Here it is mid-December and I'm play catch up again! My kids love looking at this blog, and honestly I love journaling our life here. Its a win win, so the catch up game will continue...
I haven't posted many pictures of this belly - but since it will be my last, here she goes! This is baby girl at 28.5 weeks! Down to the home stretch and feeling really ready to have her. I am so excited to have another sweet baby to snuggle and cuddle - and I can't wait to see what she looks like. I got a special treat with an extra ultra sound to double check the gender on Dec. 4th - now baby girl is a bit bigger, and Dr. Johns gave me a 95% positive that she is still a girl. So unless there is something that is being hidden extremely well, Lyv's prayers of having a sister are being answered. Look at those chubby cheeks!!
Turkey Trot 2016 in the books with Lyv as my lone runner this year. Sam is too old now, and Jack declared yet again, that running isn't his thing. But running is Lyv's thing and she moved up 2 spots this year nabbing 3rd in her age group! It was so fun to see her move her booty! I love this girl and her determination to do well. She is a ray of sunshine in my life!
Thanksgiving this year was spent in St. George, Utah with the Summers Clan. We had a blast - the highlight was exploring Zion's National Park. It was perfect weather for hiking and the views were amazing. Even Max was a trooper - so thank you Grandpa Kelly for showing us around.
The rest of the time was spent eating, playing, going to Moana, swimming, and exploring St. George. The guys and older boys went golfing one day, while the youngers got to try their hand mining at a gypsum mine. It was so cool. I think Jack could have stayed their all day chipping away at the rock!
On our way home, we made a detour in Provo to get some grub at Cubby's and Shawn had his first encounter with Waffle Love…oh so good! We also had to visit BYU campus & bookstore. Shawn and the kids got their gear restocked, and then Jack and I headed down to the depths of the BYU Library basement level. WAY, WAY back in the recesses of the Family and Social Science level is a Phi Kappa Delta plaque for Senior papers…and in the tiniest of letters is my name, with my winning Senior paper in 2004. I tell my kids that when they go to BYU and they are home sick, they can always go down, dust off the plaque and say hello to their mother!)
We were happy to finally make it back to Yakima in one piece, and to be reunited with Stone! Lyv especially has taken on the role as Stone's favorite. She LOVES him, and will go out without being asked to hang out and play with him.
We also tried out our new game we received - Watch Your Mouth and couldn't help but take a picture of that fun! AND….we had a few hours to kill and so decided to set up the Christmas tree. Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas here at the Summers' house and we so excited to get into the Christmas spirit this year, starting it off right with the Christmas Devotional and the Light the World challenge. I loved this idea that the church was promoting this holiday season to find small simple acts of service that exhibit characteristics of the Savior. I found myself really looking around to find things I could do to make someone's load lighter, or express gratitude to those who have contributed so much to my life. It filled my heart with the spirit of Christ - and is a tradition I hope we can continue each year.
We also celebrated the old man's birthday! He turned a whopping 36 this year, and his gift….one that he has been longing for for decades: a HUGE TV, and surround sound so that our house is an official movie theater! It got to be a little on the ridiculous at how many items, cords, and consuls were required for this endeavor, but honestly this man is worth it! He has worked so so hard this past year, and really all the years of our marriage to provide for our family. It was fun to finally get a gift that he was giddy about. I am grateful daily for his hard work, his dedication, his love, his patience, and his overall goodness. There is nothing he won't do!
Shawn's birthday also fell on Jack's Christmas concert, so we hit up Kyoto for some suishi and then headed over to listen to Cottonwood Elementary 2nd graders sing holiday favorites. Jack did a great job, even with a mid-concert dash to the bathroom. Such a Jack move! Shawn was so proud of the kids for all trying suishi this time around and actually liking it.. that was a gift that will keep on giving! Then we top off the night with some rum cake.
Max also had a Christmas concert for his preschool group and he was AMAZING! They always encourage the kids to sing loud…well Max took that advice and ran with it. Neck vein bulging, nearly screaming, a Steven Tyler like resemblance most of the time…created a hilarious show for the eager onlookers! This boy is honestly one of my favorite little things in the world. He manages to always make me stare in awe time and time again at how adorable, sweet, fun, and simply wonderful he is! Couldn't you just eat that face!
Finally…these pictures were from earlier in November but none the less need to be documented. First - Stone, my fur baby as I lovingly refer to him! This whole dog thing has been a learning experience for me and I was quite shocked to find out that I am actually a dog person. I guess they need to be MY dog - but I don't mind cuddling up next to this stinky crazy boy. I also found out that he became like a child to me. He was my first and last thought morning and night. I was rushing home to let him out and play with him, making sure he was exercised, loved, and nourished properly. I was constantly thinking about what he needed next….it was exhausting! The kids have been amazing though…and without them I know I would have lost my mind. They each have a Stone Day - where they are in charge of feeding/watering him, playing and exercising him, and taking care of any of his other needs. By 2 months into this adventure we learned that a fenced in yard is a must, as Stone began to explore near the road…our kids following after him not wanting to see him hurt. After Lyv decided to play traffic cop and stopped an oncoming car to rescue Stone, we called up the fencing company and set the date. The fence will help the kids, Stone, and me all remain safe, sane, and happy! Especially with the new baby on her way, I know there is no way I can maintain my constant supervision and I hate to have him sit in the garage with no way out, so the fence will allow him to run around and play without getting hurt - and me to attend to the HUMAN baby that really needs me! Crazy dog person…yes that's me!
Lastly…this beautiful sunrise. I have enjoyed many of these the past three months on my morning walks. To help with my circulation during pregnancy, especially in my legs I have tried to walk/jog in the mornings and this has been my reward. It really has been a blessing, as I usually listen to conference talks and ponder about things that matter most. I feel like it reminds me daily before I am confronted with kids and the frustrations of taking care of them - what my goal is with them; which is to have them be happy. I am grateful for the beautiful reminder of a loving Father who created this world for his children, and wants us to return to him.
