Christmas in our New Home

We got to celebrate Christmas in our own home this year. We haven't done that since the first Christmas Mark and I were married. I tried really hard to get Avery and Sarah really excited for Christmas day, but it was still over their little heads. The nice thing was that we all slept in until almost 8am (unheard of in our house). It was only the four of us and definitely a Christmas to remember.

The girls in their matching Christmas PJs

Sarah loves her baby stroller

Avery loves her stocking

I love Christmas!!

Parental Duties

I have been thinking a lot about my responsibility as a mother. I am often tired and extremely impatient. I find myself yelling at my kids and getting so frustrated that I should put myself in time out. I love to read my friends' blogs and often venture off into their friends' blogs. I ran across a beautiful quote from President Hinckley in one of the blogs I came across that helped put my responsibilities in perspective.

“Never forget that these little ones are the sons and daughters of God and that yours is a custodial relationship to them, that He was a parent before you were parents and that He has not relinquished His parental rights or interest in these His little ones. Now, love them, take care of them. Fathers, control your tempers, now and in all the years to come. Mothers, control your voices; keep them down. Rear your children in love, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Take care of your little ones. Welcome them into your homes, and nurture and love them with all of your hearts. They may do, in the years that come, some things you would not want them to do, but be patient, be patient. You have not failed as long as you have tried. Never forget that” (Salt Lake University Third Stake conference, 3 Nov. 1996).

Finally, We Have a Home!

The last few weeks have flown by. We closed on the the 14th of November. We did not run into one hitch and were able to pull it off 5 days before planned. Mark flew out to Idaho on the 15th and spent the weekend driving the stuff we left in a storage unit in Rexburg down to Houston. I spent the weekend painting one really pink room for the girls and our Master bedroom. I had no idea what a project painting is. I don't really enjoy the process but I love to see the new color once it drives. We finally got moved in on Monday the 19th. Mom and Dad came down for the Holiday on the 20th. We shopped for essential furniture items and unpacked boxes. I was so busy I forgot it was Thanksgiving.

The funny thing is that 90% of the time it is nice and warm here. On Thanksgiving day the wind started to blow cold. When our home inspector checked our heater and air conditioner, it worked fine. When we went to turn on our heater last week, it did not work and we froze all weekend. Finally on Monday, the technician came out and the weather started to warm up. Just our luck!

Here are some pictures of our closing.


Mark and the massive pile of paperwork


Finally Done!

Sleepless Nights and Video Games

Everyone is familiar with a sleepless night , except my husband (he can sleep through anything). Well, it is 4 o'clock in the morning and I think I have been awake since midnight. It seems that the older I get, the more I suffer from insomnia. Of course, my children contribute to this whether they are newborns, toddlers, or little girls. I find it very difficult most nights to go back to sleep after being awoken. This particular night, Sarah lost her binky and let out a tremendous scream that woke everyone in the house. Once I got Sarah back to sleep, Avery woke up and decided she wanted to be rocked. Avery goes back to sleep but when I go to lay down, my head is full...What about money? We close on our house this week. We need furniture. We need to get the house ready to move in. How do I want to decorate? What about money? Sleep is a lost cause tonight.

I don't play many video games. I have found that unless it is Tetris or Dr. Mario, a video game requires too much time and effort for me. Mark loves to play video games when he has the time. Mostly, he loves to play when he has someone to play with. He tries very hard to find things I will like to play. Recently, he invested a little money in Guitar Hero II. I was interested in this new concept and gave it a try. I sucked!! However, after a few tries I was hooked. Of course, I can only play on the easiest level but who cares. For the most part, the music is great and the game is very interactive. This one gets a rare thumbs up from me.

Dad and Avery rocking out to Guitar Hero

NO MORE TV

I am a little slow about finding things out these days especially when it comes to the news. Mark and I haven't had cable for a while and I feel a bit out of it. I found out this morning all of the writers have gone on strike. I must admit that even though I have not been able to see much of what the season has to offer, I was looking forward to some good television. I understand that the writers need more money but I am upset by all this business. How am I supposed to survive without new episodes of House, The Office, Lost, Heroes, etc. I know there will be some episodes but when I go to buy the seasons on DVD next year, two discs will probably cover the entire season. SAD, DREADFUL news.




What I find most amusing about it all is just how devastated I am. Really, whatever will I do without my evening television. I mean I look forward to it all week. The nights The Office comes on I hurry and put the kids to bed at least half an hour before the show starts so they will be asleep by the time it comes on. If they aren't asleep or I have neglected putting them down when I should, they end up watching the show with me. I can honestly say that there are times when my life is ruled by that crazy tv. This writers strike could be the best thing that happened to me. Heaven forbid I should have to spend more time with my kids and have real conversations with my husband. I could even find some time for a walk after dinner. WHAT? That is outrageous.

Sibling Rivalry Aready?

Avery has a wonderful pastime. When she has run out of toys to play with and movies to watch, she focuses completely on her sister. When I see that look in her eye I get a little scared. Avery enjoys following Sarah around torturing her. She tries to take away any toy Sarah has. She can't keep her hands off of poor Sarah and it drives poor Momma insane.

I must say, however, I am very proud of my little baby Sarah. She is learning to hold her own. Every now and then I see Sarah running as fast as those little legs will carry her with a toy. Avery is usually not far behind screaming at the top of her lungs about how mean Sarah has been to her. I try to treat the situation seriously but I can't help but laugh a little. Those kids can be really cute sometimes.

Sarah and Avery don't always fight. They truly do enjoy each other. As is the case with siblings, they really can't live without each other. They think it is important to give hugs and kisses in the morning when they wake up and right before they go to bed. Avery is learning to take good care of her little sister and is willing to be momma's best helper most of the time. It is fascinating to watch their interactions.

I love the Fall

Aaaah. Fall and Spring are my favorite seasons. Ilove the change in the colors and the mild temperatures. Festivals and flowers--what's not to love! Here in Houston, Fall is still quite warm. The evenings are cool but we're still wearing flip flops and shorts in the day. Still, there is something in the air that reminds me of walking into the potpurri section of Micheals.

We had a blast on Halloween. We are absolutely loving living close to family. Avery and Sarah got to spend the entire day with cousins, aunts and uncles. We partied at Chuck E Cheese in the afternoon. After dinner, Avery dressed in her princess dress and jewelry. Sarah dressed like a chubby pink butterfly. Mark was a werewolf. You see, I love all things pretty and cute. Mark likes bloody and scary. We went trick or treating around the cul de sac, pigged out on candy and finished the night swimming in the hot tub.


My Princess Avery


Squishy, Pink Butterfly

Avery, Wyatt, Kole, Sarah

Mark and Kevin being VERY SCARY