Traditions

I think the best part about Christmas are the Traditions we have as a family-We have lots of Christmas Traditions some old, some new and some go over better than others.

Riding the train to Temple Square

There were 15 of us, but we split into groups, Dave and I got the girls.(lucky us)

Kate's first Train Ride

The Nativity play that rivals the "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" (Video--note the brawl between Joseph and the angel, Herdman style)

CHRISTMAS JAMMIES

Stockings First!

Kate's First Christmas

Happy Birthday Saydi

Happy 10th Birthday to our beautiful Saydi!!!! This girl is so sweet and kind hearted. She is our peacemker(most of the time) and helps out a lot around here.

Her favorite B-day presents: Scrapbook stuff and a fashion design studio.


Every year we do candy houses with the neighbors- this year we did them on Saydi's Birthday We really weren't that excited for the birthday cake after all the candy that we ate. Next year we will space it out a little more.

I have the best help!

5 kids can seem like a lot at times, but in some ways I have it easier than when I had just 2 or 3. My girls are so good to help me with Kate

Abby is like a second mother to her. She can get her to stop crying when no one else can.
I am so proud of my g girls, they are going to make great moms someday!

3 Months Old

Time has never gone faster!

Decking the Halls

Last year was so crazy with my mom being so sick and me having to work, there was very little decking of the halls, so this year we decided to deck early.

My dear husband is such a good sport!

I love Christmas!!

(but I think decorating every other year isn't a bad idea.)

I am thankful for......

~I am thankful for my wonderful husband who surprised me and put the lights on the Christmas tree this year. (and everywhere else)
~I am thankful for my fabulous children who- woke up early this morning, did their practicing, emptied the dishwasher, packed their own lunches, cleaned the kitchen after, didn't fight over anything, helped each other with their hair, and made it to family prayer all before heading off to school 10 mins early. (pinch me -am I dreaming?)
~I am thankful to live in a neighborhood full of the most amazing people, where I am a block away from 2 schools and church, 2 minutes from the gym and 5 minutes from shopping.
~I am thankful for my health, sure I'll deal with the issues of being old with a body that's given birth to five kids, I know it could be a lot worse.
~I am thankful to still have two wonderful parents alive and well.(esp after last year)
~I am thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for Joseph Smith and all those who helped restore it to the earth today. My life would be so different without all the blessings this Gospel brings!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARTER

5 is the age when we have our first "friend" party-- I have to admit I had know idea how to do a boy party. The 5 year old girl parties seemed easy- maybe because I am a girl, but this was uncharted territory, I had no idea what to expect.

We did a "Police theme" because he is really into the Police/Bad guy thing. And we had to get a little creative because (silly me) there is not a lot of "Police themed" ready made party supplies.

(note to self -check out party supplies before picking the theme)

We had a great group of boys, they were very well mannered, this could have gotten ugly with air guns and chocolate cup cakes. (note to self-choc cupcakes outside only)



The "Cars" cake that we turned into a sheriff cake.

I can't believe how fast the last five years have flown.

Happy Birthday Carter!

We sure love you little man!

The best of the week

These are the best moments of the week.

Dave teaching the kids the moonwalk ( for FHE)
The dinner that nobody complained about (rare)

spinach and kale smoothies & homemade pizzas

Cousins coming to play


Halloween



I knew I saved my old cheerleading outfit for a reason.

Abby came up with this all by herself

Officer Carter

Kate's baby blessing....

that she cried all the way through

With the bracelet her sisters lovingly made for her

and the antique booties made by Great-Grandma Griffeth

October fun

We went bowling with our friends the Hugies. Saydi won the kids game. I think I would like to use the side bumpers next time.

Carter and I went to the Pumpkin Patch with his preschool.

Esa -my parents foreign exchange student came back for a visit. She joined us for FHE.

Ahh... my favorite part of fall Carmel apples(Rocky Mt Chocolate Factory style)

Newborn Heaven

There must be opposition in all things.... right? I am in newborn Heaven and sleep deprived !@#$! I find myself longing for sleep, but not at the expense of her growing up. So-I'll deal with the constant headaches and exhaustion- if she'll just stay little. I can't believe she'll be 4 weeks tomorrow, probably because it feels like one long day- with lots of little naps. My life has come to a screeching halt. I spend hours in the rocking chair just gazing at her sweet little face while ignoring all the house work that isn't getting done. Oh how I know this will not last, and life will speed up again. I'm sure someday my house will recover, but until then....

LET THEM BE LITTLE!