Ward Christmas Party and Santa Sightings

Last Saturday was our Ward Christmas Party. It was a little different this year, we didn't have the traditional dinner and such, but it was so much better! We listened to some Christmas stories, sang carols, and had cookies and milk! The kids had a blast and enjoyed the whole thing, especially being able to wear their pajamas to the activity.

Tate should have been really grumpy considering his napping earlier that day kept getting interrupted. But he was really good and spent most of the night on his dad's lap ...


just being cute!


After the activies were pretty much done, guess who came to visit? Yep, that's right - SANTA! Hailey could hardly contain herself and she followed Zach right up to get in the line to sit on his lap. It seemed like the line took FOREVER, but our kids were so patient and just waited until their turn.


Zach was first. He climbed right up on Santa's lap and told him exactly what he wanted for Christmas.


Then Santa gave him a goody bag and off he went all smiles!


Next was Hailey's turn. I was afraid she'd be a little nervous since she doesn't really like strangers (especially male strangers), but to my surprise, she climbed right on up there and wasn't shy about telling him what she wanted for Christmas.


She was excited to get her own little goody bag as well and gave Santa a hug before she got down.


We decided to give Tate a try up on Santa's lap too and he was great! Of course, we aren't quite in the "stranger danger" mode yet, so I'm sure next year won't go as smoothly. But it sure was cute to see him up on Santa's lap.


We had such a wonderful time at the party and the kids came home all giddy and excited.

This was our first actual visit to see Santa this year. But we had a surprise on the way up to Nana and Papa's house on Sunday. We were driving along on the freeway when we noticed a white jeep cherokee with the words Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus on the back window. As we go closer, we noticed the driver had on a red velvet coat - could it be? Yep, as we pulled up next to them, we noticed Santa and Mrs. Claus all decked out in their finest threads driving along. The kids were so excited! We didn't want to distract them too much, but decided to wave and as soon as we got their attention, both of them waved back. It was so cute and bless those sweet people for making the day for our kids. They could hardly wait to get to Nana and Papa's house and tell them who we saw. We pulled ahead and lost track of them before long, but both kids kept turning around and looking to see if they could see them.

The most hilarious part of this whole experience was the questioning we got from Hailey afterwards. Zach was content just to have seen and waved to them, but Hailey had to disect the entire situation. She asked questions like:

* Why is Santa driving a while car?
* Where are his reindeer?
* Where are he and Mrs. Claus going?
* Where is Rudolph? This is her favorite reindeer by the way!
* Why doesn't Santa drive a red car (if you remember her fixation with red cars, this won't surprise you)?

And many, many more. But my favorite happened a bit down the road after we saw them. We saw a police officer with another car pulled over on the side of the road. After a minute (and Hailey's mind had a chance to combine the two situations), she asked us:
"What happens when Santa gets pulled over by a policeman?"
To which we answered, why Santa puts him on the naughty list of course! Then we quickly corrected ourselves and told her that even if the policeman did pull Santa over, he wouldn't be on the naughty list because the policeman was just doing his job. But we didn't have to worry about it because Santa is very good and only drives the right speed.

She thought about that for a minute and seemed satisfied, but the questions kept coming about why Santa was in a car, where he was going, and where the reindeer and elves were. In fact, we got the third degree all the way up to Nana and Papa's house.

Needless to say, it was quite the eventful car ride.

A Rough Couple of Days

We've had a rough couple of days at our house. Seems like in the space of 48 hours, every member of our family had an unfortunate accident and is now sporting some type of injury. Nothing major and we're all ok, but it's ironic how every single one of us had something happen so close together. Here's the injury report from the last few days:

* Tuesday night Jeremiah went to play basketball. During one of his shots, the person guarding him went up to block the ball. Well, he missed and came down just seconds after Jeremiah did with his elbows leading the way - unfortunately, one was lined up right with Jeremiah's eye. So now he's sporting a very nice black eye. He's telling everyone that his wife is beating him up, but don't let him fool you, basketball was the culprit!

* Last night I went visiting teaching next door. On the way out, I was slipping my shoes on and didn't get one foot all the in. As I stepped out the door, my ankle buckled and I stepped backwards to catch myself, unfortunately, there was a step and I lost my balance and started to spin. I tried to stop myself by leaning my forearm on the nearest thing, which just happened to be the post that is paved with bricks. Next thing I know I'm on my back on the driveway. Nothing major was injured (other than my pride), but I'm sporting a bruised thigh, sore ankle, and scraped and bruised forearm. I'd like to blame it on ice or something logical like that, but the truth is I'm graceful enough to do a fall like that all on my own!

* This morning Zach was sitting at the breakfast bar eating breakfast. He was turned around watching TV while eating and had his hands and feet on the chair right behind him. Apparently he was leaning on the stool he was setting on (something we have tried to get both the kids to stop doing, but they just won't), because next thing I know, the stool goes out from under him and he bangs his back and head on the counter, the chair falls over, and they all end up on the floor. After some careful inspecting, everyone and everything was ok, but now Zach has a nice red mark on his back, a small goose egg on on the back of his head, and a very sore rear end where he landed on the vinyl floor. I would like to think this will keep him from leaning in the stool ever again, but we've had other spills similar to this and it has yet to happen, so I'm not holding out much hope!

* Yesterday morning we came home from our other visiting teaching appointment and as we were getting out of the car, Hailey and I both tried to close her door. I think this extra help was a little unexpected and since I was talking with her at the same time, she got a little distracted. Next thing I know, she had the tip of her thumb closed in the car door. Poor thing cried for at least half an hour, but luckily, nothing was broken. She went around the rest of the day holding her thumb in the air to make sure nothing or no one touched it because it was really sensitive. It's still quite a bit red, so I'm sure she'll have a dandy bruise, but she hasn't mentioned it all day, so it must not be quite as sore.

* And last but not least, yesterday afternoon I was holding Tate and trying to do 100 other things at the same time (you know, being a normal, multitasking mother), well next thing I know, I turn to look at him just as he's wiggling around and we smack heads. I have to admit that it hurt me! He cried for the next 5 minutes and has the tiniest goose egg on his head, but doesn't seem any worse for the wear! His injury is probably the smallest and I have to admit I'm glad, he's so little and although I don't like the idea of any of my children being hurt, it's hard to help the really little ones because they really can't communicate with you so that you know how to help them.

So that's it. Our laundry list of accidents and injuries in the past few days. We're really not an accident prone family, but the last 48 hours sure have been interesting! I was a little bit afraid to see what else this day might bring, but so far nothing else (knock on wood)! Here's to a happy, healthy, and pain free rest of the afternoon and evening!

Too cute!

A little over a week ago, we went up to Cache Valley for a Family Christmas Party. It was a long drive, but the kids had a blast and it was so good to see everyone. While we were there we ate, played games, opened presents, and did lots of catching up.

Great Nana (as my kids like to call her) gave each of the grandkids a set of pajamas and they were a big hit. We were a little crazy getting Tate fed and everyone in the car for the long trip home, so I didn't get a picture of them with their jammies on. But after the next laundry cycle, I got them all in them one night and took a quick couple pictures.


The kids absolutely love these pajamas and they are the first worn after the laundry is done.


Aren't they darling?


Thank you Great Nana for the wonderful presents! The kids love their pajamas and they wear them all the time!

Solid Foods Here We Come!

Yes, another big milestone in our little one's life. Now that he's 6 months and not spitting up as much, we decided it was time to take the big leap and start feeding him baby rice cereal. He wasn't really struggling weight-wise, just see the last post for his 6 month check-up stats, so we were really in no rush.

I was a little worried that he wouldn't like the cereal - neither Zach nor Hailey did at first, and he has had a few tastes of ice cream, whipping cream, and mashed potatoes - who'd want bland old rice cereal after that? But on December 5th, we decided to give it a try and to my surprise, after the first few spoonfuls, he actually loved it!

Here's a before picture:


Here comes a spoonful.


In it goes.


And here's the reaction. Like I said, he wasn't sure he liked it at first.


And despite the reaction, he'd open up his mouth wide for the next bite. Maybe he was thinking that it would magically turn into ice cream? I admit I've hoped that a few times! :)


And after a few spoonfuls, he was smiling and opening his mouth for more and more and more. Almost to the point of us wondering if we were feeding him too much!


Yes, he loves his baby cereal. Now we're interested to see how much more he chubbies up - because it's not like he's anywhere on the thin side now. But no matter how chubby he gets, how can you not love that cute little face?!?

Tate at 6 Months!

Yes, time has flown by and our little baby is now 6 months old. I really can't believe how fast it's gone. He turned 6 months on the 3rd and is growing like a little weed! He is doing so many more fun things and I wanted to remember all of the little things about him at this stage. So this post is more a remembrance thing for me than anything else. So without further ado here's a list all about Tate:


* He's still a big boy! At his 6 month doctor appt, he had the following stats:

Length: 27 1/2" - 84th percentile
Weight: 19 lbs, 14 oz - 86th percentile

* He smiles at everyone - of course, I have to admit that he smiles at his brother and sister the most, but he does love his mom and dad too!

* He's very wiggly! He can't seem to hold still. He's always waving his arms and kicking his legs - which makes for a very interesting bath!

* He still loves to bath and of course splash! I swear sometimes I come away more we than he does!

* For some reason, his bib is more often a cape than a bib. I don't know how he does it, but it always turns to his left when it moves.


* He gets made if he's upset and I walk by without picking him up. In fact, he's been known to throw a major fit at times!

* When I reach out to pick him up, he now leans forward and gets very excited - mostly by waving his arms and kicking his legs.

* He's pretty much outgrown his baby car seat at 6 months, his feet hang over the edge and his head is almost up into the sunshade.

* He has very little hair and Hailey keeps asking me when it's going to grow. I'm probably the only one that notices, but the little he has is getting quite long, it's just light and matches his scalp, so it's hard to see.

* He loves to jump up and down when you are holding him. I'm excited to get out the megasaucer for him to start jumping and playing in.

* He loves to play patty cake and peek-a-boo, especially with his brother and sister.


* Like the other two, he's a very good sleeper. We've finally moved him into his crib (after 5 months of sleeping in his car seat) and he's doing so well! He sleeps from 8pm to about 6:30 or 7:00am. He also takes 2 naps in his crib during the day (instead of the baby swing) and sleeps at least 2 - 2 1/2 hours each time.

* He has a very kissable neck and cheeks - probably due to his triple chin. He loves to have you kiss and love him. He'll giggle and squeal if you get him going.

* He just started eating baby rice cereal on December 5th and he loves it! In fact, he eats so much that we often worry that it's too much! But he's got a chubby body to maintain! He's only been eating it for 5 days, but he's taken to it really well.


* He loves ice cream, whipped cream, and mashed potatoes (we are bad parents and gave these things to him before he even had baby cereal!).

* His acid relux is doing much better. I was worried that he would be spitting up things at age 30, but the amount of spit up and times he spits has gone down drastically from the last few months. We're hoping to try taking him off the Prevacid in the next few weeks and see how that goes.

* Like all babies, he grabs everything and puts it straight into his mouth. Sometimes he'll look at it and study it in his hands for a minute or two, but it isn't long before he's chewing on it. It's been fun to see him play with his toys!





* His laugh and giggle are so darling, they just make my heart melt!

* He's a very happy and content baby. Other than when he gets tired or hurt, he doesn't really cry much. He's been babbling more and more and now does that to get our attention when he wants us something or for us to pick him up.

* He loves the light fixtures - he can't get enough of the fan in our family room and the light above our computer desk. Many times, I'll look down and catch him just staring at them.


* He loves to sit in his highchair. With the toys right at his reach, he is content for almost an hour to just sit there and play. He especially loves to be in the highchair during dinner where he can see us and be apart of things. He's recently discovered the "drop a toy on the floor and someone else picks it up" game.

* He isn't rolling yet, but he loves to kick his legs up, grab them, and roll onto his side. I don't think it will be long before he gets all the way over. There's a lot of chub to move!


* Now that he's grabbing his feet, more often than not, one or both of his socks will be off. I'm continually looking down to discover that the socks are almost off or missing and I'll have to retrace my steps to find out where they fell off.


* He's really close to sitting up. He can balance by himself for a little bit, but then will lean too far to one side and over he goes.

* He absolutely LOVES his brother and sister and can hear them coming from a mile away. He will always turn his head and watch for them to enter the room. There are times when I have a hard time settling him down and all it takes is for one of them to look at or talk to him and he's calmed down and smiling at them!



* He's now in 12 month clothes. He still fits into most of the 12 months size, but there are a few outfits that we've had to put away because they just aren't big enough around.

* He loves the TV remote and is always leaning and reaching for it if he's on your lap and the remote is anywhere near him. The same is true for the computer keyboard and mouse.

There are many more fun things, but that's long enough of a list for now. Needless to say we love this little one so much and can't imagine how we ever got along without him!

Puttin' up the Christmas Tree

The Monday after Thanksgiving, we decided to take advantage of Jeremiah being home early and put up our Christmas Tree for Family Home Evening. Usually we get a real tree and wait until a couple weeks before Christmas to put it up (we have a hard time remembering to water it and we're lucky if it lasts long enough to make it until Christmas). A couple of years ago we inherited an artificial Christmas Tree from my sister and used it last year - it was so nice not having to worry about watering it and all the pine needles all over the carpet! So we decided this year we'd use it again since we wanted to put it up so early. We made the mistake of telling the kids what we were doing before dinner because all they could think about before and during dinner was putting up the Christmas Tree. You would have thought we'd filled them up on straight sugar with the way they were bouncing off the walls!

Finally we gave up and decided to let them be done. While I cleared the table and the kitchen cleaned, Jeremiah began setting up the tree. The kids ran around excited and poor Tate just sat there watching all the excitement. Once the tree was up, we began putting on the lights. Every year we realize how nice those prelit trees are! Zach and Hailey did the unraveling and Jeremiah did the placing on the tree.


Of course we had the traditional, get all the lights on the tree and discover one of them is burnt out (this happens to us every year, you'd think we'd check before we put them on the tree wouldn't you - nope, not us!). Luckily for us this year, it was the last strand, so it didn't take much time to replace.

Next we moved on to decorating with ornaments. The kids love to place the ornaments on the tree.


I have to help them just a bit to get the right place or we'd have all the ornaments on the center lower half of the tree!


Jeremiah and Tate took their position on the rocking chair and Tate went back and forth between playing with his octopus and squealing at the kids.


Once we got the Angel Moroni on the top, it sure looked nice. The kids wanted to take a quick picture in front.


While Jeremiah and the kids were putting on the lights, Tate and I were busy pulling out the rest of the tree decorations. At the bottom, I found this little Santa hat I bought back when Zach was a baby. I think we've taken pictures of the kids with it when they've been babies, so we couldn't forget to get one of Tate in the hat. He was in a pretty happy mood, so I got quite a few of him smiling.


I also wanted one of the three kids together, so I made them sit still long enough to grab a quick couple of pictures. They wanted Tate to wear the Santa hat and it turned into a cute little picture.


They sure do love their little brother!


It sure was a fun night and we all had a great time getting the tree up and decorated! Now we're all feeling in the Christmas Spirit and can't wait for Christmas to get here!

Cousin Jaycee

On Saturday, we took a trip up to Malad to Brian and Michelle's for a family "picture day." Since we hadn't been up there since little Jaycee's funeral, we were excited to stop by the cemetary to see her gravestone marker and leave a little something for her.

The kids were so excited both drew her a picture on Friday. Hailey's had a heart, a ton of stickers and stamps on it, and she wrote Jaycee's name and hers on there. Zach's had a heart he colored with rainbow colors and then her wrote Princess Jaycee at the top. When I asked him about it, he said that little Jaycee was a princess and he wanted it to be on her paper. Sometimes kids know more than we give them credit for.

After they finished their pictures, we headed to the store to find that "perfect thing" to leave for her. Since Brian and Michelle have horses, the first thing that caught my eye was a little stuffed horse. Zach and Hailey both liked it, but it didn't get a second thought as soon as they found a pink and purple unicorn. Hailey was just sure that Aunt Michelle and Cousin Jaycee would just love it. Zach was happy to go along since it was more for a girl. So we picked it up and couldn't wait to get up to the cemetary the next day to place it on her grave.

On the drive home from the store, I discovered that Hailey really thought we were going up to see Jaycee. She's only 4 and the concept of death and why things happen in life, aren't quite something she has a good handle on. So I spent the rest of the drive trying to explain about what happened and why Jaycee isn't here with us. I have to admit, that I don't completely understand why either. Poor thing, she burst out crying and was so sad that she couldn't see or hold Jaycee. By the time we got home, Hailey, Zach, and I were all crying. I think Jeremiah thought something had happened to us all! After some more discussing and explaining, we all were soothed enough to calm down and understand a little bit more. At that point, Hailey turned to me and with tears in her eyes, asked if Aunt Shell was ok. She was so worried that her Aunt Shell was sad without her little baby girl. I told her that Aunt Shell would always miss baby Jaycee, but that sometimes we have to realize that Heavenly Father needed baby Jaycee so much that she just couldn't stay. She told me that we would share our baby brother with Aunt Shell so that she wouldn't be too sad. Hailey can really be a very sensitive and compassionate person at times and I was really proud of her to be so concerned. After that she seemed to cheer up and was again excited to go see Jaycee gravestone. I felt like maybe she (and Zach) understood just a little bit better.

The next day we headed to Malad and Michelle, Brian, the boys, Mom, and Dad met us at the cemetary since Hailey was so excited for Aunt Shell to see the unicorn she had picked out for Jaycee. It was a bit cold, but I could feel Jaycee's spirit there as we all stood around her grave and thought about what a special spirit she is. Hailey gave the unicorn to Aunt Shell and she placed it right next to the headstone. The kids also put their pictures for Jaycee in the little vase holder for her to have. I was so glad I brought my camera because I was able to capture a few pictures that are very dear to me.

Here are Brian, Michelle, Ashton, and Branson


Hailey and Zach felt very special to have their picture taken with them. You can see the unicorn on the left and their pictures in the vase holder to the right.


We brought Grandma Bybee up with us for picture day, so we had to get a few with her too.




On the drive home, after all the pictures, eating, and playing I was just sure the kids had forgotten all about the visit to the cemetary. But as we drove by it getting on the freeway, Zach looked out the window and said: "Mommy, it was really neat to get to see Jaycee's stone with her name on it and leave her the unicorn and pictures. It made me feel really special." Hailey said: "Yea, I felt special too. Do you think Jaycee likes her unicorn and picture?" I told her they were right, it was very special and that I was sure that Jaycee loved her unicorn and pictures. Seems they didn't forget at all.