Christmas Tag

I was tagged by Mel, so I hope you enjoy reading about how we celebrate the season.

Christmas Tag
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Definitely hot chocolate. I absolutely love hot chocolate and so do the girls. Our favorite is candy cane hot chocolate.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Growing up, my Santa wrapped everything so we would have more to open on Christmas morning. For us, it depends on the gift as to whether it is wrapped or not. But, Santa usually wraps everything!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? We have colored lights on our tree. When we first got married, I wanted white lights, but Trevor likes the colored lights better, and when we had kids, we decided that colored lights are more fun for them. I have to say that I agree, and I really enjoy our colored lights.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No, but I should really look into that!

5. When do you put up your decorations? We usually put them up the weekend after Thanksgiving. It just depends what is going on that year.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? I absolutely love ham and cheesy potatoes. I also love to eat appetizers, like spinach artichoke dip, cheeseball with crackers, and fiesta ranch chip dip. YUMMY!!!

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? I have a terrible memory, but the thing I remember most and looked forward to the most was listening to my dad read the Christmas story from the Bible. I love listening to my dad's voice and it was always so comforting to listen to him read that wonderful story.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't remember when I learned the truth about Santa. Being the youngest in the family, you just kind of figure things out without anyone telling you about it. Kind of like with the birds and bees. You just catch a few things here and there and then put it all together to figure it out.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes, we all open new pajamas and we open our ornaments for that year so they can hang on our tree for Christmas.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? We have a fake tree, so we assemble our tree together, put the lights on and then we decorate our tree with all of the ornaments we have received over the years. It makes it fun and very personal to our family. The girls love to hang and then look for the ornaments that are theirs.

12. Can you ice skate? In theory, yes, but not very well and it has been a really long time. I would really love to go again though.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? When I was a kid, my favorite gift was my own bag of potato chips from my grandparents. I know that sounds silly, but we never had chips growing up, so it was a very special treat!

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? I love spending time with family. Since we have moved away, it has made the holidays very different. But, we are working on starting some of our own traditions, so we can make it special for our kids and us.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? I love homemade caramels and Trevor's grandma's peppermint pie.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? I love giving our kids and Trevor an ornament each year. I also love receiving my new ornament as well.

17. What tops your tree?A colorful lighted star.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? I love giving gifts, but sometimes it is so hard to find the right gift. I love to get gifts for my kids. Trevor's really hard to shop for, so I never know what to give him.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? I love so many Christmas songs. I love the spiritual songs, like Silent Night and Away in a Manger and I also love the fun Christmas songs. Probably my favorite song though is Starlight. It's a very beautiful song.

20. Do you feel Christmas is too commercialized? I think that Christmas has become very commercialized, but I also feel that as a family you can change your focus and make it more about the Savior. I think it's important to celebrate the Santa side of Christmas because it is a lot of fun, but I feel it is equally important to make sure our children understand that Christmas is really about the birth of our Savior. It is such a wonderful season and a great opportunity to celebrate so many things.

Boston's Blessing

So, it's been a long time since I posted. Sorry about that. Life tends to get a little bit crazy. Anyway, we blessed Boston on November 23rd and Trevor gave him such a beautiful blessing. I am so grateful to be married to such a wonderful man who honors and uses the priesthood to bless our family. Boston did great during the blessing and didn't even cry even though he was awake. It was a little bit strange to not have all of the family there, but we did have Pam and Steve there, so that was nice. And of course we had the support of our wonderful friends. Here are some pictures of Boston in his blessing outfit. They didn't turn out real great, but you get the idea. While he was in his carseat, the collar snuck up his chin and puffed out his cheeks. Too cute!!!

Hooray!!! I'm 1 month old today!

Boston is 1 month old today. I can't believe it has already been a month since he was born. Time goes by so quickly. We are loving having him in our family. He brings so much joy into my life, even in the middle of the night. I just love him so much. He is growing so fast. I stood on the scale with him today, and he added 12 pounds to my weight. He is such a big boy. His 0-3 month clothes are almost too small. Here are a couple of pictures of him at 1 month old. Enjoy!!!







check out those hands!!!

Happy Halloween

We had a great Halloween. We went to our ward's trunk or treat and the girls made a haul. They even stopped before they had been to all the cars because their bags were getting too heavy. It's a good thing they stopped because then I would have even more candy to sneak from their bags!!! Trevor took the girls around to the cars and I sat in the back of the van with Boston handing out candy. Here are a few pics.

A quick update

I just wanted to let everyone know that we are still surviving and adjusting. Boston and the girls are doing great and even I'm surviving. I'm a little bit tired because Boston likes to eat every 2 hours, day and night, but other than that I'm doing great. I even managed to survive this week without my mom. Of course, I had Trevor home on Monday and Tuesday. Next week will be the big test, because I'll be on my own all week long. Over all, life is really good and we are loving having this sweet baby in our family. Here are a few updated pictures. I think he's the cutest baby boy ever, but then again, I'm a little bit prejudiced. Enjoy the pics

Boston's Birth Story

So, I guess you can say that persistence pays off. After my appointment on Wednesday the 8th, they put me on the schedule for induction for Monday the 13th. They told me that I was welcome to call every day until Monday to see if they could fit me in. So of course I was calling every day. When I called on Sat. I was told that there wasn't room yet, but to call back at 11:30. Again I called and again I was told that there was no room and to call back at 1:30. This time we were in luck! They told me there was room for me, so Trevor and I headed to the hospital. I had tested positive for group b strep, so they started the antibiotics and then started me on pitocin. We had to take things slow as far as induction goes because I needed to have two courses of antibiotics in before I gave birth. Anyway, to make a long story shorter, they slowly increased the pitocin and then at around 10 pm, my water broke. From then on in it went pretty fast. I was completely dilated by 11:30 pm. I started pushing at 11:40 and he was born at 11:49 pm. I couldn't believe how big he was! It's a good thing I didn't know he was that big before I had to push him out! Even though he was big, it went really well and I didn't even tear. (woo-hoo) We are so happy to have him here and are enjoying him so much. The girls absolutely love him and love to hold him. The adjustment period is going pretty good, although I'm not exactly sure how I'll do it once my mom goes home. It is definitely going to be an adventure. Here are some more pics of him.



That is one big belly!!! It's not surprising he was so big!



The girls were so excited to meet their new brother.



Mom and Boston the day after he was born.



Boston at 2 days old.



Boston at 5 days old. Isn't he a cutie!!!

Introducing . . .

Boston Trevor Seamons



born: October 11th, 2008
stats: 9 lbs. 9 oz., 22 inches long (he was one big kid!!!)

He has definitely changed since this picture was taken and I promise to post more pictures and the story of his birth later this week. But I thought I better let everyone know that he finally made his debut into the world. We are both doing great and the girls are enjoying their new baby brother!

Aargh!!!

Well, the due date has come and gone and still no baby. I guess he just wants to be a little monster for the moment. Anyway, I have an appointment tomorrow so I'll let you all know what I find out. Wish me luck and lots of labor pains!

New Update

So, here's the latest from my appointment today. First of all, I'm gaining weight like a mad woman, but luckily the midwives don't give me grief about this. I've never gained this much during a pregnancy before, and I'm not exactly sure where it all is. Anyway, I am now dilated to a 4! I know, it's ridiculous that I'm not in labor yet. Effacement is about the same as it has been, but it is not uncommon to efface slower when it's not your first baby. Also, the baby is about a 0 station, which means that he is engaged in the pelvis. In fact, the midwife could feel the baby's head when she checked me. I had her strip my membranes again, and I think she did a much more effective job than the midwife last week. It was a lot more uncomfortable. Also, she guesstimated his weight to be a good 8 lbs. I'm guessing he'll be a good pound bigger than Lorin was at 7 lbs. 3 oz. I guess we'll see when he gets here. I'll keep you all posted, but keep your fingers crossed for me that he decides to come soon!!! Especially since he just keeps getting bigger the longer he stays in!

Baby Poll

So, I have another appointment today and I will let all of you know how it goes. But, I was thinking it would be fun to have a little baby poll. So, why don't all of you take a little guess as to weight, length and day of birth of our little guy. We'll see who gets the closest. As for me, I'm hoping that he is born today!!! Can you all tell I'm a little bit anxious?!?

Playing the Waiting Game!

So, I've decided that I'm a ticking time bomb. This baby really could be born any time. He just needs to decide he's ready to come. And the sooner the better. I had another appointment yesterday and I am dilated to a 3+ and almost completely effaced. He has also dropped into the pelvis. He is just stubborn and doesn't want to come yet. So, every time I'm out and about I am very aware that my water could break at any time. It's quite the feeling. I am getting very anxious for him to arrive. I realize that I'm not yet past my due date, but it is frustrating knowing that my body is very ready but no baby yet. I'm going to need to think of a lot of things to keep myself busy. I guess I should just savor the time I have left because life is going to get very crazy once he's born. I think I would be enjoying myself more if I wasn't suffering from pregnancy induced carpal tunnel. My fingers falling asleep all the time is getting a little bit old. I guess I'll just have to sit on the couch watching TV since holding a book and cross stitching makes my hand fall asleep. I'll stop complaining now and let you all know that I really am doing well despite being very large with child. Here's a picture of how I'm looking at 38 weeks. I decided to take it myself, so bear with me on the quality of it.

Yes, I'm Still Alive

So, I realized that it has been a really long time since I posted. Sorry about that. I feel like the last month has been flying by. It has been crazy getting Lorin started into school and Taigan into preschool. A few friends and myself are doing a joy school like program for our preschoolers. We each take a week and teach the kids. I think it will be perfect for a first year of preschool and much easier on the checkbook. It was my turn this last week, so that's another reason I have been so busy. Luckily I don't have to teach again until November. Hopefully by that time, I'll be back among the world of the living. It takes time to adjust to a new routine, and adjusting to actually having to get up in the morning and get ready. I think we have finally adjusted though, but that will only last until the baby is born. I'm only about 2 weeks away from my due date and we are getting excited. I had an appointment with my midwife on Wednesday and I am dilated to about a 3, so things are progressing. Hopefully he'll decide to come a little bit early, but I'm not holding my breath. I'll take a new picture of my ever expanding belly and post for all to see. But, here are a couple pictures of the girls on their first days of school.

Time to Catch Up

So, I realize I have been a total slacker and haven't posted for a really long time. Sorry about that. Well, we've done a lot of stuff in the last month. My parents came to visit for a week in July and we had an awesome time. We kept them busy by going to the zoo, going to the Ballard Locks, going to Edmonds Beach, Trevor and Dad golfing and taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island. I hope we didn't wear them out too much, and I hope they had a great time. I know we sure did! Here are a couple of pics from when they were here.

Well, after mom and dad left, I had 2 1/2 weeks of just playing with the girls around here at the parks and with friends. Then, the girls and I packed our bags, hopped on a plane and headed to Utah. I know what all of you are thinking. You can't believe I went to Utah again!!! Well, we did, because my brother Mike and his family, who are from Virginia, were going to be in Utah. I just couldn't pass up seeing them because it has been almost 3 years since I last saw them. We had such a great time. We went to Bear Lake for 3 days, which was so much fun. The girls had a great time playing with their cousins in the water and the sand. I had a great time visiting with family and being a beach bum. Here are a couple of pics from Bear Lake and for those of you who have been wanting to see my ever expanding belly, here is a belly pic. Sorry it's a bare belly pic, just ignore the stretch marks. This was my belly at 31 1/2 weeks.

The rest of the week was filled with playing with cousins and friends. We went to the park, we fed the ducks, I was thrown a surprise baby shower (thanks again Mom, Mel and Jenny, you gals are the best!), and we got to hold my sister's new puppies. We had great trip, but as always, it was nice to get home. It was especially nice to see Trevor, since he had to stay home and work. He says that someone has to finance all of these trips! Here are a couple more pics of the rest of the week. Enjoy!!!

A fun weekend!!!

Well, we have had a really fun weekend enjoying the nice weather. It started on Friday, when my friend, Sara, and I took our kids up to a new park that has a spray pad. It was so much fun and the kids had a great time. They loved playing in the water and playing in the park that was next to it. Here are a couple of pics we took of the kids.

Lorin and Taigan standing by the sprinklers

Lorin underneath the umbrella of water

Abby, Lorin and Taigan warming up in their towels after running through the water

Lorin going through the showers of water

On Saturday, we went with our friends, The Kilgores, down to lake Washington and rented canoes and went canoeing. It was so much fun. We had wanted to rent a couple of row boats that seat 4, but they were all out, so we had to rent 3 canoes instead. Trevor took Lorin and Taigan with him. I went with Sara and Abby and Josh had Alex. Sara and I were not the best paddlers in the world. We managed to run into a bank, so we wouldn't run into another canoe and we managed to run into a tree. It was so funny, and at least we provided a lot of entertainment for our spouses, our children and the others on the lake. Here are some pics we took.

Trevor, Taigan and Lorin

Me and my dysfunctional oar (we'll just blame it on the oar)

Sara and Abby

Josh and Alex

Our cute family at our picnic spot

We are definitely enjoying our summer as I'm sure you can tell. We hope everyone else is having a great summer and doing some fun things. We are very excited, because my parents are arriving tomorrow and we have a fun filled week planned.

A first for me

So, last night I had a brand new experience. I attended my very first concert, and not just any concert, but a rock concert! Trevor's boss and his wife took us to see the Foo Fighters! Now I know what all of you are thinking, and you're right, it's not really my kind of music. But, it was so awesome! Luckily I had brought ear plugs which made the volume level just about perfect. I must admit that I liked a lot of thier songs and the show they put on was so much fun. Before we went to the concert, we walked around the Seattle Center, and since it was such a beautiful day, we went to the top of the Space Needle. That's the first time Trevor and I have done that. The view was spectacular because it was so clear yesterday. We also ate at this restaurant called Moxie. The food was really good. I had some of the best salmon I think I've ever had and it came with candied peaches that were so yummy. All in all, it was an awesome night and it was fun to just hang out with Trevor, Ray and Crystal. We didn't get home until 1:00, so I didn't roll out of bed officially until 10:20 this morning! Thank goodness the girls like to entertain themselves!

Weekend in Utah!

So, Trevor and I spent last weekend in Utah. Yes, I realize we were just there a couple of weeks before. This was awesome though because it was for my ten year high school reunion, and we didn't have the girls with us!!! I have the best friend up here, Sara, that offered to take our girls for the weekend. It was so strange not to have them with us, but it was also very relaxing. Anyway, we flew into Utah on Thursday night and headed to Cache Valley. We spent Friday with Frank and Laura, golfing and tracking down new contact lenses for Laura :) It was so much fun to see Laura again and to finally meet Frank. I've been hearing about Frank for at least seven years, but this is the first time I have met him, and I must say, he is awesome! Nice choice Laura!!! On Friday night, Trevor and I went out to dinner with my family. We had a blast! I love being with my family. We always laugh a lot and joke a lot.

Saturday was pretty low key for the most part. Trevor went golfing in the morning while I slept in. (it felt soooooo nice) We then met his parents for lunch and had a great time visiting with them. That night it was off to the reunion. It was so much fun to see so many people I hadn't seen in such a long time. We had a great time laughing and reminiscing. Trevor, Frank and my brother Dave were very good sports and sat around talking to each other while us girls wandered around talking to everyone we knew. We ended up being the last ones to leave!!! I think we over stayed our welcome just a little bit! I wish I had some pictures, but I left my camera at my mom's house.

The weekend was so much fun, but it was nice to get home to our girls. They were definitely missing us and we were missing them. It's always fun to get away, but it's even nicer to get home because as Dorothy says, "There's no place like home!"

8 things about my kids!!!

So, I've been tagged by my friend Jenny. Hopefully you'll learn a little about my sweet girls.


Lorin
1. She has been keeping the tooth fairy very busy lately by losing lots of teeth.
2. She is a big helper, and will clean the toy room without being asked.
3. She is always sweet to everyone and is never mean on purpose.
4. She has decided she wants to live with us forever and never wants to get married. (I'm sure that will change in a few years)
5. She is super excited to have a baby brother and to help take care of him.
6. She is full of the mothering instinct and loves to help take care of younger kids.
7. She loves school and is sad that the school year is almost over.
8. She loves to play at the beach, but she doesn't like the seaweed.

Taigan
1. She loves to climb into bed with Lorin in the middle of the night.
2. She is very spunky and very stubborn. She knows what she wants!!!
3. She is very excited to have a baby brother, but I'm nervous she won't like him once he gets here.
4. She loves to sit on the couch and read books together.
5. She wants to be first in everything we do (hair done, opening the door, etc.)
6. She has the funniest facial expressions, especially when she is explaining something to us.
7. She hates time out, but is there quite often.
8. She is a sweetheart and tells me she loves me several times a day.

Lorin has a toothless grin!!!

Lorin has lost her two front teeth!!! She was soooo excited! Her toothless grin is very cute! Here is a picture.

Our Trip to Utah!!!

Hello everyone!!! It's been a while since I posted and I realized I didn't post about our trip to Utah for Heidi's (my sister-in-law) wedding. Well, we left Seattle on Friday the 16th at about noon and ten hours later and a lot of potty stops (many of them false alarms) later, we arrived in Boise where we spent the night in a hotel. We got up the next morning and drove the remaining 4 1/2 hours to Logan. The girls did a great job on the drive, especially for how long it is. We had a great time in Utah spending time with our families. We definitely kept busy with all of our playing and visiting. We had a wonderful time at the wedding. Everything went really well and Heidi looked beautiful!!! The trip went way too quickly and before we knew it, it was time to leave again. We only went about five hours on Sunday so we could stay in the hotel and swim in the pool. The girls were very excited about that! On memorial day, we drove the rest of the way home. After spending a week away from home, we were all excited to get back home to our own stuff and especially our own beds! Here are a few pics of us at the wedding.

It's a Boy!!!

Well, we had our ultrasound yesterday and looks like we are having a boy!!! We are all really excited. The girls came with us and they are very excited to have a baby brother. Now for the hard part, coming up with a name. If any of you have any great boy names, let us know. We have no idea what to name our little guy. Oh, everything on the ultrasound looked great. He is growing and looks very healthy. Yeah!!!! Have a great day everyone!!!

BABY BUMP!!!

OK, so a few of you have asked me to post a picture of me and my baby bump. So, I had Trevor take a picture tonight, and I must say, it is not my best photo. The camera always seems to add at least a good ten pounds. Of course, it could just be that I still see myself as a skinny-minny, which I definitely am not. So, when I see a side picture of myself, it's a little bit of a shock. So, all of you that look at this, just focus on the cute baby bump and not the rest of the body. I'm a lot bigger at 18 weeks with this one than I was with the other two!!! That's the third child for ya.