Just to Remember

I want to remember my sweet kid....

On Christmas morning we woke the kids up really early so that Aaron could see them for a bit before he had to get to work. They sat at the top of the stairs while we got out camera's etc. Finally we allowed them to rush downstairs. Andrew had a pile of goodies left by Santa. He only glanced at them. Before going over to see his stuff... he ran to the tree and grabbed the present that he'd picked out for me. He shoved it into my hands... so excited for me to open it. If that isn't cute... I don't know what is.

By the way it was a slinky. I loved it.

Try Not to Smile

No one can resist a baby laugh. I swear. It's like some wierd phenomenon. Sam's first laugh happened when I was changing his diaper in his room. I was all alone, but the sound drew Lizzy, Andrew and then.... even Aaron. (Who was post call and awakened from his few hours of catch-up sleep). Even at 2 in the morning a baby laugh can make me smile. Watch and see. You'll smile.
Who knew a staple gun could be funny?

A Year in Review

Here we go...

What did you do in 2009 that you have never done before?
I had my 3rd child. That was pretty big. I learned to make bread, I took out a loan on a vehicle, and held a piano recital. I went to Cozumel and Zions. I experienced "THE MATCH". I lived with a sibling (first time at least since I've been an adult), I added three fish to my family. Their names are Emily, Rachel and Max.


Did you keep your news years resolutions and will you set more for next year?
I did okay up until Sam was born. After that it all went out the door. I did accomplished a few of them however. This year I am going simpler. Like maybe 2 goals.


Did anyone close to you give birth?
This was a busy year for births. Of course... there was my own baby and then there was my sister and 2 sister's in law. Also dozens of friends gave birth this year. So many that I won't name them.


Did anyone close to you die? I don't think so. Well my brothers dog...


What county did you visit? I visited Mexico. This is cool because it was on my wish list from last year and I GOT it. Maybe there is something about putting it on a blog that makes it come true.

What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? Some time to think. Alone. My time. Really I don't mean to complain or anything because I am grateful for who I am and the responsibilities that I have accepted. But 24 hours a day 7 days a week I am Lizzy, Andrew and Sam's Mom. Wife, sister, secretary, daughter and so forth. I'm afraid I've entirely lost track of who Rachelle is. With a husband who is gone ALL THE TIME, I've found it hard to find some alone time. That's what I need this year. Whether that means getting a babysitter sometimes... or waking up earlier to be alone. I need to make it happen. Also I hope to own a home. It looks like that may actually happen.


What dates from 2009 will stay etched in your memory and why? June 27th... my brother moved in with us. September 4th... Sam was born.


What was your biggest achievement of the year? Building relationships with people that I love. Also... I became a better cook this year.

What was your biggest failure? The biggest regret that comes to mind is the times that I snapped at my kids about something and then wished that I really hadn't. I wasn't patient enough.


Did you suffer illness or injury? no.


What was the best thing you bought? My Bosch. Well Aaron bought it for me. Seriously it has changed my life. I'm even putting it ahead of our awesome van, which was also a great purchase. I am such a minivan Mom.


Whose behavior merited celebration? Aaron: Graduating from medical school. Lizzy: I have been so proud of her these last few months. Since Sam was born she seems to have just suddenly grown up so much. She is responsible and compassionate and I am coming to learn that I can depend on her. My brother, Eric: He has just impressed me this year with his willingness to do whatever it takes to help family in need. Aarons sister and her hubby: they lost their job this year and their faith is just so admirable. It's impresses me. Also... they have learned to live on so much less. They make their own bread, laundry detergent and Christmas gifts.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? The Tiger Woods of the world who have no respect for what marriage is all about.


Where did most of your money go? Since we are trying to pay our van off quickly... most of our money has gone to that and rent.

What did you get really, really, really excited about? Going to Mexico!! Not being pregnant anymore (having a baby!), and giving Christmas gifts that I worked really hard on.


What song will always remind you of 2009? Horsey, Horsey!! It just reminds me of the kids. Lizzy came home singing it her first week of Kindergarten. She taught it to Andrew and they still love to sing it.


Compared to this time last year are you richer or poorer? fatter or thiner? happier or sadder? We're really and truly employed now... so richer. I'm a wee bit fatter and about the same in the happiness question.


What do you wish you'd done more of? I wish I'd gone to the temple more. I wish I'd worked harder on my goals. I wish that I had spontaneously played with the kids more often. I wish that I had thought of others more often.


What do you wish you'd done less of? Played Spider on the computer.


Did you fall in love in 2009? Ummm..


What was your favorite TV program? The Mentalist. Only here's the thing. I start to like a show and follow it, but it only takes one or two seasons before they start throwing in lots of sex and stuff. So... I have no idea how much longer this show will stay good.


Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? No


What was the best book you read? Laddie, Precious Bane, Piggy Back Rides and Slippery Slides and Return of the Prodigal Son


What was your greatest musical discovery? Taylor Swift


What did you want and get? A vacation with just me and Aaron.


What did you want and not get? A penpal.


What was your favorite film of the year? I don't know.


What did you do on your birthday and how old were you? I turned 30. 30. 30. Wierd. Aaron and I went out to dinner. My best present was a wheat grinder. Yeah!!


What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Seeing the people I love get all the good things they deserve. That would be awesome.


What kept you sane? Friends and family, books, baths, the baby wrap thing that I use with Sam.

This is Why..

Here is my favorite picture from Christmas this year. And that really sums up why we parents do all that we do during the Christmas season. We work so hard to create THAT magical moment. It's for THAT expression. And you know what??? It was so worth it.

Magic...

I believe in Santa Claus. I don't know how he does it, but somehow he helps kids decide to be nice instead of naughty, get to bed early on Christmas Eve and even brush their teeth. He is jolly and kind and the spirit of Christmas in action.
He is welcome at my house anytime. (Trying to catch a glimpse.)

Seriously.... I never want this look of wonder and amazement to disappear. I'm so glad that for a few years atleast my kids can have this magic in their lives.

Besides if I didn't believe then I'd have to buy all of those presents. And that isn't happening.

Christmas Fun

Blessed

Sam was blessed a few weeks ago. Then we took some pictures. That is our undecorated tree in the background. Aaron picked out a good one for us this year. But back to the blessing....

It was a great day.

I was frazzled and nervous about the whole thing when Lizzy and Andrew were blessed, but I was feeling pretty cool and calm with Sam.

Perhaps a little too calm. The bishop surprised me when he announced that it was our turn. I didn't even have the kid dressed yet....

Everyone waited. My sister whispered, "I told you they bless the baby BEFORE the sacrament." Next time I'll remember.P.S. I love how Andrew's smile just gets better and better with each picture.