"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns." -George Elliot

"I like spring, but it is too young. I like summer, but it is too proud. So I like best of all autumn, because its tone is mellower, its colours are richer, and it is tinged with a little sorrow. Its golden richness speaks not of the innocence of spring, nor the power of summer, but of the mellowness and kindly wisdom of approaching age. It knows the limitations of life and its content."|-  Lin Yutang

November in California is the best.  It brings a mixture of warm, sunny days when kids can go outside, jump in the trampoline, and enjoy the beautiful colors of fall and the crisp, fresh air.  It also lets the rain visit on occasion, thus allowing us to stay inside, relax, and enjoy each other reading, playing board games, or creating art.  And in my case, catch up on some sleep!

Illyria is growing strong and beautiful with each day.  It is so sweet to see my children love and care for her so very much.  My older children are truly a great help with her.  As soon as they get home, they all want to hold, feed, or wash her.  But their favorite is playing and talking to her.  My favorite is seeing either of them sit on the recliner with a book on my hand and Illyria on the other.  Heaven!  Illyria loves to smile, but I think this child is going to be a thinker.  She takes life in with such seriousness and thoughtfulness that at times it makes me slow down and try to notice what she is observing.  Such a darling, sweet child!

I spy Illyria somewhere in this picture!

Very typical Illyria look!

Charlton has really enjoyed the attention I've been giving him lately.  We've set time out of each day to do something just the two of us.  We work on art projects on Monday (although we do all sorts of art creations throughout the week; he is such an art enthusiast!).  We read classics, and at the moment I'm reading to him Charlotte's Webb and Mr. Popper's Penguins.  I also have him read to Illyria on his own, which of course makes him feel like an awesome big brother.  I signed him up for ice skating on Saturdays; he didn't like it in the beginning because it was hard, but now he's really enjoying it.  And on occasion, we go on dates together.  This past week I asked him what he wanted to do for our date, and he chose to go to the library, to Michaels to buy art supplies, and to Yogurtland to enjoy a treat with his mom.  Illyria came with us, but she was mostly asleep.  I think spending special time with him has helped Charlton know that I still love him although most of my time is spent with Illyria.  It's a hard concept to understand for a little boy who spent the past year all day and everyday doing things with just mom.  But he is learning.  And boy, is he sharp!

 

 

 

 

James and Jefferson are both doing great with school. They got awards today for being the best readers in their grade with Jefferson achieving a 10th grader's level, and James a 6th grader's level. James just finished the Harry Potter series, which he started in the beginning of September.  His older sibling kept testing him to see if he really understood what he had read, and of course he showed them how smart he is.  I think the older ones were a bit jealous that I allowed James to read this specific series before he turned 9, like I had done with them.  But it wasn't that I thought James was smarter than them; they just kept talking about Harry Potter with each other and not being considerate about their brother.  Now they talk about Harry Potter all the time!  Even Charlton knows who the characters are!

 

 James also received an award for exemplary leadership in his class.  His teacher sent us a note the other day telling us how much she appreciated James's calming and thoughtful personality.  That's James for you - the peacemaker, the loving boy, the considerate friend.

 

 Jefferson is loving his scout meetings, playing the piano, enjoying his own room again and reading till very late, and helping with Illyria.  This past week he attended three birthday parties, two of them took place in an indoor race track, where in both times he was the winner of all the races.  Anything Jefferson does, he will do it to the best of his abilities.  I love his drive to win!

Gillian is blossoming this semester.  She loves her homeschooling classes, and has made wonderful friends.  She has fun with them either cooking, or doing school projects, or just being together and sharing their individual talents.  I love my Gillian; she is a great help with Illyria during the day, and a great sister to her siblings.  She loves to compose on the piano, she enjoys drawing, is having fun playing basketball and singing in the children's choir, and recently she has been into creating rap songs.  But my favorite talent of Gillian of course is her writing.  She is truly very prolific, writing several poems and prosaic inspirations a day.  Here are but a few of her inspirations:

       Listen.

Fast world, busy streets, people who never miss a beat.

Train tracks, news stand, what has happened to this land?

People all rushing by, on their phones, telling lies.  And I wonder..........

What would it be like if we listened more? What would happen if we listened more?

Spray paint, dirty walls. Wobbly stairs, ancient dolls. And I wonder.......

What would happen if we listened more? What would it be like if we listened more?

Would things be better? Would there be more letters, if you thought about more than you?

Just listen........  Just listen.......  And I wonder....... What would happen if we listened more?

The seasons.

                                              

                                                     Winter

Cold. Cold beyond description. The kind of chill that makes you gasp for air, it penetrates into your very soul, carving you into a human icicle. The very air is clogged with the painful freezing feeling. But do not despair! Even in the cold arms of winter beauty finds its place in the still, frozen ponds, glimmering and sparkling as the sun hits it just right. The trees to give their tribute, their bare and glistening arms shine and blind the eyes; their hands hold the fluffy, frigid snow that falls from the skies, coming to rest on the frozen limbs of the lonely and desolate trees. So silent, so deadly, the unsuspecting autumn stands no chance as the winter creeps in.  The wind howls, blowing away the leaves who foolishly believed that the cruel winter would spare them. The skies are rent and twain, land and sky clash in a deadly battle of the elements! The wind blows across a frozen landscape, now unrecognizable from the day before, as the dread master himself, king of all the elements, emperor of the sky and the raging winds, lord of the seasons......... Winter.           

                                                  Spring

The sky is still dark, not even the birds are awake now. We are at the point where winter, like the wicked witch of the west, is slowly melted away.......... and spring emerges from the puddle. Spring. That joyous word brings to mind flowers blooming with bright, almost brilliant colors. The sun comes out from behind a fluffy cloud, bringing warmth and hope to the cold and desolate world at long last. As the day progresses, young children come out to play, followed by their loving mothers who chat in the shade as there little ones bond and live life to its full potential. However, these innocents are not the only souls at peace now that the great winter is over and done.  The ants and the butterflies for example, are very eager to crawl out of their nests and to look upon this new world of warmth and sunshine. Satisfied they to frolic in their own way, buzzing around, sniffing anything that moves, and all in all having a very good time. If Winter is the master of the seasons, then Spring is the mother. She takes anything and everything to her bosom, loving it and caring for it, until she is satisfied and her visit is done.                

                                             Summer

Ah, summer. You are the happiest season of all. Playful and daring, loud and rambunctious........ Yes, you are the rascal of the seasons. Heat. That is the first thing our human minds register. Blistering, cowering, mindboggling heat! Time to find a pool, and fast! A family on Whitman lane has just that idea. Ice cream as well suddenly becomes ragingly popular! The family, (wanting to stay cool at the pool) grabs half a dozen of these frozen candies. A scuffle in the backseat starts due to the lack of a certain favorite ice cream. The good-hearted sister tries to be a peacemaker, but unconsciously hurts the youngest boy, bringing down the house. She joins the brawl with her soul at rest at last. The angry mother raises a scolding finger and forbids their “Villager fighting!” The oldest protests, raising her voice as she condemns the youngest brother to his fate, the mother listens, sighs, and looks at the father for help. He turns and gives the children an evil stare, ending the fighting for that day. When the long-suffering parents and their happy children finally make it to the pool, the children let loose with a joyful cry, (all except the oldest, such things are below her) and run along the path tearing off their garments and basically doing all things that make life precious and annoy parents. Ah, summer. You are the happiest season of all!     

                                                   Autumn

A tree stands alone in the middle of a windy meadow. The smallest flowers bend and swirl at the merest trace of breeze. This certain meadow is one of very few, it is untouched by humans. Not a single person has set foot in this quiet place; the grass grows tall and lush, swaying ever so slightly in the sleepy wind. So quiet, so peaceful. This meadow is a sanctuary, a place of rest. The wind caresses you softly, the flowers welcome you to their home, the sun gives you some privacy and slides behind a cloud.   The world is soft and tinted, its cold, but it’s the kind of cold that reminds of an dream, a dream in which you can’t really think straight and your sure everything is moving, you just can’t see it. Swish............. Sway......... swish...............sway...............swish.......................Yes this is what I call autumn.     

 

 I myself have been very busy teaching history, giving art tours, taking pictures, reading, doing crossword puzzles, helping Gillian with her classes, cooking, cleaning, serving, having lunch dates with friends, attending birthday parties, and yes, taking care of Illyria.  It has been a bit more busy than I need it to be, what with the holidays approaching and end of the year exams for the Gillian.  Hopefully, I'm smart enough next semester and slow down a bit, but I rather doubt it.  It is who I am after all.  I did some personal reading and learning this past week.  I learned about French Musette - a lively combination of French waltzes, American Swing, and Jazz, accompanied initially by bagpipes, but in the turn of the 20th century the accordion took its main place, with banjo, guitar, and other instruments getting in the mix.  It was frequented in the clubs of Paris, but because of its gypsy like rhythm it took off and was enjoyed by all.  Musette is a fun and rhythmic music made for dancing.  I went to YouTube and turned on some accordion musette and had a fun evening with my children.  Go ahead, and enjoy it yourself.  It's a lot of fun.

 

 

Elijah has worked very hard looking for a job, and hopefully soon we'll know something about a few of the interviews he has had recently.  He has helped with the kids a lot, and especially with Illyria.  He takes care of her when I do photo shoots or art gallery business.  I appreciate his help.

 

Okay, time for me to end this, so before I say good-night here are a couple of jokes I heard on NPR'S show Wait, wait... Don't tell me of November 15.  Enjoy!

SAGAL: So President Obama reacted to the midterm elections by getting as far away from America as you can without leaving the planet.
SAGAL: He wanted to go to Mars but, of course, that's a red planet.


SAGAL: Putin apparently at some public event with all the leaders and all their wives reached over and put his shawl around the shoulders...
ROBERTS: He put his - it was an outdoor dinner and he was having a conversation with China's first lady. And she must have said she was chilly because - he's so smooth - he, I mean, just like - this was like James Bond smooth - he stands up and gently, very quickly, puts his coat over her shoulders so she's not cold.
SAGAL: Of course, being Putin, he was bare-chested under the coat.
SAGAL: But he did this and then, of course, it was very gallant, as they say. He then followed that act by declaring that she had always been a part of Russia and stationing tanks on her arms.

October Overload

October was a very productive month.  As I looked through my calendar, I couldn't believe we accomplished so much in one month.  On top of the regular schedule of homeschooling, co-op classes, cub scout meetings, piano practice and class, chorus, mutual, and basketball, we added this month 10 babysitting jobs for Gillian, 9 books and TV shows read and watched, 8 favorite General Conference quotes, 7 play dates and luncheons with friends, 6 days of art gallery training, 5 well check-ups and flu shots, 4 Halloween parties, 3 buzz haircuts, 2 book clubs, and 1 plane ride for Illyria. 

Here are the highlights of our October adventures:

We started October with a fun outing; Elijah and I enjoyed the entertaining Broadway musical "Life could be a dream."  It was nice to be out by ourselves with no kids crying or asking for attention.  We especially enjoyed the show because it featured most of our favorite Doo-wop songs, including The Wanderer (Elijah's favorite) and Unchained Melody (my favorite)

The first weekend of October we were inspired by the divine instruction given to us during General Conference.  I'm so glad our children listen and don't fuss much, because it makes for a very enjoyable time.  The boys worked on their lego temple, and Gillian wrote down her thoughts as an assignment for the YW requirements.  Elijah and I took turns taking care of Illyria and serving the other kids food or snacks.  Those two days of listening to God's prophets and apostles were very much needed.  Here are a few of my favorite quotes from various talks:

My mother left on October 7th.  She said goodbye to all of us, especially her sweet Charlton and little Duchess Illyria. She said she will also miss the great beauty of San Francisco.  When she left, this marvelous city awarded her with amazing views.

As I said goodbye, I felt a mixed of feelings, sort of bittersweet.  I know I haven't been the most patient daughter these past few months, what with pregnancy hormones, unemployment stress, and kids running around throughout the summer, nevertheless I hope that my mother knows that I love her and I'm grateful to her for the woman I've become because of her.  We'll miss her and look forward to seeing her next year.

 A couple of days after my mother left, Elijah and I decided to have me fly to Georgia so the grandparents and great-grandparents could meet Illyria.  As my previous post showed, Illyria and I  had a great time.

While I was in Georgia, Elijah made a name with my kids as the fun dad by taking them to Fleet Week in San Francisco where they saw air shows from the Blue Angels, and had fun by the bay.  Elijah also took the kids to attend Zoe's baptism in Sacramento; the kids loved seeing each other, and had a good time chatting, eating and catching up.

As if I don't have enough in my plate already, I signed up for an art gallery training that lasted six weeks.  I've enjoyed learning new ways of how to approach art, as well as how to present it to others.  The present exhibition is about Walnut Creek and its 100th year celebration.  It has been very fascinating and engaging to learn through art about the changes brought to Walnut Creek throughout these 100 years.  I've particularly found it interesting the way artists have shown how and where they see Walnut Creek in their life.

On one of the Fridays, during a school off day, I took the kids to California Academy of Sciences.  After the library, this is Charlton's favorite place to visit.  It was fun seeing him explain to his older siblings, who hadn't been in this museum in a while, where the best exhibits were.  As always, planetarium was an all time favorite for all the kids. I'm so grateful that I get to do exciting day trips with my kids, and that we all enjoy each other's company.  Illyria was great; she fussed only when she wanted to eat.

Speaking of Illyria, she turned two months old on October 31st.  She is growing well, and weighs 9 lbs and 2oz.  She is a joy to have around, and we all love her and constantly cover her with slobbery kisses.  But this duchess doesn't mind it a bit!

I know there are more of October that I haven't cover, such as my co-op classes, which is a lot of hard work, but very enjoyable, however, I need to go and sleep before Illyria wakes up and demands her midnight snack, so till next time, enjoy this beautiful fall!

"God may not be there when you want him but he is always on time."- Terrell Owens

While waiting at the doctor's office one morning, I texted Elijah the above advice I found on a maternity magazine about  third trimester moms. He responded "Don't you already do that?" Of course it was said in jest, but just in case he really meant that, here are JUST a few of the things I've been busy with lately:

Gillian started Young Women two weeks ago. She is loving it. Her friends wrote a bunch of sweet little compliments on the board when she first got there. She felt so special.  She and I have had so many talks about what it means to grow up, what qualities she could develop better, what talents she is blessed with, and how she can achieve her potential.  I love these little tete-a-tete with her.  She really makes me happy, and I'm so excited we are homeschooling this year; I know our bond will be even stronger.  How blessed I feel to have her in my life!

The kids have allowed me to nap on occasion when we are home, especially on Mondays, after I have tired them out at the running club, and supplied them plenty of material to read from our weekly pilgrimage to the library.  They are also great helpers around the house, and I really appreciate that.

We've played with friends and have had numerous picnics, movie nights, and BBQ parties with a variety of families.  I've enjoyed seeing my children, especially James, have a love for babies.  This girl of mine inside me will be surrounded with such love when she enters this world that she won't feel the difference between heaven and earth.  Love my little heaven on earth that is my family!

 

As soon as the temple opened, I took Gillian to do baptisms for the dead.  It was her first time, and she really thought the experience was very peaceful and meaningful.  What made it even more special was the fact that Elijah was in the temple officiating the baptisms.  Seeing father and daughter dressed in white as pure as can be was truly a sweet memory for me, especially seeing Gillian give my own ancestors a chance of hearing the gospel.  I find myself touched by Gillian's growth in the gospel and love for Heavenly Father, and my faith has been strengthened as I see her grow in faith and have a desire for righteousness.  And I'm glad our temple nearby opened; in 15 days since it opened I've attended it three times already, in so much that I've given one of the presidency a scare seeing me with my huge belly.  He joked that he didn't want an emergency in his hands, but what better place to give birth than in the temple!!

 

We also celebrated Elijah's birthday last week.  Goodness, I get more stressed thinking of his birthday celebration than of all of my kids' parties altogether.  I made him a special breakfast, opened gifts, took him out to eat, attended the temple with him, and made a hummingbird cake that I hadn't made in probably a decade, but he loved for as much as it was delicious as it was a surprise.  I think he enjoyed his special day. At least I hope so; his style is so different from mine.

We have also attended the pool mostly everyday these past weeks, the weather being hot for a hot pregnant mama!   The great thing that has happened lately is the fact that Jefferson has taught Charlton to swim in the deep end without a life vest!  Hallelujah for older siblings! The kids also invited a lot of their friends to our usual pool, and we have been invited by other friends to their pools.  All in all, friends and pool is a great combination!

Charlton has been  working a bit more lately, with Elijah giving him special responsibilities that he takes very seriously. (Adorable!)  He's been watering the lawn, while his brothers water the garden full of natural grown cantaloupes.

Unfortunately, he gets tired very easily ;)  

And speaking of our garden cantaloupes, they sure are tasty!

We also met friends at the Contra Loma Lagoon last week, where the kids had so much fun for hours at a time, and I got stung by a bee!  Ironic isn't it, having had bees in my own backyard for four years and never having being stung, and then go somewhere and get stung.  This time it caused an allergic reaction with lots of numbness and swelling,and I didn't sleep well for nights at a time.  Oh well, I'm feeling better now and all I remember is the great time with my friends.

 

 Besides reading, working, and swimming, the kids have enjoyed this summer's last gorgeous days and nights by playing board games, rollerblading, skateboarding, playing basketball and baseball with dad, competing in soccer, and enjoying the parks with friends and siblings.

These past few nights have been cool enough for us to use our outdoor fire pit, roast marshmallows and make delicious s'mores.  Of course the kids were in heaven, and I had the epiphany of getting a movie projector soon.  Sweet memories!

 

This past Monday was our last running club meet.  The kids have had a great time running, playing, and making friends.  I really loved seeing myriads of minivans all parked one after another every Monday morning.  What a great tradition, and what loving mothers to bring their kiddos every Monday morning.  Gillian and Charlton each ran 22 miles in total, and Jefferson and James each ran 35 miles in total.  I was very proud of them all!  I just walked :)

I hope this post was a strong enough rebuttal to Elijah's assumption of my life being just naps and movies.  And speaking of movies or shows, I can't really remember the evening when I actually watched something from the beginning to the end.  To tell the truth, besides reading at times (three books per month is a shameful thing to admit for a smart lady like myself, but what can you do), my favorite past time that requires only a few minutes of my very exhausted brain per night has been crossword puzzles. And that's about it.  But enjoyed I have this life of mine, with family and friends all abound!

And that my friends is the confession of a tired, but happy prego mother of four!