Pinewood Derby

This year Jackson was able to participate in the derby. He was so excited when race day came. You can see it on his face as he anxiously awaits the outcome.

It's Jordan's third year but he's no less excited. He will miss this next year when he moves on to 11 year old scouts.

Jordan was a good sport when his little brother's car beat his. Jackson wasn't as gracious about it. He reminded Jordan over and over how his car was the fastest.

They both had something to cheer about at the end of the day when both of them took first place in their individual dens. We're off to the district race!

Here they are with the cars they designed and worked so hard on. Dave was a champ this year helping the boys with their cars. Time well spent!

Christmas

This Christmas will be a quiet one. We have trimmed down on the presents and we have no company coming. It has been hard not to go overboard on the shopping and the gift giving but it has really put my mind on the wonderful gifts I already have in my life and the one who is responsible for it all. I am so grateful for the gifts my Father in Heaven has sent to me. I hope all our family and friends know that you are loved and missed. Here are a few photos of the gifts in our life.

Father's Day

Dave is an Amazing Dad! To celebrate Father's Day the girls and I woke up at 5:30 in the morning to make him breakfast in bed. We have 8:00 church so it had to be early. The boys joined us in taking Dad his blueberry pancakes cut out to say We ♥ Dad. We then gave him his presents which consisted of new workout clothes (we're training for a triathalon) and the new Star Trek movie. I tell you all this because the primary kids filled out a little survey about dad and their answers totally trumped any present I could have given him. He was so touched by their feelings put into words. They say better than I could what a good dad he is.

What is your dad's name?
All 3 said David

How old is your dad?
Jackson - 28
Jordan - 39
Emma - 39

What is your dad's job?
Jackson - bein a FBI
Jordan - He is a FBI
Emma - FBI

What would your dad do with a million dollars?
Jackson - go on a vacation
Jordan - Buy a new grill
Emma - No idea

What is your dad's favorite movie?
Jackson - Star trek
Jordan - Young Indiana Jones
Emma - Young Indiana Jones/Star trek

What is your dad really good at?
Jackson - fishinn
Jordan - tikling
Emma - Being a dad

What do you love about your dad?
Jackson - he is cool
Jordan - How he snouggles with me
Emma - Everything

September 2009

To Celebrate Jordan's birthday this year we invited some families over for games, cake and ice cream. It was a fun get together with the Woods, Carters, Andersons, and Neilsons. Jordan is such a cute kid. He is always the first to volunteer for anything and of course the first in line for everything.
This year the Youth went on a mini trek. They dressed in pioneer clothing and walked with handcarts. Ren always loves to get into character but he wasn't so sure about walking for miles over tough terrain with a handcart. Of course he was happy at the end of the trek when the leaders provided a feast for them. He decided that he was glad he wasn't a pioneer.

August 2009

For those of you that don't know the story. . . back in 2000, Dave was deployed. I was alone with 3 kids and expecting my 4th. My sister-in-law, Camille, came to visit me and I decided to take her and the kids to Cracker Barrel. My kids LOVE Cracker Barrel. Anyway, they were HORRIBLE!!! There was screaming, crying, running around and under tables. I told them that they were BANNED! I refused to take them back there. Over the years they have begged to go back. I wouldn't hear of it.

9 years later and I have finally given in. We took a trip up to Phoenix and on the way home Dave and I decided to let them have another chance. It was a test to see if they had learned any manners over the last 9 years. They passed! We enjoyed looking through the store, playing checkers, eating homestyle cooking, and of course rocking on the porch. Well done kids!

I know that school is almost over but here are pictures from their first day of school. Emma is just starting middle school and Savannah is ending middle school this year. The big 8th grader showing her little 6th grade sister the ropes.

Here's my tough guys starting school this year at a new school. We moved the boys out of Village Meadows and into Town and Country. We decided to hold Jackson back this year so we wanted to make it easier on him. It was the best decsion for him. As of this month he has graduated from Resource. He no longer needs an IEP and he is so much more confident and happy this year. Jordan is loving his 3rd grade teacher this year and tells everyone who will listen that he should be in 4th grade because he is doing 4th grade math. Way to go boys!

Rennes left for school at 6:30 and I wasn't awake enough to think about taking pictures of him. He is a Sophmore this year. He is doing great in school and loves his hour of seminary everyday. He has made some really good friends this year and is the toughest kid I know.

July 2009

July was an important month and I didn't blog it. I can't live with myself if I don't make mention of the fact that Ren turned 16 this year. He is such an amazing kid! He is always willing to help others and he has such a happy attitude about everything. He hasn't had an easy 16 years but he always faces his challenges with a smile. He got a car for his birthday. It's nothing fancy but he is so proud of that car. He also became a Priest at church. He takes his responsibilities seriously and I of course cried the first time he blessed the sacrament. He's growing up too fast and it's a bit scary. I went to the temple with Dave last month and I could barely contain the anxiety when 2 boys were going through for the first time before their missions. They didn't look much older than Ren and the whole time I was in panic mode thinking of all the things I still needed to teach him. I know you've all heard it before but they grow up too fast. Enjoy them while you can.

Emma also had a birthday in July. It wasn't a big production this year because it was an odd year. We have moved big birthday parties to even years. She is 11 now and in middle school. She had an adventure filled summer with her first cast. She was running in sandals and fell in a little hole. She fractured her ankle and had wear a cast for 6 weeks. She thought it was great for the first couple days! She also had to have an ingrown toenail taken care of. I had to be there when they cut it out. Not pleasant. She handled it like a trooper though. She's had fun this year but she is so looking forward to 12. According to Emma nothing fun happens until your 12. Wait until she sees what Savannah gets to do when she turns 14 this year.
Finally, there was Jackson's birthday. Our baby turned 7 and he shared a party with Emma this year. They were both born on July 30th so we combined the festivities. 7 is the year that everyone focuses on preparing for baptism. Everyone that is but Jack. I think he is trying to fit every naughty deed in before he's held accountable. I'm thinking Dave might need to dunk him a couple times to get him really clean! He is my joy and challenge all rolled up into one. I should have known when we gave him the name David that we were in for trouble.
I love these kids! I don't want them to look back and think they were forgotten. I promise I'll TRY to do better this year.

Dave's Birthday Extravaganza

So Dave was pretty much spoiled for his birthday. His co-workers in Tucson threw him a party, he got breakfast in bed, took the day off work, I made his favorite dish for lunch, Savannah made his favorite dinner dish and we almost burned down the house with his birthday cake and candles. I then planned a dinner party at Hana Tokyo, a Japanese steak House, with 14 of our closest friends.;0)It was a blast! Here's some pictures.

What's Better Than a Finished Backyard?

Sometimes I need to remind myself of my blessings. I have been known on occasion to complain of my unfinished backyard that was started close to 3 years ago. As I look outside at the still unfinished backyard I have to consciously remind myself why it is unfinished.

We always plan to spend our extra $ on the backyard but here is where Dave and I have decided to spend it instead.

1. School clothes for 5 kids
2. Trip to Indiana when my mom was going through Radiation Therapy
3. Braces
4. Christmas for a family of 7
5. Ski trip with the kids
6. Taking the family to Rocky Point
7. Hospital visit for Jordan's accident in Rocky Point
8. School clothes for 5 kids
9. Spending the summer with my kids instead of working
10. Trip to Indiana to see my mom whose battling cancer
11. Trip to Utah to visit Grandma Bodily for her 90th birthday
12. Did I mention school clothes for 5 kids
13. Polar Express trip

I don't think the kids will remember that the backyard that they played in everyday didn't have the trees, grass, and flowers that their mom worries about all the time. They will remember the trips, family time, clothes that fit, and the wonderful Dad that reminded their Mom daily that there are more important things than an immaculate backyard. So when you see my unfinished backyard just picture my happy family instead.

9 year old math

So Jordan is in 3rd grade and he comes home today and says, "Mom I'm starting on division in math." Me being the observant mother that I am ask, "You mean you already know multiplication?" He has never practiced multiplication at home so I had no idea he knew it. I quizzed him a little bit to make sure he knew what he was talking about. I started with the more simple problems like 2x6 and 3x4. Then I hit him with a hard one. All of my older children have had problems with their 6's so I asked him what 6x7 was. He couldn't remember so he says, "well 7x3=21 and 3+3=6 so 21+21=42, 6x7=42." WHAT? How the heck did he figure that out. I'm going out on a limb here and guessing that he is not going to be coming to me for math help much longer. Wait, actually I don't think he's asked me for math help since kindergarten. Little smarty pants!

School Drop Off Line

So I have had 4 birthdays, soccer, and plenty of family news to post but it takes being really annoyed to get me to finally post. What can I say I'm a bit of a complainer and I need an outlet.

Anyway, I have 5 kids so I know that it's not easy to get them ready and out the door for school in the morning, but the drop off line is NOT the place to get them ready. Seriously, this car in front of me stops and out comes 2 boys with their arms full of stuff. Then comes the backpacks that they are trying to stuff. Next the door opens again and another boy comes out. Then another backpack, of course they all needed water bottles and mom needed to sign something. Meanwhile the line is getting longer and longer and everyone is boxed in. Show a little courtesy people. Park your car and get your crap together.

Okay I'm done. Hopefully I'll get my crap together and post some more important stuff!

Savannah Banana

Savannah had a birthday and I've been slow to journal it. We now have 2 teenagers in the house. Our little Savannah Smiles is now 13!!

She spent her actual birthday without us having fun with her cousins up in Phoenix. We had to make up for it when she got back with a trip to Texas Roadhouse and a ride on the saddle with Emma and their friend Alyna in tow. They also had a blast swimming together at Alyna's grandparents where they spent most of June soaking up the sun.

We had a smaller cake for her and the family to celebrate another year of our Sweet Savannah. She's headed off to her second year of Girl's Camp tomorrow for a week. I just can't believe how fast she is growing up. It's only a week but we are going to miss her tons. We love you Savannah!!

Little Boy Obsessions

So me and a friend took our kids swimming a few weeks ago and the boys all went in the bathroom to change. They come back out and inform me that Jack is running around the locker room naked. I tell Jack that it's called "private parts" for a reason, he needs to keep them private. He replies, "They're called nuts."

I was a little shocked and amused by this comment and I didn't know whether to wash his mouth out with soap or laugh. He being the mischevious boy that he is saw the laughter in my eyes and so I've had to hear about "nuts" in my house a little too much the last few weeks. I think I have that under control now. (Yeah right)

Last night we were getting ready for a well thought out and planned dinner (hot dogs) and Emma was asking everyone how many hot dogs they wanted. You know where this is going right?! Jackson responds, "I was born with a hot dog!" This time Dave was sitting with me and we both tried hard not to laugh. Dave was able to compose himself after a few moments and tell Jack to knock it off but seriously we never had this problem with the other boys. Yes, Jordan was known to take a girl or two behind the curtains at church and Ren had a run in with Gwyn in the bedroom but at least I didn't have to hear about it. What is with BOYS??!!

Pay it Forward

So I have agreed to participate in a pay it forward project. Some of you may have already heard of this but for those of you who haven't...The first three people to comment on this will receive a homemade project of my choice, (yes, made by me), in exchange for the commitment to pay it forward and offer the same opportunity for others on your blog. So if you're feeling like you would like something fun and new with a challenge to do the same thing for someone else (within a years time) then leave me a comment that you're in and away we'll go! Now I just have to think of something I can make. How fun. Who wants to be the lucky person?!?

What you think of Me!

Alish sent me a survey that asked me to send back one word that described her. I sent it back to her and then sent the survey on asking everyone to send a word back to me describing what they thought of me. So I know I only sent this around to friends and that's kind of cheating because I know you won't say anything too terrible but I liked your words for me. I also noticed that the stronger the word the longer you've known me. I need to send this out in another 10 years to the same people and see what kind of things you say. So here it is:

Tough
Bold
Fiesty
Confident
Tolerant
Thoughtful
Reliable
Giving
Loved

I especially like Loved, sent to me by someone who barely knows me but still an observation that I needed to hear. I want you all to know how much I appreciate your friendship and count on the love that you share with me, despite my less loveable traits. If I seem confident, bold, fiesty and tough it's because I know that I have back-up. If I seem tolerant, thoughtful, reliable, and giving it's because it is so easy to serve friends like you. I love you guys!!

End of School Activities

Jordan worked really hard, with some help from Emma, on this blue bird for his egg drop activity. The rules were you had to use materials around the house, it couldn't be larger than a 18x18x18 box, and it had to look like something (ie. a robot, flower, etc).They took your project and put a raw egg inside and then proceeded to drop it from 50 feet in the air.

Your project was a success if after the drop the egg was still intact.

Yeah Jordan!!!!

Here is Jordan again participating in the Seussical Musical. His facial expressions were priceless. He has the dramatic flare just like Savannah.

The first graders also put on a performance. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of Jackson's facial expressions because he was in the back row with the tall kids. He refused to go on stage unless he could stand by his friend Marcus, the tallest kid in first grade.
Emma looked like she belonged in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in her beautiful dress. She had an outdoor band concert and sounded wonderful.

Here are Emma and Averi who stole the show with their dance to Hey Mickey! They won second place in the school talent show.

Pushy Women

So I guess it's not enough to make a post. It has to be a happy one too. I guess I can think of a couple nice things about the past month. Here you go Melissa.We had a Bunco Baby Shower for Lisa. It was a lot of fun and Lisa had an adorable baby boy for all her hard work. Definitely a Happy Event.

Jordan and I had fun at his fieldtrip to the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson. Another Happy Event in the Bodily household.

I can't forget the school carnival! This is the aftermath of the festivities. The kids look forward to it every year and this year I could enjoy it with them and not stress over all the behind the scene stuff. I also won big time this year. I won some fun prizes for the Bunco Fundraiser we had for Ren.

Always the Highlight of my evenings is when Jack passes out. I guess I had more Happy Events then I thought. It was a pretty good month.

To Make Alisha Happy

So Alisha has a blog now and so she keeps reminding me I haven't updated in over a month. So I am finally getting some posts thanks to Alisha's friendly reminders. Thanks for keeping me on my toes.

Easter

Easter was a dark day this year for Dave and I. We were both feeling sick. Dave was worse off than me so I actually dragged my behind out of bed to take these pictures from the couch.

The kids enjoyed finding their Easter baskets but unfortunately the Easter Bunny was too lazy to hide the eggs. Savannah and Emma came to the rescue and hid eggs after church but by then I wasn't up to taking anymore pictures.

The kids did get to enjoy a good Easter dinner thanks to Alish. We were supposed to have dinner with them but we didn't want to share our germs so she sent over some yummy food over for the kids to enjoy while Mom & Dad suffered in bed.

Sibling Fun

My kids are AWESOME!!! I love that they love to hang out with each other. They had a blast bowling and running around like maniacs at the scout expo. The older ones take care of the younger and they are all the best of friends.