It has been a busy few weeks. Micahs little brother, Ethem, came home from his mission in Mexico. It was really exciting to see him again, he is so tan. He was in shock by how pasty white we all were, and by how many caucasions there are.

My new work schedule is awesome. I really enjoy having Thurs and fridays off to catch up with housework and spending time with the family. I have even started baking my own bread each week for the kids.

Elsa celebrated her 7th birthday last week and only half of the kids we invited came. I think that is partly because she has been off track and I had to send the invites out two weeks early and I think the parents or the kids might have forgot. It was alot of fun. They played alot of games and it was great to see Elsa in a social setting.

Nixon is getting so big. He started sitting up this past month and a couple days ago, he finally cut not one, but both teeth on the bottom. The girls are so loving and protective of Nixon, the other day we were at my friends house and she has a little dog. When the dog approached Nixon, Hillie started to yell at her, telling her to "Get away from my baby budder!" Then she would put her arm around Nixon and say "its okay, Ni-den, its okay." I really enjoy watching the kids interact with each other. They are such good kids.

I watched the telethon last night and really enjoyed this performance. I just wanted to share with anyone who wants to listen

So far 2010 has been great. We rang in the new year at Oma and Opa's. We had a big fire outside and Opa toted the kids around on sleds attached to the back of his 4 wheeler. We played BINGO and everyone won some great prizes.

My work week has now changed to mon-wed with thurs and fri off. Its weird to be home during the day, with Micah. I am definately not complaining.

Nixon is almost six months. No teeth yet, but he is trying his hardest to sit up. He also has discovered his thumb and has found comfort in that. Its really cute now, but I worry about it being a problem in the future.

I have had torn emotions about my little man. I am feeling guilty and a little sad that he is growing so fast and I am missing it because I cannot devote as much time as I would like into playing with him. I am pretty sure he is my last and so I am trying to savor each moment, but it is difficult. He is such a good baby.

Elsa will be going off track in week and I am excited to be planning her first birthday party (Feb 2) with friends. I have only done family before. We'll see how it goes.

I enjoyed a great lunch today with my sisters. We try to make a monthly date, so far so good.

I have taken up running these past couple months and it has been a slow but steady start. I am really enjoying it, surprisingly. I hope to be able to complete a 5k in the spring. I am determined to stick with it.

My little Nixon, so cute!

Another Christmas come and gone. I hosted the "Christmas dinner" at my house Christmas eve. I had a full house. 10 adults and 8 kids. It made for an event filled night. I was exhausted by the time everyone left, yet I still had alot more work to do. In the morning we made the girls wait in the stairway until it was time for christmas to start. IT was a great christmas morning. Santa left us a very nice thank you note and he had given Livy an amazing Princess vanity, Elsa got a very cool "Bat Cave", Hillie a barbie that came with a bike, and Nixon got a winter outfit. Santa also brought Micah an air compressor and I got a long awaited Kitchen aid mixer (yellow). It has been nice having Micah take a week of vacation at work. He has been very helpful in taking care of the kids and getting things done around the house while I still have to go to work. We are excited to be going up to Logan this weekend to ring in the new year with family.

I have so much to be greatful for this past year. I am greatful everyday for a wonderful husband and 4 happy and healthy kids. For the roof over our heads and for the ability to provide a safe and happy home for my kids. I am especially greatful for the joy the gospel has brought into my life. I feel the love of my Father in Heaven every day.

Last week Micah completed is final class of his college career. I am so proud of him. After ten years of marriage, 4 moves, and 4 kids later, he did it. I am so impressed by his dedication and determination. He has juggled so much more than most college students and he still managed to get good grades. I don't think I could have been able to stick to it the way he has.

So now we can sit back, take a deep breath and enjoy the holidays with family. It will be wierd to not have to worry about starting back into school next month and dealing with all that comes with school, finals, projects, commuting, etc.

We are looking forward to the upcoming year and hope everyone has a merry christmas!

Festival of the Trees

Elsa had written her Christmas list as well as Livy and they give it to Santa. So cute.

Each of us took a picture next to our favorite tree. Also the Gingerbread houses were amazing. We especially loved the "Christmas Story" house and the "Up" house.
Christmas with the kids is so much fun. we enjoy it more and more each year. The girls eagerly anticipate all the festivities.