She's Eight!

Jaicee turned 8 years old on Saturday. She has been looking forward to this birthday for a very long time. She was lucky enough to be able to be baptized on her birthday also, which made the day so very special for her.

The day started with Jaicee extra excited to open her presents. She jumped out of bed and ran downstairs to start the fun. Her favorite present was a school kit that I put together for her. (Thanks to Lisa for the great idea.) Jaicee and Halle play "school" everyday...so to have everything in one box is heavenly to her! She also loved her "littlest pet shop" toys and "webkinz". Jaicee was such a kind sister, and let Braden open many of her presents...because he thinks every day is his birthday!

After opening presents, it was time for the traditional birthday breakfast of pancakes...with a candle in it! The kids look forward to this every year. (Such little things make them happy).





We then headed to the church for her special day. Jaicee was so excited, but also a little nervous. She kept asking her dad to explain exactly what was going to happen.

Jaicee and Brandon just before her baptism. Gotta love the white jumpsuit look!

The whole family

The baptism was beautiful. Jaicee was beaming with excitement afterwards. I loved the pure look of joy on her face, and wish I could bottle that memory up. It is a wonderful moment to see your daughter make a very important choice in their life, such as this.

After the baptism we had a lunch with all of the family, and then we began the birthday celebration. However we couldn't really celebrate until after Kason's soccer game and the youth duck hunt that Brandon took Kason and Braden on.

I know, I don't like the fact that he is holding a shotgun either! He did just pass "hunters safety" if that counts for anything!

Not so sure Braden likes this "hunting thing"

So, by 8:30 pm it was time for the birthday dinner. Jaicee picked Artic Circle. Seriously, out of all of the places she could go - I love that she still wants to go to a place with slides and ice cream!

I love my Jaicee for so many reasons. She is a great big sister, and cares so much for her brothers and sisters. She has a sensitivity for others, loves life, and has a "mothering" capability that not many have. She has a wonderfully free spirit and zest for life.

Jaicee has a sparkle in her eyes that is apparent to everyone around her. I love looking into them...crystal blue, intelligent, and pure. I am so proud of the choice she has made this day. I love you Jaicee with all my heart!

Christmas Cards

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Happy Birthday.....How about some stitches??

Thursday was Brandon's birthday! He was able to celebrate by going to work, and of course playing basketball at lunch like he always does a couple of times a week. I love that he plays - it keeps him in shape, he loves it, and he is good at it! However, today was an eventful day of basketball. Look at this:

Just a little pick up game you might ask? Oh no, it might as well be the NBA championship game with how competitive these boys are. This happened when Brandon was diving (yes, diving at 35 yrs old) for the loose basketball. He hit heads with another very competitive player (aka his cousin Jeremy) and came out with this nasty gash. (Jeremy was unscathed)




Since Brandon loves getting family pictures so much (not!), I had scheduled family pictures with a great photographer for a birthday present :). He called me about 1:00 to let me know that he had some good news and bad news. The good news was that he was on his way home early from work so he could help me get the kids ready for family pictures. The bad news was that I had to take him to get stitches in his head. WHAT?? So much for the family pictures that had been scheduled for months! I know he doesn't like family pics, but this was a little drastic.

So, after plastic surgery and 30 stitches (yes 30!) he successfully got out of family pictures. He also got out of getting the kids ready for pictures - which is definitely the worst part. Thanks to his Mom who took him to the hospital, held his hand :), and took care of him while I tried to get five kids ready for pictures.

Pictures were an event in and of itself - I will have to post about that later. But, we did actually get to go to dinner for Brandon's birthday and give him a few "hunting necessities" for gifts.

photo courtesy of Braden

I love you babe! Happy 35th Birthday! (Boy I am glad I am not as old as you)

Serenade For Two

I came around the corner the other day to find this:

Braden was strumming on the guitar and singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". It was so sweet, and he was even singing in his nice, soft voice - which doesn't happen very often. I was so happy I got to witness this moment.

It was one of those "rewarding mom" moments that keep me going! Thanks Braden for reminding why I love being a mother.

My Baby! (Said with saddness)

She is growing up way too fast...already three months old! I love every inch of her...especially her chubby kissable cheeks, and chunky rolly thighs! I am saddened by the thought that each day she gets bigger and older, and am trying desparately to savor every second.

Can you kiss a baby too much...because seriously, between me and the kids this girl gets MAULED with love. I mean, who wouldn't want to squeeze those cheeks?

These are some pictures of her at 4 weeks old that I haven't posted. Look how much chubbier she is now! She was almost 13 lbs at her 2 month check up....guess I am feeding her cream!

My Favorite Look

Brandon can grow facial hair like a bear! (Do bears grow facial hair?) He shaves every morning, and a by the afternoon he already has a scruffy face!

I have always loved him with a goatee, but he thinks it gives off the wrong impression to people. What?...he doesn't want to be seen as tough, rough, outdoorsy, in charge, confident, etc.??

I finally convinced him to grow one while we were in St. George a couple of weeks ago. I love it!

Isn't he handsome? It only lasted for a couple of days....got too itchy and long he said. But I loved every minute of it! Thanks for the sacrifice babe!