All Cleaned Up

Are these not the cutest boys ever! I'm surprised I actually got a good picture of all 3 of them looking at the camera. I had to get a picture of them all dressed in the new clothes that Grandma and Grandpa bought for them. And the funny thing is that what they are wearing totally match their personalities. Nate is totally my social, smarty-pants kind of boy and so his clothes totally match him. Josh is wearing a kind of rock-star kind of shirt and he's very much my stubborn, no-one-pushes-me-around kind of kid. And Colton is my sweet, easy-going, happy baby who looks so handsome and innocent. I love them to pieces. They are so different and yet that's OK. They bring so much life to our house and let's not forget all the work they create for me but even with that they are totally worth it. They are such great boys, I couldn't have asked for better.

Bring on Christmas

Josh is opening is Christmas Eve gift!

Nate opens his gift, the Grabber, as he says: "This is what I've always wanted!"

Colton was satisfied with just playing with the wrapping paper!

Nate holds up his Knight's dress up clothes that Santa brought him!

Josh checks out all his loot that Santa brought him!

Nate and Josh looking at everything.

Colton is rolling all over playing with his gifts.

All the boys begin opening up some presents from under the tree.

Nate holds up a new book from Uncle Jason, Aunt Tilisa and Sofie. He loves these I Spy books.

Colton is playing with the ribbon instead of opening his present.

Opening more presents.

And more presents being opened.

Colton is posing in front of the aftermath mess of Christmas morning.

Sir Nathan the Knight!

All my boys on Christmas morning.

Colton has an entire piece of the Gerber baby fruit wheels in his mouth. He got those in his stocking and has really enjoyed them. Isn't that a precious face!

Josh hamming itup in his new seat, and yes his face is greasy because of lotion. His face is so extremely dried out right now.

All the boys and their shiny faces. They are playing with all their new toys.

They had a good Christmas. Pretty much whatever Nate or Josh got they both said they are sharing and can play with all of it. What good boys I have. They were completely satisfied and loved everything that they got. Colton just spent the day rolling all over the floor and getting into everything. He's becoming very mobile. We had a really good day. We had a way yummy ham and some great rolls. Then we sat around and watched lots of movies and played with toys. It was a nice relaxing day. And just to let everyone know, if you walk into our house you'd never know we had Christmas. Danny let me sleep in yesterday and when I got up the tree was gone, thrown out front. All the ornaments sat in a pile. He had taken all the toys downstairs. Then he took all the lights off the house and put away and then had me help him put all the decorations away. I know, he's crazy. He said people were driving by and giving him weird looks for taking the lights down as well as him outside washing all our vehicles. So, any hints of Christmas having been here is completely gone from our house now! That would be my husband for you. We hope you all had a great Christmas too!

Alone time

So, today, after church I really needed a nap. I got Colton to sleep and then told Nate and Josh to get in their beds for quiet time. Nate went to his bed, all be it, relunctantly, Danny read a book to Josh to help him settle down. Then Danny joined me in our room for a much needed nap. It wasn't a long one, Colton woke up after only 30 minutes, and so we were up at that point. I don't know if Josh ever went to sleep or not but I heard him coughing non stop in bed so we had him get up and get a drink. Nate did take a nap, and it was a good one at least one that I would have liked to have. When we finally awoke, I promised to make a goodie with him and he chose fudge. So that's what we proceeded to do. He was cranky and irritable with Josh the whole time. And when it was done he went down stairs and told Josh not to come down and told me he needed some "alone time." I just had to laugh at that, because I totally agreed that he needed some. Isn't it ironic that kids just don't get that mom's need some alone time now and again too. But, anyways, while respected his needs we couldn't allow him to go the "toy room" for his alone time and not allow Josh to play. So we told him that he would get some toys and go to his room or our room. And to our room he went with toys and the request for a movie. And of course he reminded me not to let Josh come in. We granted him his wish and after the movie he came out and was much better. He may be only 5 but sometimes he acts much older. It's times like these that I realize that they have big spirits wrapped up in little tiny bodies and they deserve more respect than we give them.

Colton's bad day

OK, so I don't always pay as much attention to the boys when I'm on the internet. I am sitting at the computer holding Colton while Nate and Josh are playing Battleship. Then Josh grabs some printer paper so he could draw. So, that's what I thought he wanted it for. We bought Nate some little kids scissors so Josh now thinks that he can use them also. Well, little did I know that Josh had found the scissors from wherever they were at but I didn't know he had just made a mess in the family room with lots of little pieces all over the ground. Then he came over to Colton and I, he was playing with Colton so I wasn't paying much attention to what Josh was actually doing. I never saw it coming because I was clueless that in Josh's little hands were scissors and he was cutting at Colton's hair. I told him no and told him to go cut paper. Well, he tried going for it again so I took the scissors away. I thought I had saved Colton's head from his big brother, only to discover a on the back of his shirt was a clump of his precious, soft, brown hair. I did uncover where it was cut from and I don't think that anyone but me will notice. It's right on the crown of his head, part of a nice little calick that he has. I tried taking a picture of the clump of hair and Colton's head but you really couldn't see what I was taking it of. So, once again, Josh is at the center of yet another hair cutting session. He is obsessed with hair, who knows, maybe he'll grow up to do hair. Haha. His father wouldn't let that happen. It was bad enough that he has a bad scratch right by his nose from himself or Josh, I'm not sure who, and now he has a patch of hair missing. He's such a sweet guy to have that kind of crappy day. So, from now on I vow to pay more attention to my son's when I'm on the computer.

Bakin' with the Boys

Josh is my big helper, all covered in flower.

Of course we couldn't leave Colton out, he had to "supervise" us.

Nate helps me decorate some snowmen. He did pretty good too.

Danny and Colton all bundle up, ready to head to the neighbors.

Josh next to his plate of cookies because I don't trust him to carry them yet.

Can you tell by Nate's face that he was super excited to carry a plate of cookies.

So, I decided we would make some sugar cookies today and deliver them to our neighbors for Christmas. We have been here for 6 months and really haven't met our neighbors to much. I was going to give them the dvd "Mr Kroeger's Christmas" with the cookies but I decided to hold off this year. I just want to get to know them first. And I guess I also had an ulterior motive for giving them treats, I am hoping it's a way to get to know them and then I can feel safer when Danny is gone next year by knowing my neighbors as well as they can keep an eye on my home when I go to Utah in March. We only got 2 of the 3 neighbors tonight, we will try the other one tomorrow. But I think we kind of took everyone off guard by delivering a gift. But it felt good to do something neighborly. Our neighbor to the left, Amy, happened to come back over like 15 minutes after we got home and brought us a DVD of a Charley Brown Christmas movie for the boys to borrow. So, we got talking and I learned that her daughter was in the Peer Model program last year, at the same school Nate goes to, with the same teacher, Mrs Debbie. And she asked what church we go to and I told her we were Mormon. She asked if we went to the church in Platte Woods, because I guess she used to go with friends all the time to that one. I don't know if she talked with missionaries or not, I think she kind of insinuated that but I want her to feel like we can be friends first and for now just know that we are members of the church. I did invite her and her kids to join us for primary whenever they wanted, that they are always welcome to come with us. So, for now, that's where it stands. But it's such a weird world we live in. But I think the boys also had fun delivering cookies in the frigid cold, single digit, below zero weather.

Colton got all bundled up and that's all he needed, he drifted off to sleep before we even headed out. I love how precious they look when they sleep. To sum it all up, I'm glad we made cookies, it may have been a small thing but it felt good to do something nice for others.

Santa's lap

Tonight we went to Nate's school for a puppet show of the Gingerbread Boy and afterwards Santa showed up. I didn't know if they would sit on his lap but the older two did just fine but as you can see Colton did not like it, he had a strong hold on my shirt and wouldn't let go, as I was trying to set him down. As I was waiting in line, I kept asking if this was worth it because I didn't even know if they would sit down on his lap. On top of me trying to hold Colton, and keep track of Josh and Nate because Danny was on splits with the missionaries. And just prior to seeing Santa, Nate gave me a real scare. After the puppet show ended, everyone just got up at once, grabbed refreshments and headed out the door. Well, he was up front on the floor with Josh and he just headed off. So, his teacher Mrs Debbie, helped grab Josh and brought him to me. So, I went to get Nate on the other side of the gym, however he was no where to be seen. So, I told Mrs Debbie that I couldn't find him and she looked in the gym and Josh, Colton and I headed out to find him. They had santa sitting by the front doors so we filed through the massive crowds and found him like 5 kids from the front of the line. I was so dang scared. There were so many people that it would have been easy for someone to grab him. And he would go because he's to darn friendly and sociable. I seriously need a leash for that kid. Anyways, I made him get out of line, go back to the gym, get our cookies and coats then go get back in line. With all that, we ended up being dead last in line to see santa. It was a long line too so, I was super relieved when they sat on his lap. I was going to be so frustrated if they didn't sit on his lap after all that craziness. So, here are the pictures from the night. Enjoy!

Grandma and Grandpa come to town

Yeah, Grandpa and Grandma arrive at the airport!

Grandma and Grandpa pose with all the boys!

Grandma doing what she does best, getting Colton to sleep!

Nate and Josh con Grandpa into playing candyland!

Wrapping presents around the table.

Grandpa and Colton getting to know each other.

More present wrapping.

Waiting for our BBQ from the Smokehouse.

MMM, where's our BBQ?

Grandma and Colton getting ready to head out.

More pictures of Grandma wrapping some Christmas presents.

Grandpa, Josh and Colton playing together.

One last picture of everyone before we take them to the airport.

It was a lot of fun having Grandma and Grandpa come and visit us. We were glad that they were able to come. We did a lot of shopping and visiting late at night. We sure miss having them around. We wish we were closer. As I was putting the pictures up to this post Nate came by to look but he then decided that he didn't want to see them because it didn't make him happy. Poor boy, he's such a Grandpa's boy and has such a tender heart. We all wish it could have been a longer visit. Time went by much too fast. Hopefully time will fly and we will be coming up to Utah to visit and see everyone. Danny got home from work and we were all sad so he had to take us out so we weren't sitting home thinking about Grandma and Grandpa being gone. We are so glad that you were able to come and visit us. So thanks for flying out and spending some time with us! We love you so much and miss you horribly!!!

Our Turkey Bowl

Daddy and Josh begin their feast!

Nate, mommy & Colton at the table ready for our Thanksgiving meal!

Daddy helps Nate on his first frame of bowling!

Josh watches his ball go down the lane!

Look at that perfect form!

Freaky! Colton has the same look on his face as his daddy!

The boys would stand there waiting for everyone's ball to return.

All done bowling, time to take the stinky bowling shoes off. We had a good time bowling. Nate did pretty well throwing the ball all by himself. Josh thought he could do it by himself but the ball was too heavy but boy, he sure did try to go it alone the whole time. Danny didn't play, he just helped the boys the entire time. And for me, if it wasn't for the bumpers I would have had so many gutter balls. This may become a Thanksgiving tradition, but we'll see. Our goal is to actually make it home for Thanksgivings so we will have to take that as it comes. So, Mom, hopefully next year we will be up there for Thanksgiving. Even Danny agrees that Thanksgiving would be a good one for a visit, so that should really give you hope. We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and that you stuffed yourself silly!

Happy Birthday Nate!!!!!

From this, November 20, 2003:


To this, November 20, 2008:

Happy Birthday Nathan! We love you! I can't believe that you have turned 5 years old! Where did the last 5 years go? You are growing up way too fast. Right now you are in pre-school and loving it. You have made friends with everyone in your class. I smile as I drop you off and you are greeted by everyone in your class, they are so excited to see you. You are my little social butterfly. (I don't know where you got that from because your Mommy and Daddy are not social people at all.) You are so friendly and outgoing that you make friends very easily. You enjoy pleasing other people. It makes me pause and wonder if you'll grow up and want to be apart of all the student councils and clubs in high school. You are so eager to learn, you thirst for knowledge. It amazes me that you are already trying to figure out words and trying to read. You are a very smart boy. And you don't just excel academically but also spiritually. You know more than I ever did and it is so awesome to see your spiritual side blossom as well. You are a great big brother. You are so independent, that many mornings you and Josh are up and hungry so you get him and you a bowl, cereal, milk and a spoon. You don't just take care of yourself but also your little brother. And you are always willing to help Mommy out with Colton, getting diapers, burb clothes or playing with him. You are always doing funny things and coming up with your crazy jokes. You are a great son. We love having you in our family. 5 years ago when you where born, it was so amazing to know that I was holding MY son, and that same feeling still has never left. I always feel the same way whenever you allow that rare moment to happen and let Mommy hold you. Nathan I want you to know that you are very loved, and wanted in our family. Also know, that your Heavenly Father loves you too. Nathan, please know this, that as your parents there is nothing more rewarding than seeing your little spirit grow and start gaining a testimony. You are an incredible boy! We love you so very, very, very, much! We hope that you have a fantastic 5th Birthday! May all your wishes come true! Lastly, Nathan, thanks for being our son!

All our love, Mommy and Daddy