Back at Christmas

Merry Christmas! Year round! We didn't get Christmas cards/newsletters out like we had hoped this year. I thought I would get a newsletter out Valentine's. Here I sit a week from the day of love, posting Christmas! Where did January go?





We had a different Christmas here in Arizona. The weather was different and it was hard to picture Christmas here. David and I attended the Mesa temple and the lights were up as well as the nativity. That got us a little adjusted. Homes were quickly decorated around us and the kids had lights to see everywhere they went. We got our snow in Utah. What made our Christmas even more different was our distance away from family. Taylin had two weeks off. I thought that would be a great time to be in Texas. As much as I wanted to be with family, I couldn't leave David here for Christmas. He had a heavy work schedule for December. He had to work a regular work week for Christmas. Then he was on call Saturday. That was tough.




We enjoyed several surprised from our Secret Santa. They hadn't knocked until the night I was only and feeding Teague. Had I not been alone...I would have gone on a chase. They treated us very kindly. After their fun drop offs, I feel we let our Secret Santa family down. We did the best we could with the time we had. I couldn't knock and run very discretely with four kids that might not be very quick or quiet. That would be less than secret. These are two of our treasures we found on our step. David left so early in the morning, he almost stepped on them. The cake pops were yummmy (www.bakerella.com).They must know our family fairly well. We actually had them over for Christmas Eve Chili and Queso. I sort of put them on the spot and figured out they were our Secret Santa. Thank you Lybbert family!




We tried to keep many of our traditions alive, although things didn't all go smoothly. I messed up the sugar cookie recipe, so no shaped cookies. We had to use our creativity in other ways.

I am not sure all were edible. The kids were kind to Santa. I asked them to pick a few cookies for Santa and they left the edible ones.

A snowman wearing a scarf.
Yes, this is our beautiful Christmas tree!

Ahhh, memories flashed of David and our first Christmas tree (a small plant with our longest socks hung). We went back and forth whether we should get a real tree or not. Because it is so dry, they don't last long. I wasn't looking forward to paying so much for a tree that was only going to last two weeks. I also wasn't ready to pay so much for an artificial tree. I looked everywhere. The kids came with me everywhere and I was unsatisfied. If we were going to have it for a few years, I had to like it. The kids didn't think Santa would come without a tree...we already didn't have a fireplace, so the kids were very worried. I asked David to buy some green poster board. I should have specified what it was for. We disguised the neon green as best we could with green hand prints and then some ornaments made by the kiddos. They missed putting their ornaments up. Oh, but they had their chance. I found a great tree the day after Christmas on sale. David was working, so when he came home our tree was up and the kids had their decorations proudly placed in clumps. I didn't move them, because the tree would only be up for a week. Our poster board tree was safe from a two year old and a nine month old's destruction.

David was able to come home early Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. He had to go in to work way before the kids were up Christmas morning. They actually slept in. Taylin was waking everyone up for the morning. The kids did good to only open Santa gifts until Daddy got home. They did so good! I didn't know how much it was eating at them. As soon as David walked in the door they ran to the rest of the presents to open. Hardly any order to the opening. We had to make sure everyone got the presents that were meant for them. It is nice, they are all so close in age the toys entertain everyone. I am always surprised at who is excited about what. Either way all the toys get plenty of love.

Even with Santa's Pediatric background. Cohen got what was on his Christmas wish, a skateboard. He also got a remote control car. Cohen would stand on the skateboard with pads on and all and run his car around. I have to keep a close eye on it, so we don't have any special doctor runs due to the skateboard.




Our Christmas was a little quieter, but we were able to experience the true spirit of Christmas as we were humbled so far away from family. We felt love from family through cards and phone calls. We also felt love from our friends we have made here. Even though we didn't get to participate in all of our traditions, it made it a little easier to focus on the beautiful life of the Savior.

Happy New Year!

Indeed!




Wow, what a month. Not bad though. This was the lightest month (development) for David since we started. He learned in several different areas than the usual, but the hours were great. He even got me interested in more schooling for myself. Very much a thought right now. I am interested in looking into Developmental Psychology or something of the sort. Definitely down the road.




Another marvelous addition to the month: David had a week off. It was the rejuvenating month that we needed. It seems like we have been going, going, going, since David put his request in for Residency last February. It was one thing after another and all out of our comfort zone with a crazy schedule. This month we were able to carry conversations without dosing off, children interruptions or planning the next big thing. You can almost always count on good weather to enjoy the great outdoors. I say almost, because it rained most of the time. This meant flash flooding and snow storms in Flagstaff. We were going to go to California (Knotts Berry Farm) or sled in the mountains of Flagstaff.




Instead we laid low and felt a little normal. We enjoyed each other's company. We found a wonderful yogurt joint. We also got to hang out with some great friends from medical school who are here in Phoenix too. There are not many miles between us (like 20 Max), but our schedules and energy haven't matched up. We went to Makutu's Island. It is a huge indoor tree house. The kids had fun and David and Santino had a blast too. Polly and I made a few rounds. I was a bit claustrophobic in the tight, dark spaces not made for big humans. A memory worth noting! It was good to see Polly, Santino and their little Eli who is almost one...already!

Taylin had a great report at her parent/teacher conference. We wanted to make sure she wasn't bored. Her teacher is great and very aware of her talents and abilities. She tries to challenge Taylin where she sees fit. Taylin enjoyed her 6th birthday last December! Oh my! She has also grown an inch and a half since school started. She is growing leaps and bounds. David was able to have lunch with her one day his week off. Taylin kept asking him to stay. He stayed for recess and played in the sandbox with the kids. He then went to the classroom during math. It is hard to leave. They both enjoyed their time together.

Taylin was so excited about the 100th day of Kindergarten. That was this week. She has been talking about it for some time. I was volunteering in her classroom twice a month last term. This term I decided I would volunteer a little less in the classroom. As much as I would like to be there more, it was too much on top of the things I was taking home to do. I still have a quilt to work on with squares the kids made. I am lacking motivation. I did get up to her classroom to help with 100th day. I remembered doing 100th day with my kindergartners during student teaching. The kids were cute. They stayed busy counting and understanding how much was 100. One activity was: What would you buy with one hundred dollars? One of Taylin's best friends asked me if she could buy Taylin. Cute! I agreed she could borrow Taylin for free. This same gal drew herself at 100years old (another activity where they drew a picture of themselves and then wrinkled the paper). She said she already knew what she would look like when she was 33, her grandmother. The concept of quantity and amount is not nailed down yet, but very cute. It was a fun day had by all.

We look forward to the second half of intern year and hope to spread our wings a little more. Thank you all for your support and understanding. It isn't a walk in the park, but we are growing and learning so much. We are loving it too!

Uncle Matthew's Wedding

Mid-December we traveled to Utah for Matthew's (David's brother) wedding. We were glad to be able to visit David's side of the family. Taylin still had school and David had a small window before he had to be back to work, so we looked into flying. Our original plan was for me to drive myself and the kiddos up Thursday or Friday and David would fly in Friday night. Then I would drive back and David maybe drive back with me on Sunday. We found some great deals through Southwest. I was not looking forward to packing everything in suitcases. When you drive, everything doesn't have to be in a bag. Then venturing through the airport with a family of six (still weird to say) and four car seats. Once we checked three of the four car seats and luggage it wasn't too bad. The kids did great through security. Several people came up to us and were very impressed at the kids behavior. I think it is because they were so dumbfounded by the whole process. I also feel like I had some experience after our trip to Spain and the TIGHT security in London. I forgot about the ease of slip on shoes, but was more concerned about everyone's shoes staying on as we walked through the airport and their feet staying warm when we got off in Utah. We lost one sock, but everything else went through smoothly. We were so worried about being on time, that we had plenty of time to spare. Thank goodness for the play area. The kids couldn't wait another second for their plane ride.
I thought putting shoes on Teague's feet on the way back would remedy the loss of socks. Then I forgot to take them off through security on the way back (my terrorist child). They made sure his shoes were off, but no one said anything about the jacket I forgot to take off. Maybe because it was a pull over. Or they realized my innocence, "Poor thing, she has her hands full. She couldn't set off a bomb if she tried. Not without a third arm."

We enjoyed our time staying with David's cousin, Gustovo, his wife Jenny, and their beautiful girls in Provo.

David needed to be at the temple early, so we all drove to Salt Lake City. We weren't sure about parking...as we drove around and drove around, but were not excited about walking with the kiddos in the snow (aka me and four kiddos whom we are all not dressed in snow attire...from warm dress clothes to snow/water proof boots). We were running out of time, so I dropped David off. I finally just went for the parking garage $10 or not. We hadn't figured out the windshield wipers on the rental mini-van (oh we missed our van) so the windshield was dirty and it was hard to see underground. The "guy in the booth" let me go on through. Yeah it was free parking day. I found a parking spot no problem. I had no idea where I was coming out of the parking garage. It was obvious, since I parked at the bottom of the ramp and had to climb all the way up with Teague and Kennedy in my arms while Cohen was waking up and whining to be held the entire time. It was slippery and very dirty. What an adventure! There is a happy ending.





At the top of the hill were the elevators and I still had a four year old that wanted to be carried. I was definitely being watched over. After being entertained by my trek, a sweet lady noticed my struggle. She asked if she could help. As stubborn and independent as I am, I did not turn down her offer. She took Teague. I know had Cohen and Kennedy in tow. We went about 30 more yards to the stop light and this friendly lady had a friendly husband who grabbed Kennedy as we crossed to enter the temple. They sat with me as we waited to go into the child's room. I told them they could go, because I knew they needed to get to their event. After all this we found out we were going to the same sealing ceremony. She was Brittany's family, Matthew's wife ;) I was very thankful!!!!! Very thankful! Even though it was cold. I had no idea, I was gently perspiring for my efforts.





Phew! The kids were in good hands and I joined David as we walked to the waiting area. Thank you Piti and Grandpa. We then met much of Brittany's family. They are so sweet. What a great family!





The ceremony was beautiful. I haven't been to one in a long time. The sealer shared great words of wisdom which were a great reminder for David and I. I fell in love with David even more. I am thankful for a fantastic husband that I enjoy being with and love the relationship we have. It never gets old! Love it. We wish the best to Matthew and Brittney! Welcome Brittany to the family! You two are so blessed to have each other. We feel pretty blessed to have you too!

We attended church meetings Sunday morning. Again we were ill-prepared as we slid into the chapel on the slippery ice/slushy snow. I let David drive. A few people were skidding and almost got stuck. David left Sunday afternoon by plane. He barely made it on time. We underestimated the time it takes one person to get on the plane. He took all the extra baggage, so all I had to take back was two small carry-ons and check one small bag (yes, car seats still in tow). I was fortunate to have David's family on my flight to Phoenix. Clifford rode with me to drop off the rental and then check in. The kids were excellent on the way home too. Of course they were nicely spread out and, the flight attendants gave them packets to color. Kennedy fell asleep, so I just had Teague to entertain. Fun times, had by all.

Next time we would love to stay longer. We enjoyed being with Gustovo's family and getting to know them better. We enjoyed being with David's family too. Funny we met up in Utah. Teague and cousin Luke had fun moving around new territory, as well as seeing another baby. We were also only 15 minutes from the Hadleys. Had I planned better and had more time. I would have done better. I was so sad. What a tease!

Trust

Monday night for family night, Daddy had the lesson. He taught us about trust in Heavenly Father and parents. It was a great lesson. The children learned how trust takes faith and had many examples of those who trusted in the Lord even when things were hard or uncomfortable.

(a family night about a year ago)

We sang some of Kennedy's favorite songs as she led with her "neck-tie" and spoon.





Mom was the activity. I didn't stick with the theme. I am enjoying our pleasant weather (it seems everyone is having cold, wet, aka normal, winters except for us). I do miss some variance in the weather. So we decided to have our own rainstorm. Where everyone uses their hands to make louder and louder rain and then claps of thunder. Then the fun was pretending to be raindrops falling from the sky. The kids loved it. Of course we were having so much fun, we had our own human fireworks for the new year.





David then had a "great idea." I guess he wanted to stick with the theme of his lesson. We crack up every time the Gecko for Geico gets asked to catch his boss. Well, David thought we should play the "Trust Fall" activity. I guess so it was more of a fall, the kids started from the couch and fell into our arms. David and I at the beginning of the fall and then the kids got whatever was left. Well...things got interesting. It was Taylin's turn and Kennedy was lined up next to her (which was beside me, at my shoulder). I asked her to wait and help us catch Taylin. Her translation was (in her head), "I am ready Mom. I trust you. I am going." Totally not ready she head dives, backwards, right into my head. We were both in pain. David heard the collision and took Kennedy while I too recovered. I was good to go after collecting myself. Taylin was caught and her faith in her family continues. I think Cohen went first. I don't remember him going...hmmm? Well, David decided it was his turn...what? Okay, he is just going to fall lightly from his knees. What are you doing, David? He too gets on the couch rolls into a ball. I am bracing myself knowing I would be doing most...well, all of the catching. Since I was a little fuzzy, I really didn't think of the best position. It was already difficult since I was so low on the floor. I squat down real low. I changed positions a few times...then he preceded into the Lemon Drop. Okay, now I am laughing...in the moment, I was not. Of course, the drop was all on me. I did not let him fall to the floor. I was flattened and things bent in ways that were not meant to be. Out of all things, my "big" toe hyper-extended to touch the top of my foot. I lay there laughing for a brief moment and then the pain kicked in. I was doing the pain squirm and not getting up. David then realized I was hurt and started doing a history and physical to find out what was wrong. I couldn't move my toe. I thought it was broken. Taylin realizes I am in pain and becomes worried. She then melts...comes to my head and holds my hand as crocodile tears roll down her cheeks. Cohen is stunned. Kennedy is worried and goes to David in tears. Cohen states in all seriousness, "I think this is only for little people. Big people should not do this." (Seriously, the playback in my head is hilarious.) He went to his room, came back to the same uncomfortable scene and too starts to ball. Ahh, tisk, tisk. I moved my toe. We all recovered. Ended in a prayer and off to bed.





I am glad my family can trust me. If this is in any way symbolic of an emotional or spiritual trust, it looks like I need to strengthen my testimony when they might fall/lean/lemon drop on me. OR I too might flatten out and go in all different directions. Everyone that trusted me was caught and didn't hit the floor. I will do my best to lift them up and never leave them alone. I am so grateful for a Savior who is stronger than I am and can help me out when I fall...or when I need help carrying my family. I trust in my Heavenly Father and Savior to never leave me alone. I might get bumps and bruises along the way. It might not be smooth or easy, but I can do it. I can endure. I will be strengthened through any hard times I might encounter big (like David) or small (like Kennedy). Ahh what a powerful lesson. I still remember it when I walk.