Santa Shuffle

After my 1st race I got the crazy idea that I really really really really really wanted a medal. So when I ran the 10 K this past Saturday at the "Santa Shuffle" at Ft. Lewis I tried hard to push myself. I was so bummed at the end of the race to find out that I had placed 4th. When I came home empty handed my kids weren't impressed. But I just looked up the official race results and this is what I found! Look for me in females 20-29. I'm tickled pink! It was a really fun course with lots of hills...I think I might have found a new hobby.
http://www.fortlewismwr.com/santa_shuffle_reindeer_dash09.htm

Battalion Christmas Party

From these pictures you might assume we had a wonderful jolly time. You would be wrong. Next time I'm tempted to go to a party where I have to stand in line at a buffet potluck and dish up my kids food on paper plates, remind me to go to Wendy's instead!

The kids were happy after they sat on Santa's lap and were able to choose a toy to take home. As I write this post I am watching the snow fall outside- just in time for our travels tomorrow. I'm glad we're flying. (Thanks Arielle for patiently taking pictures for us!)

Thankful for Grandma and Grandpa

For Thanksgiving we got a special treat. Grandma and Grandpa Waite drove all the way from St. George to come and see us! We were able to pretend it's not brrrrr cold outside and go swimming at a fancy resort. Jay found the hot-tub and wouldn't get back in the pool.

Grandma swam with the kiddos while I took lots of pictures.

Jax has discovered his fins. Watch out Ellie!

We had a nice break from our routine.

As long as he is fed lots of food, gets at least one decent nap and is right in the thick of the chaos, Izaac is a happy camper. After his cheeks and gi-normous eyes, Z's little dimpled hands are my most favorite part. Aren't they delicious?

Firsts

I think our house might have been the LAST in the U.S.A. to finally buy a big, modern, high definition television. We had our ancient (almost 10 years old) and tiny television up until black Friday. On that day we took a great leap forward and my very kind father-in-law waited in line at 5:00 in the morning for 2 hours to get me this beauty at a bargain. Am I excited? Yes. All I want to do now is watch movies and absorb the vivid new colors. (Yes- I am also a geek)!

Last week I competed in my VERY FIRST official race. The Ft. Lewis Turkey Trot. I ran the 10 K with my high school friend, Emmi. It was a blast! I can't believe I waited this long to enter a race. I placed 6th in my age division. I loved it so much that I signed up for another race in December. Izaac is still immobile. He screeches if he falls over and gets rescued so quickly by one of his siblings that he hasn't even begun to learn how to crawl. This is not a complaint. Just the opposite. I am so grateful that I don't have to baby-proof or chase him around yet. He is in the delightful stage of happily playing in one spot. Easy for me!

This child is driving me nuts. That's not a first. He is the male version of that poem, "when she was good she was very good and when she was bad she was horrid." We have good moments. Like when he gets out of bed for the umpteenth time to tell me he has "tons and tons of hugs for me." I will blame the bad moments on his complete lack of understanding as to why his Dad-his best buddy- has been gone for so long. After he hugs me he always tells me that he'd rather hug his Dad. Wouldn't we all.

Ellie has just lost her 4th tooth since Dad left. "All she wants for Christmas is..."

And I will follow up with more later...

From Iraq

Jaylon is attempting to have internet again from his CHU. These are the first pictures he's been able to send me since he left. Jaylon designed this right over his dental chair so his patients have something to look at while their teeth are getting yanked. Ha!

The vehicle he rides in on convoys.

A growth he removed from somebody's mouth.

The operatory.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

I've wanted to take the kids to Northwest Trek since we moved here. On Veteran's Day we finally went and had a great time. It was cold but not raining so I can't complain. We saw lots of animals: owls, wolverines, elk, big horn sheep, lynx, mountain lions, grizzly bears, black bears, and many more.

I cut the strips and Ellie tied this fleece blanket for a humanitarian project for our stake. She was pretty proud of herself! I am really enjoying the extra help she gives me. She won't come within ten feet of the kitchen but I can't really blame her for that. The kitchen is a big black hole. She should avoid it as long as possible. The one time I made her help me with the dishes she was literally screaming and terrified that her skin would come into contact with anything yucky. That's when I realized that I have made them wash their hands too much. My kids are afraid to get dirty. Or maybe they're just really good at manipulating me. Probably both.

Litmus Test

If you laugh- you are mean.

P.S. I laughed

For Real

It takes a REAL man to wear his daughter's PINK hat and SUNGLASSES on a public beach. Awwwww, to have my REAL man's arm around me once more. Could time POSSIBLY go ANY slower? What a DRAG this deployment is. I despise being separated from my SWEETHEART.
Let another weekend CREEP along...

I AM OUTNUMBERED

They look innocent. But like all predators...when they sense weakness they go for the KILL.

You will hear me crying across the world when my angel Mother leaves me all alone to fend for myself against these darling, ferocious, terrible little TYRANTS.

Happy Halloween

We took it easy today...we are really enjoying having Mamie here to help!! I am "letting down" and Jay asked Mamie if she could move here and the boys haven't been climbing into my bed with nightmares since she arrived. Her soothing presence is a balm to our souls. Mamie stayed with Izaac while I took a beautiful brunette vampire, scary skeleton, and darling elephant trick-or-treating. We are trying to carry on bravely...but even with Mamie here, our first holiday without daddy felt a little flat.

Ellie discovered that blonds have more fun- or that wigs are itchy!!

Sorting the loot. Can't keep this kid in clothes and we're still working on not peeing in public!

Mamie carved all of these pumpkins. Isn't she amazing?

Little Boy, Huge Smile

One of my favorite things in the world about children is how easy it is to make them happy. My little Tiger-boy loves back packs so when I saw this snazzy back pack in a thrift store last week I surprised him. Can you see the pure joy in his contagious smile? Showing it off for Daddy

Daily Highlights for Your Viewing Pleasure

Every time I watch this video I laugh at the happy ending...Jax rushing off to make sure his brother doesn't take his cookie.

Every few weeks we are all thrilled to get special pictures Daddy draws for all of us. The kids are always so excited that I decided to film it. Sorry for the bumpiness- I was filming one-handed while I opened up the pictures. You also get a glimpse of Ellie's 'tude. I'm sure it makes Jaylon feel back at home!

Thankful for Parks

My darling kiddos have been driving me batty. Crazy. Pulling my hair out nuts. They have been fighting and fighting and fighting. It's like WW III in our house. I don't know what to do. I've pleaded, I've spanked, I've yelled, I've incentived, I've ignored, I've cried, I pray. About the only thing that saves my sanity is getting out and going anywhere. Usually a park. Seen through the lens of my camera, they once again become likable, adorable, lovable little human beings. What will we do when the rain comes???

Of course, this little guy is the exception. Nothing but sweetness from him....so far.

This Week We:

Went to the pumpkin patch




Rode on a hay wagon

Picked pumpkins

Played and played and played outside

Grew a little more

Lost another tooth

Canned 150 cans for food storage

MISSED Daddy