The Joys of Christmas 2012

We had a wonderful Christmas at Jon's parent's home. It was a good way to end our stay with them.  We celebrated with all the traditional festivities: lights, stockings, presents, food.

This year we added a new tradition, one I'll have to fight hard to continue.  On Christmas Eve I prepared some treats and we chose a few families in the neighborhood to go caroling to.  Jon was NOT thrilled by the idea of singing what was basically a duet only feet from the spectators.  But he was a sport and pulled through for the kids sake.  The kids loved handing the treats to our friends and talking about Santa and the upcoming excitement Christmas morning was sure to bring.

Jon and I stayed up much too late helping Santa build toys and wrap presents and even helped him finish off his cookies and milk.  The reindeer decided to nibble the kids' gingerbread village, which they got a kick out of.

Cozy Coupes all around.

This pretty much sums up Sophie's attitude about sharing her new dollhouse.

"Link" with his new DS. Thrilled.

Photo courtesy of Jonah. Maybe I should give him the camera more often...

Home Building Progress Report

We've visited our home every week since we began and it's more exciting each time we go.  This time, the first floor was completely framed and the sub-floor had been put down for the second floor.  We could go up the stairs to see the view from our eventual second floor.  The kids wallowed in sawdust in the basement. 

It's been good for the kids to visit the house and get used to the idea of moving.  We have lived with Jon's parents for three and a half years now and it's really the only home they remember.  We moved here when Sophie was only 6 months old.  It will be a big change for them.

View from the front

View from the back

Pumpkins: Round 1

Mamou bought some pumpkins for the front porch and the kids immediately asked to carve them.  I kept telling them that if you carve them too long  before Halloween, they'd get rotten and we'd have to throw them out.  This didn't completely quench their desire so I compromised and got out the craft paints.  We only had one little pumpkin so I divided it into halves and let them paint it. 

The Leaves Are Falling

Tradition in the Bush family is to get out and hike once the leaves start changing.  We live in such a beautiful place where we can drive for 15 minutes and be in the most beautiful wilderness.  Our favorite spot is up South Fork off the Provo Canyon.  There are trails galore and the most colorful and beautiful foliage.

This year we picked a cloudy Sunday afternoon to go up and retrieve our car from the top of South Fork where I'd parked it the day before for a long run down the canyon with a friend.  It was the perfect excuse to take the family for a hike.  We packed a picnic, picked a spot by the river, and ate our lunch.  A few minutes after we began eating, the rain started pouring and luckily we were next to a pavilion and were able to wait out the storm before our hike.  We hiked for about 20 minutes before the rain began to pour again; this time it didn't stop.  We sought shelter in some trees while the kids whined and snuggled in, trying to stay dry.  I said, "Isn't this fun!! It's like a real adventure!"  They weren't convinced and I didn't hear the end of it all the way back to the car. 

A passing hiker took a few shots for us...not sure why my husband won't smile.

Handsome Jonah

Halloween Oreos for dessert!

The House Hunt 2012

Well, I never thought I'd say it, but we're finally looking for our first home!!  I honestly wasn't sure this day would come and now that it's here, we're overwhelmed, thrilled, and anxious to move forward.  We spent many evening hours searching online for homes that might fit our growing family.  We tossed different price points back and forth and really had to prioritize what was most important for us, location, house size, etc.  When it all came down to it, we decided to look in Eagle Mountain.  I have to say that it was not my first choice.  I had never been out there before and assumed it was (excuse my french) Hickville and too far from civilization.  Boy was I wrong.  We fell in love with a home being built there but the timing wasn't quite right and ended up waiting a few more months before we looked seriously again.  I've learned that Heavenly Father really does know best with the timing of things in our lives and once we got things in order and started the home search again, we found the perfect place!  We are building a home!

We visit our home in progress each week (and sometimes in between).  It's fun and exciting to see the changes and picture where we'll be putting our furniture, etc.  I've been dreaming of paint colors and styles and Pinterest has been my best friend all along.  The projected finish date has moved from December 1st to December 15th.  I imagine our first night in our home being Christmas Eve: stockings hung, kids nestled in their new rooms, waking up together in our very first home.  I can't wait!!

Front (Sept 20)

Back (Sept 20)

By the way, we're building a town home, so the entire structure you see there will be 4 different homes.  Ours is in the middle to the right.

The Last of Summer

We're trying to enjoy the last bit of summer and we've gone to the pool many times and have made many trips to get snow cones in the evening hours.  We wanted to take a bike ride one evening after dinner and since we've added 2 to our brood, we didn't have enough space to carry the little ones in our trailer (tried and failed).  A friend of mine let us use her Madsen bike.  It was quite fun and the kids loved it.

Mimi and Grandpa recently took a trip to Hawaii and sent back a prize for Sophie.  I had one of these when I was little and it brought back such memories!  She loves watching Lilo and Stitch and has practiced her "Hawaii Dancer" moves in this little number.

Kindergarten

Jonah started Kindergarten this August.  He was very excited to be in a new school even though he had to have shots beforehand.  Every time we discussed him going to Kindergarten he'd add, "But I have to have shots!"  Turns out, he had to have 4 shots and although he didn't like it, he fared just fine. 

We found out very last minute that he'd been accepted to a local charter school but I decided that it was too late to make a change since he'd already met his (amazing!!) teacher, Mrs. Adams.  She really is a wonderful  teacher and her reputation precedes her. 

The two years of preschool Jonah attended sure helped me prepare mentally for this big change.  I was ready and he was too.  I didn't even cry when I dropped him off!  So far, he is loving it and has made a lot of friends that he looks forward to seeing each day.

Sophie's First Day

Sophie has been dying to go to preschool like her big brother (who has graduated to Kindergarten).  We ordered some new school clothes (I've fully embraced online shopping.  It's almost as good as going to the real store) and it was like Christmas morning watching her tear open her new shirts and pants.  She changed five times before the day was over so she could sample everything.

The first day was a meet and greet.  She got to meet Mrs. Diana and work on her art project for the year.  When we finished, I asked her if she was ready to go and her response was, "Mom, can we just stay a couple more hours?"  Needless to say, she was very excited to wake up today to go back for her first real day ALONE. 

I'm not really sure what's going on in this picture but I can't help but laugh at Jonah's mischievous expression.

Flower Girl

My beautiful cousin, Maki, got married at the end of July and asked Sophie to be a flower girl for the ceremony.  Sophie wasn't really sure what that meant but she was excited nonetheless.  I practiced a few times down the "aisle" with Soph and she took her job very seriously.

Sophie did a splendid job and evoked the requisite oohs and ahhhs from the wedding party and guests as she spread orange rose petals down the aisle.

I was also able to do my cousin's hair for her ceremony and she looked amazing. Her dress was beautiful and everything was done so nicely.

Flaming Gorge 2012

An annual tradition for the Green family is to gather at Flaming Gorge for camping, fishing, and some good old-fashioned Green family fun.

We've been unable to make it for the past couple years. In fact, the last time we went, I was 16 weeks pregnant with Sophie.  So yeah, it's been a while.  When it came to it, I couldn't pass up another opportunity to make good memories with my family.  My kids don't get to see the Green family too much and I don't either.  I missed them dearly and knew any trouble or chaos would be worth the trip (opinions may vary depending on the source).

I was raised fishing and camping and spending free time enjoying the outdoors.  I really want that for our kids and being on this trip with my brothers and dad really sparked that inside me.

We practically commandeered my dad's fifth wheel upon arrival which was a DREAM to have with Pearl and Eloise who still aren't walking.  They had a nice warm place to sleep (and I did too).

Jonah and Sophie had a blast with their cousins.  Jonah was really excited to catch Kokanee Salmon and requested that we eat our salmon the day we got home.  He got to ride in the tube in the lake and had such a fun time.  He did not, however, enjoy the drive to and from the lake.  Sophie played with Nellie and Gracie and enjoyed going at a leisurely pace in the boat (not 60 mph with Uncle Josh).

One night I was able to leave the kids with Jon and go out fishing with my three brothers.  I can't even tell you how much fun I had.  It was one of the best experiences I've had in a very long time.  We sat there on the boat, fishing, talking, and laughing.

Pearly exlporing Grandpa's boat

Naptime?

Post-Tubing Enthusiasm

Bathing in Grandpa's trailer

Bush Family

Grandpa with all the Kidlets

Another Year Gone

It's funny.  I was always so eager to see the months pass with Jonah and see his new tricks and was always waiting for the next stage.  It's something that gets more difficult with each child.  I find myself holding on for dear life while my kids zip through their early years in the blink of an eye.

Pearl and Eloise turned one last month. ONE.  I'm not going to lie--I was a little sad about it.  The year flew by but I can honestly say I enjoyed every minute of their first year.  I wasn't am not ready for them to be toddlers, walking all over the place and talking.

It was a bitter sweet day, June 5, but the feeling that overshadowed all others was of gratitude.  I'm grateful my babies were healthy and have grown and developed the way they're supposed to and that Jon and I have been well and have been able to enjoy every minute of these miracles together.  So really, what's not to celebrate?!

Pearl, you are a darling ball of sass (I wonder where she gets it?).  You make funny faces and often give me sideways glances of mischief.  You are a bit bossier than your sister and often get what you want, leaving your sister in tears (don't worry, I think she'll forgive you).  On your first birthday, you head-butted your sister in the cart at Target because she had something you wanted.  It took my by surprise and I had a good laugh watching you acknowledge your sister in such an obvious way.  You are a very happy baby and love to eat.  You eat anything I give you and get very excited when I go to the pantry and come out with Nilla Wafers.

Sweet Baby Eloise, you are very laid back and love to observe the world around you.  I think perhaps you take after your dad a little more than me.  You fall asleep so easily and hardly ever put up a fuss.  You love eating, especially Oreos and string cheese.  You are learning how to defend yourself against your sister and her tactics and I'm sure she's backed down on several attempted toy heists.  You learned to crawl before Pearl and are standing up without holding on to anything. My guess is you'll be walking in 2 months.

Pool party in the "Piece of Jungle" (which is now retired and on its way to the garbage)

Bear Lake Girls' Weekend

Last weekend was spent with three of the most wonderful women I know.  My sister-in-law, Audra, planned an outing to Bear Lake for the Green girls.  It was wonderful. We relaxed in the condo, ate whatever we wanted, went for runs, played at the beach, walked to and from town, and watched plenty of sappy, love flicks.

It's getting more difficult to travel without kids these days so as a compromise for allowing me to go, I took the babies along with me.  They were perfect little travelers and didn't mind sleeping in their pack 'n plays in the large master bathroom.  I missed the big kids and couldn't help but think they'd love to be there with me.  Maybe we'll make it a family trip someday.

Eloise snuggles with Auntie Lala

Bathing Beauties

Our First Chores

It was a day of cleaning splendor.  My hair was up in a messy bun, grown-out bangs too short for my pony-tail stuck to my sweaty forehead.  I had just cleaned the kids' room for the umpteenth time and then it hit me, like a ton of bricks except less painful.  The kids need chores! It's time!

I decided to consult one of my best friends, Pinterest, and I found this idea.  Chore sticks.  We ran to Hobby Lobby and my mind raced with creative ideas on how to make it happen.  I picked up some mason jars, some craft sticks, a little glitter and voila!  My kids are excited to turn over their sticks each time they finish a chore.  And better yet, they have "special" chores that when finished, they get paid for. 

It's been a week and so far I'm nagging much less and finding much less resistance when I ask for chores to be done.  It must be the officiality of it all.  Now that their chores are written on sticks and they have their own jars, they know it needs to be done. 

Growing up my mom tried many different chore charts and methods to get us all to pitch in.  I'm sure we still complained and didn't always do our chores (evidence being the Mom Strike of 1997 and the resulting lock-out of the kids' bathroom.  We had to clean it or use the port-o-potty across the street for the construction workers) but we learned how to clean and the importance of helping each other manage the household duties.  I love my mom and dad for teaching these things and I hope I can help my kids become productive and helpful citizens of society.

11 Months, and no more.

I am NOT OK with the fact that my babies will be one year next month.  Just as everyone said, the first year goes by alarmingly fast.  I wouldn't say it was a blur of exhaustion, though.  I relished every moment and especially loved that I got to spend most of it with my love, hand in hand, raising our doublettes.  His unemployment was a blessing in disguise and I truly believe Heavenly Father was watching over us every step of the way.  Getting through most of their first year together was like dessert at the end of a really long, hard day. 

Not much has changed in the way of milestones but they are mimicking sounds and words and I'm amazed at how smart babies are.  Not just MY babies, but babies in general--their little brains are like sponges, just sucking up information left and right.

Pearly

Beauties with their first ponies

Pearly playing with big brother.

They are always right next to (or on top of) each other. Precious.

Eloise

Pearl

Eloise and her "Oh!" face