Christmas, Parties, Friends Galore, and All Sorts Of More

Well, Christmas is finally over! With parties, families, friends, and endless places to go, we made it and the stress is over! Now, we only have 360 days to go to stress of the next Christmas! HA Ha HA! It was the girls' first Christmas and they had a blast. They did relatively well opening their presents, but were primarily concerned with examining the paper, putting it into their mouths, and ripping the scraps of paper into smaller pieces.

Christmas Eve, we went to Bryce's parents house and spent some time with his whole family. We indulged ourselves with lots of food and treats. Then all the grandkids and Grandma made a Gingerbread house and then opened presents. Savannah was more interested in getting the candies off the house and was getting really frustrated that no one would let her touch it!




Next, we opened presents. Saige got a little Leap Frog Drum toy and Savannah got a little Leap Frog Frog from their cousins Hailee and Connor. Bryce's parents gave us money to put towards a brand new kitchen table that I have had on hold for about 2 weeks. We will pick it up tomorrow and pictures will be posted!





Then, Papa was waiting for us at home and he spent the night with us. The girls opened their Christmas Eve PJ's and we took some pictures to show how cute they looked in them!





Then, Christmas morning, I of course woke up first. I am such an early bird, it really is crap! But, I waited and waited for everyone to wake up. Saige woke up next and Papa and Savannah came out together. Low and behold, Bryce rises from the dead and made his appearance! We were on our way to opening presents, but we had to feed the girls first. Saige and Savannah got some fun stuff. They each got a new beanie and gloves, clothes, toys, and mushroom chairs (from Papa) for camping. Dad got us a digital picture frame and also money to put towards our kitchen table!









Last, Bryce got me a brand new Kitchen Aid, the Professional 600. It was awesome and I was very excited. I have been eying one of those for a few years, but thought my other Kitchenaide needed to make it a little while longer. I ended up giving my old one to my dad to take to Moab. He gets all my hand-me-downs to stock up his Bachelor Pad!



We did have a wonderful Christmas and we visited all sorts of family members! We left our house about 2:00 PM to go to my sisters house. Here, Uncle Ty is teasing Savannah with a cracker! Saige and Savannah each got a laughing baby from Aunt Carrie and Uncle Ty.





After Aunt Carries house, we headed to Bryce's Grandpa's house which his Aunt Maxine lives there now. We got to see his Aunt Sheri, Uncle Rick, Uncle Lee, Aunt Susan, Aunt Maxine, tons of cousins, and Grandma and Grandpa were there too!

Then, we went to Bryce's Grandma Ona's house to visit her and Ralph. On the way, we called Aunt Pat in Park City to wish everyone there a Happy Christmas. When we got to Grandma's house, Savannah slept the whole time in her car seat, as she was exhausted by then. But Saige, was lucky enough to get some attention from her Great Grandma Ona. Savannah slept for about 1/2 hour and decided it was time to wake up. She got to sqeeze in some playing time....again!




After Grandma Ona, we went to visit Chase, Annagay, and Casey. To our surprise, Dianna was there with her family, so we were able to see her as well.





On our way home, it was snowing like crazy and we called GGPA and Verna in Oregon and talked to them for a while. We also called and talked to Uncle Jeff in California, along with Scott and Glen (Cousins).

Whewwww! What a day. All of us were so exhausted and tired, but we had a really good day! It was great to see everyone and visit! We hope your Christmas was just as great and we hope you have a Merry New Year!

Its All About Trouble NOW!

Saige and Savannah are now on their way to making BIG trouble! Saige has mastered the art of crawling in 4-high, using furniture to stand, and is very brave! Savannah has just begun to crawl and uses 4-low. She mainly turns in circles by leaning forward and repositioning herself on her bum again! She is making progress, slowly, but surely! I think she finally got the hint that Saige is ditching her and setting off to her next adventure! Here are some fun little videos!


Here are some other photos from the last couple of weeks.

Long, but Fast!

This has been one long, but rather fast paced week. I am excited and eager to get this next week over with, so that I can spend more time with my girls and family. Not a moment goes by that I am not speaking to someone at work, teaching classes, listening to concerns of others, or feeling the sorrow from a student who's family situation is literally in the falling apart stages. However, each and every day I come home, thankful for the blessings in my life, the wonderful family I have, and the joy my friends bring! I truly feel so very lucky and I have a feeling that more blessings are to come that will shower me with happiness that I am already grateful for. It has been a very interesting weekend and somehow, I feel rejuvenated!

I had the opportunity to watch the Pursuit of Happiness over the weekend with Will Smith while the girls were napping. Such a great story and was just what I needed at this moment. No matter how bad things may seem or actually be, there is always someone worse off. Watching this man and his child struggle through, what seemed to be a lifetime of hard-times, helped me to realize that if you keep working through it, it will get better! Sometimes it seems to be easier said than done, but if you don't hit rock bottom first, you can't begin to dig your way out. Sometimes its difficult to know where to start, but some of us don't realize that we are already have begun the beginning and just need to keep truck'n through the rest.

I look at my girls and all they things they have accomplished in their short 10 months of life, and wonder what would it be like to be in their world or to be a kid again. If only we could recognize then of how important it is to enjoy the time while it is there, instead of saying, "I can't wait until...!" It's almost like wishing your life away because you think there is more out there, but then you get there and think, that was it? Often, I am asked by others, "I bet you can't wait until they [Saige and Savannah] can talk, or do this, that, and the other. But, no I really can wait, and I have to explain that I do not wish to wish my time away that I have with them! I want to soak up all the sensational feelings, moments, and precious time I have with them.

Last night, Bryce and I were invited by some of our very dearest of friends, to the Ring Christmas Bells presented by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Temple Square Orchestra, and numerous local high school bell choirs. It was amazing. It was great to spend time with Bryce, which we haven't been able to do in such a very long time. Hearing the voices sing to my soul as liberating. Just being in the Conference Center, the 20,000 guests, and all the amazing talent was great!

Girls Day Out!

Today was a fun day. The girls and I went on an adventure. We first went seeking for Daddy. We met him in SLC and we walked around the Gateway for a little bit. Then, we headed on to Lehi to see my friend Tiffany and her new baby, Autumn. We visited for a while, played with the kids, and I got to hold her beautiful little girl. It was great. But the fun didn't stop there! We then left Tiffany's house to go meet Grandma in downtown Lehi for the little Christmas parade where Grandpa Jim was performing on his TUBA. Then we went inside for a mini concert in which they played more Christmas songs. After Grandpa Jim was finished, we then got in line so that the girls could meet Santa Claus. While waiting in line, I caught Savannah waving to other people. It was so cute, so I tried to catch it on video, but failed! Also, Saige was clapping during the concert, it was the first time I had seen her do that! Then I was getting a little nervous because they were really starting to get fussy, since it was way past their nap time and I didn't know how they would react to Santa. But, I should have known better, that my girls are the best and they loved every minute of it. I did get much smiling, but just a lot of looks of curiosity.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a great Thanksgiving. We went to Bryce's parents house with all of his brothers and sisters. It was a great time. The girls enjoyed themselves while eating potatoes, yams, and playing with their Aunts, Uncles, and cousins!

Happy Birthday Gram!

Today is my Gram's birthday. She died 5 years ago, just a couple days shy of her 85th birthday. I miss her a ton and I think about her constantly. I have so many wonderful memories of her, with her, and about her! I give her much of the credit for the person and mother I have become. Happy Birthday Gram, I love you, I miss you, and THANK YOU!

I am ... a daughter, a friend, a wife, and a mother.

I think... about my kids and husband constantly. Wondering what more I can do to make sure they are safe, healthy, and taken care of.
I want... my kids to have a wonderful life, full of love with friends and family.
I have... everything that I need.
I miss... my Gram.
I feel... humble.
I hear... Bryce and the girls talking and playing.
I smell... one of my babies as she sits by my side.
I crave... something sweet!
I cry... when no one listens.
I search... for my cell phone all the time. It never seems to be where think I last left it.
I wonder... what is going through my little girls' minds.
I regret... causing hurt to someone I have loved!
I wish... I could fly.
I love... calm and relaxing piano music (Pachabel).
I care... about me and my families health and well-being.
I always... love finishing my day by climbing into my pillow-top, king-sized bed, sinking into the blankets and pillows, and falling into a deep slumber.
I worry... about what I will have to protect my children against (or try to).
I am not... about to give up the precious time I have to spend with those that I love.
I remember... being at Gram's house and door-bell ditching her. She had a door bell at the back door, so I would ring it and she would go to the front door. After a couple of times, she figured out that it was me at the back door, so then I would run around to the front door and do the same thing. Lots of memories with Gram!
I believe... that people can change if they have the desire and that lessons are best learned when you make a mistake.
I sing... loudest when I am in the car, like no one is watching. Then I usually look over and someone is looking at me with a silly grin!
I don't always... please everyone!!!!!!
I argue... when I think I am right.
I write... grocery lists, kids' names that I have talked to during the day, and other work stuff.
I lose... time thinking about what could have been vs. thinking what I have.
I listen... to the needs of those around me, trying to figure out how I could possibly make them feel better.
I can usually be found... where ever my children are, except when I have to work.
I need... someone to listen to me, but not fix me!
I forget... seems like everything too much, lately!
I am happy... when I walk through the door to make eye contact with my girls and see their big smiles.


Gram, you have taught me a lot about life, expectations, patience, and love. How can I ever repay you for all that you have done and continue to do for me? I know I will get the chance one day! You are my hero, my strength, and confidant. Your legacy will go on!

Milestones and Updates

Ok, so the girls are doing lots of things now. Banna Girl has chosen not to crawl yet. She prefers swimming on her belly for now. She does go from the sitting position to all fours, but then ends up on her belly, swimming and just rolling. She doesn't travel far, nor do I think she wants to. She seems to be content for a little while, but then gets a little tired of the belly thing. She has now mastered growling and will even imitate you when you do it. It is the cutest thing in the world. She also has the worlds most ticklish feet. She will kick, squirm or do whatever she can to make you stop. None the less, she is just a very ticklish girl! BUT, it is sad to say that little Banna Girl is sick, again. Yesterday, the babysitter ended up calling me at work because she had a 102 temperature. Most parents that have done this once or twice already, probably doesn't look at it like a big deal, but I do, since I am so new at this. I just worry because my friend at one of the schools I worked at last year, her nephew ended up with Spiral Meningitis because of a high temperature lasting for a few days. Granted, Bannah's usually subsides within a few hours, but I don't want to take any chances. TODAY, she seems to be doing a lot better. Her voice is a little hoarse and she has a cough, but for the most part, she is in good spirits and tends to make the best out of things. Every now and again she has a few complaints, but who wouldn't if you were feeling that crummy?


Well, my little Bug-A-Boo (Saige) is starting to crawl. At first she would do this little army crawl by leaning on one arm and pull the rest of her body towards what she was after. She does this now and again, but she is using most of her fours to get around. Sometimes, she will do a frog crawl and pop both legs at the same time. She is silly. TONIGHT, she even got up on her toes leaning over her hands and put her head on the floor with her BUTT up in the air, like she was preparing for a summersault. It is amazing to witness her milestones and the things they are learning every day. Also, Saige has mastered holding her own bottle. This is awesome in the morning when I am trying to get ready for work. It saves me a lot of time. However, I miss holding her. I think she thinks she is a big girl now for being able to do all of these things. Its very interesting to see that her personality models maturity.


Here is a video of Saige and Savannah. You can see Saige mastering her bottle holding abilities as well as Savannah enjoying her office area! I get a kick out of watching Savannah do this, because well, just watch its hilarious.....


This is a video of Saige showing off her new talent as an official crawler in the 1st stage! Feel free to check her out. She is quite the show!

This Was Fun!

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

That is very funny that I turned out to be like Esme. She is the one character I liked the most throughout the whole series! Jasper was kind of intriguing as well!

I've Been Tagged: 4th and 4!

Sounds like a football game? NO, I have been tagged. Thanks Vicki! So, I am supposed to dig through my folders of thousands of pictures and pick the 4th folder, post the 4th picture, and explain it. Well, as you can guess, its Saige and Savannah! Hmm, what a surprise.
One morning, I went in to get the girls as they were waking up. Usually Savannah wakes up first, but this time, Saige woke up. So when Savannah wakes up, we both go check to see if her sister is awake. Well this time, Saige finally got the chance to peek at her sister and when we looked over the gate to the crib, Savannah gave her the biggest smile I have ever seen. I couldn't help but to put Saige in with little Savannah and snap a few pics. It's amazing the connection they have with each other. When they are playing, I think it is just second nature for them to feel the other is near. Its weird and I'm not quite sure how to explain it either. But, they sure do enjoy looking at each other and smiling!

I tag: Mindy P., Jamie S., Sherri M., and Michelle M.

Blog Safety

Hello,
A few days ago I saw on KSL a clip about blogging safely. They did a story on a blog that had a picture of a boy with his haircut like a mow-hawk and sides were shaved. Someone that was just searching through blogs got a hold of the picture, posted swasticas on his forehead and drew all sorts of inappropriate things on his face. Also, now-a-days, people can find out any kind of information they wish through computers, so I decided that I should take blogging safety precautions to protect my family. If you would like to view our blog, please email me and I will add you to the list. I will make the block active at the end of November. My email is shihtzucrazy@hotmail.com.

To adults, the kids' issues seem so small. But to the kids, its their life!

Here is my office at School. I have been super busy at work the last few weeks. I teach lessons to 34 classes (1/2 hour each) every week, keeping up with conferences, meetings, trainings, and doing individuals. I feel like I have been holding my breath by day end! Oh, not to mention I am the chair of Student Council and I am on the Local Case Management team, which is a group that is a support staff to help the teachers with interventions for students with behavior and/or academic difficulties. My day is always jam packed, but luckily I do not sit in front of a computer all day long, which would allow my behind to take form of the chair! Nope, I basically take laps around the school all day, running from class to class to teach another life skill lesson to the students. So, lately that has been my form of exercise!


Hmmm. I love my job, but believe it or not, it gets hard....when I let it. I am the type of person that doesn't bring home the work baggage. When I am at home, I leave work at work. When I am at work, I work...I really am pretty good at focusing on work. I consider myself a very dedicated person and want to do well at what I do, this is why it will be difficult for me to explain this without sounding negative. After-all, I am the school counselor and it seems like there is a stigma that says school counselors don't have a negative bone in their body or appear like they have no stress of their own. At least that is the feeling I get from others. I don't think I could express how important it is to have school counselors in the schools. To adults, the kids' issues seem so small. But to the kids, its their life! My job is to help those kids cope with their problems by figuring out the problem out for themselves, but with me as a guide to help them do that. Then there are those students that have more to deal with than I could ever have imagined anyone having to go through.


Student Leadership Conference, November 5th, 2008:

Today, I went with the officers of student council to the Student Leadership Conference. It was pretty darn good! There were lots of speakers, Jason Hewlett, John Bytheway, and Brad Barton. All three were phenomenal at sending a great message to the students and myself. John Bytheway is such a great motivational speaker, you will never forget anything he has to say. He teaches that it is important to watch out for what you put in your backpack. You can make the trail much harder than it really is, if you keep loading it up with negativity. There are a couple of individuals in my life that I really wish they could hear his message....it would really benefit them tremendously!


Student Government Blog:

I also created another blog for student council advisors as a resource for new advisors starting out or experienced advisors without ideas. Check it out at www.studentsservingstudents.blogspot.com. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any ideas of your own, regardless if you are an advisor or not!

BYU vs. UNLV Football Game

We took the girls to the BYU football game last week. It was busy! Bryce and I debated if we should take the girls, but we opted for it! We missed a lot of the game because we were trying to keep the girls content. But, it was still fun! BYU won 42-35.