Oceanside 2011

Every year in September for the last 5 years we have taken a family trip to Oceanside. It's become our family tradition and it is so much fun. Get ready for a marathon of pictures. I have a couple hundred pictures from the trip and tried to put mostly my favorites but there are so many cute ones.
To start our trip we headed to Newport beach and took a ride on this fun beach cruiser. Everyone was staring at us. I'm sure seeing all these little kiddo's crammed on this little car with Casey and I must have been a sight. The 3 girls in the front were giggling and laughing the whole time and then Casey, Maxwell, Graham and I were in the back. I wore Graham in the baby carrier and Casey and I peddled. We had lunch at the super delicious pizza place Bj's... Um, can I just say pazooki, yummmm!!


After the bike ride we had to get treats at the taffy shop behind the bike rental. If you're ever in Newport beach and are looking for a place to rent bikes Balboa bikes was the best price and the owner gave all the kiddo's candy for free and let us take as much time as we wanted on the cruiser.


We happened to be there over Labor day this time and so most of Casey's family came down to Oceanside and hung out with us. We played at the beach and pool and had a bbq that night for dinner. We miss being close to the Waldron clan and were so happy they came down to spend time with us.

Uncle Brandon and sweet little Lola

Maxwell and Cousin William looking at the sand crabs they caught

Silly cousin William

Lunch time... it was really cold on labor day, we even got a little rain.

Uncle Brian knows how to put these boys in their place

Auntie Jackie and Kylynne

Mia

Cousin Karen

Love this!

coming back from the pool

We spent a day at Sea World this year. It was a lot of fun up until all the power in southern California went out. The power went out just as the Dolphin show was starting so we didn't get to see that or the Shamu show. Luckily they gave us passes to come back another day so we're hoping to go back in December when we're there for Jeff and Karlas wedding. The best part about the whole Sea World day was when they realized the power wasn't coming back on anytime soon they started handing out ice cream and popsicles from each of the little ice cream stands. We all ate our weight in ice cream that day and were we ever sick!!

Cutest face ever!! She was so sad that she couldn't go on the rides because she's not tall enough

More time at the beach
Eva
Mia



and of course the boys had to get in their traditional baseball game on the beach
Another thing we do every year is end the week with a delicious home cooked meal. We always get a bunch of crab legs and bottled orange cream, rootbeer and cream soda to drink and the kids love that they get their own bottle. Eva's the only one that doesn't like crab legs so Casey made some yummy bbq chicken for her then we sliced up some watermelon made some rice and corn on the cob... Yum!!
It's always so much fun and always goes so fast. This year was a little more chilly than the last couple of years but it was still super fun! We hope that this tradition will last through the years and that it's something we can always look forward to doing as a family.

First Day of School

Maxwell started a week earlier than the girls did. I don't know why they have the kindergarteners start later but it was really frustrating for the girls because they were so ready for school to start. They would ask me everyday after Maxwell started when they were going to go to school. We have the girls in seperate classes and it has been so good for them. I am excited to see how they will grow as individuals as they spend time apart and build their self confidence and identy as a person and not just as a twin.
They all have really great teachers and are doing really well. We just had our first parent teacher conference for the year and it's awesome to see how much they have learned in such a short amount of time. They have all grown so much this year... where does the time go!

Waldron Family Reunion

Every August on the 1st Saturday of the Month we have our annual Fred and Ruby Waldron family reunion (my father-in-law and his siblings). This year the reunion was held in St. George and because it was so close Casey convinced me to go even though I was only 10 days post partum and had a bad case of mastitis. It was a lot of fun and I'm glad we went. This year they did a really fun pirate them complete with pirate paraphernalia and activities. We stayed in the same house we stayed at when we had our siblings retreat in June and it was really fun to be with Casey's family. The cousins all had a great time playing while the adults visited.

Each Waldron sibling and their offspring were responsible for putting together a family t-shirt so that everyone knew who belonged to who. They Floyd Waldron family had the best shirt there(of course) :)

10 day old baby Graham... Does the face on his shirt look familiar?? ....Grandpa Floyd

Mia, cousin Karen, Eva

Cute little Kylynne (couldn't get enough beads... obsessed much?)

Maxwell and cousin William

A little more than half of the cousins that were there

Kylynne, Daddy, Maxwell and cousin Caleb

Not the best family picture, but the best we could get!

I am a MOTHER!!!

So, I've had a lot on my mind the past 10 months. Pretty much since I found out I was pregnant with baby #5. My emotions have been up and down and all over the map. I have wondered "how am I going to do this" so many times it's amazing I'm still sane.
Knowing this, Casey gave me some wonderful books for mothers day this year. "I am a Mother" by Jane Clayson Johnson and "A mothers book of secrets" by Linda Eyre and Shwni Eyre Pothier. Both are excellent books which I would definitely recommend. They are easy reads and they helped me to realize that I need to give myself a break sometimes and just enjoy the moment instead of thinking about all the things that I can and should do better. Because the more I spend time thinking about those things the more I realize that my deepest fear is that I will FAIL as a Mother. And not just kind of fail but fail miserably! I'm sure all parents feel this way at different times in their lives. But I found myself so consumed with the thought that I was going to fail that I think sometimes that anxiety has made my parenting even worse.

Before I had children, success as a parent meant to me that each child would grow up as the most perfect version of themselves. That they would be kind and loving, respectful, responsible, and everyone's best friend. That they would have self confidence and morals, integrity and a relationship with our Father in Heaven that was so in tune with the spirit that they would never make a bad choice. They would all grow in the gospel and serve missions, marry in the temple and have their own beautiful children free of heart ache and struggle. HA!

The thing that I didn't understand before I had children was how HARD it was going to be. Sure, I knew it was going to be hard but NOT THIS HARD. And of course it's hard because all things that are worth anything ARE hard. They challenge us and force us to grow and learn and stretch us to the edge of breaking, but that's how we learn and it's the ONLY way to get back to our Father in Heaven which, for me, IS the goal.
Of course I still want all those things for my children but I now understand that those things don't come without a price. I do want my children to be good, trustworthy, honest, loving people but I don't want them to breeze through life without pain, heart ache and struggle because those growing pains are required for us to learn and re learn. I have to let them make choices and also deal with the consequences of those choices. (that's the hard part)
I can't be their "savior" and shelter them from heartache because I would also be keeping them from becoming who they can and will be.

Maxwell said to me a couple of weeks ago "Mom, I wish I could stay 7 forever!" And in that moment I wanted it too, but then the thought occurred to me that we grow up so we can experience life, make mistakes and keep making them until we learn from them and that's the ONLY way to reach our ultimate goal of eternal families and to live in the presence of God.

I was talking with a dear friend the other day and venting about my daily frustrations as a mother. I was feeling so defeated that I said "Maybe I'm just not the right mother for these kids because I don't know how to parent them." and then the spirit whispered to me... And that's why YOU ARE their Mother, because they are here to teach you and stretch you and help you grow... tender mercies of the Lord.

Life with 5 children 7 and under has been busy, challenging and so rewarding. Each child brings so much love and so much sweetness to our home.
My house is more messy than it's ever been. I can't seem to stay on top of anything. There are always clean clothes on the couch that need to be folded, dishes in the dishwasher that need to be put away, toys to be picked up and beds to be made. Most days I'm living minute to minute trying to get through it some days not even having time to get myself showered and dressed. But through it all, with out fail, there are those moments that I want time to stand still. I want to savor the giggles and snuggles and excitement. I want the children to stay just the way they are in that moment forever. I want to remember the way their voices sound and the way their eyes shine when they laugh. I even want to remember the way their little lips quiver when they are sad... again, tender mercies of the Lord.

Being a mother is what I have ALWAYS wanted to be and now that I am, as hard as it is at times, it is THE BEST and most MEANINGFUL thing I will ever do. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am truly blessed to be an influence to and give guidance to these 5 AMAZING little people.
And though some days I would like to live Satan's plan and force them to choose the right, I know that I can't ;)... I can only pray with every breath that I will be worthy of the spirit so that I may know what they need individually at all times.

I know I've made mistakes and I'm going to keep on making them, but today I DON'T feel defeated... Today I AM what they need... Today, I AM their MOTHER and I am forever GRATEFUL that the Lord has enough confidence in me that he has entrusted these perfect little spirits to me knowing that I would mess up from time to time but also knowing that if I stay close to Him that He will make me worthy of the task and BLESSING of being their MOTHER!!!

Graham the Man

Graham Gary Waldron was born July 27th, 2011 at 12:09pm. My due date was July 24th and although I was expecting to be overdue and not particularly in favor of the idea of being induced (after the crazy experience with Kylynne's induction) after lot's of prayer, thought and talking with my Doctor I decided to be induced.
I went into the hospital at 7:30am checked in, filled out paperwork, got my IV and was ready to see my doctor. The wonderful Dr. Jones (who also delivered Eva and Mia) checked me and said I was at about 4cm and broke my water at about 9:30am. I got my epidural around 10:15am and never felt any real painful contractions, by this time I was only at about 5cm. After some minor dips in my blood pressure and some dizziness the nurse gave me a little bit of oxygen and some medication to bring my blood pressure back up and then said to let her know if I felt any pressure in my bottom or if I felt the need to push. At about 11:30 I started feeling a lot of pressure down there so I pushed my call button and she came in to check me. As soon as she did she said "you ready to have a baby, cause it's time to push but you'll have to wait a few minutes for Dr. Jones to finish up a delivery. I think it was about 15 minutes later when he came in. Two big pushes and baby boy Waldron was born at 12:09pm. He came out crying and continued to cry and cry for about an hour. I couldn't get him to nurse or be comforted at all so I handed him to Casey and Daddy's magic touch was all it took. Casey rocked him (or bumped him - all you Waldrons know what I'm talking about!) and he finally calmed down and fell asleep.
He was my biggest baby at 8lbs 10oz and 20 1/2in long (and man did I feel it!)

As many of you know it took us about 10 days to decide on a name. That is a long story!!
Graham is a sweet boy and has already changed SO MUCH! I have lot's and lot's of helpers all the time, sometimes too much!

I wondered how Kylynne would take it because she is normally very much a daddy's girl but the last couple of weeks before I had Graham she became VERY clingy to me. I think she knew she was about to lose her place as the baby.

I have been nursing but have been giving bottles as well because my milk supply hasn't been the greatest. The kids LOVE helping and feeding baby. They are all SO excited when it's their turn.

Right after his first bath

Graham slept with us in bed, something I NEVER thought I would do but he slept so much better those first few weeks. It was the best thing ever waking up to this little angel snuggled up next to me. We got lucky somehow and he started sleeping throught the night at about 4 1/2 weeks old and has been since, so he sleeps in his bed now but still in our room.

Kylynne is still very much a daddy's girl and always has to get in on snuggle time when Casey is holding Graham.... He loves it!

1 week

Mia

Eva

He's growing so much and starting to smile and coo. He is so sweet that I just have to kiss him every second I can get. We LOVE having another boy and are so excited he is in our family. It looks like this little dude is going to have brown eyes, yay, I'm crossing my fingers they stay that way!!

Our little Scooter

While we were on our couples retreat in St. George my wonderful parents took care of our children. Friday evening they took the kiddos to jump on it with their cousins. About 10 minutes after they arrived my nephew accidently jumped right onto Kylynne's leg and she broke both bones. My awesome parents took care of everything and it was so comforting knowing they were the ones caring for her. They even kept their plans for the weekend and took all the kids to Idaho to visit with their cousins and see their newest cousin blessed that Sunday. After a weekend of TLC with Grammy and Poppy we were anxious to see her. My Mom said she was such a trooper the whole time and really did well considering her discomfort.
The Pediatrician recommended we see an orthopedic doctor because of the nature of the brake and the proximity to the growth plate. We had to wait about 5 days for all the swelling to go down before she got her hard cast.
She has been SO good the whole time. She really has done well and reminds us a few times a day "I can't step on my leg."
While waiting for the swelling to go down she got to lay with her leg propped up and enjoyed lots of movies, books and snuggle time with Mom and Dad. The first couple of days we were home from our trip all she wanted to do was sit with me and snuggle (which was so wonderful) I didn't get a thing unpacked or done around the house but it was worth it, she just needed me close and it was so sweet.

(Waiting for the Orthopedic doctor to come in and see her.) The whole time we were in the waiting room she absolutely LOVED all the attention she got from everyone and had to tell everyone the story of how it happened and then had to finish by telling them she was going to get a pink cast.

She was SO excited to FINALLY have her pink cast (we got the last one!) The Orthopedic doctor said that she's not supposed to walk on it at all but that she only would have to have it for 4 weeks instead of the 6 weeks we thought she was going to have it. The brake was only about 2cm away from her growth plate but thankfully it missed it so we don't have to worry about any surgery or complications. We get another xray next week to see how things are healing.

Since she got her hard cast she has been getting more and more mobile everyday. The first day or two she still kept it pretty still but has since started crawling around and climbing on things. She still won't put any pressure on it which is good. I want her to be cautious at least until next week when we have it xrayed again and see how things are healing. She lost her balance one afternoon while trying to pull herself up on a chair and stepped back on it and cried pretty hard.

It's pretty cute to see her scoot around on her bum and crawl on her knees. She has been so so good but I can tell some days by the end of the day she's pretty achy and uncomfortable so I'll give her a little Ibuprofen. She gets super frustrated sometimes too not being able to get around or do the things that she wants to do. Those are the times that are the hardest because she wants me to hold her and carry her but since I'm about 5 weeks away from delivery its been a challenge for me. Although I'm grateful that I have felt good this pregnancy and have been able to do as much for her as I have been.

I really have LOVED all the snuggles and hugs and down time with her. She is a such a lug though and all the up and down the two flights of stairs in our house a dozen times a day has been tough but maybe it will get this baby to come early or even on time instead of late! :)

We have been taking lot's of walks in the stroller this week and going to the park so she can swing, because that's all she gets to do. We have been to a different park everyday this week and have enjoyed literally miles of walking.

The older children have been such a help getting her things and getting me things and helping to carry things when we go out. And they all love taking their turn to push her in the stroller. They have been great sports about walking every day. It's been a good thing for all of us.

The day after it happened (I think) my mom said Kylynne looked at her and put her hands on her face and said... "it's not your fault." Which, I think, she knew exactly what she was saying. Kylynne is definitely a sensitive girl and she often says, "it's ok mom." She told me right after the doctor finished up putting her hard cast on "it's ok mom, it's all better now!"

She is such a sweet little girl and we are so happy she is part of our family. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE or little Ky Ky!

Couples Retreat

Last weekend the four oldest siblings in Casey's family, along with their spouses, got together for a couples retreat. Three of the seven married kids coudn't make it... we missed you D & K, B & K, and T & R :)
Our brother in law's parents have a beautiful vacation home in St. George that we were able to stay at together (Thank you Bill and Annette).
We got there Wednesday night and stayed until Sunday afternoon. We spent time hiking, eating, laughing, playing games, eating, swimming, eating, sleeping in, watching movies, going to the temple, eating, relaxing, talking, shopping, staying up late, enjoying each others company and eating some more. I felt full the entire trip - time for a body detox!!
It was so much fun being together for 4 days with no distractions and NO KIDS!! We were able to completely relax and enjoy visiting with no interruptions - something we rarely get to do.
I am so grateful to have married into such an AMAZING family. It's always awesome being together and was so great spending time with my honey before the baby comes.

Thank you so much to all of our family members who took care of our 16 children, without you the trip never could have happened. Specefically thank you to my amazing parents who so willingly took a break from their own hectic lives to help us. Even with baby Ky and her injury (post to follow) not skipping a beat and doing all that you did. We love you so so much and hope you know how much our children absolutely adore you. Thank you for loving them and caring for them.

Next time hopefully all the marrieds and "soon to be marrieds" can make it and we can make it a tradition. Love you guys... Thanks for a great time!!

The whole group at the St. George temple

The dessert was so beautiful!!