Today is Mothers Day!
This morning I was greeted in bed by Jarom, Jennica, Jace all dressed for church with their gifts they made at school.

Jace (age 6 in Kindergarten) has been so excited about mothers day! He has kept his gifts a secret all week. That’s a tough thing to do at age 6. I think it’s cute when kids try to keep sectrets. They become consumed with the desire to share the sacred secret! They tell you just about EVERYTHING they can without actually saying the exact words. This week Jace has been telling me the first letter to each of the gifts.

Once the gifts came home in his backpack he was like a sitting goose on her eggs. Returning several times to check on them, and once again constantly telling me where the gifts were and I was not allowed to look.

I remember being his age. I remember knowing my gift was special, simply because it was going to be for my mom.
Year after year I get a billion drawings in one day from my kids. All of them stating “I love you mom.“

I love the school projects that usually have the misspelled proclamation
Happy Mouthers Day! (Just like I misspelled it when I was young)

At church someone made the comment
”having teenagers makes us Christian“ That made me laugh.
I have had similar thoughts but couldn’t express it as equlotently as that.

I am closer to God because of my children. I am thankful I get to wake each morning to love, serve, and teach them.

my toenails always need a paint job
my fingernails are NEVER painted

my journal entries end in mid sentences
my kindergartener speaks run- on- for-ever -sentences

wipes are used for everything
my garage is a diaper landfill

my showers are normally cut short
my telephone conversations are always heard

my dirty laundry basket is replaced with a clean laundry basket

my quiet time is never quiet
my bed is never MINE

My moments as a young mother
will be missed when I’m old

Videography

I'm in love with my new Video Camera. It helps me make cool projects.
This one was so fun to make:

3rd Grade Iditarod

Give me an Event and I'll make you a memory!

Consistant?

If you know me, you know I like change!
My life is full of rearranging, new starts, and inconsistancy!

One thing constantly changing is my talents. I found a new obsession.
You can see for yourself HERE!
It's Blogging, Photography, & Videos!

Come visit HobiHome

India

I want to go to India.

I want to go to India really bad.

At the end of last year I started volunteering at Rising Star Outreach.

I did it because I visit teach Sally.
And Sally is involved in this Organization.

I thought this could be a good way to get closer to her and understand more of one of her passions.

I called the number she gave me and set up a time to meet Dani, the Volunteer Director.

I showed up the following day at the scheduled time, wondering what kind of help I would be.

I had in mind something like answering phones, stuffing mail, or filing papers. Office type of work.

When I met Dani, my first thought was, "I know her!"

I've never met Dani, but I feel like we've always been buddies.

She lives a Charmed Life. She is young, beautiful, has traveled all over the world, and knows how to play the Ukulele!
She is independent, confident and Spunky!
She has over 1,000 friends on Facebook (What??!!)

She's living the life I would be living if I wasn't living my 1st dream.

As I visited with her and her people, they asked me if I was comfortable with the computer.

I laughed. (I can USE the computer to blog, facebook and email. Anything outside of that I'm pretty much retarded.)

She followed up do you Blog? (Now we're speaking the same language!)

After divulging my obsession and sometimes "stalking" blog habits they asked if I would be interested in writing for the Rising Star Outreach Blog?

My cup of Tea! (I tried not to fall off my chair.)

"Do you Facebook?" was the next question.

The day before I met with them I "de-friended" almost everyone of my facebook Friends.
It was too much for me. I didn't want that distraction, so I cut almost everyone except family and a few friends.

"I do" I answered with a little quiver in my voice.

Would you be interested in being an Administrator to our Facebook page and keep it updated?

Suddenly my feelings toward Facebook changed!

"Cool!" I thought.

Somewhere, our conversation led to photography and my love for it, and by the time I walked out the door I agreed to be their Social Media Director and Photography Manager too.

On my drive home I was dumbstruck with what just happened.

I was so giddy inside! I couldn't wait to tell my husband what I just signed up for.

Since that day, every Tues. I work on the Rising Star Outreach Blog and Facebook Page.
I love Tuesdays.

I LOVE what giving of my talents does for my soul!

I am learning as I go and I am already in LOVE with the little children in India.
I LOVE what this organization is about.
I LOVE being part of it in my own small way.

I've decided I am going to India. I'm going to make it happen. And I'm going to earn my own way there.
I know my husband could make it happen (and would) but I've decided I'm going to continue to use my talents and somehow, someway I, a stay at home mom, will go to India.

I will be proof that you don't have to have a lot of money to make a difference.

(And a good place to start is being a better Visiting Teacher....)

I was so wrong!

Recently, I enjoyed the Holiday Season with my Mother. During her stay at my home she and I had moments where I could reflect on childhood memories and experiences with her.

Due to the “Spirit of Giving” felt in the air, I shared with her my favorite childhood memory.

In 4th Grade I chose to do the 12 Days of Christmas to a less liked, and poor, girl in my school class.
I have reflected on this experience many times in my life.

I sat next to this girl at school and each morning she would playback every detail of her receiving experience to ME, the giver.
She was determined to catch ME. She had plans each day on how she was going to do it. I even helped her come up with a few ideas!

Each night was a success for me. The following morning she would be so frustrated that her plan didn’t work! How do they get away with it! She was sure she was going to out smart them at least ONE night!

For several of the 12 days this game went on. She continued to spill the beans to me.
Having this interaction with her made the entire experience for me. I felt an unlikely friendship flourish between us.

I remember planning the gift one night. I was at our local Ben Franklyn’s hardware store with only a few dollars. I searched the store for the perfect gift.
I had so many great idea’s but the problem was my limited resources. I sat on the floor near the cashiers stand counting my bag of coins, frustrated that my desires were constrained. I thought: “If I were rich, I could do the best 12 days of Christmas!” At that moment I decided if I grew up and had a lot of money I would have so much fun giving it to the needy.

I don’t remember many of the gifts I gave her, but I do remember one. It was the last day- Day 1. It was the best day of the entire event!

Sometime Previous (Maybe a month) Mom had bought me the most beautiful White dress complete with ruffles and lace! When I looked at that dress for the first time I remember thinking I had died and gone to Heaven. My next thought was I wish church was tomorrow.
Unfortunately, Sunday was 4 days away and even worse...the dress didn’t fit! It was too small. Oh, how I tried to pretend it fit.

Because Mom had purchased the dress up North she couldn’t return it so I was left to Donate it. I was heart broken.I still remember
that feeling of disappointment. The dress hung in my closet for some time; always stinging my heart when I saw it.

As the 12 days were ending Mom suggested I give the dress for a gift.
That idea filled my soul with love. I knew that was the perfect gift to give her on Christmas Eve.

I wrapped the gift and carried it to the car like it was Cinderella’s glass slipper.
I knew this girl wouldn’t otherwise own a dress like this. I couldn’t wait to hear about it at school. (but I had to wait till after the school break!)

That year I experienced the “Spirit of Giving.” and it stuck with me.
I learned a valuable lesson as an 8 year old. Serving others fixes the holes in my heart. I like WHO I am when I am giving.

Up through graduation I had a special unspoken connection with this girl. She didn’t change much in 10 years. Socially we never crossed paths again. Our senior year she was still a homely, quiet, shy girl. But I felt I loved her and I think she felt it too.

I have reflected on this childhood experience often. Now, as a young Mother, I am still being taught by it.

Today 20+ years later I recognize a familiar desire. Unlimited $$$ so I could give to others. I have often thought:

“I would love to surprise her with a desperately needed vacation.”
“I wish I could just buy a car for them.”
“I wish I could afford to fly home to see ____”
“I wish I could pay for her to have this.”
“I wish I had money to go to India!”

My list can go on! (and it does)
My desires are pure but today-I repeat TODAY I realized I am so wrong.

After attending a RS Lesson on Sacrifice, and preparing to give next weeks lesson on Consecration, I saw the flaw in my desires.

Mother Teresa says, “A sacrifice to be real must cost, must hurt, must empty ourselves.”

Elder Bruce R. McConkie states:
“When it costs us but little to give, the treasure laid up in heaven is a small one.

Sam concluded, The perfect gift gives both the giver and receiver.

I’m going to stop putting off service because I don’t have the time.
I’m going to stop wishing I had more money to give.

The truth is, God has given me what I have and he’s waiting to see what I’ll do with it!

Photo: The Widows mite
The widows mite, given in sacrifice, weighs more heavily in the eternal scales than the bulging granaries of the rich man.”

The truth is....

Nothing like starting the New Year off with a little Honesty.....

It’s a New Year, and with each New Year comes Resolutions.
THE TRUTH IS- I can’t even remember the resolution I made last year.

I must be giving off the impression that I am a Health Nut.
THE TRUTH IS- I’m NOT! I can’t pass on desserts! I still eat chocolate or ice cream every weekend, KNOWING it makes Abi fussy from Nursing.

I’m trying really hard to provide HEALTHY meals for my kids
but THE TRUTH IS-I’m not good at it yet. A lot of my meals are gross.

I Love Photography but,
THE TRUTH IS for every good shot I take I have 10 bad ones.

This year, I’m participating in my 5th Triathlon but
THE TRUTH IS I hate running and swimming!

I LOVE being a Mom, but
THE TRUTH IS I am constantly wondering “Are we done?”

I try to be a good example to my kids but
THE TRUTH IS I’m a hypocrite. When they ask for leftover dessert Monday morning I say “No, not for breakfast!”
When they are off to school, I eat leftover dessert for breakfast!

I can be patient with my kids till 8:25pm but
THE TRUTH IS at 8:30pm I loose all patience and want them in bed YESTERDAY!!!

I am a Creative, Magical Mommy but,
THE TRUTH IS I hate being the Tooth Fairy! I HATE being the Tooth Fairy! I HATE BEING THE TOOTH FAIRY!!!

Ahhh..I feel better getting that off my chest!

Here’s to a honest 2011!

Hermit-Theft & Broken Blender

I am a Home body. A successful day for me all depends if I was able to stay at home. I wait till the last possible day to go grocery shopping and cheer when after school activities are cancelled.
My favorite time of the year is Christmas Break. No school, No activities, and No reason to leave the house. I pride myself on the 14 days at home streak I had a few years ago.

Yesterday was the day I had to leave the house. I ran into a bit of a problem.

I couldn’t find my shoes! I was like a kid all over again searching for lost sneakers. For the life of me- I still can’t figure out where my shoes are. What’s worse is; the last time I remember wearing them was a week before Christmas. Am I a Hermit or what?
I’ve searched the house- Nothing. Maybe they are outside under the blanket of SNOW? Or someone stole them?

I’m suspicious of Sam. Maybe he threw them out? He calls them my witch shoes. (He’s not a big fan) He doesn’t seem too concerned that they are missing and coincidentally enough, HE bought me boots for Christmas.....hummm.....I think I’m on to him!
(Unfortunately, I don’t really like the boots he picked for me. They are a little to “Fashion“ for me. I’m a STAY AT HOME (emphasis on STAY AT HOME) and can’t see myself wearing them to the grocery store. Maybe when I grow up I’ll be into the cute fashion things. As for now, I’m lucky to be caught wearing earrings.

Speaking of Stealing and fashion and hermit- I have another problem. I went to Kohl’s long before CHristmas and rewarded myself with a very ”Comfy“ Nike Sweatshirt. Once I got home I pulled it out of the bag to find the security tag still attached! (The door did beep as I left the store but I ignored it and kept walking.)
I wanted to wear the sweater bad enough that I put it on WITH the security tag dangling from the wrist. Oh how I love that sweatshirt. I wore it for about 3 days. I wasn’t going to let a minor detail deny me of comfort!


The Sweater is in need of a wash...yes, I still have the sweater. One of these days when I leave the house I will take that sweatshirt with me and march right in and have that annoying tag removed. Until then- It’s mine and I wear it and I love it. (I’m also one of those people that leave the tags on my clothes to make sure I ”LIKE“ the item before I really commit to keeping it and remove the tags. It drives Sam crazy. ☺ More than once he has pulled a tag off me in a public place.

Do I have issues with Commitment?

Yesterday my blender broke! That’s a BIG deal. I can’t make Green Smoothies if I don’t have a blender! Green Smoothie Girl warned me that only one blender can stand the test of time with daily Green Smoothies. Wouldn’t you know the warranty to my blender was up last week! GRRR....How do these machines know when to break down?
I’m using my $$ I won from being the Biggest Looser to replace my blender. (appropriate way to spend BL cash, I think)
I’m working on a post about Green Smoothies- a lot of people have asked me to tell more about it. I’ll get to that.

I got iLife11 for Christmas! I am so excited about it but haven’t found the time to dig into it. I have some fun plans for blogging and videos this year.
We had a big snow storm today so everything is cancelled tomorrow. MY KIND OF DAY. I just might get some time alone with my Computer....

Tonight is Date Night with my Hubby. Time to set my boyfriend, MAC, aside.

Peach Salsa

In attempt to simplify my life this year, I’ve decided to have dinner on the table when the kids get home from school.

This solves the after school grumpies and “I’M STARVING“ issue, and frees up my evening to be more involved with them instead of lost in the kitchen.

This really works well with Jace. He is a big bad Kindergartner. This means he has to do EVERYTHING right. He has to do what everyone else is doing because he doesn’t want to be different.
Jace comes home from school HUNGRY and GRUMPY! He never eats his school lunch. Everyday I pack a lunch for him and EVERYDAY he returns with it untouched. Needless to say, he is GRUMPY!

Having the older 3 kids at school all day frees up my afternoon to put some thought into my meal plans and enjoy the quiet moments in the kitchen while preparing.

Today I thought I’d surprise them and make an old family favorite, Enchiladas. I have made this recipe from the get- go of our marriage. Sam has always loved it and we use to eat it a lot. That is, till last year when I began following GREENSMOTHIEGIRL.COM We stopped eating meat every meal.

Now that it is winter I do use meat. Mostly chicken (Organic) but never use the full amount called for in the recipe. Today I noticed I had half a pound of hamburger left over so I thought I’d use it up.

As I was making the enchiladas I had a big smile on my face, remembering all the times this meal was such a hit.

I had everything set and was waiting for the school bus when I decided to cut up Jace’s food so it wouldn’t be so hot. As I did this I couldn’t resist. I had to steal a taste.

The bus pulled up to the house just as I began chewing...it was so gross!

What had I done wrong? All I could taste was an overbearing flavor of MEAT!

With no time to spare I pulled out the container of Peach Salsa and set it on the table.

The kids were excited to have food waiting for them and I cautiously watched as they dug in.

“It tastes much better with salsa.” I added to their first bites.

All of them dumped Peach Salsa on top, including me.

Jarom excused himself from the table saying he was still full from lunch.

Jennica drowned hers in sour cream and more salsa to get it down.

Jace had his plate empty and was asking for chips to go with his salsa before I could even swallow.

Sam called just after I cleared the table. He was very excited to hear we were having enchiladas.

I told him they tasted like a dead cow. ( He said he preferred his hamburger dead.)

My dinner was a flop.

When Sam got home from work I warned him not to eat it. He made a Peanut Butter Sandwich instead.

Three hours after eating dinner... Jace threw up.

Point proven- You can eat anything with Peach Salsa.
Buy yours now at your local Costco- Super sized!

Letters to God

I thought i was being clever by making dinner at the same time I began the breakfast clean up.
Next thing I know- the kids are home and it’s getting dark.

I spent the entire day in the kitchen! What do I have to show for it?

A dinner and a clean kitchen. Why did it take me all day to achieve just that?
It wasn’t anything extravagant. Chicken Quinoa Soup with dinner rolls. (all homemade)

I did stop a few times to laugh at Abigail. Change her diaper, feed her lunch, and start a load of laundry.

I loved being at home all day in the kitchen.

I have carrots smeared on my left shoulder.

Tonight Jace was pretending to be Harold with the Purple Crayon. He busied himself about the room as we had family "Quiet Time." Not a word spoken but crayon in hand. This child of mine really loves to act things out.

On New Years Eve we watched Letters to God,as a family.
Our kids enjoyed the movie. The younger two were in tears after it was over. I was very surprised at how emotional they were! It took some encouragement to get them to join in on the New Years Eve "Party"

The next few days Jace was writing letters to God and taking them to the mailbox.
Sunday afternoon I walked into a room where Jace and Jennica had paper, crayons and envelopes strewn on the floor. When Jace noticed me watching he announced: "Jennica is writing her first letter to God."
(As if he were an expert.)

Kids are so influential.

I haven't written my letter to God yet.

Catch up?

How does one catch up on life full of action over a 8 month blogging drought?

My Journal/Blogging life took the backseat. I needed it that way. Having a new baby in the house hasn’t offered too much “personal” time.
I rarely get to shower in peace anymore. It’s all good though. My life is full of LIFE!

I wake up with a child snuggled next to me and 3 more waiting to be fed.
I spend an entire day trying to organize my life, only to find it all unorganized when I turn out the lights.

I fall asleep wearing whatever I had on at that moment, wherever I am at that moment- almost always with sweet Abi tucked in close.

I’ve spent hours and hours in the kitchen preparing meals and cleaning up meals.
I’ve spent hours and hours in the car bouncing my litter of kids from one event to another, all the while listening to Scripture Scouts.

I’ve been busy being a Mom. A Happy Mom.

So, why am I Blogging now? Today? at this hour?

My baby started sleeping through the night last weekend!

AHHHHH.....I’m back!

We BELIEVE!

I KNOW my kids believe in Santa.

Come December 1st, each one of them put their shoes, coat and backpacks in the closet without being asked.
They completed their homework before I knew they had any, AND they have been HAPPY in the wee hours of morning!

They put themselves to bed and cured the "DYING of thirst" illness that has plegued them each night after the lights are out.
They haven't complained at the dinner table, AND they do things the first time being asked!!

At first I didn't know what was happening. It only took me 3 days to figure it out.

I LOVE Santa.

Some days....

I spent most the morning on my hands and knees mopping my hard wood floors.

While I was down there I wiped the floorboards, walls, and any cabinets I came across.

Then I vacuumed, loaded the dishwasher, made dinner, and took out the trash.

Why is today so much different than yesterday?

Yesterday, I couldn't get ANYTHING done.
Yesterday was painful. I’m not sure why, but it was.

I’m glad today is better.

As I was mopping away, I got thinking about all the chores mothers do.

How on Earth do we do it?

Mothers are responsible for a lot of things.

There’s the obvious things like laundry and dishes that never go away, but what about the list of “other” things.

Things like plants to water, books to read, bills to pay, walls to clean, baths to give, sheets to change, lunches to pack,
and a billion other things.

Running a home is a lot of work.

I am so glad I LOVE my job....most the time.

Some days I don’t get out of my pj’s and the house is a disaster.

Some days I have everything perfectly organized and I amuse myself.

Some days I sit and read with my kids other days I avoid them.

I’m happy I have a house to take care of and kids to call my own.

The only way I can survive the load is to realize,

Some days are just better than others.

A Little Change...

I'm in the mood for change in my blogging world.
A Change in style,
A Change in writing,
A Change in location.

Visit me here while I find my new groove!

Officer Hobi Reports for Duty

 

Jace was invited to visit a Police Station. As you can see- it was ALL BUSINESS!

 

 

Biggest Looser

As mentioned before, I joined a “Biggest Looser” competition.

The timing was perfect- 6 weeks after my baby!

This competition is just what I needed.
(Although, many say it isn’t fair that I am loosing Pregnancy weight. Whatever you call this stuff, it needs to come off!)

Every Monday I have to report my weight.
I am down 20 pounds!
I have managed to loose an average of 3 pounds a week, simply by eating smart!
(I am NOT dieting. I am eating a lot! )

By Wednesday the results for the previous week are posted.
This is a very important day for me. It gives me another nudge to keep going when I see where I stand with the other 45 competitors.

This week I am in 3rd Place, last week I was in 2nd place.
(I fell off the wagon!)


This competition goes on for another 4 weeks.

I have been in the Top 5 Overall throughout the competition. I never considered WINNING the competition. I just knew it would be a good motivator. Being this close to the end with more pounds to loose, Sam gave me extra motivation.

“If you take 1st place, I’ll give you a reward worth the effort” he tempted.

My minds eye is envisioning a BEACH, or Airline ticket to the West, kitchen tools, or new camera!?

Whatever it is, it will be great. I know it will, because Sam doesn’t have the same disorder I have called Gift Challenged.
He’s pretty darn good at spoiling me.

So I’m up and running with new found determination!

Abi is three months old now and I am at my pre pregnancy weight!!!

This has never been the case with my other babies! It took a long time to loose it.

Granted, my body doesn’t look the same but I am back to my starting weight.

For the record, I was a good 10 “fluffy” pounds over my ideal weight when I got pregnant, so I still have another 10lbs to go.

Looking forward to hard workouts!

To be continued....

A Day in Photos

I Love Summer.

This morning Jarom and Abi read a book

Jace was off fighting/being a "Bad Guy"



This afternoon I played a game of P-I-G with Jarom while Abi napped.

But she didn't sleep long so she hung out with me in the kitchen.



During her "Longer" nap I cleaned up the Porch...I LOVE the Porch!




This Evening I turned on the sprinkler in an attempt to revive our lawn that died during the heat wave last week.
Jace and Jarom both ended up in it also.



Then I made dinner for the boys and Abi helped me make yummy granola!




At Dusk the boys went out for one last duel.


And I watched sweet Abi fall fast alseep in my arms.


Did I mention, I LOVE Summer?

Nocturnal Reader

Dear Dad,

It rained ALL day yesterday, so in order to avoid the fix-it man doing repairs,
we watched an unhealthy amount of movies- but we did make a trip to the Library!

I turned in at 8:45pm- I was plum tuckered! (I haven't figured out why, yet.)
Jarom and Jace were on the way to bed when I closed my bedroom door
with the plea that a certain little boy not disturb me.

I fell asleep quickly but awoke sometime later and heard the boys giggling.

"Ahh, it's summer. Let them be" I thought. And rolled over again.

This morning when I left my bedroom I found different sized stools littering the hallway.

I didn't think much of it till I peeked into the boys room and found books strewn across the floor.
There in the middle of the pile was the reason for the stools.

HARRY POTTER!

Jarom found my hiding spot for all the HP books in the linen closet!
He laughed about it this morning.
He said it took him a long time to figure out how to reach them in the dark.

I wonder how long he stayed up?
Should I care that we have a son who is a nocturnal reader?
What parent has to hide books to get their kid to go to bed?

I'm sure I'll be begging for days like this in no time.

I hope you and Jen are having a great time.
She called me this morning and said you two had a reading party last night too!
(Humm....where do they get it?)

The boys are keeping it real here. We've played basketball, star wars, trains, and puzzles.

Don't eat too much sweets! (but if you do bring home the extra!)

Miss you,

Mom



Jarom and Abi seem to have so much fun together!

Jennica's Baptism Trip

In the Hobi Home when a child turns seven they get to go on a
Baptism Trip with Dad, and Dad only.

This morning Jen left on this Trip.

Dad keeps the location of the trip a secret till they are on the way.
(But we've decided it will be the same trip for all of them.)

I took her to the grocery store last night to pick out her traveling treats.
Her pick was chocolate covered pretzles and lemonade.

They are on their way to Palmyra NY to watch the Pageant and see the Joseph Smith sites.

I gave her a camera to take pictures of their adventures. I can't wait to hear all about it!

It's me and the boys for a few days! (and sweet Abi of course!)

The porch

This Evening was a fun one.
Jennica and I jump roped up the hill for exercise then jogged back home.

Then we sat on the porch to cool off.

I love our porch. It's perfect in the evening,


Jen played Beauty Shop with my hair while I watched a skunk wander in our backyard and wondered what I would do if my kids got sprayed.



It's great having this backyard. It's home to a lot of animals. Each day we watch for deer and have even seen a wild turkey and now a SKUNK!

Lump on a log

Tonight I am home alone with the baby.

The rest of the family is gone camping.

I have been looking forward to this night probably as much as the kids have.

I imagined myself going shopping and not having to rush home to make dinner or

Staying up late blogging the many thoughts I’ve mentally put on my To Blog list.

Instead, I sit in my quiet house BORED.

I can’t think of anything witty or clever to write.

I shop online instead of going out.

I even turn on a kid movie for background noise.

I’m all out of sorts right now.

I’ve never been so disappointed about going to bed before.

Maybe tomorrow morning I’ll have a better time....before they return.


Photos: Sam reconsidering his dessert.
Our 4th of July treats

Dear Toothina

Dear Toothina,

Last Night Jarom lost a tooth.
You came.
You left Money.
and you left the TOOTH!

A few months ago Jennica left you a note.
She is still waiting for a reply.

In the past you have been a great fairy....
Are you ok?
This isn’t like you. Are you ill?

If you are sick, I understand.
I suffer from “Baby Brain.”

I thought maybe you might be suffering from “baby Brain” too.
It happens to the best of us.

Jarom is trying to get double prizes.
His tooth is under the pillow again.

Maybe you could install Central Air instead of leaving money.
I won’t tell.

With Love,

Ember

I Like Rockers...

I don't like Rock music.
It's too much noise for my enjoyment.
I never have and at this rate, I never will.

BUT, recently I have been pleased with the "ROCK" fans.

I have this shirt:

I bought it for a costume party.
Now I wear it to the gym and around the house.

Last week at the gym a "Rocker" greeted me at 6:30am with a kind smile and
followed up with a "ROCK ON!"
It didn't register that he was talking to me until I was several steps away.
Right then I was a "Stuck Up Rocker."

Today I wore the shirt again, a little embarrassed while I ran my errands. (A few too many)
The guy at the Dump liked my shirt....obvious "Rocker"
The grandma at the Library didn't.
The Man at Costco liked My shirt...he even helped me load two AC Units in my car!
The young kid working at Home Depot liked it,
and the Cashier who checked me out (literally) like it too.

It's amazing what message you send with the clothes you wear.

All the "Rockers" were really kind to me today.

ROCK ON!!

(I'm so not a rocker!)

My Food Problem

***I wrote this July last year but never posted it. This "issue" is evolving into a new lifestyle for me and my family. I thought I'd post this now. I'm sure to write about in the future as I continue to learn.****

Food

The past 48 hours I have crammed my brain with food!

I realized I need help with meal ideas and in my search for "ideas" I have been on this exhausting Nutrition Mission.

I don't like spending time in the kitchen!

I don't like cooking, cleaning, preparing, or anything that involves the kitchen.

I don't like the time required to fix dinner.

I don't like visits to the refrigerator over and over and all day long.

Most the time, eating is a burden.

Being aware of my relationship with the kitchen, I am really really confused at the desire I have recently became obsessed with.

I feel like Jonah when he was called by God to be his messenger to the people of Nineveh.

I'm thinking "No, thanks. I really don't want anything to do with food and time in the kitchen. I'd rather live my life in ignorance. Eating my way to my deathbed if necessary.

Let me make this clear. I have been rescued by my husband, several times, from starvation. You see, I don't get hungry. I came prepackaged without the "warning system" installed that lets your brain know you need food.

It hits me fast and the next thing I know, I am beyond moody, and tired. When I get like this I'd rather go lie down and sleep off the hunger pains than go to the kitchen and prepare something.

The very thought of preparing food is too much for me.

I am alright with creating a breakfast or lunch. But I have a huge mental block on dinners. I HATE dinners. Showing up to a meal is perfect. Preparing one is torture!
One sure way to ruin my day is to realize it's getting late and the kids are hungry and I have NO thoughts on dinner plans.

Even if I did have dinner plans that would require I go grocery shopping. Another least-favorite hobby of mine.

So, do you see the bewilderment of my new found drive on nutrition?

What's going on here?

I don't want to put effort into educating myself on this topic.

I don't like it.

I didn't like it when I lived with my mother and she'd ask for help in the kitchen. I didn't sign up for these classes in College for a reason!

I am being asked to do something I really don't want to do!

I feel the Lord is telling me I need to become aware of the "nutrition" or the lack-thereof that my family is partaking.

Hummm....strange.

Bit by bit information has been placed in my lap! This stuff is coming to me.

The next thing I know I'm throwing away bags full of "junk" from my cupboards.

I'm talking to people with similar desires and getting great leads to some improvements.

Most recently, I found myself at the local library. While the kids were engaged at the kids section the thought came to me to find some cookbooks. I stood in the isle staring at the rows of books in front of me.
Having only a few minuets to choose I became frustrated. What was I looking for?

I offered a prayer for help then grabbed a handful of books and checked them out.

The following 48 hours I was reading profusely from those books. There is no doubt God wants me to know this stuff.

I spent the bulk of my day in the kitchen. Preparing Whole, Natural, Fresh food for all 3 meals of the day and a few snacks in between.

What satisfaction I felt...until it was time to clean up. I was exhausted.

My table is strewn with notes, books, lists, and recipes.
I had enough! My natural feelings of resentment toward the duties in the kitchen sent me into a terrible mood.

I don't want to do this all day!

I will be better off tomorrow for the knowledge i learned today.

But I have a feeling this isn't about me.


***Now here I am a full year later eating very different foods than I use to. This has been a step by step transition. I have learned so much about Nutrition. I have come a long way but still have the journey ahead. Another post, another day.

The 4th Child

My 4th Child is almost 3 months old. This week she came “alive!”

She watches me as I move about the room and breaks out a heart warming smile if she catches my eye.

She laughs at her brothers, wakes up HAPPY and stays awake longer with a pleasant disposition.

Gone are the eat, sleep,poop and repeat days. I love that she is more aware. Simply because, I feel she is giving back now.
A smile from her is so rewarding.

The poor girl is rudely awakened from her naps, almost daily, to pick up or drop off a sibling.
She tolerates the car ONLY if she has been feed, burped and isn’t sitting in a soggy diaper.

Given my schedule, these conditions NEVER line up and I am a MadMan driving from location to location with a screaming baby aboard.
It’s so sad.

I LOVE waking in the morning with her snuggled to my side. I love her little grunts and long stretches.

Everyone in the Hobi Home begs to hold her first thing in the morning. I can hardly get a private moment while nursing. They all love to be close to her.

I am so happy to have her in our family. A new baby in the home brings out a lot of LOVE.

I can’t help but WONDER, are we done?.........

Jace & Ammon

Jace gave a talk today in Primary. In fact, he volunteered!
Recently Jarom and Jennica gave talks too. He wanted in on the fun!

He said he wanted to tell a story about Ammon. I tried to practice with him but he wanted none of that. He told me I could wait and see in church.



He loves the story of Ammon. He can tell a lengthy story too.

He did a great job.

In the beginning he got a little nervous.
Once his mind cleared he did great.

Once again my shy, quiet, boy grew a little taller today.

Silence

After driving in the car ALONE this afternoon I appreciated SILENCE.

It’s not too often that I enjoy peace and quiet ANYWHERE.

There are always noises to be heard. Some cute. Others not so much.

Today I had a 20 min. drive to attend a meeting. Since the baby was sleeping I thought I’d take my chance and leave her here with Dad and see if I could return before she woke. (it was a success)

I was a good 15 min. into the trip when I finally recognized how quiet it was.
I thoroughly enjoyed my own thoughts.

I love moments like that. Ya know, the moments when you can hear yourself think.
No distractions.

I thought about church and the great messages I caught in between distractions.

I thought about how strange it is that I live so far away from my family in a world many of them haven’t seen.

I thought about how green it is here and how squirrels are taking over the roads.

Then I thought about why I do the things I do. I admit, lately I’ve been doing some weird stuff, but only because I feel it really is right.

Not WEIRD, weird stuff but "GREEN"stuff like;
not using a microwave anymore, or switching to RAW milk. Things that I would laugh at other people for doing (not out loud of course) .

But all these changes (aka weird things) have come to me when I have had silence. When I am listening to myself and the Lord.
(These changes are right for ME and my family.)

It always starts with a quiet moment and then WAMMO!
Enlightenment hits me and things start happening.

I love quiet moments. Most the time Enlightenment comes when I’m in the shower. (Not kidding)

The Lord answers my prayers, and sometimes gives me assignments,(more on that later) only when I am SILENT!

He’s talking but I’m not always listening.

I’m thankful I had a quiet ride alone today.

On a different note: I wish someone would have told me my inner lining to my skirt was jacked up all day. I wonder how many people were seeing right through me!!!
Silence isn’t always a positive thing!


Photo: Jennica drew this picture of me the last month of pregnancy.
Looks like I gave her a pleasant impression of pregnancy!

My Toy Story

We have too many toys!

The delimia: My kids don’t play with toys, they play with THINGS.
Hangers are bow and arrows, belts are dog leashes, boxes are trains.etc.
They create things to play with.
They use their brains to entertain themselves.

I am THINKING about getting rid of them.(the toys not the kids)

I have been thinking about this for a while but the truth is I DON’T DARE!

Going through a move is helpful in getting rid of junk. You realize you have been keeping stuff for no reason at all.
It’s easier to toss it than pack and unpack it.

Well. unfortunately most the toys made the first cut during the move.

Our new basement proved to be a wonderful home to the colossal amount of toys unloaded there.
I was excited to have a room dedicated to the kids enjoyment. We have never had that!
Previously, our toys were stored in the attic and came down into their rooms on a rotation process when I felt like a swap was needed.
So to have a space where everything could fit at once I was really excited!

After the move It took me several weeks to gear up the desire and energy to go down there and organize the chaos.

The kids didn’t play down there because it was a mess. Nothing had a place.
Finally the chore was done and I was please with the result.

The first time Sam walked into the room his comment was,
“We have too many toys!”

That made me MAD!

You see, I didn’t see all the toys, I saw memories of my little ones.
I saw the phases they went through with the castle, the doll house the horses and cars.
I was excited that they could all be played with in the same room! This was exciting to ME!

For him to suggest we needed to get rid of toys I felt sad!

A few months passed and every so often I peeked into the Playroom on my way to the laundry room.
I always saw one of two things.
1. it was still clean
2. it was still messy

Nothing changed much in there. Most the time the toys stayed picked up, which tells me they aren’t being played with.
The times it was still a mess was from the ONE time the drawer was dumped out for whatever reason and the mess just stayed there.
Again, nothing being played with.
I’m itching to simplify my life. I figure if I have less stuff I’ll have less to keep clean.
It’s sort of like plucking eyebrows. It’s torture to get started but once you get going you wonder how you’ve managed to get so out of control.

I went through my closet and drawers. The only things left are things I DO use. No more of the “I think I might ...”
It was liberating. My closet is bare but what I wear is hanging-nothing more.

So, this desire has carried over to the playroom.

I think I am ready to give away the childhood memories.
Not MINE, mind you, but my kids.
I don’t want to give these toys away because they represent the childhood years of my three little kids. They remind me of life we lived day after day stumbling over them, stuffing them away, or searching desperately for them when misplaced.
They were my life just as much as they were my kids.
Getting rid of them is accepting that those days are over. That’s what makes me so sad.

As I sat through Toy Story 3 it came to me. I was like Andy. Emotionally tied to a box full of toys. (basement in my case)

My kids are still kids but books, sports, and piano fill their spare time. I need to pack up the toys and keep the memories.

I instructed them all to go in the playroom and pick out their favorite toys to keep and then help me pack up the rest to give away.

I expected a little push back but got NOTHING.

They didn’t even care!

I think they each came away with 1 toy to keep!!!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

I cleared off all the shelves dumped all drawers and emptied all bins of toys with their help.

They don’t even care!

Looks like I'm the one that needs to grow up!

Don’t get me started on stuffed animals.....

Imagination at work

Each Night when I crawled into bed, I made sure all my dolls were comfortable and “tucked in.”

I wasn’t sure if I really believed they would come to life at night, but I knew it was better to be safe than sorry.

Recently I witnessed Jace arranging his animals before turning off the lights. When he noticed he had an audience he paused for a moment considering if he should continue.

“Mom, did you know I feed all my pets before I go to sleep each night?” he asked.

“Really?”

“Do you want to see Mom?”

I stepped onto the lower bed to peer over at him on the top bunk. There he had all his pets in a specific order waiting to be fed.

I love this little guys imagination. He is going ALL day long!

For a good part of the day he is talking to himself pretending to be someone else while he follows me around the house. I am so thankful for his personality.
I can get so much accomplished with him by my side. He has the ability to make his toys come to life!

I’m getting TONS of mileage off the Police Costume!
In town, the City has been repaving some streets requiring the Police to block the road.

Jace asks, “Why is he just standing there?”
“Where is his Police car?”

Now, if you know Jace, he doesn’t just ask the question once. He repeats the question over and over till you give him an answer HE likes.

After seeing multiple Officers standing guard Jace got an idea.

Saturday he dressed up in his uniform and marched outside. I thought nothing of it. Some time later I walked pass the front door and saw him standing near the street.

I waited to see what was going on, but he didn’t move.

I waited....still nothing.

Then it all made sense. He was acting out the Officers blocking the road.

He stood there watching the cars go by for a LONG time.

Looked quite boring to me but he was in the moment.

Friday Night we went to the Movie Theatre. Of Course Jace was wearing his Uniform (I forget it’s a costume. He wears it all the time)
As we were walking back to the car I noticed Jace moved to the side closer to traffic.
Sam was on his side so I assumed he was safe.
The cars kept slowing down when they approached us.
Concerned, I looked to Jace to make sure he was safe. I see him holding out his hand and motioning the cars to stop!
And they were!

He is so bold in this uniform. Take it off and you have a shy boy that stutters!

He tells me when he grows up- first he is going to be a Missionary,
Then a Policer Officer, Then a Fireman, Then a Daddy.

I am getting a little nervous. He keeps asking what will happen if he calls 911. I’m afraid telling him the Police will show up isn’t a good answer.





Word is out about little Officer Hobi. He has been invited to a neighboring town’s Police Station to meet and take part of “Change of Guard.”
Request made that he show up in Uniform.

Last day of School

The day finally arrived. The day I have been looking forward to for quite some time.

Today I flopped out of bed, wishing it was really tomorrow.... the first day of Summer Vacation.

But alas, the Last Day of School had arrived.

As I pulled up to the school Jarom and Jennica surveyed the playground.

“How late are we?” They asked. (They ask that Every morning.)

Today the answer was, “You are 7 min. early!”

Anxiously they waited for me to pull up to the curb so they could jump out.

I overheard Jarom talking to himself as he climbed out of the car, “Last day of school, here I come!” and off he ran.

Pay Day?

I tried to get paid for being a Mom today. This is what happens when your married to a numbers guy:


Dear Mr. Hobi,

Greetings!
I would like to request payment for my recent Labor.
I see you made payment to the facility that I gave birth in but somehow
payment to ME has been overlooked.
I'm sure you can remember I was the one doing most (all) the work, and I
am confident you are pleased with the end result.

I understand you are a busy father and it is possible this is just a
mistake.
Please make payment to the amount of $15,000.
(You are past Due on 3 other children too!)

Thank you. I look forward to doing business with you again. (maybe)

Mrs. Hobi



HIS REPLY: Make's sense. Please find below the payment calculation (netted, of
course, against existing receipts paid on your behalf)

Partial ledger of receipts/distributions:

Rent paid (on Mrs. Hobi's behalf) since 1st child (assumed 1/2 rent):
$60,000
Food expense estimate: $20,000
Furniture, fixture, and vehicle expense estimate: $20,000
Vacation expense: $15,000
Subtotal: $115,000

Child payments:
#1: $15,000
#2: $15,000
#3: $15,000
#4: $15,000
Subtotal: $60,000

Receipt subtotal: $115,000
Payment subtotal: $60,000

Payment to (From) Mrs. Hobi: ($55,000)

Huh. This is unusual. Well: can't fool the numbers. I am willing to
take installment payments.



MY REPLY: Mr. Hobi,

Please disregard my previous bill. I have been sleep deprived for the past 8 years.
Dinner will be on the table at 6pm.
Xoxo

Mrs. Hobi


Photo: Officer Hobi seems to be a little sleep deprived too.

the Dad

Today is Fathers Day!
Boy, I’ve decided Sam does a lot around here on the weekends.
Today I gave him the green light to kick back and do what he pleases and I am exhausted!

It’s almost 10pm and I feel like I haven’t stopped all day.

I am thankful Sam is such a great Father to my kids.

The number one (among many) thing(s) I love best about this Dad is,
His love for the Gospel.

I love that he loves God more than me.
I love that he never skips a Sunday at church. (never an issue in 11yrs. together)
I love that he honors his Priesthood.
and I LOVE to hear him pray! (beautiful)


Now that is the Best Father any child could have!

(and I love his babies!!)

photo: The Sunday we blessed Abi.
(The boys are thrilled to be there!)

Jennica's 7th Birthday

Jennica had a birthday...a month ago!



We gave the gift of Time together this year. Jarom was so excited to have a reading Night in her room complete with treats!


Dad took her out for Breakfast one morning and I took her to get a pedicure. (We had to wait a few weeks to allow her Poison Ivy to clear up off her legs first)



Jennica is such a fun girl. I've tried to spend more "girl" time with her lately. She's a HOOT. Now that she is older I really enjoy my time with her.
(Truth be told- I had a struggle with her personality as a child, particularly 2 -5 years old! ha!)
She's nothing but giggles and love now.

Glass Door

Baby Brain still at work!

Yesterday I was setting the table outside for lunch.
I grabbed 4 glasses and headed for the door.

I had my eyes on Jarom, standing on the porch, as he threw a paper airplane.

SLAM!!

I walked into the glass door that clearly wasn’t open!

The glasses I was holding hit first, followed heavily by my head.

I felt so stupid all I could do was laugh.

Jarom couldn’t believe what he just saw. He looked at me like I had lost my mind.

“You didn’t see the door was shut?”

“No, I didn’t see the door was shut!“

Good thing I wasn’t holding Abi!

(Jarom did a really great job cleaning windows Saturday!)

Photo: Pile of Hobi's at Soccer games

Baby Brain

Back in the day, when I LOVED to babysit other obnoxious kids, I got a sneak Peek into the lives of many different families.

My favorite was babysitting for Lisa. I LOVED to be around her family.

My kids are the ages that her kids were when I did most babysitting.

Now, with having my own kids, I think back and see things differently.

I see the laundry she had folded on the couch as a labor of love.
I see the rules she had for her boys as protection.
I see the miles she would run in the mornings were not always for the exercise itself.

Being a Mom takes a lot out of you.

I remember her forgetting what seemed to me to be the very obvious.
Her words still ring clear to me.

“You wait, Ember, someday you’ll loose your mind too.”

“Ha! Whatever!” I commented only to myself.

I absolutely loved this Lady but didn’t believe I would ever fall ill to her “sickness.”

It was the silly things like misplacing keys, forgetting people’s names, or looking for the object she was holding in her hands. You know, scatter brain type of things.

Being around her frequently I saw this behavior often enough.

She would always laugh it off with “You wait Ember....”

My youthful mind was quick and bright- never would this happen to me!

Fast forward 15 years.....

I officially have Baby Brain! Since having my 4th child I can’t get anything straight.

I can’t remember the names of my friends these days. I have to stop and think before I call them by name!
I’m lucky if I know what day it is anymore.
I drive down the road and a sick panic hits me in the gut and I wonder if I’ve forgotten my baby at home. (My biggest fear!)
I find myself standing in a room and have no idea what I’m there for.
Don’t be alarmed if you see me with a blank stare. I usually snap out of it within the hour.

“Where are my keys? WHERE ARE MY KEYS!!... Never mind, they are right here.”

“Hi can I speak to......” (Oh no, who did I call?)

“Did I show up at the right time?”

“I missed that!??”

“What are you talking about?”

I am swallowing a huge humble pill! I haven’t spoken to my Young Women Leader about this, but I think I better contact her to see if this sickness is Long term.

That is IF she remembers me....


Photo: A beautiful evening and dinner on the porch!

One of those Days!

I had one of those days.

Nothing in my closet fits..NOTHING!! Pregnancy clothes make me want to vomit and regular clothes make me look fat!
(you gotta love post-pregnancy during SPRING/SUMMER)

That in itself was enough to put me in a grumpy mood. By Mid-Morning I had to put myself in Time Out, except that didn’t really work because everyone needed me for something.

It can be so frustrating to have four different people need your attention! Especially when you are GRUMPY!!

I am tired of being the only one the kids come to for requests. I'm tired of being the only one who knows EVERYTHING!

I don't handle "NEEDY" very well when my tank is empty.

Can’t I have a bad day without it ruining the rest of the family? Can’t I just hide in a corner and everyone leave me alone? Can’t I stomp around the house like everyone else does when they throw a fit?

I just want to be grumpy alone.

“If Mama ain’t happy ain’t Nobody happy!“

What about Dad?
He did a good job staying happy even though I was a grump. Why can’t the kids follow his example? Why can’t they give me this ONE day to be miserable without jumping in on my pity?

My first entrance into the kitchen I found Jarom and Sam in good Spirits. My rain cloud was looming overhead and the next thing I know Jarom was carrying it too!
I wanted it all to myself and didn’t think it was fair for him to change his mood on the account of me.

Right then I realized my job as a mother is never done.
They are watching every day and every second.

I struggled today.

This afternoon, I tried really hard not to pass my rain cloud to the others. It was hard because today was chore day and I had to supervise all three kids doing their chores.
At one moment or another my attitude was spread. That made me even more upset!

What a challenge!

Sam held his own today, thank goodness. Tonight he took the kids out for dinner.
Was he rescuing me or them???

A nice clean QUIET house all to myself is the perfect remedy!

Tomorrow I will do better because being a Mom is what I do best.


Photo: Not my best side

Hot stuff

This morning I drove the kids to school, instead of Sam.
I loaded all 4 in the car along with my running jogger. After dropping off Jen and Jarom the rest of us went for a run/walk through Waveny. I’m still in the beginning stages of getting into shape. I don’t (can’t) run like I use to. I laugh at myself. I am so awkward when I run...it’s just not me.

I’ve joined a Biggest Looser Competition. This week I was in the top 10! I really need this type of motivation to loose my pregnancy fat.
I’m not dieting, I’m Nursing, so instead I am changing the way I eat. Eating 5 times a day and still loosing weight is working for me.
As of today, I am 8lbs lighter.

I had to take a photo of myself at the beginning of the competition. No way will I show it now but maybe 10 weeks down the road I will with my end result photo. (maybe)

Summer heat makes it easier. I don’t have an appetite.

Tonight I made Coconut Curry and it turned out! (Surprise!) I loved it but made a huge mistake with the Cayenne Pepper and decided I needed to fix something else for the kiddos. Way too spicy for them. (Sam came to the rescue and fixed something for them, while I put Abi to bed)

What a tasty dish..and healthy! My house smells of Curry. (I’m afraid we will all reek of it tomorrow. Curry is all I smell on my Indian friends)

It’s a humid night tonight- we ate out on the porch. Thunderstorms on the way.

Date night with Sam...in the cool basement!



Photo: Jarom and Abi on a lazy Sunday morning.

Grumps

Today I didn’t want to get out of bed (imagine that!). I never want to get out of bed.

Abi beckoned me and I answered her call. Then we were off to scripture study....Total BOMB this morning.
A few of us didn’t want to sing or mumbled through our verses.

Breakfast wasn’t any better. I made steel cut oats with fresh fruit. Jarom refused to eat it (he went without breakfast) and Jace said it smelled terrible.
(He is my child that insists on smelling EVERYTHING before he will eat it.)

Sam and I were the only one that liked it. Poor kids...they better decide they like it cause they will get it again, and again, and again.

Today is field day at school. The kids love this day. It usually gets rained out every year but the weather is holding out today.

We still have 3 weeks of school left. I can’t wait for school to be out. I like having a schedule all to myself.
I have a pile of books I want to read to the kids but bedtime comes too quickly.

I want to teach the older two how to cook simple meals. I dream of summer mornings when the kids wake up and make their own healthy breakfast.

Yesterday Jace told me I was a terrible (his favorite word) cook. It was so cute how he said it. He wasn’t being grumpy, he was stating his opinion.
We’ll see if this changes once the others start to place food in front of him.
I love it when kids think they can be picky over food they don’t prepare!

Today I’m off to the pet store for an emergency rescue. Jennica needs more frog food! A little visitor dumped ALL the frog food in the tank. Once this was discovered it had turned into mush and left her room STINKY!! I’m amazed the litter hoppers survived. They haven’t been fed since (4 days ago).
Will they hold out till I return with food? (My luck...NO)



photo: carrying her for 9 months just wasn't enough. It goes on...but now i have a more comfortable way.