Christmas Break Rundown

Christmas 2010 was a great Christmas.

Jammed packed with family, food, and fun!

Before everyone arrived and Christmas break really began

The boys did push ups to prepare for this epic holiday...

... and cut snow flakes!

Cutting out snow flakes actually turned into a really fun family activity. You should see our first snow flakes. HILARIOUS. But with time we acquired some sweet paper snow flake skills. Our whole house is hung with them. I mean, holly is so yesterday. Paper snow flakes are the new thing.

The Nativity Set was a huge hit!

And so were cardboard boxes.

We did our best to keep Eli in one piece.

Ever gone to see fireworks in December? We did! But it was dang cold. And we arrived way WAY too early. Santa was seen, baseballs were given, and... umm... a Santa Frog came? Sure.

Titus licked a candy cane.

Oh, the fireworks were at the Boise Hawks Stadium.

Did I mention it was FREEZING cold? But yes, the fireworks were pretty cool to watch.

so that was the first half of Christmas Break, then:

On the 20th my parents and baby sister arrived from Bama!

And Titus ate a chair.

Time was spent with grandparents,

and Matt went to the Boise State University vs. University of Utah

college football game with his dad, uncle, and cousin.

Matt had a fantastic time! Enjoyed the game, got annoyed with the Utah fans, loved the Venetian Hotel on the Las Vegas strip, and didn't sleep almost the whole trip.

And then,

My parents leave on the 23rd to go to the other side of the state to see my other sister and her family

All of Matt's siblings we able to be together for the first time in 3 years! It was really fun to have that whole side of the family together. Christmas Eve was spent with all the cousins, aunts and uncles that live in Boise. Chinese food, baby! And of course the opening of Grandma's pajamas:

And Christmas arrived.

Me and Eli were sick, sick, sick. I don't remember much from that day. But Matt tells me the boys enjoyed their gifts. I was happy that I didn't get too sick till after the presents were opened so I could be there with them. Sad news though, we passed the flu to basically everyone that weekend (including Isaac). It's a Christmas to remember, for sure. Eli still has his diarrhea. It has been a week, should I be worried?

On the 27th my parents, sister, and other sister and her sweet little family come over to Boise!

We have another Christmas morning:

And isn't Luke so sweet? He's a crazy fun baby.

We got to spend some wonderful together time with family. On both sides. It is hard to see family leave (to Rexburg, Bama, and Texas), but I'm glad we had this time. We are very lucky to have both sides of the family be just wonderful. We loved this Christmas, and hope to have many more like it (minus the flu).

In other news: I turned 25, and I went snow skiing for the first time in my life and it was so hard! I've also learned how to put on eye-liner. Great success!

Having A Merry Little Sickness

Guess what?

Christmas Eve Eli woke up sick. Yup... just great. Very much flu symptoms. But then seemed to have recovered by 3pm that afternoon.

Guess what?

Christmas Day I wake sick. Yup... just great. Very much flu symptoms. 10pm that night my fever and such finally break! (At the peak of my sick day, I threw up 7 or 8 times in 2 hours.)

But I guess on a brighter note, because I was so extremely dehydrated Titus HAD to learn how to take a bottle.

And neither Eli nor I went to the hospital! Which is a huge accomplishment for us. In July of 2007 I went, cause that was one crazy flu bug. In the fall of 2008 I went, cause not only was that a crazy CRAZY flu bug, but I was also expecting with Eli (just 11 weeks along)!

Christmas Eve, and Day, 2010:

And last year, on my birthday and around this same time of year, Eli went to the hospital. We had no idea what was going on with him. He had the symptoms of heart failure, and we were so dang worried. We found out that it was just a flu bug. But it was good we took him to the hospital. For he refused to drink, and an IV was very much needed.

December 2009

An hour or two after returning from the hospital:

A happier Christmas post to come, I promise!

So This Is Christmas:

Hello Santa,

My name is Titus. I am 6 months old, and this is my first Christmas. I really don't know what Christmas is about, but I'm loving all the family visiting. Let's just say when I cry I get so much attention, I don't even know what to do with it! Being the youngest of three boys, there is a lot of things already provided. Pretty much all I want is love. But my mom wants me to get diapers. A teething ring would probably be nice.

Santa, I want you to know that I am such a sweet boy. I am kind of difficult, but getting easier. My digestive system is getting bigger and is able to handle gas and such, better. (This means my crying is decreasing! I don't like to cry, but if my tummy hurts I have to let out some screams!) I am starting to sleep longer through the night. In fact, I slept through the night for the first time Saturday, December 18th!

So, Santa, keep me on your "Nice List." And maybe for Christmas, help me figure out how to drink from a bottle.

Much love,

Titus

Hi Santa!

I'm Isaac. I'm pretty awesome. I like jets, and dinosaurs, and helicopters, and sharks, and whales, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and wrestling with my dad. And cookies. That Mom makes.

I'm 4 years old, so I'm pretty sure I know what Christmas is about. Presents, family, and Jesus Christ! I love to look and play with the nativity set we have out. But we have to be CAREFUL! Okay? If you play too hard with Joseph's staff it might break.

I'm a good boy. I get upset sometimes, but everyone does that. I'm learning to share better, and I'm playing with my brothers much nicer and gentler. It was difficult this past year becoming a big brother and learning boundaries. Did you know that I become a big brother of three boys within 14 months! Yeah, I was like, "Mom and Dad, I'm okay if I stop having brothers." I'm not sure what a sister is, but I have girls in my preschool. They like to color. And wear pink. Pink is cool. You put the "k" sound at the end of the work. Oh, my favorite number is 4. Because I'm 4. And my dad drives a 4runner, and it has a 4 in that word.

I'd like a few things for Christmas. A dragon, and... yeah, I don't know. But I'm excited!

Drive your safe!

Isaac

Santa!

I'm Eli. I'm fun! I love to talk, and express myself. You'll know if I'm upset or if I'm happy. I like my brothers, and I like to play. I also love to eat. Pasta is my favorite. Mac-n-cheese, spaghetti, etc.

I'm 20 months old. Again, I'm fun. Mom and Dad say I'm crazy, which is probably true. See my heart isn't exactly normal, so I get tired easy even when I don't want to be. That makes me mad! Because tired and having fun don't mix really well. So that combination makes me crazy, crazy! But I am sweet, sweet, sweet! I love to sit on laps and read books, and I love to give kisses! Sometimes I try to pick my baby brother up to help him out when his is crying, but I'm not that strong yet. I'm getting there. I have lots of wonderful 20 month old muscles!

Oh! Christmas. Yes, Christmas is pretty cool. We sing songs, we drive around to look at lights, we listen to stories about Christ. It makes me feel warm and nice inside. I also like the food that comes with Christmas. Mashed potatoes = heaven! I also love trucks! All sorts of trucks. So if I could have a truck for Christmas that'd be great.

Alright Santa, we will make you some cookies, but if could leave me some, I'd appreciate it!

Eli

Matt, Shannon, Isaac, Eli, and Titus...

... want to wish everyone a happy and wonderful holiday season!

Poem of the Month

Tonight is a quiet night.  We no longer have cable, and nothing is on PBS.  The boys are asleep, hopefully having wonderful dreams...  

... And snow is falling. Matt and I have been watching it fill up the parking lot. 

Have you guessed what poem I'm going to choose? That's right, Robert Frost's "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening." It seems so right, and fits perfectly. It is close to the longest night of the year, it is gently snowing, and we have lots to do to get ready for Christmas and family, but all we want to do is sit and watch the snow. 

Or maybe I'm the only one who wants to watch the snow. Matt just ran down to get the presents to wrap. Oh well.  We "have promises to keep," and many hours before we sleep. 

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening

Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Hope everyone is able to find a quiet moment and reflect on the true meaning of this time of year. May you find peace, joy, and love this holiday season! 

Titus... TRANSFORMED!

6 months ago our little Titus was born.  

Being 4 weeks early, he really was tiny. A whole 5 lbs 2 oz.

Let's take a look back in time... 

Birthday

1 day old

 

6 days old

  

And now to present time, where he has transformed to become a filled out and chunky baby!

6 months old

 

The past month Titus has accomplished lots:

1) He started rolling over from back to tummy 

2) He started sleeping on his tummy

3) He started eating some baby cereal

4) He started reaching pretty accurately, and kicking like a mad man

5) Has found his voice! This boy loves to scream... loudly and happily! Just one loud, long note. Mid range. (He saves his screeching-like-a-pterodactyl for when he is upset.) 

6) He has found his tongue. He loves to stick that thing WAY OUT. And leave it there for forever and a day. 

His new nickname is Toothless. (The boys are obsessed with "How to Train Your Dragon.") More or less I say it like this, "Hey, tee-dee, ty-dee, toothless, Titus!" In really high, loud voice. (I am my mother's child.) 

My favorite moments are in the middle of the nights, after he is done nursing, and I put him up to my chest to burp him. He'll lay his head down and sleep, then let out a nice and wonderful burp in my face. Typically no spit-up!  

He LOVES cuddles. To be held is his favorite pass time.  His fingers are his favorite chewing toy.  He so can be a thumb sucker. He loves his family.  To play with his brothers is such a joyous occasion! And you know what? We love him!

Happy 6 months, Titus! 

Happenings

What are the boys up to? Well, I'll show you:

Titus is developing better and more accurate motor skills. 

Check out this reach of his! He is also rolling, blowing bubbles, and still crying lots. 

I just love this photo of him with his daddy.

 

Eli is talking. Talking, I tell you! 

Started, oh, a month ago. But I don't think speech has made him any easier. In fact, I think his crazy shift to happy to moody-moods has increased! And if he wants something, he wants something. No compromises. If we are not willing to listen, he finds a way. See the raisin snatching? 

More of the talking to come.

 

Isaac is either naked, or a turtle. 

Well, not really naked naked. Just runs around in his underpants. This is odd, cause he is one that loves clothes. But now as soon as we get home he strips down. Why? "Cause Monsters, Inc. scratch them." Apparently that's bad juju. 

And the week of Thanksgiving all he wanted to be was a turtle. No joke. The face paint and all. Sometimes there is a mix, a hybrid, of the two. A naked turtle! Typically Eli joins the fun, too!

 

I also need to mention something that has consumed the household: shooting bad guys. 

I have tried to join, but Isaac says that he is better at it. I believe him. The arsenal includes a "F-14 , F-16, and sniper rifle." Matt has really tried to persuade Isaac that there is no such thing as F-14 and F-16 machine guns, those are names of fighter jets. But Isaac wont have it. 

So the F-16 is Isaac's baseball bat, the F-14 is the vacuum hose extension, and the sniper rifle is a toy pistol. Eli joins too. His gun of choice is a tennis racket.