Our SIX Family

As an only child, while growing up, I always wanted one sibling so we could be a four family. All the commercials showed a mom, dad, girl, and boy ... and family vacations always featured families of four. Somehow, as an adult and now mom, I blinked and we have a SIX family - we don't even all legally fit in a five-passenger sedan. (Fortunately we did take a couple family trips and vacations as a four family, so I did (albeit briefly) live out my "family of four" dream).
The other day Ella, who is equally surprised,  shocked, and excited about a SIX family, made us each a paper doll (both sides) while some of us napped. I'm not sure what the psychological implications are that I (mom) am the smallest of the paper dolls ... but I do think they are all darling, and I love that Ella has always, and continues to initiate creative projects during the day while everyone else naps. We taped them up on one of the windows of the arts and crafts room. I'll introduce you to each member:
Baby Sara Lee Lee - who was actually wearing a polka-dot onesie sleeper the day Ella made the paper dolls. We love her - and wouldn't be a SIX family without her.

Mary Susan - our precocious blond who loves Elmo and Mickey Mouse. She doesn't skip a beat, insists on being the one who picks who prays before meals, and often orders around her older sisters (magically they often oblige).

Anne Catherine - our Hollywood bound daughter. She never misses a chance to perform, from the primary pulpit to the family stage, her expressive features, dramatic eyes, and passionate ways captivate us all. No wonder Ella made her the largest of us all - she truly is bigger than life!

Ella Jane - loves loves loves her Dad, so it's no wonder they are both wearing yellow (the only two matching, and Mom's favorite color ... perhaps she thinks they are mom's favorites!:)). She is helpful in every way, and like her Dad, anticipates needs and often gets things done before I even have a chance to ask her. She is creative, artistic, and dedicated - when she sets out to do something, you can rest assured she will complete the task.


Mom and Dad - Dad's paper doll is almost as big as Anne's, which is good, considering he is almost 6' 4". His outfit matches Ella's and both are wearing Mom's favorite color (yellow). Mom has striking eye-lashes (at least I think that is what the lines are, since I don't currently have bangs) and disproportionately long arms ... hopefully to help and hug everyone.

And there you have it - our official SIX family paper dolls, with briefly deconstructed and implied meaning. If I had known how much fun life is with MORE siblings when I was a child, I would have felt bad for all those commercial families with only two kids ... because life really is great with four little girls, and I love being a six family.

Here are a couple paper-towel pictures Ella recently made too. Our pending Disneyland trip could have inspired the first (or a gift to Mary Susan), and our recent reading of Roald Dahl's 'The Giraffe the Pelly and Me," may have inspired the second.

Be My Valentine

Bundles of love and joy.

We love Sara Leonetta.

Mary Susan loves PINK, bows, Elmo, baby dolls, hard-boiled eggs, cooking with dad, and her family.

Anne Catherine loves The Sound of Music, dancing, singing, sharks, and all animals, coloring, cooking with dad, being a big sister, preschool, friends, and her mom and dad.

Ella Jane loves recess, piano, movies, trying new food, cooking with dad, teaching school, and being a big sister.  

Valentine's Day SURPRISE!

The SURPRISE of my life! Benj changed his ticket and came home four days early to be with us on Valentine's Day. "I have five girls, I can't miss the pink-est day of the year," he said as we all screamed with glee! Happiest Valentine's Day Ever! Made it just in time to spruce up the Valentine's decor, and make pink pancakes.
Ella said, "I thought this was going to be the worst Valentine's Day because Dad wasn't here, but now I think it's the BEST!"
A couple other tender mercies to record, that happened before the big surprise. Benj is the one in the family who makes holiday's and meals special ... balloons, candies, table decorations, etc. And as we were getting ready for bed last night Ella said a couple of things that made me realize she was expecting a "Benj Valentine's" in the morning, and would be disappointed that I hadn't done what Benj would have if he were here. 
So, before bed I told the girls we'd still have fun and celebrate Valentine's day, but that it might not be as festive and fancy as when Dad is home. They were very understanding ... remember when Benj left three weeks ago, between tears, Anne looked at me and with all the kindness and sincerity of her 4 1/2 -year-old soul said, "Mom, now you are going to have to take care of us ... and make us food since Dad won't be here." :)
Anyway, shortly after the girls were in bed, I received a text from Benj's mom that she and Packa Dean were on their way over to heart-attack our door and surprise the girls. The girls were thrilled when they saw all the hearts ... and when they came by they gave me a ziploc of paper hearts to decorate the stairwell with ... so things were much more festive. Also, a dear friend from church dropped off little Valentine's for each the girls that I was able to put on the table at each setting ... making the table far more Benj-ish:) Of course, Benj went to the store at 1 am to get more candies and Valentine's and surprise us even more. 
Needless to say we were all WOWed! and THRILLED that Benj was home earlier than expected.
Here are valentine's the girls made:

4 generations

We were fortunate to have both Grandma Darlin' and Packa Lee Lee with us for a week. It's fun, perhaps at times even a bit scary because you in essence see glimpses into you past and future, to see what life is like in each of these stages while living together. One thing is certain, I love each of these ladies, admire their strengths, and they have all taught me volumes about love, service. and sacrifice. Thank you.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Dear Benj,
Happy Valentine's Day! We love and miss you. This year, since we are in Utah and Ukraine, I thought I'd give you a poem. We love you.

Our bed

I went to bed, alone last night, Back to Lviv, you were in flight.

A parting, more bitter than sweet, But, like a king (alone) I would sleep.

The children were all tucked in tight, With a prayer they would each sleep through the night.

Though missing you, I will admit, One in bed, to stretch and turn, I indeed anticipated a bit.

Sleep for but an hour came, Sweet Sara's cry then beckoning my name.

Now two in bed, still space I think, to try and catch another wink.

And then a breath, a sob, a tear ... our Dear Anne awakes from night-time fear.

Three now in bed, what would come next? I hoped we all could get some rest.

No longer space to stretch and move, Mary's cry I would soon have to soothe.

Four in the bed? It is a lucky lot, but each must find and keep her own spot.

Then in comes Ella, it's early morn, without much sleep another day is born.

Five in our bed - missing only you - my longed for night of sleep must wait anew.

An empty bed now full with love and joy, ten hands, ten feet some playful, others coy.

An empty bed would mean an empty heart - no little ones in bed with a day to start.

Our bed, now full, my heart brim too, these cherished times (though trying) are in number few.

And of course, we cannot wait until you are in the bed with us too!

Gateway Discovery Museum

Packa Lee Lee took us to the Gateway Children's Discovery museum.

Mary's favorite part was watching the balls go up the vacuum.

Ella loved being the "checker," making music with her new friend Nora ("mom, the missionaries would be so proud that I made a new friend!"), and truly impressed me in front of the news camera.

She delivered great stories about the weather, giant bugs, racing horses, turtles, and anything else that came up on the screen. It was incredible ... maybe a genetic trait? Though admittedly, I think she's better than I ever was:) Anne liked standing in front of the camera too ... but was a bit tired and hungry, so not in here regular performance mode.

Baby Sara Lee Lee and Annie C were just happy to be there: