Little Readers......

Looks like I passed on my love for good books.  It's nice to finally pass on something I desire my children to have.

Jackson's 8th birthday.....

Jackson turned 8 years old.  Crazy that it's been 8 years since my 10 pound baby was splayed across my belly after leaving the womb.  The doctor couldn't stop touching his chubby thighs.  He looked like an out of place toddler next to the other newborns in the nursery.  The infant t-shirt they put on him made him look like Gus on Cinderella----belly button completely exposed.  He was by far my best baby.  He slept easily.  He rarely cried.  We nicknamed him "smackers" because when he was hungry he'd smack his lips in lieu of crying.  I enjoyed every minute of those early years.  His creative, dominant, independent self emerged when he hit two.  Since then he's kept me on my toes in regards to the role as his Mother.  He's so extremely smart.  He's got boundless amounts of energy.  He definitely has the makings of a leader.  I'm predicting CEO of a company.  Anyone that has met Jack, and spent some time one on one with him, loves him.
Kennedy and Jenna made his cake from scratch, including the fondant.  The snake has to do with Harry Potter, because that is Jackson's current favorite series of books.  They also made cake pops because....well.....who doesn't like a cake pop?!

We celebrated at home as a family.  His gift was just what he dreamed it would be.  A Nintendo 3ds.  Little boys and their electronics.

Instead of having a large friend party, Jack chose to take his very best friend Justin to Xtreme Gymnastics where they were able to jump on trampolines and in foam pits for a few hours.  They both had a great time. 
In our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, age 8 is the age of baptism if one so chooses.  Jackson decided he really wanted to be baptized so it was arranged.  A typical baptism takes place on a Sunday after church.  Shawn, however, is unconventional that way.  He planned it so we would pull all the kids out of school, baptize Jack, then head to the city for a big lunch.  Shawn's parents came into town so it actually worked out fabulously.  It was more meaningful with just our little family celebrating his decision.

We all gathered in the room by the font. 

Grandma Angela gave a short talk. I gave a short talk. The baptism was performed by Shawn. Prayers were said. It was a great experience for all.  (Shawn and his unconventional ways usually benefit us somehow).
We love you Jackson.  We are so glad you came to our family.

Room Makeover, Kennedy Style....

When Kennedy was granted the wish of her own bedroom, she picked out a bedspread and pillows that she loved.  I had really good intentions of decorating her room shortly thereafter.  Thereafter turned out to be a full year.  But better late than never.  After a thorough dejunking, we headed to hobby lobby.  We found everything (and more) than her little heart desired to make her room hers.  My personal favorite find?  The zebra nightstand.  Complete impulse buy.  Yet just what the room needed.

One room down.  Too many left to count. 

Baby Locks....

Presley's hair was getting really long.  But it was also super thin.  I thought a cut might liven it up a bit.  She was excited to finally get to sit in the chair with the black cape on.  My friend Nikki did the honors.

Christmas......

This is the year I decided I wasn't even going to attempt to forgo the pajama ritual on Christmas Eve.  I've tried before, and it didn't bode well.  And besides.  How would I get my kids to pose in front of the tree if I didn't have the excuse of new pajamas?

Christmas this year was on a Sunday.  And we have 9 o'clock church.  Shawn and I decided that we would have the kids check out what Santa brought, go to church, then open presents after we returned from our meeting.  I loved it!  It made Christmas morning so perfect.  Usually it's over in 2.3 minutes.  This time it lasted until almost noon.  Fabulous.  Santa doesn't go all out around here.  We try to keep it pretty low key so the greedy's don't grab hold of our holiday. 

Pictures in case anyone doubts my seriousness in saying we don't go overboard.  We've found that keeping it simple also keeps it enjoyable.
My favorite part of Christmas morning?  The scramble on my bed, and the traditional line up of anticipation.

Presley recieved a trampoline that's just her size.  And her favorite fruit snacks.  She ate the entire box in 15 minutes.  And we let her.

Kennedy unexpectedly recieved a pet hamster which she named Russell.  Total surprise being as I told her she'd never have a pet while co-existing in my house.  I'm a total sucker around the holidays.  But I'll never admit that out loud.

Ethan got a few new rubiks cubes.  A 2x2 and a pyraminx.  Something you won't see me sneaking to play with.  Also the dart board he "needed" for entertainment purposes.  And to challenge his father.

Landon got the giant puppy his heart desired.  And a video game that made him smile.

And Jack?  He got paper.   Because that is what he wanted.  "Just a box of plain white printer paper so I can make stuff".  Seriously. Wish. Granted.

The best part of this particular Christmas was that Shawn was with us the entire day.  No pager interrupting the gift opening.  No epidurals pending.  No celebrating one day early or one day late so he could join us for an hour to celebrate.  The whole entire day.  With us.  Amazingly glorious.  And seeing that my kindergartner who just learned to read discovered a new passion?  Icing on the cake.

Holiday Extravaganza....

Kennedy's fifth grade class put on a musical performance this year.  The entire fifth grade participated.  Kennedy had a small speaking part.  And of course, she was the cutest one on stage.

Can you see her adorable little face?  She's the one directly in front of the boy with the dark green shirt with the blue stripe across his chest.  This is the portion where the group was singing as a whole.  I didn't capture her speaking part.
Ethan also had a performance this year.  His very first band concert.  This year he plays percussion. 

He's playing the bells.  Isn't he the most enthusiastic band member ever?  I love that I captured this particular expression on film. 

Ethan the Tween.....

The day after we returned from Hawaii was Ethan's 12th birthday.  This is the only picture I was able to capture that day.

Not the most attractive picture, but still cute enough.  Ethan.  My first born.  Twelve years old.  This age is such a milestone.  He was given the Priesthood, and now able to pass the Sacrament.  He's also able to attend the youth functions at church.  Crazy that I have a child old enough to participate in such events.
Ethan is still so extremely obedient.  He never lies to me.  And I know when he doesn't want to divulge the truth because he'll answer with "I don't remember".  What he doesn't realize?  I know he has somewhat of a photographic memory and nothing is ever forgotten.  Trickster.
This year Ethan is in sixth grade.  Only.  The advanced math class was too easy for him.  So.  He was bumped up to the seventh grade advanced math class.  And.  He's getting the highest grade in the class.  Crazy.  And he isn't braggy braggy like he could be.  He just keeps his accomplishments to himself. 
He reads constantly.  We gave him a Kindle for his birthday this year.  Fitting for his obsession.  So much easier for me than trying to keep current books available for his devouring. 
Ethan is so very grateful for everything.  He is always telling me things like "thank you so much for making me food everyday mom" or "thank you so much for....." fill in the blank.  With anything and everything.  I love his appreciation.  I give credit to his dad for teaching him how to be grateful to me for the things I do. 
Ethan, I'm so glad you are my oldest.  Your example of all that is good will hopefully be noticed by your younger siblings.  If they are as wonderful at 12 as you are then my life will be nothing but bliss.  I love you little man.  Even though you are growing up way too fast for my liking.