Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

Super fun! Super ugly! Super food! and Super fun company!!! Aaron won the ugliest sweater for the guys. Mine unfortunately wasn't ugly, but it was festive.

Prom Pictures

Jenny, Camille, Jocelyn

 Hilarious people I don't know

 More hilarious people I don't know

The Knights

 Bob & Heather

Karoke - Yowzers! it was bad.

We ate, played games, laughed until our cheeks were hurting, and enjoyed a silly party with no kids.

Meeting St. Nick....

....with no tears!

Hannah told Santa that she wants a pink barbie bike with a basket on the front. First time she's mentioned that. As we were walking out, we noticed a pink barbie bike with a basket on front at the desk for donations. Hmm.....tricky girl! Hope she's not too disappointed.

After Santa we noticed one of those fun houses that puts their lights on to music. So cool! This is the house:

And this is the kids in awe:

Fun night!

Getting into the Christmas Spirit.......

....Bethleham Style.

Aaron and I were asked to play the part of Mary and Joseph at our Church nativity breakfast. Everyone was encouraged to dress up. The kids had a ball! So did we actually. The gym was all decorated to reflect the town of Bethleham. The "Roman" guards were at the door to collect our taxes of canned food, to give to a local food shelter.  Breakfast consisted of traditional middle eastern food along with good ole mormon breakfast caseroles and sweet roles. Yum! I was so impressed with all the work and effort put in to this wonderful morning. Here's some pictures of the reinactment of the nativity.

Bro. Hofenbeck was the narrator (great voice) and his daughter, Taylor, sang a beautiful christmas song from the Primary hymn book.

 While Taylor was singing Aaron and I were walking in between the tables (some set up to be inn's) as we were told by each table there was no room at the inn.

(notice that Aaron even grew out his facial hair to look more authentic)

It was a full house

Me loving on baby Knight, playing baby Jesus

 

Heavenly Angels Singing

The Shepherds and of course the 3 wise men

 

The program ended with a Christmas message from our wonderful Bishop, bishop Gabriel on giving even as our dear Savior has given so much to us.

 And a beautiful solo of "Silent Night" (my favorite christmas song) by Ryan Lambert

It was so fun to be apart of the nativity this year. It filled the true spirit of Christmas into my heart.

Merry Christmas!

The whole crew, including one of the Roman Soldiers.

A birthday party

It is my goal, that as Abby gets older, her birthday is just as special, just as fun, and just as big a deal as her siblings, since hers falls so closely to Christmas. I say this because, already I find it's difficult to make the time to create a special day for her, when so much is going on during this month already. She had fun opening her presents, playing with her balloons, and eating her cake and ice cream.

 

 

 

Abigail got clothes, puzzels, pj's, a zhu zhu pet, and her very own potty. She even sat on her potty (that plays music when she goes) in front of all of us, and went! Too bad we didn't capture that on camera. It was hilarious as all of us were shocked! Since then she has gone 5 or 6 times in her potty and only twice in her new underwear. Pretty darn good start I'd say. I'm trying to get her potty trained before Nathan now (since he has no desire) so she can have some serious bragging rights when they are older.

 

(showing off her new pink undies)

 

 

 

 



Happy Birthday Little Abby

You've been super sick the last few days and were finally feeling well enough today to go outside for a bit. I couldn't get you to look at me or smile for me, but hey, it's your birthday and you can certainly do what you want!
You are such a doll Abigail. You are loved beyond measure. You are pure sunshine at times and not so much at other times.

(Here you are screaming at me)

No matter what though, I love you. Most of the time you are my little shadow. All is right in your world if I am no more than about 10 feet away from you. I love that about you actually. In the last 5 or 6 months, your vocabulary has exploded! You can say just about anything you want to. And you do. It's hilarious to see you work your way to get what you want by your words and your charm. 

You are a typical 2 year old now, who loves balls, balloons, making messes, and yes, throwing tantrums. You are also my most cuddly child yet. Helps that you've been sick, but you will let me hold you for hours at a time and just love on you. 

Some not so typical things about you are: you love shoes and have probably 20 pairs. You will often change out your shoes multiple times a day.  You pretend you are a puppy and go around on all fours barking and stick your tongue out. You love your blankie more than life itself. You suck on your pointer finger on your right hand. And your hair is blonde. Where did that come from? 

Happy Birthday baby girl! Now, don't grow up too fast! 

                   Love,

                               Mom

Having the Blues

I don't know the exact reason why, but I've been having the blues. Baby blues, children blues, body blues, winter blues. I don't know, just the blues. Had a good chat with my mom yesterday. It helped. I know what to do to get over the blues, but for some reason, lack the motivation to just do it. I succeeded yesterday though. I played in the snow with my kids. Made a snowman, held Abigail extra long, read books, took some time for me, and snuggled with Aaron which has helped. My mom brought to light that I'm just a very serious person. I take myself too seriously. That really doesn't make me feel any better, but atleast I know what I can work on, and I'm trying.

So, meet Frosty without the coal eyes.

And, I think my children are beautiful.

A great day

I'm a traditions kinda gal. Love old traditions and starting new traditions and learning what others traditions are. Today was the traditional Grandma's Christmas cookie party with my mom. So fun! The kids love this and I think my mom must to because she's been doing it for like 16 or more years. It's crazy, hectic, loud, sometimes with tears or yelling, but all in all....great times!

Lunch was served first. The kids made faces with pears, cheese, raisins, oranges, and licorce.

I think this one is Hannah's or my moms. Too cute.

After lunch was over, it was onto decorating ginger bread cookies. Oh Nathan was in heaven. At one point, rather than pick the cookie up and eat it, I saw him put his face down licking all the frosting on his cookie and eating the candy.  I think they turned out pretty darn cute!

Abs wasn't feeling well for this fun activity. She was very clingy. Lousy time to be sick as this girl is so darn animated and loves being spoiled by just about anyone. I couldn't get any smiles out of her today.

Because there are so many grandkids, all different ages, my mom does two different parties. One for the older kids and one for the little ones. I'd say the group size was just about perfect today.

Poor Nate needs a little testosterone. All his boy cousins, close to his age, live in Idaho. Sure wish you guys lived closer.

Other things the kids got to do today was make candy necklaces and then Grandma finished it with "The Night Before Christmas" story. I hope someday my kids will be grateful for traditions like I am.

A Time to be Thankful

There's always a time to thank.  When one expresses thanks, there is often family members involved in that thanks, or good health, or the blessings of this magnificant country. All of these were among my list of thanks this year for sure. On top of those, I am also thankful for some of the small stuff like, a car that drove us to and from California without a hitch, for safety on that travel as well, for a comfortable place to stay mid trip in Vegas thanks to a generous mother in law, for wonderful food and to eat until I was stuffed, for 5 (6 including Rudy) dogs that kept my kids entertained and hopefully satisfied for yet another year without their own dog, for a family that I continue to grow to love as much as my own family the more I am with them, for late night talks, for the wii- which is hilarious to watch adults play, for children who sleep through the night wherever we are, for a companion to talk with on a trip that took 31 hours total when it should have only taken 25, maybe 26 hours, for a friend who called to see if I was up for going with her shopping on Black Friday in the wee hours of the morning (totally would have Suzanna had I been in Utah), for a brother who sent a text thanksgiving day expressing his gratitude for a family that loves eachother. Really as I sit here, I think I could go on and on.

A few photos now of some of those things I'm thankful for.

Mike, Mom, Aaron

Mom and her 5 dogs - Sadee, Rocky, Lexi, Toby, & Bailee

Mom and her grandkids

Grandpa & Grandma Rietfors

 Wii time



November 18th People

running outside in swimsuits with the hose on? What???

Potty Training

Is my least favorite part of parenting

No, he's not even close!

I am Thankful for November

I love the month of November and the time we spend as a family thinking of the things we are thankful for.

- I'm thankful that Hannah was born in this month and that she's 5 now and is a great example to her younger brother and sister. I'm thankful that she's big enough to help me out now too.
- I'm thankful for a warm home and fireplace that I spend a lot of time in front of from now until about March.
- I'm thankful for the times my children play well together.
-I'm thankful that Abigail is my little shadow and it still in the stage of wanting to be with me all the time.
- I'm thankful for Aaron who works so hard to support his growing family.
- I'm thankful to live close to two of my sisters and my parents.
- I'm thankful for the laughter which comes from my children. Sometimes I wish I could bottle their laughs.
- I'm thankful for good health and the ability I have to strengthen my body.
- I'm thankful for random hugs and I love you's.
- I'm thankful for the primary children of our ward and their families. I believe Primary is the best calling in the church. (never thought I'd say that)
- I'm thankful for books. I love to read and love to find a book I can get lost in.
- I'm thankful for dear friends. I have been blessed with wonderful friends all of my life. They inspire me to always be the best I can be.
- I am thankful for my warm, wool coat.
- I'm thanful for the words, "mom, mama, ma, mommy, mother". Truly there is no better title in this world!
- I'm so thankful for a holiday that is called Thanksgiving just before another holiday that could be so self centered if we forget what it's really about.

Emma Smith - Never Had an Ordinary Day

Some people are asked to endure so much in this life. Their example of courage, faith, strength, and trust means so much. Emma is one of the most inspiring women of all time to me.