Christmas

Christmas was very merry and bright at our house this year. This was the first year that Jacob couldn't sleep through the night. He came into our room at 3:45 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Both times we told him he had to go back to bed until at least 6:00. Jacob was back in our room at 6:00 a.m. on the dot. We all got moving. Trevor was happy to wake up. We let Lexi sleep, but amist all the excitement she was woken up (which is evidenced in the following pictures). She came around soon enough and loved opening the presents.

I bought a Wii for Wayne about four months ago. He has wanted one since they came out about three years ago, but either you couldn't find them or it just didn't financially work out at the time. I was so excited to find one and hid it at my neighbors house. It was THE hardest thing not to spill the beans, but it was all worth it Christmas morning. I was able to get Guitar Hero with a couple guitars (we've been battling it out), Star Wars Lego's, Mario Kart (thanks Mom and Dad!), and have been playing Wii Sports and Wii Play.


Jacob was thrilled that Santa delivered his remote control tanks that battle. He also got a truckload of additional toys and clothes from cousins, grandparents, parents and siblings.

Trevor was completely done after getting a FurReal kitty (2nd gift opened) and told his kitty that he would take it upstairs with him. We told Trevor that he still had gifts to open. He looked perplexed at what to do. He finally looked at his kitty, softly placed it down on the floor, and said, "It's o.k. kitty. I'll be right back to take care of you." I think he forgot about it for a while after openeing his remote control tarantula that he asked Santa for.



Alexis got a talking purse, clothes, and kitchen set. She has LOVED putting on the bracelet that came with her purse. It's amazing that at 14 months she loves jewlery. I love seeing the little girl emerge in her.



I had to put on this adorable outfit sent to Lexi from Grandma and Grandpa Rytting.



Wayne spoiled me with a Garmin Forerunner. I have been wanting one forever! I went on a run last Saturday to test it out. Amazing. He also bought me an awesome running jacket, fuel belt and a new PhotoSmart printer. Love em' all!


We received a call a few days ago from my SIL (sister-in-law). Wayne's grandfather wasn't doing well and was expected to pass away in a day. We found out yesterday morning that he passed away peacefully. We will all be flying out to Utah tomorrow for the funeral. What an accomplished man he was. He has certainly blessed our lives.

Twas the day before Christmas

December has just flown by. We've been busy to say the least.

Decorating gingerbread trains with our friends the Campbells. We had a great time, thanks!



Helping Jacob's kindergarten class decorate gingerbread cookies at school. The next day they were going to devour them as their snack, but school was cancelled because of a huge snowstorm that dumped over a foot of snow. He was excited that school was NOT cancelled yesterday. Who wouldn't be? A christmas party and gingerbread man? Really, I can't blame him.

Watching Jacob perform as a shepherd for the church's nativity.



Cheering on Alexis as she takes her first steps

Throwing up the towel (literally) as my baby is quickly turning into a mischevious little toddler


Wondering how Trevor is going to manage Sunbeams in January


Soaking in every moment spent with our wonderful Grandpa and Dad


Eating more than our fair share of christmas goodies (notice Lexi's face -- yes, it's frosting)


Hanging out in pajamas amist the freezing cold weather and knee deep snow outside.


Appreciating Wayne even more for the sacrifice and hard work he puts in to support his family.

Thanking the Lord for my most treasured gifts. My husband and three beautiful children who I adore.

Ready for church

The brush is her light saber. The boys have theirs and she's chosen a brush to wack EVERYONE with.

Another funny Trevor post

I just think my little three year old is hilarious. Sometimes I sit and ask him questions because I laugh at everything he says. Today was no different.

After he woke up this morning (5:40 a.m.) he asked Wayne if he could have a waffle. By the time Wayne got it to him he didn't want it anymore and was on to the next thing. It sat on the table for an hour or so and I looked at Trevor and said, "Are you going to eat your waffle?" He just sat there. I could see the wheels in his head turning. A minute later he looked at me and said, "Mommy, my waffle is for sale." And then, "It's sixteen dollars."

Later today I heard him and Jacob walking up the stairs and Trevor saying in all seriousness, "that's AWFUL Jacob, that's just awful."

Trevor'ism'

I have so much to be thankful for. Thanksgiving was a blast at the Mitchell's. I ate until I made myself sick -- literally. I was throwing up last night. Why do I do that? Anyway, as we were getting ready to leave Trevor said, "Mommy, I like Connor. He understands me." HA! I about rolled over laughing.

Jacob's turns six

What you say? SIX! I know! Where has the time gone? Here's a little walk down memory lane. I love you Jacob!


One year old


Two years old


Three years old



Four years old




Five years old




We took video at his last birthday. So here are some recent pics of our big six year old!

Happy birthday to MY honey

My man turned 33 this month! I know I can't do him justice with a blog entry, but I have to try. Here are some reasons why I love you:

Honors his priesthood


Loves his kids


Plays



Is hands on


Takes me to the best places



Loves his girl


and his boys


Is a protector


Is a friend



Can always make me laugh


always makes me feel like his success is also mine


Is a teacher


Is a hottie


Is my best friend


The list can go on and on. I didn't have a picture of you changing a nasty diaper or those sleepless nights with a sick child or newborn baby. Words can't explain how much I appreciate you and love you. Happy birthday!

Before I forget . . .

This morning I took my Honda Odyssey to the dealership to have the hood repainted. For the past six months the paint has started to bubble and crack on the hood. We couldn't belive it was happening seeing that it's a 2004 and we took it in for a car wash twice a month during the winter (there is a lot of salt on the roads in Rochester during the winter). Wayne and I had talked about the problem a while ago and we knew that we wouldn't be able to go through the winter with the paint damage because it would most likely cause rust. I put it off until the first snow and reluctantly drove to the dealership to find out what the damage was going to be.

I talked to a customer service representative about the problem and I could see that he was surprised. He asked me what year the car was and later the color. When I told him the color he looked at me and said, "Before I put my foot in my mouth let's go out and look at the van." After looking at the problem we went back inside. I was getting ready for him to give me a ridiculously high quote to repaint it and instead said that Honda has issued a recall on that color paint only. He showed me a picture of what has been happening and it was dead on. He asked me if I could wait while he got his manager. After the manager came we went out again to look at the hood. He said that they would provide a loaner car and repaint the hood. All for FREE! He also said that they didn't think they would see anyone with this problem. I'm the first person they've seen. I wanted to cry. I think if I wasn't shocked I would have.

So now I'm driving around a little Civic while my van is being painted with the corrected midnight blue color. Do I feel blessed? YOU BET! And it just makes me want to buy Honda's again and again and again.

Because I have pink eye . .

I hate wearing my glasses. I feel like a slighly drunken woman on stilts. It's obvious that I always wear my contact lenses. So when I came down with pink eye I begrudingly wore my glasses for two days and then it showed up in my other eye! So here I am with my cute little baby because I think she's just adorable.

Here are more pictures of Halloween. Wayne ran around like crazy at work so that he could be home for Halloween dinner. We had so much fun. I made a mummy calzone (courtesy of familyfun.com), breadsticks, and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. We were sick afterwards! YUM

My birthday bash

Yes, yesterday was my birthday. I've got to say it was a little strange to say that I'm 30 years old. I know it's just another day and I'm fine with it, but moving to the next decade is just a little . . . weird.

Wayne actually had the day off! We had so much fun at the Fine Art Museum sans kids. Then we headed out to a little restaurant on Park Avenue. I loved being able to eat breakfast for dinner. We ate a slice of cake from the Cheesecake Factory and I'll tell ya, the scale is NOT being nice to me today for it. It was so casual, laid back and great. Thanks for planning it honey.

Family pictures

I'm so excited to post our new family picture. Andrew took them while we were in Utah. We were lucky enough to have him take the pictures of Wayne's side of the family and mine. Of course the day we had scheduled to take the pictures of Wayne's family it rained and rained. Thankfully Wayne's brother ownes an office building and we were able to take them in the lobby. We took my side of the family pictures the next day and it was nice out. So we were able to get our family picture taken outside. We're getting this baby printed and up above the piano. Andrew, do you want to take our pictures in Palmyra next fall? Just an open invitation :).