My Simple Joys

I was throwing up the other day.  I try to keep the kids from seeing me do so.  Kaden ran in the bathroom and started rubbing my back saying, " Sorry Mommy, no spit Mommy! no spit!" My sweet and loving Kaden knew throwing up wasn't such a good thing. It's good to know he's concerned right along with Sis and Tan. Since then, I've made sure to lock the door so Kaden doesn't have to experience that again.

Tanner said our family prayer the other night.  He asked Heavenly Father to bless Uncle William to come home from his mission safely. William has 14 months left of his mission.  Apparently, since the kids talked with their Uncle on Christmas, they are already counting down the days.  The day after Christmas I was putting Brooklyn to bed.  She said, "I really really want to talk to William tomorrow, okay?" I told her that she gets to talk to her loving Uncle on Mother's Day.  She didn't quite like that answer. It's so rewarding to see how much the kids love their William.

Brookie has some gorgeous hair.  She actually has as much hair as I do.  I'm a little jealous.  I make sure to admire and compliment her often in hopes she never tries to cut it herself.  I even brainwash her that only Mommy and DeAnne (my BF) can cut her hair.  Dad had a generous idea.  He told Brookie about little girls that aren't able to grow hair or girls that are really sick and their hair falls out.  So Dad showed her pictures on the "Locks for Love" website and explained that it would be a great idea for her to donate her hair when it grows a little longer to make a wig for a girl.  Poor Brookie's face looked serious and upset.  She wasn't a bit sold on the concept. In due time, I know she'll be willing to share her beautiful hair.  She has given away some barbies and dress up clothes when I haven't asked her to.  So there's hope the idea grows on her.

"Where's my Colby?", Kaden said the other day.  I pointed to my tummy.  He said it again... "Where is my Colby (Kaden says Pokey)? I don't want him under Mom!"  He want's my tummy uncovered when ever he decides he wants to see Colby.  He came over, pulled up my shirt, (good thing we were at home) hugged and kissed my tummy and said, "I love you my Pokey. I snuggle him Mommy."  I love how he calls him Pokey. When corrected Kaden will say it right but I don't like to correct him it's too cute!

Tanner and Brookie have responsibilities and chores each day.  Most often they are good at accomplishing these tasks. Tanner observed that Sissy wasn't and he wrote me a note saying, "Mom, Brooklyn isn't doing her chores. She is playing with her barbies instead." Love, Tanner

I've said it before and here I write it again... at such a young age, Kaden has truely learned how to unconditionally love others. Kaden often wakes from nap crying and saying, "My Tanner! My Tanner!" When Tanner is home, his heart totally melts and he rushes to comfort him.  I will often hear Tanner say, "Did you just want to snuggle me? I'm right here." Once in a blue moon, Brookie will take a nap.  On this rare occasion, Kaden will search all over the house and then come to me with such a concerned face and say, "Where my Sissy go? I don't see her."

The Festivities Continue...

We celebrated with the Hundley side of the family the day after Christmas.

A little bitter sweet... Jordan (aka Jo-Jo) will be on his mission next Christmas.

Baby Kaitlyn was a stand in for our missing Sis Holly-Dolly :(

The two year old cousins.

Uncle Robby couldn't miss out on the Mower's new toy.  He squished his tall legs on there.

This is about adventurous as it gets when I'm prego.

When Dad gets the chance to live it up, there's no turning back!
It seemed like he drove at least 30 mph up and down the cul-de-sac.

We had a fabulous time together! It's awesome having all the cousins play together. They love each other sooooo much!

There's nothin' like Christmas

A few of the morning favorites ...

Tanner and Brookie bought Kaden Elefun.

Lynn got a "B" rhinestone necklace. Maybe she'll stop sneaking my jewelry.  I keep reminding her that some day it will all be hers.

This is actually Brooklyn's new razor scooter.  Kaden thought it was for him. Tan was just trying to keep the peace.

Santa brought a Strawberry Shortcake house.

Tanner being loved for getting Brookie a my little pony coloring book.

Tanner waited 11 months to get this new remote control helicopter. We got him one for Christmas last year and it broke after one month.

Most Christmas's we take a trip to the park.  Surprisingly we are always the only ones there.

It was a beautiful Christmas Morning.  Tanner was so excited to try out his new b-ball.
(Who says Tanner looks like me?)

Brookie's photo skills at practice.

happy...

happy...

happy...

Brookie stepped in to help tired Mommy.  She gives better under-dogs than I do.

Kaden took full advantage of the skate park.

Having a Holly-Jolly Christmas together.

Tanner was so sweet to teach Brookie how to conquer the ramps!

Daddy sporting his super skills.

There's nothin' like Christmas!!!
xoxox
Oh, can't forget we had these awesome Cinna"buns" for breakfast.

~A McMullin Tradition~

T'was the Night Before

We hosted the annual Lyons Christmas Eve Party this year.

Aunt Barbara Lyons, Grandma Julie Lyons McMullin, Uncle Bill Lyons, Uncle Jim Lyons and Sweet Brookie Love.

All the McMullin Cousins- Isaiah, Eli, Malachi, Samuel and my stinks... Kadster, Tan and Brookie. (Colby will be pictured next Christmas.)  They were troopers and sung some Christmas songs for us. Their angelic voices were priceless.

Kadster was a little happy to say the least.

Me and my Mommy.

Better Not Pout!

You better watch out. You better not cry.  Better not pout.  I'm telling you why.  Uncle Robby is coming to town ...

My little but, bigger brother just graduated from BYU Hawaii last week!!! Yippie!!!

I told the kids that Uncle Robby was coming over to visit. We got to see him for one day in May, other than that it's been a year and a half since his family has lived in beautiful Hawaii.  They couldn't believe he was really coming to town.  They asked about every 30 minutes how much longer till his expected arrival. It only took the kids about 10 minutes to start wrestling with Uncle Robby.

Of course I was thrilled to see my brother but, I was ecstatic to meet my sweet little niece Kaitlyn for the first time. Thank goodness for blogs; I've been able to watch her grow the past 6 months.

Kaitlyn and Grandma Hundley.

And here is Cousin Natalie. Brookie was so happy to dress her in this butterfly costume that is way too small. Natalie is just 4 months older than Kadster.

We were happy to see Auntie Courtney too, she's just not quite as popular and Robby.  She knows she could be if she acted wild and crazy and spun the kids around.

As soon as Robby left. Tanner said, "Mom I'm so glad he moved back home!!!" I only said it once is a quite voice... "Robby has to move to Colorado is 2 weeks honey."  I don't think he really understood that he's not here to stay.  Brookie Love told Dad as soon as he came home, "Guess who my favorite Uncle is?"
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The kids got to see Uncle Robby and Family the next evening too and they were so happy and content having them around to enjoy!
xoxo

Princess Heather Ann

Princess Heather Ann got sealed to Prince Paul DiMaggio in the LA Temple-
Friday, December, 17th 2010 for time and all eternity.

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Brookie Love couldn't get enough of her Princess Heather on this special day.

Kaden was happy and smiling the whole time we were at the temple.  He just knew it was a special place!

My sweet angels loved being a part of this special day with Auntie.

At the beautiful reception....

I just loved the way I caught him looking at her.

We were so blessed to share this special day with Aunt Heather and "new" Uncle Paul.