Christmas Magic!

Brace yourself, we have a lot to discuss!!!

Santa must have known how good these kiddos have been through a very rough year...he sure treated them well.

Seems that he finally figured out how to deliver a truck, it's been a few years of asking from the boys little lips and hearts, and it finally came!

A table, books, cups, and candy! WOW!

And a bike for the little princess who would be in heaven with food, a set of wheels, make-up, a baby, and a binkie!

So, after this Christmas, we feel kinda BROKE...but don't you all?

We woke every child except for this little critter this morning, she woke with a wide eyed grin.

When I walked into Connor and Aiden's room, I said, "Boys, Santa came!!!" Connor usually stays in bed as long as he can every morning, but this morning, he heard the name Santa and jumped up before his eyes even opened. He sleeps on a top bunk; I almost thought he would jump right off the side...his eyes were sleepy, his movements quick and a little shaky with morning weariness, but he was determined!

I think Aiden was in a bit of shock!

But then his goofiness set in as he danced to the music on the radio...the RADIO in the truck!!!

Lydia's first exclamation was, "TRUCK!!!" She then realized that she had her own bike, and then she danced to the Christmas music on the radio too!

I love seeing a smile on this little guys face...he melts my heart!

Maya puckered, as is her normal expression, and took it all in!

Lydia adored her big doll...

And played with a ball...can you see the word "ball" rolling off of Steve's lips?

She then opened presents with me...I think this was a gift for both of us...a nice set of make-up. Liddy is a very girlie girl and gets into my make-up daily!

Maya helped Daddy!

And all three kiddos jumped into the car to eat some snacks!

Then, we ate some more!

Dreamed a little (Well, Mommy and Maya did!)

The boys played some games, and we all watched a movie...it was a wonderful relaxing day; magical, fantastic, and full of love! We ended with Christmas songs and the Christmas story...I guess we ended where it all begins, with our sweet baby Jesus.

May we all be just as excited and full of awe as we come to recognize the amazing gift He is to us...I believe He finds joy in the happiness we all feel on this very sacred day!

Merry Christmas!

Reverse order here...Christmas Eve to come!

What will YOU get for Christmas?

Yes, I know this is a Halloween picture, and maybe I'll make the next post my Halloween update...1.5 months late...but I couldn't find another picture of Connor besides the most recent posted.

Two years ago, Connor was in Kindergarten, and thrilled to be giving all of his family gifts purchased and made at school. One gift was made for me...and as I opened it he said, "It could be a red frame huh Mom? And it could be a picture of me!" Indeed, I got a picture of Connor in a red frame! So, for your Christmas cheer, as we count down the days...giggle a little at the innocence of dear Connor! I did!

Lovely Faces!

Can you see how much he has grown to adore this little gal? Yep, taking some time and patience to be with her, teaching her to take a bottle, staying up hours in the middle of the night just to comfort her when Mom is at work...it all pays off!

I love seeing the happiness she brings into his heart...and eyes! :)

And the happiness he brings her!

Now that's a classic Maya face...beautiful pouty lips, cheeks, and eyes!

They are all simply gorgeous to me...all bringing their own unique personality to our family. I am LOVING each and every one of them so very much!

Lydia repeats every word uttered from me and her Daddy. Just the other day she happened to come across my snake skin heels and walked all over the house with them on while holding my blush and painting one cheek so very pink. She looked lovely!

Today Connor started rambling off multiplication problems, astounding us with all he is learning so quickly!

And Aiden took it upon himself to correct Connor's pronunciation of the word "sphere". You see, Connor says it sounds like "spere" because P says puh! Aiden said, "No Connor, it's 'sfere'!" Well, I have a kindergartener that is too smart for his own good. Connor was very distraught over Aiden's correction and we had one loud and harsh fight on our hands tonight. We ended it with brownies and "The Christmas Carol" which went south quickly when we realized that the new Christmas Carol on DVD is too scary for all of us...way to ruin a good thing :( Fun times...crazy times....and beautiful kids!

One Year Closer to You...Happy Birthday Angel Baby

Beautiful Baby Shane...

I know you are aware of all that our little family has faced over the last year, the heartache and trials that have come our way, I can't help but feel you are so very blessed to enjoy the presence of peace and love with the Lord...but we still miss you so very much. Year after year, it seems so hard to endure to the moment where that peace will be granted, but we must...for you in our arms again...we must. Tiny angel, beautiful baby boy....Happy Birthday...

I went to bed last night with the thoughts of your delivery so fresh and vivid in my mind. Memories flooded back and tears fell as I was drawn back the moment I looked at your beautiful face for the first time. You were born at 3:07am...you came after a beautiful labor...one that was nearly impossible to endure at the end. From 12:30 am to 3am, I was 9cm; I screamed in agony to endure the last 2 1/2 hours of labor naturally....I had to convince the doctor to allow me to push so that I would dilate to 10--she finally let me...and you came. I thought I would die. Now, as life has continued on for 4 years, I almost feel that I will be required to go into the valley of death to have you again--yes, it has been so very hard. I plead with the Lord to ease some of the pain and heartache that we face, but it keeps coming...I wonder what 2 1/2 hours is like relative to a life time... But the peace I felt as I held you for the first time was worth every tear, and it will be worth it again. Daddy left the hospital at 5am to get some shut eye at home--he only showered and drove back a few hours later! I called my Mom after Daddy left to let her know of your sweet arrival and then tried to lay beside you. You were swaddled in your bassinet--pushed snug against the right side of my bed. I admired you. My watch, purchased at Target the day before (meant for timing my contractions) was on the bedside table. It started to beep...alarming. I frantically picked it up and pushed every button to silence it--I was afraid it would wake you from your peaceful sleep. I silenced it eventually...and you continued to sleep. I would give anything to be back in that moment as I protected you from waking after the long hard night we faced. I can't imagine the joy that I will feel when you wake from the long sleep that your little body has fallen into. Beautiful boy...I miss you so very much.

Today, we celebrated your little life, your big beautiful spirit that continues to live, and the happiness that fills our hearts with the knowledge of the gift you are to us. We had donuts for breakfast...what four year old boy wouldn't love a bunch of chocolate icing donuts? We went to Apple Bee's for lunch with gift cards Aunt Sara gave us last March. We went there after your pictures March 27, 2007...you slept through the entire lunch. Connor had a blue balloon that day that flew away from him as we left the restaurant...he was heart broken; only days later his little blue angel flew away too. He honored you by giving you a blue carnation on the day we said our final goodbyes--he will be so proud to hold his Baby Shane again one day.

Today we laughed at Little Maya...your newest little sister...and we loved her so very much! There are moments when she bears great resemblance to you.

There's your big brother...Aiden O! He was only 19 months when you were born. He looked at your picture today and pouted as he exclaimed how much he misses you! If you were here, you would be his second hand accomplice for mischief!

And Connor...as old as he is getting, he still remembers you like gold. I think he always will.

We went and watched airplanes fly away today...how fitting. Connor was a pilot...his siblings were fabulous co-pilots!

When we got home, the kiddos huddled together and looked at books, tore books, dreamed of all the toys they want, and enjoyed being kids. I always see pictures of my children and want the world to know that there is another one...I am a proud mother of five...not only four. But you know, my dear husband knows, and the Lord knows....that matters.

We decorated the tree...our Birthday tradition for you...our Christmas baby, and this year we had the pleasure of laughing at Maya as she sought the ornaments and lights in fascination. You have some cute little sisters!

Happy Birthday baby boy...it's one year closer to you...

I love you...so...very...much. The girls were in bed tonight after scriptures. Me, Daddy, Connor, and Aiden sang Happy Birthday to you...the four of us...missing you, as though you were just here....

I love you...Mommy

Maya's Blessing

Several weeks ago...the first weekend in November, we blessed Maya Ruth. It was a long awaited, much anticipated, and beautiful event. She was blessed and made aware of her sweet gifts and future hopes in accordance with the name she has been given. Maya--meaning mother; she was blessed to know of the love that her mother does have for her, and that she too will have that gift as a mother...to be true and faithful as hers has been. Ruth; she was blessed to have that strength and ability to follow her husband wherever he may go in the future. Her name is beautiful in symbolism...and as she grows I am certain it will ring true to who she is. Every child we have given life to and named--as we have sought sacred honor in the naming process--has lived to their name in character. It is a humbling process to witness.

Connor--Much Wanted (we so dearly wanted little Connor, and have been so blessed with such a loving first child)

Aiden--Little Fire (HA!!! Yes, Aiden came out with a red hue to his hair and is full of life...he is my little fire! His middle name is Obadiah=servant of the Lord, that energy will greatly lead to a fiery servant!!!)

Shane--God is Gracious (What more can I say, God is so very gracious for giving us his perfect little life for 4 short months and promising it for eternity)

Lydia--Seller of Purple (A very humble woman in the scriptures who wove purple fabric--she wove for the kings. It is my hope that Lydia always remembers who her true king is and uses her beautiful little hands and heart to perform a great work for Him! The very first quilt I made for me and Steve was made in all purple hues...stitch by stitch!)

Maya--Mother (what greater gift is there than that of Mother? She already looks to be a very wholesome girl...I pray she will be a wonderful mother!)

She's lovin' the dress!!!