What we did this Christmas Season

This year we tried a new thing and I must say it was a hit (well until I got sick.)  Instead of doing a candy Advent we decided to do activities instead.

Via

 I got the idea from pinterest. Here is the list of activities I had

1. Decorate for Christmas
2. True story of St. Nic
3. Biltmore Village - Dickens Christmas
4. Lds Christmas Devotional
5. Build a Fort and read Christmas books (FHE)
6. Make Christmas Ornaments
7. Write/Draw Santa a letter
8. Go Christmas Shopping (we had addie pick out gifts for each family member)
9.  Make a Christmas treat
10. Church Christmas Party
11. Hot Chocolate and Christmas Movie
12. Go see Christmas lights (FHE)
13. Make gift for nursery teachers
14. Color pictures and mini lesson
15. Hang mistletoe
16. Do a service for someone else
17. Make Fudge
18. Take Christmas Photos
19. Mormon Message/Christ birth video (FHE)
20. Make snowflakes and hang them in the window
21. Watch a Christmas movie
22. Gingerbread house
23. Make Christmas cookies and wear new pjs
24. Read "The Night Before Christmas" and sing Christmas Carols

As I mentioned before, I got sick (as did the kids) so we skipped and moved some things. But we had a great time. The only thing I would change for next year is maybe reading a scripture with each night or something. I have come across a couple of ideas but I haven't decided yet. I figure I have almost a year to figure it out.

Stay tuned for our Christmas post...

Three years ago, Yesterday

People tend to break time down in many different ways. By accomplishments, by "mile markers", by what is going on their lives. Some break it down into literal time; 3 years can be broken into - 36 months, 1068 days, or into 1,576,800 minutes.

My last 3 years has been counted by many different things: Laughter and smiles, hugs, tickle fights, dancing, the occasional tears and acts of defiance, middle of the night comfort, boogie wipes, worry, story telling, singing, planning, but most importantly JOY.

 

An extremely special spirit that is kind and considerate. Who will yell in the middle of the night to ask if you are okay when you cough. One who is eager to help with anything when you are in need. A truly tenderhearted little girl.

A curious little girl, an adventurer. Who has been sailing on boats, traipsing through wild jungles, and dodging volcanoes. One who loves to play with anything remotely looks like a ball. Who is never happier than when she is with her family.

Adalaigh Ehren, came into our lives 3 years ago today and I have been grateful for every minute of it. I love you Addie.

-Love, Mommy!

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I wrote that yesterday but didn't have the time to sit down and post it. Yesterday, was an awesome day! I wish I had had my camera on me the entire day. 

First, we filled her bedroom with balloons. These pictures are less than half of the balloons we had in there originally. I meant to grab a picture when she first woke up but she slick. Not only did she wake up before me, but she also had balloons coming down the stairs. 

 She got Chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast and then we went outside to play and take pictures. Yay!

 After nap she went out with daddy, to pick out her own cake (because I ruined the one I was making.) That night we had Cake, Icecream, a little game, and then it was bed time!

Happy bday, Addie!

Thanksgiving, Happenings, and Pictures

 So we have been just a little busy (that is an understatement.) Let's see...

Right after Halloween Addie had her (we believe) last surgery. It was way easier than the first one since it was just one eye instead of two. She was such a trooper and I was so proud of how well she did.

Oh, I just slipped this photo in because my little boy is so cute.

This is what has been consuming all my free time. Well this is what is looked like after one go at sanding. It has had a couple more as well as some paint but I will tell you all about that when I am done. (It would have already been done but it was to cold for a week and then I got sick)

We went to my parents for Thanksgiving. It is becoming a slight tradition and it is so good to be able to go and visit with them for a week.With our family growing and theirs shrinking it is really funny to go and double the amount in their household.

Look at all those smiling face! They love me ;) Left going back and coming forward: Mama, Papa, Jeremy, Barrett, Addie, Marcus, Boe, and Carly.

This time mom was 100% well and I didn't have to wing Thanksgiving by myself ( I was really grateful for this!) It was fun being able to make Thanksgiving with my mom again. When you leave from college (and you are mormon and live on the east coast), you never really know when or if that opportunity will happen again. I am thankful that it did.

Guess who's birthday was on Thanksgiving this year! That is right my one and only. The best husband and absolutely wonderful man, Jeremy! He was born on Thanksgiving day.

After some wonderful time with my family we headed home. We had a pretty easy journey.

When we go back, it snowed! Okay, so it was really just a light dusting. Okay, so it didn't even stick. But Addie was so excited by the fact it was snowing she didn't even let me take her out of her pjs.

She played out there till her nose turned red and then I brought her in for some Hot Chocolate.

In other news...

 It has been a little bit of madness at my house recently. Thus, why I have not posted anything and even this will be short and sweet.

 So here are the few pics I took during Halloween. These were our pumpkins this year. I thought they turned out cool.

Addie was a princess and she LOVED IT! You can probably tell from the video how elated she was about this. 

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I forgot to take pictures of Barrett, apparently because I am a awful mother : / Actually, I was planning on taking my picture Halloween night (Trunk or Treat day was crazy) but he ended up getting shots and was MISERABLE on Halloween so I stayed home to take care of him while Jer took Addie out (Jer tells me she charmed everyone.) Oh, and in case you were wondering, Barrett went as a football and Jer was a football player.

So to hold you over (like you were waiting around just to see pictures of my little guy) Here he is completely passed out and adorable.

Ochard Fun

Hey everyone! Just a quick update. We had Barrett's blessing this past Sunday. It was wonderful. I love new babies - mine in particular ;)

My parents came up for the weekend and we went to a local orchard to pick apples. It was way fun. 

Here are some pictures from our little adventure.

We are inside the store portion of the orchard here. They sell some kick butt apple cider there, apple donuts, boiled peanuts, and bbq, - oh ya - and some pre-picked apples.

 

We took some family photos really quick. 

There was also rides on a hay wagon pulled by some beautiful Belgians. We got there a little late so we missed it unfortunately, but we got to pet the horses before we left.

The next day was the blessing and we had a little luncheon, which I didn't take any pictures of, but here are a couple outside the church. (My heels were sinking in the ground so excuse the weird stance :)

We wore poor mom out. 

A ton of pics w/ few words

I have a couple minutes so I thought I would do a mini update along the lines of the title of this post.

Let's see well my family came to visit like 3 weeks before my due date so here are a couple photos from that.

















(Left to right: Carly, Boe, Marc, my Mama, Jer, and Addie)


















Did I mention that even though Barrett was 8lbs 12 oz I was still pretty small? The doctor as well as the nurses were really shocked he was as big as he was.



















Yes they are under a waterfall that we are standing in front of up top :D

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Several days before I had Barrett I decided I needed to cut Addie's hair.

The Before Shots:

This was the first time I have taken off more than an inch. It was getting so unruly and I am really happy with how it turned out. I was thinking maybe taking off a couple more inches a little later. But for now, here are the After shots!

Now just some cute pictures of my adorable children!






















Barrett makes the best faces. I happened to capture them every once in a while on camera.


















Addie playing at the park

























































Sporting the Mohawk - - courtesy of Daddy

Introducing...

Barrett Martin! Isn't he cute?!? Okay well he looks a little like he was JUST born but scroll down there are a couple more pictures.

As you some of you know, I don't like using super common names or repeat names in our families. This was hard considering the majority of the 40 some odd cousins on Jeremy's side are boys. As well as the majority are boys on my side too.

So first let me say it took us over 24 hrs to choose this name and it probably would have taken longer but I was tired and wanted it over with. Barret was a name I found but it was actually on my "reserve" list but it went straight to the top of Jeremy's list. When it came down to it he just looked like a Barret to us.

Martin is after my Father, who is amazing :) When I called and talked to my mom she actually told me her grandfather was also named Martin.


















So let's see...facts. He was born September 1st they said he was obviously overdue (like I hadn't figured that out lol.) I actually started contractions that morning at about 3am but I just waited since we were going in at 6. By the time they hooked me up to all the monitors and stuff I was 3 mins apart in my contractions and at a 4. They broke my water then let things run there course.

Barret was born at 12:51 pm (Jer just told me...I was little preoccupied to notice the time.) He weighed 8lbs 12oz and measured 20 and 1/4 inches.



















Though not as quick as Addie, it still only took 2o min of pushing before I got to see him. When he first came out I thought he had really light curly hair but after he was clean up it was a med-dark brown and just a little wavy.








I did have some complications but it all worked out in the end and both I and the baby are healthy and happy. We actually got to come home the next day/today (I will miss the chef but super happy about being home)




















Addie seems to like him (so far.) But when he starts crying she like to keep her distance. I thought I had gotten some cute shots of them both but they didn't turn out so you will have to wait for those. I am pretty tired but I thought I would give you all an update on everything. Love you all!

















-Jeremy, Maria, Addie, and Bear (as daddy calls him)