A true Christmas Miracle

It was a Christmas miracle!!!...Owen lost his very 1st tooth tonight and you know what that means...double the $$...(The Tooth Fairy always doubles on a holiday)

Now I guess all he wants for Christmas is his ONE BOTTOM TOOTH :D

(...and a new camera for mom)


Merry Christmas!!

Cross Your Fingers!

Yesterday Baker had a basketball game ,
this is how we left...
The other guy left on a stretcher...and no, I'm not joking...(dislocated shoulder)
After a trip to the urgent care that, like always, was a waist of time, we went to our local ER,
"THE GREERS"

where Sis. Greer was kind enough to take off the make shift splint and replace it with something a bit more official!!

Wrapping him up with care and love!!

ahhhh, so much better...
Today we went the orthopedic surgeon and found two broken fingers...no cast if he promises to be good.

And off to Chick-fil-A as a treat for not crying!!

Ahhhh

At last... a moment to breath...

Attend Baker's school basketball games...✓

Have the ward Christmas Party...✓

Celebrate my birthday with a trip to see the Temple lights and of course check out a Tagalog Book of Mormon...✓

Feed the entire family of 6 for under $14 (gotta love Costco!!)...✓

Announcing the Newest Member...

We have been on pins and needles waiting for this day to come!! I just received news that Baker, is the newest WILDCAT basketball player for the 2011-2012 school year!!

First stop, Wildcats...next stop, SUNS!!

Congratulations Bakerman! We love you!!

"Trick" or "Treat"?...

The Eliason's have a family tradition that has been going on for over 35 years... the making Spud-nut's on Halloween. Even though I think they are totally disgusting, the event in it's self is looked forward to each year. This year I decided to dress up...now I must say, this is only funny if you know our family, but I went as my sister in law. She is an avid marathon runner to say the VERY least. I am sad to say, I did not do her justice.

This is me, being her, but looking pathetic. Baker went as "Uncle Mike"...

Now this is the real deal...abs and all...
guess I need a bit more time at boot camp!!

The boys loved seeing their cousins, and of course, making the rounds!!

It's Official

It’s official!! Last night Baker had his Eagle Board of Review. There were 4 other boys there also receiving their Eagle. HOWEVER, Baker was by far the youngest by a good 3 years.

As parents we are so please with his efforts in receiving this award. I was asked to pick only ONE of the traits in the scout law that best represents my son. As Baker repeated to me the scout law, tears filled my eyes and my heart was over come with love.

Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly,
courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty,
brave, clean, and reverent.

How could I possibly pick just one? I took a moment as I tried to think which one could possibly represent all of Baker. I replied, “Trustworthy”...my voice cracked, as we all know one of my strengths IS NOT COMPOSURE. “Congratulations, you are now an Eagle Scout!”, replied one of the board members. (When Baker was asked that same question with out us in the room...he also replied trustworthy...later he told us he wanted to say “clean” :D )

Baker is one of the most incredible young men I have ever known. He is always trustworthy, extremely loyal, helpful beyond imagine, friendly to everyone he meets, courteous, kind, way too obedient :D, always cheerful, thrifty, brave, very-very- clean, and reverent!!

As parents, we are grateful that Baker is the young man he is. He is always striving to be the best example for this brothers and others.

Congratulations Baker...we love you!!!

When I Grow Up...

When I grow up, I hope to be just like my 9 year old. He continues to teach me more and more each day. I am amazed at he is terrified to go on a roller coaster, but will walk up to any person and ask them if they know about our church. He is a true example to me of what I should be doing and don't.

Today he came home from school super excited. Not because he received a good grade on a test, or because he won a special award, not even because they served fettuccine alfredo in the cafeteria...but because he told someone what "LDS" stood for. Each day at lunch recess he has his "missionary moment" and he LOVES to share that with me when I pick him up.

Maybe one day, when I get brave like my 9 year old, I will be able to tell HIM about my own personal "missionary moment"...for now, I will just marvel at the incredible ability he has to share the gospel with those around him and wonder how I ever got to be so lucky!!

Would You Rather...

Ian: "Would you rather eat blister juice or scab salad"?

Me: WHAT?

Ian: "Would you rather eat blister juice or scab salad"?

"It's a game we play in school."



Oh my sweet Ian what have they done to you? Maybe I should re-think homeschooling!!!

Driving "Miss Nano"

I have the blessing of being designated "Nano Driver"...I prefer to call it,
"Driving Miss Nano"...

I know that she see's not being able to drive as a burden, however, I see it as a true blessing...and not for the simple fact the roads are safer :D...

I know that the Lord has a great and wonderful plan for each of us...time is of the essence...as I was reminded this week as we lost two family members.

How blessed my life has been... with family constantly around me and my family. We are able to have those special bonds that not everyone is fortunate to have, and Nano is a great part of that.

Always up for anything...she is an amazing woman and I love her!! I would give anything to be with her and soak up her love, knowledge, humor, and compassion.

The Best Day of my LIFE...or so I thougt

Alarms were set,clothes were laid out...lunch's were made and back packs were ready to go...the first day of school...boys are tired and wanting to sleep... I, on the other hand, can't get them out the door fast enough!! "YEA!!! The first day of school!!!"...I've been waiting ALL summer for this!!!!

4th Grade

6th Grade

8th Grade

AND THEN DISASTER HIT...

This was my sweet O...minutes before school started...1st grade...a BIG deal...for him and ME...
We got up to get into the line and I spotted a friend who was lost and in desperate need of help. He couldn't remember what his teacher's name was or what room. I quickly put O in his line and told him I would be in his class in just a few minutes. I needed to help our friend find his way. O was totally fine with me going and so off we went. I took this young friend and we headed to the class he told me he thought it was....NOPE, so we went next door...NOPE...on our third attempt we struck gold and we got all settled in. Back pack emptied and supplies handed to the teacher. Pencil box out and in the desk...and a picture to boot to send to mom and dad. Everything was good so off I went to see my boys. I went to Owens class first, he was not there...his desk was the only empty one...my heart sank. I asked the teacher, "Where is Owen?"..."I don't know, he was just here." Panic hit and tears flowed. My son was lost and I wasn't there... Now, I know he wasn't LOST...more misplaced, but the panic and heartache was still the same...I had been with him just seconds before. I put him in the correct line and introduced him to the teacher before I left so he wouldn't get lost. He was no where to be found. I ran back out side...there with red eyes and a look I will now never forget was my 1st grader. Waiting, looking, searching for someone, anyone to help him...Why? Why didn't anyone come to his aide? I saw a lost child, waiting, looking, searching for help...as a mother, as a friend, my heart went out to him and helped all I could to make this day a special non-scary day...Why had no one done the same for my son?

I saw him...looking around, trying to remember what I had told him if he ever couldn't find his way...he remembered. We reconnected, hugged, wiped away tears and got settled. "I waited for you Mom", "I know you did...you did a great job and I told you I would come back. "...is he scared? Hope not...I on the other hand will never forget today...What is usually the Best Day of my Life, turned out to be a lesson in love.

I couldn't help be think of the Savior. How may of His sheep are lost? How often do I stop and help another on my way? How sad some of those sheep must be as they are waiting, looking and searching for the light. How must Heavenly Father feel as He has sent his children off...giving them the directions and guidance they need to be safe and then seeing that they, some how, have gotten off the path. The heart ache, the pain He must feel to know He can't be there all the time, but praying that they will remember Him and seek His council.

Today, though sad that I was not there for my own son right away...I know that he knew that I would return. I know he knew that if he followed the council I gave him, we would reconnect. We did...I can't help but think that my Father in Heaven feels the same way about me, about ALL His sheep. At times I too get separated, lost, looking, waiting, searching for guidance. It isn't until I seek His help that I find myself in His care.

Today IS the Best Day...a day that I will remember. Maybe not so much for the reasons I used to, or thought I would, but for the one lost sheep I was able to help....and for the FOUR sheep of my own who I guess I really couldn't ever live without!!!!

TWO...and counting

THIS is how i think of Creighton...
Blue eyed and bright smile...

He has always had a sweet disposition and a quiet way about him. You will melt the instant you look into those deep blue eyes!! He is never one to miss out on an opportunity to have fun, nor is he one to cause a huge seen. He is very happy in the background.

He turned 12 last week and yesterday, received the priesthood from his father. I know that there was excitement to be out of primary...but I also know, there was an excitement to be a new deacon and receive the priesthood. He has worked hard and completed is Faith in God...he is right on track in scouting and I have no doubt that soon, we will have another Eagle scout in our home.

Today, he started the 6th grade. He has grown up so fast. I am sad that I am not needed to be there for him on this big day, but am so pleased with the choices he has made on his own. He is a remarkable young man, a great big brother, and a treasured son.

I love you Crate!!

Happy Happy Birthday

for a kid that complains he never has a good birthday...(because it's in August) he sure had a dozy of one this year!!!

it started off with breakfast...

moved into a birthday party with 3 of his best friends...

stocked up on necessary artillery...and VIP tickets!...

and ended with a package from his VERY best friend and cousin!!

What a great day and a 12th birthday to never be forgotten!!!