Somethin' to smile about...

ChRiStMaS MoRnInG...and MoRe!

Sunday December 25, 2011

Jamison-Noah-Reed 12-25-11

Princess 'P'-aka-Paige

Wolverine-aka-Noah

Spiderman-aka-Reed

Captain America-aka-Jamison

Steve & Noah 12-24-11

Dan & Madison 12-24-11

Steve & Paige 12-23-11

Visiting Santa @ the mall-though you can only get a picture of him if you pay:)

My beautiful delicious cake "I'm # 1" Thanks babe!

Paige 12-15-11

Ice Skating-Reed, Jamison & Noah 12-15-11

jingle jingle jingle...

MeRrY cHrIsTmAs!
To all of you...I hope you had a delightfully dazzling day with your dears and darlings. I sure love Christmas time and all the jubilee that comes with it. Great reasons to be with friends and family. Plenty of excuses to eat...way tooooo much. Shopping, usually fun. Anticipation of Christmas morning and waiting to see the kiddos little faces. Oh it is sooo fun. LOVE IT!
-December 23rd: We took our annual trip to visit Santa at the mall. Noah was a bit unsure how he was going to remember all the things on his list, Hmmm I tried to let him know it was okay to just think of ONE thing. Oh well, he is a cutie anyway. Though I can't deny I have hope that one day my children will get ecstatic about serving and giving, over getting. :) Noah asked for: fishing pole, 4-wheeler, Mario Brothers & a pogo stick. Reed asked for: Nintendo DS, snowboard. Jamison asked for: remote control train. Afterwards we headed to Cafe Rio for lunch and later we, along with Briant and Camille, went to Kristin and Fro's(Mat)to play games.
-December 24th-Christmas Eve: We decided to start an annual holiday tradition-Shooting! So I may or may not seem to be the type, but I love shooting guns. Steve has a 12gage over under shot gun. I don't know much, actually, I know nothing about guns. I had to actually ask Steve what kind of gun he has. That gives ya a good indication of my gun education. :) Anyway...we packed the kiddos in the car, grabbed a jug of hot cocoa, accompanied with granola bars and we were off! We met up with my brother in law Dan and niece Madison and we headed west of Utah Lake. We spent the afternoon shooting a target of "Rudolph" and then clay pigeons. Soooo fun! I hope this tradition continues!
In the evening we went to my sisters (Kristin) to let the kids decorate cookies for Santa, kid gift exchange, and then our favorite...Reading of "The birthday cake" by my mom. That is a tradition that MUST go on. Cam (nephew) decided to change it up a bit and be vocal on his feelings of having raisins in a cake. It is a calm, quiet story and out of the blue he exclaimed "Ewe gross!" It was quite hilarious and changed the mood up for a moment, as we all laughed. It was a fun and exciting day. We went home, set up the cookies and milk, the kids opened the pj's and then it was off to bed. AHHH! What fun!!!
-December 25th Christmas Day: The boys were up around 7:45 am which wasn't bad, though I could have continued in my sweet slumber. The "Train" picked up the kids and then we "traveled" to see what surprises were left under the tree. Favorite gifts: Steve-mixer Brittany-all:) Noah-airplane Reed-green bug thing/spider Jamison-remote control truck Paige-pencils that weren't hers:) prob her stroller or doll. We were sure spoiled and blessed!
We went to church at 1:00. I was asked to speak on the perspective of Mary. Wow! My mom was very helpful. She had actually written a story and I ended up using her story in my own shortened version. I was very nervous for two weeks. Steve liked to tease me and call me Mary just because he knew I was anxiety prone when it came to the thought. I made it though, and it was a wonderful and spiritual experience. Truly a blessing! My mom and dad came to our sacrament mtg. and then we came home and made dinner together. I love spending time them. They are amazing! Thank you for a wonderful Christmas and a special time to reflect on the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yep! It is true my friends...I sure like to party! Cccelebrate good times come on'-- I know you all wanna dance, boogie, oh yeah! shake it! Go for it! Yesterday, December 21st marked my 29th year of my life...Take a deep breath. Smell that? Not really sure what you're smellin' but I think I am supposed to be smellin' the last year of the...dun dun dun 2o's - Wow! Or shall I be a bit more optimist by putting it as such... "the 30's are beckoning me."
As for birthday celebrations, it went as follows:
I woke up to wonderful balloons, a cake, a cute card by my whole little family, and a delicious breakfast all made by my love. Bacon, eggs, blueberry muffins, and orange juice. YUMMMM! Then Steve took me to do a little shopping. Now for some of you and your sweet husbands, shopping may be a ordinary thing. As for my love, sweet heart, hunka hunka of burnin' love...Shopping is a naughty word, one that may bring about flu like symptoms, cold sweats, potential vomiting, overactive eye ducts, a lump in the throat, hyperventilating may occur, slouchy shoulders, and possible tantrums. Hahaha I think I am so funny. Truly it was a gift that was a sweet sacrifice. Thank you babe!
In the evening, we went to my sisters (Brooke) house for our family Christmas/birthday party.
There we enjoyed a delicious dinner, auction(white elephants), mug mania, and a fabulous talent show. The talent show included: Mad jump roping skills by Noah & Steve, Stunning Sunny on the harmonica, Papa played the keyboard upside down, The Derricks performed a rad music video redo. The Wells did an award winning reenactment of "my little buttercup" from the three amigos, and I performed a dramatic key board ensemble. It was so much fun!
I sure love my family! I look forward to next year, so everyone get practicing! TRADITION!
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL, EVEN IF I'M GETTING OLDER!

Bound to happen...

She is WaLkInG!!!
Paige is definitely in the walking stage. last week she started taking a step or two and then Sunday December 11th she decided to stretch out her little wings and take flight. Okay so not really fly, but definitely move those little twinkle toes. Watching your little baby take their first steps NEVER GETS OLD! it is always just as amazing and for me... a bitter sweet feeling. Exciting that they are doing it, yet knowing that they are growing up:(


So I couldn't get this to flip, so maybe she really is taking flight. Sorry:(
BTW: Paige has this OBSESSION with pencils and pens. OH my goodness. I can't seem to find a single pencil in my house where the eraser hasn't been chewed off. If Paige has claimed a pencil. BEWARE, if you attempt to take it from her, she turns on her kung fu grip and will fight for that thing with every muscle in her body. If you chance to succeed in taking it, prepare yourself for a moment of drama. She throws herself to the floor and buries her little face in the carpet and cries for pity. It is truly hilarious! I love it! She also has full on conversations with you and sometimes you begin to wonder if some of the words were "real" words. She also loves to point and babble "Who/what's that?"-My baby it growing up.

December 6, 2011

Paige's Birthday Party!

Her new birthday pj's-Jamison loves a good photo op.

Mom, Dad & Paige

Nothing like a "life size" pinata

Uncle (Fro)Aunt Kristin, Paige, Uncle Bud

Aunt Kristin, Aunt Camille, Paige, Uncle Bud

Papa, Sunny & Paige

Fro,Papa,Sunny,Noah,Steve,me,Paige,Bud,Camille,

Heather,Kate,Jon,Ali,Kristin,Cam,Reed,Jamison

BiRtHdAy CuPCaKe!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Our little sweet "P" turned 1 today!

Time sure flies when you're having a good time. I am not sure when it will sink in that our little lady is 1 YEARS OLD! I woke up this morning to a beautiful little baby girl who has grown before my eyes and I can't do anything about it. I have sure loved all the little mile stones that this year has brought. I have enjoyed answering to "Don't you just love having a girl." I gobble up the chance to "play dress up" (as Steve calls it) my little sweetie pie. She sure has brought lots of joy, laughter, and a whole new dimension to our little home.
HaPpY bIrThDaY pAiGe!



pAiGe:
-Says mom, dadda, ruby(dog)-She talks a lot of cute nonsense:)-Crawls everywhere, she can stand alone, attempts 1-2 steps(1st try on Dec 1st)-She conquered the stairs up & down (figured it out on her own)-She has always loved real food: bread, eggs, yogurt, applesauce, grapes, cereal, oatmeal, cheese, crackers, vienna sausages/hot dogs, noodles, green beans, sweet potatoes, chicken, beans, sugar,pears, peaches, bananas etc.-She loves to clap!-Loves the remote & my cell phone-She does this cute bob of the head motion-She loves music and singing-She loves patty cake & peek a boo -She likes to fill her mouth w milk & then spit it down her chin(lovely)-She loves finding socks & takes off with them around the house-She likes sippy's & straws-She loves chewing off the erasers on pencils & eating crayons (yuck!)-She will find the baby wipes, tear off a piece w her teeth, stick out her tongue and let me take it, over & over.

-She enjoys chewing on things with lids(lotion, chapstick, creams)-loves wrestling & chasing her brothers -She likes pulling out the drawer under the oven and sitting in it-She loves baths-She likes to chew on my camera case or wallet(gross)-She tries to climb up everything-Darts for the bathroom if the door is left open(knows she's not supposed to go in there)-She has a mouth full of teeth-She loves babies(though she is still one)-Sleeps through the night (mostly)-She is a happy baby, though some wonder if she smiles. She is a selective smiler!

She is a pure joy and makes everyday brighter! Thank you Heavenly Father for sending her to our family.

On Tuesday December 6th we had my family over for a "P" party-We had homemade Pizza, Pink decor, Punch, Pink cupcakes & ice cream for our little Paige. It is always fun to have family come over. Paige daintily poked at her cupcake before she crushed it to smithereens and ate it!

Thanks family for coming over and celebrating with our little Paige!

We've been up to...

With holidays, family and excitement galor; here are a few things we have been doing:

December 5th: The Larson & Helm family enjoyed our annual tradition of visiting the beautiful Lights on Salem pond. Always so beautiful and fun. You can never go wrong with great family, yummy scones, and toasty hot cocoa!
(pictures to come)

Fun with the cousins: building towers and knocking them over with a remote control car is a must. Very entertaining!
Noah, Jamison, Cam, Ali, Reed

November 30, 2011-My Big brother Scott celebrated his 37th birthday!
Jamison assisted in the candles!
Love you brother!


November- Noah played basketball and loved it!
Steve was his awesome coach again. We enjoyed having great support from family.
Thank you Grandma Tootsie & Grandpa "B" for coming all the way from Idaho.
Aldrich crew (cousins) thank you for coming from Las Vegas!
Briant and Camille-Thank you for always cheering for our team.
LOVE YOU GUYS!

Kirtland Pageant Noah-December 2011

Note to self..."When your child wants to do something and has mentioned it multiple times, LISTEN!" Clearly I am still learning a lot about my children. Earlier this year the stake asked the wards in our area to participate in an upcoming production. I heard the announcements in church and really didn't think much of it other than an, "Oh maybe we should go see that." The production is called "The Kirtland Pageant." It is a reenactment of Joseph Smith and the settling of the saints in Kirtland, Ohio. A few times Noah mentioned how he might want to be a part of that. I didn't make any proactive approaches to getting him involved, thinking it would fade away with time and craziness. Eventually I caught on to his vision and got him to some practices where he sang with a group of other primary kids. Dressed as an adorable pioneer boy, he held a light and together they sang a song called "Star shine" (be a shining star, shine so brightly, not so very far, shining brightly). After many practices, he performed a dress rehearsal Nov 30th and then did 3 performances December 1st, 2nd & 3rd (2011). It was so fun to see him and to see his excitement when he got to wave to the audience at the last performance. After his final performance, he said multiple times, "I sure wish I could keep doing that." Good job Noah! You are definitely a 'bright star' in our lives!

-Many of the ladies who were helping with the kids, told me many times of what a good boy Noah was. He was a great listener and they never had to worry about him. What an awesome boy!

-It was a great production! Amazing what a group of talented, dedicated, and selfless people can do. Brother Marty Rimeschissel was the director of the production. Sadly a couple weeks before the performances, he became really sick and actually hospitalized, missing his production. He has spent soooo many hours, days, months and years preparing for this. WOW!

On Monday December 5th we found out that Brother Rimeschissel actually passed away. It was a privilege to see what he did and to have Noah experience a part of his vision.

Thank you Brother Rimeschissel! You have influenced many lives and touched many hearts!

Thank you...ThAnKsGiViNg!

November 24th- I am thankful for THANKSGIVING!
Yep, it is a sweet and tasty holiday for sure. I am thankful that we can take a moment to reflect on the things we appreciate. I say a moment because the rest of the day you spend cooking food and eating until your stomach aches. Oh but I am sure thankful for the yummy: turkey with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes & gravy, stuffing, SWEET POTATOES, olives, rolls, jello, salad, green beans, deviled eggs, ham (yes, even ham) and could we possibly forget the PIE? Oh it was all very delicious. Who do I have to thank for it all? FAMILY!!! Pamela(Steve's mom) spent all morning preparing the feast and of course a day or two before. Everything was beautiful and mouth watering! Thank you for such a wonderful day filled with food, family, fatigue, and favorites!
Thank you for my sister Brooke! November 24th is her Birthday and I am sooooo blessed to have her in my life. She is such a good example! She is a fabulous mother, a terrific wife to Dan, a beautiful spirit, and an amazing sister. Thank you Brooke for being a big part of my life and for always making me feel truly loved!

Isn't she cute!

Thank you...

November 23rd- I am thankful for...
Library
books (esp childrens)
games
transportation (our van Ramseys)
food
house
phones
electricity
batteries (we have a love/hate relationship, I am thankful for them but I sure hate buying them)
BYU channel
good hygiene
great examples
support
feeling loved
again my children & Steve
educated people
Clorox & baby wipes

SOOOOOO MUCH MORE!

Thank you...

November 22nd & 23rd- I am thankful for Hugs and kisses-

There is nothing like getting a hug or kiss from my kiddos (or hubby of course) the sweetness of their affection just melts me. I love when I come home and they are so excited to see me (rare if I go anywhere w/out them) Their little faces are irresistible, squeezable, you just want to eat them up adorable. Thank you for all the hugs and kisses. I am EXTREMELY thankful for them.

I NEED THEM DAILY-who doesn't?

XOXOXO

PrE ThAnKsGiViNg PaRtY!

Paige mauling Chapin-They are 6 months apart, can we say someone has been eating their spinach

I didn't get the memo that the colors for the
night were purple, black & turquoise
(Brooke, Kristin, Gabi, Marlen)

Me & Scott

Paige

Paige found him again!