I Love Him...

Last night we did Polar Express with my mom and some of my siblings and their families.  The kids open their Christmas PJ's, get a ticket and we go look at Christmas lights.  We bring along blankets and treats.  Erin found an amazing house that put their lights to music so we went there and watched for half an hour.  It was awesome! 
I got the kids blanket sleepers.  Easton opened his and said "These are baby ones" and then threw them to the floor and kicked them at me.  Where does he get this stuff?
When we started off they were so excited!  Madi said "This is my first pretend train ride!" We had a lot of fun and will be looking forward to it next year.  Thanks Erin!

Proud Mama Moment...

Proud mama moment.... Madi read her first book tonight with very little help!  She also participated in her first violin concert at her school Christmas party.  My girl is growing up too fast!

Did you know. ..

Did you know that a pair of toddler socks can plug up your toilet pretty good? We do!  Thanks Easton.

It Won't Go Away...

I have had a nagging feeling for months about coming back to this blog and documenting some of the things my kids do, the things they say, and how they make my life so complete.  That is my goal, to get back to it.  As much as I love pictures, I want to be more consistent about saving all the little things that make them who they are so I can go back and relish in those moments.  Bear with me as I am sure some of these will be short, random tidbits and some will be long, rambling stories.  If there is something that touches your heart or a little something about my sweet Madi or Easton, please share it in the comments.  I want to preserve their youthfulness for them to share with their kids and grandkids and great grandkids someday.

My Star Gazer...

My sweet little girl is growing up so fast!  She LOVES to learn about an array of things.  She questions everything and has more "What if..."s than anyone I've ever met.  One of her dreams is to see a shooting star.  She has been wanting to do this and has talked about it for at least a year, probably longer.  We've tried a few times but it's just never come to pass. 

When I heard about the Geminids Meteor Shower that was last night and tonight, I talked to her about it.  That was about a week and a half ago.  We talked about what meteors are, we had a recent field trip to the planetarium, she learned about them in her Nature Studies class at school, she was prepared.  She was ready.  When I looked out the window tonight and saw the thick clouds across the sky I told her that we weren't going to be able to see a shooting star tonight.  She tried to force a smile.  She tried nod her head and say it was ok, that she understood, but the tears spilled out anyway. Seeing the disappointment in my precious child, so eager to learn, so eager to see the awesome creations that our Father in Heaven has so graciously given to us, broke my heart.  I scooped her up and held her as we cried together.  We had family scriptures and prayers and I said a quick prayer in my heart, asking for a tiny miracle, a parting cloud and just one shooting star for my girl to see. 

As Derrick read to Easton and tucked him in,  I told Madi to get some shoes on while I rounded up a few blankets.  We headed for the trampoline and snuggled up together in the blankets to stay warm.  As we lay there shivering, looking at the mass of clouds, talking about what meteors are made of, I had a thought.  I could show her what a shooting star looks like.  I could show her a meteor shower, not in the majestic way she's been dreaming of, but a meteor shower nonetheless. I pulled out my phone and opened YouTube.  I typed in my search and instantly had several options to choose from.  I  let her watch one, then another, and another.  I saw the awe in her eyes and the excitement as she asked questions and watched them on my tiny screen.  After a few clips, we went inside for some hot chocolate and watched a few more on our TV.  I told her that I would set my alarm and wake up during the night to see if the clouds had broke up so we could catch a peek.  We talked some more about the amazing creations and beauties in the heavens and then read stories and I put her to bed with a sweet smile on her face that stretched from ear to ear. 

I am so very grateful for the privilege it is to be her mom.  She amazes me every day at the things that she notices, the way she absorbs information and her yearning to know more about everything.  I am so thankful for the many, many, many resources and technologies that are available that allow me to help her and answer some of those questions and fulfill some of those dreams, at least on a small level.

On a side note*** Chris and Annie... We should plan a camping trip to Arches next summer in August during the Perseids Meteor Shower.  It's supposed to be one of the big ones! :D 

Christmas... 12.25.2013

What a fabulous Christmas we had!  It started early with piles and piles of presents, hours of opening and lots of laughing.

Cordon got this this fun circus tent.  He LOVED it!

Santa left a special note for Madi and Easton.  His silly elves forgot to tell him where we were and he brought their presents to our house.

Chris and Annie even woke Cordon up early so that they could be apart of the fun!  He looks so tired!  No worries, he perked right up when the presents started getting opened.

Mr. Brenton all ready to go.  (He got hot and had to change his shirt.)

Next was Madi...

...and Caitlin...

...and then Whitney and Easton.  He couldn't even wait two minutes before digging into his stocking!

This kids waited so patiently while we read the Christmas story from Luke and  had prayers before we began opening presents.

Even Cordon was entertained.

He started the present opening with this fun book.  I think Annie looks more excited than he does. :D

Next was a car mat floor rug. 

 Easton was next in line...

We continued on up through the kids.  After all the kids had opened their first present we just took turns and passed them out.

Cordon couldn't wait to take his turn!  He was ready to go!

Madi LOVED her dress up box!  She got tons of different outfits and accessories to play dress up with.  She tried on almost every one!

The only thing Madi wanted was an ipad for Christmas.  Thank goodness that to a four year old, this is considered an ipad. :D She was thrilled with it.  Easton thought it was ok too but was quickly ready to move on.

Cleopatra...

A remote control car!!!

Rick and Tiff were there too but sat next to me so I didn't get any pictures of them. :(

When the unwrapping was done and things were getting cleaned up Cordon wasn't too sure about having his new toys put in a box.  He was ready to play!

We had a yummy breakfast and then went to leave.  We were greeted with a flat tire. Good thing there was lots of brothers to get it changed quick so we could go to Grandma and Grandpa's and spend some time with them and Heidi.  The kids opened their gifts from Grandma and Grandpa.  Madi got a Disney Princess suitcase with a Rapunzel doll and dress up.

Easton got a Wreck It Ralph doll.

We had a yummy Christmas dinner and then came home to see what Santa had left.  He brought Easton a horse and Madi an art easel.  They were two very spoiled and very loved kids!  It was a great day and I don't think they could have any complaints!