So so so sorry Momma!

Ever wonder what would happen if you sucked up live fire embers into a vaccum? Well, thanks to Eli I don't have to wonder! It appears that they come very much alive...the oxygen from sucking them through the tube results in instantaneous combustion. As in, instantaneous fire, shooting holes through the vaccum and spraying fire through the livng room. I instantly grabbed the vaccum and threw it on the porch, allowing me a few seconds to dance out all the embers on my rug. Thankfully I'd purchased a new rug for in front of the fireplace the night before...ridiculouly HUGE rug...that just barely protected our carpet! Eli stood there just repeating himself...'so so so sorry momma!' So, when I noticed the smoke billowing from our front porch i quickly extinquished my vaccum bag, now much on fire on the porch. What I wonder is what the man at the community hall thought as he sat outside and puffed his cigarrette, watching this happen? All in a day at the Pitcher house.

Might I add this occurred on his 5th birthday. And I was in the kitchen frosting his cake...his football cake. While I was extinguishing, he went into the kitchen and climbed up above the fridge to get something out of hte cupboard, that since its so high is intended to store things I don't want children in...and, he lost his balance and stepped right on the cake. Again...with huge chocolate eyes...he says, 'ohhhhhhh. I'm so so so sorry momma." Did I mention how much him calling me mama melts me?

We had a little discussion, and I seriously had to try not to laugh....and I explained that fire is dangerous...apparently he and his dad require demonstrations...and we fixed the cake. He did willingly offer to eat the entire section he stepped on. Very generous.

I had hoped year '5' would signal some changes...less 'events' ...but what was I thinking? Even as I sent him out the door  this morning for preschool, secretly dancing because he'd already pushed my buttons...I watched him out the window trudging through the snow and I just melt. He's wild. He's often naughty. But holy cow does this kid have me whipped. What I wouldn't give to hear him call me momma...or to tell me he needs some 'nuggles'...

So, here's to year '5' with Eli....(and I'm not gonna lie...it scares me a little)

Untitled...

Its been so long since I've blogged again...but I do actually kind of miss it! I miss the theraputic outlet of the journaling experience...I miss writing down the funny things that my kids have said and done, and the struggles we face. I got a Christmas letter from a dear friend yesterday, I know...a little late. And two things struck me. First, I felt loved. I haven't talked to her for a couple years, but she remembers me, and I needed to hear that. Second, in her letter she talked of some of the things they've experienced in the last year and said something that couldn't have proved more true for me: "Its been a difficult year, but I've grown closer to my brother Jesus Christ because there have been times when we've cried out in sadness and frustration; there have been times I've praised Him for tender mercies and acknowledged his constant presence in my life: ALL IN THE SAME BREATH!" It is exactly how I feel. I realize I'm a pretty emotional person. I am not the girl who pretends to have it all together. I've got a good thing, a GREAT thing. But there are definately areas of huge struggle for me, and some days are just, well, awful! I am for the most part very happy. I am forever grateful for my life: all aspects of it. I know that when I sat down to write my 2009 Christmas letter I couldn't pull it off, because at that point things seemed so difficult and personal. I don't care for sharing or speculation. So, it went undone. And, again in 2010. And not because I think my life is sad or on the whole described as difficult. Completely to the contrary. I believe my life is a work in progress. I'm raising 5 GOOD children, who, while flawed, are mine. And realistically, their flaws are a reflection of mine. We are incredibly happy. My husband is my dear friend and confidant. That is such an asset to me! So, here is my 2010 reflection...
Nate: I have never known anyone as good as Nate. There are few people who have seen the Nate I love...sure, he's touched lots of lives through Young Mens at church, and we have friends. But there is a goodness to him that I've not seen in anyone else. He is not judgemental. He doesn't share gossip, or his opinion of someone. He's not quick to anger. He is loyal. His idea of the perfect night involves lots of noise, pillows flying and children climbing all over him. While is is probably the farthest thing from a 'romantic' I'm learning to realize that love and devotion don't come wrapped in pretty flowers, or diamond earrings. Because I've gotten flowers from him twice: he was in trouble both times! And, gifts aren't his thing. But he works hard for our family and he comes home every night. He loves our Savior, and there isn't anyone who meets him who'd question that.
Me: Aghhhhhh(big sigh.) I wish I was so well put together as he....I struggle to do the best I can every day. The realization of what is entrusted to me....is nothing short of overwhelming! I love my family. Its all I've got. Don't care about anything else. Sure, I love the frivilous aspects of life...but, close the blinds and get out the blankets...Lets just snuggle up close and let the world happen somewhere else! I am, unfortunately, passing on my sense of perspective to my children...and I notice it when they laugh at inappropriate things, and say things unexpectedly. Every day is an adventure...and I'm not gonna lie, some days I wish I'd stayed in bed with the covers over my head. But MOST days I'm excited for the time Nate gets home and we can laugh together over the things the kids did that day.
Kolbe: This is one good kid. He is strong and mature...and while, unfortunately a bit emotional like me, he has things pretty figured out. Always has. I expect big things of him, because when I look at his beautiful eyes the scripture(paraphrasing) 'where much is given much is required' runs through my mind. I know he has something important to do. And who's to say that its more than being just a husband and father? It wouldn't matter to me, as long as he did it with what he's capable of. He's good, through and through. Behind the struggles of an average 11 year old boy...he's brilliant!
Kenna: There is a rush to grow up. Its like she's been stuck in the fast lane and she's not even scared! She loves the thrill of lipstick, and blush! Fashion seems to be the pulse of her life! But, when she's not in the mood, her sweat pants are her best friend. She has a sense of peace, a knowledge of who she is. I've been a bit surprised to see her affected by certain things, certain people. In a new situation she demands familiarity, but in time, she acts with grace and kindness well beyond her 9 years. I am thankful for her wit, and her naughty laugh. Spice of our life...
Avery: The hugest struggle this child knows is the battle for the remote control. And, she usually loses, based solely on her size, or lack there of. Keep her fed with spaghetti and pancakes and she's quiet and content, willing to blend into any background. She is sweet and soft, needing extra kisses and hugs. Avery's the sun in the sky...she, even on the nastiest of days, is rarely overshadowed by clouds...Sure, they come...and its a nasty storm while it lasts....but it always comes back...and she's always happy. I worry she's neglected  because she demands so little. But at the same time, I'm thankful for her sweet disposition!
Eli: Add 4 parts impulsivity, a cup of sugar, 3 parts charm, 2 parts naughty and a dash of BIG CHOCOLATE eyes and this kid pretty much has my heart! He's like a racecar...one minute he's out in front, cruising along all by himself, happily, and then, the next, for no good reason, he's careened his car into someone elses, or jumped the track, just because he felt like it! He's quick to say he loves me, and he calls me 'momma', which in and of itself melts me entirely...He's smart and funny...loves to entertain, and we're learning the value of agency. He's beyond miserable when his brother goes to school...and what Kolbe doesn't see is that while maybe a bit annoying...Eli just can't wait to be just like him. He's not LITTLE, he's an understudy. And that is both good and bad!
Landri: 'Oooooooo.Oooooooo.' Lips are always pooched into a perfect 'o' shape and she coos like a monkey. She crinkles her nose and squints her big BLUE eyes and the world is at her mercy. I love to watch her work the crowd...she sees people across the room and lifts a stiff arm and points her hand at them with a funny grin...and they melt. I've been blessed with many new friends simply through the gift of this chubby baby...they've come closer to steal her and I've been blessed!

Who cares about the jobs? The house? The cars? I don't. We've got them all....and I'm thankful for them, don't get me wrong. They allow me to focus comfortably on what really makes me happy. But they're not it...
Happiness is: first, a knowledge of my Savior. Without a doubt, on good days and bad, I have an overwhelming knowledge that I am a daughter of God, who has divine potential to do good. My most precious and important duty and priviledge is my family. So, obviously, family is the next source of happiness!

And, well, anything else that makes me happy is great! And, anything else that doesn't, I guess just isn't that important. And I'll need to do a better job this year at manipulating things that are a struggle into things that make me happy. I can do that....
(see, when I started this, I was feeling a bit down....but now, after this reflection I think, maybe this isn't a jammie day??? I could do so much more with this precious time!)

Ridiculously behind!

I am so far behind on this blogging thing that I'm a bit overwhelmed! So much has happened! We are still not completely settled yet, but we've settled into what we've got. The boys are sleeping in the family room because their rooms aren't finished yet. We've got a 'contractor' problem! So, Eli's bunking on the couch, and Kolbe's in the corner on his bed. I will be so glad when their moved into their rooms so I can offficially finish organizing closets and clutter. We love it here. The kids started school and are doing well. Avery has aunt Jen for her teacher 1/2 days, and Jen tells me stories! I love this kid! She is always in her own little world, unaffected by everyone else! Kenna is finally making some friends....she has had a tough transition-needing to find a fit of her own. She is such a smart little girl, but for some reason she's lost her self-confidence lately and has had a hard time making friend decisions on her own. Girls are TOUGH!!!! Kolbe is in football and is loving it. He's got knee high tie-die blue and white socks...so he's easy to spot out there! His first game was cancelled tonight and he's absolutely grumpy about it! Eli started his preschool this week. There are 4 boys and about twice that many girls! Poor things...Eli's little cousin Emma is in his class and when I asked her how he was she said, 'kinda good. He won't stopped kissing and hugging me!' Well, I'm thinking she'll have more than that to complain about soon enough! Nate is still busy as ever. He's started reffing and was asked to take whatever jr. high games he wanted....which is nice! Its all bonus money! Christmas money...
Its been a good couple months. I recognize the blessings of my Heavenly Father alot right now. I am hopeful! Sweet Landri is 6 months old. She has battled ear infections like crazy...right now we're on number 10! Thankfully we've got our appointment with the specialist next week to make some decisions...

Nate got called back into the Young Men's program and I'm back into the Primary. I have a very content feeling with life right now! My kids are not perfectly behaved, but, they probably won't be! I should probably take a little ownership in that one! :) But they are happy, and healthy, so for now we'll just work on the rest! I am so incredibly grateful for THIS time. I love my family.....I love my parents and my siblings and my HUSBAND!!! and my beautiful pack of monkies!

A bit behind....

So, I'm naturally just a bit behind! Lets see, where to start! Well, its been the most wild, unfun summer on history yet(for me)! The kids are in heaven, quite litterally. By bed time they are staggering to their rooms with exhaustion! They have never played so hard in their lives...its constant. Eli is in love with this new playground. Living across the street from the park is the best! He hangs out in the sand pit under the swings for hours...and rides his bike, for hours! Kolbe roams the park and town with a little gang of hooligans, having airsoft wars and playing basketball. Kenna is loving meeting new friends, she's got Taylor, Peyton and Kaylie! Avery can never decide how long to stay at the pool so she swims for an hour, or maybe ten minutes, and then walks across the street as if to just check on me...then back she goes! Her hair is bleaching out from the sun! I love the quietness of this life. I walk everywhere. My burb only gets driven to Great Falls once or twice a month. Nate is doing okay with the commute...he's a sport because he knows how thrilled our kids are to be in Fairfield. Really, it is ideal! Our house is coming along. Its been one project after another and we're exhausted....can't wait for this round to be finished so we can kick back and just play for the rest of the summer. Thankfully, our end of things are winding down! We just have to install the laminate in front of the front door...and I've got a few minor projects, but then once the carpet is installed we can finally bring the couches and dressers in and get settled.
Kolbe did his first football camp, he was nervous for 'his first day as a Fairfield Eagle'.
There are a few growing pains...its been so sad to be away from friends we love. But it will make girls' night for me more anticipated! And if the sun will commit to a few warm nights I think we'll have some friends for a potluck! Commit them to the promised land...

Things worth remembering:

Eli is not the best 'keeper'. That's what we call the person responsible for handing out the treats...so we often have to give him a 'chat' when he's the keeper. Yesterday on the way to Fairfield he had control of the pop. We told him to share. He told me to turn around...then he said, 'I gotta tell 'dees' guys da tooth' (tell these guys the truth)He then said, 'guys, here's the plan. don't be a piggie wiggie. If you're a piggie wiggie, you can't have any more!" Nate and I were chuckling.

The kids always fight over who's who in a movie. "I'm her...no I'm her!" Yesterday we were watching Harry and the Hendersons. A personal favorite. Kolbe yells out, "I'm Harry!" To which Eli said, "no, I"M Harry!" I thought this was funny...who gets to be the sasquatch? Then Eli said, 'Oh....fine! Me and 'tobe'(Kolbe) both are Ha-wee!' Seriously died laughing!

I'm thankful for the simple moments where the kids remind me that laughter fixes everything...and that my happiest moments come from being their mom...and Nate's wife! So blessed...

Dance Recital

Another year has come and gone! But what a cute way to bid farewell to dance! Since we're moving to Fairfield, we won't do dance again...so one last year of sparkle and glam was super fun. The girls were great. So excited to show off for grandma andgrandpa! My parents are the best: they are here for everything!

Landri Hope: May 2 2010

One of the most beautiful things with our religion is the day that our baby's get blessed. Today was that day...I am so fortunate to have my husband, because he always does the most amazing blessings...he's emotional! Love it! We had so many people here. Nate's grandparents, his parents, his sister Felice and her husband Brett and fam, brother Nick and his wife Chelsie and fam, my parents, uncle Terrell and his wife Nancy, my brothers Jon and Jerry, and my sister LeAnn and my dear friend Tami and kids.

I know that I am incredibly blessed. I love my good husband, my 5 beautiful kids...I love my parents and my brothers and sisters.

Landri's blessing was beautiful. She was promised many things...I love this gospel!