And Graham Makes Four!

It has been awhile and I am not sure how i am going to keep up with this blog these days. So, if there are a lot of long pauses on the blog, now you know why. We welcomed baby Graham Creed Williams to our family on Dec 15th, 2011 at 1:07 pm. He was a big baby! 8 lbs 14 oz and 21 1/2 inches long. (Although I think they measured him wrong, because at two separate doctors appts they measured him closer to 20 1/2 inches.) His original due date was Dec 23/24th, but since I was having a c-section, we bumped it up a week.You might be wondering about the name Creed. It is a family name. It is my grandfather's name. I wanted to name him Creed originally (I love that name), but Chris wasn't into that so much, so we compromised and used it as his middle name.

He was born via c-section. And a good thing because he had a knot in his umbilical cord and if he had been born normally there could have been some major complications. He also was born with an irregular heartbeat, but after several tests and doctors appointments, we have determined it is very normal and he is perfectly fine.

A few things I have noticed in these last couple of weeks. His hands are out of control. They are like octopus hands. Always in the way and flaying everywhere. He definitely needs to be swaddled. It calms him down (mostly because it calms his hands down).

He likes my voice. He responds to it with calmness and interest. It was like that since the first time they put him on my chest. That is something that makes a mommy feel good. To know you connect with your child and they know you!

He is not going to know the term "peace and quiet". With three other kiddos in the house, there is constant noise. But so far he is dealing with it very well and sleeping through it quite well. Let's hope that continues as he gets older.

He loves to be patted on the back. It almost instantly puts him to sleep. I just have to put him on my chest and pat or hold him in my arms and pat and wa-laa.... he is in his happy place.

He has been such a good baby and a joy to have during this holiday season. The girls always talk about how he reminds them of Baby Jesus! What could be better right! He is our gift to us this year and it is the best gift ever!

Our late Christmas Card

I was actually able to get most of my Christmas cards out before i had the baby. But I forgot to post it on my blog. So, here is this year's Christmas card. A little something fun. Oh, and yes i have to state (hopefully the obvious) I am 7 months pregnant in this picture. I love that I sent this out to everyone looking nice and full in the face. But a girls got to do, what a girls got to do.

You will probably have to click on the picture to get it large enough to read.

Elementary Teacher Christmas Gift

This year I found the cutest idea on Pinterest about doing a 12 days of Christmas for a teacher. So, that is what Hannah gave her teacher this year. I would have posted it before Christmas, but I didn't know if her teacher would be on my blog, so I had to wait. So hopefully you can tuck it away and use it next year.

I wrapped each day up with the following tag. And we presented her with a gift the last 12 days of school before Christmas. Here is what she got each day and the poem that went with it.

For the 1st day Christmas,
something for you to use,
I’m giving you this clipboard,
so your papers you won’t lose!

For the 2nd day of Christmas,
Your students are busy, little bees…
You can correct their papers
with these 2 red sharpies!

For the 3rd day of Christmas,
I give 3 binder clips,
I’m sure it could be tempting
to use them on my lips!

For the 4th day of Christmas
Dry-eraser markers come in four…
As my 2rd grade teacher,
You really help me soar!

For the 5th day of Christmas,
Some popcorn for a snack,
Sorry, that‘s all the food
I could fit in my backpack!

For the 6th day of Christmas,
cold hands, face, and toes,
Warm up with these 6 packs
of cocoa with marshmallows.

For the 7th day of Christmas,
I’ve brought you chewing gum,
It feels like Christmas break
is never going to come!

For the 8th day of Christmas,
here are 8 paperclips multiplied by 10,
Hope you’re enjoying this
’cause tomorrow I’ll do it again!

For the 9th day of Christmas,
9 canes of red and white…
Guess who my favorite teacher is…
if you guessed YOU, you’re right!

For the 10th day of Christmas,
10 magnets I bring to you,
You surprise me every day
with all the fun stuff we do!

For the 11th day of Christmas,
Some pencils I hope you’ll need,
(school name) is so lucky to have you, indeed!

For the 12th day of Christmas,
12 apples you’ll find in here,
I wish you a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year!!
(I included two cans of condensed milk and instructions to make caramel to go with the apples.)

Here are the links to the tags for this gift for you to download and use.

Sheet One

Sheet Two

Keep an eye out for:

the 4th day, there is a blank spot for the gradeand day 11, there is a blank spot for the name of the school.

By the way, I got the poems and idea from this creative woman.

Pregnancy Thoughts

I saw these questions and answers on another blog and thought I would use them to capture my thoughts about my pregnancy. So, here we go. Warning: it might not be all merry and bright. This was a very hard pregnancy.

How far along? 37 weeks

Total weight gain? I am not going to tell you, but it was a lot.

Maternity clothes? Whatever I have had from the last three pregnancies. No need buying new one for my last go around.

Stretch marks? I have been pretty good not to have too many. But I did notice 3 on my waist, but that isn't too bad if you ask me.

Sleep: horrible. Hips hurt and I keep flipping from side to side. I wake up 4 times a night to go to the bathroom and I feel like my body will break in half each time i have I get out of bed. Then when I land on my feet, my hip almost gives out and I almost fall every time.

Best moment this week: Having my 4 year old always ask to feel the baby kick. She loves to sit and touch my belly and feel him kick. She even pretends with my 2 year old that she has a baby in her belly and he should sit and feel it.

Miss anything: Too many things that I can't name them all. But mostly, being able to move and do things. My life drastically changes when I am pregnant.

Baby Movement: All the time. Especially when I am on my back. He always has to re-adjust to get comfortable.

Food cravings: anything cold, crushed ice.. I drink/chew it so much, it is probably what keeps me up all night.

Anything make you queasy or sick: the first half of my pregnancy....everything. Now, I am back to normal.

Gender: boy

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks like crazy and they hurt. I have had them since 30 weeks.

Symptoms: you name it, i have had it or have it. Heartburn, swelling, insomnia, other things that are TMI.... and the pain... my body is too old to do this. I am in constant pain.

Belly button in or out? almost disappeared entirely

Wedding rings on or off? Has been off for since month one. I knew it wouldn't fit once I got pregnant, so I just took it off.

Happy or moody most of the time? Better than in past pregnancies, but I am definitely not the beaming, glowing pregnant woman people talk about. Impatience gets the best of me.

Looking forward to: Not being pregnant. Getting my body back and having our family completed! I can't wait to meet the little guy!

Disneyland Holiday Trip 2011

The kids annual passes were about to expire, so we decided we better get them to Disneyland one more time. But with me being 9 months pregnant and barely unable to get around Target, I decided that I better not go. So, Chris took the kids to Disneyland for the weekend. I have to admit I was terrible sad and missed them a lot. But at the same time it as nice to have the whole weekend to myself and I didn't have to do anything.... no dishes, no meals, no laundry, nothing I didn't want to do.

I went and saw Twilight with some friends, I had lunch with another friend, did a little Christmas shopping and some projects while i watched TV and hung out on the couch.

But the kids had a blast (and why wouldn't they) with their dad and their aunt and uncle who joined up with them! They got to enjoy the holiday decorations and the fun holidays rides (the Haunted Mansion and It's a Small World). When they got home Jake told me all about "it's a Small World", I think it was his favorite ride (mine too).

Fall Pictures

Our fall starts sometime around Thanksgiving. The leaves don't really start falling until around this time, so they other day, our peach orchard (near our house) was full of vibrant fall colors with beautiful leaves on the trees and blanketing the ground. So, I told the girls we are going to get some pictures taken.

They loved it. They loved playing in the leaves and running around the orchard. I should have let them play longer, but I was tired and couldn't stand around that long, so we had a little fun and i got a few pictures that I just love!

The next day I took Jake back and got one picture that worked. Being 2 1/2 makes it a lot harder to get a good picture. But thanks heavens I did it. Because after that we had rain everyday and a huge wind storm and now the orchard is bare and brown. Perfect timing! I am so glad, because I wasn't able to get my annual blossom pictures this year, so the fall pictures were a good alternative!

Coaches Thank You's

I updated my soccer coaches gift from last year. I put a bunch of movie goodies (twirlers, raisinets, junior mints and microwave popcorn) and 2 movie tickets into a personal popcorn bucket and inserted the tag. They did so much this year and were so great that i wanted them to know how much we appreciated all they did!
Here is the tag if you want to download it.

Christmas Crafts

I just wanted to show a little something I have been working on for a table centerpiece for our church Christmas Party. I wanted excuse to make these cute paper lollipops and this was the perfect occasion. More to come when I actually decorate the tables. I will post pictures if they turn out cute.

Happy Birthday to me

For a few years now i have wanted a Christmas place-settings, but haven't been able to find one I like or willing to spend the money. But, this is the year. I just got them for my birthday (thanks honey!). I love them. They are subtle, yet Christmas-y and I think somewhat timeless. The best part is that they were on sale.... I mean really on sale. I got dinner plates, salad plates and some platters and serving bowls. Combine that with red chargers and nice glasses I already have, red silk placemats and napkins i already have and some festive napkin rings . I have myself a nice Christmas Table Setting now and for years to come! I am so excited.

If you want to know where I got them and the killer deal... here you go! And as an extra surprise, I also got $45 in Kohl's cash. I don't typically shop Kohls, but if Kohl's cash is just like money, than I will be doing some Christmas shopping there this year.

The other Soccer Girl

Here are some pictures of Hannah's soccer season. The funny thing is that I wasn't going to put her in soccer. It was so much time and commitment, I wasn't up for it and I didn't think she would really like it. Boy, I was wrong. She loved it and it was the best thing for her. She had the best coaches, great girls on her team and it taught her to play hard, be tough and do your best. It was a lot of time, but well worth it.

And to make the season even better. She scored a goal on her last game. I don't think the team won a game all season, except this last game and goals were hard to come by, but she did it. I was at the goal taking pictures, when all of the sudden I saw that she was open and I thought, she is going to get a goal. Then she kicked it and did. We were both in a bit of shock, but then we started cheering and she turned and ran to the side line all excited with the biggest smile on her face.

It was a great ending to a great season!

Christmas Wish List

So, it is that time again, when my husband needs a little help. So, I always post my Christmas wish list for him to see.... just to help out a little. So, here you go honey... happy shopping!

1. Another jewelry item. I love this ring. It is unique and beautiful. It is reminds me of a Peach Sapphire, which is kind my new favorite gem right now.... second to diamonds of course.

2. Love, love this necklace. Of course it would be "a hearts c". So romantic and simple... just my thing.

3. I am ready to upgrade from my Cricut to the new Cameo Silhouette. It appears that I can do so much more with this little guy and considering how much I love my Cricut, I know I will love my new Cameo.

4. Love this idea. A great way to keep memories without committing to a full book, which I haven't done very well at. But this might work to capture the kids cute doings and sayings.

5. To go with my new iPhone, I need a new case. And this one is classy and cute all at the same time. Love the colors!

6. Soon I won't be pregnant and I will want to be fashionable again. A great way to look cute while I lose the weight are these adorable scarves. Love them.

7. It is time to update my iLife software. Now with the iCloud, I need to get the latest iPhoto in order to use it to the fullest potential. So, this is on my christmas list. Beside it wouldn't be a Christmas list if I didn't ask for multiple Apple products :-)

8. I need a new flat iron and this one gets great reviews. Any iron by this company and 1.5 inches would work for me.

9. So, I might be a little late to jump on the Tom Shoes craze. But I am ready. What is not to love about a pair of shoes that are so versatile and you can wear with almost anything. And they help kids too..... This is a cause/product i am willing to support. I would love the Oatmeal Herringbone in size 9, please.

10-12. I love Rachel Ray products, so I have a few to put on my list. I have her bubble and brown set and I think this Casseround would be a great addition. Also, how doesn't need a 9X13 pan with a lid for leftover brownies or transporting dinner and the carrying case to go with it, to keep it all hot or just easier. And then I always need hot pads and these look better than your average pad, they protect all the way around.

13. I am ready to look a little more put together (after 9 months of not being). And pretty eyeshadow would help me feel a bit more glamorous. These pretty Mac Eyeshadows in pretty warm tones is a great start!

14 and 15. And I am ready to get back into shape and I need to do more than run, so I few little items around the house to help... like 10 lb dumbbells and a resistance Band (which my mom does every day and she has killer arms, so I am willing and ready to give it a try).

16. And last but not least, Of course I need the new iPhone 4S. I can't get it until Dec 27th, so it is the perfect christmas gift!

perfect slippers on Sale

Last winter, I talked about my new favorite slipper .... LoveSac Slippers. (See post here). They really are great slippers. Well guess what? They are on sale now through Christmas. Check them out. They really are great and now at 50% off (only $30) they are well-worth the money. I thought I would pass the deal on... since Christmas is coming soon and who doesn't love a new pair or slippers!

Just realized

I just realized I didn't post pictures of the other kids in their costumes and a little post about our halloween.

We had the ward halloween party on Friday. Which the Primary Presidency was in charge of, so we put a lot of time and effort into it. But I think it turned out great. Then Saturday the girls went to a birthday party for 3 hours while I recuperated from the day before. Being on my feet all day, really did a number on my body. I laid down the night before after all was said and done and literally could not move or get up.

Sunday, we carved pumpkins (more pictures to come on that), and the kids didn't have school on Monday, so the kids got to stay up a little later than usual.

We had friends over for dinner on Halloween night. We all went trick or treating with the 4 families. Tons of kids running from house to house. I know my kids love trick or treating with their friends. Hannah kept trying to recruit me to invite more families so we could have a lot more kids with us.

Jake cried and cried in his costume. I had bought him a Buzz Lightyear costume, but he would have nothing to do with it. So, then last minute I got this elephant costume. We eventually got it on him. The first house he said "trick or treat" through his sobbing and Thank you through his tears. It went that way until about the 4th house and then he figured it out. If you say "trick or treat", you get candy. He grew to love it. He looked so funny in his elephant costume that didn't really fit (floods and snug around the crotch). But it made him look cuter somehow.

Then after trick or treating we went to a friend's house that was having a halloween party too.
So all in all it was a fun night. The kids loved the night and I am personally so glad in is November!

One of Three costumes

I haven't gotten pictures of the other two kids yet, Jake won't even get near his two choices of costumes (buzz and an elephant - his two favorite things). But I thought I would share the flamingo costume I made for Ella. Since she got to wear her's to school. They had a silly day where the kids got to parade around the school wearing their costumes. She loves her costume, to bad she really only gets to wear it three times. Here is the first of a few posts of our Halloween!

Soccer Girl

Ella's soccer season is coming to a close. She loves soccer and although I am ready for the season to be over with, she is not. She always asks if she has soccer today. She has been the best player. She is always out on the field running and giving it her all. The last few games she has been scoring a lot of goals and you can tell it gives her such excitement that she tries really hard to make goals because it is so much fun. A few games ago, she got 7 goals in one game. She was on a roll and loved each and every goal. Soccer is definitely one of her things!

The last picture is supposed to say "7 goals", I will try and fix it soon.

Crazy Hair Day

Today is crazy hair day and sock day at hannah's school. I saw this post on someone else's blog and they had the most fantastic crazy hair, so I got motivated! I really had no idea what i was doing, so I was super relieved when it actually turned out half way decent. (I am the worst when it comes to doing my girls' hair. I can't even put a clip in their hair and my parts are always crocked, hence they rarely have things in their hair).

But here is what I came up with. All it took was some ribbon, spider web and some glittery spiders to finish the look. It was pretty simple and I love the way it turned out.

Wedding Memories

Wedding memories, but not mine :-) Although weddings do remind me of the many years ago we got married. But this wedding was for my brother-in-law who got married two weeks ago. It was the event of the year. We have been waiting a long time for him to get married :-)

We had so much fun together as a family celebrating his marriage. What better reason to come together than to witness two people love each other, commit to each other, experience such happiness and be sealed for time and all eternity. Here are just a few pictures from the reception. There was dancing and the kids loved it! The bouquet was a hit too. And my favorite picture is my dad dancing with Ella. So cute! The best part is we get to do it again in March for my sister-in-law!