Why So Much Soph?

As you look at Sophi, you might think it's odd that such a small child warrants such a large number of posts on our blog.  But if you were to come live with us, you would realize that the number of posts that focus on her is directly proportional to the number of words that come out of her mouth:)  She is a veritable cornucopia of source material!

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Sophi came into our bedroom early this morning as Christi and I were praying.  She quietly cuddled up to us and listened to the end of our prayer.  When we were done, she gave each of us a huge hug and told us how much she loved us.  As she walked away, she turned to me and said, "Dad, you need to take a shower."  I asked, "Why?"  Without any hesitation (or tact) she answered, "Because you stink!"

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Last night, Christi and I went on a date to go see Taylor and Parker play basketball games.  We got back home after Sophi was in bed.  This morning Sophi asked me:  "Did you see a movie last night?"

Me:  "No."

Sophi:  "So you didn't see "Inside-Out?"  (In case you live in a cave, this is Pixar's latest animated movie which came out last weekend.)

Me:  "No.  We'll see it with you."

Sophi:  "But I want to know if it's good first!  It says (then she whispers) shut-up.  (Still whispering...) The daughter says that to her parents!"

Me:  "Can we see it if it says shut-up?"

Sophi:  "I don't know!"

I think it is very sweet that she is concerned about the content of the movies she watches.  I love that when she wanted to know if it was good,  she meant virtuous, not entertaining.  What a great kid!

-Dad

PS.  Both boys played well in their games.  Parker had his typical frenetic energy, yielding several steals, but he couldn't get his shot going and they lost by 2 points in a hard-fought game.  Taylor played exceptionally well, with over 20 points, a few blocks and assists and a great defensive effort.  As a young father, I had no idea how much I would enjoy (and sometimes stress over!) watching them play:)

Fairy Tales

I'm not sure the background to this conversation.  Sophi just came into my room and started talking:

Sophi:  "So flying horses aren't real?"

Me:  "No."

Sophi:  "Then how do princesses get to school?"

Me:  "Sorry to tell you this, but they just ride in cars."

She thinks for a moment, then gives me a look that displays her utter contempt for my ignorance.  She says, "No; Carriages!"

Love that kid:)  Happy Father's Day!

-Jeremy

2015 Youth Conference

Graci, Taylor, Parker and Cali all attended youth conference last week.  There were around 100 youth from our area that went up to beautiful Bear Lake and had a great time.  Spiritual development and fun activities combined to make a memorable 3-night trip.  Several of the leaders talked about how great each one of our kids was!  Thanks to all four of you for being so good:)

All Grown Up

I would guess that most parents with more than one child can remember a particular article of clothing that went through more than one of their kids.  We have a pair of children's size 10/11 flip flops from Old Navy that went through at least five of ours.  When we bought them for Taylor they had a sunny beach scene on them with palm trees and a shoreline.  Now, after going through Taylor, Parker, Jessica, Lexi and Sophi, you can see the toe and heel prints going all the way through the printed image and the rest is just faded to yellow and white.

Yesterday I found Christi cleaning up Lexi and Sophi's room.  She held up these cute little flip flops and, with genuine sadness, informed me that we no longer had any children who fit into this 12-year-old footwear.  The silliest things can tug at your heart strings as a dad.  The flip flops themselves are of little value, but seeing all of our kids grow out of them made me realize just how fast everyone is growing up.

I am so grateful for the time I have had and continue to have with this fantastic group!  Thanks to all of my kids for giving me so many great times and great memories.  I love you all!

-Dad

Dare to Dream

I stumbled across this beautiful music video a couple of days ago.


Today, Sophi watched it with me.  Here are her thoughts:

"It was awesome.  'Cuz she got to do dance like me.  I think she's special 'cuz who she is.  Not because of her talent it's because how she was made."  (Not quite understanding that this little girl's limb difference is due to an accident.)

Sophi, you are indeed special because of how you are made.  But as anyone who knows you understands, it's how you are made on the inside that make you special.  Your perfect and beautiful body sets you apart in some ways, but your beautiful spirit makes you extraordinary.  We are SO blessed to have you in our family!

Love,

Dad

Color

Conversation while driving:

Sophi to Conner:  "What's your favorite color?"

Conner:  "I don't know color."

Sophi:  "Like, red, yellow, purple..."

Conner (interrupting):  "I know, I know.  I know color.  But I no see color.  So I don't know favorite.  I just see black.  Only black."

Sophi:  "Then black's your favorite color!"

Conner:  "No, black no my favorite!  I no like black.  I see black all day.  Black, black, black.  I no like black."

We all sit quietly.  I'm trying to comprehend the magnitude of what he has said without having my heart ripped out.   Then Conner quietly says, "Mom, I know doctor no can fix my eyes.  But you think maybe doctor fix my eyes just a little so I can see just a little like Marilyn (his friend who is visually impaired.)   Then, Lexi, piping up for the first time, says, "Conner, Jesus will fix your eyes.  And my eyes.  But it will be a long, long time.  I know-- it's not fair."

Everyone, I hope that whatever your trials and struggles are today, that you can look around you and soak in the fact that you can see.  Look at the beauty surrounding you and for just a minute, try to fully comprehend what a blessing sight is and enjoy it a little extra for my Conner and Lexi and Elli.

--Christianne

The Coach

I walked into the kitchen the other day and found Sophi and Lexi doing this:




All I can say is I pity the fool who tries to break into our house!

-Jer

Special Kid:)

Here are Sophi's pictures from her year of dance.  Does she sparkle or what?

Thanks, Dad!

OK, in my previous post I made a grievous error.  As my dad pointed out in his comment, Sophi is indeed 6, not 7.  Do I get any leeway for the fact that I have 10 kids?  Either because it's hard to keep track of so many birthdates and ages, or just because 10 kids scrambles your brain?

Old for her age?

Today was a CRAZY day.  For starters, six of our kids left for multi-night activities.  Taylor, Parker, Graci and Cali are at a church youth conference at Bear Lake.  They'll come back Friday afternoon.  Lexi and Conner are at a braille camp and will return on Thursday.  I had to leave for work at 6:30am, Christi had to take the braille camp kids at 7:15am, and the other four had to be at church at 8:00 am. It's a short drive to the church, but too far to walk, so we had to arrange for them to be picked up.  (It was hard to not be there when they left on such a long trip:(

This afternoon we got a call from some friends who are moving.  We had been planning on helping them some today, but things had changed, and instead of having a day or two to get everything out, it had to be out by tonight.  So we spent quite awhile with them, loading and unloading, transferring food from the old fridge to the new, removing brackets from walls, etc.  We also had their daughter Erin come play with Jesi and Sophi.  Our girls loved it, and it freed up our friends to focus more on the move.  Later in the evening, Christi's sister, Leslie, and her family came over.  They're staying the night.  We all stayed up late, adults talking in the great room.  Boys upstairs playing games.  Girls in Jessica's room doing makeovers.

I finally took Erin to their interim apartment and helped unload the last U-Haul load.  By the time we finished it was after midnight.  Sophi and Jesi came with me to drop Erin off.  As we were driving away from the apartment, Jessica turned on the radio.  Sophi (never shy or quiet) pipes up from the back seat:

"Can you turn on talk radio?"

Me:  "What?!?"

Soph:  "Can you turn on talk radio?"

Me:  "Talk radio?!?!?  (she's 7!)

Sophi:  "Yes."

Me:  "Why talk radio?"

Sophi:  "It calms me."

OK.  Didn't see that one coming.  I asked her if she wanted sports talk radio and she enthusiastically said, "Sports!  Yes!!!"  It's fun to have one daughter who likes to watch sports with me.  Hopefully that continues for years to come, sweet Sophi:)

-Jer