Happy holidays!


We wish all of you a very merry christmas this year. Only 3 more days to go. Dave's parents are driving here from Texas and they should be arriving in the next hour or so. It will be fun to have them here visiting. Christmas is such a wonderful time to express your love to family and friends. I'm grateful for each and every one of you.

Love,

Dave, Staci, Jacob, Kera, and Michael

Jacob's 1st grade christmas program

On Thursday Jacob had his 1st grade Christmas program at school. Jacob has been talking about this program since October when they started practicing their christmas songs for their program. He'd come home singing one of the songs they were learning that day. I love hearing Jacob sing. He has a very sweet voice and he is really good at keeping a tune. We got a flyer sent home a couple weeks ago saying when their program would be and the time. Jacob made sure that both Dave and I would be able to attend. So after months of practicing their songs, the program turned out really cute. He looked so nice in his "Sunday best" as instructed to dress in. He also was very animated and paid careful attention to the teachers who were leading the music. Each child got to hold something up for the different songs. His was during the song (poem really) called "presents". He got to hold up some blue mittens. Here are a few pictures and video clips from the program.

Jacob's teacher, Mrs. Wood

Jacob singing his heart out (on the bottom left)

(Jacob smiling for the camera, notice his good posture-they probably told them over and over to sit up straight)

My Thoughts

Okay, so I've been playing with my blog layout and putting new little widgets and pictures and things on here, but for some reason I find that so much easier to do than writing down my thoughts on an actual post. I have to admit that I've had mixed feelings about spilling my guts on my blog for all the world to see (who am I kidding, probably more like 10 people). I do not want to be one of those people who shares everything on their blog without hesitation. I guess I'm more private than that. And I don't want to brag about my life and my kids and everything all the time. So what I'm trying to say is, I know this is my own blog and I should be able to write whatever I want, but at the same time I know other people are reading this and I can't just share my whole life on here, especially when my blog is not private. So that's what I struggle with. What to share and what not to share. I want my blog to be an online journal of my thoughts and record of events so that I can print it off later on and keep it. I haven't really been good at keeping a journal lately either. I feel bad for little Michael because I want to write down thoughts on this time in my life with a 3 month old and two other little kids. I know I'm gonna want to read about this time later on. But it seems like since I've had Michael someone pushed the fast forward button on my life and there are just so many things I want to do with my time, but I never get it all done. I want to be better at time management. I really have a problem with that. Example, it's almost noon today and I'm still in my PJ's and I haven't done anything except nurse Michael (twice), fed my kids breakfast, and somehow forgot to feed myself, and basically have spent the rest of my time playing with this blog. Selecting new music takes longer than I thought. See, so how did the whole morning disappear and this is all I have accomplished?? I really should eat something then go get in the shower and try to be more productive with my day. Ie: clean my house, take my shower, make my christmas cards, etc. but for some reason I'd rather sit here and play with my blog and write about it!
Well, I don't know if this is making any sense, but it may explain why I haven't been doing much blogging lately (except change the background and post silly elf yourself stuff of course). I just can't decide what I want the purpose of my blog to be. Is it for me just to use as an online journal, or is it for family & friends (and those mysterious blog surfers who may stumble upon my blog) or can it be both of those things? How much info is too much info? My husband would say that it should be private and that I shouldn't share much personal info at all, but I enjoy reading about other peoples thoughts, and I often learn stuff from reading them. So I'm going to attempt to make this a blog for myself, and if others enjoy it too, great. Now the question, should I go private so I don't have to worry about stalkers and my children's safety? I know some of you have had issues with this. But at the same time I like the fact that people can find me and read on here without having to log in and ask for my permission. Any thoughts here??
Now I'm done rambling. So if you have any opinions about the subject, please feel free to comment. And I'll get back to posting pictures and recording events soon. Just not now, I've got to start the productive part of my day now and close this computer. :)

My little elves

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Mr. Popular
So lately my son Jacob has become a little social butterfly. He is in first grade this year, and he really enjoys playing with his friends. He has some neighbor/ward friends that he likes to play with and there are two boys from his primary class, Joseph and Nathan, that he plays with regularly. When I say regularly I mean they want to play every day and they will show up at our house all the time wanting to play. They even call and want to come over on Saturdays. That would be enough you'd think. But not for Jacob. Now he has started playing with other kids from his class who he will call on the phone and arrange to play with after school. Now these kids aren't down the street, so I actually have to drive him to their house or they will be dropped off at our house. There are three boys from his class that he started playing with, and whenever he goes to these boys houses, Joseph and Nathan will call or come by and want Jacob to play. When I tell them he's playing with so and so, they are very disappointed. Joseph and Nathan also play together, but they like having Jacob there too. And the 3 of them get along pretty well together. So these other boys from class, it's funny because Jacob will come home from school with this new friend's phone number, and he'll say I'm playing with Quinn today, or McCade, or Matthew, or whoever he talked to at school about playing that day. The list is growing larger all the time. And when my phone rings after school, I know it's not for me, it's for Jacob! These boys just crack me up on the phone. They will call and if we don't pick up they'll either leave a message or keep calling until Jacob calls them back. So my phone has been overrun by 6 year olds.
Another thing Jacob did the other day which I thought was kind of cute was when it was his friend Quinn's birthday, he decided to make him a birthday card. He wrote it himself and drew a picture and everything. And then he put some candy inside. He even put a dollar in the card. I asked him if he was sure he wanted to give a dollar to him because after all, it is one week's allowance. He assured me he did. The next day was his friend Cameron's birthday and he made a card for him, dollar bill and all. Now all the kids in Jacob's class want him to make them a card with candy and money in it. He told me he wasn't giving one to everyone, just his friends. But at this point, I think that's most of the boys in his class. There is one girl that he sits next to that he said he will make a card for on her birthday.
So I just had to share this new personality I'm seeing in Jacob. It's fun to watch them change and mature socially. I've been letting him play with these friends after school, but he still has to do his chores, which he tries to get done in the mornings before school. And of course his homework is first before the friends.

Twilight

Okay, so how many of you out there went to see the movie "Twilight" this weekend? Well I saw it on Saturday and I loved it! I knew that it wasn't going to be as good as the book, but I think they did a good job and I thought it followed the book pretty well. I really really liked the character of Edward. Of course we all had our perfect pictures of him in our heads, but this character in the movie was a lot like what I pictured. Now Jacob on the other hand, not even close. He was not attractive to me at all. I liked all of the Cullens. I think they could've found a more attractive Rosalee, but she played the part well. Jasper cracked me up and Emmett could've been more attractive. I had fun seeing all the characters on the big screen, and the scene of Bella and Edward in the tree was amazing. Okay, so I don't think I'm ruining anything for any of you who haven't seen the movie since most everyone has read the books and knows what happens. But I won't say anymore. I just can't wait to see the rest of the movies and really really hope they hurry and film them so I can go see the rest.

Halloween Fun

Here are some pictures from Halloween night. The kids had a lot of fun dressing up in their costumes. As you can see, Jacob was Ironman, and Kera was Barbie Mariposa. Little Michael was dressed as a pea in a pod. That costume has gotten a lot of use. We've dressed each kid in that costume on their first halloween. It's become sort of a tradition now.

We got Papa Murphy's pizza for dinner, and the kids loved the jack-o-lantern pepporoni pizza. Then when it was just starting to get dark, I took the kids out trick or treating while dad stayed home with Michael and passed out candy. They made it through one street, then Kera was done. I took her back home, then dad took Jacob back out to get some more candy. Halloween was fun, yet quiet this year. Carrie and Travis usually spend halloween with us, but aunt Carrie was in Texas for halloween this year. It also started sprinkling while we were out trick or treating, but that didn't stop the neighborhood kids from getting as much candy as possible. Hope everyone had a fun halloween!

Goodbye baby teeth

Jacob has been waiting and waiting to get a loose tooth. Most of his friends have lost at least one of their teeth, and finally his two bottom teeth were loose. One of the permanent teeth was actually growing in already, so that one came out first, and a few days later the other one came out. Jacob was very excited. I was happy for him, but I found myself feeling a little sad after seeing those two little teeth come out. I remember when he got those first teeth as a little baby. I know, I need to get over it. My first child is growing up.

Kera's favorite pasttime

I enrolled Kera in a dance class for 3 year olds that started in September. She goes every Thursday and she loves it. She wants to wear her dance clothes everyday, and often is wearing her tutu and leotard around the house. Their dance class had a halloween party on Thursday. For halloween Kera wanted to be a ballerina (of course). They were supposed to dress up in their halloween costumes at the party. I tried explaining to Kera that if she came to dance class dressed as a ballerina, it wouldn't look like she dressed up. So she decided to go as her second favorite thing, a princess. Princess Aurora to be exact.

Random shots of Michael

Here are some pics I took of Michael one morning. He really is filling out quickly! I wish they didn't grow so fast. That little newborn stage is too short.

The "Baby Catcher"

It only took 6 weeks, but I finally remembered to get a picture of Michael with the doctor who delivered him. I always have so much on my mind during that time that I forget to get a picture of our baby and the doctor. I think I remembered to get one when Kera was born, but it was just the doctor, not her and the doc. Anyway, here's Dr. Spencer with Michael at my 6 week post pardum check-up.

A week with our Texas grandparents

Here is a collage of the past week that we spent with Dave's parents when they were here visiting from Texas. The one of the kids playing in the snow was Sunday after Michael's blessing. Then the weather was the extreme opposite, around 85 degrees on Friday when we went to Cornbelly's cornmaze at Thanksgiving Point. The kids love that place and they had a great time doing all the fun activities. Even Dave and I had fun going through the haunted monster and walking through the cornmaze with the kids. It was a great day. I wasn't prepared for such a hot day and I even worried about getting Michael sunburned. We just kept him in his stroller most of the time with his sunshade on. Grandma watched Michael for us when we went on the hayride and also during the corn maze, since pushing a stroller through that maze is close to impossible. I'm sure my cousin Emily will agree with that since I went with her to this last year and she pushed her baby Jack through the maze in an umbrella stoller.

We all loved having Dave's parents here for a visit. The kids got lots and lots of one on one time with grandma and grandpa, and I had a lot of help in the kitchen from Dave's mom as well as with help caring for Michael. He was given tons of attention as well and now has to adjust to not being held all the time. Thanks for coming to visit grandma and grandpa! We miss you already. FYI: If you want a closer look at the pictures, just click on the collage and it will enlarge it.

 

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Michael's Baby Blessing

We blessed little Michael in church yesterday. Normally we would've waited another month or so, but Dave's family were able to come visit this week, so we decided to bless him on Sunday. To those who are not familiar with baby blessings, it is basically a prayer that someone who holds the priesthood in our church performs. David gave Michael the blessing, and it was a simple yet very special blessing. Unfortunately the microphone was not working, so Dave had to do it without it. The bishop just told him to speak loud. I was able to hear it, but I'm sure those sitting in the back of the room weren't able to.
After sacrament meeting I invited everyone back to our house for a light breakfast. Most of my family were able to come to the blessing. The only ones we were missing were my parents of course who are on their mission in Denmark, and my brother Jeff and his family who live in Oregon. My grandparents came to the blessing which was nice. As I said earlier, Dave's parents flew in this week from Texas, along with his sister Jennifer. Jennifer's son Seth (who is living in Orem) and his sister Carrie were also there. Thanks to both of our families who were there to support us and Michael.
Now for the good part, the pictures....Now I've posted a lot of pictures and I know all of you may not want to see all of them, so just scroll through. But it's my blog and I can do what I want! :)

Our family of five

My sister-in-law Vermil, Cheri's stepson Zane, and Jacob playing Guitar Hero

Tommy, Troy, Cheri, and I eating some breakfast

Michael and his proud mommy and daddy

Me and the three loves of my life; Kera, Michael, and Jacob

Little Michael in his crib, isn't he adorable?

Here's one of Michael with a blanket that grandma Andrus crocheted when Jacob was a baby

Another cute one of Michael

Close up of Michael's face

Dave's mom, sister Carrie, and his dad

Dave's sister Jennifer, little Michael, and Jennifer's son Seth

Aunt Cheri holding Michael

Kera and her cousin Maya

Kera holding Michael and giving him kisses

More of Michael

Here's a shot of Michael's whole ensemble

Suggestions anyone...

Okay, so I'm really feeling the pressure to get our family's food storage going. With the way the economy is right now, and after listening to General Conference this weekend as well as my husband telling me we really need to get our food storage started, I've finally decided I'd better get moving. My goal is to have at least a 3 month supply of food by the end of this month.
Now is the part where you come in. I need your input, ideas, suggestions, help in this area. The reason I do not have a food storage supply is because I don't know where to start. What's the best and most economical way to get food storage going? Should I just plan out breakfasts, lunches, and dinner for 7 days times 3 months? Or would that be too hard? Any comments on this from those of you who have a food storage started and can share their ideas would help.
Thank you and hopefully I can achieve this goal, if not by the end of the month, soon.

Make a Smilebox postcard

Today is my mom's birthday. I decided that since they're in Denmark on their mission, I'd send them an e-card. My dad's birthday was on the 1st, and I sent his already. But I was impressed with the way this card turned out so I thought I'd share it on my blog. Happy birthday grandma!!

Video Clip

Here's a little video clip that aunt Carrie took of us at the hospital with little Michael. Enjoy!

Michael James has Arrived!!
Little Michael James was born on Saturday, September 20, 2008 weighing in at 7 lb. 15 oz. and was 21 inches long. I went in Saturday morning to be induced. They started me on Pitocin about 9:30 a.m., and eventually I was fully dilated and ready to push at about 4:30 p.m. My doctor came and and he said let's get this thing started. He could see that it wasn't going to take long to get him out. And it didn't! He told me to push and little Michael came right out. His little cry reminded me of Kera's little cries when she was born. He calmed down quickly and was awake and alert and looking around.
The doctor had to do a little stitching up because unfortunately I tore some. And let me tell you that is the worst part. The delivery was just fine, but now I'm having to deal with the after labor pains. So hopefully I can heal quickly. Michael is so cute and he is a great eater. I don't have to work very hard to get him to eat. Like most newborns he has been sleeping a lot. It's amazing how right after they come out and you hold them in your arms, you have this instant bond with them. All of the worries and fears you had about having another little one to care for just melt away because you are so happy to have him and to know that he's yours.
Our family is so happy to have his little spirit in our home. The kids are both very excited to be a big sister and brother. Kera wants to help care for him and she is always so good with him. Jacob loves to go right to him when he gets home from school and see what he's been up to all day while he's been gone at school. It's an adjustment having a newborn again to care for, but we are so happy that he's here and that he's healthy and perfect. Here are some pictures from the hospital.