Christmas 2012

 We spent Christmas in Thatcher and were there for a week. We took all the gifts and did Christmas Eve and Day there...and I will say...never again! My heart aches for my own traditions and to not lug all of the presents down there. So it shall be written..so it shall be done.
A few days before Christmas we went down to Bass Pro Shop and got a free picture with Santa...AWESOME! Then we went to Cracker Barrel and on to the temple lights. I just love the special feeling and all of the traditions leading up to Christmas.

This is what happens when you hand your expensive camera to someone...baha..

My mom has the best time with her grandkids and love making memories and traditions with them. For the past few years we have done a tea party but since there are so many boys in the family my Mom decided to do a pirate party before Christmas....ARG! It was fun and hilarious. We had a pinata, crafts, gold de blooms, sword making and other things I can't even remember!

We also love Grandma's Nativity Tradition...we love how special she makes the holiday for us.

Christmas morning was a little chaotic with all the kiddos opening their presents all at once. The girls got some camera's and the boys got ninjago's and action heros.
And our little Emmett was quite the star in his precious Jammies- We adore him so...3 1/2 months and already sitting up so big...ok not really...but that belly helps hold him up...

 Emmett with his little cousin Sterling...so sweet...

Doug spent 3 days painting his parents house so we hung out at my Mom's but towards the end of our stay the sickness came upon us. Slowly one by one all 7 of us got this crazy flu.
The 4 older kids had fevers and coughs for 1 week and just now 3 days ago sweet Emmett got it. Man...We are SOOO sick of sickness over here.
Emmett has a double ear infection and high fever and is awake most of the night. This Mom is tired ready for healthy kids.
For New years we were going to have a party at our house but since ever one was sick I went to a family party and Doug lit off some fireworks with the kids...
With so many kids and a new little one nursing our holiday seemed quite the blur...but we are so grateful for our Savior's birth and his life.

Christmas Card

What a blessed year it has been. We have so much to be grateful for. This journey of Motherhood is beautiful and joyful. I always love making our Christmas cards and receiving them. I didn't order very many this year- so sorry if you didn't get one.

Front

Middle

Back

Thanks again to my awsome friends Tami-http://www.tamiproffitt.com/
And Jackie   http://jackielindforsphoto.com/blog/for these images and help with the card.

3 Month Old Emmett

Doesn't time go by to fast? I feel like the newborn phase doesn't last quite long enough-Emmett is an absolule dream right now. He is awake for an hour or two and goes right back to sleep. He's a great napper. He loves to smile and talk to his siblings. He is at such a fun age-I am enjoyed every moment I can with him.
We are enjoying our holiday traditions, reading Christmas books each night, seeing what our crazy Elf does each morning, and looking at lights.

Here is his 3 Month picture-Eeekk! He's so precious. I love him so

The other night I hosted a Mom of Multiples craft night. Its been SO long since I have seen some of these ladies and I LOVE them all! I am so grateful Heavenly Father put these Amazing women who understand me in my life.

I am so blessed...and am loving this Christmas Season...so much to be thankful for....

Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend

We had a great Thanksgiving here at our house! Doug's awesome family was able to come and spend the holiday with us. His brother got married the next day so it was a perfect chance for us to all get together, eat, visit and play games. It was a perfect day and our old friend Gizmo came for a visit. Olivia was in doggy heaven and we didn't see her all weekend because she was taking care of him:)

Buffet style for our group

 Look how classy I am? Last minute we decided to set the table up in the living room, but I didn't have tablecloths. Sheets it is!! So Martha Stewart don't you think?

The kids spent the much of their time outside. Notice the new swingset? Merry Early Christmas to our children...we wanted them to play on it all December while it was cool. They are only getting 2 gifts each from Santa.

Our favorite Nonnie-bonding with her Emmett

The next day was the sweet ceremony inside the temple. It was short and sweet! We were outside by 10:42 and the cermony started at 10:30! They are a great couple.

The next day we went to Tucson to her reception. It was a party! Our new sister Amy's dad is a DJ so we danced the night away!

 My awesome Mom sewed my shirt and the girls skirts and the boys bow ties. It was so fun to dress up!

The next weekend was a whirlwind trip! We went up to St. Johns and watched the Young Ambassadors perform! My awesome brother Chris is in the group and let me tell you it was amazing!! Gave me a whole new perspective on my little bro. He's a great dancer/singer/performer.
We stayed the night in a hotel and Emmett got his first little cold-and I had been eating horrible that day, so we were up most of the night. I was exhausted and wanted to go home to Gilbert. We decided to go to Thatcher down to the Open House for Kevin and Amy. We were glad we did. It was a great time, just lots of time in the car.

While we were there I got to go meet my new nephew Sterling Christopher-isn't he beautiful! He's a gorgeous baby...

And I can't do a post without my sweet buddy Mitters. Or Mr. Mitt as we like to call him...he's getting so round and smiley-