Our Christmas!

This year was pretty laid back. We went to Jer's parent's house on Christmas Eve. We ate the best green Chile soup and sopapillas, watched the Christmas movie and played a little game.
When we got home the kids got their jammies on and we wrote a letter to Santa to leave with the cookies and milk.
Christmas morning was pretty nice. The kids woke up and Brook swears she didn't peek but she knew EXACTLY what she got ha ha.
I made some Monkey bread for breakfast and the kids opened presents from mom and dad then they opened presents from my parents.
After Jer's parents and Shayla arrived they opened their gifts from Jer's parents. The weather was not looking good so Jer's parents left before it got too bad.

Writing a letter to Santa with the cookies and milk.

Family tradition in front of the tree.

Mason and his Bumblewee transformer!

Excited to open presents from grandma and grandpa liggett!

123 GO!

Thank you!!!

grandma Mo and Shayla

grandpa mo playing with mase.

Brook with her nose in her Leapster. he he.

A Christmas wish for you!

Merry Christmas

Love the Smith Family!

We hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday with lots of loved ones around you and have a happy New Year too!

Down to the wire....

Well, its getting down to the wire now.

I went in for my 20 minute EFM (Electronic Fetal Monitoring) today. He was very active and his fluid is great! My blood pressure is pretty good as well so everything is looking good.

I can't believe I only have one more appointment and then my pre-op appointment!

Ahhh! 3 more weeks today!

Christmas Party....

Don't be fooled by the sweet smile and pretty present for mom.

Brooklyn's Christmas party was pure chaos and mayhem! They decorated cookies, ate lots of yummy fruit kabobs and cheese and crackers and ran a race. Did I mention the sugar coma that is bound to hit sooner or later?

Brooklyn Loved IT! I am just glad that I was only in charge of the plates, cups and napkins. Thank goodness.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!!

Santa Claus came to Mason's Head Start today! Right before he came a lady read a story to the kids. I LOVE the three tree book. Maybe its my pregnancy hormones but it always makes me teary. Mason cracked me up when he pretend chopped the trees down. So cute!

When Santa got there the room was CRAZY! Mason couldn't wait to sit on Santa's lap and tell him that he wanted a Bumblewee! Santa wasn't sure what the heck that was at first until someone whispered, "It's a transformer." Ha ha ha!

Just one of those days...

Today, while mommy was at the hair dresser getting her hair cut............

Someone ELSE thought it would be a good idea to cut her own hair!!!!

I got a phone call from Brooklyn's school telling me that Brooklyn cut her hair. I was just imagining how horrible it would look. My imagination was worse. I think we can fix it. Thank goodness!

Christmas Program!

Santa's Little Reindeer

Tonight Jer's parents came down to watch Mason's Christmas program. He was adorable with his little reindeer antlers and black socks for hooves.
The lighting in the church was very bad so these are the best pictures I could get, sorry.

Baby Update!

Update on Baby Dallas:

• He is measuring at 35 weeks and 6 days.
• So far, he weighs about 5 pounds 6 ounces.
• I sat for 20 minutes listening to his heartbeat and movements, they are all very good.
• I have made my Pre-Op appointment for January 5!

It's getting exciting now!

I sure wish I had a babysitter for these last two appointments though. I can't imagine my kids will be patient while mommy is strapped to a table for 20 minutes at a time. Ug!

Oops I did it again!

Okay, does anyone else think that it is just cruel that us mom's have to lose our minds right along with our bodies when we are pregnant??? I sure do!

The other night I was doing the usual... making dinner, washing clothes, folding clothes, checking temperatures, giving kids cough medicine and so on. It wasn't until I finally sat down to call someone that I realized my phone was nowhere to be seen. My worst nightmare came true. Yes, I had washed yet another cell phone in my pants pocket! During normal circumstances I truly don't believe that would have happened. I blame it on the pregnancy brain!

Just an update. Mason is over his 24 hour freaky fever. He is now back to his old self as usual. Brooklyn went to the Dr. with me and we saw that her one ear was a little pink but not infected yet. She told me to bring her back if she spikes a fever. Oh great! I have a bunch of sinus pressure and ear pressure but unfortunately I am sorry out of luck. She even took away my one help! Goodbye Sudafed PE, apparently you are perfectly fine for a "normal" pregnant lady but not for one with hypertension! Dang!!! Hello stuffed up nights without sleep. BOO!

Reasons why I love my kids...

Some days I am so surprised by my kids behavior. I have never been able to cut little Mason's hair without a world war three fight. Today, he was amazing. No crying or whining. He was so patient! Who would have thought!!!?

Tonight I found Brooklyn and Mason dancing together! They were just being too cute. I am so glad that they aren't too far apart in age. They have played so well together these last couple years. I sure hope they keep this closeness as they grow.

So blessed!

It never ceases to amaze me how we are surrounded by angels all around us. My angel came to me in the form or another mom at Brooklyn's school. Our baby Dallas will be here soon. I had been worrying about us being ready. One big worry on my mind was the fact that I had a whole bunch of shorts and infant tee shirts but not a lot of winter appropriate clothes. We were able to go out and find a few long sleeve onesies to layer him with.

The other week a mom walked up to me at Brook's school. She was holding her newborn son that she had on Halloween. She told me that she was done having babies and that I was the only pregnant woman that she knows and if I would like all her newborn boy clothes that her baby was rapidly growing out of. I couldn't believe it. At first I felt guilty that I was accepting her offer then I became so so grateful! She has nice taste and the clothes were barely worn. (If worn at all). My prayers were answered by some sweet lady and she probably didn't even know just how much we needed them. It makes me thankful that there are such kind people out there!

We are Ready!

Yesterday Jer's mom and dad helped us move the furniture we were given into our house. Its so nice to have a dresser big enough to fit Brooklyn's clothes. I finally feel like we are ready for our little Dallas to arrive. It's almost hard to have everything done and not have him here yet, but I know he will be here soon. I am trying to enjoy this time with my two kids before they become three.

Brooklyn's been sick this week. Its been no fun for her. She especially has a hard time taking it easy when she has had some medicine and feels a little better for the moment. I've had to remind her that she still needs to rest.

We watched the Christmas devotional tonight. I look forward to seeing it every year. It always brings the spirit of Christmas into our home and helps remind me why this season is so wonderful! I think the kids are going to act out that first Christmas this year on Christmas Eve. I haven't gotten around to making their costumes yet but I hope to get it done before next year.

Tag!

A friend did this and it looked interesting. Here I go...

Your Hair:
Half up today. It is overly long and I haven't had a cut in months! Luckily I have made an appointment for the 16th. Just in time too.

Where Is Your Cell Phone:
On our kitchen table. It moves all over the house as the day progresses.

Your Mother:
She was an amazing woman! She looked at life for what it really is. I never heard her complain or whine about the cards she was dealt. When I think of her I remember the love and spontaneous fun times in the face of complete darkness. I definitely look to her example and try to be like her. I miss her every day. Most days I just wish I can talk to her like we used to.

Your Father:
My dad is one big bear. He can be stubborn, silly, obnoxious, and a nut but he has always been there if I need advice or just a good chat.

Your Favorite Food:
Really good Mexican! I have learned living in Colorado, that there are so many different ways to make Mexican. When I find an excellent restaurant or recipe, I treasure it!

Your Dream From Last Night:
I don't quite remember the details but every dream lately has consisted of a steady feeling of dread and anxiousness about how I will manage with a third baby. I know it will be alright but I must be worrying subconsciously. ha ha

Your Favorite Drink:
Cherry Dr. Pepper from Sonic! But since I can't have caffeine I settle for Diet Rite low sodium, sugar and no caffeine. Its not bad.

Your Dream/Goals:
I still dream about travelling with Jer to SO Many places. London, Italy, Spain, Mexico (again). We loved our cruise and hope to one day go again.
I also can't wait until we have settled down and buy our first home!

What Room Are You In:
Our office

What Is Your Hobby:
Scrapbooking, sewing, making crafts, blogging, and cooking! I love them all. It feels so good whenever I make something. Its very satisfying.

What Is Your Fear:
I am deathly afraid of losing Jer and being on my own to raise these kids all on my own. It doesn't help that he loves his dangerous job!!!

Where Were You Last Night:
Home, making dinner, cleaning up and watched a movie with Jer.

Something You Are Not:
I am not good with remembering things. I swear my brain has a sieve and try as I might, a lot of important things fall through the holes.

Muffins:
mm lemon poppy seed! As long as its very moist. I'm not a huge muffin person.

Where Did You Grow Up:
Easton, PA. I loved it there. It has rich history, lots of beautiful trees, culture, and is right in the middle of everything.

Last Thing You Did:
Made lunch for Mason bug and myself then talked with Jer on the cell.

What Are You Wearing:
Maternity jeans and a purple maternity shirt.

Your TV:
In the living room. Its big and on spongebob for Mason. Driving me nuts!

Your Pet:
One little guinea pig. Named Fred. Outside.

Your Friends:
spread out. Its hard to be so far away.

Life:
My life is pretty good. We live in a nice little town. The kids love their schools, Jer is liking his job. He is almost a journeyman and I am having our third baby in January.

Mood:
Eh- I'm okay today. I'm not exactly chipper but I'm getting better.

Missing Someone:
Every Day. A girl just needs her mom sometimes. Thank goodness for Cathy and all she does!

Vehicle:
Honda Odyssey. I love our van! It has made car trips 100% better!

Favorite Store:
I love Target, Michael's, Old Navy, JC Penny's and Kohl's!

Favorite Color:
Basically jewel tones-navy blue, dark red, Green, dark purple. Also I love Earth tones- tans, greens, oranges, reds! I'm a fall girl I guess.

The Last Time You Laughed:
last night when jer and mase were butting heads like goats!

One Place You Go Over And Over:
The kitchen, the kid's schools, church and the store.

Person Who E-mails You Regularly:
Amanda, Ma and Marie.

Favorite Place To Eat:
Lonestar Stake house or Olive Garden

Where Do You Want To Be In 6 Years:
Hopefully done with Jer's apprenticeship, Out of debt, settled down in our own house and maybe one more child.

Its Official!

We will finally meet our baby boy January 12, 2010 at 7:30am! Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly from here on out.

Its almost Christmas!

It always officially feels like Christmas time when our town or city puts up their Christmas decorations. It doesn't matter where you live, it's special whatever town you go to. Every year growing up in Easton, PA, I loved it when they covered the statue in the circle with the giant candle that lit up. That's when the magic began. :-)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving! This year we spent the holiday by ourselves. I made us turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn bread, green beans, cranberry cups, pumpkin pie and cheese cake. I may have gone a little overboard for just the 4 of us. It was a quiet Turkey Day. We played some games and watched a little football.

I am especially grateful this year for everything the Lord has given me. I feel like the Lord has blessed us in so many ways this year. Our kids are growing and learning at school, Jeremiah has finally been able to talk with his bosses and is now pretty content placed in another position at work where he can grow more and I am now expecting our newest little boy here soon. Even though we've had some bumps along the way, our little baby is growing well and so far my health has been better than it's been in a long time. All in all it has been a very nice holiday. Now we can't wait until Christmas!

Days like this...

I love days like this!
Okay, this morning I had to take the kiddos out of school early so I could make it to my OB appointment without having to stress over getting back in time to pick up Brooklyn from school.
They were pretty good, I must admit.
The appointment went well. I confirmed that indeed we are scheduled to have baby Dallas on January 12, 2010! He is growing well and his heartbeat sounded like a train! So loud! That was good. I have gained a couple pounds since last appointment but I'm not complaining over 2lbs that's for sure. When we got home Brooklyn helped me vacuum, especially when my sciatic nerve started killing me. I was told water therapy would help. Heck, who has the money or time for that?!
Jer came home and we had dinner and he ran around the house with the kids. The Goof!

Daddy's huntin helpers

Its a Saturday morning and the kids had a blast looking for coyote with daddy. Mason kept looking through the binoculars saying I see one! Brooklyn wasn't so happy to be sitting still for so long. A girl after her mommy's heart.

Family pictures

Location: Colorado Springs
Pictures in November: Tradition
Extremely cold experience: Priceless

Visit to Springs

This weekend we drove to Colorado Springs to help move Grandma Bonnie's house. The kids had fun seeing her and trying on her wigs. It was hard to see Bonnie so sad. We got to visit with her and she actually looked better than I expected.

We got a great deal on our junior suite and it was nice to feel spoiled for a couple days. The kids got to swim. They look forward to that every time we spend a night.

A little Christmas early...

Every year we enjoy decorating the Christmas tree. This year we were extra excited since we finally got some ornaments that we've been wanting for a long time. Its been really nice to have the kids old enough to enjoy the tree without really messing with it too much. I won't be able to say that next year so I better enjoy it while I can. He he!

Here is my Mason bug being silly.

Brook was such a cutie putting the ornaments just so.

The finished product. Love it!

Happy Halloween!

After we shovelled out of our drive way, we went to Sterling for trunk or treat at the church. Before that Jer and I took our cheer leader and transformer around Jer's parents block real quick. They were so funny! Brooklyn kept getting trick or treat mixed up with happy Halloween! Mason would say trick or treat, do you have suckers! LOL! What do ya do? At the Halloween party, Jeremiah won the "money maker costume" because he could make money while wearing it. AHHHhhhaaaa! Funny!