Build- A- Bear

Brookly with "Jessica", Rhett with "George", Whitley with "Austin", Dalin with "Stitch" and Bo with "Tanner".

We finally made the trip. Three of the kids got gift cards for Christmas, the others just went a long for fun. I took my camera and didn't take one picture while we were there. It was a little too hectic trying to help 6 children (Katy was helping Whitley) figure out if they were staying in budget and trying to keep them from making silly, I mean, unwise choices with their money. It was actually very cute what they do with them. After they have picked everything out, the employee sticks the bear on a tube sort of thing and the kids get to step on a peddle that makes the stuffing come out. Then they get to place a little red heart inside the bear before they sew it up. The girl would tell the kids to "rub it on your head so he will be smart" and your muscle and your tummy and so forth so the bear has lots of neat qualities. Then they kiss the little heart, make a wish and put it into the bear. There are also little sound chips you can put in that will make your bear sing or make a noise. Everyone was very excited about their outcomes. It cost a fortune and I'm hoping it is a little like Disneyland: once you've been, the excitement to go back lessens drastically.

Meanwhile, Chelsey, Stephen and Nick walked around the mall. Nick and Stephen got 2 new books, impressive. Chelsey got herself some new tops from Wet Seal, then they all went for a pretzel while waiting for us. At a final last minute purchase, Stephen bought himself a XXL t-shirt that said "Army" on it. It was the only size left so he bought it. I didn't realize till we were already gone. It looks ridiculous on him but whatever. The kids wanted to make a wish in the fountain so I gave them each a coin. Bo, this is so cute, wished for "That my mom and dad love me!". Now, this could sound really bad, but the voice he said it in was pure conviction. Not to mention the adorable big grin while he tossed in his coin. The only picture I really wish I had gotten was when we were just about out of the mall, San Tan Mall, which is actually outside, Katy realized we were heading to the car so she plopped herself right down on the sidewalk and folded her arms. Not leaving! She is such a stinker with her pouting lately. Before I could even get my camera out, she was giggling and running after Chelsey.

I consider it a huge success when I can take 9 kids to a mall, come back with 9 kids and have them all be happy and un-traumatized! Including myself.

Playing Babies

Last night I did something I haven't done in....YEARS. I'm not a very good "get down and play with your kids" mom. But one of Katy's baby toys needed put back together so I sat down and was trying to fix it. Before I knew it, we were feeding the baby and buckling her in her carseat and washing her. It was amazing to see what Katy already knows about being a mom. For the most part, she treats her baby very softly. When it was time to go ni-night, she tucked her in, turned out the light and shut the door. Bo reminded her that she hadn't said her prayers so Katy picked her up, folded the babies arms and mumbled something that resembled "Heavenly Father, day, amen." I loved it! Her and Bo played for quite awhile after that as "Mommy and Daddy". Katy followed Bo's lead and did everything he suggested as the "mommy".

Katy with her new baby

Yesterday afternoon I convinced myself to go running. That convinced me to get back on Weight Watchers. I didn't gain any weight this holiday season which should make me happy, but I just don't get it. I ate like CRAP! I'm starting to think maybe my scale just recognizes the bottom of my feet and immediately pulls up the same weight every time. It's weird. Anyway, I haven't gained any, but I feel yucky. Obviously with New Years a day away, I'm not doing anything too serious, but starting next week, I'm counting points again and getting back on track. I know I've said that before....

Today I went and got my nails done...ahhhh...nothing better than fresh nails! Then I stopped by the store to get stuff for tomorrow night. I always go overboard, I just can't help myself. It should be fun all things considered. Right now I'm on my way to the temple for Dennis and Stacy's sealing. It's very exciting for them and I'm glad I get to be a part of that. For it being "break", our days sure have been busy. Tomorrow morning I'm hoping to take the kids to Build a Bear. Then Friday we are headed to the snow for the day. School starts on Monday. At least there wasn't much "being bored" going on around here!

The days after...

The days after Christmas have been busy and fun. Friday we were able to have 3 super little guys over to play and did they ever! For a couple of hours, there was no TV, no computer, no fighting, no "I'm bored..", just fun playing. It was great. We spent the day trying to clean up our mess and I went to return a few things. The stores weren't bad at all, shocking. That night we went out with some friends to dinner and we were going to see a movie but the pizza took a really long time! We mostly just spent the evening talking which is probably one of my favorite things to do anyway.

Saturday, I tried to talk myself into going to the gym, but wasn't successful. Instead I showered and got the kids around to take them shopping. They all got Target gift cards from my Grandpa in IL. This is one of their favorite things to do. I asked if they wanted to make a Target-run and they all screamed "Yah!". When we were almost to Target, Bo says "I thought we were going to run.." Funny boy. Glade went with us and we let them all go in the toy section. We each kept track of a baby and wandered around while they tried to decide how to spend their $15. It's always an agonizing decision! We walked away with a cart full of toys (just what one needs the day after Christmas) and a bunch of happy kids. They all did really well at the store too.

Chelsey spent the day at the snow on a date. She was supposed to work but they told her not to come in so she quickly got a date and joined a group that was heading out. She had a great time and only came home with one minor injury, a snowball to the chin that cut her. I was so worried as I dropped her off. I could see the headlines "10 teenagers killed as car slips off icy road". I had to keep reminding myself that she is growing up and I can't keep her locked in her room forever. She returned safe and sound and I was very grateful.

That night, Glade and I went to return a few more things. He had been helping some friends move so the four of us went out to dinner to give them a break. It was a really enjoyable night. We went over to return some stuff and to make a long story short, I won! They weren't going to give us full credit for what we were returning because we had used a coupon to buy it. We had the receipt and after "arguing" with 3 people, they finally gave us the credit and we left. I was so proud and felt very victorious, Glade on the other hand.....mortified. We were right though. We got home really late which isn't very good when you have 8 am church.

We got to church in the nick of time. What a crazy morning. Dalin's shirt was dirty, Rhett's socks didn't match and my hair left a little to be desired. Not our best day. Glade and Stephen both gave talks in sacrament meeting. Stephen did so good! As he got up to speak I realized I hadn't even checked his talk. I had no idea what he was going to say. I was very pleasantly surprised. He had written it himself and did a great job. Glade did a great job too. Cried a lot. No surprises there. The primary kids got up to sing and when they were done, Bo's friend Brayden says rather loudly "Hi Bo!" and Bo says "Hi Brayden!" It was very cute and the whole chapel giggled. At first I was a little embarrassed, but then I decided, "That's exactly what we need and how we all need to be...happy and friendly."

Today was my last day as a primary teacher and only 3 kids in my class were there. If I were honest, I would say I won't really miss teaching primary. Sorry Heather. I love Relief Society and that is where I get my spiritual nourishment. I'm looking forward to getting back to that. Tonight is family dinner and more people are coming than we originally planned for so I'm a little worried about there being enough food. I'm hoping to feed the multitudes! It should be a fun night.

Now I'm at the crossroads of ending Christmas. To take the tree down or leave it up. Lots of years I'm very resolved one way or the other. This year I'm kind of in the middle. I guess that means I'm not quite ready to be done yet. We'll have to see how that one goes.

Christmas 2008

Up at 5 am. Well, actually 3 am. Dang kids. They all slept upstairs and met in the boys room to wait for the clock to strike 5. We make them all wait upstairs until we get the camera set up and let the little ones come down first. Even Katy was up early and ready to go. It was very hard to narrow down my selection of pictures. I'm sure you can imagine I had quite a selection to choose from and many were very cute.

Santa brought Katy a cute pink back pack with a little make up in it. She also got a coloring table and coloring book. She loves her backpack!

Bo had a hard time finding which one was his. We had to point out his stocking and direct him over to it. He saw his Diego Rescue Center, picked it up and started to walk away. Come back! He was really funny. He just toted it around for quite awhile.

Rhett got Sponge Bob Monopoly which he has been asking for forever. The smug look is his "oh yah!" gangster look.

Obviously Whitley was excited with what she found, the Twilight movie book with all sorts of pictures and behind the scenes stuff from the movie.

Stephen and Dalin got to come down together. Santa brought Stephen a book about the civil war and Dalin a Pokemon bingo game.

This is Dalin coming around the corner "Where's my stocking?!?!"

Everyone got a chuckle out of what Santa brought Nick. An electric shaver. Look real close...I think I see some fuzz!

Brooklyn was very excited to see her Bratz doll and Tinkerbell movie.

Chelsey got a lot of girlie stuff this year: bobbie pins, makeup, lotion...that type of stuff. She is an avid journal writer and goes through them like crazy. So we got her another one!

This is my favorite Christmas picture this year. Katy just opened whatever she saw and was excited no matter what it was. This one happened to be hers, but this is the face she had after literally ripping apart whatever she could get her hands on.

Not only is Nick going to have a smooth upper lip, but now he will smell good too. Both he and Stephen love Axe products and both got a whole set of it.

Dalin is happy to see his Remote control car. He was a little ornery this year and had a lot of "no fair" and "that stinks" going on when other people would open their gifts. Never mind that I think I got pretty much everything on his list! Stinker.

This turned out to be the toy of the year. Rhett got stacking cups. I have looked at them for several years and finally bought some. They are playing them right now. It was just about all they did Christmas day. Everyone trying to beat each other's times. It was well worth it!

This is Stephens reaction to opening his Axe pack. A big "YES!" He gave the same reaction to the socks he opened next.

Bo kept asking for a helmet like Daddy. So he got one! He was a little frustrated because he couldn't get it snapped. It didn't help that it was on backwards.

The one gift they figured they were getting...a flat iron. We have a constant struggle around here because they lost their's and constantly steal mine. I have to yell upstairs for them to bring it back. Quite aggravating. They assumed they would be getting another just so I would be happy!

Bo and Katy played so nice in their room. The Rescue Center was a big hit. Here Bo is helping Katy apply her new makeup. So cute. I had to confiscate it though. She just had purple streaks down her cheeks every time I turned around.

It was a fun morning full of chaos and delight. We forgot one of Whitley's gifts out in the van. Luckily Chelsey mentioned it or I might not have noticed. We also lost a little bag of these splat toys we bought for the boys. Who knows what happened to them. Glade got me a Kitchen Aid and he got a steam iron. Very exciting! We also got the Seinfeld SceneIt game if anyone is interested in playing with us. We tried to go back to bed, but that's always tricky with 9 kids wanting toys put together and batteries and "help me's" right and left. In the end it was a very Merry Christmas.

Christmas with Grandma 2008

After sort of cleaning up our mess at home, we headed to Grandma Green's as we always do. She had gifts waiting for them there. We typically have a big Christmas lunch and then just hang out the rest of the day. We got there a little later than usual this year and I forgot half the stuff I was supposed to bring for dinner, including dessert! We made do and it was all fine.

Because all the kids were getting new bikes, there wasn't a lot to open this year. We took some of the gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Whitley over so they could have more to open.



Bo got a bat and ball set. We got this same set for two of his cousins so he was very excited to have one of his own.

Stephen got a game called Voltage which turned out to be pretty fun. I thought it actually gave you a little shock, but it didn't. Bummer.

Katy got some dress up shoes. She loves shoes!! When she opened them, she started shouting "shoes!" and gathered up all she could hold and came running to show me.

She had a little trouble actually walking in them!

This is Dalin's face when he thought he got fruit snacks as a gift....

This is his face when he realized it was a Build A Bear gift certificate!

Pretty, pretty Whitley. Both at our house and grandma's, we forgot one of her gifts and had to give it to her later.

Next to shoes, Katy loves puzzles!

This is my Mom's reaction to the cookie jar we gave her. The cookie jar was super cute and said "Grandma Green's Christmas Treats" and had little cookies on it with each of the kids names written on them. What was so funny was what was inside the cookie jar. Mom is a little weird and likes to eat her Oreos with no cream. She scrapes it off and throws it away! Crazy. So we scraped a whole package of cookies for her!

The Whoopie Cushion - this was the crack-up of the day. The three older boys all got one. I think this was the only time all day that anyone cried. Tears of laughter. The sounds were down right gross and the giggling was down right hilarious. I have never seen any of my boys giggle quite like they did at this moment.

Stephen is very amused by himself and the noises coming from under his rear.

Even Dad is trying to contain his laughter - as you know, it's not funny! Look at Nick in the back ground. Rarely are we blessed with his true, uninhibited smile, but this was totally one!

Whitley was a little more grossed out by it, but couldn't contain her laughter as well.

The Bikes. Grandma planned a trivia game where all of the answers were pertinent to the bikes. They all got two questions. Bo got both of his right and was very proud of himself. After all the questions were answered, Chelsey unwrapped the remote to her garage. They all went out to the driveway then pushed the button.

All the bikes were lined up with their names on them. Chelsey and Whitley had to share one since they hardly ever ride one, it didn't seem logical to buy two.

Unfortunately, this was about as far as they got to go. It rained all day, go figure. They tried a couple of times to go ride but it always started to rain again. They were all pretty pleased with their new mode of transportation.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve went really well. Our candlelight dinner was a little early, but very yummy. After cleanup, we sat down and watched a little video called The Fourth Wise Man. We followed with a short Nativity. By now it was almost 7 and the kids were antsy to get into their new PJs. We let them open their ornaments and then their jammies. Stephen and Nick's were a little big but other than that, we didn't do too bad! They all got a little crazy so I let them get their wiggles out and didn't settle them down too much.

Whitley and Chelsey donning their very cool new PJs.

Bo is a super stud in his new Mickey Pjs.

Even mom got new jammies this year!

This is Katy not getting her way, who knows why. She has the pout down to a "t".

Chelsey tried to cheer her up but it just resulted in her face down on the floor continuing her pouting. Chelsey got down with her and that made her giggle a little. They ended up really crazy popping their heads up and yelling "Santa!". Whitley and Bo joined in the fun.

Chelsey, Rhett, Dalin and Whitley...so fun!

Again, Bo yelling "Santa!"

This was our "crazy" PJ shot. Even Katy managed a goof face!

Twas the Night Before Christmas..

As Stephen would say, It's Christmas already! He counts today as being already Christmas since there is so much to do on this day. What a great day it has been. Got up bright and early (7 am) to find Dalin up and on the computer. Normally this would not be shocking but it's not usually him. I asked why he was up and on the computer so early. I looked and saw he had typed in "Santa" into the search bar. He was looking for the Santa Tracker already. He wanted to know where he was and how it was going. He's cute. I got right to bread making. We have been out of bread since Monday. I bought "store bought" bread that day and it hasn't been touched. While at Costco, my girls saw me putting it in the cart and protested "we don't like store bread!". What have I started? So today I decided to make 9 loaves instead of 6. We got laundry started and gave everyone a chore list. About 10 am I decided I really needed some exercise. Have you ever tried to put brownies, cookies, cake, pizza, taco bell and soda into a car a make it run? Me either, but I did it to my body and it doesn't work very well! I took Bo and Katy to the gym with me and the daycare was closed for the day. Rats. I brought them home and decided to just run outside. It was awful. The aforementioned fuel source did not provide whatever my body needed and the run about killed me. But I came home to the smell of bread and roast cooking, a clean house and nice children. I showered, had a short nap and am now ready to proceed with our traditional Christmas Eve candle light dinner. Today has gone so smoothly! (knocking on wood). Last night I finished wrapping a few straggling gifts and was even able to work in hair cuts for me and the boys, thanks Julia! Excitement is truly in the air around here! Merry Christmas to all!

The Countdown and Happy Birthday Nick!

Well, it's basically officially here. Christmas starts in about 24 hours. I'm a little sad about this. It happens every year. I spend a month (ok, a little more) planning and shopping and preparing and planning some more to make everything the best I can. I'm so excited for everyone to see what I bought them I can hardly keep the secrets myself! Then it comes. Wham bam, a few hours later and it's all done. Gone. Over. The most wonderful time of the year ends. It's a good thing that time flies when you're old! I know there will be another one coming before I know it, but it really is a magical time of year and I hate to see it go.

As a note of documentation, I got another cortisone shot today, but I don't think he put it in the right spot. It doesn't feel much better this time. Dang.

On the best note, HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICK!! He has hit the ripe old age of 14. He is a royal pain in the butt, but we couldn't love him more. It has been such a journey to get him, and watch him change and grow and become his own person. I always feel bad that his birthday is so close to Christmas so we have his party either a couple months early or a couple months late so people will actually come! He is getting a few things for his birthday, but most importantly, the traditional pack of beef jerky. Funny, I know. The kid loves his jerky! He spent today at work with Glade and they all went to CeCe's pizza for lunch. Tonight we will do cake and presents.

Last night for family home evening, we went to the bakery and packed up a bunch of doughnuts to deliver to our friends and neighbors. It rained the whole time and Katy cried most of it as well. It was still a fun night. Just a note, our method of madness was this: We had to narrow our selection to our kids teachers and leaders. If you didn't get any doughnuts, it's either because you don't fit into that category or you weren't home (Shelli). If someone wasn't home, we gave their box to the closest people we knew that lived by them. The other reason you may not have gotten any: Muddy, yucky roads. Glade was a little ornery about that! We have many great and wonderful friends. I wish it were possible to hit them all. What ever the case may be, Merry Christmas!

Christmas with the Smith's 2008

So I'm not smart enough yet to upload my pictures last to first. Now the whole night is backwards, sorry!

Every year on the Saturday before Christmas, the Smith family gets together for dinner and a gift exchange. We always go to Kyle and Kristi's where they make a crazy good roast and we all add to the feast with some other dish. The younger kids all draw names and this year, with the older ones, we did a gift card exchange. They all brought a gift card then they played the dice white elephant game to swap them. I think it was a success! In the last couple of years, we have implemented a program. This year Amy's family was in charge. Her adorable little ones sang Silent Night and she read a really sweet story. After, we all sang carols together. It was very nice. Then came the chaos of 15 kids all ripping into the long awaited gifts. All the mom's are trying to take pictures, the paper is everywhere. Kids are squealing and running to show the mom's who are trying to take their pictures. It's all quite crazy. Wonderfully crazy. The joys of a large family, truly.

This is the dice game. If you roll doubles, you can switch with anyone you want to. When time is up, you get whatever you have in hand.

Bo is thrilled and he's not even sure what it is!

Rhett got Pokemon. Shocking!

Bo, Dalin and Kelsey all sharing a paper to sing with. Bo can't read.

Katy still doesn't quite get that there is something inside. She was very happy to sit on hers.

Amy leading Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.

Katy trying to do Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.. too cute!

Best cousins Kenzie and Brooklyn.

Branson, Shyann, and Trulie singing Silent Night.

"Sleep in Heavenly peace..."

My darling Bo!

I was across the room zooming and caught this. Is there any more typical "brother" scene. By the way, this did end with a punch in the arm!

Kylee and Whitley. This is one of the few of Kylee. Most of the night she had a pillow over her head everytime you tried to take a picture.

I'm pretty sure last year Dalin was wishing for his two front teeth as well. Someday.

Silly girls. The big ones started and the little ones followed.


Kathy and Hailey. Kathy looks amazing!

Bo loves Kamry. She wasn't loving the very long hug though.

Nick and Stephen waiting by the food.

Angel and Chelsey. This was only one of the several shots of these two. Most were with their tongues hanging out or eyes rolled back. Great girls.

Pre dinner snacking.

Kamry, Christian and Katy. Look at him sharing! These kids, all of them, play so well together. There is hardly ever any contention.

Whitley and Brooklyn. I'm so glad my kids actually like each other!