Lots of Life

Wow-it has been a really long time since I last posted.  Long enough for lots of life to happen and lots of changes to come to my little family-which isn't quite so little anymore.  I don't think that I have ever been through a more emotionally exhausting year and I am happy to be at a point where we can start settling down and moving forward again.  So much has happened and I feel like each of these things deserve their own separate post, but since I can't guarantee that will happen I better give a quick summary so I have everything recorded somewhere.

Perhaps the biggest and most definitely the best thing that has happend to us is this:

Meet Emily Naomi Mathi

Born July 23, 2012

7 lbs. 9 oz

She is the sweetest and best baby and I couldn't be happier having her around.  She is so loved and is bringing so much joy into our home.  I was terrified to have another baby and ignored a lot of promptings for a long time, but I finally humbled myself enough to listen and she is such a testimony builder for me.  She lets me know that Heavenly Father knows me and loves me and knows what I need.  She also lets me know that I can never go wrong when I listen to promptings-even if those promptings go against almost everything I think I want for myself! And for the record, she is a VERY VERY loved little girl!

Next major change:

In February we sold our home. Our home we love and that we will always love!  We always knew we weren't in our forever home and we figured that logically it was the best time to sell.  We wanted to be settled in our new place before Andrew started Jr. High.  Now even though it was logically the best time to sell, I really underestimated the emotional impact it would have on my whole family.  But when you've been somewhere for almost 11 years and it is the only place your kids ever remember calling home, it is a HUGE emotional challenge.  It is a place we will always love and probably always miss.

And change number three:

After a really long six months we moved into our brand new home on September 1st.  We're excited to be in a brand new home and really think we are going to love the neighborhood.  Ben and Sarah are already having a blast and have made fast friends with the backyard neighbors and we can't wait to get to know the rest of the ward and the neighborhood.  The rest of us are still struggling a bit with the adjustment-it's a big change to leave a neighborhood and a city that you know and love, but we are all keeping a smile on our face and looking forward to getting to know and love a new neighborhood and city.



So there you have it--our major changes that are going to shape the rest of our lives in a new and exciting way. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

I can't think of a better day than Thanksgiving to make an appearance on my blog because it truly is one of my favorite holiday's and I love what it represents and what it makes us think about! I am so blessed in my life and I would be remiss if I didn't take a minute to recognize that! I have a happy and healthy family and I love watching my kids grow up into strong and smart individuals. I have a husband who works hard to provide for me and my family and who loves us all so much. I have sisters who are my best friends, a brother who is quite simply amazing. My parents are such great examples to me and teach me so much with the utmost of love and support. I have some of the best friends a girl could ever ask for. They keep me sane and make me smile and love and support me unconditionally! I have a healthy body that lets me run and work out and enjoy my passions and past times. I am able to be a stay at home mom and do the only job I want to be doing right now. I love knowing that I can be there for my kids at the drop of a hat and that I get to be the most central figure in their lives (at least for now). And of course I am grateful for my testimony. I am so blessed to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and I know that all of these blessings come from a loving Heavenly Father. I truly I am grateful to be alive and to be doing what I love and surrounded by the people I love!

Shaken

This week, I have been shaken. Shaken as close to my very core as I ever have been and in the process, I have been blessed with the knowledge of so many powerful truths-even though they coincide with a lot of, well; just a lot.
Tuesday I got a call from one of my dearest and closest friends. She had just been diagnosed with colon cancer. Wednesday morning, she went in for surgery. She is 36 years old and a mother of 4. Point blank; it's scary. She's known that something wasn't right with her body for a while and even though she hasn't said as much, I don't think the diagnosis was a huge surprise to her. But still, cancer, at 36? Part of me wants to ask why, but I know that won't get me anywhere, so instead I am asking what. What can I do for her? Her kids? Her husband? And perhaps most importantly, what can I learn from this?
This week I have found myself in a bit of a haze. My thoughts have been focused mainly on her and her well being and I know that the prayer in my heart has never ceased or been uttered with such sincerity, intensity and urgency. I have struggled to be able to really focus on anything and much of the time I not really sure what it is that I am feeling. There is sadness, there are tears (lots and lost of tears), but there is also peace. Peace because I know that no matter what she has to face and not matter what this trial brings to herself and her family that she had two things that will get her through: knowledge and strength. She knows that she is a daughter of our Heavenly Father and that He loves her. We, as her friends, know that too, and it is one of the most powerful truths that I have found comfort in all week. The second thing is strength: I'd like to quote a friend in saying "Though she is small, she is fierce!" And in that fierceness, she is teaching me every day!
I love you Camie-more than words can ever ever say and more than I even thought or realized I did. You are a rock in my life that I don't know what I'd do without and I know that my life has been and will continue to be blessed because you are a part of it.
Now--let's kick cancer's butt!

Craig and Becca

SO now that I've done all the kids, that just leaves Craig and I and really, we could probably do without us, but for the sake of posterity, I think I will give it a go.
CRAIG
He has been SOOOOO busy lately. Between a major project at work, a major bathroom remodel at home and his new calling in the bishopric, it seems as if he's hardly ever here, and when he is, it's sometimes hard for him to keep his mind at home and on the family instead of on the hundred other things he needs to get done. He has had a really great year and accomplished a few really fun things. He ran 3 10K's this year which was a big deal for him. He has also committed to working out a lot more regularly and is feeling more fit than he has in a long time. Last October we decided we wanted to re-do our downstairs bathroom. In order to save some costs, he decided to rip out the old shower by himself which turned in to a MAJOR job. Then, after some frustrations with the contractor we were going to use, he decided to take the whole remodel job on himself. It included a lot of time researching and learning how to do many new things. He had ripped the shower out clear down to the framework, so it really was a ton of work and a ton of learning. It took him almost 2 months because he could only get to work on it at night after the kids were in bed but he did a great job and it taught us both some things about each other. (That was due to the one major fight we had because of the project). At work he is feeling very busy and very fulfilled which is such a blessing becasue he sometimes struggles with finding fulfillment. They have been working on a major project which has saved the company a lot of money and has brought some great recognition to his team.
The first Sunday of the year was perhaps the biggest news for this update. Craig and I were asked to meet with the Stake President and he was called to be the second counselor in our bishopric. Needless to say, we were somewhat shocked and surprised, but happy to accept the call. It has been so good for Craig and in a lot of ways for our family as well. I have already seen several positive changes in him and I know that this will be such a blessing for him and even for our family. I also know that it will be a challenge for us as well, but we are both willing and ready to rise to the challenge so that we can recieve the blessings that we know will come from it. The only negative thing about the new calling is that for the first time, both of us were on the same page of what do do as far as selling our house. We were settled on doing it this spring in hopes of being in a new home by the fall. We had every intention of doing all we needed to sell our home, but now with this new calling, we are second guessing that plan and trying to decided if a remodel is a better plan.
Other than that, Craig stays busy just being who he is. He is a great dad and the kids adore him and he takes his responsibilities as a husband and father very seriously and I know he won't ever let us down.

BECCA
I don't ever feel like there is anything new or different for me to report, my life pretty much stays the same, but hopefully I am growing older and wiser as time goes by. Probably the biggest thing that happened to me over the past year was being released from my calling as Primary President in October. I am still struggling with that part of my life being gone because it was such a big part of me for three years and despite its frustrations, I REALLY MISS IT!! I didn't think I would miss it this much nor did I realize how much mental energy it took up and I still feel like a part of me is gone. I loved that job more than I realized and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to serve kids in my ward the way I did. I love them all so much and I know that calling blessed my life in so many ways. I am finding myself attending Sunday School and Relief Society for the first time in years and it is definitely an adjustment that takes some getting used to, but I am learning to like it and hopefully one day I can say that I have learned to love it. My new calling is Activity Days leader and I am really enjoying that one for now.
After the marathon in October, I took a two month break from running because I was just overwhelmed with all the responsibility that is on my plate, but I have recently realized that it is a part of me that I need and I am so much happier with it in my life. I needed a good kick start so after swearing that I wasn't going to run a marathon this year, I have reconsidered and I am planning on running one in July. I've also signed up for a half marathon in April. And now that I am admitting the plans to race, I will also admit that there are hopes to qualify for Boston--yet again--and I am going to get back on that horse and try again!
Other than that, I just spend my time being a mom. I do an insane amount of work around the house that is constantly being undone and I just try my best to keep up with the crazy pace that is our life. I am surrounded by some amazing women in my life who are my rocks and foundations and who keep me grounded and centered. I don't know what I would do without Stephanie, my running friends, and my ward friends who help me be a better mom and woman. I'm also blessed with a great family who not only is my famliy but who also are my friends. I know that I have so many people in my life who make me a better version of myself and for that I am truly grateful. I am grateful for family, friends, the gospel and for the fact that Heavenly Father has blessed me with so very much. I love my home, I love my family and except for a few minor things, I love my life. I am blessed, not because I have everything, but because I know how to appreciate what I have.

Sarah Update

I don't ever think I can come up with the right words to describe Sarah or to come close to doing her spitfire of a personality justice. She truly is the life of the party and the center of attention at our home--and almost everywhere else she goes. She has more energy that I know what to do with and I worry a lot of the time that she doesn't get enough of me. She would play all day long without a thought for responsibility if I would let her get away with it. She is by far the most social of all my kids and was hit with a major blow a few months ago when her favorite playmate from across the street started going to the babysitters during the day. She truly has more personality in her little finger than most of us have in our entire beings. She has been blessed with the ability to draw others to her and instantly make friends. She has spent a fair amount of time with me at the elementary school and more than half the students there seem to know her name. It never ceases to amaze me how many people say "Hi Sarah" as we are walking down the halls of the school. I think everyone likes her so much because she is a little bit naughty--but in a really fun way. (I say that now, but pretty soon I know I won't find it fun or funny all the time). She is fiercely independent and I know that I am going to have to pick my battles carefully with her as she grows up. Although you could never tell from looking at her, she is by far my pickiest child when it comes to clothes. She has a total skater style and it is SO HARD to find clothes that she will actually wear. One of her favorite things in the world are DC Shoes and she was about as happy as I have ever seen her when she got a pair for Christmas. Currently she is a tiny bit obsessed with skateboarding. She got a skateboard for Christmas and rides it every day I will let her. She even tries to teach herself tricks. It is so cute to watch her out there with her grit and determination. She is more free spirited and determined than any of my kids and I know that as soon as she puts her mind to something she will accomplish it not matter if the consequences are good or bad. She recently quit dance and is going to give gymnastics a go, but her real dream is to take Karate--to bad mom is to cheap to shell out that much money for a 4 year old. There is not an ounce of girly-girl in her and she makes sure that everyone knows that about her. Her favorite color are bright blue and tie-dye. She loves to color, and while she is getting pretty good
at coloring in the lines, everything has to be tie-die so her coloring pages always look interesting.
She loves her doll, it is a cute little baby doll with a pink bow on its head and a yellow shirt, and his name is Jake. For Christmas she wanted and got Bigfoot-a robotic Bigfoot monster which she jokingly refers to as her princess doll. She also got a Paper Jamz guitar which she loves and rocks out to all the time. She LOVES music and has a few favorite bands and songs that just crack us up because most four year olds wouldn't give them a chance.
She truly is a light and a bright spot in our lives and she definitely keeps us on our toes around here. I think Heavenly Father sent her to me last because he knew that I would want to be lazy as a mom after my fourth. I think she is His way of making sure I don't slack off as a mom! I love her more than words and am so grateful for the fun and life she brings to our home everyday!

Benjamin Update

OH, this kid is so sweet and so much fun and I feel bad that he doesn't always get the attention he deserves. Thankfully he knows just how to make himself be heard and even if it drives me crazy in the moment, I know that he tugs and pulls at me so he can be heard and I am so grateful that he has figured that one out. He is so sweet and easy going that I know I tend to overlook him and not spend as much time with him as I should but thankfully he takes whatever he can get and truly appreciates it. He has the most Mathis in him of any of my kids. He can't stand being messy or sticky and always makes sure his bed is made and his room is clean-without being asked. He doesn't like to eat syrup or suckers because they are too sticky. On one hand, he is the sweetest kid in our family and on the other hand, he is probably the craziest! He loves to be wild and play tough and wrestle. But then he also loves to sit down and read or talk or snuggle. He loves reading, but is very picky about what he will read-he only likes chapter books. He loves music and his current favorite possession is his green i-pod. He is such a responsible kid and will always make sure to follow through with whatever he is asked to do--at least for other people, not always for mom and dad!
This year he started piano and it has been so fun hearing him plunk away and learn new songs. He is played in his first festival on Saturday and he was so cute. He was totally nervous before it started and had a major case of the jitters, but he did great! He also has discovered that he likes performing. He has been in two plays and loved both of them. He was an Oompa Loompa in Willie Wonka over the summer and he also played the part of Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol this December. I was so excited for him to be able to play the part of Tiny Tim because it meant a lot of one-on one time for me and him and I know he needed that. His changing room was a tiny bathroom and the two of us just laughed and had a great time backstage there. He was so cute and took the role so seriously and acted so responsibly while there. He loved every minute of that experience and is already asking about and looking forward to other opportunities to be on stage. (It didn't hurt that he got paid for the role). He also loves sports and can't wait for soccer to start again. He loves school so much that it's cute. He can't wait for Monday's to roll around so that he can go back to school. He loves learning and just can't seem to take everything in fast enough.
He is so funny and tries so hard to always do his best at everything, and it frustrates him to no end when his best doesn't match up with his vision of what he wants it to be. We are trying to get him to understand that not everything has to be perfect and that just trying is usually good enough.
I love how he loves to tell me everything and how he makes sure I am looking at him and engaged in our conversations. He is so clever and funny and I love seeing him grow up and knowing that he is on the right path to be a responsible young man. He is so much fun and brings so much joy to our family and I don't know what we'd do without his humor and light in our home.

Madeline Update

Madeline is so much fun and so much of a challenge all at the same time. But a challenge in a good way. She is always thinking, which is part of the reason she tends to get into trouble-she can't accept anything at face value, she always has to think about it and form her own opinions and her own way of doing things. I know this will be one of her greatest strengths as she becomes an adult, it just makes her a bit more of a challenge as a child, but I would take that challenge ANY DAY because it is so much fun to see her independent spirit and the way her impressive brain works.
This year I have finally realized that she does so much better and fights me so much less when she is not in Andrew's shadow. I think it's because she is so driven to do her best at EVERYTHING and when she follows in Andrew's footsteps, he's always just a few steps ahead of her. I wish she could just look up to him and understand that all it will take her is time, but all she can see is that she is not as good as him and then she beats herself up. Thankfully I have been able to come to realize this and so we have tried to keep her out of that shadow so that she can grow and become who she wants to be on her own terms without worrying about shadows. Switching her to a different piano teacher had made a world of difference and she is extremely motivated now! As an added bonus, her teacher does a combo of piano and voice and she loves both of them-especially voice. She has such a beautiful voice and I could listen to her sing all day long. I love the way she uses expression in her singing and how passionate she is about it. She has had the opportunity to be in a few plays over the past while. She played a school child in Nuncrackers, an Oompa Loompa in Willie Wonka, and my personal favorite was when she got the opportunity to be Little Cosette in Les Miserables. She did such a fantastic job conveying the emotions of that character and on the last night she was in it, she literally made me cry, and not because of her singing, it was because of how she was able to portray the emotions of the moment.
She is still a total book worm and would read all day long if we let her. The other day Craig actually said to her: "Madeline, put down that book and go get into some trouble!" He meant it too!
A few months ago she had to make a choice between taking dance and acting and after A LOT of prayers and tears, she finally decided to go with dance. She is loving being in a higher level and feels like she's growing up. She works really had to practice her dances and is looking forward to her concert in May.
And finally for her, after several frustrating months in a less than desirable third grade class, we presented her with an opportunity and let her decide whether or not she wanted to move schools to be in a better situation. I opened the door, but left it entirely up to her whether or not she wanted to walk through it. After a not much thought and some prayers, she decided that she would like to make the move. It has been so good for her. She is so much happier and loves school again and the only downside for her has been that she misses her best friend from her previous school, but we make sure to let the two of them get together as often as possible. The change has been so good for her personally and I can see a new sense of confidence emerging from her that lets me know that she is in the right place for her.
She really is such a sweetheart and I love the way she still want to confide in me and the things she likes to tell me about. She is such a great daughter and I love that she is also my friend. I know there will be the days where I can't be mom and friend, but I'm going to hope and work towards making them the minority!