Christmas Eve Bowling

 

Every Christmtas eve our family goes bowling together. This year, we had three little bowlers at Morongo lanes- Karissa, Kyle and Tyler. James and I watched and helped, and Trevor slept through the whole thing. It was a close game, but Tyler ended up winning by one point. He liked to carry the bowling balls up to the ramp himself and push it down. He even had a little dance he did when the ball hit the pins. Karissa liked to do "granny-style," rolling the ball through her legs. She says, "I loved it." Kyle says, "I liked doing the balls [motioning with his hands], like throwing it.

Mallo and Brian

Mallorie and Brian got married last Saturday. It was a great day. They were sealed in the San Diego temple. They had an amazing sealer and I learned so much! I wish I could have written it all down and studied it afterward. Mallorie was a beautiful bride and we're so happy to have Brian in the family. They are a great couple.

Shoes

Normally, new shoes wouldn't merit a post on the blog, but every time I put these shoes on Tyler, he smiles and says "shoes,"  and I'm smiling too. That's a big change from his old shoes. We used to have to shove his feet into his shoes. He would say "ow, ow," and half the time, I would just give up. (I mean, do you really need shoes if you're just sitting in the cart?) I knew he needed wide shoes, but I thought we had the size right-- 6 1/2. So you can imagine what a bad mom I felt like when the guy at Stride Rite measured and he really wears a size 8 wide! No wonder getting his shoes on was so impossible! He never wanted to wear shoes, and I thought he just liked the feel of bare feet, but now that the size is right, he's always asking to have his shoes on. Oops! So, we are both thrilled that he has shoes that fit.

Karissa's big day!

Karissa has been saving up her allowance since this summer in anticipation of this day. She gets 10 dimes each week that she completes all of her chores. The first dime goes to paying tithing, the next two are for savings, and the other seven...she can choose what she wants to do with.

Karissa had been asking to get her ears pierced, but James wasn't sure she was old enough. He kind of wanted her to wait until she was a little older. We decided that if she saved up the money all by herself it would prove that she was ready to get her ears pierced.

This girl saved every single dime she earned, every penny she found on the ground and any money that was sent to her for gifts. It took months and months, but finally, she had enough!

She was a little nervous, but ended up being very brave and didn't even cry. It helped that her aunt Mallorie was getting her ears pierced the same day.

Later that day, Karissa asked Grammy to look at her loose tooth. Grammy (my mom) said that she could get that out. She tied dental floss around it and pulled! The tooth came right out. It bled and bled, but Karissa was really excited to have lost her first tooth. I wouldn't have been able to do it, so it's a good thing my mom enjoys stuff like that :)

In the evening, Karissa got to go to her first bridal shower. Mallorie's shower was held at Jody Heaton's house (James' cousin who is in my parents ward). I planned the games for it, and they turned out good. The decorations were cute and Mallorie got a lot of great gifts.  Karissa thought it was a fun party and a good ending to her big day.

Tyler, a marker and two cuties (clementines)...need I say more?

Getting Crafty

This is a project I put together for the little boys room. If you look closely, you can see that all of the "animals" are made of hand and footprints. Each one is one of us. James is the giraffe, Trevor's little foot is the monkey, I'm the elephant, Kyle is the turtle, Tyler's the tiger and Karissa is the lion.

For a girl in our wards bridal shower, I made cupcakes and cut out shapes on the cricut to decorate with. I got the idea from Jill (my sister in law) when she did something similar for Trevor's blessing. I was happy with how my projects turned out!

Sundays

Karissa and Kyle were in the Primary Program at the end of October. They both did really well. They spoke clearly into the microphone, and Karissa even had her scripture memorized. I could hear them singing, too, and they kept looking over at James and I to make sure we were watching. Primary programs are the best!

Here we are on the day of Trevor's blessing. James did a great job. We had all of our California family there, around 30 people. It was great to have all the cousins and aunts and uncles and grandparents. We were so glad to have their support and get to spend time with them!

Things that happen while I'm busy feeding the baby

Tyler learns to shave with his Dad's (electric) shaver.

Tyler crushes all our tomatoes by hand.

Tyler empties out every cupboard he can reach.

Tyler is "helpful" by throwing away a diaper for me...in the toilet.

And when I think everything is going smoothly...

I open the dishwasher to find...

A potato in the dishwasher.

Thoughts of the day...

One of the things on my list today was to update the blog. I have pictures on the camera, and a whole month worth of things to write about, but instead I think I'll just blog my thoughts today.
1. The maxi dress has saved my self esteem. I usually spend too much time after having a baby thinking about getting back in shape, worrying about what to wear and that nothing fits. This time around, I have a secret weapon--the maxi dress. If you have seen me since I had Trevor, I was wearing one. They are cute enough to wear in public, totally comfortable and hide what I want to hide. It has saved me from thinking too much about my size. Yay for the maxi dress!
2. I really like living in Beaumont. Isn't it a great mountain view? And hasn't the weather been gorgeous? I love it when it's warm fall weather. The co-op where I get my organic produce is hopefully coming to Beaumont (now it's in Redlands) and adding raw milk and grass fed beef. Another new thing to love in Beaumont (at least, new to me) is the Sandwich Stoppe on 6th St. If you haven't been there, go! and try the chicken salad sandwich, it's so good!
3. Sometimes it's good to be the one being served. This last month has been hard for me, recovering and getting used to having four kids. But I have felt so loved! So many friends, family and ward members brought over food and gifts, people called and emailed, volunteered to take the other kids for playdates. I guess I knew all along that you all cared, but it felt great to be reminded!

Trevor Thomas Neilson

On Tuesday, October 6th, Trevor Thomas Neilson came into the world. It didn't go quite like expected, but he is here and I am recovering well.

After much of the day Tuesday slowly getting labor started, the second nurse to come on for the day checked me and realized that our baby was breach. I had to be rushed down to the operating room for a c-section. Trevor came out healthy, happy and beautiful at 7:43 pm.
My body didn't react well to the c-section, or the epidural, or both, and it was really scary for James for a while. Luckily, I am fine now and home with our family.

The kids are absolutely loving their new baby brother. James has been a wonderful help getting up at night to put Trevor back in his bed after every feeding (I can't get both a baby and myself out of a chair yet), and taking care of everything around here during the day. My Mom and little sister stayed an extra day to care for the kids, so that James could be with me at the hospital.

Through this whole experience, my feelings are those of gratitude for all that went right. Things could have been much worse. I know that I was protected, and I know that is in a large part because of the many prayers that were said in my behalf, the preisthood blessings I was given, and the faith that family and friends exercised for Trevor and me.

No room at the inn

Yesterday was a little frustrating. Okay, that is an understatement! I spent all day calling the hospital, only to be told every time that ALL the beds were full, and to try again later. Then, 12 hours after I was supposed to go in, I talked to someone who said that the beds were still full and we'd have to reschedule. My doctor's next on call day is October 6th, so unless labor just starts, I won't be having this little guy until Tuesday! My mom and sister have been here waiting too. Mom babysat for us so that we could go out on a date. That was fun, and at Macaroni Grill they sang a "Congratulations on your new baby song" that sounded an awfully lot like "Happy Birthday." 
So, now we're all just waiting...

View from the pantry

I have been spending a lot of time canning lately. Here's the view when you walk into the pantry....

I don't know if that excites you like it does me, but I like to just walk in there and look at it! This year, I canned peaches, applesauce (with James' help), peach jam, peach salsa, apple pie filling, kidney beans and garbanzo beans. I was going to do spaghetti sauce, but I got a great deal on Ragu (see my other blog : http://savingthosepennies.blogspot.com ), so I bought that instead.

I forgot to take pictures from my baby "celebration", but it was great. We had a lot of fun just talking (and eating ice cream). I'm so thankful for friends and a ward who celebrate every baby and every mom! It's great to know you are loved! Thanks everyone!

15 days to go!

I removed my little baby box, because it's no longer accurate. The doctor is inducing on October 2nd. I'm so excited! Two weeks and one day....

I ate so much...

How is it that saying goes? "I ate so much they're gonna have to roll me outta here?" Sadly, that was my situation at Ruby's last weekend. I ate a little bit too much, and somehow the combination of the food and all the baby weight was too much for me to handle. I slid over to get out of the booth...and just kept sliding. Next thing you know, I was on the floor. James (when he stopped laughing enough to speak), asked "Did you trip on something?" No. No, I didn't. I literally just rolled out of the booth onto the floor. As we left the waitress said, "Try to stay on your feet!" Thanks, I'll do that.

Preschool!

Kyle started preschool and has just finished his second week. It's a co-op this year, so we are taking turns teaching. Each of the teachers/ moms has 6 weeks to teach. Kyle is loving it! On the first day, when I picked him up, I asked him if he missed me. He said in an excited voice, "No, Mom! I didn't miss you at all, not even a little bit!" I'm glad he's adjusting so well.

His teacher for the first six weeks is Miss Heidi. This is the same Miss Heidi who worked with me last year teaching preschool, so you would think it would be old news, but Kyle keeps referring to her as "my teacher" , as in"My teacher let me have ice in my drink since it was a hot day" and "My teacher told me you have to dribble a basketball with one hand." I think it feels much more official to him to go somewhere for preschool instead of have preschool here with his mom.

Kyle has had a few other firsts in the past week or two. He went to a ballet/ tap dance class to try it out. It was a very mixed review. He couldn't decide if he liked it or didn't like it, but ultimately decided he didn't want to go back. He was the only boy in the class with 5 little girls, and he was really cute trying to do all of the dance moves.

Kyle also gave his first talk on Sunday. He talked about prophets and he did a great job. James was there to whisper in his ear. The two of them worked hard to prepare his talk together.

James' new calling

James just started his new calling last week--teaching seminary.

It's early morning seminary, so he gets to the church at 5:45. He's teaching the freshman and sophomores and I think he will be great!

Tyler is official!!

Tyler is 18 months old now and officially in nursery!!!! It's nice to get to stay at church and listen in class without chasing him in the halls! He's been doing pretty well in there. He does cry a little when we leave, but is calm most of the time from what we hear.

These pictures are from this morning, while we were getting ready for church. After getting Tyler dressed in his church clothes, I had a turn to take my shower. James was occupied giving Kyle a haircut, and next thing I know, Tyler is in the shower with me, fully clothed. I turned off the water as fast as I could, but he still got a little bit wet. Not too long after, he went back in the shower and washed himself (and his clothes) with soap.

First Grader

Karissa started first grade on August 24th. Kindergarten was half day, so it's an adjustment for all of us, but she has a good teacher who is really nice and "never yells." She has a lot of friends in her class and has made new friends already. Another change is that they now have what Karissa calls "PG," but she usually corrects herself by saying, "Or is it PE? That thing where you exercise?" She likes PE, even though it's been very hot!

Mini- vacation

James had last Friday off, so we headed down to Carlsbad to go to my grandpa's time share down there. It's the best way to go to the beach for our family! We got there around noon, changed in the dressing rooms, and headed down to the beach. The hotel is just across the street from the beach. We had a picnic lunch and played in the water. All the kids are getting a lot braver! Earlier this summer, Karissa barely wanted to get in the ocean, and Tyler didn't even like getting wet. Now we have to make sure they don't go too deep.

When we were done at the beach, we headed back up to the hotel and spent hours in the pool. It was a beautiful day and such a nice break.

This picture is of Kyle in front of the hotel, standing in a tree he had to climb.

Wilson Phillips Concert

On Wednesday we went to the Wilson Phillips concert with our neighbors, the Greenes. After a good dinner at their house, we headed over to Stewart Park. It was a really good show! They did a lot of their songs (most of which I recognized, since wilson phillips was one of the few tapes I owned when I was younger), plus a lot of their parents songs (Beach Boys). It's a lot more fun when you know the songs and can sing along. The kids didn't alst until the end, so we had to leave before we got to hear "Hold On for one more day," an old favorite for both James and me.

My husband Bigfoot

James got a call from an agent asking him to appear in his show...as Bigfoot. My sister (Heatho) is going to be on a show on the Sci-fi channel, and heard they were looking for someone 7 ft. or taller. She said "Well, my brother in law is almost 7 ft. tall." They saw pictures and gave him a call. He could have had the job if only he could have taken off work the next day and gone to LA, but it was too little notice. So, he missed his big TV debut! But maybe next time!

Santa Barbara vacation

We had a great family vacation to Santa Barbara last week! We spent a lot of time at the beach. The kids loved collecting seashells and splashing in the waves. We also swam a lot in the hotel pool.

We tried to see all the sights while we were there...the Santa barbara mission, the Chumash painted indian cave, Stearns wharf. We took a harbor cruise and saw sea lions and pelicans. We also rode a surrey together on the beach. It was great because all 5 1/2 of us could fit in there at once.

This is Karissa in front of the Indian cave.

Kyle was trying to pretend to be a seagull so that he could trick them and catch one...it didn't work.

4th of July!

This year, Air Supply came to Beaumont for the annual concert. We recognized a lot of their songs "Making Love out of nothing at all", "Here I am (the one that you love)", "The Power of Love" and the one that says "Two less lonely people in the world." My family came up to see the show also, and I don't think my brothers and sisters knew any of the songs.

The fireworks show was great. The kids were really into it. At first Tyler didn't know what to think, but by the end, he would laugh every time he saw another firework. Karissa snuggled up with James and they picked out their favorites together. They had the same favorite that looked "like glitter."

A day in the life...

Where do I start? While getting ready for a visit to the baby doctor, the kids went out in the garage. Somehow Kyle's finger got smashed in the weight bench (under the seat, not the weights). It pinched his finger really bad and I put some ice on it and sat with him until he had calmed down enough for me to finish getting ready. Then we went to the doctors office, where a half hour wait seemed 3 times that long due to the fact that Tyler was yelling to get out of the stroller, and Karissa and Kyle were crying that this was the worst day of their lives. (Kyle because his finger hurt and Karissa because she felt guilty for her part in hurting Kyle's finger, even though it was an accident).

Later, while putting away Tyler's laundry in the boys room, I find a skid mark (yes, it's poop) on Kyle's carpet. Did I mention that the carpet cleaners were here YESTERDAY? So, I busted Kyle, and he cried again, and then cleaned it up. As I was leaving Kyle's room, Tyler got tired of the tea cup he was holding, and threw it down on the tile where it shattered all over the floor.

Tyler had a snack at the table later, and I left the room. I was called back by him yelling, "MOM! MOM! MOM!!" It sounded serious, so I went in to check. At first glance, nothing looked wrong. But as I got up closer, I could see that he had dumped a bunch of pepper on the table, and somehow gotten it on the tortilla he was eating. Pepper was all over his hands and mouth.
Other than that there were just a few more emotional outbursts (the kids, not me), missing a Presidency meeting (that one was me), and some quiet afternoon time with Karissa and Kyle while Tyler layed in his crib and played while he was supposed to be napping.

At the Lake

My family just got a membership to Lake Mission Viejo, so we were able to rent a party boat last Saturday and go out.

Unfortunately, it was freezing cold and Tyler was NOT HAPPY about wearing a life jacket. All he wanted to do was tear that thing off, and when I wouldn't do it, he layed face down on the floor and cried. I finally gave in!

We had lunch on the boat, and after, it had warmed up a little and the kids were able to swim.

We will definitely go again on a warmer day, and next time James can come with us too! (He was at a work meeting all day.)

Life with Tyler

Tyler is so advanced, he is hitting his terrible twos at the age of 16 months. This is him after finding a crayon on the floor and being left alone for literally 30 seconds while I put something away in another room. This wall is in the front entry to our house. Thank goodness for the magic eraser!!

You may also notice the strawberry marks down the front of his shirt. From about 15 feet away at the park, he noticed a friend pull out a container of strawberries. He hurried over, pointed at the container and held out his hand. She was nice enough to share until they were gone, with Tyler eating most of them. (Thanks, Kristen!) When she didn't share a graham cracker soon enough, he threw his head back and banged it against my leg.

On Sunday, I had to take him out during sacrament meeting. He was mad about something else, and banged his forehead on the floor until he got a big welt.

This is the same boy who hugs me so tight every morning when I get him out of bed. If he sees Kyle sitting down, he'll sit next to him and put his arm around him. He loves to give everyone kisses before bed, and he hurries over whenever we're reading a book so that he can snuggle. We love our little Tyler, even when he's acting like he's 2!

Mallo

Mallorie (my sister) and Brian (my future brother in law, even though that's not official) came for a visit this weekend. The kids were thrilled to have them here and begged them to stay longer. Mallo came back on Tuesday before heading to the Redlands temple to do baptisms, so we got a little extra time with her. Kyle really wants Brian to become his Uncle Bob. I told him that Brian could be his uncle, but not his Uncle Bob, but Kyle would really like him to be Uncle Bob. We'll see what can be done about that.

Karissa was in the Cherry Festival Parade this weekend with her Daisy troop. Brian and Mallo sat with us and cheered her on. We also saw the movie "UP". I totally recommend it! I cried a few times, it was so good. Okay, I am pregnant, but still, it had a good message. Mallorie and Brian also babysat while James and I got a spa treatment. My 45 minute pregnancy massage was wonderful!

Our Baby BOY!

Well, the results are in, and it looks like we're having a boy. The ultrasound tech seemed pretty sure at first, but on the picture we took home she wrote "BOY?" But it looks like a little boy part to me.

The kids took a few minutes to adjust, because they had been hoping for a sister, but we are all excited now.

Bunny Rescue!

The boys and I were out for a walk on Brookside. We saw what I thought was a dead bunny, and got a little closer to take a look. When we were inches away, it got startled and started moving around in a circle. Only the front legs could move. He didn't look too bad (no blood), but something was obviously wrong, so we decided to save him. We got a box at home and went back to pick him up. He is still breathing, but he's just laying down and won't eat, so we aren't sure if he's going to make it. We'll wait until Karissa gets home to call Animal Control so she can see the bunny too.