{dear santa...}

Friday afternoon we headed to The Santa House, which is Santa's home away from home, you know. It certainly is cold enough here to make him feel right at home! Rick ended up having to work later than he thought, but we were so glad Uncle Robert was there with us!

The girls prepared by writing their letters that morning, and to say it was an experience is an understatement. (Especially for Robert, who helped them!) Emma went through at least 5 drafts, and that's probably on the low side. She wanted it to be just right, and finally she was pleased with the result. Kate knew exactly what she wanted, and wrote hers in 5 minutes. Ryan gave me his list a couple of months ago--all sectioned out into subcategories, and including all the specifics. What can I say--he's definitely my child. :)

We timed it just right, and when we walked in, we were able to take our traditional sleigh picture right away, and then head right over to Santa and Mrs. Claus. The girls put their letters in the pile, and all the kids signed the guest book. Kate went first, and told Santa just want she wanted. Emma was a little shy, but finally with the coaxing of Mrs. Claus, talked to Santa about her list. Jack couldn't stop staring, and Henry wanted no part of any of it. Santa tried to coax Ryan into coming to sit on his lap, but he preferred to watch from afar.



After bidding Santa and Mrs. Clause a Merry Christmas, we walked down the street to one of our favorite pizza places, where Rick was able to meet up with us. It was especially fun to have Robert with us, and now he knows what having five kids is like. :)

.....

6 more days until Christmas...Santa Claus is coming to town!

{kindness}

There are so many good people in this world, and I have been touched with kindness in really big ways this week. My heart is still feeling full, and I wanted to express my thankfulness for people that are willing to go out of their way to help someone.

They are my little Christmas miracles.

.....

Rick had a conversation a couple months ago with a man that works for his firm--although in a different division, and in a different town. He also has a child with celiac disease (and Type 1 diabetes as well), and understood our struggle to find certain replacement items (that actually taste good) for Emma.

Last week Rick came home with a plate overflowing with gluten-free Christmas goodies that this man's wife had made--chocolate covered Oreos and pretzels, frosted sugar cookies, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and gingerbread cookies. You should have seen my little Emma's face, when I told her that they were for her, and she could eat every one! Honestly, I just about cried, it was so incredibly thoughtful. Everything was delicious, and I am thrilled to know that I can now make yummy sugar cookies for Emma too. She also included product information that I know will prove invaluable, and I'm looking forward to trying all the recipes!

I am so grateful for their kindness, which I know we will be feeling for a long time to come.

.....

I went Christmas shopping tonight. It was crazy busy, but I just had a few things left on my list, and I was anxious to get them purchased. I left the store, fought the snowy, cold wind, loaded my items in the trunk, and hopped in the car. I had several more stops to make, and I was just wanting to be home and cozy in my bed.

I was actually driving Rick's car, because he had all the kids with him. I rarely drive it, and had totally forgotten that his lights aren't automatic, like mine are. The result? A dead battery. My heart sank, and I turned to grab my cell phone out of my purse to call Rick. Then I remembered that not only was he not home, but that I had his cell phone, because mine died--leaving him without one. I was stuck.

All of a sudden, there was a woman at my window. I opened the door (since the automatic windows wouldn't work), and she asked if my battery had died. I answered in the affirmative, and she told me that when they parked next to me, they saw that my lights were on, and wondered if I would need help. When they saw that I was leaving, they sat in their car, and waited to make sure I was okay. I couldn't believe it. It's like they were angels, sent straight from heaven to help me. Her husband grabbed the jumper cables, and we popped our hoods, only to find that our batteries were on opposite sides, and the cables wouldn't reach.

Then a woman that was parked across from me asked if she could help. She hopped out of her van, and tried to pop open the hood. It was the first time she had attempted to open it since it had been in an accident, and she wasn't able to make it work. Then a man shouted from the next row over, saying he had extra long jumper cables, and if the woman in the van would move, he could try and get close enough to help. The woman in the van kindly moved out of her very close parking spot so he could park there. Finally, another man (and mechanic) from another row in the opposite direction came over to assist. Within 10 minutes, I was on my way home. (along with some fantastic car advice...)

It could have been, and would have been a very different scenario if these lovely people (from all walks of life) hadn't stopped to see if I was okay. I can't stop thinking about how small acts of kindness can make such a big impact, and I know that I will be looking for ways I can pass that kindness along.

It really is a season of miracles, and I've discovered they come in all shapes and sizes.

{the great escape}

I'm in big trouble.

Rick stayed home today, so he got up early with Ryan to take him to school, and took the girls with him. I heard the babies rustling around a little bit in their room, but since they were quiet, decided to stay in bed for just a few more minutes.

Have you ever had that sudden feeling where you know something is not quite right? It was just too quiet, so I got up out of bed and went to investigate. I walked into the nursery, and there was Jack, but NO HENRY. He was not in his crib, nor in his room anywhere. Panic overcame me, but I was trying to sort all the possibilities. Maybe Rick took him? No--he would have said something. Rick's brother is here for a few days--maybe he got him? No. His door was still shut, and he wouldn't have taken only one of the babies.

I walked downstairs, and what do I see? One little Henry B., as happy as can be, playing with the Little People Nativity set. I had an escapee on my hands.

He had climbed out of his crib and walked downstairs, as big as you please. I put him back in his crib, to see how he did it, and he was kind enough to demonstrate. He is 16 months old, and WAY too big for his own good. I cannot have a baby out of a crib this young! Seriously--I need to figure something out, quick.

Do they make crib covers? Maybe we could cut the mattress in half--that would give us at least 2 inches and another couple of months. Lol.

*Update: After he escaped again at nap time, I bought a crib tent and paid for one day shipping. I couldn't find one within 50 miles of our town, and I can't wait! Rick told me we're going to wrap up the box and put it under the tree. Merry Christmas, Henry!

{snow day}

It's going to be a white Christmas!

We were really hoping that at least a little snow would arrive before December 25th, and our wish was definitely granted. The first snow is always so incredibly beautiful, and I just love looking out my window and seeing all the trees covered with white.


The babies love being outside, but this was to be their first snow adventure. I couldn't get their snow clothes on fast enough--they were so anxious to get out there with Ryan and the girls. They kept on taking off their mittens, but once I tied them on with a little yarn, they were good to go! They rode around in their Little Tikes cars, and were pulled around in their red sleds. We finally had to make them come in--they would have stayed out there all day!



Ryan and the girls helped Rick make a snowman that they dubbed "Frosty". We've been reading about him for the last week or so, so it was the perfect name. They were out there for hours, and it was so fun to watch them enjoy it so much. Hot chocolate warmed everyone up once inside, and we decided there really is nothing like the first snow of the season!

{the snow queen}

Last year I had so much fun taking Kate & Emma to the Nutcracker, that I jumped at the chance to take them to a play this year at the Center for the Arts. There is just something about getting all dressed up, and going to see a stage production. I have always loved it, and I really want to share that with my kids.

The girls did really well--considering it was 2 hours and 45 minutes! It was way longer than we thought it was going to be, but they loved seeing the snow queen, princesses, and girls in tutus. The sorcerer was just scary enough for them to ask me if it was real (Emma was concerned he was coming after her next), and both girls enjoyed naming everyone in our family and which part they would be. I was the Garden Woman...not sure if that was a compliment or not, lol.

Up next? The 12 Dancing Princesses is in March, and I can't wait!

{evidence}

Dear Emma,

If you are going to write on the couch with permanent marker, I suggest you write something other than your name.

Love,
Mom

{happy holidays...1 year old style}

1. The stockings lasted all of one day...if that. It's the heavy stocking hangers! One little pull on the stocking just within reach, and down it all comes--right on top of their head. ER visits would not make our Christmas merrier, lol.

2. A shepherd from our Nativity set nearly was burned to death after being placed in the stove burner.

3. The advent calendar full of candy is a big hit. It hangs in the hallway, which they pass at least 42 times an hour---pointing and squealing. They don't really get the "once per day" concept.

4. Usually the tree is a huge issue, and this year I tried to keep ornaments on the bottom half to a bare minimum. However, we got a type of tree we've never had before, and it is SO poky. Even though I don't love it, it might be worth it--the boys don't touch it!

5. There will be no presents under our tree until they are in bed Christmas Eve. Yikes.

These boys are darling. I love them to pieces. I can't wait to see what they think of Santa Claus!

{o christmas tree}

Cutting down on our own tree is probably one of my favorite traditions, and having our family here this year made it even more special. The tree farm that we usually go to was closed this year, and we were all pretty disappointed. However, there was another one to too far from us that offered some of the things we love, and so we headed there on Saturday afternoon.

It was cold, but the sun was shining, and the wind wasn't as fierce as had it been the last couple of days. We were all bundled from head to toe, and I don't think there is anything much cuter than chubby cheeks stuffed inside a snow hat!

After riding on the horse-drawn wagon around the tree farm, we went to pick out our tree. Some years it takes a long time, and other years just a few minutes. I thought it would take a little longer this year, but we found it fairly quickly. Ryan helped his dad cut it down with the saw, and we were ready to head back. While the tree was being shaken, baled, and drilled, we headed inside to enjoy the warmth. They had some really cute trains set up, which the kids loved.

Cutting down a tree makes you hungry, of course, so we all went out to get pizza at one of our favorite places. It was just so fun--all of us together, and enjoying a perfect day.

{a family thanksgiving}

Up until this Thanksgiving, there has only been one other year that we've spent the holiday with family--my parents--since we moved away for grad school. If we were going to go home, we would save it for Christmas, and it was just too far to justify the expense with such a short travel period.

Then a miracle happened. :) My sister and her family moved to the Midwest after her husband completed his medical residency, and now live only 7 hours away! I was thrilled, because I knew that holidays, especially Thanksgiving, would now be possible to celebrate with family.

This year, not only my sister's cute family, but my parents came to our house for the week of Thanksgiving, and it was wonderful. Just imagine 7 kids--6 of which were age 4 and under--running around and completely enjoying each other. They hadn't been together since they were babies (other than Ryan), and it was so fun to see them playing and getting to know each other.

During the week, we ate a TON, shopped, had a girls' day out to see Tangled and have lunch, played games, watched movies, went to cut down our Christmas tree, and ate some more. My parents helped so much with the kids, I was able to go and do a few things on my own, and even sleep in a little bit. It was fabulous. It was also fun to have them at church with us on Sunday. Memorie and I have always maintained that we don't look alike, but I can't tell you how many people thought she was my dark-haired twin. It was crazy. And fun.

.....

The timing was perfect...my parents were able to see the girls' preschool pow-wow.


Kate and darling baby Eliza


After helping me make rolls...


Three little cousins, snuggled up watching a movie


Playing games and watching football--Ryan loved having these guys play Monopoly with!

.....

My parents also got all of us (adults included) new Christmas pajamas, snowman-themed. Everyone matched someone exactly--and the kids loved it. One night we opened them up, tried them on, and attempted to take pictures. :) It was quite the feat to try and get that many little kids sitting still and looking at the camera. We actually don't have one like that, lol. They are darling though, and priceless.

All the girls...


Kate, Emma, and Eliza--the only girl cousins!


All seven. Someone was always on the move, usually Henry B.


Another attempt...(still on the move)


.....

We missed them as soon as they pulled away, and the house seemed so incredibly quiet. We can't wait to get together again!

{gratitude}

It started out simply, at Ryan's two week checkup, when the doctor noticed a funny smell when she was checking his umbilical cord, which had mostly come off by then. She told me to keep my eye on it, and if I noticed a red ring around the belly button, to call her right away.

A couple of days later, Ryan was really fussy. I couldn't get him to stop crying, and I didn't know what to do. I did notice some reddening around his belly button, but it seemed so slight, I wasn't sure if that's what she meant. So, I held off a little longer, no wanting to be go in and have them tell me it was nothing. If only I could do that over again.

A few hours later, Ryan was really struggling. He was miserable, and I was beside myself. I finally decided I would take him in, but I had another problem. We had only one car, and with Rick traveling from Salt Lake City to Ogden each day (work to school), he had to take it. Somehow I needed to find someone to take us to the doctor's office. My mom lived hours away, and most of my friends were working. My dad was in town on business, but he didn't have a vehicle that would fit Ryan's carseat. We were in a married student ward, but we lived in Centerville, and most of the other members lived in University Housing in Salt Lake City. Finally, I called my friend Angie, who worked at least an hour away. I knew that it would be hard for her to leave her busy job, but I also knew that if she could possibly help me, she would. Sure enough, she was able to come and pick me up, then take me into Salt Lake to the doctor's office. One look at the belly button, and the doctor sent us straight to Primary Children's Hospital.

He was admitted into ICU (even though he was so tiny, he couldn't go into the NICU, because he had already been released from the hospital), and immediately there was a flurry of people--doctors asking me questions, and nurses hooking him up to a million different tubes. I could barely keep my composure, and I was fighting back the tears. I had no way to get in touch with Rick, but I was so grateful that Angie was there with me. She finally had to leave, and I was alone. I was scared, but I knew that they were doing everything that could be done. I felt so young--I was young--with only a two week old baby in a big hospital with no one else around. Up until that point in my life I had never prayed so hard. I knew he was sick, but I didn't realize how serious it was until a doctor (and a friend that was in our ward) told me that if I hadn't taken him in when I had, that it could have been a very different story.

During our stay in ICU, I was able to meet and talk with other patients' families. To the left of Ryan's bed, there was a boy around 10 or 11 years old. As I started conversing with his mother, their story unfolded, and it's one that I have never forgotten. Her son had been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and he was basically living out the rest of his days there in the hospital. She was from Idaho, but Primary Children's served a large area, and his illness required him to be there. So, her husband was back in Idaho working, and taking care of the rest of the kids, while she stayed there with her son. They would come on the weekends that they could afford it, but the cost of these continued trips, and of her living there all week was staggering for them. In addition, her other two living children had been diagnosed with the same illness, and would most likely not live past their teens.

At that moment, something changed in me. Her story has truly never left me, and touched me in a way that I struggle to fully explain. Still, when I'm in the midst of trials and hardship, or even when I'm having a difficult day with my kids, I remember that strong, faithful mother, and her strength and courage. It doesn't lessen my struggles, or minimize my feelings , but recalling this experience always incurs immense feelings of gratitude--knowing that there are always so many things I have to be grateful for--and buoys me up, giving me the strength to keep going.

That sweet mother taught me an incredible lesson that day, with her patience and gentleness, and ultimately her faith and gratitude. This Thanksgiving season I am overwhelmed with all the good things in my life. I am indeed blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you--have a wonderful day!

{my boys}

After posting about my girls, I couldn't leave out my handsome boys! I absolutely love having boys. For a long time I wanted all boys--five of them--my own basketball team. Ryan has been the light of my life since he was born--so much fun, and all boy.

When I found out I was having girls, I was totally taken by surprise. I guess I just assumed my plan would come to be. :) I'm grateful for that surprise, because I wouldn't have it any other way. When we knew we were having twins again, I was really hoping for another boy, and I got two of them! They are a joy--they are both as darling as you can get, and their little personalities just get more fun every day.

They have formed quite the duo. Henry's the brawn--he'll go barreling through any door (I do not know what possessed me to put lever door handles in my house. They are only 15 months, and I have to lock all the doors--inside and out.), open any drawer or cupboard, and climb just about anything. Jack just comes right behind him, and then together they can create some pretty crazy messes. They're just lucky they're so cute. :)

.....

Jack Jack



His little personality was completely captured in these pictures. LOVE them.

.....

Henry


Henry has always had the biggest and most infectious grin. You absolutely cannot help but smiling when you see it.

.....

Ryan


What a good boy. For most kids, going from being the only child for almost 8 years, to being the older brother of 4 little ones, would be a gigantic and rather difficult adjustment, but he has assumed the position so naturally, and so well.

.....

Jack & Henry


.....

{eggs}

Since Rick was gone last night, it was all about a fast and easy dinner. Breakfast food always fits the bill, so I decided on cinnamon toast and scrambled eggs.

Would you like to hazard a guess as to how many eggs I used? Really, if I didn't make it myself, I wouldn't have believed it.

16.

Yes, you heard right.

That is CRAZY. I started with 10 eggs, thinking it would be more than plenty, but those were gone before I could turn around. As I was making the next batch, I was talking to a close friend who has 7 children, and I scheduled an appointment with her as soon as possible to discuss making meals for a large family.

I feel so unprepared. I didn't have the experience of adding one child at a time, so there has been no "easing into it". In three years I went from 1 child to 5 children, and I'm still stuck on cooking for just a few. There have actually been a couple times in the last few weeks that Rick has come home to no dinner. Not because I didn't make it, but because it was all gone! I obviously need to start figuring out the amounts needed to feed our family. It doesn't help that my babies eat way more than my girls--seriously, it's almost ridiculous. Henry looks like he eats a lot, but don't let Jack fool you--he may be little, but man, can he pack it in!

One other thing that needs to be adjusted? The grocery budget.

Someone might need a second job.

{my girls}

I am in love with the pictures that were taken of my girls during our recent family photo shoot. Our fabulous photographer managed to capture not only their darling smiles, but their little personalities and a glimpse into their relationship with each other.

.....

This one is my absolute favorite. I feel like we're getting to see some special secret between them.

.....

Sometimes they will disappear for hours--to their room, or to the basement to play. I'll peek my head around the corner, and my heart beats a little faster when I see them together, totally enraptured in each other, and what they're doing.

I hope they always have that closeness, regardless of other friends, interests, and activities, and as their mother, I hope that I can be the best facilitator of that that I can.

{leverage}

Each one of my children has a very large bag of candy (or two) in the cabinet, labeled with their name. My general rule after Halloween night is 1 piece a day--at lunch. That strategy has continued to work well, however, I've discovered that it has provided me with even more leverage than I thought, and it works for all kinds of things!

• If you say a "bad" word, you owe 1 piece of Halloween candy of your choosing. Say another one, and it's my choice.

• Fighting or arguing? Another piece.

• Disobeying, or not listening? Another piece. Or two.
  

• Potty training? Works like a charm.

• Need to get out the door fast? Try a little Halloween candy.

Let me tell you, I have never seen them move or obey so quickly.

I might have to have it around more often. :)

{halloween}

What a whirlwind week. Each day and night was packed full, and I felt like we were going 100 miles an hour. I have to admit that I love being busy. When I'm in the throes of the craziness, I try to tell myself I won't ever do all of it again, but I don't believe it. :) There are just so many things that I want to enjoy with my kids, that it's worth all those moments of chaos along the way.

Parties at school & with friends, our ward trunk-or-treat, and an outing to Whiting Forest were the highlights of our Halloween season, and I can't wait for next year!

P.S. Ryan was a farmer. He was already off with his friends by the time I got the camera out, and the kids ready, so I missed getting his picture. He looked darling, but don't tell him I said so. :)