Final Party of 2013

I saw this cute idea on Our Best Bites blog where they decorate their Christmas tree for the New Year Eve festivities.  I liked the ideas, but my tree usually comes down the day after Christmas (let's be honest--I started taking down stuff on Christmas this year, don't think of me as a buh-hum-bug, but I just find it nice to do it when Steve still is home and family is here to help so it comes down pretty quickly). Anywho, I still wanted to incorporate some of these ideas so I decorated our railing. The girls woke up on New Year's Eve to find the decorations and couldn't wait for the party.

They could not wait for the party which I told them would start after dinner. So finally at 5:30 we had sloppy joes, cauliflower, and these delicious cookie cheesecake bars for dessert then the party started. Since we had just finished eating we decided to postpone Just Dance for a bit so we went outside and did sparklers--always a hit.  Then we played Just Dance.  Then we popped the balloons which they found coins and jokes inside--this turned out to be more fun that I thought, they actually thought about the jokes and came up with some good answers.  

Lila did not really like the popping sound, but would scavenger for the coins and jokes as soon as the balloon popped.

We then played Uno Spin and had more cookie cheesecake bars.  Then we watched the firework shows in Taipei and London on YouTube then off to bed with the girls.  I'm going to bed as soon as I finish this post. :) Tomorrow we'll have our traditional breakfast of Aebleskivers and then I have ribs ready to go for dinner.  We'll work on 2014 family goals which I think will include a date night rotation--it was so fun to work with the girls one-on-one with their Christmas crafts and Lila asked if I would take just her to lunch after her appointment with the urologist so I thought it would be a good thing to add to the rotation. Happy New Year!

Special Fast for Lila

Last week I took Lila to the doctor because she had had a fever above 100 for 5 days.  Turns out she has her 4th urinary tract infection. The doctor prescribed an antibiotic to treat it and a low dose antibiotic for two months to "suppress" it.  I then received 3 phone calls from the doctor's office on Wednesday. They said this time the infection is resistant leaving us with three options, an antibiotic that is hundreds of dollars, three shots, or a home health IV for 7 days. Really not good options. We filled the antibiotic and made an appointment to see a urologist.  I then sent an email to some family asking that we have a special fast for her last Sunday.  

We just left the urologist office and she sent us home with what should be a simple fix. I really hope it works--I'm kind of kicking myself for not insisting they do a urine sample today (when your daughter seems to get one monthly it would have just been nice to know the infection is gone). She is returning to her happy healthy self and we hope to keep it that way. :)

I have a testimony of the power of prayer and am grateful to a Father in Heaven who hears and answers.

Christmas Festivities

Mimi & Grandpa arrived on Christmas Eve in a Uhaul with a grand piano.  So the afternoon was a bit crazy trying to figure out how to get the piano in the house which included shoveling snow off of our yard--after the uhaul got high centered once. ;)  Then actually moving it, we have great neighbors who were very kind to come over on a holiday and help.  Have to admit I was a bit nervous during the moving process and worried how it would fit in the room and how to take care of it with little kids, but it is a nice addition and we will enjoy it. Thank you!

During the moving process, Mimi and I were working on getting dinner in the oven.  Venessa and crew showed up in time for Nate to help move the piano then we had dinner, opened a few presents, and let the girls watch Prep & Landing.

On Sunday the girls and I decided they could make gifts for everyone, so they weaved the aunts and Mimi pot holders, made bracelets for Izzy, Siena, and Uncle Jakey (since he was the one who started making bracelets with them), and Grandpa got Monster Corner bookmarks to go with his birthday books that he got early to enjoy on his upcoming vacation.

Traditional Christmas Eve pajamas from Mimi. :)

That evening before bed we watched a couple of Mormon Messages titled What Shall We Give and The Reason Behind the Season. We talked with the girls about how the best thing we can do for the Savior is to try to be like him, to be kind to others, be obedient, and how prayer is the way we communicate with Heavenly Father and know the things he would have us do. It was a nice discussion and I am so proud of my girls.

Christmas morning Lila awoke a little early because she needed to use the restroom (she was fighting her 4th UTI--more on that later). I told her she couldn't come downstairs until we were all ready and to go back to bed and if she got up again to get Mimi and Grandpa. About 30 minutes later I see her looking over the little balcony area and then she goes running to Ellie's room screaming, "Ellie, Ellie Santa came, Santa came."  :)  Ellie wanted to use the restroom before coming down so on the way there they noticed that Santa had left their stockings and a few bonus items of Frozen sister bowls and barrettes by their tree in the toy room--they were so excited because that is what they had wished for that Santa would leave stuff by their tree. Lila would not let go of the Frozen items and after every gift she opened she would go back and hold it or say something like, "Oh I just love the Frozen barrettes." Once again simple things making the difference.

Isn't he a cutie in his Christmas outfit. He is such a smiley boy now and sometimes doesn't know what to do when his sisters aren't gathered around him talking to him. His presents are pictured below on the right: a fancy playmat and some squeezable cars that wind up and go.

I found cute ideas for the girls to make presents for each other too. It was so fun to have some one-on-one time with them and to see the excitement as they made the gifts for each other. At first I wished I had started earlier than 2 days before Christmas, but they were having a hard time keeping it a secret, asking me every hour if they could give each other a hint or show the size of the present. They each loved their gift: Lila made Ellie a tie snake because she loves to read about snakes--much to Mommies dismay and it was a perfect craft for her requiring only stuffing, gluing on eyes and a tongue. Ellie mad Lila a butterfly mask because Lila loves to dress-up, loves butterflies, and has been on this kick making paper masks.

They received several presents from friends this year and we had them put them under the tree and wait until Christmas.

Daddy recording and opening his stocking. :)

Great Grandpa & Grandma Merrell (my Dad's Mom Dorothy) sent the girls a cute card with $2 to spend. They love getting money and were so excited. Grandpa Buckley even tried to help Lila put her bill back in the envelope, but she would not let go of it--it was quite a funny exchange. They were also generous with sending something for Andrew's gift.

Thursday, Jake and Marcee came up and we continued the festivities at Venessa's home. We opened presents, ate lunch, toured a home, and just visited.

 












Friday my Mom and I did a little shopping and then we went to Surf-n-Swim after which we drove through the lights again. :)

It was a wonderful celebration filled with love.  I am so grateful for the testimony I have of Jesus Christ and the opportunity that I have every year to focus on his birth and life. This season was especially filled with his love and peace as we welcomed Andrew into our family. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27). Merry Christmas!

All I Want for Christmas is My 4 Front Teeth

Well, technically only 3 since one of the teeth had already started to come in (if you remember August).  What causes this need for front teeth you ask, well after Ellie's cleaning in October the dentist noticed not only the prominent tooth coming in, but that the tooth next to it was trying to come in and the baby teeth just weren't budging so he recommended we pull the 4 front bottom teeth.  It took a bit of scheduling because we couldn't do it right before Halloween that would have been just cruel, then the baby, Thanksgiving and well we thought it might be nice for her to have the time off of school to recover so we scheduled it for this afternoon and didn't tell her until after school today.  As I explained she was going to have 4 teeth pulled she flinched and then I quickly followed with the fact that the tooth fairy would come and the flinching stopped.  She then opened a gift from Mimi & Grandpa that was so cute and thoughtful, a special pillow to hold her teeth and a sweet note with memories from my dental work (I had 8 teeth pulled 4 baby and 4 permanent teeth when I was about her age).

 

We asked her who she wanted to go to the dentist with her and she asked if Daddy would go so I sent them off.  Steve was good to text me updates which I greatly appreciated:

Stephen Moore: 2 shots down. She had been great so far. 3:44 PM Me: What a brave girl! Tell her I'm proud 3:44 PM Stephen Moore: Done 4:26 PM Me: She ok? Can I have anything ready for her when she gets home? 4:27 PM Stephen Moore: she's good. Be there soon. 4:33 PM

We had talked about possibly using the gas because she kind of freaked out with the flu shot, but she handled all 5 shots in her mouth wonderfully.  Steve said he noticed her hands were tense, but she didn't panic or cry.  They first sealed her four permanent molars.  Steve said they did a bit of drilling because a cavity was starting to form (she has never had a cavity before so I'm glad we got those teeth sealed).  As they were preparing to pull the teeth they talked about only pulling two teeth and Ellie said, "I thought you were going to pull 4."  Which in the end was determined to be for the best.  So they pulled out 4 teeth and one of them still had all of the roots and the dentist said that one he would have had to pull no matter what.  She came home and we visited for a bit while I changed her gauze and then we all snuggled in to watch a classic movie I recorded off of BYU TV called Snowball Express.  It was fun and we all laughed a lot.  I had put a Pozole (soup like dish) in the crockpot in anticipation of Ellie's condition and she was starving and gobbled it up with some applesauce and homemade chocolate mousse for dessert.  It was pretty funny because she still couldn't feel much of her lip so some of the food kept running down her chin.  Then at one point she started feeling more there and kept slapping her chin until I told her to stop.  She is a brave and strong girl!!

Left: Slight smile (still pretty numb), but you can't really see the gums.

Right: You can better see the gum and her one permanent tooth sticking up in the back.

 
I took this picture of Andrew and Lila sleeping while Ellie was at the dentist.

I found it a bit ironic since this morning we had just read about the Garden of Gethsamene and how Peter, James and John kept falling asleep while Jesus was suffering.

The dentist just called to check on us and all seems to be going well.  Can't wait to see what the tooth fairy brings.  Mom & Dad wrote a special note to her explaining the situation and requesting a special gift for Ellie. :)

Grandpa & Grandma Moore Visit

Thursday the girls were so excited to come home from school and find Grandpa & Grandma here.  Ellie pulled out her new library book to show them and then the girls both sat on Grandpa's lap looking at the book (it was an I Spy so they had fun hunting for things together).

When I asked Lila to get ready for her dance class she said, "I really just want to stay and visit with Grandpa and Grandma." Grandma even offered to go to class with her, but she didn't want to go--I thought it was a good reason so we let her stay.  Carole and I went shopping for a new dress for me that evening and scored one. :)  Then we visited and caught up.  They of course had lots of treasures for the kids including, a 13 days of Christmas countdown that they made at Thanksgiving with all of the other grandkids (since we were the only ones who were unable to make it).

Friday Steve had a presentation at work so we just hung around the house during the day letting Grandpa and Grandma love on Andrew and of course Lila, who was not afraid to tell Grandma that she should put Andrew in his bed (so that Grandma would be free to play with her).  When Ellie got home from school we made our annual ginger bread houses.  This year we got a little village set that was fun and used most of our leftover Halloween candy. ;)

I made a quick run to Walmart to get the grape flavored Ibuprofen since Lila started running a fever and refused to drink the Berry flavored we had.  Steve & Russ built some benches out of scrap wood we had for our Sunday gathering.  And then the day was gone (really the more sleep deprived I get the faster the days seem to go and the less I can remember--but I know we had fun).

Saturday Steve and I drove down to Salt Lake to pick-up his Christmas present.  I had ordered it and hoped that his sister Stephanie would pick it up and bring it when she came up on Sunday, but it turns out the machine was bigger than I had known so we drove down to get it.  Then we did a little shopping--mainly me dragging Steve around and then we got lunch to celebrate our 10 year Anniversary, which is on Wed. the 18th, since Steve allowed his work to schedule the office Christmas party for that evening (I really don't mind, but I sure like to give him a hard time about it).

Jake and Marcee stopped by for a quick visit since Marcee hadn't met Andrew yet.  They also got to see their dog, General who has been spending a lot of time at our house--long story--that involves my parents dog sitting and thus General being here anytime they come to visit.  We love him and the girls love to play with him and make him shake, but this time he dug a hole in our yard.  I'm pretty sure he was chasing a vole because that is where we saw a vole hole so as long as he caught the vole I'm ok with it, but how do you prove anything. ;)

That evening we decided to make hot cocoa, get Krispy Kremes, and drive around the Layton City lights with Grandpa and Grandma.  It took us longer than anticipated both at the Krispy Kreme drive through and the lights, but it was fun.  Lila continued to run a fever and complain of a stomach ache--she even turned down a donut not eating any.

Sunday morning we blessed Andrew (details in earlier post).  After the guests left we relaxed and had a short family home evening and then Grandpa and Grandma let the girls open their presents from them.  Grandma knew exactly what the girls would enjoy, crafting toys--a weaving loom and knitting kit (which didn't work, but we returned and got a bottle cap necklace kit they are so excited about).

That evening Grandma read them some bedtime stories which the girls loved!  We are so glad they came to visit--it was nice for them to meet Andrew and spoil the girls a bit. This morning as they were leaving both the girls asked, "why do you have to go?"  Hugs and kisses to them as they travel.

Andrew's Blessing

We decided to bless Andrew while Steve's parents were in town.  My family also said they would be available to come so we had a full house.  With both grandparents, 3 sets of aunts and unlces and two of my cousins and families, we've never had so much family--it was fun and crazy and so wonderful!  Andrew was a little stinker the night before keeping me up from 2-5 am.  Luckily I sent Steve to sleep in the bonus room so he could get a good night sleep before the blessing.  I was feeding Andrew at 7 am realizing nobody else was up yet so I at 7:30 I began to wake the group.  At 8:30 am we sent Steve and the girls with some of the family to save seats and for the girls to practice a musical number they were participating in.  I fed Andrew a bit again before I left with the Grandma's and Grandpa Stan who was taking pictures.  Andrew slept all through sacrament meeting and only began to fuss a bit as we were taking pictures at the house afterwards.

Not in group picture is Jake and Marcee who left very quickly so that Jake could ordain a member of his priest quorum (he is serving as the Young Men's President in his ward) and my cousin Matt Olenslager and his family and Mimi who took the picture. :)

We didn't get a picture of just our little family, but I'm sure we'll get lots of those later.  Sleep deprivation is really doing a number on me and I cannot remember or get to these details.  I even managed to mail the wrong thank you cards to people this week--that's what I get for writing a dozen or so while nursing at 11pm.

We all enjoyed each others company and some authentic Mexican food prepared by some sisters from the Spanish Branch my Dad serves in.

Also want to note the girls sang beautifully with a small children's choir and these are the words to the song:
Heavenly choirs must have had children
Singing along when they came to the earth
Jesus, I know, loves little children
So I imagine they sang at his birth
Halleluia, Halleluia
Had I been there, I would have sung
Halleluia, Halleluia
Praise to the Lord, praise to His Son
Praise to the Lord , praise to His Son

Christmas Wishes Coming True

Steve has always wanted a fresh Christmas tress so Saturday we went to a tree lot and picked out a Christmas tree. The girls thought it was great and stood watch by the tree we picked out until the lot manager came to get it for us--they didn't want anyone else thinking they could have that tree.

Then Ellie made a small Christmas wish list and one of the two items was a kid Christmas tree for upstairs. I remembered we had a little pencil tree I used during college years and so we brought it down tonight plugged it in and they were so excited. Ellie kept saying, "My Christmas wish came true." I bought a few small shatterproof ornaments they decorated it with (I know I have more ornaments they can put on the tree, but I haven't gotten to that box of Christmas stuff yet) and they were in heaven. After we took it upstairs to the toy room they decided to turn the room lights off and read books by the Christmas tree--they enjoyed that for 20 minutes before bed time. :) I'm so grateful for the small victories.

We started our traditional Christmas reading with the Gospel Art Pictures and I love it. I learn something every year by the questions my girls ask. The first picture was about the prophet Isaiah and how he prophesied of Christ's birth and told that he would be called Immanuel. The girls wanted to know what Immanuel meant so we looked it up and it means "God with us". I love Handel's Messiah and every time we read about the prophet Isaiah I can't help, but want to burst out into song, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulders: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Our Savior is truly the most precious gift of all!