Valentines

Brooke wanted to write letters today to her cousin's in Virginia for Valentines Day.  I helped her spell but she did the rest by herself.  She did such a great job!  She is learning so much so fast.  We are so proud of her.

Cole made one for Michael too but I forgot to take a picture before we put it in the envelope.

Sick

Seems like we have had a new sickness every week since Christmas at our house.  We've had everything from the stomach flu to nasty viruses.  And we just keep passing them around... hoping this month is better!

I was sick all last week.  I missed a 10 mile run Saturday and 3 more runs early in the week.  If you know me, you know I must feel like crap not to run.  Then it was Bai's turn.  I knew she wasn't feeling well when this is how I found her one afternoon... asleep on the living room floor.  The next day she broke out in a horrible rash... doctor said it was just a virus.  So far no one else has gotten it!

Children's Museum

Early in January I went to Discovery Gateway with a friend from our old neighborhood.  The kids loved it so much I bought a membership.  We've been back several times and even my little Bai has lots to do.  It is hard to get pictures because they never hold still for very long.  I HIGHLY recommend it if you live in the area.

Cole loves dressing up and driving the firetruck

I could not get her out of this car.  She loves driving like the big kids.

She also loves that she can stand up to the water table.  I keep hoping she's going to walk soon... she's totally capable and will often just stand all by herself for a few minutes, but will never take more than a couple steps.  Lazy!

Bai Boo

Just cause she's cute :) and getting WAY too big!

The Power of Life

I was reading on this blog today and came across a topic that I think is very controversial among women.  Go read #2 on it and read this article as well.  I'm curious to know what YOUR opinions are.  It is not a secret that I had my tubes tied after Bailee was born.  My reasons for doing it are personal and it wasn't a spur of the moment decision.  A lot of thinking and prayer went into it, but I never even realized the Church's stand on it.  If they feel that strongly about sterilization, I think they need to make it more widely known.  I think there are lots of people in the same boat as me, prayerfully making a decision without even considering that the Church might oppose it.  I want to know what you think.

Aquarium

The kids and I took a Friday and went to the aquarium over Christmas Break.  They thought it was pretty cool.  Cole loved the sharks and we were able to see the penguins eat.  Bailee was scared of everything, as usual.  She has to be included in everything though.  If Brooke and Cole are doing it, she has to too.  I'd like to go back sometime when there aren't so many people there.

Christmas

We were able to spend all of Christmas at "home" this year and enjoyed being with our families!  Christmas is such a magical time with children.  I love spoiling them and seeing their joy in every little thing.

Christmas Eve was our traditional party at Matt's parents complete with the Nativity, bell playing, singing, a visit from Santa and the Grinch, Jesus's birthday cake, and bingo!  Karen goes to a lot of work to make it fun for the kids and to be sure they know why we are celebrating and not just focusing on the excitement and presents.  Each year it is tradition for each of us to light a candle and give a gift to Jesus, then we sing happy birthday and the kids blow out the candles.  This year Brooke's gift was to not throw a fit when mom and dad say no.  Cole's was to not kick his dad's seat in the car.  Bailee is going to go nicely to nursery every week ;) (mom helped her).  Matt's gift is to have FHE every Monday and mine is to continue to attend the temple every month.  I love this part of Christmas as it gives us all something to work on, kind of like New Years Resolutions, but they mean so much more.  I love hearing as the kids are getting older that they realize what they are giving Jesus and trying harder to be like Him.  I love hearing each Christmas Eve how our gifts as adults have improved our lives and how each new year brings us something more to work on.

Happy Birthday Jesus

Singing the Christ Child song

Grinch was not such a hit with the kids.  They were terrified.  

The whole nativity

Shepard Grandma and Wisemen David and Cole

Mary and Baby Jesus

Christmas Day

Christmas morning the kids opened their presents from Santa.  Brody and Amber came over and we had doughnuts and opened presents with my family.  We went to Sacrament at my parent's church--- Christmas should always be on Sunday, it was nice!  After we went to Nan and Grandpa's for dinner and more presents.  We were extremely spoiled and feel very blessed to have such a great family!

She only opened one present.
After that if we handed her something wrapped she threw it.
She only wanted toys.

She tore open all her presents and then helped her siblings.

He was content to just open one present and play.
We had to persuade him to open the rest.

Santa baby

Farm

Christmas Day we took the kids out to Blair's boyfriend's farm to see the animals.  They were a little bit scared at first, but Brooke thought it was the coolest thing to see the cows get milked.  Cole liked the baby cows but was terrified of the tractors... they were huge!  Bailee was scared of everything, silly girl.  Thanks Tyler!

Temple Square