My baby girl

I know this will embarrass you Morgan, but I could not have your birthday end, without telling you a few things that I want you to know. You are the best daughter that I could ever imagine. If I could pick qualities and traits, to create a daughter, it would be what you already are. From the minute you were born, you have made us smile. From the minute the doctor said, "It's a girl and she's beautiful." Even though up until then, we had been told you were a boy, there was not even one second of sadness that you were a girl. Of course we were shocked, but my first thought was, "Oh- good I have my girl all the rest of my kids can be boys." I just wanted at least one daughter. I wanted YOU. You are the one that made my dream of becoming a Mom a reality. We waited a lot of years for you and you were absolutely perfect. Beautiful, strong, and smart. You did every thing so early, from smiling, rolling over, crawling, walking, talking, climbing out of your crib, etc. You couldn't wait to see the world. That is still a trait you have. You live life to the fullest. Everyone always tells me that you seem years older than you are. You have the ability to be so mature, yet naive at the same time. That's a good thing.

I am so grateful that you are such a good friend to others. I love that you don't care what your friends look like, what they wear, how much money they have, etc. You have always picked good friends. You are a good influence to them. I remember when we just moved to Virginia. You were 4 1/2 years old. We lived in an apartment, while we were trying to find a house. The people in the complex were of all different nationalities, and spoke many different languages. You were so friendly to everyone. One day, as we were walking to the apartment, you saw a little girl close to your age, and you befriended her and invited her over at 1:00 for cake. She was so happy! She came over and you played all afternoon with her. You got along great, and when it was time to go, you hugged her and said, "Thanks for playing and being my friend." When she left, you turned to me and said, "That was fun! I wish I could understand her. She speaks a different kind of Spanish." (She spoke Arabic.) I still crack up and that. You have always sought friends, who may be a little different, for whatever reason, and I hope you continue to do so. So you can see the good in ALL people.

You can always make us laugh. You used to tell us jokes you made up, and then say, " I want to tell jokes for money someday." You are so witty and have the best sense of humor. It takes me forever to come up with a witty comment, but they roll off your tongue, and I appreciate that quality in you.

You are so beautiful. Don't roll your eyes- you truly are. More importantly than how you look on the outside though, is that you are beautiful inside, too. You are blessed to have beauty inside and out. You are so good. I hope that you will always be the type of person who sees beauty from the inside, out in others.

You are so helpful. I want you to know how much I appreciate all you do for me. I know it is not always easy being the oldest child. You are such a good influence and example to your brothers. They look up to you so much. Even Camden notices. When you are at school, he often gets a sad face and says, "Sissy bye-bye."

I love to see how your mind works. I wish you could see you, the way I see you. You are wise beyond your years. You are good through and through, and are so pure. I hope you will always know what a wonderful virtue that is. It is hard to believe that you are 12 now, and entering Young Women's. I know for you it seems like it has been a long time coming. But for me it seems like yesterday, my first born baby was laid in my arms. Which is why I start to tear up and cry every time we talk about you going to Young Women's. I am happy for you though, and I know you are going to LOVE it.

I have so much more to say, but I will save some for another day. I just want you to know how much you are loved. You are the best daughter anyone could hope for. I love you Morgan. Happy 12th Birthday!

Happy Birthday Matt!

Matt in the hot tub with the kids.

I just wanted to list a few (38) reasons why Matt is the best:

1. He is the hardest worker I know.
2. He is nice to everyone.
3. He NEVER says anything bad about anybody.
4. He is generous.
5. He is a great kisser. :)
6. He is the funniest person I know.
7. He is sensitive.
8. He is an incredible Dad.
9. He treats me like a queen.
10.He is patient with me.
11.He is always thinking of new ways to serve others.
12.He is the smartest person I know.
13.He is honest.
14.He honors his Priesthood.
15.He magnifies his callings.
16.He does the laundry- often.
17.He has tons of energy.
18.He is not a complainer. Even when he isn't feeling well, he minimizes it.
19.He always tries to make me happy.
20.He is witty.
21.He is helpful.
22.He always tries to think of other's feelings.
23.He has the longest eyelashes I have ever seen.
24.He loves to have things clean, which is nice for me, since I do too.
25.He is a great teacher.
26.He makes the most adorable kids, ever.
27.He is humble.
28.He writes awesome stories.
29.He has a strong testimony.
30.He loves spending time with our family.
31.He is strong.
32.He is very creative.
33.He does not get angry easily.
34.He is a good friend.
35.He is my live-in technical support guy.
36.He is 11 months older than me- so except for 4 weeks of the year, I can call him old. :)
37.He can always make me laugh.
38.He is my best friend.

I hope you have an awesome birthday, Matt. I love you!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

Cards have been sent, gifts have been wrapped and opened. The Christmas season has come and gone in a hurry! It is hard to believe after all the preparation, it is finished in a flash. I think the kids had a wonderful Christmas. Morgan said it was her best Christmas ever. I think because she got a stage. She has been wanting a stage for a long time, and finally we set one up for her in our basement. Pictures just don't do it justice, because the thing is huge. Ahhhh- as soon as she outgrows it, is is outta here. :)

Dillon did not have any one thing he 'had' to have on his list, so he was pretty much happy with everything he got.


Logan only asked for one thing. I asked if there was anything else he wanted. He said, "Nope- I'm not asking for anything else, because then Santa HAS to get me what I really want." I guess that's how it works. :)


Camden seemed to love it all, the paper, the bows, the gifts, the treats. He especially loves his new bouncy horse.

It snowed a lot- something like 8-10 inches, so we definitely had a white Christmas! I am grateful for all that I have been given and for the real reason we celebrate Christmas. I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, his birth, and his life. Merry Christmas to all!

Various pictures of our holiday season.

Family Night

Last night we had another 'big' family night at our house. All of Matt's siblings, who live in the state, and his parents and Grandma, were able to come. We had a lesson with the adults, while the kids played in the basement. As adults, we talked about having faith and not fearing. We talked about how fear comes from Satan, and while things may not always go our way, we should have faith, without fear. I think the lesson/discussion went well. The kids came up, and we talked about how families are forever, and sealed together. We had a family picture, and made 5 or 6 copies. The kids worked in groups and people were cut out of them, the pieces of the people who had been cut out, were in an envelope, and they had to put the people back together in the picture, where they belong. Then, they sealed up the picture in an envelope. I told about how Morgan was lost one time in a store, and how scared I was, and then the great joy I had when I found her. The kids all seemed to understand and have a good time with the lesson and activity. Afterwards, we sang Christmas carols, and had a 'special visitor' stop by. Matt's Dad dressed in a shepherd costume and told the kids of his experience as a shepherd on the night Jesus was born. They all loved to see Grandpa dressed like that. Then we had some yummy treats and visiting. I have to say, Matt's family is the best. They are such good people, and genuinely care for each other. I hope my own kids have relationships with each other, like their family does. I am really lucky to be a part of this family.

Morgan and her cousin Ashley


Granddaddy- the Shepherd.


Logan and his cousin Ethan. You can't tell they are related can you? :)



Grandma and Great-Grandma. Yes- this family is full of red-heads! :)

Matt is finishing up moving his warehouse today, so he will have to be working late. Morgan went with a friend to the Polar Express on the Heber train, so tonight it's just me and the boys. I think we will go out and do something fun together. It has been very blizzard like- and I think by this evening, we will need to get out of the house. :)

It's Christmas time

I'm trying to get into the Christmas spirit. I just haven't been feeling it lately. So here are some things I am doing to help out.

Listen to Christmas music.

Let Camden push the singing Santa button as much as we wants. :)

Read Christmas stories.

Serve people.

Make lots of Christmas treats to give to family/friends.

Peanut butter balls. I've been told by my kids they are the best things I make.

Some of the boxes of treats. The kids had fun helping me make, and pack them.


I helped in Logan's classroom today. They made candy houses. He loves it when I come to his class. I help with reading on Tuesdays, and still every time he gets the biggest smile and runs to me and hugs me and jumps on me, and kisses me. It is so cute. The kids had tons of fun, and tons of leftover candy. I am sure their mom's will be thrilled. This is a gold medal school. Which means, they are not allowed to have treats for birthdays, rewards, etc. So getting to make houses out of candy was a real treat to them.



We are having pack meeting outside tonight. We are going to see the lights at the city park, and then have doughnuts and hot chocolate. It should be fun, because I think it is 24 degrees right now. :)

The kids will be out of school tomorrow for 17 days. I plan on doing lots of fun stuff with them, and letting their joy and excitement rub off on me.

I'm running away

What a week! I don't know what it is- but it has just been one of those weeks, that I want to run away and not do all the things I know I'm supposed to. Today Matt went to the Dr. to get some sunspots removed from his face. (He has to do this a least once a year. Darn the red head-pale skin combo! The actually had to stitch him up in two places, because they have to biopsy them. The Dr. said he is pretty sure they are skin cancer growths. Thankfully it is not the kind that spreads to other organs in the body, but he just has to be extra vigilant, and make sure to go in and get them burned off 1-2 times a year.) I also sprained my wrist, we've had school projects galore, very cold temperatures (which always gets me upset) :) , and tonight my car was rear ended by a teenager. I was stopped at a light, and she rammed into the back of us. It was so loud, and then Dillon and Camden started crying and were completely freaked out. Dillon was scared he was going to die, and I think the loud noise is what scared Camden. Morgan and Logan seemed fine by the ordeal. My neck and back on the other hand are *killing* now. Add that to the already busy Christmas season, callings and some new calling woes, Matt has had meetings every night, Matt is moving his warehouse- during their very busiest time of year, and the usual Mom stuff- it is all becoming a little overwhelming! I know in the grand scheme of things, it is nothing, and all of this is not a big deal. It's just been one of those weeks. Anyone care to meet me in the Bahamas? :)

Snow

I am going to preface this by saying: I KNOW we need the snow, I KNOW we need the water in the spring/summer. I know it's been unseasonably warm, up until now. However, I am going to complain, because it's my blog and I'll complain if I want to. :) I am already ready for spring or summer. This weather makes me ornery! Remind me again, why I live in Utah? I'll just leave a couple cute snow pictures of Dillon and Camden and then it can all melt away. :)

It was bound to happen

Camden's obsession with Santa was sure to get us in trouble at some point. We were having a shower/luncheon for my sister in laws new baby. While there, Camden kept staring at a man throughout the lunch. When it came time for them to leave, his wife came to the table and said, "What a cute little guy. I think he is fascinated by him (pointing to her husband)He can't take his eyes off him." The man says hello to Camden, and Camden says, "SANTA! Ho Ho Ho" This was an older man, with white hair, and a white beard. He was also wearing a red shirt, and was a little...portly. So, yes- I can see why he'd think that, but it was embarrassing nonetheless. Camden then continued "Ho Ho Ho-ing" until well after the poor man left. Oh well, I am sure this is not the last time he will embarrass me. :0

Weekend

Morgan and I went and saw Twilight this weekend. She LOVED it, and can't wait until it comes out on DVD. I thought it was entertaining, but I can't say that I am the huge Twilight fan that everyone else seems to be. I cracked up when Edward first appeared on the screen, ALL the teenage girls- and some women my age screamed and whistled and clapped. We did have a great mother/daughter date. We had lots of fun talking and laughing together.

Dillon had his first ski class through the city rec. department. He thought it was awesome. He has skied many times before, and always loves it. This was the first time he was old enough to go up without us, and just have his ski instructor there. He would ski every day if he could.

Logan got to be the star student at school this week, so we put together a poster of pictures of him, and things he likes. He was so funny. I was finishing it after he went to bed, and he kept sneaking down and saying, "Don't forget- my favorite food is peas." Then he'd come back down, and say, "I would love it if you'd make my name REAL big at the top." "Don't forget I love to jump rope." Etc... So cute. :)

Camden has been sick this weekend. He has been coughing like crazy, so he is hardly sleeping. No naps, and waking himself up at night, because he's coughing so much. I hate that there isn't any cold/cough medicine for babies anymore.

Matt had a crazy busy weekend at work. He went in several times to update his site. I always forget how busy December gets for him. Other than that, we just hung out around the house, cleaned, and then went and had dinner with his friend from high school, and their family.

Santa's nice....or not

This guy is Camden's nemesis.



Camden is VERY interested in him, but scared to death to touch him. We keep telling him, "Santa's nice." Santa dances and sings, and at least 50 times a day, Camden wants me to push the button, so he can watch from a distance. Camden used to greet me with a big HI! in the morning. Lately, as soon as I walk in, the first thing he says is "Sant-a?"

Today, he finally got brave enough to touch Santa, and then he got carried away. He tried spinning and dancing with him. Well, let's just say, Camden does not think Santa is so nice, and now Santa has a hairline fracture.

Fondue

My kids LOVE when we have fondue. Seriously- I could ask them to do anything, and they wouldn't complain- if they knew fondue was a possibility. They ask for it weekly- and we have it probably 2-3 times a year. Even Camden liked it. Although- he DID NOT participate in the cooking. :) Logan will eat just about anything- and I love it. He loaded up his plate with mushrooms, broccoli, and zucchini- while Dillon ate hot dogs (Yuck- I know!) and bananas. :) To each their own. I think the best part of it is sitting around the table and talking while we cook.

Christmas fun

Question:

What do you get when you have a Christmas tree with ball ornaments, a ceramic nativity set, a ceramic Christmas village, and an 18 month old?

Answer:

A lot of fun- (And broken stuff.)

I had a birthday shout HOORAY...

Well- I'm officially an old lady. Logan kept asking how old I was going to be on my birthday. I said, "I'm 29 now, but on Saturday I'll be 30." Dillon was there with me and he says, "So you were only 17 when you had Morgan?" I pause- I didn't think about him being old enough and smart enough to do the math on my age. "Yes" I said- I was only 17." Then he says, "Aren't you still in High School when you're 17?" Shoot! I'm busted. I figured it would be better to just be 37- than to have had a baby at 17 in high school- so the cat is out of the bag. :)

Some of the treaures from the kids:



I had a good day, regardless of the number on my drivers license. The kids are so cute and love doing nice things for me. They all spent their own money and bought things at the craft store to make me gifts. They know I would rather have something they make, than something they spend a lot of money onLogan is the little artist, and made me 4 or 5 different cards. He also made me a flower out of clay. The boys also got a picture of me with them, and put it in a frame. Dillon also made me a flower out of clay. Morgan bought several different fabrics, and put them on a frame, and framed a picture of us. She also bought me a necklace and earrings. They are such sweet kids. We took the kids out to lunch. Then later on that evening, Matt and I went out to dinner. He surprised me and his whole family (adults) were at the restaurant. We had a great time. Then afterwards, we came back to our house for cake and ice cream. I didn't cook or clean at all- so it was most definitely a relaxing day.

Thanksgiving

They wanted me to make sure we got a close up of "Tom the Turkey."


The kids pretending to 'get' the Thanksgiving Turkey. :)


We had a great Thanksgiving! Before we went to dinner, the kids and I made some Oreo turkeys to bring to everyone. The dinner was great. We were in charge of mashed potatoes, and we peeled 25 pounds of potatoes. (Well Matt peeled, while I made Oreo turkeys.) We WAY over estimated- because we had TONS of leftover potatoes. We had it at Matt's sister's house. I think there were over 30 people. Everyone, except Matt's youngest brother and his wife were there. They live in DC, so weren't able to come. We had a great visit with everyone. I was able to cuddle with my newest niece Aubrey. She is 6 days old and so tiny and adorable! I didn't bring my camera- so I didn't get pictures of any of our happenings- or the cute kids. After dinner the older kids went to the park and played football, and those of us with the younger kids hung out at the house and talked. We have such an awesome family. I love all of Matt's brothers/sisters/parents and the in-laws.

Nursery

Does he look even a little bit sad to go? I don't think so!

Today was my 'baby's' first official day of nursery. He has been so hard at church from about 12 months on. (It doesn't help that we have church right during his normal nap time.) Honestly, I thought I would be thrilled for him to be in nursery. However, I don't know what's wrong with me, I could hardly hold back the tears. He's growing up so fast! He is my last baby, and now it seems he is almost not a baby anymore. I have a friend that was so sad when her last baby was potty trained and out of diapers. I remember her being depressed, and I was thinking- what?? You are are sad you don't have to change diapers anymore? But, I get it now- I'm sure I'll be the same way with Camden. It's just not fair how fast they go from newborn to nursery! On a side note- he did enjoy it and is having much more fun than with me in my class. He said, "Bye!" And he didn't cry at all. That makes one of us. :)

Milestones

Milestones today:

Camden: 18 months old today! Well care check stats: 33.5 inches, 28.9 pounds. 2 Shots, speaks over 100 words.

Logan: I got a call home from the school office today. She says, "I have Logan here in the office, I just wanted to let you know what he was caught doing." (My heart stops...) Then she said, "He was so helpful in the cafeteria today, that we gave him a 'cool colts' ticket. He gets his name in the hall of fame." (Phew...) Good job Logan!

Dillon: Revealed some very juicy information, that I PROMISED to keep a secret, so I will. It was so cute and sweet though. :)

Morgan: Did her report on 'cartouches'. I never even heard of it, before she was assigned this topic, but I think she did very well.

My day

Today instead of doing this:


I did this:








It was great!