the night time stood still

It was warm and breezy. The lights at the stadium were bright. The crowd was happy and alive. You would have never guessed this was her first ballgame; she clapped and cheered like a pro.
This handsome daddy is such a trooper. The kids were hungry (and thirsty!) and he spent a fortune on dinner. A hot dog tastes better at a ballgame. We also had peanuts, pretzels, popcorn and a couple of crackerjacks.
Simon was all over the place.. up and down and here and there and missing twice. But for a short moment, he sat on my lap and listened to the rules of the game and ran his fingers through my hair and told me that I was a nice girl. If only he could be two forever.
There were two foul balls hit in our direction. We didn't catch either. But a nice man sitting next to us saw how much enthusiasm was coming out of our boys and gave them each a baseball. Zack could not have been happier. His love language is "gifts" and he will be keeping this ball forever. #hoarder
I've said it before and I will say it again, Luke is the easiest, most happy-go-lucky kid I know. He will always be my sweetheart. and yes, his shirt says "protect your nuts".
The final innings ended in home runs for both teams. It was exciting and thrilling and magical. Benjamin is so mature, but is such a little boy, too. He wouldn't take his eyes off the field and commented on every play. He has SO MUCH zest for life.

Towards the end of the game, I leaned my head on my husband's shoulder. I felt like we were out on a romantic date, with all of our offspring :) I looked at each of my children and held my husband's hand and I couldn't help but feel nostalgic. This was the perfect way to "celebrate" the first day of a new school year. For just a minute or two, time stood still. If only they could stay this way forever.

America's favorite pastime just became ours.

pump, pump it up

I could spend all day documenting our summer adventures. But honestly, I am afraid to open the picture files on my computer. Can't do it. I would much rather document today and today only. And upload terrible quality pictures from my phone.

Today we went to PUMP IT UP with friends in our neighborhood. We had a grand old sweaty time. Before we left, the boys asked me how much it was going to cost for them to go. I told them $5 each. Next thing I know they are raiding their piggy banks. Ben and Luke have a substantial savings account, but Zack spends his $$ as soon as he gets it. He could only come up with a few dollars. I didn't realize what was going on until I overheard this conversation.

Ben: Okay, so how much do you have exactly?

Zack: Not enough to go.

Ben: That's okay, bud. I can spot ya.

Zack: Thanks, Ben! I will pay you back when I earn the money!

Ben: Sure. and you can even do a job for me to make it up. I am sure I can think of something.

Then a few minutes later, Ben runs up to me and says, "Um, who's going to pay for Simon?" as IF he is the man of the house. Love him. All three older boys paid their own way and I forked out the dough for Simon. I will think of a way he can pay me back.

Speaking of Simon... he is an incredible little guy. He bounced and slid and hung in with the big boys. Ben and Luke kept raving about how strong he was. They tried to help him through the obstacle course and he would swat them away and say, "I can do it!" and he totally did! This is the only picture I got of him-- climbing up a crazy steep wall that was made for kids much older than he is.

I love watching my boys hang together when they are surrounded by other friends. They really are the best of buds. These two are so silly together. (if you can't tell by the blur, it's Zack and Luke.)

This playdate was during Ro's nap, so she wasn't so happy. Jane took her down the slide to see if she would like it. She did not. Luke took her down a bit later and gave her whiplash. Poor baby. But darling pouty.

Towards the end, I held Ro and tried to keep her happy. She was kissing my face and the next thing I know, she had collapsed on my chest. This happens never. It could have been a great shot of her mullet, but she was sweaty and it was swept to the side. maybe next time.

7 days until school!

Blogging from my phone... which is a first. It's 8:30 AM and we're just rolling out of bed now. One more week before school starts! I keep adding exclamation points after my back to school sentences because I am going to be excited about it!!! A month ago when I added in first day of school to our calendar, I wrote a sad face next to it... and then erased it and added an exclamation point. "First Day of School!" looks so much better than "First Day of School :(" it's all about your attitude and I choose to have a happy one.

Last night (Sunday) we had a serious family meeting after scripture study. We said we're going to treat these next 7 days like we would a typical school week. Early to bed, early to rise.. showers taken, chores finished and lunches packed before 8:00 AM. The boys all groaned. Minutes after our new agenda was set, my oldest sister called. She has 7 kids and it's their last week of vacation too. They were planning a trip to Yellowstone, but the kids want to come to Vegas instead. She asked what we have going and if we are up for visitors. We are always up for visitors! My boys are counting down the minutes until thy arrive. (only 500 something to go...) Scheduled routines and strict bedtimes are for wimps. Party, party, party! Might as well end the summer in style!

Off to an indoor bounce house... Hope to check in again soon.

smell mop who

At the beginning of the summer, I took the kids to a magic store. There were all kinds of awesome toys and pranks, but we came out with one item: a piece of poop. I was originally against spending $5 on plastic poop, but when the boys suggested we set it out to prank Daddy, I was all in. That night we cleaned up the house spotless and put the poop right in the middle of the floor and waited patiently for Aaron to come home from work. We were in the other room with the video camera. But when I went to turn on the camera, it died, so minutes before he walked through the door, we threw the poop under the couch and decided to wait until the next day.

The following night was Thursday (when Dad plays tennis) and the boys were SO EXCITED all day. We set it up perfectly, had the charged camera in hand and we waited and waited and waited. I texted Aaron to see how late he was going to be, but he never responded. We watched a movie and played a couple of games and eventually the boys fell asleep. When Aaron came home around midnight (after playing tennis and volleyball and then taking some of the YM to sonic for ice cream) he wondered why the kids had crashed downstairs. I told him that we had a surprise for him, but couldn't stay up.

The next day we KNEW it was going to happen. He came home early from work and walked right passed the blob of poop on the floor. Says a lot for the state of our home, right? We were all so disappointed. But thought we'd keep it there until Dad said something. Simon was too excited and picked it up, ran it to Daddy and screamed, "Dad! We bought this poop for you!" And the prank was ruined. Oh well. We have been able to play the trick on several friends, including the Sister Missionaries. Eventually we want to take it out in public and film people freaking out.... the mall, the pet store and church will be hot spots for sure!

Once in college, my friends and I went to the grocery store with a video camera. One crazy guy got inside a garbage can outside the store while we filmed from afar. When someone would throw a piece of trash away, he would throw it back at them. It only happened twice but it was so hilarious. I am busting up just typing this. A lot of people walked by without throwing anything away, so he would stick his fingers out to scare them and once threw his shoe at someone. What a disgusting place to hide... but so, so funny. Rexburg is the best place to go to school because you gotta get creative and the grocery store becomes the coolest to hang out. I've gotta find that old video somewhere...

anyway, don't call CPS on me. 75% of the time, I am a great mom. I made my boys wait almost a year before I let them shake our baby.... this was taped exactly 28 minutes ago.

Oh, and a friend shared this joke today. My boys thought it was awesome.. (and have been repeating it all day.)

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Smell Mop.

a rare moment alone

Believe it or not, I am writing from my bed at 10 PM feeling totally refreshed. My kitchen is clean, my baby is sleeping soundly in her bed, I was able to soak in a hot bubble bath for an hour and now I am sitting here, watching The Help in the background and enjoying a quiet night.

Where are my boys, you ask? They are miniature golfing. We were supposed to go as a family on Saturday night, but postponed it until today because no one was feeling well. And then when it came time to go tonight, I just didn't wanna. Aaron said we could wait until the weekend, but I said I would rather put the baby down and have some alone time. He quickly packed the boys in his car and sped away. It's been several hours and I am sure they are out getting slurpies or ice cream cones & having a grand time. I hope they take a picture or two! Aaron has to work tomorrow, so I would imagine they will be home any moment. I better type fast!

I am struggling. I feel silly saying that because I realize that others have "real" trials and obstacles in their life, but I am struggling in my own way. Summer is almost over and I get teary-eyed just thinking about sending my kids to school. Everywhere I turn I hear mothers talking about how excited they are to send their kids back and I get a pit in my stomach when I think about it. If I had everything my way, summer would last all year long. We have had the best time together and I am not ready for it to be over. Luckily we have two more weeks, so I am trying my best to spend that time wisely. August 27th is going to be here before I know it. I absolutely love being with my kids. So I guess in retrospect, I am grateful I struggle with having the best kids ever.

Getting back from vacation and then spending a week sick in bed has done wonders for our house and laundry room. I woke up Monday morning with a resolve to get caught up on everything and I worked hard all day. Laundry, bedrooms, bathrooms, and a long time in the kitchen cooking dinner. But just before Aaron came home, everything fell apart. I burned the spaghetti sauce (hard to do, but I managed) and overcooked the noodles. I hate soggy noodles. And the fresh corn on the cob wasn't so fresh... since when does corn on the cob turn out terrible. Everyone cleared their plates and got bowls for Cherrios but we had to ration the milk because Ben accidentally spilled half a gallon on the floor earlier. What a night!

This morning we woke up early grocery shopped and hit the splash pad with friends to make homemade ice cream. I love being outside and I love my friends. But it's so bloody hot here the ice cream never formed. The kids poured it in cups and drank sugar flavored milk. We came home just in time for naps. We read a couple chapters of Catching Fire and I tried to relax, but I was just too hot. This heat is something else. I wanted so badly to turned the AC to 50 degrees and blast some Christmas music... these 110 degree temps have got to go away. Enough already.

My biggest obstacle lately (always) is making time for myself... out of all the things I do during the day, I don't exercise or shower or shave my legs or do anything just for me and it's so frustrating. I know what I NEED to do, but I just don't do it. I suck. I am great at setting big goals and getting excited about something new, but I am terrible at doing the little things and making small attainable habits. And I know it's the little things that will make the biggest difference in my life.

Before Aaron left with kids, I was telling him how Simon came downstairs today with green hands and told me he painted the door to my bedroom. I reluctantly went upstairs to find my door, several walls and my carpet coated with slimy green paint. Luckily I have a carpet cleaner and much experience in this area. Did you know water and vinegar will get paint out of carpet? It's amazing, that wonderful white vinegar.

Anyway, I was telling Aaron about my adventures in cleaning up carpet and explaining that I love being a mom and I love being home all day, but I don't want to clean anymore. I want and need a maid. And a butler, chauffeur and a personal trainer. And a masseuse. That's all I need before I can be truly happy.

Hey--- pictures and a text just came to my phone. He is the perfect husband! They are their way home...

I should dry my hair and pretend to be productive when they get here. Aaron will roll his eyes at me if he thinks I've been blogging the whole time..... Until next time.

cuzzzzzins!

When Aaron and I got engaged and he came to my first family function, he was shocked by the size of my family. On the drive home he quietly said, "I'm never going to be able to convince you to move away, am I?" I assured him that I was up for an adventure and would go wherever he wanted to go. After 10 years of living hours away, I think I am ready to move back. My kids are missing out on sleepovers and parties and game-nights and memories and it kills me. I know what it's like to grow up down the street from your cousins and I feel bad that my kids aren't getting it. I am not saying we WILL move, but it's definitely been the topic of conversation since we've been home.

The main reason for this early trip was because Corah and Addy flew in from Atlanta to go to camp with the other girl cousins. They had been playing for a couple of weeks before we arrived. The boy cousins were anxiously waiting their reunion with the Shumway boys. When we pulled up, boys were mosh-pitting in the street before I could park the van. I pulled out my phone as fast as I could to snap a picture. I was chocked up watching these grown boys love on each other. If only I could have captured the screams and excitement on video...

The rest of the trip included non-stop games, fireworks, sleepovers, pizza, parks, playdates, swimming, bbqs, popsicles, movies, splashing in puddles, bike rides, trampoline jumping, glowsticks, starburst unwrapping contests, hiking and absolutely no SLEEP at all. Many nights my kids were staying at a different place than I was. We were playing musical cars and houses and clothes. Luckily there were boys with the same size feet as my kids because it was nonstop chaos... and that's exactly what makes a vacation a vacation! there were no rules! Being with their cousins was definitely the highlight of their summer. They are counting down the days until they can seen their crazy cuzzins again!

Unfortunately, not all of their cousins were pictured.

my sisters

Sometimes I think little Roma would be okay as my only daughter. Many of my friends are the only girls in their family and I know they have special relationships with their moms and sisters-in-law. But when I think of my relationship with my sisters, I can't help but want that for Roma too. Not just to share a childhood, but to be mothers and raise children together. These women are my greatest examples and my dearest friends. I am so blessed to have them in my life.
My oldest sister Lori is superwoman, I kid you not. You name it, this girl can do it, and do it well. I call her for recipes, computer software issues, handyman questions, decorating tips, etc. etc. She is the mother of 7 kids and the wife to one wild and crazy husband. This past summer, she spent countless hours running a firework stand on top of everything else she does. This sister of mine is positive and selfless. She works endlessly for her family, cooks up amazing meals in the kitchen, grocery shops like the coupon queen and is so happy doing it. I am so grateful for her example in my life. Even though we are 7 years apart in age, I have always felt close to her. She has done so much for me over the years.. These past few weeks Lori and I stayed up waay too late talking and laughing about old boyfriends and fun memories while folding all my dirty laundry :) As if Lori doesn't have enough to worry about when I visit, she is constantly serving me and taking care of my family. She is a second mom to me and such a great aunt to my kids. There wasn't a night we stayed with them that Lori didn't pull out the scriptures and sit down with her crew to read. Her husband was working around the clock and she was holding the fort down at home. I want to be more like her in so many ways! This picture below is Lori's Paisley (4) and Simon who are two peas in a pod. They are two of the silliest (sassiest!) kids you'll ever meet and Lori knows exactly how to deal with Sy-Guy cause she GETS him. Simon just loves Aunt Lori and talks about her all the time. Wish we lived down the street from this awesome family!

Kristy and her family live in Atlanta, GA and we don't see them enough!!!! I pride myself in saying that Kris and I are the most alike. She is the most capable and strong woman I know. She and her husband are working hard getting two daycare businesses running and she is working overtime, all the time. Roma and I were able to fly out at the beginning of the summer and spend some time with their amazing family and had the BEST time. This past year Kristy and their family have taken in two of the most darling girls and raised them like their own... making her crew of 7 a family of nine! I am so impressed her mature and loving children. Aaron can testify that I would pick up and move next to them in a heartbeat. Kristy and I may live thousands of miles apart, but we talk on the phone all the time and always have the most uplifting, powerful and motivating conversations. I call her when I need to vent or when I need advice and she dishes it out like you wouldn't believe. I love this girl and feel so grateful to have her friendship in my life.

Debbie and her girls are seriously a part of our immediate family. We LOVE these women! Deb is the most direct, blunt, sassy girl ever and I love the relationship we have. Yes, we can get in fights too, but that's what makes our friendship so strong. She doesn't beat around the bush about anything. She and I have spent so many hours together... I usually end up staying at her house when we visit because she has an amazingly spacious basement and makes us feel so welcome and cared for. She is a health nut and makes delicious juices and concoctions. I love watching my boys interact with her girls. They are such great little buds! Road trips with Deb are the best. She is always up for a good time and a deep conversation! I seriously wouldn't know what to do without Debs in my life. I love and admire her for her strength and testimony. She is simply the best.

Cindy is a MOM already! It probably won't sink in until I hold little Aubrey myself.. One day we were giving her a baby shower and helping her set up her nursery in Rexburg and a couple of days later, she had a baby!! Aubrey came 4.5 weeks early and is still in the NICU. Cindy was preparing for a natural delivery and was trying to breath through her "braxton hicks" on a quiet Sunday morning. She said she felt like a wimp because they were such strong contractions. Two hours after her first contraction, they decided to head to the hospital to make sure everything was okay--- and what do you know! She was completely dilated and ready to push! This first-timer is TOUGH and more ready to be a mother than anyone I know. She is an amazing aunt to her 35 nieces and nephews (+ a few more on her husband's side). She is a pro with babies and so much fun with the older kids (as you can tell from the picture above, they are playing Spaz in her Rexburg apartment.) I love this picture below because it says so much. These two beautiful girls have such a great journey ahead! I can't wait to swap mothering stories with her. She is such a calm, sweet girl and little Aubrey Mae is so lucky to have such a mom!
Having my mom in Chile has been hard these past 15 months, but having my sisters around has made it totally bearable. I hope to be the kind friend that these women are to me and so many others. Everytime I go home and touch base with my "roots" I realize how blessed I am. I want to give my children the foundation that my parents gave me. I need to do another long post about my 5 amazing brothers and their awesome wives... feeling so grateful tonight for these forever friends. We're missing everyone too much!

romancing in Rexburg

Wow. too long since I've seen this blogger header on my computer screen. Too long since I've seen a computer screen.

We've been home for a week. it was a whirlwind trip to see both families. probably the best Utah visit we've had in years. I drove up alone (I mean, with my five kids) almost two weeks before my husband flew up to meet us. I think I did a stellar job alone. Not just on the drive, but staying here and there and everywhere. Traveling with kids (espesh a baby) isn't easy, but I had lots of help, mostly from my older boys. Ben is a substitute husband when it comes to loading luggage, making bottles and such. Love my kids. I would travel anywhere with them.

In the middle of the trip, before Aaron arrived, Debbie and I took a quick trip up to Idaho to see my sweets Grandma June (my mom's mom.)

And since we were so close to Cindy and Matt in Rexburg, we decided to crash a night at their place too. It was crazy with 9 kids in the car, but an absolute blast and memorable to say the least. I am so glad we went. Hopefully I will get a chance to document all our fun adventures, cousins included on every one!

Tonight, I am going to try to condense my thoughts to one night in Rexy. I had to make a late-night run to the grocery store for some diapers. The closest one to Cindy's apartment happened to be the same one my roommates and I would walk to on a weekly basis, back in the day. I once had a crush on a checker who worked at Broulim's & during that time I'm sure I was there more than once a week. He was a nice guy and all, but I have major regrets about liking him. on a handful of occasions, I chose to hang out with the grocer guy instead of my current husband. On one particular night, I broke off a date with Aaron to see a musical of The Fiddler on the Roof and instead went with the other guy to see Sixth Sense for the sixth (or some odd) time. I knew it was a bad decision when I made it and I still regret it... years later. Anyway, I am getting side tracked. The other guy fell in love with another bagger and the two were married the very same day as my Mr and me. June 16. It wasn't a double wedding, but a great day it was.

This particular grocery store happens to reside in the same parking lot as a romantic little restaurant called JB's. Although I doubt it's a romantic place for anyone else. Aaron and I strolled into this run-down joint for some hot chocolate on a cold winter's night in January 2000. What seemed like a regular night was the beginning of the rest of our lives.

In a little booth in the corner of this empty restaurant, we talked about everything under the sun. Marriage, of course. But also birth control, the number of children we wanted, parenting styles, finances, cars, schooling... you name it. I think Aaron went through a dozen cups of cocoa before they kicked us out. We lingered in the parking lot because neither of us wanted to go home. I remember hugging him and thinking that he was the perfect height for me. After several kisses, he opened my door and I said, "I'm going to marry you, ya know." He leaned in for another kiss and said, "Not if I marry you first." Tim McGraw's My Best Friend was playing in the background and it was oh-so-cheesy... (We could have had a more romantic moment in the Rexburg temple parking lot, but it wasn't built yet.) Obviously, JB's was the next best thing.

After I picked up a bag of Huggies at Broulim's, I lingered in the parking lot of JB's for a while. I was alone in our 15 passenger van, but I didn't feel lonely. I thought about that 20 year old girl that I once was. What business did I have discussing children and finances with some young chap who didn't have two nickels to rub together? Memories flashed of the past 12 years and I felt so proud of us. Getting through school with young boys, moving hundreds of miles away (several times, in fact.) Living the majority of our years away from family, on our own. Buying a big van and filling it with little people.. Being able to take vacations that mattered to us.. I felt so happy to be where we are, with the memories and children we've made together.

I thought of that long conversation in that corner booth and now realize that it was such a mature, wise conversation for two young college students. We were in love and we wanted to start a family. We weren't sure where we'd live or how we could possibly support ourselves, (not to mention our offspring.) But in my heart, I knew he was crazy about me, the real me. I also knew he was kind and funny and that he would make a great dad. I wasn't sure when he'd finish school or what he'd get his degree in or if he would ever drive a working car, but none of that mattered to me. Those things weren't (aren't) important anyway. It all comes down to being the perfect height.

This past week (skipping to the present now, stay with me) has been a rough one. We came home and immediately got sick. 7 days later and we're all feeling mighty terrible. This weekend we've watched more movies that we can count. All 7 of us laying around, feeling like poop. The only thing that lifts our spirits is Swiss Family Robinson and Zingo!

To get some "fresh air" today we went to Walmart and picked out new backpacks for the upcoming school year. Ben challenged Zack to wear a mask in the store (a challenge he gladly accepted.) Roma's bottled rolled under a busy isle and I had to get on the floor to retrieve it. Simon had an accident and Luke got emotional because he couldn't decide on a lunch pail fast enough. And to make matters worse, we forgot the one item I HAD to go to the store for (think: menstrual cycle.)

When you consider that trip to the store the highlight of our weekend, you know it's been a bad one. But when the house got quiet, we said prayers with our children and zipped our chubby baby girl in a pair of pajamas too small for her. we tucked 4 boys into their beds (with glowsticks shining from under their sheets) and I realized that we've built our dream.. EXACTLY what we talked about in that JB's 12.5 years ago. A loving marriage, darling children, a mortgage, student loans slowly getting smaller, a big dog in the backyard and backpacks for the new school year.. It's far from luxurious, but luxury is definitely overrated.

Over the years we've continued our late-night conversations, sometimes over hot chocolate, sometimes out on a date, but usually it's cuddled up next to each other in bed after the kids have gone to sleep. We discuss finances and birth control and where to live. I would like to go back to school and get a Master's degree. Aaron wants to buy a convertible. We don't always agree, but when he holds me close, I know that he's crazy about me, the real me. And I feel grateful I chose the guy who was not only the right height, but perfect for me in so many other ways.

(during this particular phone conversation while we were apart,

Aaron pointed out that I have different sized nostril holes.)

well.