A Merry Christmas and A Happy Birthday to Chris

We had a wonderful Christmas! It is so much fun to watch my sweet kids enjoy the Christmas spirit. Christmas gets better and better as they grow!

We also got some snow here! We tried to go to the mountain, but the roads were so icy we ended up near the bottom of the mountain. Not much snow (there was actually more at the house), but it was still fun to go. Even Grandad came to play! We also built a tiny sorta scary snowman!

Also Chris turned 30!!! His parents came to visit and we had a great time. As you can see, Deano won't leave Dad's lap!

Christmas Programs

Every Christmas brings lots of programs, so I thought I would share a few pictures. Kiley had a dance recital and her school program, and Ryan's preschool did a cute little program. They did so well in all of their programs. We laughed at how crazy Ryan is but that's why we love him. He even yelled in the middle of the program, "Hey Mom! Clap!" He's too funny. Kiley is the exact opposite; she is so serious about what she is doing. I love how different they are.

Kiley and Kylie backstage after dance

Kiley lookin' so cute before her school program

Ryan and Hanna Layton. They are so cute!

He calls her his Hanna Montana!

Ryan on stage. He looks kinda tough getto?

Husband Tag...
1. How long did you date before you got married? 3 1/2 months. Which we both swore would never happen, but when you know, you know.

2. How long have you been married? 7 1/2 years!

3. What does he do that surprises you? I love days when he calls me out of the blue just to say he loves me.

4. What is his best feature? His dimples! I love them. Oh, he's also got one nice tush, but we won't go into that.

5. What is his best quality? He is so kind. I have never seen him drive by a broken vehicle without helping or not give his change to the homeless. He is also very trusting in Heavenly Father.

6. Does he have a nickname for you? He always calls me gorgeous. One day, he and Marco are riding in the truck, and Chris says, "I love you gorgeous." Marco thought that it was some spanish word meaning Fatso! So, Chris explained, but it still bugs Marco to hear it.

7. What is his favorite color? He says black if Kiley asks. She's big on favorite things.

8. What is his favorite animal? Again, Kiley's asked this one to which he replies tiger. It definately isn't dogs or birds right now.

9. What is his favorite food? He loves Italian food, but right now he is in love with my egg rolls. He wanted me to take them to Thanksgiving!

10. What is his favorite sport? Motocross if you count that.

11. When and where did you first kiss? January 14, 2001 at his house! Good kisser!

12. Favorite thing to do as a couple? We like watching movies and reading together. We also both like staying up late talking about anything; however, the next day we aren't so thrilled with ourselves.

13. Do you have any children? The best 4 kids in the world.

14. Does he have a hidden talent? He has a great singing voice and he is super smart.

15. How old is he? Almost 30, and I remind him of it daily.

16. Who said 'I love you' first? He did, and I'm so very glad he did.

17. What is his favorite music? He loves rock and Christmas music. He says he doesn't like country, but he knows more songs than I do.

18. Do you think he will read this? Nope. He's not a blogger. If he ever does, I love you Chris! Thanks for always supporting and loving me. You are so good to me, and I love you so much! Can't wait for eternity.

P.S. Here' s some pictures of him being the great dad he is as he runs the kids up and down the yard in a wagon and pictures of the wonderful job he did on the Christmas lights. We've had complements on how perfect they are!

Marco

As many of you know, Friday, 11/21, around noon, Chris's friend Marco suffered a brain hemorrhage (a cerebral aneurysm that burst). He had been outside working on the playhouse and shed he is building. He reached down to pick up some shingles, and complained to Chris of a sudden headache. Chris was helping him roof the shed. Chris and Carmen, Marco's wife, had Marco lay down, and as his condition did not improve, they called 911. Marco was taken to the Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, then flown to the Barrow Institute in Phoenix.

So far, it has been a miracle that Marco is doing as well as he is, but there is still progress to be made. I write this post for two reasons. First, I ask that people reading this blog will think of this kind man and his family in their prayers. Second, I think it's a reminder of what's really important in life and how fragile it can be.

Chris's company started a blog for Marco if you are interested in following his progress. The address is, www.miraclemarco.blogspot.com. Thanks for any prayers that come to him, his wife, and his two sweet daughters.

Lately, because of some conversations with other people, I've been thinking about life, my testimony, and the things that happen along the way to get you where you are. I remember often thinking that my life was rougher than normal, and wishing that I had some of the lives of my friends. Now, I am so grateful for the lessons my life taught me, how it shaped me, and how it changed me. I don't believe any of this is an accident. We all experienced trials and successes because it would make us who we are.
I am grateful for a religion that has deeply blessed me throughout my life. Without the knowledge and belief in a Heavenly Father and a Savior who love me, I would be lost. I don't have a knowledge of the hows and whys of the gospel, but I have a testimony of the principals of the gospel and know they are true and there. I want more than anything to watch my sweet children grow up faithful and diligent. I wish there was some magical way to ensure that, but I think it takes faith and diligence (and maybe the Palmer secret. Just kidding). A non-member friend and I were talking, and she mentioned the obviousness of people who preach their religion but fail to practice it; I hope to never be one of those people. I do not want myself nor my children to do any more than live the gospel we are taught, and I admire people who are genuine people. They are few and far between, but they are there. Many of you are these people, and I am grateful for your example.
I think that life is beautiful and hard. I am grateful to go through it with a husband who is kind, loving, and a leader by example. I am grateful for all of the blessings and trials I have been given. I am so grateful for four beautiful children. I find it humbling and frustrating to be a mother, but I also find it truly rewarding. I believe, I understand love when I look at them. They are my happiness. I love them and want nothing more than their happiness.
I am grateful for a life that has taught me how to love, stand up for what I believe in, not be oblivious to how it really is, and most importantly, a life that has taught me that this life just isn't perfect, but it's still wonderful.
I know this is a random post, but I felt it important to use this sort of journaling to remind myself of a few things. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving. My mom, Chris, the kids and I are going to our friends' Amy and Jacob's house. She is the best hostess in the world! When I asked Chris if he wanted to go there, he replied, "Yes, she has the best food!" She really does! Have a great Thanksgiving!

The Great Pumpkin

IT'S A . . .




This is all we posted in our text, and for everyone that lives here, we carved a pumpkin letting them know. So here's the pumpkin.






We are very excited for this beautiful boy! I can't believe I'm having ANOTHER BOY, but I am so grateful he is healthy! Everything looked perfect - from the heart to the kidneys. I am so blessed! Kiley cried for awhile, but quickly got over it when she realized how spoiled she will always be. She will make the best big sister in the world! She already is. Ryan thinks it's great and said, "Good, we can all watch movies together." Bryson cried, but I think it was just a reaction to Kiley's reaction. I'm not sure what I will do with three boys, and Chris really isn't sure what he will do, but I know one day I will be so proud to watch them grow up together as good friends, hold the priesthood, go on missions, and be great husbands and fathers for their own families. I look forward to easier teenage years, lots of food being eaten, and crazy boys that will always leave me tired and happy. Thank heaven for little boys.

Random thoughts

Those of you who look at this post will probably be thinking, "Wow, she is one moody pregnant lady!" But, at the sake of that, I am posting anyway. Here are a few things on my mind lately.

1. You know those bumper stickers that say, "Mean People Suck." Well, I am all for that saying. I guess I'm not talking about mean people as much as people who go around intentionally hurting other people's feeling or making other people feel bad. I'm not sure the reasons for this behavior, and I'm sure it varies from person to person, but I think it's rude. Chris calls these people "Choppers." They are the people that will make you feel small and stupid until they feel better than or above you. Ya, well, I don't like these people. They are worse than "One Uppers" as Chris says, who always top what you say. I think their needs to be classes on etiquette and proper behavior towards people. I know that I sometimes say or do things to hurt or offend someone, but I don't do it intentionally. I don't wake up and think, "Hmm, who can I be rude to today?" Anyway, I want to give a shout out to my good friends who don't do this. I want to thank all those who are the exact opposite of what I'm discussing, you know, the people who always try to make others happy. It doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated.

2. What happens after you have three kids? Well, let me show you a little picture for demonstration. In this picture, my third child is standing on the table eating Oreos. Sure, we say, "Get down." But, do we mean it? Nope. We just go on. Kiley would have NEVER been allowed to do this. I was saying this morning, I feel almost bad for her. The first child has so much put on them and expected of them. The more children you have the more you realize it isn't the biggest deal and move to something else. I always swore, all my kids would have the same rules/same expectations, but it just didn't happen. In my defense Kiley has the best manners and is the most well behaved, but Ryan isn't badly behaved either. The verdict is still out on Bryson's manners; I hope he learns them sometime.

3. I am scared out of my mind about the economy. I have prayed and cried, and I know all I can do is trust all will be fine, but I am really nervous. I try to listen to some of the news and keep up on what's going on, but I can't stand the thoughts it creates. I never want my kids to go without. I don't mean going without the nicest things, I mean going without the necessities. I am a natural "what ifer", and I don't do well with the unknown.

4. I can hardly wait for my sonogram. Ki and I are counting down the days. It's true, all I want is a healthy baby. A girl would even things out, but my boys are lots of fun. Someone asked to see a picture of me growing bigger. So here it is, but it comes with a disclaimer: Yes, I am huge this time! I swear, I took the pregnancy test and put my maternity clothes on. Want something really depressing, most of my maternity pants didn't even fit! Oh well, this is my last child, and I'm not going to worry about it. I really am just thankful to carry babies, and since this is my last one, I want to enjoy it.