Just to Clarify...

I've received multiple questions/guesses as to the name of our newest boy. I thought I'd explain.

Marshall - Marshall Islands - We wanted to name this guy after his uncles Joel, Chad, and James - our brothers that we've grown up with and watched become men who we admire. But we were at a total loss for some kind of letter combination representing their names or LDS missions. This was quite stressful for me and occupied many of my thoughts during those restless nights. The day before I went into labor a genius idea struck: Go to a map and find the midpoint (or thereabouts) of their three different missions. With a little stretch, you'll land on the Marshall Islands. (Adam- after you go on a mission, we'll change his name if the midpoint moves!)

Erich - This is after a man we both knew in Germany who was always true to what he believed in and stood up for his faith, even though it went against popular thought and despite a lack of family support. He also had a great sense of humor!

He's Here... Marshall Erich

September 02, 2011

2:08 a.m.

8 lbs. 4 oz.

20 in.

Everyone is doing well.

Just in Case You Were Wondering...

Little man #4 is still not here and I have at least 2 weeks to go - that is, unless he decides to do things differently than his brothers did and come early! I wouldn't be opposed to that, but not until next Saturday night when Joshua's basketball coaching debut comes to an end. (He was asked to coach the young men at church and he really enjoys their camaraderie.)

German's First Day of Kindergarten

I know it's early, but German started school today!

(Once it gets hot, there's nothing else to do, but go to school! Plus, he gets extra long fall, winter, and spring breaks - when it's not 117 degrees outside.)

Some of the first day highlights:

• The Fish Tank - contains cat sharks, zebra eels, and a puffer fish


• Playing on the playground


• A mouse game and sitting on the rug

Happy Birthday Scotie-Boy!

Scotland, Scotland, Scotland! What can I say except that we love this little boy! He is definitely different than his brothers and adds a whole new dimension to our family, which I wouldn't change for anything. Thanks for coming to our family! Scotland is good at:

• Asking, "Are you okay?" after any incident, like sneezing


• Knowing that exact point when one should say something darling to escape a negative consequence


• Throwing a ball with his left hand and always making sure it's his turn


• Making silly faces with squinty eyes


• Jumping in the swimming pool


• Making friends with adults, especially any who have candy


• Playing with his brothers and dad - he loves to be one of the fellas!

Friends at his Zoo Birthday Party. We played animal games and had homemade pizza. (N's and W's - we missed you!)

Yes, I know I should go into cake decorating - it's one of my hidden talents - NOT! But the boys sure had fun putting on all of the animals.

Scotland opening his 'big' birthday present from his family. We kept telling him all day that it was his birthday and that he was now 2 and every time he gave a us a resolute "NO." He's definitely determined and learning how to express himself. He brings so much joy to my life!

The Idaho Portion of our UT/ID Trip

We were stopped for a little while on our drive by a police escorted cattle drive - probably the coolest thing we've ever seen on that wonderful drive to Utah/Idaho.

We spent a fun day at Eagle Island State Park with all of the Hallbergs. The boys really enjoyed their cousins and constantly having lots of friends to play with.

Uncle Adam!

S'mores and a backyard movie at Grandma & Grandpa Hallberg's.

We spent one last morning at the MK Nature Center with everyone before they all had to hit the road home.

These cousins are all 5 years old (or almost) and will be going to Kindergarten this year.

These cousins are all 3 years old!

Funny Owls!

Scotland loves his Aunt Melanie!

We were able to stay a few extra days in Idaho and have some one-on-one time with Dennis & Annie and Grandpa & Grandma Hallberg. We visited the Boise Zoo.

The boys played their first real game of bowling at the SUB of BSU. (It was kind of a shock to them how difficult real bowling was compared to Wii bowling!)

We got a tour of BSU campus from grandpa - this is a picture of the boys sitting in the desks where grandpa sat in one of his classes.

We also got to spend an evening with many of my aunts/uncles and cousins. It was fun to catch up with them and share good memories. Scotland found his replacement for Aunt Melanie: Cousin Keri. He led her all around that night!

The Utah Portion of our UT/ID Trip

We had a jam-packed agenda while in Utah! The boys did great being always 'on the go' and only had a difficult time once we were home and there was no one left to play with and nothing on the itinerary.

A trip to Hogle Zoo with Uncle James, Aunt Marilyn, and Aunt Melissa.

Camping with all of the Clark Family. German really wanted to help grandpa set up his tent.

We saved on car-space by not packing a tent, which made for some really tight sleeping!

The boys loved this creek, which was really high and fast! Of course, Scotland was the most interested- he is all boy!

While hiking, Joshua discovered a cave with an entrance just big enough for him to fit.

Provo's annual balloon launch with the Joel Hallbergs. Probably not Joel's favorite morning:)

The nostalgic tour of BYU. (They're redoing the bathrooms next to the LRC, my former place of employment. These are the couches in the bathroom/lounge area where I took many good naps. It was sad to see them on their way out!) We also enjoyed a nice visit and lunch with Joshua's great-aunt, Eleanor.

After a delicious steak with our former mission president, we headed to the West Jordan Rodeo. Our boys have really been into cowboys and rodeos lately, so we thought they'd really enjoy it.

Fourth of July parade, games, and fireworks with the Joel Hallbergs. Plus some yummy food and homemade ice cream and root beer with all of the Clark Family.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Hallberg!

In honor of your birthday -

I updated my blog!!!

We hope you have a great day!

Pre-School Graduation & the Last T-ball Game

German with his teachers - this is probably the only picture I've ever been able to take of G-man with a real smile on his face! He loved pre-school - I'm sure glad that Ms. Christina only lives two doors down so we can see her all the time.

As t-ball team-mom I've learned that the most important day of the season is definitely 'Trophy Day!' These kids kept asking me, "Did you remember the trophies?" "Where are the trophies?" I love kids and their excitement for the little things!

Aren't these the cutest brothers?! They sure love each other. They learn so much from each other, but especially from their older brother(s). This new little #4 has got 3 great examples.

Fathers and Sons Campout

We told G & E last Sunday that they would be going camping with dad this weekend. I think German tried to convince us three times that Sunday the wisdom in packing the car that day, so that they would be ready for the next Friday! As far as I can tell, they had a blast and had a lot to talk about when they got home: forest golf, tug-of-war, Connect 4, and their early morning hike. These boys sure love their dad.

I think Joshua had a really hard time saying good-bye to Scotland. Scotie could tell something was going on and he went and got his shoes, kept trying to wear Eli's backpack, and then wouldn't go to me, but just wanted to stay in dad's arms. Poor boy! At the last minute Joshua was going to take him, but I reminded him that it would be no fun chasing Scotland around the forest and next year (I hope) he'll be able to follow directions a lot better!

So Scotie and I went to girl's night and he played with another left behind brother! S & Joshua got to hang out a lot Saturday afternoon at our friends' pool - Scotie loves to be with his dad! Scotland has taken a liking to the harmonica and walks around the house blowing his merry tune - he is quite the personality. I'm so glad he came to our family!

May

May is already flying by, which is making this pregnancy also fly by. I can't wait to have that little bundle join our family - I know he's just right for us and these boys are excited to have him here, but man am I not ready for those first few weeks - aah, don't think about that Julie!

A cute Eli-ism: He was patting my belly the other day and then asked me if he was making the baby cry. I love that Eli!

We don't think he's quite ready to play on an 'organized' team, but boy he sure wants to! Eli loves to help at practice and he knows all the names of the kids on the team, so the games just kill him when he can't be out playing with German or helping dad at third base. We keep telling him that his time will come, but I don't think that's much comfort to a 3 year old!

German is loving t-ball! Each game his confidence grows and he's able to perform up to the level we know he's capable of. His reserved nature makes it hard for him to go out in a crowd and perform, but when we play at home it is evident that he has a real talent and love for baseball.

These boys love them some corn on the cob! This was the last piece, so they were sharing!

This is me on Mother's Day. I don't normally post pictures of myself, but I want you to take special note of the STEAK there on my plate! As many pregnant women do, I wanted steak and I wanted it badly. Instead of hinting around to my husband, I went out and bought it - now, we probably haven't purchased steak in two years, because I try to be frugal, so I have no idea what is good steak and what isn't. But I knew if this wasn't good, I would be bummed, so I followed around a man in the meat department who looked like he had had a few steaks before and then chose what he chose. It was a great idea - I highly suggest this method for any first time purchases! Also, my husband is the great experimenter and this time he scored on the marinade! It was delicious!!! I made sure to eat sparingly, so that I could make this steak last for multiple lunches and I didn't even share on Tuesday at lunch when German asked for more of that 'beef stuff.' Is that bad parenting? I hope not, and I do justify my behavior with the fact that I was sharing it with one of my sons. YUM

April

Let's see...
April came and is now gone. I know we were busy and did lots of fun family things, but aside from celebrating Easter, I have no idea what else we did - so sad!

We give the kids a list of things to hunt for: a ring pop, a bag of cookies, one money egg, a capri sun, etc. It's fun because then it's not just candy and it spices things up a bit. I found these cheap video games at Target and they seem to have been the hit, at least with my kids.

Scotland finally got a minute in the bounce house alone! He's tough, but he's smart enough to stay away from the other 6 little boys who were pretty physical.

We have a three-year tradition now of celebrating Easter on Friday or Saturday with our 'AZ family', where we eat, play, and best of all - the egg hunt. We have church at 8:30am, so our Sunday basket fun was over very quickly and the only picture was blurry - oh well.

A Proud Moment for Joshua

Scotland now says "ice cream" - his dad couldn't be prouder!

German's First T-Ball Game

German started t-ball this month and today was their first game. No score keeping, no outs, everyone bats, everyone runs after the ball, and everyone gets cheered on like they're a pro! I could use a boost like that to my confidence:)

Eli also started a community sports class this month, but parents are only allowed to watch through the window, so no photos. He sure enjoys it and always asks if it's Tuesday yet.