A Lion House Birthday

Ryan had his 9th Birthday party the day after Thanksgiving at The Lion House (an historic home where Brigham Young's family lived 151 years ago.) The kids learned about the pioneer history and what it was like to be a child in the 1800's. They played pioneer games, like 'hide the thimble' and 'button button, who's got the button'. They also learned how to make taffy, by pulling their taffy until it was a nice white color. I was worried with such a big group of boys how they would feel about this type of birthday party but I think everyone had a great time... especially Ryan!

Here they all are on the staircase in The Lion House.

Happy Thanksgiving

Here are all our cute kids in front of our 6' tall turkey. Sure there are some neighbors that tease us about our big turkey in the front yard, but the kids (especially Morgan and Griffin) think he is the best thing to happen to Thanksgiving!

This year we had Thanksgiving dinner with my family and then dessert with the Seal Family at our house that night. I spent most of Thanksgiving cleaning my house and getting ready for the dessert party and wasn't a very fun mom. While other families were out going to movies and having fun...I was busy giving cleaning chores to all the kids. Hopefully next year I will be more of the 'fun mom'.

Gavin was quite the hit this Thanksgiving. He made sugar cookies and had all the kids decorate them as turkeys. It made it all worth it when his niece, Avery, starting asking for Gavin and wondering where he was. He quickly escalated to the 'favorite uncle' status with her. He even made some yummy cinnamon roll bread sticks that everyone assumed I had made. Nope, I only did yams and green bean casserole this year. Sure he took some jabs from his brothers ("Gavin Martha Stewart' etc) but I love my husband and love his willingness to try new things and make the holidays memorable for his children.

At midnight I hit the big sales at Fashion Place Mall with my sis-in-law, Jill. We were very tired and could have spent so much more money if we had been more awake! :) I have spent the rest of the weekend trying to recuperate from that late night shopping spree.

Happy Birthday, Ryan!

Ryan turned 9 on Thursday!! The day started by waking up early, opening presents and blowing out the candles before leaving for school. Ryan was so excited about getting a ripstik for his Birthday. He (and Gavin) has spent a lot of time these last few days trying to master this new 'skate'board. He is getting better at it each day. I just watch and give advice on what to do to make it work better (since I am sure I would be great on it if I weren't off balance with this big pregnant belly). He was able to stay on it for quite awhile today, though!

I took cupcakes to his class for his Birthday treat. This is a picture of him with some friends from school. After his birthday treat he got to leave school and go with us to lunch. Usually Gavin takes the kids by himself, but this year Ryan felt he wanted me to go, too! :) He picked Training Table as his favorite place...yummy cheese fries and dipping sauce!
Ryan shares his Birthday with his cousin, Noah (who is one year younger). We usually try to do something together with his family and this year we went to dinner with their family at The Old Spaghetti Factory to finish out the big day. Ryan will have his friend Birthday party next week at The Lion House. (more details to follow...)
In honor of his Birthday, here are 9 things you should know about Ryan:

1. He is one smart kid! He started reading at 4 and hasn't stopped! He surprised us with knowing the entire Pledge of Allegience when he was just two. His teachers always talk about
what a great student he is and his willingness to help out others in the class that are struggling on assignments.
2. He is athletic! He really is good at any sport he tries. He taught himself how to ride a two-wheeler when he was four. He is great at soccer, basketball, and football.
3. He's got rhythm! It is so fun to watch him play the piano. He has such a natural ability to feel the rhythm of the songs. He sways back and forth as he plays his songs...just like the pros!
4. He's fiesty! He loves to argue with me. He reminds me so much of myself as a child. That is probably why I have such little patience at times.
5. He is very tender hearted and loving! For example, last year when we all went to get our flu shots, he started to cry when it was Morgan's turn because he didn't want her to have to get one.
6. He is great at video games! He loves to play his nintendo DS and gamecube with his friends.
7. He is a great friend! He is very loyal to his best friends, Tate and Tanner.
8. He is a comedian! No one can get Jack laughing more than Ryan. He definitely has his dad's sense of humor.
9. He is a great eater! He has always been a great eater...from day one! He loves fish, steak, veggies, avocados, artichokes, grapefruit, etc. He is always willing to try something new.

Happy Birthday Ryan! We love you so much and are grateful for all the things that make you one of a kind! :)

My Little Kangaroo Girl

Every morning seems to be the same scenario---the bus comes to pick up Morgan to go to preschool. She waves good bye to all her brothers and sister and then happily hops out the door. She hops down the porch steps. She hops down the driveway and even tries to hop up the bus stairs. All the while, saying, "Look mom, I'm hopping!!" Hopping is definitely her favorite mode of transportation! It really is the cutest thing--even if it does take us double the time to get anywhere! (She just walked up to me right now and said, "I want to hop!" Translation: Can I go outside and hop on the trampoline?) She definitely does keep our life hopping!

Twilight Mania!!

>'Twilight' Quiz<>

You are Alice. You are fun and a great person to be around! Your love is Jasper. You can see through people's limitations to the success within them; this is what makes you so optimistic. You are enthusiastic, and sometimes annoy your friends with your insane hyper-ness!
Take this quiz!








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Ok so if you haven't read the books yet (Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse)--it's time!! :) I took the Twilight Quiz and I am not sure how they figured out that I am most like Alice since I only aswered a few questions. But I'll take it, even though I am far from being a great hostess and party planner!

Footage of Ryan catching the pass

Ryan's Football Team is Going to the Finals!!!

Ryan's team played in the semi-finals this past Saturday. His team was in 4th place and played the 1st place team. His team won 40-20!! Way to go, Ryan! He will be playing in the finals this Saturday. He has been lucky to have lots of one on one attention from his dad these past few months since Gavin was one of his assistant coaches.

Here is Ryan walking with his two best friends that are also on the team.

Happy Halloween!!

SEAL FAMILY PARTY

We started the festivities by having a Halloween pumpkin carving/dinner party at Chad and Jill's house. It was fun for all the kids to be able to hang out with their cousins and see everyone in their costumes. Unfortunately, we don't seem to get together that often anymore and four months had passed since they had all been together. And of course, Jill always amazes us with her beautifully decorated home. I felt like I was in a very cute Halloween boutique!

STEWART FAMILY PARTY

The next night we had a Halloween party up at Grandma and Grandpa Stewart's house. The kids came in their costumes but didn't stay in them for very long (the novelty was already starting to wear off...or I just wanted to keep them clean for Halloween). We had a chili dinner, carved pumpkins and grandma had all the kids help her make popcorn balls.

JACK

Jack dressed up as a hobo this year. I was just glad that for once, we didn't have to buy a costume and could be creative with just using stuff from around our house...and a pair of big, worn out jeans from the DI (a local thrift store). All the kids were in heaven with their first adventure to the DI. Jack commented that we should always shop there for his pants. Ryan couldn't believe they would actually sell used underwear. And Hadley saw all the kids looking at the toys and said, ' I thought you said the DI gives our toys to kids that don't have any. I didn't know it was a store.' I think she was disappointed that all her toys and stuffed animals that she had been forced to donate over the years were actually just going to kids that were out shopping with their parents. But at least they all seemed to be happy as we left the store with their new treasures from the DI---books, more frog stuffed animals for Jack (I'm not sure there is even anymore room on his bed for more), a barbie case for Hadley, etc.


RYAN

Ryan decided to dress up as a cheerleader. Gavin was quite adamant that Ryan was not going to dress up as a girl. Ryan kept saying that all his best friends were all going as cheerleaders and he wanted to, too. I finally convinced Gavin that it was all in good Halloween fun and that it seems to be a phase for all the boys around 9-11 years old. So I went to Target and found the only cheerleader costume left (size 6-8) and took it home. Ryan was so excited until he looked at the packaging on his costume. He was a little mad and asked me why there was a girl on the front of the package in his costume (He was already in the costume at the time and didn't seem to question why his costume had a skirt...hmmmm). I told him that he was dressing up as a 'Girl
Cheerleader'. He quickly said he didn't want to be a GIRL cheerleader...just a cheerleader. Well he seemed to be okay with the costume after he realized that all of his friends were also going as girl cheerleaders with make-up, false eyelashes, wigs, etc. And for the record, somehow Ryan came home with the most loot last night. I am not sure how it worked since he went to the exact same houses as Jack!



HADLEY

Hadley dressed up as the cutest witch (besides Morgan, of course)! She decided after we got home from Mexico that she wanted to keep her braids in until the night before Halloween so that she could have big, frizzy witch hair on Halloween. It was nice to have those 3 weeks of not worrying about fixing her hair, but also a long time to not be able to really wash her hair. It took 2-3 hours to get out all of her braids on Halloween Eve, but she definitely did end up with big, frizzy witch hair--Just like she wanted. She also loved her big witch's hat with all the purple feathers.

MORGAN

Morgan dressed up as witch, also. Every time I asked Morgan what she wanted to be for Halloween she would say, 'Santa!' I probably should have let her go as Santa...as Christmas is by far her favorite holiday and she talks about it all through the year. We even listen to Christmas CDs in the car all year round because Morgan just can't seem to get enough of 'Jingle Bells'. Well unfortunately I didn't have a Santa costume on hand but did have this darling witch costume that her cousin, Avery let her borrow. She had so much fun last night out trick or treating! We had such beautiful weather and were able to walk around the neighborhood without gloves or coats on and still be comfortable. She absolutely loved going up to each door to say, 'Trick or Treat!!!' Everyone commented on how adorable she looked and seemed to give her lots more treats than any of the other kids on the porch. Morgan didn't complain...she told them 'THANKS!!' and 'Happy Halloween!' It was so fun to see her have so much fun with the holiday traditions. Last year we were on the beach in Orlando and skipped Halloween all together, so this was her first real year to understand and enjoy Halloween. Now I will just have to watch her extra close because I am sure she is going to want to try out this new concept of 'trick-or-treating' any given day of the week.




GRIFFIN

Griffin made the cutest lion with his big dark eyes and cute little growl. He really fought me at first with putting the hat portion on him until I showed him what he looked like in the mirror and let him do a few growls. After that he was just fine with wearing the costume. He didn't like mom or dad in a costume though. That seemed to be too scary for him.





GAVIN AND HEATHER

And here we are! Gavin always seems to find a potpourri of stuff to make his costumer from whatever old costumes he finds in the costume bucket...I think he was some sort of clown (he had taken off his mask by the time we got this picture). I was a vampiress aka Bella (after she finally marries Edward and is 7 months pregnant). The big news in my life is that I cut off about 8 inches of my hair the day before Halloween...no more ponytails for awhile! I am also wondering why all the kids decided to leave their Halloween bags full of candy in the kitchen when they went to school this morning. I have now had candy bars for breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, mid-afternoon snack, etc.

Good News--Ultrasound

Ultrasound pictures from August

I had my follow up ultrasound this morning to see how the baby's kidneys are doing...Well, it was all good news!! :) The perinatologist said everything looks within normal ranges and he does not recommend any follow up procedures after she is born! Wahoo! It is always nice to get some good news. I wasn't able to see her face this time though. She is currently facing my spine. But it looks like we are still having a girl!

Sunday (OK ...Monday) Gratitudes

Sundays always seem like such a crazy and busy day for me that I don't get time at night to sit down and reflect on the happenings of the past week and all that I am grateful for! So I will have to make it more of a 'Monday Gratitudes' for me.

• It was so nice to get back to my own home after a week in Mexico. I was sick and so grateful to not have to deal with the health care system in Mexico. For all I know, it could be wonderful...but I didn't want to find out! I have so much that I take for granted each day. I love clean water, my washing machine, dryer and dishwasher the most! :)
• I am so grateful for wonderful family, friends and neighbors that were so willing to offer their service while I was not feeling well. I got a fever and cough in Mexico and by the time I got home it turned into a headache that didn't want to go away. After two days of no relief, I called my wonderful brother-in-law who suggested I just go to the ER to make sure everything was ok. It is always scary to get sick when you are pregnant and aren't sure if the headache is related to the pregnancy or the cough or neither. Within seconds my dear friend, Tiffany, was at the door to take Griffin while we went to the ER. My mother in law was also in town and came over to help get Morgan off the bus and make sure their was a yummy dinner for the family that night. Then my mom took over and helped with the kids. It turns out it was just a migraine (never had one of those before...and hope to never have one again!) and everything was okay. Somehow it quickly spread through my ward that I had had a brain aneurism!! They gave me IV meds in the ER that made me very sleepy. Of course, once again, my mom was more than happy to stay while I slept off all the meds. Dinners were brought in by loving neighbors and my sweet sis-in-law, Annie that didn't even ask but just showed up with a yummy pasole soup that could be warmed up and eaten at any time. I also received many phone calls from concerned family and friends. I am so appreciative of all these acts of kindness! It helped me realize how much more I need to serve others and not just ask if someone needs help but just do it!
• I am grateful to have a new little niece! Lily Brynn was born on Monday (my mom's birthday) and everything is perfect. I still haven't even seen her since I have been sick but she looks absolutely beautiful in the pictures. Congratulations to Laurie and Jason...we are all so excited to have a new little baby in the family and for you two to join us in the joys of parenthood!
• My sweet mom turned 65 this week and I wanted to express my gratitude for her! She really is the best mom! She is always there for all of her children and willing to serve, help, listen, support, love, ...reallyshe will do anything fo any one of her kids! I was lost without her when I was sick and she was still in Mexico. It was so comforting to know she was back home. We had a nice family dinner for her last night with a yummy cake designed by 'Jenny's Sweets' aka Jenny. It really wasn't much for all that she does for all of us but I hope she knows how much we all love and appreciate her!! Happy Birthday Mom!

Green Thumb

The fruits of my husband's labor!

Gavin and I have talked about having a garden from the time we moved into our first home...10 years ago. We had a great area for a nice big garden at that home but never seemed to get around to starting a garden. We moved 3 years later and had a nice big backyard but not really anywhere to garden so once again, never started a garden. Well then we moved last year and still didn't have a 'perfect garden area' but still longed for our own freshly grown veggies. This summer Gavin said he wanted to finally start a garden. But now we had the problem of our 3 rabbits running free in the backyard that had already eaten all of our bushes and flowers. Gavin was still determined. He came home one afternoon with 2 tomato plants that were about 6 inches tall. (Yes, our first attempt was a little bit on the cheating side...we didn't start with seeds.) I think the plants cost about $5/each. He planted them (and quickly had to put chicken wire around them as the rabbits ate half of one in a few hours). Well as you
can tell by my pictures...the tomatoes didn't do very well. Maybe we are just not meant to have a garden or don't really know what we are doing, but we got about 3 tomatoes off the plants. They were all split open and took a very long time to ripen. We still have lots little green tomatoes growing on the vine (is that what it is even called?), but since it is now snowing I think all hope is gone of them changing to red. For the record...I did eat the three tomatoes that did ripen and they were delicious! I also think they were the most expensive tomatoes I have eaten! I love my husband for trying!! I really do have the best husband! I think most would just give up and decide they definitely didn't marry someone very domestic, but not Gavin!

This is what one of the tomato plants currently
looks like...any day now they should be red! :)

Oh, here is one that is splitting and almost
ready to be taken off the vine!

Our Adventures in Puerto Vallarta

We took a family vacation to Puerto Vallarta last week. It was very warm and humid but the kids had the time of their lives! We played on the beach, swam in the pools, went snorkeling, hiked to waterfalls, zip line rides in the jungle, swam
in rivers, had a few pina coladas, shopped at the local flea markets, bought lots of mexican pure vanilla, saw lots of cockroaches and lizards, and oh, of course, we attended a 90 minute time share presentation that made all of the above touring possible! :)

Jack, Ryan and Hadley were such big helpers with their little sister and brother. They pushed their strollers all over town. Morgan quickly learned to say "Hola!" to everyone she passed on the bus and street. From the first day we got there the kids kept saying how they were having so much fun and never wanted to go back home. I was very ready to go back home when the week was over. I got sick the last day and wanted my own bed and home.