We Love The Jubilee of Trees !

This year we had so much fun at the Jubilee of Trees. We saw Santa, the boys were sure to be very specific in asking for exactly what they wanted with details so Santa would be able to get them the right POWER WHEELS. (the had forgotten the letter they have been making for weeks) Parker was so sweet and was sure to ask for some toys for Taleah, since she couldn't ask herself ;)

We loved all the trees this year. Some favorites...Angry Birds, Candy land and Santa's Workshop. I loved the NICU tree (for obvious reasons...call me sentimental). They were all very beautiful, there are some very talented people in St. George!

The boys liked looking at the "NICU ROOM", I was able to show them the instruments that helped Taleah and tell them more about her experience. Remember they weren't here for most of the time, and they weren't allowed to come into the NICU. So this was a great teaching moment.

My most favorite Christmas present...Taleah! Although her shirt had a good idea too!

"ALL MOMMY WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS IS A SILENT NIGHT!"

Soccer Supporters

This season started out a little rough for us. The first games Mommy was on bed rest, the second games the boys missed because Baby Taleah had come so early and they went to Farmington with Grandma Kathy. The Third game Daddy, Grandma Kathy and Grandma Sylvia attended. Finally the 5th game Mommy and Taleah got to go, this was Taleah's first outing besides the doctors office. We also were lucky enough to have Grandma GG and Aunt Daryl visit and watch one our games. Thanks to everyone who love and support us in all that we do!
Thanks Grandma Kathy for all you do!

Grandma G.G and Aunt Daryl enjoying the games.

Taleah at the first of many big brother games, I'm sure ;)

Someday she may be as big as the ball !

THE Cheetahs

Jordan had an awesome season this year! Last year he told Jordan told his friend who had been knocked down while fighting for the ball "stay away from the ball it's SAFE", and he lived by that rule...he was fast and he ran up and down the field...just no where near the ball. This year not only did he go near the ball...HE WAS THE VIP OF HIS TEAM! He really grew and developed his skills, thanks to a great team,coach and a wonderful Daddy. Parker was his biggest fan, always there to cheer on his little brother and give advice. The last game Jordan scored 6 goals, the final score of that game 6-0 Cheetahs! When Jordan would score,it was not a big yell or fist pumping...he would simply give a bow with the most beautiful smile on his face. What a ham, he should be in theater...cutie! He also lived up to his team name, he was a super fast runner. Jordan loved playing, making friends and TREATS! If you want to relive the whole season with lots of cute pictures and videos, watch the smilebox.

WAY TO GO CHEETAHS !

Fire Breathing Dragons

Parker had so much fun this year playing soccer, he had a wonderful coach and an awesome team! They did VERY well nearly undefeated, and their skills were greatly improved. Parker learned to rely on his teammates and team work, although he made more than his share of goals. His friend Noah (whose parents are both collegiate soccer players and coaches) had amazing defense skills and then would pass the ball off to Parker (who was down the field) who could then score. I loved watching the boys cheer each other on, and work together. My favorite is watching them huddle up and strategize, Parker was good at calling huddle time. We also had the unique experience of playing against friends in the ward, as we have 11 boys his age they were spread out into three teams. We also got to play against Parker's best friend and team mate last year,Hunter. This was a great opportunity to learn sportsmanship and the boys were cute cheering on their friends on the other teams (although there was also a little trash talking...mostly by the Dads ;)

If you want to experience the whole season (with lots of videos) check out the smilebox!

This week we had an interesting and fun experience. I got a call from one of the organizers of the Jubilee of Trees, she asked if we would be willing to bring Taleah to be a VIP at the Chamber Luncheon. This year the NICU is the beneficiary of the Jubilee and they wanted the newest babies at the luncheon. They said bring her in her best white dress and you and her will be sitting at a table. I was excited to be able to give a little something back to the NICU that save my baby's life...and show off my beautiful baby. We had to do a little scrambling to find a white dress that fits ( her blessing dress is still a little big)...thanks to my great friend Keli and her cute daughter Whitney who let us barrow their gorgeous blessing dress. I looked all over to find the perfect hair piece , and then decided to make one myself. I think it turned out pretty well, if I do say so myself. (I'm sure glad I paid attention at the girls night we made flowers...even if I only had boys at the time) It was super fun to dress Taleah up, it was our first time in a beautiful princess dress ( I think I can get used to this! :) When we arrived we found a room full of Mommy's feeding and dressing their sweet little ones and trying to get them asleep.

When I asked why, they said the people in charge asked us to try to have the babies asleep...now I know why. We walked out to find this...gorgeous tables set up with beautiful pillows and blankets in the middle. This was their plan...

Sweet little babies as the center pieces! The center of our lives was now a centerpiece at the Jubilee of Trees. Amazing idea on paper, fun idea in reality. Taleah did amazing and slept so peaceful on her pillow...some of her friends had other ideas. Some were rolling off the pillows ( and into the place settings), I saw a little older one trying to grab the salt and pepper shakers! It was cute as the guests arrived, most were walking around looking at the "alive" babies like they were looking at the trees. One sweet little old lady ( a hundred if a day) almost had a heart attack when Taleah moved and she realized these little ones were "alive"!

We had a yummy lunch and a wonderful program, two Mommy's of NICU graduates and one of the amazing doctors that takes care of these precious tiny ones in the NICU. It was so good to hear the stories, although still so fresh in my mind...I spent the time crying as I watched my beautiful perfect little one sleep in the center of the table and had a sincerely grateful prayer in my heart. I can't even begin to express my gratitude to those Doctors and Nurses that saved my little Taleah, who were so supportive to Ryan and I. They made a terrifying, horrible experience bearable and a growing experience. The NICU is truly hallowed ground, I know that angels are there watching over everyone there. They guide the caregivers, they comfort the parents, protect and surround the little ones with comforting arms. When I saw this display of the a NICU room, I had a unexplainable urge to sit on "my chair" and nurse, or do skin-to-skin...luckily I was able to resist ;) There were lots of pictures of NICU graduates and some of their stories. We knew two of the "spotlighted" babies on the posters. Look for Taleah on the ceiling when you go!

Taleah and I are feeling much better than the last time we were sitting in a room like this. Thanks again to the amazing people at the NICU and for the Jubilee of Trees for this experience.

Taleah's first Santa Picture

Taleah is Two Months

Another month has flown by, and our little Taleah is 2 months old. We were so excited to see that she is now 9.2 lbs and has gone from the 1% to 13% for weight in a month! I can't believe how much she had grown, the pictures really show it all. She is even getting cute little rolls on her thighs ( cute now, not when she is 30!) she is even bigger than her little monkey friend :)

Taleah has finally started to be awake more and watches her brothers intently. The doctor asked if she is tracking her toys and I told him barely, but she is great at following her brothers voices and watching them. Toys are just not as interesting as her brothers. I love to listen to them talk and play with her. They often hurry to finish tasks so they can hold Taleah first. Parker and Jordan are THE BEST brothers around! At her 2 month check up, they were very upset that we were going to let them give her SHOTS. Parker tried to talk us out of it, and the quizzed the nurses as to why Taleah had to have shots. He was pacing the floor with worry,he covered his ears and turned away when she was crying. Jordan was right there between the nurse and Taleah, holding her little foot. When Taleah started to cry, I noticed that Jordan was also crying. What sweet tender boys, I think Taleah's shots were harder on them than on her. Although for a baby that never crys, she can sure let it loose when needed. When the little "waaa waaa" didn't work, she let out the loudest high pitched girl-shrill I have ever heard! But she did great, and really didn't have any side effects, not even a fever...wow what a little trooper we have.

Taleah is the light of all of our lives, I can't even remember not having her in our family. She is such a sweet little joy and truly the best baby on Earth. Taleah had an eventful month, she celebrated her first Halloween, went on her first airplane( to meet Papa, Aunt Amanda and Aunt Jessica) and just this last few days started to show off her beautiful smile.

WE LOVE THIS LITTLE ANGEL !!!

Our Halloween Haunts

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!!


This year Halloween seemed to last for weeks, so we had lots of time to pack in maximum fun. We had tons of spooky fun at the Tonaquint Park party, we played games and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings. The boys wanted to wear different costumes and looked fabulous as a pirate and Spiderman, Taleah didn't feel the need to dress up so she was festive in a cute orange outfit, pumpkin hat and Halloween blanket.

They had so many cute "spooky" games and face painting.

Then we got to go to a fun Ward Halloween Carnival put on by the YM/YW. They did a great job, and the turn out was spectacular. We were trying to get a picture of Parker and Bailey (the bride) and cute little Audra had to be in the pictures...wow the women are already swarming! It must be the handsome Hans Solo outfit :) Ryan looked awesome in his Chewbacca outfit, leaving most people saying "who was that masked man". After frightening all the children, Ryan decided to remove the mask and try to make friends. Taleah stayed home with Aunt Julie, we are still trying to avoid crowds.

Friday was trick or treating at SKYWEST. The boys look forward to this all year, always asking if they can go in and get candy when we drop Daddy off (as if everyday all the cubicles are filled with treat buckets) We had a blast, collected two FULL pumpkins of candy and received LOTS of attention with our adorable Princess Leia (I mean Taleah) Everyone wanted to touch her, a little overwhelming for Mommy.

Carving pumpkins.
We ended up with a kitty, a scary witch and a spooky graveyard.
Jordan made the cute little witch hat at school and had been moving it around the house as a decoration for weeks, he insisted that it be on HIS pumpkin to complete the scary witch.

Finally the day of haunts had arrived. We started with a fabulous parade at Parker's school, all the kids paraded around the track so there was plenty of room for all the parents and spectators. What a great idea! My little Hans was the best looking kid around...I loved the manly strut he had in this costume :) It was fun to see all the kids and cute costumes.

Taleah Daddy and I spent the morning running car pools and watching parades, what a great morning. Here is Taleah bundled and ready for the fun.

Jordan's school had a spooky carnival with games and science experiments. Then they did a quick little program and topped it off with a trunk or treat with the parents. He insisted on being "Jake" the pirate, he said he had TWO "Tangled" girls he had to protect. What a little charmer, I think he is an extra handsome pirate.

Then we were off to the photographers for pictures ( I know crazy in the middle of this day. but it was the only time slot available) I really wanted a picture of my cute little crew, and I think it was totally worth it...the pictures are adorable!

Then off for a fun night of trick or treating. We have not done this with the boys, as the old neighborhood had a trunk or treat. They boys LOVED running from house to house , especially when we found our friends the Stums. It was so much fun to see everyone and walk around our great neighborhood. The weather was amazingly perfect, it couldn't have been a better night. Everyone kept stopping us to see Taleah and many of them took her picture, nowI know how the celebs feel ! I guess that's what happens when the you have the cutest baby in a huge Leia wig.

Here is the prizes that we won at the costume party. We hadn't planned on going and then at the last minute, threw on our costumes and went. They had a prize for the "BEST FAMILY" and we won, a $50 certificate for Pizza Factory! There was a lot of stiff competition, but I think Taleah pushed us over the top. Taleah also won the "CUTEST BABY". Parker kept winning the cake walk and the last time picked out these cute barrettes for his sister (what a sweet big brother)

All in all, a wonderfully successful Halloween season. I hope you all had a wonderful, spooky day. Now on to the next holiday season :)