Happy New Year!

Thanks to the snow and Greg not wanting me to drive in it, I had to go out on New Year's Eve to get some much needed groceries. It was a madhouse, but Nate came with me and was a great help. While our we found some poppers and sparkling cider so I decided we should have a little party. About 9 o'clock we started our countdown. The kids couldn't care less and I didn't want to deal with them the next day all tired (like I was) from staying up way too late. Greg and I just played games and at 11:45 turned on the TV to watch some of the happenings in NYC and SLC. I fell asleep shortly after.
This last year has been an adventurous one. We have traveled all over the place and I had a lot of freedom and time to myself as my kids got bigger and more independent. Things will change this year as we welcome a new baby into our home. I am sure we won't travel much but hopefully some will visit us this year. Nathan will be getting baptized in March and then we will bless the baby sometime in the summer - two great reasons to travel to beautiful Utah. Another exciting thing this year is I get to turn the big 3-0! I think I am pretty okay with that and only hope that I can still keep going at the pace I have been. I wish everyone else a Happy New Year!

Near Collision

For some reason we decided to go to the Planetarium today, during a snow storm. Greg of course was driving and about 10 minutes from home we remembered to say a prayer to help us get there safely. About 5 minutes later we were saying a prayer of thanks. We were in the car pool lane with a mini van a bit in front of us. All of a sudden a car from a couple lanes over is perpendicular in front of that mini van and they hit it, hard. It was all surreal and seemed to be in slow motion, as Greg breaked hard and looked for a way out. He started to go right and then the left open and he was able to squeeze through without even a scratch. I started crying, it really was one of the scariest and amazing things I have been in. We owe thanks to the Lord for keeping us safe, and thanks to Greg's amazing Mario kart skills that have taught him how to maneuver through tight spots.


We made it to the Planetarium and had a little fun before we headed back in the trafficy snow. The kids loved the pendulum the most, and looking through some telescopes. We saw an IMAX movie and then played on both Mars and the moon. We made it safely home and vowed to not the leave the house the next day. I pray that everyone has a safe drive if they must be on the roads.

Healthy and Strong

Greg and I went to the big ultrasound this last week and got to see our little girl dance and wiggle all over the place. The doctor doing the ultrasound was more detailed than I can remember with the other three and we learned about why they look and measure all that they do. It was a great relief to find out that she had a three corded umbilical cord and new fluid where it shouldn't be. We even got a DVD of the session and while the kids didn't think it was that cool to watch for our FHE activity, I think they liked it a little.
And here is a "fat picture" that some of you have been asking about.

Christmas Day

Christmas morning began a little after 8 with Nathan coming to our room. Ryan followed shortly after and then we waited about 20 minutes for Annabelle-it was a long 20 minutes. I remember my childhood of waking up REALLY early so I have no complaints. The kids were excited to open and open. I love that they can be as excited with a stuffed dog as they can be with something big like a K'NEX roller coaster. We had my family's traditional breakfast casserole when we were done opening-a little of home away from home.

We had a quiet and playful morning with just our family. Greg and I spent a couple hours putting together Nate's roller coaster. He helped, but it was quite the contraption, and besides, we had some fun new Wii games to try out. Katie and Devin came over around 3:30 and then we left around 4:30 for Greg's big family party. We always have fun with Greg's extended family-pool, arcade games, air hockey, bean bag jumping, and of course the fire pole. Personally I love the food, but it is nice to have a place to go and relax and not worry about the kids.

Christmas Eve

We decided to all go out and brave the snow for a little. Ryan wanted to play Basketball, but our patio was covered with hard ice that no amount of scraping would lessen. We got out our sleds and did a little playing, but when Annabelle started to get cold we were all ready to go inside for some hot chocolate.

Grandma Pam, Uncle Devin and Aunt Katie all came over for a turkey dinner. It was nice to have it be a small group, but still have a nice dinner. All day Ryan had been begging to open his one present (they haven't caught on that they are always jammies). Nathan was quite disappointed that the gift was "clothes" but they all looked great once they put them on. Devin brought his famed game, "Fireball Island" and we had a rousing game before it was time for bed. I have to admit that I was impressed with the kids desire to go to sleep. Well at least to their beds, Nathan had a really hard time falling asleep and didn't conk until maybe 9:30 or 10.

Christmas Parties

We went to a few family parties this year, and then there was the ward party. Since they pretty much all fell on the same weekend, it was quite the whirlwind.

On Friday we had Grandma Bev's party complete with half-court basketball shot attempts (Greg made one finally), lots of food and cousins and a white elephant exchange where we passed right and left over and over.

Saturday morning was our church breakfast. We have taught our Nathan that as soon as the prayer is over to run to the line and save our family a spot. We had our food a good 40 minutes before some others. I felt a little bad, but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. Eating early meant finishing before the program started. Thank goodness for the word search on our table, and Daddy's IPhone games. The boys were great helpers when it came time to pick up. They asked everyone to take a few of the presents home to throw away. My boys took as many as they could.

Saturday afternoon was Grandma Pam's party. The boys sledded with Uncle Jeff and his "friend" Bri until some sort of snow in the face fight happened. We played dodge ball, jump rope and any thing else we could find at the school. Lots of cousins and lots of good food (again). This time we all got real presents and everyone left happy. One of my favorite things about Greg's family is their musical talents. Greg's sisters play the piano amazingly and they all sing like my family never could (no offense guys but you know it is true).

A couple days later we had my cousins family party. Dinner was a little later than usual (thank goodness for my bean dip) but the ribs were worth the wait. We acted out the Nativity, decorated cookies and the kids all exchanged little gifts. While I don't have any of my immediate family around here, I am happy that I have such great cousins that let me be a part of their celebrations.

Cub Scouts

I am sure many will think it crazy when I say that I love my calling as a cub scout leader. Yes, the boys can be CRAZY and LOUD, but I love young boys. I moved away from home right before my little brother turned 8 and so I missed pretty much the rest of his life. He is 19 right now and a little lost in his own world of teenage/adultness. I have always tried to reconnect with him over the years but as a mother of 3 and a half, we don't have very much in common. When I go home I always try to do something with him, even if it is just a small conversation. I try to make as many treats and goodies for him, last time I learned that fresh bread was a winner. I will never give up on our relationship (The relationships between the rest of my siblings all eventually clicked so I am hopeful).
Who knows how long I will be able to be a cub scout leader (I wouldn't mind doing it with both of my boys). Even after today with eight boys each holding a hammer and me getting a fat lip thanks to one of them, I wouldn't change a thing-though I can't wait until February when my Nathan joins the group.

Annie's Ballet and No More Secrets

This is the video from Annabelle's performance tonight. She is quite the natural and steals every ones heart (especially her dad's). She loves ballet and doesn't seem to have a bit of stage fright. There were 2 nights worth of rehearsals and lots of waiting but Annabelle didn't seem to mind. She loved being with her friends, her teacher, and just being able to dance.

After the performance we decided to go out to dinner. Greg decided to introduce the kids to Tepanyaki just for fun. This was my frugal husband talking so I wasn't about to argue. The kids LOVED it!! They did so well with the chopsticks, especially Annabelle, and seemed to like most of the food. When our chef was cooking the kids were all mesmerized (quiet), it was great! The fire scared Annabelle a little, but definitely not the boys. When it came time to catch the shrimps everyone but Annabelle tried. Nathan had three chances and the last time it hit is glasses and we all got a great laugh. Greg and I both did great and then Ryan's shrimp didn't even come close to his mouth. While it was pretty expensive, it was a lot of fun and I think the kids will remember it for a while.

When we got home we decided that enough was enough and it was time to tell the kids about out little one on the way. All three of them, at different times, had commented on my stomach. Nathan was the worst calling me a fat elephant and singing about my fatness. It was hard not to laugh, or cry, as I was trying so hard to have a fun surprise for them at Christmas. We decided that enough people were finding out and we didn't want our three kids to be last. The kids were all a little shocked and didn't believe us at first, but we convinced them with some pictures and a reminder about my growing tummy.
Nathan: "I knew it!! I knew it when I called you fat!" Ryan: "I am so excited!!" Annabelle: She was focused on eating her ice cream but said she is excited to tell her friends that her mommy has a baby in her tummy.
Greg asked them what baby they thought would be best for our family. Ryan and Annabelle said a girl and so I replied, "Well, Heavenly Father agrees and we are going to have a baby girl." That was met with more excitement and while it wasn't a Christmas morning surprise, it was fun to finally tell them. I think they'll have enough excitement on Christmas morning as is, as they will be focused on the presents under the tree. Overall, it made for a great family day!

Anything To Be With Dad

Yesterday we got hit with a lot of snow. Greg went out to do the shoveling and Ryan really wanted to join him. Later he told me that he wants his own shovel and he thinks that shoveling with dad should be his job for the winter. Nathan also wants a shovel. I don't think Greg will complain about sharing the work (especially since he told me that since a "California girl" bought his shovel he needs a better one anyway). Annabelle really wanted to join them out there as well, but I hate the process of getting ready to go outside. We did go out later in the day when it was maybe a little warmer. I don't really hold it against Greg that all three of my kids love him more than me, but rest assured I will be doing my best that number 4 is a mommy's boy/girl.

Annabelle's Debut

Tonight Annabelle had her first of 2 performances for ballet this winter. I was really worried for a few reasons:
1. I had to put ringlets in her hair and she has the straightest hair possible.
2. She is pretty shy and I could not imagine her up on a stage.
3. She never wants to practice her dance, just when she is with her teacher, who wouldn't be able to be on stage with her, so I wasn't sure if she even knew it very well.

Well I had no need to fear. My little girl did great on all accounts. She was so patient as I get her head wet and soaked in gel and then dried with a blow dryer (I don't EVER do anything like this with her hair). Next I had to experiment a little and finally learned that with her hair I had to hair spray first and then curl. It took about an hour from start to finish but she did great.

We headed up to the Expo Center for the Festival of Trees. We got there early enough to have a little look around. I couldn't believe some of the trees, no all of them. All the money given to buy them is for charity, but WOW! As you can see Annabelle loved showing us her costume.



As Annabelle walked up onto the stage her hair got caught in her teacher's necklace and it made her trip. I held my breath, expecting her to start crying (something that happens on a normal basis if she falls or the like), but she just got up and got ready to go. She did so wonderful! It was so fun to watch her do some of the moves when none of the other girls were moving. She obviously pays attention in class. She told us it was a little scary but she didn't seem to even notice all the people. I just love looking at her all dolled up, and we get to do it all over again next weekend. Way to go Annie!!

Mums the Word

Okay, I know that it is starting to be something that I can no longer hide. I am pregnant. BUT we are telling our kids as part of a Christmas surprise so PLEASE do NOT talk to them about it, or ask them about it. I am 17 weeks and get to find out the gender before Christmas (again, all part of the SURPRISE!!). I am one of those lucky few who have great pregnancies. I was exhausted during the first trimester and took naps almost daily, but besides my lack of waking up at 6 to work out to which I wish I could still do but not really, I feel great. Again, SILENCE PLEASE!!

Pictionary

To any of my old college buddies, do you remember playing Pictionary? I have such wonderful memories of crazy pictionary battles at the Presidio. I decided to bring this game out during our quarantine last week and the kids really took to it. We just took turns drawing on a white board and guessing, but the kids thought it was a blast. Nathan did the best drawing on Sunday. He had been begging to play it again all day and we finally said okay. He said he had found a great card and wanted to see if we could guess it. I wish I had the picture but Annabelle erased it, so you will have to use your imagination. First he drew tires and what looked like a truck. We kept guessing things like car, truck, bus. Then in the bed of the truck he started to draw a bunch of circles with 1 dot in each of them. We tried to figure out what those were, tires, donuts, balloons? Finally we gave up and Nathan found the card for us to look at. It said "Tummy tuck" and he had interpreted "tummy truck." Greg and I laughed pretty hard over that one. So the circles were tummies and the dots were of course the belly buttons. This game will probably be a regular at our house now, but we will have to encourage them to draw only after they are sure they read the word right.

Thanksgiving Break

Greg came home sick on Monday and was home all week with the flu (which Ryan had the whole week before that). On Wednesday I took the kids to Toys R Us to get some Christmas ideas and Annabelle all of a sudden spiked a fever and looked exhausted. She fell asleep in the car and was sick the rest of the week. Luckily she mainly just had a yucky cold and not all the flu symptoms like the boys.
Thanksgiving Day I took the boys over to my cousins for dinner/lunch. It was delicious, but it just wasn't the same without my Greg and Annie. When we got home I decided to carry out a tradition Greg's brothers like to do and so I beat the old Nintendo game Super Mario Brothers 3. We have it on our Wii and since it is one of the few games my family ever owned, I am quite good at it. Nathan and Ryan cheered me on as I beat all the levels and finally Bowser at the end. I have to admit I, too, was very excited when Bowser fell through the bricks.

The day after Thanksgiving the boys were SO anxious to start decorating. Greg was still out of commission and I didn't want to get the boxes out of the crawl space so I told the boys that if they got the boxes out I would help them decorate. They were awesome helpers!! It is going to be nice to have these two big boys helping me my whole life. Although I don't know if I will ever understand why they like to wrestle each other. We decorated the house (I don't have that much stuff, but they remembered everything from years before and got so excited with each piece), but told the boys we had to wait for Greg and Annabelle to wake up before we decorated the tree.

I don't love our tree, it is fake and too small, but it is perfect for the kids and they did a great job decorating it this year. I only moved a couple of ornaments and left the rest to be haphazardly placed. We had hot chocolate and just spent the rest of the day watching Christmas shows. It wasn't the most exciting Thanksgiving holiday, but we spent A LOT of time as a family and it is them that I am most thankful for, so what could be better (besides a healthy family).