Happy Holidays!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sunday School Lesson

Logan learned a very valuable lesson at

Sunday School this past week...

"I learned that when Jesus comes back to earth again there won't be sickness anymore,

like diabetes,

so I can drink as much Mountain Dew as I want."

Christmas lights and music

Nana Donna sings in a choir, The Sally Bytheway Chorale, and was performing at the Assembly Hall at Temple Square.  It was a weekend night and the boys and I were stuck at home without a car.  This was Nana's last performance of the season so I thought it would be a good thing to go and listen to her.  I asked if we could tag along and she, of course, was happy to have us.  Dad wasn't planning on going because he was feeling a little under the weather so I was able to drive us downtown.  We fought the thousands of people that were downtown to see the lights, listen to the choirs sing, and watch BYU basketball at the ESA.  It was crazy busy!  We got Nana dropped off and then parked the car.  We made it through the crowded Assembly Hall and found a place to sit and watch the choir sing.  The boys enjoyed listening to the Christmas music and watching the accompanying orchestra.

 Nana spotted us in the crowd and gave us a smile.

 Nana with the boys after her performance.  This tree was amazing! (if you happen to make the trek to Temple Square, this tree is right outside the Assembly Hall.  It really is beautiful!)

 Mom and her two favorite boys.

Logan, the goofball, putting a red light up to his nose like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

Deseret News Ski School

This year Dresden was old enough to take ski lessons with the Deseret News Ski School.  We thought he would enjoy it more if he had a friend to take lessons with.  We asked his friend Sophie if she would be interested and luckily, she was interested!  We signed the kids up, got them fitted for boots and skis, bought new ski pants and goggles, and awaited the big day.  Dresden was SO excited!  They had a total of three lessons, not enough to make them pros but enough to get them both excited about skiing again.  These pictures are from lesson two, the Rope Tow lesson. 

Sophie and Dresden waiting for the lesson to get started

Dresden's first run down the "slope".

Sophie's first run down the "slope".

Taking the rope tow back up the tiny hill.

Graceful exit.

 Sophie and Dresden finished with their lesson.

The kids did really great on the first trial runs down the hill.  The rope tow was a little tricky, hanging on without it pulling them into the splits, which it did a few times, pulling their gloves off, and hanging on without losing their balance.  It took them a few times to get the hang of it but once they did they were up and down the slopes doing it all over again.

The last day of ski school they were able to ride the chair lifts.  The first thing they both said when they were picked up was, "That Was Awesome!".  When Dresden was asked if it made him nervous being on the chair lift he replied that it was more relaxing than anything.  I'm so glad that they both enjoyed themselves.  I was nervous for them that they would be too cold or it would be too hard but they both are amazing kids and I'm so proud that they were both willing to try something new.  Dresden has found a new hobby that he would like to take up more aggressively but sadly my wallet doesn't support such hobbies.  However, I do think I will have to buy him a day pass or two as Christmas presents.    

Honorable Mention

Logan decided he wanted to participate in the PTA Reflections contest.  It was a really last minute effort but with the help of Nana he accomplished a really cute entry.  The theme for the year was, "Together We Can".  He is naturally artistic but this day he remembered back to a little project his dad made called "Thing in a jar" and went with that as the inspiration behind his idea and created one of his own.  Every child received a ribbon for entering Reflections.  A few received Honorable Mentions and another few won a trophy and moved on to regions.  Logan's entry received him an Honorable Mention ribbon.  When we got home he said, "I can't believe I got two ribbons!".  He was so excited and proud of himself.  He is already wanting to start his entry for next years reflections. 

Logan's inspiration "Thing in a Jar"

Logan receiving his Honorable Mention ribbon from the principal, Mr. Theobold

Logan holding up his reflections entry with his ribbons. 

(Aren't we so happy that his entry is much more charming than the "Thing in a Jar"!)

  I love how he made the octopus friends hold tentacles. 

His entry was in the 3-D category, he used molding clay to create his entry.

Mom and Logan.

Birthday

A week ago I  celebrated my 34th birthday.  Not really exciting but my little family took good care of me.  I started the weekend off by going with some ladies from the ward to Time Out for Women, a convention put on by Deseret Book.  We listened to motivational speakers talk about being the best Mother and individuals WE can be.  Every women's journey in life is individual and it was a great reminder to hear that we shouldn't compare ourselves to other Mothers or to expect too much of ourselves.  I enjoyed being with my friends and even sharing a hotel room with 5 of us turned out great.  It was really enjoyable being away from the "all boy's" life I lead to being with "all girl's" for a while.  And, a big THANK YOU to my Mother-in-law for watching my boys overnight so I could be with the girls.    

I have been feeling my hair has gotten too long so I went Friday morning to get my haircut.  I decided after a few years of all one lenghth hair I would go back to having "fringe" (bangs).  When I returned home from my haircut I walked in the house and the first thing Logan said was, "your hair makes you look 30 years younger."  Yes, I love that little boy.  He knows how to pay a compliment to make you feel good about yourself.  The boys gave me Bath & Body Works goodies and Larry got me a couple new aprons (by my request), a book, and a night out with friends. 

Now, we are anticipating the BIG birthday of the year.  Larry turns 40 this year so we are celebrating with a big birthday bash.  I've rented the Lone Peak Pavilion so we don't have to limit the number of friends we can invite.  We went back and forth between hiring a Karaoke DJ or to have a Rock Band party.  After lots of input from friends, Rock Band won the debate.  It was supposed to be the cheaper route but earlier this week the "red ring of death" showed it's ugly eye on our XBox 360 so we'll be purchasing a new Xbox for the party.  I'm calling it an early birthday present for Larry and an early Christmas present for the boys. I love parties and I'm excited to be throwing him this party.  He deserves to be celebrated!  

If you are reading my blog, consider yourself invited to Larry's Big Birthday Bash!    

Treasures Found

Last week I was in the storage room getting the boxes for the Halloween decorations so I could get everything put away.  I came across a few tupperware buckets containing baby clothes.  I pulled the three buckets out of the storage room and brought them up to the living room so I could examine what was inside.  What I found were clothes that ranged from 6 months to 24 months.  I was excited to see some of my favorite outfits that the boys once wore.  I also found lots of cute clothes that this new baby could wear.  All the others were bagged up and are ready to be dropped off at DI.  I was expecting to buy all new clothes for this little one but it was a nice surprise to find some clothes that will still work.  I figured if I only have to buy for the first few months then I will be saving lots of money.

Yesterday was the first day of Day Light Savings.  I have been so excited to have that extra hour to sleep in but for whatever reason I couldn't sleep in yesterday.  So, I did some cleaning and then decided while I was feeling up to it I would get the Christmas Tree set up.  Besides, I needed to clear room in the storage room for Larry to move his boxes into the storage room. (The man cave needs to be finished so we can then start on the babies room)  Anyway, while I was pulling the Christmas Tree out I noticed yet another tupperware bucket.  This one was marked "3-6 months".  I made a mental note that the bucket was there, continued carrying the tree upstairs and set it up.  Tonight I decided to get the bucket out of the storage room and go through it.  Sure enough, it was full of 0-6 month clothing...onesies, jammies, bibs, shoes, hats, shorts, pants, sweaters, etc.  Logan had fun with me going through the bucket.  He kept trying on all the hats and bibs.  It was really cute listening to his little comments.  I have both boys knit hats that they wore in the hospital.  I put one over my fist to show him how small his little head once was and he said, "that hat looks really cute on your hand like that."  Anyway, after spending lots of time on the internet, deciding that baby clothes are priced way too high for the amount of fabric used, carefully spending money on the REALLY cute "sale" clothes, I've discovered I won't have to spend as much as I originally thought on newborn clothes.  Turns out my storage room contained buckets full of treasures.

 Yep, I found this onesie...

 

...and this sailors outfit...

 

...and even this swaddle blanket (even if it is pink)

Maybe I like the clothes so much because I just recall how adorable my Logan looked in them.

Weeks 22 & 23

Week 22 has kicked my butt!  I have been an emotional wreck, braxton hicks contractions with hot flashes have been too numerous, I'm worn out, dizzy, and these daily headaches are more than I can handle.  Not to mention that I think I have doubled in size in just 5 days.  The skirt I wore to church on Sunday won't be zipping up this week.  Seriously, this week could end and I would not miss it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Week 23 has been much better.  My head is clear, I'm not emotional, and I'm not cramping as much.  I think I felt so terrible last week because my body was going through a huge transformation.  Baby boy has decided to not hide in my back any longer.  He is out front now and starting to fill in any available space.  I had a little laugh to myself this morning when I bent over to pick up my shoes.  It wasn't as easy as it was just a few days ago...and I still have 3+ months to go.  I guess the only positive thing going for me is I am finally looking pregnant instead of looking like I am packing on a few extra pounds.  Well, there's also the news that I received from my Doctor yesterday that the ultra sound came out great.  There isn't anything alarming about the scans that have them worried.  That news and the news that they will induce me.  I had heard from a friend that IMC doesn't schedule inductions unless you are overdue.  He confirmed with me that he most certainly does do inductions everyday and he is more than happy to schedule me for one.  (He doesn't induce on the first pregnancy) One reason he will induce me is because I have had two previously scheduled inductions, one of which I didn't need.  The other reason is because by week 38 in my past pregnancies I was already dilating.  Anyway, it was a big relief to hear.  So, if all goes well and the baby decides to wait for the induction date and not come sooner like Logan did, then we will have our baby on February 28th.

Picture of the growing bumb may appear...

Boy Crazy!

Yes, it is true.  Larry and I are expecting our third child.  And, of course, it is a BOY!  It seems we only know how to make darling little boys.  Dresden and Logan couldn't be happier!  I have been nervous about how the boys would react when we first told them the news but they have been darling about it.  The boys have made some of the funniest comments and I love that they are excited about this new arrival.

Here are a couple cute things the boys have done or said.  I have been telling them every week new things that are developing with the baby.  While we were at dinner one evening I told the boys that the bones in the baby's ears are developed and can now hear sounds and voices.  So, both boys came over to me, tipped my head back and opened my mouth so they could talk to the baby.  I laughed and explained that my throat isn't a microphone to the baby.

Another night I had worked on getting dinner ready.  I was starving the whole process of making dinner but by the time it was ready and we sat down to eat, I wasn't hungry anymore.  I had lost my appetite.  The only thing that sounded good was some canned pears.  I poured the pears into a bowl and Dresden responded, "The baby wants what the baby wants."  Seriously?!  Where did he come up with that?

I love their enthusiasm and how, even now, they are considering the baby. 

So, come February 28th we will have another gorgeous boy in our home.

My handsome boys!

My hobby...if that's what you can call it

The first time I remember really thinking I would like to make decorative cakes was when I was sitting in the Bushman's kitchen in Germany.  Rachel and I...and I think Melanie were there for one reason or another and Lynette was baking a cake.  I was impressed by the techniques she used to smooth out the frosting among other cool things.  It all looked so much fun!  About six years later I made my first cake for Dresden's first birthday.  It was a Teddy Bear much like the Duck cake I made for Logan's first.  From that moment on I decided I wanted my kids to have unique cakes for their birthdays.  I have no idea what I am doing when I make these cakes but I enjoy learning as I go.  I think it would be so much fun to take a cake decorating class.   I'll have to put that on my list of things to do...      

Happy Birthday, Logan

L  lovely, lovable, lively, likable, laughable, loyal
O  optimistic, outstanding, outrageous, original, obstinate
G  grateful, glorious, gentle, goofy, great, gifted, goodhearted
A  affectionate, able, active, alive, awesome, adorable
N  nice, neat, noticeable, needy, naughty, nonstop

My sweet little angel boy Logan is sometimes needy, naughty, and obstinate but he is always affectionate and lovable.  He is a joy to have in our family and I feel so blessed to be his Mom.  

Happy birthday, Logan!

    The birthday party gang.

 Logan loves to play with action figures so we bought him this castle.

 $$$$$$

Who doesn't love a little birthday cash?!

 Giving loves to Grandpa De & Papa John

Sydney made Logan a book for his birthday.

(very cute book full of different animals she drew)

Happy Birthday, Dresden!

This weekend has certainly been a busy one with Dresden's birthday and Easter.  We planned a party for Dresden but snow was covering the ground and playing Capture the Flag just wasn't going to happen.  So we postponed the party for a week and spent his birthday with just our family.  Dresden chose to eat lunch at Fuji, a Japanese Steakhouse and then to play laser tag.  We had a great time spending the day with Dresden and we hope he knows how much he is loved and adored.