Christmas Day, in all its Glory!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! This Christmas was great, but also bittersweet. We were so grateful to be in our new little house, but I missed my family deeply. It was so fun seeing the kids wake up to Christmas morning. Their eyes surprised and awed at all the fun things to see. I am so thankful to be married to a great man, who loves me, and loves my children. I love being a mom, and a wife. It is the greatest gift I have ever been given. And, the Savior is the ultimate gift our Heavenly Father could give to this world. Amidst all the chaos, I need to remember that. I hope all of you had just as much of a Merry Christmas as we did.

Christmas morning awaits. . . We just stole this silly tree from Jake's office, because we didn't have a chance to get one of our own. Oh well, it worked alright. The kids were happy with it.

Taylee did get her wish after all. She will never know how hard we had to search to find the "little pink car." And, the red helmet actually turned into a hot pink Princess one. She didn't mind. The kids had so much fun with these cars. They are still driving them around the house, and of course, I am wishing we didn't have them right now!

Rohne's handsome bed-head. He didn't want much help opening the gifts. He knew what to do himself!!

Taylee left this helmet on for most of the morning. It is just one more thing to add to her dress up collection. Although, it does double as a safety feature!

My face says it all. I definitely know what my parents felt like Christmas day, all those years with us kids. Tired, exhausted, worn out, etc. Hopefully the exhiliration will get me through.

I think Jake had just as much fun as the kids did. He is still a kid, himself, after all.

My mom and dad made these tents for the kids. They absolutely loved them. Thanks Grandma Honey and Grandpa!!

Rohne had to have a flashlight in his, because of the dark fabric. They like to play spooky house in his.

This is just a glimpse of what we saw when we went to Jake's parent house. Man, my kids are spoiled!!

Poor Parker had to sit in the high chair, because he kept trying to eat the wrapping paper, and ribbon. Plus, I think Jer and Mo were worried he would get lost or stepped on crawling among all the gifts. He wasn't too happy in there, so it didn't last long!!

Jake's whole day was spent putting together toys, blowing up toys, finding the right batteries, etc. What a good Dad!

Rohne loved this Extractor that actually moves and picks things up. Thanks for the wonderful Christmas presents Klein family!!

Christmas Eve

This Christmas Eve, Jake's family decided to do something a little fun, and different. We had a progressive dinner. We had appetizers at Jess's house, salad at ours, the main dish, which was pizza, at Jer & Mo's (I know, I was crying over the prime rib my family was eating), and dessert at the parent's house. I was wishing that my house was more Christmasy, but with moving in, getting kicked out, then moving back in, we did our best. We also celebrated Monique's birthday, which was on the 22nd. So, it was fun. The kids also got to open up one gift. This was just a taste of what would be total mayhem the next day.

You can see the yummy pizza on Rohne's face. He got a Backyardigan's boat for the bathtub. Tay was way excited about the Barbie Island Princess music player, which doubles as a purse.

When we got back to our house that night, Taylee started worrying. She had been too scared to talk to Santa when she had the chance to tell him what she wanted for Christmas, and she thought he might not bring her cherished desire. So, we decided to write him a letter, and leave it out with his milk and cookies. The kids thought this was great, and it helped to ease her fears, so she would go to sleep. We also read the Christmas story out of Luke, but with no pictures, it was more for Jake and I's benefit. I think that they felt the spirit though.

I realized then, that I had forgotten to make cookies for Santa. I guess animal cookies will have to do. And, Taylee was sure Santa would like chocolate milk the best.

I'm Dreaming of a . . .

Whoever said it doesn't snow on Christmas in Seattle? We went to Jake's parents, and his Grandma's house this morning, and returned to a winter wonderland. It is just gorgeous. We live up on a mountain, right in the middle of the woods, as you can tell. And, the snow is falling. It really brings the spirit. Here's a couple pictures of the outside of the house, and of the snow. I will post more when I have more time.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!

The front entrance of the house. We usually always use the back.

The back entrance, and small deck area. The little shed is actually where the well is. That's right, no city water for us!! It's great.

Beautiful Washington Evergreens.

She was supposed to be sleeping, but was too fascinated by the white stuff.

We're Moving!!!

So, we are finally doing it. We're moving!! We found the perfect little house to rent just one mile from Jake's office. It's on older house, but so charming and cute, and definitely big enough for our brood. Sadly, this means that we will not be going to Montana for Christmas, being as how we have to come up with a deposit, and first month's rent and all. It kind of fell into our laps, and we feel it is an answer to our prayers. Moving will be hard on the kids for sure. And, we will miss living so close to our friends, old and new. But, it's not that far away, and we soooo needed to do it. We are hoping to get moved by this weekend, so I have a lot of work to do. I'm sorry if some of you are reading this before I talk to you in person. I feel a little overwhelmed, and am still letting it all process. Don't worry. . . pictures to come.

Santa Clause . . . or not!

We had our ward Christmas party on Saturday night, and Santa came. All day long, Taylee could not quit talking about how excited she was to talk to him. But, when it came time, she was scared to death. Being a little foolish, I tried to alleviate her fears by telling her it was just Ellie and Mya's Grandpa dressed up as Santa. (Jake's friend, Ryan Ewer's dad, always plays Santa, and Taylee knows their little girls). And, the real Santa was in the North Pole. However, this seemed to cause more harm than good. Now, when anyone asks her if she saw Santa, she tells them: "It's not Santa!! It's just a Grandpa playing dress-up!" Sorry if she corrupts any of your children. I knew as soon as I had said it that it was a mistake. Oh well. All she really cares about is her little pink car she hopes Santa brings her.

Rohne didn't really talk to Santa, but didn't mind sitting on his lap.

Tay was not about to sit on his lap, and she has quite the death grip on me.

My First Attempt at Truffle Making

We have our ward Christmas Party tonight, and I signed up to bring a yummy treat. My sister, Natali sent me the recipe for these yummy truffles. I am not as gifted as she at treat making, but I decided to give them a whirl. I was too scared to try one until Jake got home from Volleyball to taste first. And, the verdict. . . They are really yummy!! I was a little disappointed the recipe didn't make more. Now, I have to make some more today, and they probably won't be as good the second time around. But, if anyone wants to give them a whirl, the recipe is on my comments in the "Twins" post. Merry Christmas Treat Making! And, thanks Nat, for the idea and recipe.

A close-up of my creations. I wish I knew how to make them prettier.

Jake's new advertising campaign. Do you think it will work?

"Are they Twins?"

Whenever I take the kids out, I am always asked if they are twins. Because I get this so often, sometimes I just smile, and don't correct them. Other times, I politely tell them that they are just over a year apart. I took both of them for their well child check-ups yesterday, and I saw how really similar they were. Tay was 29 lbs., and 37 &1/2 inches in height. Rohne topped the charts at 33 lbs., and was 37 1/4 inches. The nurse then said, "Oh, they're twins! The chart shows that she is a year older!" Well, lady, the chart is right. Just talk to Rohne, and you'll find out how different they really are. He is big, but such a 2 year old. Anyways, it was all good news at the Doctors. Tay received 2 shots, while Rohne only got one, and she is still talking about it. Poor thing. If only she realized Rohne has gotten more shots already than she will probably get in her whole lifetime!

Taylee was in a posing mood after Ballet today, so I snapped some pics. I know how my family loves to see the kids. (Wink, wink, this new post is for Nat. Even though she already knows all this stuff because I just talked to her.)

I copped out, and got McDonald's on the way home. Jake went to Red Robin today with friends, so I was feeling a little sorry for myself. Not that McDonald's even compares. . .

Rohne's favorite things right now are babies and nutcrackers. For Christmas, I know he would love to get one of those babies that cries, drinks a bottle, eats, etc. It would make his day. Don't tell Jake I said that. He is all boy!!!

They were playing pretend, and Rohne was "Prince Charming in Shining Armor Diego." He is always happy to oblige.

Because Grandma Sharon can't help but spoil these kids to death, Taylee got an early Christmas present yesterday. A new Dora Princess dress. She absolutely loves it, and wanted to pose in it. She actually asked me to get the camera, and take a picture of her.

Another pose. You think she could America's Next Top Princess Dress Model?

I just thought she looked really cute in Ballet class today. She absolutely loves it, and her cousin, Samantha came today too, which was WAY fun!

Look, Mom, New Mittens!!!

As many of you may have noticed in the Snoman pics, my kids were wearing socks on their hands to play in the snow. (Rohne was also wearing Taylee's pink snowboots, but who's looking?) So, I decided that I should probably invest in some mittens. After a productive trip to Target, I found these little gems for $1.99 a pair. Not too bad, and hopefully we will get more snow so they can try them out. However, they might get worn out before then. The kids have been wearing them straight for two days. They love to jump on the bed and play pattycake with them on.
Their new prized possessions.

Playing pattycake. Sorry, I know they both look like ragmuffins. Rohne needsa haircut, and Tay needs some new shampoo.

"Did he Bring it Yet?"

Taylee found the JCPenney catalog, and I told her she could look in it to see what she wants Santa to bring her for Christmas. I remember catalog searching for toys when I was a child, and it was almost more fun than getting the real thing. Well, this is what Taylee wants. "The little pink car, with the little red helmet." So, every morning she wakes up, and asks if Santa has brought her this wondrous gift. The problem is, this gift is quite expensive, and we were planning on going cheap this year. If only there was a Santa. . . maybe I should try writing him a letter. I feel bad not giving her what she so adores. Ya think I will be able to change her mind in 20 days?

First Snow, First Snowman

Jake really put the kids to work!

"Look how good I did!"

"Is this clean enough to eat, Mom?"

The kids with their finished product.

It actually snowed a lot here today. It is quite a rarity for it to even stick, so we rushed outside and made a snowman before all of it melted. The kids loved it, and didn't want to come inside. Thanks for the fun activity Dad!"

After the snowman building, it was back inside for some hot chocolate. What a fun night!!

Christmas Masquerade Ball

Jake's Christmas party for work this year was a Masquerade Ball. It was at a fancy hotel downtown. As some of you know, I was quite stressed out about what to wear. But, after a suggestion from my sis to go to JCPenney, I found a suitable dress. There was a huge selection of about 4 modest ones. This one covered the most, and was actually quite festive and fun. I wish I would have taken a picture without my coat on, but oh well. The party was nice. Most of these events turn into boozefests, where everyone present just gets really drunk. But, we got really lucky, and sat by two couples who just drank soda like us. The food was okay, the entertainment, mediocre. At the end, we were glad we went, and it was a fun night out. Granted, we got home by 10:00, (there was dancing until 1:00 am we decided to pass on) and Tay was still awake, but it kind of felt like prom again. It definitely got us in the Christmas spirit. Downtown Seattle is really pretty all lit up and decorated for the season, and we felt way important using Valet Parking!!

All duded up in our masks. I kind of felt silly while shopping for mine, so I just got a plain one. But, when we got there, women had really fun ones, and I wished that mine would have had feathers or sequins.

Taylee does not like Daddy as Batman! He really freaked her out actually.

Christmasy Fun

I saw this on a friend's blog, and just had to do one for our family. It gave my kids a good half hour of entertainment. To see us as jolly elves, Click Here . It takes awhile to load, but be patient, it is well worth it!!

Run, Emily, Run!!!

I did it! I did it! I really, really did it! I ran my first half marathon. It was tough, but I persevered, and am a stronger person because of it! If anyone doesn't know how long a half marathon is. . . it is exactly 13.1 miles. I know, not exactly 26.2, but it was enough for me. The race began at 7:30 a.m. We were a little cold, and scared, but so were 17,000+ people. The crowds were crazy. We started towards the end of the pack, and got a little frustrated because we couldn't go our normal pace with all the people. But, the crowds spread out, and we got into our zone. I felt really strong until the 3rd hill on mile 8, then I started to feel my legs and knee. I lost track of my trusty running buddies, but could still see them in the midst. Mile 10 comes along, I grab some water, and all of a sudden my calf seizes up into a cramp. Oh no! What can I do? I can barely move! So, I stopped to stretch it. I knew that stopping was a bad idea, because starting again was the hardest part. The last 3.1 miles were a blur. I kept waiting for downhill, and some relief from my agony. Finally, the finish line was in sight. I had a litte kick left thundering through the Memorial Stadium, and onto glory!! My official time was 1:57:31. Not great, but not too bad for a first timer!
Gosh, when is this thing gonna start? It's colder than I thought. Maybe I should stretch.

Just a glimpse of the big crowd.

"Jake, quit taking pictures of my bum!"

Our good friends, Tila and Lori Reynolds. My trusty running comrades, and main motivation behind this.

Jake and I bundled up before the race. I can't believe Jake wouldn't do it with us. What a big wimp!

The race started right by the Seattle Center, by the EMP. Always fun to get a picture with the famous Space Needle in the background.

So. . . who's up for running with me next year? Come on, Bring it on!