Carter's first Christmas and the Polor Bear Club

Christmas was wonderful. This year it seemed like we were able to enjoy the kids, traditions, and the true meaning of Christmas more than ever. In years past we always stretched ourself and wallet too thin but we decided to go easy this year so we didn't regret it. The past 2 Christmas's we got presents we regretted (trampoline, and a dog) so we made a pack that we would not impulse buy and stick to our plan. We did pretty good although a few small unplanned gifts snuck their way under the tree (PS2). It was kinda a flash back retro Christmas. The kids got things we got as children like Hungry Hippos, Lite Brite, Easy Bake Oven, Operation, and the movie Annie, along with a few other more "modern" toys.
We were having too much fun on Christmas with the kids and their toys that we actually forgot to take pictures- oops. We did manage to capture one of Carter enjoying his wrapping paper.

He love the wrapping paper better than anything and was so sad when it got too soggy and we took it away.

Kirk and Jason started a new tradition this year... The Polar Bear Club. Kirk had mentioned a few weeks before Christmas that he was jumping in the pool but I thought it was all talk. I was surprised when they actually jumped in despite the cold and rain. Well, he showed me!

Kirk was glad to have his Bro. In-law Jason join in on the freezing fun.

Merry Christmas

Look at these awesome Christmas photos.  The photographer is amazing and the kids are darling!  I couldn't be happier with them.  I just wanted to share them with everyone.  

Carter was a little sad which is very ironic because he is such a good baby, but everytime we get his pictures done he isn't a big fan- oh well.  

Santa's Workshop

Of course after all that Halloween sewing I just couldn't stop.  I saw this idea on etsy and modified it a little bit. It is a reversible batman/superman cape.  I made a couple for my friend and one for Kaleb.  I think Kaleb will love it.  Hopefully it will help him want to be a good guy rather than a bad guy :)  We have been watching too much Star Wars around here (which I never watched as a child) I think it is time to take a break from lightsabers and Darth Vader. 

Kirk was with me at JoAnns and we  saw this fleece BYU fabric.  He casually mentioned me making him a blanket so I went ahead and did it :)  I put fleece binding all around the edge.  It was a little bit harder to get it straight and even on both sides, but I figure the people using it won't be too critical.  

Christmas Crafts

I saw this on Martha Stewart (I think) and thought we would give it a try.  All we needed were some toothpicks (cut in half), a styrofoam wreath (found at the dollar store or Michaels), and a whole lot of gum drops.  The kids had a great time putting it all together.  They needed just a little help putting some of the toothpicks in the styrofoam but for the most part they did it all by themselves. 

6 months

Being 6 months has brought on some new things for Carter.  He now eats rice cereal, and tonight we mashed up a peach to add a little flavor to his cereal.  

He also got his haircut.  Dad took the clippers to the top of his head and Carter didn't mind one bit.  I held him and he just looked around and played while dad did the work.  

He also got more shots and now weighs 17lbs 6 oz.  He is 26 1/2" tall and his head circumference is off the charts at 18 1/2".  All of our children's heads were large.  We like to think they are just smart.  

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving (besides the fact that our computer decided to quit on us) and are now in the full swing of Christmas.  

Katelyn's turkey projects from school

Kaleb's thanksgiving crafts

Rare brain tumor

Today my life was put into perspective and I realized that even though my children can sometimes be naughty, or my house is a mess, or I don't have an overabundance of money, I really do have a wonderful life.

I was updated on the progress of my cousin and her children. Several years ago their 2nd child was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor/cancer. He underwent surgery and chemo and has been in remission since, which doctors say is rare. In September their youngest son was diagnosed with the same tumor and immediately had surgery and continues chemo. They tested the other children and the 3rd child had it as well. She had surgery the next day (this last week) and will have the same treatment as her brothers. Their story http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=4790458 was featured on KSL this past week and is a reminder to me to be thankful for everyday, even though it isn't perfect. I wanted to pass the story along because they could use all the prayers and support, and it is a great reminder to appreciate what you have.

My heart aches and I cannot image what it would be like. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family.