A New Niece!

Our sister was scheduled for her c-section this Thursday but I guess little Brynlee didn't want to wait that long.

Amanda went into labor at 3 this morning and by 8:03am little Brynlee Reese Burt was born!

She is 6lb, 15oz., and 20 inches long.

It is KILLING me not to be able to be there to support Amanda and hold that sweet little thing!

Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year we stayed home and celebrated just our family. Brooklyn made fruit salad all by herself and Mason helped make the candied yams! I was amazed at how good they were and how helpful.

Then, while Mommy made the turkey, Daddy and the kids watched the Macy's Day Parade on tv.

I am so full of gratitude this year as we spent time preparing the food I kept thinking of how much our family has been blessed this year. Jer is almost Journeyed out as a lineman, Brooklyn is really progressing in school, Mason is growing more and showing his sweet personality more, Dallas is a happy and healthy little guy. I am so thankful for my family and how they raised me. I am thankful for Jer's family and that they raised him in the gospel. I couldn't ask for a better husband and friend! He is truly my partner and other half. Ever since our anniversary weekend and our temple visit, I have tried to focus on everything we have and not what I want or don't have. Since then, I have been overwhelmed with such thanksgiving! I feel so blessed and I hope to keep this feeling all year long.

My three kids watching the parade.

My big helpers with dinner.

Brook making her salad.

Mase putting marshmallows on his yams.

Dallas was such a goofy guy! Here he is saying Soo Big!

Our plates (minus the fruit salad, candied yams and pumpkin pie).

Ready to Eat!

Crazy!

One of the things that I am pretty proud of is that we have for the most part, a smooth bedtime routine. Very rarely do I get startled out of bed in the middle of the night or can't seem to find a way to get one or any of my kids to bed but tonight was just-WOW!

Dallas was put to sleep like usual. He was wrapped nice and snug with his blanket and some nice soothing white noise in the background, then all of a sudden he started screaming like he was in pain/scared or possessed or I don't know what!

I tried a couple ounces of milk, pacing, rocking, bouncing, a plug, stripping naked, gas drops, and changing parents (just in case it was me upsetting him). Finally after a long time Jer took him for a little car ride. He seemed to settle down a little but still wouldn't sleep.

When Jer got back we laid him down again and he cried a little but finally went to sleep. I have only experienced that level of hysteria once before with only one other child and that was Mason when we flew to my parent's for my grandpa's funeral. I just don't know how to handle it when they get that upset. Maybe that makes me a bad mom. The only good thing that came out of this night was I am SO happy I didn't loose my cool and freak out. I was VERY very close though.

I still don't know what it was... He wasn't sick, no fever. Maybe a bad dream or gas???

Who knows...

1st snowball fight

Today the kids got to play in the snow! I always love the first real snow of the winter. Its like the whole world is a wonderland and we get to feel like a kid again.

Brook and Mason went outside to play while Dallas was down during nap time. They sure had a fun time and I am so happy we got them snow boots and gloves. No more crying because fingers are frozen! Yay!

10 months old!

Our sweet little boy is 10 months old now!

I can't believe how fast the time has flown by. just 2 more months until his 1st birthday.

Dallas has just blossomed in the last month. He giggles his head off when daddy tickles him, as soon as daddy walks through the door, Dal crawls up to his legs and lets him know its time to be held, his sense of humor is developing. He laughs at the kids all the time.

He is now walking along the edge of things like a pro. I can get him to take one or two steps but he really much prefers crawling still. Guess its easier. ha ha! He loves to be right in the thick of things and we can tell he can't wait to be able to really run around and play with the other two. He is our sweet heart and loves to give cuddles. I soak it all in as much as I can because I know it'll just be a matter of time before he's independent like the other two and will not want me as often.

I feel so blessed for all of the little spirits in our home and I know this family wouldn't be complete without you in it DB. We have learned lots with you, you have taught us how to be gentle and sweet and to enjoy the little things.

Thankful Bucket

I saw this bucket on a blog recently. Its a tradition to write down what you are thankful for and put it in the bucket. Then, on Thanksgiving Day the whole family sits down and shares what they are grateful for. I loved this idea! I thought it could be used all month long to help remind us to be Thankful.

So I made one for our family. I know my kids are young still but I really think its important to establish great traditions now, that they will remember as they grow older.