Holidays 2011

Been wanting to steal this picture for a while. Its Juliet's first Thanksgiving. As you can clearly see. I thought she looked awful cute. (with her green eyes.)

Getting behind again...did I not swear that off??? I know. I am terrible. But I guess I can work on that New's Years Resolution. For now- Catch up again! Here are our Holidays in Pictures. It was a wonderful Christmas. I can't remember a better one. It was extra special having a baby's first Christmas again. Loved our day.

Here is my Jordan- getting his traditional stocking From Grandma and Grandpa. He LOVES Tradition. Jordan is the first to remind us of it.

Zac Loved his hat. Juliet is with Dave- not so sure of it!

Idaho Swaners Opening their socks.

Jules warn out- on Christmas day...with her excema showing.

Her Darling Hair bow that Shantel made for her first Christmas. Desmond and Kelli- He is one cute little boy. He sure plays well with Juliet. Nicole and Jacob. He told me that he loved this picture. Nicole and Kira Christmas morning- playing with her new camera! This was taken the day after Christmas- as we drove home in the dark. This too! This is what Juliet would look like with hair. Pink Hair. That would not be weird at all... I think it would be adorable! Nanny passing out gifts. Juliet having a bath before Church on Christmas. I had bought her some new expensive special baby soap because her skin is so sensitive... an hour later she was one huge giant hive! Sorry baby. Dave opening his camcorder. Nicole helping Juliet open her Christmas jammies! Kids ready for bed Christmas eve! Juliet is becoming a ham! I pulled out the camera to take pictures of Dave's new project- I said "Smile" and she does! For a while David has been reading and getting interested in making cheese. when we were first married he had no love for cheese. But He said he only ever had MILD (ick) cheddar and an occasional SWISS. So no wonder. But I have thoroughly indoctrinated him and taught him the true meaning of cheese. So he has come to the light, and wants to make our own...So on Christmas Eve- he gave it a go. You have to put certain enzymes in it, separate the curds and whey, get to temp, then form.Bryan B. came over and they made Mozzarella. (ok- so that was the WAY EASY version, but you get my point...) Then Ta Da! Caprese Salad! It was wonderful! We went to see my Grandma on her 94th Birthday. Then my Daddy and I went out to lunch. He had his first 5 guys burger. Of course we had to see the lights at Temple square. Do you love Jack's Triceratops hat??? The temple spire through the lights of my favorite tree. Nicole and Hollee...freezing. I love that place! Juliet's first Christmas lights.

Happy Birthday Lori!

Some pictures of a really fun Birthday party...not many, but there was dancing involved. So Cameras were banned. By me. Seriously. Good times. I wish there was more evidence...but again...dancing. Lori's gorgeous Cake. Bryan and Lucy. Bryan is all dressed up...yah.... Lori watching Barrett drink too much caffeine.

The rest of the pictures.- then I am staying caught up!

I have been a total slacker. Well...in the blog department anyway. I have been sitting on these adorable pictures. I know. Pathetic. But I have been shopping, cleaning, cooking, and being a mom to some awesome big kids and a sweet little baby.













I am getting crazy excited about Christmas. I swear I am more excited than the kids. I am so my mom's daughter. I love looking for the perfect thing to light up my children's faces. I know they sacrifice with Dave in school and not making the big bucks (ha ha ha! The big bucks! what is that?) So its about the only time a year I even buy them anything. I wish I could spoil them all the time, but it just is not gonna happen! I have the PERFECT gift for all 4 kids this year. I will have earned the awesome mom award this year. Juliet even saw hers! (hee hee)

Dave is finally out of classes! Woooo HOOOO! I have a husband for 3 weeks! I can't wait! Last night I called his desk at about quitting time and asked if he was staying late. (A usual occurrence...either he stays to study before class, or work an extra hour) He told me- "Heck no! Not on my first day of freedom!" That's right! Love it!

Nicole has still not gone to get her learners permit. I don't get it. I think its ridiculous. she just must not be mature enough. Last night she asked us what the point was. "I don't get a car, and I am not driving this stupid van." Are you kidding? Stupid right? I just think she is nuts. Reality is not quite in her grasp yet. But she has been a good girl and we stay close. I am very involved in conversation with her, and know where her head is.

Jordan wrote an essay the other day that I was so impressed with. It was perfect. I asked him what his teacher thought of it, and he said it was being entered into some essay contest. That made me happy- one: That he had written such great work and two: That I could tell how wonderful it was, and not just being a mom. Then he came in with his college level words to study for a spelling be. I knew the words. I could define all of them. But heck if I could even pronounce them all- let alone spell them. He was blowing me away. (oh, and he won the spelling bee.) I was impressed again...then that dork said last night- "I hate being the dumb kid in the family. why is everyone smarter than me?" Yah ok. I swear I will never convince him....

Kira has been busily cutting, pasting, wrapping, and secretly working on presents. she is my giver. (and the sneaker of her sister's things!) I like to watch her get all excited. she is reminding me of me. She wants to give something to everyone. I sure love that baby. (and her beautiful long blond hair!)

Juliet is a silly. She is all over- and can climb the steps when I walk up behind her. She is pulling a funny shy face when people talk to her, and she claps her dolly hands when ever she sees her Brother or Sisters after a long day at school. When she sees her daddy? Oh buddy! She flings herself at him and has a major heartbreak if he walks past her without big kisses and hugs. Its super funny. She makes us all so happy.

Am I caught up yet????