Luke's Blessing

On May 2nd, and just a day shy of turning 3 months, Luke was given his name and a blessing by his Dad. Having a baby is always such a special part of life, and having him blessed marks another one of those special moments. This time we did it a little bit differently. We blessed Luke at the house, instead of the church, as it was stake conference weekend (both us and the bishop failed to realize that scheduling error soon enough). And although I missed being able to share this occasion with more of our friends, I have to say I really enjoyed having it at the house. The blessing was sweet and inspired, and I find it hard to share my tender feelings about it. What I will say is I am grateful for this gospel that we have and the knowledge that comes with it, for the priesthood, a worthy husband, an amazing sweet little boy, and family and friends to share it with.

After the blessing we had a little BBQ and enjoyed the company. We were able to get some pictures, some right after the blessing and some after the guests left. There were so many cute pictures, that I had a hard time choosing. I have to thank my mom (we really missed you guys, but I am glad Dad is doing better) for getting Luke's blessing outfit. I absolutely love it, and I think it fit him perfectly! And I have to thank my Grandma Baker for making the blanket. It is beautiful - the color scheme turned out really nice.

I love it when he smiles with those big chubby cheeks of his. I must admit, they are very kissable and find hard to resist, however I have never ever been tempted to pinch them. As a fellow chubby-cheek wearer, I cannot allow such harassment to occur in my home. If I catch you trying to pinch those adorable cheeks...well let's just say - you've been warned! *grin*

I actually like this picture of me (shocker!) and Luke. He was just talking up a storm to me. Love it!

This picture of Trace and Luke cracks me up. I think we need to find Luke a matching t-shirt - as I think it applies to him more than it does to Trace. The t-shirt reads: "My lay-around-the-house-and-do-absolutely-nothing shirt".

Luke's "I. Am. Done." look. He had enough thank you very much. But that didn't bother his proud big sister one bit.

This is probably one of my favorite pictures out of the whole bunch. Trent has a hard time sitting still at any given time, especially when it is time to take pictures. He then finds it hard to smile "naturally". He hates getting his picture taken. So you can imagine my surprise when he asked us if he could take a picture with Luke. And the outcome? Two very handsome boys.

Sami and Luke. She used to babysit our older two kids when we lived in Colorado. But now her and her family have moved and live about 10 minutes away from us (it's a small world)...and she is now in college. My how time flies...

So I had to stick this picture in here. Trace is always giving me a hard time on how I never include any pictures of me on the blog. And I tell him it is because none of them turn out good enough. He thinks I am being too picky, but it's true - me and cameras don't like each other. But now the tables are turned. I think this picture of me is just fine, but he doesn't think it is a good one of him. Trace - you're just being too picky. tee-hee-hee.

Grandpa Giles and Luke

Grandma and Grandpa Giles and Luke

Grandma Giles and Luke

Our attempt to get a picture of the kids with their grandparents. However, Hannah was a little busy being hypnotized.

Simple. Joy.

A few months ago, and "few" meaning back before Luke was born (still trying to get caught up here) I looked out the front door and this is what I saw:

(Just wish I had a better camera, this picture doesn't do it justice)

I love rainbows. And I got to share that love with my 2 year old. It doesn't get any better than holding little sunshine in my arms and being able to witness her pure excitement, as she discovers a piece of God's beauty for the first time. A simple moment, that will forever bring me joy. I love rainbows and my sunshine.

Luke - 2 months

At 2 months, I took Luke in to the Dr for his check-up and shots. He weighed in at a whopping 15lbs! The dr was impressed. I told him that's because my sweet boy gets the good stuff. :)


So how much did he change in the last 8 weeks?






Exhibit A (above) - Luke's first bath at home, 7 days old:

Exhibit B (below) - Luke's bath at 8 weeks. Man, I just want to rub that belly!

Balloons.

Today I watched this video.

Then I walked into Luke's room, scooped him in my arms and cried...because of this: (Grateful...once again)

Cacophony

Now I have to brag a little about my kids, after all this is a blog ;)

Aleana and Trent are complete opposites in just about every way. From how they whine and fight, to how they share, to how they learn, they are VERY different. School is no exception. They are both bright. They are above grade level on just about everything. I must say it is not to my credit. I feel that sometimes as a society, we put too much pressure for our kids to be the smartest and greatest, and forget to let them be kids. So I intentionally let them set the pace on what they want to learn. No pressure. Aleana taught herself how to read before kindergarten and Trent didn't even know the whole alphabet when he started school. Aleana loves to read, and Trent could take apart my sewing machine and put it back together before he was three (sigh...only one screw was left over). One is like a sponge, she just soaks it up and one learns by hands on and asks a whole bunch of "why's" until he is satisfied with the answers. For the most part, they seem to figure it out in their own little way.

Imagine my surprise when I learned that they had BOTH qualified in their classrooms to compete in the school spelling bee. Honestly, I wasn't shocked that Aleana did (with all the reading she does) but I figured Trent could have cared less about about some silly spelling bee (where's the fun in spelling words...aloud?!?). They had a week to prepare themselves. I loved listening to Aleana and Trent practicing their list of words. Aleana would go on and on and on...and Trent would lose interest after about 5 minutes. What I thought was really neat, is for a small moment (five minutes max.) after school they shared a common ground and they had FUN studying...to-geth-er. No fighting, yelling or crying. A spelling bee brought peace to my house...who knew?!?

At the school level (Neither Tracy or I were able to go because of his new job and me just having had the baby - which really bummed me out and no pictures...) Anyway, they both did really well. Trent made it three rounds and then got out. I am so proud of him. When I asked him which word he got out on, he said, "I don't know. It was just some hard one." A very Trent response. :)

Aleana made it to the top two students and qualified for the district competition. It was held in the evening, so Tracy was able to go. Aleana did a super job! She lasted eight agonizing rounds. She was so nervous, her legs were moving and swinging and tapping the entire time she was on stage. She placed third overall, which is awesome if I do say so myself :)

Aleana - nervous just before they started.

Spelling bee underway...

After all is said and done...the look of relief on her face says it all.

The word she got out on was cacophony - I am ashamed to admit - I had to look it up to know the meaning. Defintion: ca-coph-o-ny n.pl. 1. loud, jarring, disagreeable sounds. Hmmm - that's exactly what my house sounds like when there are not any spelling bees buzzing around.

Blessings part 2

Bonus

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I should say that I am a self-described mama bear who is not afraid to bare her claws or teeth for that matter, when her babies require protection. However, this mama also has a tendency to melt like honey...especially when her cubs are just starting out. My heart melts when Luke flashes his toothless grin with those baby blues sparkling my way, or when I pick him up and all I see and feel is roll after roll, and don't even get me started on the hunk-a-chunk cheeks that I can't seem to quit kissing... Puddle of honey I am. What a sweet, sweet baby he is. A blessing like no other.

Luke "hanging" out in his RESQ Wedge (click here) - the most awesome invention for babies like him who suffer from severe reflux and for mommies like me who are desperate for sleep. It's expensive, but our insurance covers it (honestly would've paid for it even if the insurance didn't cover because it is that awesome). It's better than anything else I have found - other wedges don't have the 30% incline needed, inclining the crib mattress doesn't work because he just slides down when he squirms, and car seats don't work because the bent legs adds pressure on the tummy and the neck isn't straight enough which can be a problem if there is any aspiration episodes. Instead of sleeping 20 min at a time (waking up crying in pain), Luke actually naps 2-3 hours each time during the day, and sleeps at least 7 hours at night. He wakes up happy. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

Of course, the first 5 weeks or so of life has been super rough for Luke with his reflux and swallowing issues. He is such a patient little guy who is a little fighter on the inside. There has been a couple of hospital stays, trial and error in the meds department, and lots and LOTS of sleepless nights for mom and baby. I listed all the times we had to see the Dr. in the first month of Luke's life (at the bottom of the post) as a personal reminder just for me. I want to remember what I have learned about strength and it's source. Heaven knows that this isn't the only time when I will have sleepless nights full of worry and angst, knowing I am not the one in control. (4 kids in their teenage years, need I say more? Frightening.) I need to remember times like these, when I find myself collapsing to my knees completely spent, unable to move. What I really, really need to remember is what I have found in doing so, because I seem to keep forgetting that part. I have found that the Lord loves me, he hears and answers my prayers (even if He has to sometimes decipher blubbered words due to waterworks on my part). He knows what is needed before I do. There are so many things that could have gone wrong with Luke, so many concerns from the doctors and us. But there are so many things that have gone right, without explanation - except through the power of prayer. We are blessed. It boggles my mind. I am grateful.

"Blue Light Special" - Luke under the bili-light. He loved it in there. It was nice and warm...maybe he felt like he was back in the womb. It was interesting to watch him move and squirm, because I was actually seeing what I felt for so many months. Kind of cool.

Doctors, hospitals, and medicine, oh my!

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2/3 Luke arrived!

2/4 Aspirated his vomit into his lungs, put on O2 - Dr. suspected reflux. Did EKG, and x-rays to rule out other complications. We were really scared. So far, it's just reflux.

2/6 Jaundice - had to use the bili-light

2/7 Finally got him weaned off the O2, and was released from the hospital with some prevacid and instructions to keep Luke upright for 20-30 min after feedings and lay him down in his crib with his mattress inclined. (At this point he was still eating every 2 hours. When it takes 35 min to feed, 15 min to burp, then add the diaper/clothes changes and the upright for 30 min after eating - I had a 30 min break to eat, sleep, and shower. Yep, was a walking zombie.)

2/8 Had to go back to the Doctor to check bili-levels and his O2 sat. rate. Everything looked good.

2/9 Dr.'s appt for weight check and O2 levels again. Both were good.

2/11 Dr.'s appt - reflux issues (choking, coughing with reflux episodes) - Dr. ordered a videofloroscopic swallow study.

2/12 Dr.'s appt - clogged tear ducts, that turned into infection. Got some antibiotics.

2/16 Dr.'s appt - still having reflux issues, cyanosis (turning blue due to lack of O2), and a persistent cough.

2/16 Dr. concerned with reflux/cyanosis issues and cough, admitted Luke to hospital again.

2/16 Luke tested positive for RSV.

2/18 After much fasting and prayers from family/friends and a priesthood blessing, Luke was released from the hospital. Still having reflux episodes, but not with cyanosis. Dr. upped the dose of prevacid and added reglan to the regiment. RSV was running it's course and the worst was over.

2/19 Dr. appt - Follow up. Everything looked good, had some fluid behind his ears. Dr. said it was clear and was normal due to the RSV. Reglan seems to be helping with the reflux.

2/20 Took Luke to the ER (As Dr.'s office is closed on Sat. evenings). His appetite has diminished and he's fussy. Had double ear infection. Got some antibiotics.

2/26 Dr. appt - Follow up on the ear infections. Ears looking better, but needed to stay on antibiotics longer.

3/05 Dr. appt - 1 month well-child check. Weight looks great. He's in the 96% for height, 94% for weight, 88% for head - awesome considering everything. Also had to get circumcised - I felt so bad for the little guy (couldn't do it at the hospital because of everything - dr. wanted to be sure he was thriving first).

3/23 Finally had the videofloroscopic swallow study (x-ray/barium swallow to see how he is swallowing) done. Test revealed he is having problems swallowing - tires easily, and is aspirating more than we thought. Need to see specialist, waiting for Dr. referral.

Blessings part 1

Between nursing, burping, rocking, consoling, and rocking some more - I have had a lot of time to think - to ponder, reflect, troubleshoot, whatever you want to call it. So many things have happened in the last two months, it's kind of hard to grasp. And it's good things, welcome things, answers to prayers, resolution. At the same time, it has been a whirlwind of craziness that I am still trying to wrap my head around (hence the pondering). Which brings me to ask, is it possible to be overwhelmed by blessings? So I decided in the next few posts that I am going to write about all the wonderful things that have been going on in our life. I want my family to know we are truly blessed.

A New Job (finally!)

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About two weeks after I found out that I was pregnant (surprise!) with Luke, Tracy called me while I was at work. He knew I was already starting to feel the dreaded "morning" sickness and was really stressed out (which wasn't anything new - being a working mom about did me in, let me tell ya - a whole new respect for you working moms out there!).

Now, at this point, we hadn't even discussed my working situation and the pregnancy. So what he said when I answered the phone sent me reeling for a bit. He told me he felt strongly that I needed to put in my two week notice. My reaction? I was speechless (hard to imagine, I know). So many thoughts were going through my head, the first and foremost was Well that's not a smart move, how are we going to buy food?... Being at work, I felt like it wasn't the place for me to discuss it with my hubby, over the phone, where everyone can eavesdrop and know my business. But he was persistent (and I really shouldn't be surprised about that one either).

I gave in and asked him if he had a job lined up so I could quit. He told me that he did not, but he promised he would and that everything would work out. I have to admit, I was NOT on the same page. My thoughts went something like this: Work out?!? WORK OUT! Really?!? 'Cause things are working out sooooo well right now. First we move to Boise, now I am working full-time so you can study and be Mr. Mom, we are living in an apartment with 3 kids AND a dog and WE. ARE. BARELY. SCRAPING. BY....Really?!? Now how is that considered "working out" so far?!?

Obviously, I did not feel the same (oh me of little faith) and I told him so, as polite as I could (hmmm - maybe that is why he called me at work so I had to speak nicely). I told him I wasn't sure if that was the right thing to do, you know, a back up plan is nice - you don't quit a job unless you have another one lined up (especially in this economy). He told me to just think about it. As soon as I hung up the phone, a quiet sense of relief came over me. It was the "finally, I can quit, I've done my part so now I can stay at home with the kids...no more guilt...no more getting pulled in one too many directions" kind of relief. That feeling was enough for me. I marched straight over to the boss and put my two weeks notice in. (Now after I told the boss, a sense of panic immediately set in...but it WILL work out, right? I did have to remind myself of that...several times, I might add.)

Sure enough, Tracy did some research and found out that he could do TDY's through the Air National Guard, and a TDY just opened up at Mountain Home. He called, it hadn't been filled yet, and they said he could take it. His orders were cut for a 60 day TDY - which meant it was a temporary fix, but at least we would have income coming in. After 60 days, we'd have to figure something out, however this bought us some time. Long story short, the 60 days TDY turned into 7 months and an opportunity to apply for the same position on the civilian side. He applied for it, and out of 70 applicants, 2 interviews and some fierce competition - they offered him the job. He accepted it, just before Luke was born. He started in March.

Had we not followed our hearts to move to Boise, and had I not gotten pregnant, Tracy would not have been looking for a public affairs job. Had he not taken the TDY, he would not have had the knowledge to apply for the civilian job. So 20 months (since he lost his job in CO) later, we were led to a job that would allow me to stay home with the kids and allow us to put some roots down, which is the whole reason why we got out of the military in the first place. One big circle, so to speak.

This blessing was a long time in the making and it came at just when we needed it. The Lord knew there were some lessons that we (especially me) needed to learn. Lessons of humility, faith, patience, endurance, hope, heartache, hard work, and sacrifice. Truth be told, it was tough. Really tough. But I wouldn't have it any other way. And the added bonus? A beautiful baby boy :)

Come to think of it, I should clarify what I mean by "overwhelmed". I don't mean it's too much, or too hard. I mean I am mystified as to how everything has worked out, for the best, at just the right time - so mystified that I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I am grateful.

Love at First Sight

Luke Aaron Giles

Stats

Weight: 8lbs 15oz

Length: 21 1/2"

Head: 15"

Birth date: February 3, 2010 @ 6:14pm

Our sweet little boy has arrived! And he picked the best day out of the whole year to be born - MY BIRTHDAY! His due date was on February 11th, but because I have babies on the bigger side, the doctor had already had me scheduled to be induced on the 4th of Feb. I had been on bed rest due to pre-term labor issues - so we knew that Luke coming early was a real possibility. I was taking it easy, well as easy as one can with three kids...to let the baby's lungs mature fully. However, there were two days - if we could control it - that we wanted Luke to wait: Hannah's birthday (Feb. 2nd) and my birthday (Feb. 3rd). We wanted him to have his own "special day". The thought of him having to share his birthday with me is pretty neat I thought, but I also thought it wouldn't be so cool for him to have to share it with his MOM (oh the agony) come the teenage years...But, it appears that he had his own idea and thought sharing birthdays with me would be alright.

Look, he has rolls!

Labor was really nice this time around. My water broke in the morning just as I was trying to get the kids ready for school. We scrambled to make new arrangements for kids' babysitters, packed our bags, and made it to the hospital around 11am. Got checked in, and immediately asked for an epidural. Not that the labor pains were any different from the ones I had been having for the last two months, but the way I see it - I paid my dues with the other births and pain wasn't something I really wanted to have to experience...yet again. When the epidural took, I almost cried. It was the first time in 6 months that I was not in pain. Holy cow, sweet relief! Labor lasted 10 hours. When I was "complete", he was still at -1 station. But his heart rate was dropping because the umbilical chord was wrapped around his neck. The doctor wanted to give pushing a try to see if it would help move him down. It did. Had one contraction...and out he came. We were all surprised how fast and easy it went. It. Was. Awesome.

Holding him right after they cleaned him up

We had a few more hours to go until we were to be released from the hospital (and we were excited because this would be the first time with any of our kids that we would be able to go home in 24 hours) when Luke starting having a rough time. Luckily the nurse walked in when everything started happening, saw the signs and took him to nursery. She came back and explained that Luke had asphyxiated some of his vomit into his lungs, which caused his oxygen levels to drop, and that he had to be put on oxygen. He would have to stay overnight to be monitored and could not go home until he was off the O2. The doctor suspected reflux to be the problem, but wasn't sure. Anyway, our stay went form 24 hours to 5 days by time we got everything figured out and got Luke weaned off the oxygen. He does have significant reflux, and we have him on a prevacid compound for that. He has some more tests to check his swallowing reflex coming up this week, but overall he is doing so much better. He is gaining weight and eating like a madman. He is sleeping good as long as we have him elevated. I have learned a lot about what works for him as far as feeding and waiting for his stomach to empty before laying him down. He is not a fussy baby, but the reflux is obviously painful for him and that breaks my heart.

Because the kids were sick, they were not allowed to meet Luke. But they were able to see him at least.

It's amazing how you spend 40 weeks waiting to meet your baby, anxious to see if you will love him as much as your other kids (even though you know you will, there's that fear) or having the overwhelming feeling of inadequacy to be a mom all over again (wondering how on earth people have 4 kids and survive). But then when that child is placed in your arms, all squishy faced and swollen from his own little journey, it all makes perfect sense and everything in the world is right again. All the morning sickness, trips to bathroom for the umpteenth time during the night, the pain, the bed rest, the worry, the labor...it all seems trivial and small and in the end, worth every second. Love at first sight really does happen, just in a different way than I ever expected. I am grateful.

Happy Birthday Hannah - 2nd

I can't believe it. My sweet little Hannah Bear turns 2. How can she be two years old? It's not fair. She is a great little girl, who is full of life. She learns very quickly and doesn't miss a beat. She will talk to anyone who'll let her, and manages to win them over in one quick smile. She is a joy to have in our home and we are very blessed to have her as part of our family. Happy Birthday Hannah!

The birthday cake, compliments of the local grocery bakery.

Blowing out the candle...we forgot to get the birthday candles when I picked up the cake...so we improvised.

She got lots of presents to spoil her, but this was her favorite. It's a lady-buggy to roll around the house in.

Ringing in the New Year 2010...

So we had some fun filled plans (low-key) for our house to ring in the New Year. Game playing, mexican food (complete with 7-layer taco dip), root beer floats, and more game playing. I promised the kids that they could stay up until midnight to watch the ball drop if - IF- they helped me clean the house (bribery is such an amazing tool and I am not afraid to use it). Our house was trashed and needed a huge over-haul in the worst kind of way...laundry, dishes, trash, bathrooms, bedrooms and then some more laundry. However, I haven't been feeling so great (you know the last trimester crud) and was draggin' a little bit. Since the kids didn't have school, this was my perfect opportunity to make them do all the work. The way I see it, after Christmas, they owe me. Big time. I'm talking Vacuuming. Mopping. Scrubbing. Or so that was my plan - bwah-hahahaha...

But, that didn't happen. Instead I spent most of New Years Eve in the hospital, hooked up the the fetal monitor (why they made me wear a stupid hospital gown, I will never know - it's not like they were going to let me have the baby just yet) as it tracked my contractions. I blame it on the full moon, or maybe because it's the second one of the month. Yep, I blame it on the blue moon. So, after about 3 hours and a shot to stop the contractions, the Dr. stopped by and made sure everything was okay to release me. Yes, I am dilated, but not much and the baby is doing fine. The medicine did it's job. Only bummer? I get be on "modified" bed rest (which is a down grade from "strict" bed rest as she first told me) for at least the next few weeks. "Modified"?!? What the heck is that supposed to mean? Does she know what my life is like? How am I supposed to do that? But, I know she's right. As long as I behave myself, I do pretty good. And as evidence shows, that ol' uterus of mine sure gets cranky if I don't stay put.

...So much for the New Years plans. Sigh. In the end, the house was still trashed, we had Jack In the Box for dinner, and I stayed put. Some friends invited us over to play games, so I sent Tracy and the oldest two over there, after Hannah went down for the night. And I sat myself down in my super cozy recliner and did nothing (which is kind of nice...for a little bit anyway...after that, it gets rather annoying). Midnight came, and I went to bed.

The first day of 2010? Well, it's been nice and full of nothing for me. But the kids did manage to create their own special way to ring in the New Year.

Trent decided to lose his first tooth.

Actually, Aleana helped. From what I was told, they were having a pillow fight, and Aleana socked him in the mouth with the pillow. It didn't hurt or anything, but somehow the fabric got caught on the tooth (which was loose to begin with - he was just too chicken to pull it out). Once they got the fabric untangled, he got the nerve to finish the job. Way to go bud!

Hannah decided she wanted to "have pretties" in 2010.

Masterpiece created with "espresso brown" eyeliner. Which reminds me, I need to put that on the shopping list...

And, I talked Tracy (who is awesome and oh how I love him so) into making us some delicious ebelskivers. He did great, and the kids got to help.

Trent holding the pan (yes he is sad, because he managed to burn his finger, but that's another story) and Aleana showcases their finished work...well what's left of it. :)

As for New Year's resolutions...I am having a hard time coming up with something really good. I have already decided to get back on weight watchers as soon as I can after the baby is born, but that was decided the moment I found out I was pregnant. Well, maybe not the first moment...but few moments later, after I got over the initial shock. And then I thought about making it a goal to go to Yellowstone this year, but then I don't handle camping with an infant very well, so that one will have to be in 2011. So I am pretty much at a loss. I'll come up with something, once my brain isn't so fuzzy, and my belly isn't so...well...Shamu-like.

Blogfest 2009

I am no longer suffering from blogger burnout. As I was looking at the pictures we just downloaded, I realized how far behind I have gotten. So, I decided to get caught up. There are 7, yes SEVEN new posts ranging from October activities to the current. Have fun, there's lots of pictures. :)

This Christmas...

This Christmas was probably the best Christmas we've had thus far (strictly speaking from a mother's point of view). It was quiet and relaxing and most important - the kids had a blast.

This year I decided to do something different. I decided to be organized (gasp - yes, me being organized is a very scary thought). And I have learned some valuable lessons along the way.

1.) Starting the Christmas shopping early in September is a good thing. I have tried this in the past, but then forgot what I did get the kids and ended up going overboard for presents. This year I made a list (the new organized me) and I stuck to it.

2.) All my shopping was done before Thanksgiving (with the exception of 2 things that I had to wait to get). I was kind of scared to do that in fear of missing a good deal with Black Friday, but what I found was the complete opposite. Because I had the time to shop around and compare prices, I was able to get better deals. The upside of this was I didn't have to fight the Black Friday crowd and deal with crazy people or stand in line.

3.) Handmade Christmas presents are kind of fun. I actually enjoyed putting my heart into something and thinking of the person as I was making it. Kind of corny I know, but it taught me something.

4.) Instead of making the Christmas Feast on Christmas day, we opted to do it on Christmas Eve. My thinking was I wanted Christmas to be as relaxed as possible for everyone (not just the kids). I really liked it this way. It was a special dinner, and the kids knew it. Combine that with the anticipation of Santa, the reading of Luke 2 and some egg nog - Christmas Eve couldn't have run smoother. And the benefit of all that cooking is that I didn't have to cook at all on Christmas day (or the day after that). In fact, instead of having to worry about timing all the dishes to be done at the same time, I got to take a much needed nap.

5.) Having your hubby home the week leading up to Christmas instead of the week following Christmas is awesome. He was such a big help and we were able to do things as a family. He even helped me wrap presents a few days before Christmas so we didn't have to wrap anything on Christmas Eve. (I know that this is a luxury and won't happen every year...but it is certainly something I can strive for).

6.) Taking down all the Christmas decorations the day after Christmas is awesome. Sure waiting until New Year's is okay. But this way, I can enjoy the rest of the season and move into the new year without the nagging thought crossing my mind, "Man, I still have to get that put away..." every time I look into the living room.

7.) Being organized isn't such a bad thing...I just might have to try it again next year. :)

Now on the the fun part...Picture time!

Aleana

This year Aleana asked for a telescope. But every telescope I have seen has been out of our price range. I tried to think of a way and got stumped, so I put Trace on the task. He did his research, and every thing that he read said the same thing. Don't go out a buy a telescope. More often than not, they are not good quality, and the kids get frustrated because they don't know what to look for in the sky. However, it was recommended to learn more about stargazing one should buy a pair of binoculars (a particular strength, but I can't remember what) and this book called "Turn Right at Orion".

We debated whether or not she would like this. We didn't want to give a dud present. In the end, we decided to go for it. Oh boy, I sure am glad we did. It was a huge success! I decided to put it together as a "Stargazing Kit" which included the binoculars, the book, as well as a pair of gloves, a thermos, and some hot cocoa (because goodness knows, it's not going to warm up here anytime soon). She was so excited.

Aleana testing out her very own binoculars...also wearing her brand new snuggie (sigh).

Aleana cuddling with her new Panda-pillow form Grandma and Grandpa Giles. Thank you!

Aleana also got an apron and a Cookbook by Paula Deen for kids from her Grandma Buggy and Papa, but we somehow missed getting that picture. Just to let you know, she really likes it and is already planning a meal for this coming week. Thanks!

Trent

Trent was easy to shop for this year. He's at a perfect age, where what he wants is still on the cheaper side of things and he's not too picky. He asked for a laser car that drives on the wall...and that's what he got. I must admit, it's a pretty cool little toy.

His car in action. We got a video clip too, but I don't have patience to download it.

Grandma Buggy and Papa got Trent this Car tracks set. The tracks are flexible and really easy to assemble. As you can tell, all the kids had fun with it, especially Trent. A big thank you, as I am sure this will continue to keep him entertained.

Grandma and Grandpa Giles got him the Glider Plane that comes with a launcher. He is dying for the weather to warm up and the snow to melt so he can go test it out. Thank you!

Hannah

Being the age she is, Christmas was a lot of fun. This was the first year she caught on to who that fat man with a white beard is, as well as opening presents. I found this great pack of doll stuff at Costco. It has a stroller, crib, high chair, baby doll and accessories. She loves it. Although sometimes she gets confused as to who really is the baby. :)

Once Hannah saw the baby doll picture on the box, her patience went out the window. She wanted that box opened. And she wanted it NOW!

Grandma Buggy and Papa got her some dress-up clothes. As you can tell, she's lovin' it. (Hard hat not included). Thanks!

Hannah was so cute when she opened her present up from Grandma and Grandpa Giles. Because Aleana had opened hers up first, Hannah knew exactly what it was. In fact, she went and got her beloved blanket and sippy cup, then laid down and said, "Night-night".

Best Bargain Gift

Every year, we get the kids a game for Christmas. This year I decided to get them a marble run. I did my research and didn't like what I found. Some had bad reviews, some didn't come with a lot of pieces - which forced you to buy the "expansion set", and some just wanted too much money. Then I found this marble run (on like page 12 of the google search - on a school supply website out of all places). It had good reviews, it cost less than half of what the others were asking, it had good strong pieces and lots of them. I was so excited, that I bought two, so they could make giant marble runs. And of course, they liked it and spent over three hours playing with it. So. Cool.

They built this puppy so high, that they needed a chair to get to the start. They also timed it, and it set a "new" record at the Giles game hall of fame. It took an amazingly long 24.77 seconds to travel it's way to the bottom. :)

My Favorite Toy

Who says that the parents can't play with the kids' toys - especially at Christmas?!? This was my favorite - we have had a a lot of fun and laughs with this one. Aleana and Trent both got one. And just so you know what marshmallows the kids don't get picked up...Sasha manages to get rid of the evidence. :)

Homemade Marshmallow Shooter:

Trent, as our demonstrator, shows what type of ammo to use.

He then demonstrates how to load the gun.

And finally, how to operate it.

Post Christmas

After we took the decorations down, Trace was on a roll. He got the new crib set up. I have to say that this is the third crib we have owned. With the first, half the pieces got lost somewhere between Germany and the U.S. Trent broke the second one beyond repair...which brings us to this one:

Isn't she pretty? It's the best crib we've owned by far. We found it at this upscale baby store called Baby Daily in Meridian. It was marked over 50% off, simply because it was the floor model and they were no longer carrying that color. Since there wasn't any matching furniture to go with it, they marked it down. Good news for us! So basically we ended up getting a crib that is worth $600.00 but only cost $40.00 more that what we could have gotten at Walmart. Score!!!

View with the side unlatched. Now all I have to do is get the bedding, double stroller, clothing, and other baby supplies. :)