awesome teacher.  This summer, she set goals of having a party for her friends and getting some chickens to raise, both of which she accomplished.  Her favorite chicken is named Eleanor. Playing school is still her favorite past time.  A few days ago she invited me to be teacher so she could give her report on stars.  It was well researched and written.  Sometimes I look at the elegant, accomplished young lady she is becoming and wonder how I can have some a grown up, pretty, wonderful daughter.

Carter:  Turned 10 on July 10th. I didn't get to celebrate the big day with him since he and Brad took a trip to the Burgess's in Colorado that week with Grandma Sue & Grandpa Paul.  They had a great time.  Carter's back into the swing of football which he is loving (as usual).  The mosquitos are also loving him.  I think I counted 20+ bites on his legs.  He's also a Warrior's book series addict and is constantly begging to go the library for a new book. Last night he made a jello based "edible cell" for school extra credit.  Being the resourceful boy that he is he didn't even need my help.  Am I working myself out of a job?  He was very sad the day we came home from our Kartchner reunion in Alpine, AZ over Labor Day.  After 4 days of playing non-stop outside in the woods with cousins and getting (very) dirty from head to toe, the thought of having to head back to school was very depressing.  He's recovered nicely though.  Carter is a joy to be around and has a great gift for getting in there and getting the task done whether it be a fun or not-so-fun one.

Bradley:  Turned 12 this last Sunday, September 15th.  He was very excited about being ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood.  His biggest wants for his birthday were a suit and a remote control something.  He looked pretty sharp in his new black suit and Grandpa Matheson fulfilled his dreams with an awesome remote control helicopter.  He's in 6th grade this year -- our last year before Jr. High -- yikes!  Last night he started a Lego Robotics Club with our friends the Gledhills & some other mutual friends.  They had a great time puttin' stuff together.  He got to go on his last 11yo scout campout a couple of weeks ago and tonight will be his first 12yo scout campout.  He's also playing the trombone in band this year and really enjoys it.  His latest big school assignment has been an autobiography.  He got up early to finish his rough draft this morning and I must say he did a fine job.  Brad is a conscientious, thoughtful and fun boy!

Sohpie's Baby Blessing

We blessed baby Sophie on March 3rd.  The week before was pretty busy.  In addition to all the usual jazz of everyday life.  I also got to plan and carryout a funeral luncheon for the family of Cara Probst.  The funeral and luncheon were on Saturday and took up most of my day.  When I finally stumbled in the door that afternoon facing the prospect of spending the rest of the day preparing for Sophie's event I found my wonderful sister Karina doing my dishes.  What a perfect surprise!  I was so grateful that I didn't even mind that Sophie coughed up her first smile for Karina.

Sunday was a beautiful day.  Our parents and all our siblings were able to come except the Burgesses who were missed! Alex's grandpa Mac Matheson and some of his extended family were there as well. The weather was beautiful and made for a perfect afternoon to have a luncheon in the backyard.  I think my brothers got a hold of the camera for a while as there were some silly shots and the pictures are mostly Kartchner but the Matheson/McInerney crew was there supporting us too!

Paul & Sue Kartchner, Mac Matheson, Alex, Julie, Sophie, Norma & Rod Matheson.

Gpa Paul, Jeff, Devon, Deidre, Karina, Kelsey, Duane

Jeff, Alan & Devon torture Carter

Jeff, you look sharp.

Karina loves close-ups

Logan, Jeff, Sadie & Alex

Sophie & Gpa Paul

Dad & Sohpie

A goodnight kiss from Camille.

Sophie's First Hike

In February we decided it had been way too long since we took a family hike.  Time was limited so we headed for the closest option -- the San Tan Mountains.  There is a state park with trails and visitors center.  It was a fun day.

Carter was the camera man for much of the trip.  Here's Alex, Camille, Julie, Sophie, Eve, Lydia, Bradley.

Camille has a strong independent streak.  We had the backpack for her but she wanted to use her own two feet.

When you run out of hands there are options.  I also like the note on Alex's hand.  I think he was supposed to call or email someone.

A blue Arizona sky.  This is pretty close to the color I painted one of my walls in Portland.  I do love a big blue sky.

Carter's photo.

Carter, Eve, Sophie, Julie, Lydia, Camille, Brad.

Another of Carter's photographic works.

Carter, Camille, Eve, Lydia, Brad.  As you can see in the photo, Lydia really loved the hike.

Lizard (Carter tells me it was a Chuckwalla) at the visitors center.

Real Family Photos

After church one Sunday I told the kids that I needed a picture with all 6 of them in it.  Lydia arranged the furniture and pillows for a photo shoot and we went for it.  I think what we ended up with was a pretty real portrait of our family.

Little Sophie & Her Siblings

I use this blog as my family photo album/journal and I'm way behind so here's a little catch-up.

Carter's football team had their post-season party in January and he came home with a sweet trophy.

Grandma Sue visited again when Sophie was about 1 week old.  I went to take a nap and the Lydia had fun doing a photoshoot with Grandma & Sophie.

Camille preparing for Valentine's Day

There were never such devoted sisters . . . Eve, Sophie and Lydia.

Sophie looked so cute in this little outfit we couldn't help snapping a few photos (taken February 10th).

The boys asked to borrow the camera on President's Day when they were off school.  They had a fun time with Camille.

Of milestones and cute stuff

Camille at the ripe old age of 2 years old just learned how to say her own name in March.  I guess the two syllable thing was kind of daunting.  Lydia gets the credit for patiently teaching her Ca  Mille over and over.  Camille still says it with a cute little pause between syllables.  She's also really into the word "really" as in she needs something "REEEALLY bad".  When it comes to size, most things are "tiny bit" (with thumb and forefinger held together in front of her face) or "really big.  'Jambutter" is her code word for peanut butter sandwich.  Also, two of my favorites are when you kiss her on the cheek she immediately says "side" because she wants one on the other cheek as well and when she randomly comes and puts her arms around my leg and says "Love you Momma".  That's pretty impossible to resist. 

Lately Camille's been having a recurring nightmare.  A few nights back I woke up to her gulping down sobs and went in to see what was the matter.  She was obviously still mostly asleep so I just gave her a pat and told her Mom was here and she'd be fine.  She started to sob again and said "Lilya (Lydia) took my candy!"  A few weeks before that she'd woken up crying that Brad or Carter had taken her candy.   It's a rough crowd around here I guess.  And for one more Camille story, she's developed a bit of the "I'm two and I'll be grumpy if I want to" syndrome.  Gratefully, the Where's Your Smile game works pretty well with her.  It takes a round or two of finding her smile in odd places and tossing it around the room but it usually ends up back on her face by the end of the game.

Last week I was driving with the three littlest girls.  Eve and Camille started to sing Jingle Bells in the back seat.  I had to smile when I heard Eve's version:  "Oh much fun it is to write in a orphan sleigh".  Eve is also very interested in writing words.  She loves to string together as many letters as she can remember and then ask us to read it.  When we went to the cabin over spring break she arranged the letter magnets on the fridge in one big long word and asked Alex to read it.  He sounded it out phonetically.  When he finished she thought for a moment and then said, "That must be Spanish."

Sophie is pretty much perpetually cute.  She's also started adding to her repertoire of tricks.  Smiling (March 2nd), Giggling (April 14 -- Alex claims it was the 13th but we all know that was just a coo as she would surely save her first giggle for Mom), Sucking Her Left Thumb (just started last week and I'm not sure how I feel about that) and Rolling Over (April 23rd).  And, the only reason I'm writing so much today is because she is practicing her newly acquired middle of the day long nap.  Every so often she even sleeps for 5+ consecutive hours at night -- love that girl!!!  Now to just sync her long stretch of nighttime sleep with mine . . .

Now for an update on my very grown-up and competely mature school age children who would die if I even implied that they were doing cute things.  So, for the record, the following are anything but cute.

Lydia has been very excited about April since January when she started her dance class.  She informed everyone that April was going to be a very busy month since her dance recital and birthday were both in it.   It turns out that she was correct, it has been a busy month.  Her poem about Sea World was selected as best in her class and entered in the school Poetry/Essay Contest.

Carter had a real nice look going on Sunday night through Monday morning.  He collided with cousin JohnDavid Sunday night and chipped two of his bottom teeth.  Luckily, there was an opening first thing on the Monday morning dental schedule.  When he finally did get to school he was as good as new.  Dad even repaired the two tiny chips he'd had previously.  Frequent words out of Carter's mouth lately are "face" (can be used in almost any context) and "Webster" (usually used to address a little sister).  Carter also had his poem selected for the all school Poetry/Essay Contest.  It is about a Mountain Lion.

Bradley won one of two spots at our school to advance to the quad-campus geography bee.  I won the mother-of-the-year award when I left a few minutes late and then missed the turn off for the school (it was at the Gilbert campus) putting us there just barely too late for him to participate.  I felt terrible.  We went out for icecream and bought the new tennis shoes he's been needing instead.  Gratefully he was a good sport about it.  He got to the attend the 11yo Scout Day Camp with me this year.  It's hard to believe he'll be 12 in just a few short months!  He also had his writing selected for the all school contest, an essay on Abraham Lincoln.

As for me and Alex, we pretty much just sit around and twiddle our thumbs all day.  We are grateful for 6 wonderful children.  They fill our life with joy.