Christmas 2011

We had a very layed back Christmas  this year.  We usually have people over , but we just hung out togrther this year.  Mike got a lot of days off for the holidays so we made the most of just being with "Daddy". 

This was the first year that Emma could understand the concept of Santa Clause.  She was so scared of Santa last year and was actually really excited for him to come this year.  I think she was a little overwhelmed in the morning with all her presents to open.  She didn't understand why she had to unwrap other presents when she just wanted to open and play with ones she had just gotten.

Her favorite presents are her roller skates and baby doll.

  Here is a picture of Emma in all her roller skating glory.

It was nice to have Christmas on Sunday so we could go to church and spend the day thinking about our Savior.  We really tried to emphasize to Emma that Christmas is celebrating Jesus's birthday.  We made him a birthday cake and everything.  Emma is still waiting for Jesus to come home so he can have some of his birthday cake.:)  Sure love these kids of ours.  Emma is just a crack up and Vivian has just started eating cereal.  They are just growing up so fast.  This weekend we are heading to the Andals in Vegas for our annual New Years party.  We are sure looking forward to spending some more time with family, and Emma has been asking all month if we could go to Annadele's house so it's a good thing we can go.  Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Winter Blues

You ever have just one of those days, well in all honesty it has been just one of those months. My poor family has had to be really patient with me. I'm not sure if it's just the gloomy winter weather, or the fact that Mike has been gone quite a bit with work, or just the stress of the holidays, but unfortunately I have just been a serious grump the past few weeks. Sorry this is a downer post, but it's just what's been on my mind lately. Any suggestions for getting out of the doldrums? I know I just need to get out, exercises and just get up and do, but sometimes it is just hard to be motivated. I think I just need to work on finding "balance" in my life. Whenever I feel out of sorts it's because something is missing from my daily routine. On Sunday I was able to go to a Christmas concert and sing the Hallelujah chorus which brought such joy to my soul. I sure miss being able to sing in a choir that large, and especially the Messiah and Christmas music. I need to take more advantage of the blessing of being the ward choir director. Yesterday was somewhat of a turning point for me. In the morning I was so impatient with Emma. I swear I was getting on her for everything. Instead of stepping back and realizing that she was tired and needed some empathy, I just wanted her to go along with my schedule. Tantrums and frustrations ensued. I should know better by now. Poor little girl, I just pray I can do better so she doesn't grow up with a mother who is grumpy all the time. Urgh! So frustrated about that. Luckily I have a patient husband and the girls ended up both taking a 3 hr. nap yesterday so I was able to take a step back and relax and try a bit better in the afternoon. Today we had preschool here at our house and it was a lot of fun. It was nice to be active and have more organized fun for my child. Anyway, I am just hoping that this lull doesn't last for too long. I have been truly blessed with a beautiful family, and a wonderful Christmas season that allows us to serve others and remember all the blessings we've been given. Vivian at 5 months

(Doesn't that wry smile look just like her daddy?) At 5 months Vivian is such a chatter box. She loves to sing. She is very social and curious, she hates to eat and sleep if there is something going on that she would rather look at. She loves to roll all over the place. Her favorite person is Emma and she loves Rusty as well. She has problems going poop on a regular basis, but is otherwise a sweet little child. She loves her hands and always has a hand in her mouth. She spits up a ton and especially loves to spit up on her dad. What funny gal.

Emma is a very smart child who is starting to say very humorous adult phrases like, "I was just kidding". She has said some really funny ones that I unfortunatley cannot remember. She loves to play with her friends, jump, see the sparkly house lights, and loves to draw temples. We sure love her. She is a great big sister and is always helping Vivian be happy.

Thanksgiving and More

You know it as been awhile when you husband comments on how long it has been since you last posted. This past week after getting home from Utah I have been less than motivated. We got home, put up the Christmas decorations, did the laundry and then I crashed for the rest of the week. I think we needed some time to not be on the go. We had such a nice time visiting family while we were in Utah. It wasn't long enough though with sickness spread throughout, but it is always so great to see everyone. We sure miss being with family, and especially having our kids know their cousins. It was great that Emma was able to get to know some of them a little bit better.



We were also able to see my Grandpa who is currently in the nursing home. I love these pictures we were able to get. They were ALL smiling.

As usual I forgot to get my camera out by the end of the trip and so I don't have as many pictures as I hoped.


Mike is currently on his second business trip since we've been back and we are sure missing him.

In other news our kids are growing up too fast. Emma has been so bossy lately by saying things like, "Mommy don't talk anymore", or "Mommy don't say NO." After really making mom annoyed I can see the humor in this little girl not wanting to hear that she can't or shouldn't be doing things she wants too. She's pretty smart. She will hopefully be starting potty training as well. I guess I should say that I will hopefully being potty training soon. I have been putting off the inevitable.

Vivian went to the doctor the other day and she weighs almost 13 lbs!!! Yeah! Finally she is gaining some good weight. She is also Miss Rolly Polly and loves to roll over and tries to grab things.

We also got a new addition to our family, a new computer. We have been needing one for awhile, ours was pretty outdated, but it finally bit the dust and we had to get a new one. I am sure loving this HUGE screen. Happy Holiday Season to you all.