Christmas...

Christmas!

Christmas was realy nice and relaxing this year. The kids opened presents, we went to church for 1 hour and then we went over to G-ma & G-pa's for the rest of the day. (My favorite part: laying on the couch!)
We were spoiled like crazy this year and Tristin recieved a beautiful guitar from his Uncle Jesse (along with 3 months of lessons!)
Trav bought me a BEAUTIFUL drill press that I wanted more than anything and the girls loved all of their presents too. It was a great day.

*** And yes, Willow had pink eye over the holiday, plus a doulble ear infection and an upper respertory infection. Good thing we got her in the next day and started eye drops and antibiotics!

Christmas morning...

Christmas Cookies...

I dragged myself out of bed long enough to bake for a bit so the kids would have something to deliver to their friends. Here they are making Christmas cookies!

Grace's 5th Birthday Party...

This year Grace had her party at McDonald's. That's right. No decorations, no planning, no games, no food- just ice cream cones and a bunch of kids screaming in the playland. It was all I had in me. I did it there incase Trav had to hold down the fort by himself. It was 1 hour and luckily I didn't barf at all the smells.
Because Grace shares her b-day with her G-ma Edith- we went over to there house on the 22nd to celebrate with cupcakes.
All that mattered was that Grace had fun, I sure love this little girl!

Feeling yucky...

I'm really surprised the vomiting hasn't started yet- (except for the terrible stomach flu a week ago.)
Trust me, I am ever so thankful to still be in the upright position. But I've been a little nervous too. I'm totally pregnant, which was confirmed by me crying at a Hallmark commercial a few days ago. What is it about that solider Dad who gets the book from his kid who just started to read- that gets me every time???
The past few days I have felt really gross. I have been reminded to keep several plastic bags with me for vomiting after I almost had to dump out my diaper bag to throw up in. I want to throw up I just can't yet, but boy, am I close when a sweet old lady walks by with her nasty perfume! it's just the normal 2 month mark where everything feels off. I feel tired and achy, my bre*sts are sore, and what is up with the smells these days? Why does that happen and so fast? I am really starting to struggle with:

*Our fish food. I have to crumble it and it smells terrible!
* Rubber tires. They smell awful.
*Cooked noodles. I wanted to gag.
*Hot dogs grinding up in the disposal. So gross folks.
*Cleaners. A very sad day.
*The holiday section at Fred Meyer. It's so strong!

even:
*Tide laundry soap. And I love that stuff!
*My super yummy berry soap from Bath & body works- it's all off to me right now. Food is starting to be a problem. I want to eat, but I don't. Nothing sounds good, but I have to eat something or I'll feel worse- you know the story! Although very grateful to have another child- I am not excited for 7 very long months of pregnancy.
I am beyond thankful to still be up so I've been trying to keep up on laundry, more wrapping, sending off packages and more organizing. I just got the kids down after letting them stay up late to finish a movie- and I am tired. Trav is at a friends finishing the football game & I'm off to watch The Office and drift off to sleep. I had to get a few posts done before it gets any worse and let you know we are still surviving and very much pregnant!

A few stops today:

I thought while I was still standing- we should make our rounds and drop off our food and toy donations around town today. So today was the day. We loaded up bags of toys & food for the fire station, Fred Meyer: Stuff the bus, the women & childrens shelter & the Mission.
I pray that 1 of the things my kids learn is the sprit of service and giving. I know I could do so much more, but I think Trav and I do a pretty good job at involving the kids in activities. We try to help our neighbors, we volenteer in community events, we help at church, the kids help deliver meals to those who are sick in the ward, help clean the church, help people move and we are always trying to find ways to life people up. I think it's one of the greatest things we can do- to help those in need and remind people they are loved.
We had a tour of the fire station today which the kids loved and a tour of our local Women's shelter. It was really cool to have the director take us around and show us the supply room, the kitchen, the donation area, food pantry & he intoduced us to residents and we talked to volenteers cooking in the kitchen. It was a great experience to involve the kids in and we hope to go back soon to serve a meal or make crafts with them. I took notes on what they need so if you have anything to donate they need: cereal, dish soap, laundry soap, shampoo & conditionor, newborn & size 1 diapers. Anything is greatly appriciated.
I taught a coupon class there a year ago and every time we drop stuff off- I have such an overwhelming sense that I need to be apart of an organization like that. I want to help people and because I don't have a lot to give, I know what I can give is my time. Mom has always told me to find a place to volenteer and do it.

Preparing for the storm...

Let me advise you not to brown 12 pounds of hamburger when you are entering the gaging stage of pregnancy! It had to be done though. I took one for the team, let me tell you...shredded chicken was A LOT better!

Here's to preparing food for the weeks to come...

How do you serve dinner???

These days, if I make it, it's a good night. I just laugh though because I line up all the plates and feel like the lunch lady at school serving up a thousand meals. And please don't judge me- tonight's dinner was: Mac N Cheese, potatoes, cottage cheese and milk! Amazing over here, let me tell you!

Daisy gets the B.U.G. award- don't laugh...

So, I thought this was hilarious when Daisy handed me an invite to her school because she won the BUG award! Yeah, I know darling!!!
No, it's not a lice award- it stands for:bringing up grades (or keeping up the great ones!) We went to her assembly yesterday where she was 1 of 6 to get it! We are So proud of her- I swear, her teacher loves her too. He ALWAYS comments on how sweet she is and advanced! She is so smart, so sweet and such a doll. We love her to pieces.