Goodbye 2013!

Another year gone- I seriously cannot believe how quickly the time flew by! It was a year full of craziness and blessings. Here are a few details on each of the kids! LUKE Luke is now in the fourth grade and learning so much. He is in Mrs. Rhodes class and she is actually his soccer coach also. Luke loves to make rainbow loom bracelets and is amazing at it. He loves to learn new ways to make them and loves to give them to his friends. He has been spending a lot of time with his friends Justin and Tyson. He just recently started to hang out with Raliegh and Riley again. He just finished futsal and is currently playing basketball. Luke is such a great older brother and example to his siblings that look up to him. HARLEE Harlee is now in the first grade and spends most of her day at school. She is in Mrs. Christensen's class who was her teacher in preschool. She is learning so much and her reading has really improved. Harlee is currently taking dance and attending cooking classes. She loves both! Harlee has so many friends and spends a lot of time with Grace and Vanessa. Harlee loves music and loves to talk Nash into being her dance student. She has such a kind heart and loving nature. So blessed to be given one of Heavenly Father's best girls for my only daughter. NASH Nash is currently in the preshool at the elementary school. His teacher is Mrs. Cheri and he loves going. He has made so many great friends this year. Some of his favorite friends are Max, Brox, Branston, and Oliver. Nash loves to make the bracelets like Luke and has recently mastered it. Nash has been playing soccer that will start again in March. Nash is honestly the best helper. It is so nice to be able to ask him to help and know that he will do so without griping. Nash has such a tender heart and reminds me so much of his dad! GRAY Gray is currently going to preschool with Mrs. Kayley- she was Nash's teacher last year. He says he does not want to go every time but every time he goes! Gray is still very into Cars and loves everything about it. He is trying to go on the potty so that he can earn some new Cars. He is such a funny kid and keeps us laughing all the time. You never know what he will do next. Gray loves to play with his brothers and asks me every five minutes during Tag's nap if he can wake him up. He does not like playing alone. We never know what Gray will do next! TAG Tag is growing so much and I just want to freeze time. I cannot believe he will be two in a few months. He is by far our most independent kiddo. He is so quiet and always sneaking off to do things he knows that he should not. He loves to spend time coloring on all the walls or climbing on the top bunk! He is currently in therapy with Kids on the Move working on his talking. He is babbling a lot more and starting to say a few things. I love to see the joy when we celebrate each new accomplishment. So blessed to have this sweet little caboose in the Childs Family! MOM & DAD I had to use an old picture since I knew the chances of getting Joey to agree to another were slim! We have been so blessed this year. Joey is still working at Teva. He searched all year for something else but nothing has seemed to work out. He is hoping that work will get better soon and we are so grateful for how hard he works to provide for our family. I am still teaching dance- just a tap class on Thursday nights. We are currently serving as Sunbeam teachers and look forward to the adventures that brings each week. We are so grateful for each other and feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family.

They did it!

All day Luke and Harlee had been talking about staying up to ring in the New Year. Last year Luke was the only one that almost made it! So we put Tag to bed, cut some pies, and turned on the Blindside. Joey kept checking to see if they were awake and they were wide awake! We turned the movie off to watch the ball drop. We got to the channel to see the countdown from 8! I cannot believe they did. So fun to start the New Year with Joey and two of my five cute kids! Just another indication that this is going to be another great year. Bring on 2014!!

Thanks Uncle Ryan!

It pays to know people in high places! By name dropping as we went into Airborne, we were able to enjoy some free fun on this New Years Eve! The kids had a blast for the most part. Luke was acting like a teenager saying it was boring because there were too many people. I finally convinced him to have fun doing flips into the foam. It was great to see the attitude change. Tag LOVED it! He jumped the whole time. He is definitely our most independent kid! Gray was chased by a chubby little guy who would not leave him alone. Harlee and Nash had fun going from the kid area to the other. It was so fun to have this time as a family. We ended the fun by stopping at Beyond Glaze for a yummy treat. What a great start to New Year's Eve!!

Before and After

Can you believe that stack of presents? Seriously a blessed bunch! Even more amazing is how quickly we can go from that gigantic pile to the gigantic mess. The kids were not as excited about their new clothes as I was! This year each of the kids picked names and gave each other a gift. It was so fun to watch them get so excited about giving! Joey and I were given presents from the kids! Harlee picked out some cake decorating kits for me, pjs, and socks. Joey got some new cologne, shorts, and a new picture for work. What a wonderful morning. We are so lucky to have these times as a family. We are even more lucky to know why we get to celebrate Christmas. So grateful for a loving Savior who came to Earth so that we can enjoy these times forever. Truly blessed to have the Gospel in our lives.

Christmas morning 2013

Christmas morning began at 6:40am. We had told the kids that they could go down after 7- but after hearing them giggle and whisper for about 30 minutes we gave in and let them go down a little sooner. They were so excited! Luke's favorites were his tv and his speed stackers. Harlee's favorites were her high heels and her karaoke machine. Nash's favorites were his hot wheels scooter and his speed stackers. Gray's favorites were his cars scooter and his cars jacket! Tag's favorites were his tricycle and his ball hitting toy. They were all so excited and we are so blessed that Santa brought them another amazing Christmas. Love to see their excited faces! So worth it!

Our Christmas Eve

We left Jenna's and got home around 7. I quickly finished wrapping presents and the kids were excited to open two from us. Each of the kids got a new pair of pajamas and some elite socks. They were so excited. They then set out some cookies and root beer for Santa before making their way upstairs to watch Despicable Me 2- their gift from Mimi and GP! They all fell asleep quickly except for Luke. He ended up sleeping on our couch and falling asleep around 11pm. Good thing because I have a feeling that Santa made his appearance shortly there after!

Christmas Eve

This year we went to Jenna's for Christmas Eve. Jeremy's family was sick with the stomach flu and Tara had to work so they were not able to make it. We missed them! We ate deli sandwiches and watched the family dvd. Joey lucked out when I had forgotten a few gifts and he had to run home- not once but twice. I know how he loves watching pictures of himself on a big screen! Gray was so funny during the dvd giving his commentary for each picture! Then we opened a few presents and had some good family time. It was such a nice night.

Cookies with Mimi

On Monday we got to enjoy another tradition! My mom (Mimi) came over and made sugar cookies with the grandkids. Not everyone could make it but the ones that did, had so much fun. They decorated stars, christmas trees, and snowmen. They went a little crazy with the sprinkles but had a great time. We had pizza for lunch and then the kids went and played in the snow. They made snowmen and stayed out far longer than we thought they would! Then they came in and played in the basement. They had fun pretending to be a band and playing all the different instruments. So fun to watch them have fun with their cousins! Love it!

Third Annual White Elephant Party

It's a tradition!! I love it! Sunday we had our third annual White Elephant party at Jamie and Mindi's house. It was so fun! We went over at 5:45pm and enjoyed our traditional dinner of enchiladas! Hailee's friend Shawn joined us and so did Ryan's new dating friend Lianna. Brenna was there too but she is pretty much family. It was so fun to see play the white elephant game and we all walked away with some nice things. Afterwards, we played a game called Heads Up. I have not laughed that hard in a long time. It was such a fun night. The only thing that would have made it better was if Grandpa and Grandma were there. We sure missed them but know that they are where they are suppose to be. So lucky to be a part of this fun family! Love them all!

New Christmas Clothes

Each year, the Sunday before Christmas, the Childs kids get to strut their stuff in some new, fancy church clothes. This year did not disappoint! I decided to go with a turquoise, gray, and black color scheme. They all looked so cute. I was surprised when Gray decided to include himself in the annual picture. This has not happened for a few years.

Visiting Santa

This year we have had several opportunities to visit the big man in red! First happened when I braved Walmart with the three youngest. We were getting some fruit when they Santa and Mrs. Claus set up their visiting station. I had their picture taken and the boys told Santa what they wanted. They all were so good to cooperate except for Tag. He was not too happy with the situation. This Friday we had the opportunity to go see Santa at the Outlets by our house. The kids were so excited. I was so excited when we walked in his house to find only one family in front of us. So much nicer to see Santa when you do not have to wait an hour. The kids were so excited to talk to him! I was anxious to hear what they were asking for! Then Santa pulled them all in close and told them that he had a special surprise he was bringing for each of them. A surprise that even their mom and dad did not know about! They were so excited to hear this. What a magical moment! Thanks Santa! The only downfall of the Outlet Santa is that we could not take pictures. I opted to take a picture of all the kids by the big Christmas tree by Santa's house.

Harlee's Christmas Party

Harlee often asks me to come and help in her class. With all the little ones it is really difficult to make this happen. Since Joey often has time off at the end of the year, I signed up to help at her Christmas party. They made stockings for Primary Children's Hospital and then we made healthy snowmen. It was so fun to be in there with her. As I was preparing the fruit for the snowmen, I could hear her telling her friends that her mom was here to help with the treat. It was so sweet. I pray she is always excited and proud to have her mom around. She is seriously a sweet angel and such a blessing in my life. I am so lucky to be her mom and I love these moments I get to spend with her.

Traverse Mountain Christmas Sing

Friday was the annual Christmas Sing at the elementary school. We were so excited that Joey got to stay home and go with us this year. All of the kids did a great job. Harlee's class sang two songs: Frosty the Snowman and Do the Holiday Hop. She was on a riser and I kept worrying she would fall as she hopped around! Luke's class was next and they also sang two songs. The songs were Reindeer on the Roof and Someone on the Chimney. It was fun to watch him try to perform yet still look cool! He totally pulled it off! Nash's class was next. I did not know they were wearing those cute Christmas Trees- so cute! Nash's class sang I am a Dancing Christmas Tree and I'm a Little Christmas Tree. So fun to watch all of them perform! What a great way to start the Christmas break!

Nash's 5 year appointment

On Thursday we went to Nash's 5 year appointment. He was very apprehensive since I warned him that he may need to get shots so that he can go to Kindergarten next year. I was a little worried of what the outcome might be! We started with his stats: Weight: 50.5 lbs- 95% Height: 46.5 inches- off the charts BMI- 16.42 He is a tall boy! The doctor seems to think that he is doing great! He is very bright and reaching all the necessary milestones. When it came time for the shots, Nash sat on my lap and did not shed a tear. He was super brave! I told him that he could join Harlee and Luke in the 5 year old shot club because he was such a brave boy.

Really?

Gray brought me a capri sun and said: "Put this straw in for me?" I said, "What do you say?" I was anticipating "Please" when our little smartie said "Open?". It never surprises me what comes out of this crazy kids mouth!

Tag's Artwork

It has started again and it is now Tag's turn. I no sooner cleaned the kitchen walls today when Tag decided to color again. He always seems to find a writing instrument and he leaves his mark on any and every surface in the house. I have to admit that I will not miss this stage. Thanks for the extra work my cute baby!

Present Time

After a crazy busy day we had a little time as a family to open Nash's presents. He was so excited to get more presents after getting so many great ones from his friends. From all of us he got a Batman shirt, a Smurfs 2 blue ray, and a spiderman that crawls on the wall. He had wanted this for Christmas but we were certain that he would not mind getting it a week early! Cannot believe this sweet boy is 5! Where does the time go? Thanks Nash for bringing so much happiness into our home. You are so loving and such a hard worker. We are so lucky that you chose to come to our family!

Nash's 5th Birthday Party

This year Nash decided that he wanted to have a party at Airborne. He made a list of who he wanted to invite and we set it up on his actual birthday. After school we quickly made our way to Airborne. Nash was nice enough to let Gray, Luke, and Harlee come to his party! Along with his lucky siblings, 7 out of the 9 friends that he invited were able to come. They had so much fun jumping. Nash was so brave to jump off of this big platform into a pit of foam. Guess braveness comes with age! After jumping for a little over an hour, we made our way into Nash's party room. The kids ate pizza and then Nash opened his presents. He got so many nice things- what a lucky boy! Then we had some batman cake which was Nash's choice! What a fun time! So happy that Nash has made so many great friends and I love watching him interact with them.

Nash's Birthday at Preschool

For Nash's birthday he asked me to bring snowman donuts to his class to share with all of his friends. I called his teacher and she said that would be great. She said that I could have Nash help me pass them out. This was just about the cutest thing. Mrs. Cheri is training them well. Nash would ask each student "Would you like a donut?" to which they each would answer "Yes please!". Once everyone was given a treat they all said "Thanks for sharing!" It was so polite and so cute. Nash was given a special birthday crown to wear and was celebrated all day. What a cute experience!

Booger

Several times a day due to cold season, I hear "Mom, here is a booger!" Gray has fished out a treasure from his nose and proceeds to hand it to me. I always tell him to go get a tissue but he refuses. If I have failed to mention it, our Gray is a little on the lazy side. It is so much easier to hand it to me than to go get a tissue. So GROSS! One of the many perks of motherhood. Thanks Gray for all the green presents!

Gray's Preschool Christmas Program

Last night was Gray's Christmas Program. He is going to preschool with Miss Kayley who was Nash's teacher last year. Since Nash refused to even go to his Christmas program last year, we had pretty low expectations for our Gray! He made us so proud. He got up there, sang, danced, and did a great job. My favorite was when they did "I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus". He did all of the actions! We were so pleasantly surprised. Great job Gray! We sure love you! *Love all his expressions!

All talk!

I got a text on Thursday asking me if Luke, Harlee, and Nash would like to speak in Primary. Who does that to a mom? I am guessing that everyone knows that these kids are not writing their own talks! It turned out to be good! They had to talk on I Know that Jesus Christ will come again. They all did such a good job. Luke was super nervous at first but once he practiced several times he was calm. He did a really great job. Harlee read her talk while Nash held up pictures to go along with what they were saying. They practiced a ton and did such a great job. I love to watch them conquer fears that I still have. I remember when I was Harlee's age I was asked to speak in primary. I got up to the microphone and saw my mom sitting in the back. I started to cry and just ran back to be with her. They are all so much braver than I was and I am so proud of them. *Had to post this second picture featuring Gray! He loves to steal the spotlight in all the pictures. Such a funny kid.