Our White Christmas!!!!!

Mom and Karleigh's Snowman



Ready to be pulled by the snowmobile AGAIN



Grandpa being chased down!

Christmas Bingo

Last night we had a White Christmas at Grandma Annie's and Grandpa's!  It was so fun to be together with our family.  We missed Brinton and Makenzie and baby Kysen.  I was so sad that they couldn't be there with us it would have been neat to all be together.  But with colds and a new baby it just was not worth it.  But they were missed. 

We had great food, Kids were pulled behind the snowmobile on the sled ( and me but not the brightest idea when you are due in less than 3 weeks but it is so fun ), Sierra and Preston  drove the little snowmobile, We played Christmas Bingo, opened presents, and even found the pickle! 

I love going to my parents it is so beautiful and I love that they are buried in snow even if they don't!  The kids loved playing in it.  Karleigh couldn't wait for me to come out with her and build a snowman. 

I love this time of year.  I love that my kids are getting old enough to understand the true meaning of the season even if at the beginning Colton Called the baby jesus in the nativity the baby santa.  He knows who it is now!  I love being able to focus on the Savior this time of year. 

The last few years during Christmas I always ask myself why is it that we only reflect on Our Savior's birth and life once a year.  It makes me a little sad each end of the year as I reflect and see that I have not done my best at Remembering Him each day.  Every year I start out trying harder to remember him that I may always have him with me.  So my Christmas Wish this year is not only that I remember him daily but to extend the challenge to everyone out there.  Our Bishop gave us a challenge for the new year to Do nothing without asking one question first:  What would Jesus Do?.  What kind of days will we have if we do nothing unless we ask ourselves that question first?  Will we be more patient?  Humble? Meek? Charitable? Will serving and loving one another come more easily?  I pray we can all just be a little better this year!  We love all of you and if you are wondering where our Christmas card is well the baby is coming and we will be sending out New years cards!!!!  Thank you to all of you that have sent well wishes our way and know we are thinking of all of you and wish you a Merry Christmas!

We wish you a merry Christmas!!!!

Our Neighbors invited us to go carolling/hayride, and afterward we had donuts and hot cocoa!  The kids loved it.  Who am I kidding Chad and I loved it as well.  It was so fun to spread some christmas cheer to our great friends and neighbors! 

This is the Place.....

This year the kids are getting old enough now I feel that they may actually remember what we do for the holidays.  So I really wanted to make a fun memory.  I had heard about Candlelight Christmas up at This is the Place and so I hopped online to check it out.  It sounded really fun so we headed up last night.  As we pulled up we missed the turn in and drove past the zoo.  Zoolights looked awesome so we were debating skipping this is the place and going to the zoo.  But I had told colton about seeing real live reindeer at tHis is the place and he really wanted to see that.  So we turned around and went skeptical to Candlelight Christmas.  Chad and I were a little nervous cause it really didn't look that spectacular.  But as we entered it ended up being Awesome!

Right as you walk in there were the reindeer and All the kids loved it.  You get to go into each house and they tell you a story about the house and people that lived there or you  have a little craft you can do.  It was so much fun.  The kids made beaded icicles and wrote letters to Santa that they threw in a magic fire that sent the letter to the north pole with the smoke, they got to write their names on the naughty or nice list, pet live goats and sheep and even a donkey at the live nativity.  We ended the night seeing Father Christmas and riding a train.  It was such a fun evening.  As we were leaving Preston said "Well that was a fun family acitivty".  And that is all a mom wants to hear!!!!!  I am so thankful for this time of the year and the time to spend with my sweet husband and beautiful Children.

Curlers?

Okay I am posting this because of my friend who posted this on her blog and as I was leaving her a comment I thought it was getting to long and why not just post one on mine with all that I have to say. 

My friend has 3 beautiful girls.  She was saying how with the first girl she never left her house without her dressed and hair done.  The second girl: well the same mostly... the third little girl joins the family and how all of a sudden it is like you step back and look at your cute family and think When did I stop caring?....

My question is Why have I never cared?  I used to never leave the house unless dressed with my hair done and makeup.  Now I am lucky to be showered everyday.  Makeup that is a thing of the past on most days.  I go to church and look around everyone there with hair and makeup and clothes freshly pressed I am running in dragging my kids behind me.  Are we on time?  No way.  Yes my kids are dressed and their hair is done but as for poor mom;  not so much. 

Remember I have 2 boys how hard should it be to get them ready?  Okay; it's not hard.  I used to say "when I have my little girl I will never leave the house without her hair all done, cute matching outfit, face washed and cleaned.  Those kids with the sticky hands you see at the grocery store or messy faces, yeah that will never be me.  Then I had a girl.  Yes I do leave to the store with messy faces and hair not combed.  I say to myself  that I just need to hurry and so I can get back home as I run out the door. 

So why is it that I stopped caring?  Am I too busy?  Where are my priorities?  Does everyone feel as rushed as I do most the time? 

As I read my friends post I thought at least I am not the only one.  At the same time it has made me think that I really should care a little more.  At least for my children if not for myself. 

Happy Birthday Preston!!!!

We all had fun celebrating with preston this year.  He turned 7 on Friday.  He wanted to take pizza to his class for his birthday treat so that is what we did.  Never thought I would do that!  Anyone who knows Preston knows he is not a big candy kinda kid.  He wanted to take his favorite and that happens to be pizza currently. 
Everybody would ask him what he wanted for his birthday and he told everyone the same thing "a panda pillow pet" I was a little worried he was going to be getting a few but he made out with "only" 2.  I just laughed we took one back the other day and he got to pick something new out.  We are so thankful for all those that could make it.  We missed Uncle B and Kenzie this year and Great Grandma and Grandpa Passey since they can't drive at night.  We also missed his bestest cousin Sierra.  She came earlier that day though.  He wanted to invite some friends from his sunday class and school class.  We played pin the nose on the snowman.  It all turned out really nice. 

I was a little nervous being 8 months pregnant but it all ran smoothly.  I picked Chad up from the Airport that morning so he was there to help. 

7 Incredible things about Preston:

1. He is amazing at keeping his room spotless and bed made
2.  He is the best big brother to his brother and sister
3. He is always looking for ways to serve others
4. He is a hard worker just like his dad
5. He loves the First Grade.  His fav. subject at school is Spanish
6. He loves pizza
7. He loves MONEY!!!  And is always wanting to sell his stuff. He even likes to put it in the bank!  (imagine that with a mom like me... LOL) 

Preston we love you and are so proud of how you are growing up.!

Oh Christmas Tree



complete joy dancing with daddy to Christmas music



We were invited by friends this year to go and cut down our christmas tree.  Chad and I jumped at the chance we had talked last year about starting this tradition.  We planned on heading up to the Uintas near the Bear River lodge.  It costs $10 for the permit and so we could afford that.  Our Friends called ahead and were told that to the lodge we could drive with 4 wheel drive but to get to the tree cutting area you had to snowmobile in or ski.  Our friends have a 6 month old and figured it wouldn't be wise to head up this year.   So we went to a tree farm in Far west and cut a tree.  It was much more expensive since I wanted a tall skinny one because in our little apartment we don't have a lot of room.  We found the perfect one and Preston and Colton actually agreed on the same one; Bonus.  We cut it down and helped our friends choose one and headed home.  They told us it wasn't the same as being up in the Uintas but it was alright.  Next year we will head up to the mountains but for our kids first time they loved it.

Here we are trimming the tree.  Chad is dancing with the little ones on and off to Christmas music blaring.  It was a lot of fun this year the kids are old enough to help.  They actually didn't put them all on the bottom this year. 

Here is the final tree and I absoulutly love it!!!!It is so cute and seems to have a fun little evergy about it.  We were a little worried with coco's asthma if a real tree was a good idea.  So far he has had no problems so this year will be our trial year!

Sad note I pulled out my beloved prelit artificial tree this year and it is fried.  I was sad to see it go.  I loved it.  But on a happy note I don't have to store it this year!!!!

Mouth Sores.....

Late Monday night Karleigh came down with a fever of 102.5.  After alternating Motrin and Tylenol every 3 hours Her fever wasn't coming down.  So Tuesday I took her into the doctor.  They ran a strep test that came back negative and said they would culture it, they checked her ears.  They were full of wax as the doctor dug to get it out Karleigh is just screaming ( I really think the doc hurt her because for days after she wouldn't let anyone near her ears)  She said the ears looked fine.  I left the docs feeling that something was not right but didn't know what to do.  while she was at the doctors screaming I noticed these white spots behind her front teeth and the gums were swollen I thought her permanent teeth were coming in I showed Chad when I got home he said it wasn't teeth it was an infection cause there was black and white gunk as well.  The next day ( Wed.) She woke up with white sores on her tongue and her gums all swollen so bad that you coundn't even see her teeth in some spots.  It looked as if she was teething and the teeth had just broke through.  Her fever now was 104. I took her to a different doctors and they ran a flu test since she looked terrible.  She had not eaten since Monday.  I was able to get her to drink.  Blessing.  Flu was negative the doc looked at the sores and said it was a virus she had them all down her throat, along her gums, and on her tongue which spread to her lips on the outside and inside.  He said that it was not Hand Foot mouth disease it was some other thing.  I asked about Hand foot and mouth but they said this was not it.  He checked her ears again and one was red so I left with a perscription for the ear and instructions to keep her hydrated.  Still I felt that this was not enough.  Give me something for the mouth she is in so much pain.  It was starting to get hard to get her to even drink.  Thurs.  thanksgiving day I get a call about the strep culture  and that it was positive but the doc said that because it had to be cultured that it was most likely not the cause of all the problems she was having.  She was already on antibiotics for the ear and it was a left at that.  All the while her fever not going away still 104 and sores getting worse in the mouth. 
Saturday I thought she was finally getting better she wanted to eat, but couldn't because her mouth hurt so bad, but her fever was down to 100.6 and she was looking a little better.  She actually ate a little of a milkshake.  That night at 11:30 she woke up crying in pain and her gums had begun bleeding dark blood.  I freaked. I am sure it just all caught up with me after watching her be in pain all week and nobody being able to do anything.  Chad wasn't worried and acted like I was overreacting.  Yet he wasn't the one that was with her all day for a week watching her in so much pain.  Anyway Sunday I was calling the doc to ask questions.  I finally posted on facebook the pics of her mouth in hopes that someone knew something.  My good friend told me it looked like cold sores and the first outbreak could produce all the symptoms Karleigh was having.  I thought I knew this was something.  My sister in law calls me from the church and tells me she was talking to a girl in the nursery and her mom is  ped nurse at Primary Childrens' Hospital and she said they have had a small outbreak of herpes in the mouth 10-11 kids.  She said I should take her in.  So as soon as Chad got home we drove in the awful snow storm to primary's and sure enough it was Herpes.  They perscribed us "Magic Wash" but unfortunatly since she can't swish her mouth and spit it out they couldn't add the licodine.  So it is just benadryl and Mylanta.  It has done wonders for the pain though.  She actually ate a grahm cracker yesterday and has felt a ton better. 
So after all is said and done she is slowly getting better.  She has a few sores this morning and her lips are bleeding from being dry and she still cries that her mouth hurts.  Primary says that it can take up to 14 days to get better and here we are on day 7 so it may be  another long week. 


Okay on a lighter note.  I went to the doctor yesterday.  I am 33 weeks the c-section is scheduled for Jan.13.  I have 6 weeks left.  Crazy.  It will go by fast through the holidays.  I lost 6 pounds but the doc isn't worried.  The baby is growing great and she moves constantly.  He figures I will gain those six back in the next 6 weeks.  So all is great!  I can't wait to see this little one.  Chad is going to be traveling alot with his new position so it really makes me nervous when she comes how I am going to do it all.  But things will work out.

Thanksgiving Traditions

Every year after Thanksgiving dinner we decorate gingerbread houses.  This year Chad's mom thought the smaller kids would rather do a rice krispie train.  it would be a little easier for them.  Karleigh and Colton were not to happy with the not being able to do their own house but they still had fun making the train. 

Preston did an amazing job on his house this year.  This kid is so artistic.  He does better than me on a lot of things.  He is very proud as you can see. 

Karleigh was so sick but didn't want to miss out so as soon as her train was done we came back home but she as well was very proud. 

Lights, Camera, Action

Here is Karleigh and Coco putting on a show for me.  They light up my world!

Families are Forever....

The happy Family!!!!

Sweet Payton

My little sister was sealed to her husband and little baby on Nov. 20.  It was a very special day for our family.  I am so glad I was able to be there and share in her experience.  She amazes me with her testimony and she is such an example to all those around her.  I am so proud of her and her husband.

Every year we head up to Mueller Park On the Sunday of the October Conference for a family picnic with Chad's family.  We love going there and taking pics of the kids. 

Gratitude...

So we have had such a couple of months.  Chad's company he works for is restructuring the sales team and whole company actually.  So last month there was a conference call letting everyone know they were going to be doing lay offs and that everyone should be recieving a letter of either an offer or that they are let go.  The letters would be sent out by Nov.23.  Needless to say Everyone was freaking out.  Chad talked to everyone in his region almost daily.  Speculations were flying. 
We personally were about 98% sure  Chad would be one let go.  The thing was Chad has already been hired by this Financial company and is studying for tests that he has to take and pass before they can contract him.  So the lay off would have been good because Chad could have taken the Severence Package and we would have had health insurance through until the baby was born and would have pay up until he got the tests done with and contracted with the new company.  I thought this is okay Chad was going to quit anyway.  The problem you may ask.....  I have been struggling with Chad quitting Nutro and goint to work at the Finance place because it is Commission based.  We would be taking a HUGE Risk financially, losing his company car, (leaving us with one car) And a new baby all in just months.  I was freaking out.... I prayed and felt like everything was going to be okay and that what ever Chad decides to do we were going to be just fine.  I held on to that feeling and am really leaning on faith.  Well Nutro decided not to send out letters and that they were meeting personally with each person to let them know of their fate.. Chad walked in on Monday ready to accept the Severence package.  Walked out of the meeting with a dagger in his chest... why? because they offered him a new position and because they offered the position he could not take the Severence if he didn't want to accept.  So he has no choice but to stay on with Nutro for insurance and pay untill the Baby is born. 

My turmoil:  What does the  lord want us to do?  On one hand it is a miracle that he was offered a position.  His old boss was even shocked not because of Chad's work but because they are letting go of so many people.  People that have been with the company for 15 plus years and a lot people are asked to relocate.  So it looks like a blessing from the lord that he was offered a position that also allows us to stay here.  But then it is also a miracle he was hired at AXA the financial place because everyone there has a degree in finance and is right out of college and start there.  Chad has no finance background or a degree and he doesn't know why they hired him.  So is that the lord telling Chad that he should go into this field?

Chad's turmoil:  He really wants to do the Financial thing.  It is where his heart is and he really wants to go into this field.  But he knows we have a baby coming so he understands my concerns with the commission based job.  He is very confident in his ability to do this new job.  Understands the economy is crazy but is a very faith driven person.  He is really not liking Nutro.  He hates Corporate America and is really a Self Employed type person which is why he has always been happiest owning his own buisness and doing his own thing.  He says is the lord testing us to see if we will take the risk? 

I wonder if the lord wants us to take risks? 

Anyway too much thinking is bad I think.  Anyway just needed to let it all out.

Kids do the darndest things.....

Just had to post some funny things Karleigh has said today....
While at Smith's marketplace we were shopping for a baby gift for my brother and sisterinlaw and Karleigh kept picking up things and saying " mom my baby sister want this"  IT was so cute.  I let her pick out the outfit to bring her home in.  It will be a very cruel cruel trick if this baby comes out a boy. 

Warning this funny thing may be TMI but funny nonetheless so skip this if you don't want to be grossed out....

Later while at Smith's I had to use the restroom.  Karleigh came in with me and stood behind me next to the flusher handle.  She says "oh mom you poop" I said yes Shhhhh please whisper.  Then she tells me to scoot back on the potty I said no I am okay she said "no mom I not want to see your poop"  I am laughing and tell her to move to the front of me.  Next she says I get you a wipe mom  she reaches in my purse and she precedes to tell me she will wipe me.  I say Shhhhh no mommy can do it herself.  All the while trying to hush her, not laugh, and decide if I should stay in there until the other ladies leave or just hurry out.

While making dinner tonight Kar comes in from outside and looks at the stove and says mom what you making  with a confused look on her face because nothing was on the stove... then says what that smell in my nose mom... I chuckle and say that smell in your nose is dinner and showed her it was cooking in a pan on the counter.  I thought it was cute.  the smell in her nose.  she is so cute!!!!!

Halloween

Karleigh was going to be thing 1 but I never got her shirt made.  So she was a chicken.  The cutest little chicken I ever saw.  She would go around saying  "bak, bak, bak"  and flapping her wings.  So cute. 

Colton chose the Cat and the Hat thanks to PBS that has the show now.  And Preston was thing 2. He was very specific that he was Thing 2 not Thing 1,  I am not sure why that is.  Needless to say we had a Great Halloween.  Probably my favorite year so far.!!!!!