Christmas Spirit

I have been having a really hard time with finding the Christmas Spirit this year. Life has been a little crazy, and I have been trying to find that feeling that has been lacking this time of year. I have listened to countless Christmas songs, read Christmas stories, watched my kids enjoy this time of year, but nothing has helped. Luckily Heavenly Father knew what was happening and helped me to find it.

On Tuesday night, I asked Katie Baxter to watch the girls so I could run and finish with the Christmas shopping. I had one gift that I was having a hard time finding. I looked online and found that the Target had one there, finally. So off I went with Alex in tow, sleeping (YEAH). I got the gift I needed but, I was having a hard time figuring out what to get Kelly this year, either a Cabbage Patch doll or her first Barbie (which is hard for those that know me). As I kept going back and forth to the different isles, I stopped in front of the Cabbage Patch section and just sat there thinking it out. When all of the sudden someone started to talk to me like I was her best friend. Very random I thought, but oh well, I am always up for adult talk!! She proceeds to tell me that she really wants to get a doll for her 3 month old baby girl. She has been waiting for the little girl for ages because she has 4 boys at home. I smile, point to Alex and say, "Well, he's my first boy with 3 girls at home." I am thinking how interesting this is. She continues, "I am just not sure if I should do this right now, we don't have that much money, but I don't care, I really feel that I need to get her a baby. You see, my mother just died and we had plans for her to get her one. I just don't know what to do." I am stunned, I am blinking back tears. "Well, I know through my experience, you can never go wrong with a new doll, they love them at any age, even three months old. My now two year old had her first baby when she was just 3 months old as well." I reply. She proceeds to say, "I just don't know what I should get her though. This little cute doll here is so sweet with a pink dress, but I don't know how much it is." "It is on sale right now", I reply because I just looked, "It is a really good price too. What color is your baby's hair?" "Funny you should ask, she is a redhead." Again, I am stunned to almost tears!! "Follow me," I reply. I take her down a different isle I was just looking and and hand her the perfect doll. "You see," I said, "my two girls are redheads, and I am always look for redhead dolls. I saw this one just a while ago, but was not sure I should get it. I now know why, it's for you and your girl" I am trying so hard at this point not to breakdown in the middle of Target in utter tears. She is hold hers back as well. "Thank you so much, you don't know what this means to me." I reply, "You have no idea how much I needed this, you just helped make my Christmas, thank-you!!" Then we both part, chocking back tears.

The reason I am sharing this story is because first, I need to remember it. Second, Michelle told me it was a good blogging story, thanks Michelle, you are right. Lastly, I wanted to share a thought about it with you all. I was searching for the Christmas Spirit is song, story and others, instead of looking where I need to. The true spirit of Christmas is helping others when the Lord needs you to. I thought that it was very random that she started to talk to me, but really, who else could have helped her then a mother of 3 girls, 2 of which are redheads. She obviously was having a hard time dealing with things because of emotion and hormones. She needed me. I know without a doubt that the Lord needed me to help her and placed me there. I am just grateful that I didn't blow her off, which I very well could have. The true meaning of Christmas is helping other out whether they are your family, friends, neighbor or complete strangers. You just need to have an open heart so you will.

Merry Christmas!!!

Amy's Birthday

Sorry it's been so long for the posts. Eric has the camera. Uggh!! Thank heavens my parents took pictures last night so I can share. Amy turned 5 on Dec. 8th!! Hard to believe she was ever little. We had her party last night with the family. We do big parties every other year, so this year it was just with the fam. She got some great stuff. Of course she would not let Grandpa take any pictures of her with them!! So, one of the presents was a cute Cinderella wig from my mom. We got some great pictures of everyone else with it. The only picture he got was of her blowing out her candles. Happy birthday my beautiful girl!! We love you!!

Amy then, about 3 months old. (I think her brother looks a lot like her!)

Amy's cake

Alex as a blond.

Kelly, the little living doll!!

Heidi, too cute!!

All I want for Christmas....

is my two front teeth. Well, okay one front tooth. Heidi's front tooth FINALLY came out. She has been wiggling that thing forever. Then at school on Thursday it happened. She wiggled it just right, and it came out right in the middle of class. She told me when I picked her up for school, "Guess what mom, it didn't even hurt!!" Yeah!! The other one is loose too, so maybe the song will come true.

Thank You!!

I just can't imagine going through this change in our lives right now without all the amazing support of our family, friends, neighbors and ward family. Your comments have meant a great deal to me, I just wanted you all to know that. I have much gratitude in my heart right now and feel strength from all of you when I need it the most. THANK YOU!!

What's Eric up to?

I kind of figured people wanted to know what Eric is up to now. Well, lots of things!! First off for those who don't know this, Eric is working in Roosevelt Utah for a trucking company. Yes, the rest of the family is still in Layton. So, needless to say, it can be a challenge. But, with trials and challenges there are also lots of blessings. There have been a lot of blessing that have come from this. First, lots of peace. This was the right decision for us to make right now, and it feels good to know that. I also know that we will be blessed and helped during this time because we listened and prayed about it. Second, we have steady income. Plus we will get health insurance for an amazing price. This is a wonderful thing!! Third, I have learned to rely on others for help. That may not sound like a blessing, but for me it is. I have a really hard time with this. But, along with serving others, we need to let people serve us. So, I am still learning how to do this, so be patient with me :). Last, but certainly not least, it is strengthening my marriage. When you don't see each other for a while, you really miss them and realize how important they are to you. What happens is that Eric works 5 days on then 3 days off, then 5 days on, 2 days off. He comes home when he has 3 days off. But lately he has been coming home on all his days off. I am certainly not complaining!!

So here are some pictures to let you know what Eric is doing right now. Basically, the truck company is a water service company that services the oil drills in the area. So, Eric gets called out to pump water out of the drills, then pump clean water back into the drills. It varies how many he does a day, depending on location. His first spot was us in the mountain range and it took him all day to get there and back. Most of the other trucks that were there got stuck, expect him. He works almost 70 hours a week. Great overtime and lots of extra money.

So this is our life right now. I honestly don't know where this will lead us, but I know it will lead us in the right direction. I am truly grateful for guidance and following the promptings of the spirit. I know without it I would be lost.

Here is Eric with one of the water trucks he drives.

He looks like a trucker, doesn't he? :)

This is one of the oil rigs he services. This big tower is where the drill bits are that go into the ground and dig out the oil. They are HUGE according to Eric.

This is the cabin that he stays in. It is located in Bluebell Utah. About 30 min outside of Roosevelt.

Husband Tag

All about Eric. Sorry this took so long.

(This made me miss him, but was fun.)

1. Where did you meet your husband?

My very good friend Cynthia set us up on a blind date

2. How long did you date?

Exactly 5 months to the day.

3. How long have you been married?

8 years, 9 come Feb.

4. What does he do that Surprises you?

When he cleans the house, whithout me suggesting it, repeatedly.

5. What is your favorite feature of his?

He has a great smile and cute legs. :)

6. What is his best quality?

His service and devotion to friends and family. His "girls" just adore him.

7. Does he have a nickname for you?

Don't laugh, "ripped wife".

8. What is his favorite food?

Steak and potatoes, what else.

9.What is his Favorite Sport?

Hunting, fishing and snowboarding.

10. When and Where did you kiss?

In his office in Salt Lake, I think it was our 4th date and I had to kiss him first!

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?

Watch movies. Maybe not the favorite, but kind of all we can do right now with 4 kids and a baby that will not take a bottle :(

12. Do you have children?

3 girls and 1 boy.

13. Does he have any Hidden Talents?

He is an amazing artist. He is very good a drawing.

14. How old is he?

36 for about one more month.

15. Who said, "I Love You" First?

He did, I was way too scared.

16. His favorite Music?

Country and Def Leppard.

17. What do you admire most about him?

He is a very hard worker. He will keep going on any job until it is done. Out house and Yard does not count.

18. What is his Favorite Color?

Blue

19. Will he read this?

No, unless I tell him.

20. Who do You Tag?

Anybody

Change

While I was out taking pictures of our pumpkins for Halloween, I decided to mess around with the camera and take perspective shots. I guess I was liking being outside by myself with no kids for awhile and didn't want to go back in just yet :)

Theses were the three shots I really liked out of all of them. I found it odd that I really liked these shots as one is of a dead tree, another of a leaf about to fall off the tree, and the last a leaf changing colors. These are all kind of things that are dead or dying. How can I think that they are beautiful. So I got introspective with my bad self and really started to notice all the changes going on with myself. There has been a lot of change in my life recently. I think that some people would think that the change I am going through is one that they would not want to venture out on. So true! Honestly, if I had a choice, I don't think I would choose it either. That being said, even when things are not always looking lush and green, it doesn't mean there is no beauty in it. You just have to change your perspective. So I did!!

Two cats, a pig and a rabbit!

We had a fun Halloween. The only thing that would have made it perfect is if Eric could have gotten home in time. He missed it by a few hours, so sad. First off, we carved our pumpkins that afternoon. I am not going to lie, I was debating even doing it. The thought of carving 4 pumpkins by myself was not a fun thing. But, in the spirit of Halloween, I DID IT!! YEAH ME!

Heidi's pumpkin

Kelly's pumpkin

Alex's and Amy's pumpkins

So we did a theme this year. We had a farm theme. Heidi and Amy dressed as cats, Kelly was a pig and Alex was a rabbit. Just a funny note that happened with Kelly. I have been practicing with her all week so she knew what a piggy said. After we got her in her costume, Merideth and I asked her what a piggy said. Well, she proceeded to pass some gas, if you know what I mean. Merideth and I laughed so hard. That is in fact what a piggy says, isn't it??

Two cats and a pig.

Two cats and a very warm rabbit.

My wonderful sister came with us to the trunk or treat at our ward. She dressed as a beautiful Queen. The girls said she was the Queen of the farm.

A very pretty kitty.

Another very pretty kitty and cute little piglet.

A queen, a cute rabbit and a kitty.

I dressed as the farmers wife, but alas, no farmer. (Sorry no picture of me, darn!) We had a really good night. I am glad we did all the fun things for Halloween and hopefully created some fun memories for the kids. Now, onto Thanksgiving

Pumpkin Cupcakes

On Saturday night the girls helped me make some chocolate cupcakes and orange frosting so we could make cupcakes and then put pumpkin faces on them. We had lots of fun doing it. The best part of course was eating our creations!!

All Alex did was watching intently while the girls decorated their cupcakes. I know he wanted to join in so badly!! Next year Alex, next year.

This picture makes me laugh. Kelly was so mad at us for taking her picture because all she wanted to do was eat her cupcake. We are such mean parents!!

Amy's first creation!

Heidi was very focused on getting her cupcake just right!

Finished!!!

I love this one. This is Amy's second creation. I love that she put the "teeth" inside the mouth of the pumpkin. It looks spooky!

This is my cupcake!! Eric stole it. Like he could ever make anything so cool. Whatever Eric. It's a good thing I love you, or that cupcake would have been all over your face!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN ALL!!

Groupies

Heidi and Amy decided to try on Eric's sunglasses and hat. Here is what they look like. We like to teach the girls about different jobs that are available. I thought they would make good groupies at a rock concert. They have the look for it.

Picture fun

I was just experimenting with some special effect tuning and taking unique picture angles with my kids. These were the ones I thought were fun. Kelly makes me laugh the most because of her hair. What can you do.

Tagged

I have been tagged, sorry Emily, just noticed. :) Here it is, the 4th folder in your picture folder and then the 4th picture in that folder.....

This is actually a really fun photo. This is me and my two sister in California Half Moon Bay while I was visiting my sister Stacey on the right. My other sister is Merideth. And is was so cold that day!! We were freezing. Heidi is the little baby in my lap, I think she was about 4 months old. And the little boy in my sisters lap is Quinn who in now 8!! Wow, time flies.

I tag Kristin, Lena, Sharon & Jackie.

Happy Halloween!

We love Halloween in our family. We try to start our kids out young so they can get used to "scary" things. Eric went out the other day and bought some Halloween masks to make a monster for our front yard. Kelly was really freaked out by the masks. Of course it didn't help that her sisters love to put them on and scare her with them. But, towards the end of the night, Kelly got brave and started to scare her sisters. Here is pictures of big scary Kelly scaring her sisters!!

Way scary!!

Are you scared yet?

BOO!!

Okay, lets play with some toys now. :)