We went to our baby appt today and everything looks wonderful and she's progressing normally. Our other kiddos are happy and healthy. I have a wonderful husband who helps out whenever I need and works himself ragged to support us. I have wonderful friends and family who love us. We have a home we are able to provide shelter to our family. We have food on the table and clothes on our back.
These last couple of months have been quite tough with me losing my job and no one wanting to hire me as I have applied for over 60 jobs in the last few months. It seems to have hit harder through the holidays. I would love to give my kiddos anything they want. But through it all and without trying to worry the kids too much, we told them it would be a tight time for all of us especially during Christmas. Rhett was so sweet and offered us all his money in his piggy bank; we politely declined and told him to save it. And on Christmas day when there weren't many presents under the tree, they never once complained or whined about not having more. They were so thrilled by what they did get.
But as I took a step back today and saw all we have to be thankful for, it made me feel very humbled and grateful to start a new year feeling this way. We have had a few people who have helped us out tremendously and I hope they know how much we are thankful for their support through our hard time. I know everyone goes through these times and we will prevail. But it makes me marvel at the spirit of Christmas so many around us have had.
So again thank you to our family, close friends, a secret Santa who brought a little gift to each of my kiddos, and our "caring friends," you'll never know how much we love and appreciate all you've done for us. I just can't wait until we are in the position to be able to pay it forward to someone else in need.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas!
Christmas was a little different this year with it being on Sunday. The kiddos woke up and got ready for church. They knew we would open presents but were super patient in knowing we were going to church first. Luckily Melissa saved us a spot near the front because when we got there it was full to the back of the gym...thanks to combining with another ward. The program was sooo good and really got us into the spirit of Christmas.
After church we came home and the kiddos opened their presents. It was a tight year for us so they knew they only had 2 gifts, yet they seemed just as happy with what they got. After we were done cleaning up the paper, we skyped Mandee, Craig, and their girls. We just love being able to talk with them and see how excited Jaycee was and to see my brand-new gorgeous niece.
About 5pm, we headed over to Dawn and Jason's for dinner. They made yummy rolls, ham, and jello and we brought corn and funeral potatoes. Amos, Kyle, and their kiddos stopped by for a bit to visit also. After dinner we chatted, watched my Packers win (sorry J and Mandee), and then played Ticket To Ride.
Though it was very different from any other Christmas, we just had a wonderful day with our family and remembering what Christmas was all about. Rhett even read us the story of The Birth of Jesus from the Bible. It was a great ending to a great weekend.
Rhett made me a book about snakes and a calendar from school
Luckily I found this jersey for a good price in the summer. He's just in love with it and wore it the whole day with pride.
After church we came home and the kiddos opened their presents. It was a tight year for us so they knew they only had 2 gifts, yet they seemed just as happy with what they got. After we were done cleaning up the paper, we skyped Mandee, Craig, and their girls. We just love being able to talk with them and see how excited Jaycee was and to see my brand-new gorgeous niece.
About 5pm, we headed over to Dawn and Jason's for dinner. They made yummy rolls, ham, and jello and we brought corn and funeral potatoes. Amos, Kyle, and their kiddos stopped by for a bit to visit also. After dinner we chatted, watched my Packers win (sorry J and Mandee), and then played Ticket To Ride.
Though it was very different from any other Christmas, we just had a wonderful day with our family and remembering what Christmas was all about. Rhett even read us the story of The Birth of Jesus from the Bible. It was a great ending to a great weekend.
Rhett made me a book about snakes and a calendar from school
Luckily I found this jersey for a good price in the summer. He's just in love with it and wore it the whole day with pride.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas Eve
Sometimes Christmas Eve is funner than Christmas. To see the kiddos excitement and anticipation for Santa to come and getting everything ready for the night, I love being able to do our traditions every year.
We started the day by cleaning and just hanging out. Then we headed over to Dawn and Jason's to make our cookies. While the cookies baked, we ate our pizza and talked. Jason had to leave to deliver the papers so the rest of us decorated the cookies with yummy frosting from Harmons, Mike and Ikes, candy stars, M&Ms, red hots, Lifesavers, and sprinkles. Most of the kids loved the decorating, whereas the younger ones (PBC and Tanner) just tried to find any open spot to sneak cookies, candy, and icing. It was pretty entertaining. J even got so into it, I felt we should have framed his cookies instead of eating them.
After we finished our cookies, we headed home to get ready for bed. The kiddos got into their new jammies and set out treats. They were so excited when they heard "Santa's bells" that they hurried off to bed pretty quickly.
Decorating our cookies for Santa,
Wearing their new Christmas jammies,
And leaving milk and cookies out for Santa and carrots for the reindeers.
We started the day by cleaning and just hanging out. Then we headed over to Dawn and Jason's to make our cookies. While the cookies baked, we ate our pizza and talked. Jason had to leave to deliver the papers so the rest of us decorated the cookies with yummy frosting from Harmons, Mike and Ikes, candy stars, M&Ms, red hots, Lifesavers, and sprinkles. Most of the kids loved the decorating, whereas the younger ones (PBC and Tanner) just tried to find any open spot to sneak cookies, candy, and icing. It was pretty entertaining. J even got so into it, I felt we should have framed his cookies instead of eating them.
After we finished our cookies, we headed home to get ready for bed. The kiddos got into their new jammies and set out treats. They were so excited when they heard "Santa's bells" that they hurried off to bed pretty quickly.
Decorating our cookies for Santa,
Wearing their new Christmas jammies,
And leaving milk and cookies out for Santa and carrots for the reindeers.
"Ginger-bad" House
Better late than never, we were finally able to decorate our "ginger-bad" house (as Ry called it) last night. I think we tried to make it too perfect like the picture because we took a long time to put it together. But the kiddos worked great together...though the girls enjoyed eating the icing and candy much better.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
New Addition For Christmas
I just had to say how happy I am for my bestie Liz and her family. I am so glad little Brooks was able to join their family...he couldn't be in a better place. They are the best people I know, and I am so excited for them to be a family. Me and the girls just had to break in and decorate cause we are so excited for Brooks to make it home and meet all of us who already love him. He is just so perfect and beautiful...you can see for yourself. (Hope Liz doesn't mind, I took this pic from her blog) I am just happy they got the best Christmas present ever!
Sweet little Brooks
Hoping this would cover our admission charge :)
Kathleen got voted to hang it up cause she's the tallest. And she's so cute while doing it!!!
Sweet little Brooks
Hoping this would cover our admission charge :)
Kathleen got voted to hang it up cause she's the tallest. And she's so cute while doing it!!!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
City Of Lights
Last night me and the kiddos drove down with my Mom to Temple Square (I was so excited to go since I haven't been down in years.) My Dad was singing in concert at the north visitors center. We got down there a little around 530pm. We couldn't find any close parking so we parked a few blocks south on 200, at least we got good exercise. We took the long and very cold walk to Temple Square. I am so glad we dressed warm (kiddos were in long johns, pants, snow pants, shirts, sweatshirts, coats, hats, gloves, and snow boots. It was funny seeing Kenna try to walk.)
We got into the visitor center and met up with Amos and Kyle and kiddos. I couldn't believe how busy it was. They started the concert, and the music was so pretty. It was a little hard to hear with so many people coming and going, but we still enjoyed it.
After his concert, me and my Mom decided to walk around a bit to try to see the lights. The kiddos loved being so close to the temple that Rhett even decided to talk all about "his history" of how the temple was made.
We got a few pics, lapped around the mirror pool, and scooted out. It was so packed...one guy even knocked Ry down on the cobblestone and didn't even stop to see if she was ok. Ry said her hand hurt so much, she needed to see the hand Dr! We walked quickly back to the car and hurried to get that heater on. We found out it was so busy because of all the little concerts going on around Temple Square, the Mo-Tab had their big Christmas concert at the Conference Center, and Abravanel Hall across the street had a concert going too.
At Dad's concert
Walking Around Temple Square
How the kiddos kept quiet...watching a movie in Mom's car
We stopped by McDonald's in Centerville to have dinner and celebrate Kyle's birthday. Aaron and Crystal and kiddos met up with us there too. We even beat everyone from SLC, thanks to our parking spot AWAY from all the traffic. We all took the back corner of their play area...no one bugged us, not that many people were there. After we ate, we lit his bday candles, sang, and enjoyed cake. Then we just sat around and talked. I never knew I could enjoy McDonald's so much. It was the perfect ending to a great night. Thanks to my family for a fun Christmas outing before Mom and Dad head back east for Christmas!
We got into the visitor center and met up with Amos and Kyle and kiddos. I couldn't believe how busy it was. They started the concert, and the music was so pretty. It was a little hard to hear with so many people coming and going, but we still enjoyed it.
After his concert, me and my Mom decided to walk around a bit to try to see the lights. The kiddos loved being so close to the temple that Rhett even decided to talk all about "his history" of how the temple was made.
We got a few pics, lapped around the mirror pool, and scooted out. It was so packed...one guy even knocked Ry down on the cobblestone and didn't even stop to see if she was ok. Ry said her hand hurt so much, she needed to see the hand Dr! We walked quickly back to the car and hurried to get that heater on. We found out it was so busy because of all the little concerts going on around Temple Square, the Mo-Tab had their big Christmas concert at the Conference Center, and Abravanel Hall across the street had a concert going too.
At Dad's concert
Walking Around Temple Square
How the kiddos kept quiet...watching a movie in Mom's car
We stopped by McDonald's in Centerville to have dinner and celebrate Kyle's birthday. Aaron and Crystal and kiddos met up with us there too. We even beat everyone from SLC, thanks to our parking spot AWAY from all the traffic. We all took the back corner of their play area...no one bugged us, not that many people were there. After we ate, we lit his bday candles, sang, and enjoyed cake. Then we just sat around and talked. I never knew I could enjoy McDonald's so much. It was the perfect ending to a great night. Thanks to my family for a fun Christmas outing before Mom and Dad head back east for Christmas!
Girls Night, part 2
On the 16th, we had our girls night/present exchange. I counted down all week till Friday came. I had the biggest cabin fever. When I got to Kathleen's, I couldn't believe how much we had to snack on. Its what we do best, eating and talking. We got a plate of treats, then we did our present exchange. Melissa got a Scentsy candle and room spray and gift card for Barnes and Noble, Kathleen got a "Baby, It's Cold Outside" package...fuzzy socks, hot cocoa, and cocoa maker (which we used and it worked so good), Mikaela got a book and bookmark, and I got a air-popper popcorn maker, scarf, and earrings. I was so stoked cause I don't have any warm and stylish scarves.
After we opened presents, we got more treats and talked...while we watched fun Christmas movies (White Christmas and Christmas Vacation-twice) We took a little break to break-in next door since Liz couldn't be with us...for good reason. We needed her to know how much we love and missed her. Then we came back to Kathleen's for more talking, eating, and staying up REALLY late! It was the best night and I just need these nights out. So thanks ladies!!!
Our YUMMY treats
Kathleen (and her very pretty rotating tree)
Kathleen and me
Melissa
Mikaela
Opening my present (thank you Mikaela for the best gifts)
IT GOT REALLY LATE...
Melissa
Kathleen
After we opened presents, we got more treats and talked...while we watched fun Christmas movies (White Christmas and Christmas Vacation-twice) We took a little break to break-in next door since Liz couldn't be with us...for good reason. We needed her to know how much we love and missed her. Then we came back to Kathleen's for more talking, eating, and staying up REALLY late! It was the best night and I just need these nights out. So thanks ladies!!!
Our YUMMY treats
Kathleen (and her very pretty rotating tree)
Kathleen and me
Melissa
Mikaela
Opening my present (thank you Mikaela for the best gifts)
IT GOT REALLY LATE...
Melissa
Kathleen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)