1 month short of a year

This month has flown by just as fast as Kelden's first year. December has been very busy, but our little boy has been busier. Kelden learned to stand all by himself, cruise around the furniture, clap, climb sisters' bunk bed ladder, walk, open the toilet lid, unroll the toilet paper, pull apart the dishwasher, unplug the electrical outlets and open all the cupboards! Words learned: Ha-ee, done, all done, good, nigh-nigh, Hi, dr..ink, more, ma ma, da da. Also, Kelden broke through his 1 year molars between Thanksgiving and Christmas. He now has 12 teeth! We all look forward to celebrating his 1st birthday in a few more weeks. He is a true joy to us all!

11 Months Old

One handsome boy.

Kelden was on antibiotics for 2 1/2 weeks with occasional breathing treatments.

Dads says I can do this all by himself.

I can fly...

...I can crawl on all the UPS boxes,

...I can drink my bottle and stand at the same time,

...I can destroy the dishwasher is seconds,

Brothers teaching me how to be a real cowboy.

I think I almost got it!

I can even shoot brother's gun.

I can eat popcorn whenever I want!

I can use a fork.

Mom lets me have oreos and dad lets me have candy canes.

That sure was GOOD, but I think I need a washrag.

Hey, that's me!

An early family Christmas

This year we celebrated our Christmas on the 23rd. For the first time ever, we were able to enjoy a nice breakfast, stay in our jammies and enjoy an entire day of celebrating. No planning could have prepared us for an unexpected visit to Urgent care for mom to get on a much needed antibiotic. All in all, the day was wonderful!

Oh yes, Bethany and Kelden were on antibiotics, too. After Christmas, they were both given a second dose of antibiotics which they are still finishing. Hopefully this weeks check up we will get a clean bill of health.

Thanks Keagan for cooking the eggs.

"Uh, Dad. You really got to do something about these whiskers!"

"I'll still give you a Christmas snuggle."

Christmas stockings were always my favorite. My mom would spend so much time shopping for the most unique and personal items to fill each of our stockings. She continued to fill stockings for us kids and our spouses up until about 4 years ago. There's just too many of us now, so her energy is poured into filling the stockings of 12 grandchildren. Bless you mom!

10 days before Christmas I realized that Kelden needed a stocking.

new big boy sippy cups

"Don't worry mom, I've got breakfast covered."

A much wanted 'real' doll stroller.

I think Hailey wished she was 5 again.

Just like a real life baby.

"Uh..mom...dad...the ipod nano is Great, but...I am sorry to say...it is the wrong one. I knew I should have printed a photo for you."

OOPPS!

YEAH! A new sleeping bag with my name on it.

"OH, this is SOoo WARM!"

Every boy NEEDS a civil war hat and sword.

This gator is just my size.

Brian and I took a little different approach to Christmas this year and it turned out to be so much fun.

1. Most of our shopping was done on-line.

2. Most of our shopping was done in 2 days.

3. A few gifts were homemade.

4. Holiday baking was simplified to 2 big batches of Christmas bark which was packaged the 1st week of December. It was ready to go when ever we needed to bless someone.

5. A kettle corn Christmas mix was made for all the neighbors and packaged in decorated formula canisters.

6. The Christmas letter was worked on a little at a time beginning after Halloween.

7. Yard work was ignored.

8. A handful of gifts were purchased second-hand.

9. Everyone stayed rested.

10. We said 'no' when we needed to say 'no'.

Every year is unique in its own way. I can't wait til next year!

Christmas Parties

The last day of school before Christmas break is a favorite day of celebration for the F.C.S. families. This year was no exception!

The joy and excitement radiated throughout the school's campus and the classrooms were overflowing with parents, grandparents, gifts and yummy food. This year was exceptionally challenging- 3 kids & 3 classrooms. I needed a clone! It was Hailey's last year on the elementary campus and Bethany's first. Keagan wanted me for the whole time. Dividing my time equally between all three kids was definitely challenging.

Miss Bethany is always a good sport about sharing mom.

These cupcakes were extraordinary! The white and green chocolate leaves were delicately made using mint leaves. This Kindergarten mom must have a lot of time on her hands. They were inquisitive!

Bethany was so embarrassed that I would come to her school without my eye make-up on. On the other hand, I was just happy to have made it there on time with the food, staff treats & Christmas letters for all three classrooms, make-up or no make-up. I shouldn't complain Beth could be like her sister, Hailey who would melt down if she had to go to school with her hair uncurled.

Mrs. Crawford's daughter, Melodi and grand-daughter, Maxine, joined in on the festivities.

Keagan loved his unique mustache until everyone in the class copied him.

This is the desert table for the 4th grade class!

The 4th grade food table after the kids got their first helping.

I just love these girls! They still were their fancy Christmas dresses on the last day of school.

Hailey made white chocolate Christmas bark for everyone in her class. You are so thoughtful, Hailey.

Later that evening, Hailey attended a class party in the home of one of her classmates. There was neighborhood caroling, a white elephant gift exchange, food, games & even some girl drama(I am so thankful that Hailey is NOT a dramatic person). I feel blessed.

The Annual F.D. Christmas party was held at St. 4 this year with an early morning pancake breakfast. The change seemed to be loved by all. Unfortunately, Kelden and mom were home sick.

Every fire department event is a great hit when Captain Dave is there.