The big day is finally here.

Today is one of those days that we have waited for forever and yet we aren't ready for it.  We arrived at the hospital and it felt like forever for them to get Ellie back.  

 She started to get hungry.  I couldn't blame her because it was pushing one o'clock.  She also started to get really scared.  It was pretty heartbreaking.  She ended up getting so worked up that I had to go to the OR with her.  That was a pretty traumatic situation not only for Ellie but for me as well.  

 Ellie was hysterical and she cried and sobbed.  I put the laughing gas over her mouth and held her until her body went limp.  It was crazy because I didn't know this but the body can almost have a seizure like reaction to anesthesia.   Only seconds after her body went limp her arm twisted up behind her and her body went ridged.  They immediately ushered me out.  The nurse praised me for being so brave.  She said most mom cry during this and I did awesome.  I told her that the tears were on their way and she said they were well deserved.  I made eye contact with Jeron and the flood gates opened.  Once I got my emotions in check we headed to the cafeteria to wait out the two and a half hour surgery.  When the doctor finally came back out you could tell this was a "fun" surgery for him.  He was almost giddy in the most professional way possible.  He will probably go home and write a journal about this.   When I went to recovery she was in so much pain.  I felt so bad for her.  They really had to do a lot more work then they had expected.  She did really well and we were able to go home quickly.

 Her hand will hurt for a long time to come.  I hope that this is what was best.  I truly feel this it is, even though it will be a hard road.  I don't think most people understand just how big of a deal this was for this tough little cookie.   

 On our way home.  She did amazing.

 We are finally home and ready for what is ahead.  Love this girl of mine.

The Cold Never Bothered Me Anyway

In Midway they built one of three Ice Castles.  They pick three spots around the nation and this year they  decided to come back to Utah.  Considering the movie Frozen just came out and this is Kid USA, I think they were pretty smart.  We simply told our kids we were going to Elsa's castle and you would have thought we were telling them Disneyland.  It really was one of the coolest places I have seen.

 We saw this guy right when we got there.  I hurried and asked if the kids could get a pic with him.  He was thrilled to help me out.  I then saw one of the ice workers and asked him who he was suppose to be.  He shrugged his shoulders and said he didn't work for them.  I about died laughing.  This weirdo got all dolled up and headed to the Ice Castle for the day.  

It was so much fun.  There were tunnels and crevasses all over.  The way that they make the ice is pretty cool.   

 There were ice queen chairs so of course all the ladies tried this out.  Ellie really enjoyed her photo shoot.  

She is so beautiful.

 They even built a slide inside the castle.  It was so cool.  We all gave it a whirl.  It was a bit bumpy but the kids loved it.

 Here is a view of the castle from outside of it.  There were a couple of ice scuptures as we walked up.  We left and went to dinner and then took a quick drive by our friends cabin to play on their swing.  After that we headed back to see the castle at night.

 It was pretty awesome but my camera was not working all that great.  And then it got so cold it died all together.  

 It was seriously one of the coolest (Pun intended) places I have ever seen.  I hope we get a chance to do it again someday.  

Always wants to be with MOM

Lately whenever I get cold I can't seem to get warm.  The only way that works is if I have a HOT bath.  Today someone happened to sneak away from the pack and found me in one of these baths.  Sure enough she wanted to join.  She was in heaven...like mother like daughter.

 The little dufus would not get out even though it was clearly too hot for her to handle.  

 Look at those rosy bum cheeks. 

 After a good bath there is nothing wrong with a little shower cap action.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

It is always magical walking into Temple Square at Christmas time.  This is one of my favorite traditions. 

 1 This year going to temple square was a bit different.  We were able to go with the Meads' family.  It was fun to change it up a bit and have them there with us.  It sure makes it easier to watch all our kids.  It turned out to be a pretty nice night.  The weather was nice and not too cold.

This year they had all these different nativities all around.  It was really cool to see them. 

I love coming to Temple Square and one of the reasons why is because I love to tell my kids about marrying their daddy here,

Walking around the temple can be hard work.  It is time to take a rest.

Just taking a load off.

He doesn't love it but he does it for me and the kids.  Good guy.

 She is just a doll face.

Elsie had to take my phone so she could get a picture of Jesus.  It was so cute, the line was forever long and so everyone decided that they didn't want to wait in it.  Elsie was brokenhearted.  I felt bad but I didn't want to upset the entire group because of Elsie.  Mama was nice enough to say she would wait with her.  I told Elsie that if we stood in line to see Jesus she would miss our time to see Santa.  I said you have to choose which you would rather do.  She without hesitation said I want to stay and see Jesus.  She taught us all a lesson that night.  I was really proud of her for making the right choice.  It ended up that we all stayed and missed our time to see Santa.  All of the kids were glad we did.

Emma just adores her little niece.

The girls, minus a sleeping Emry and Yes, Genevieve is in the picture. 

Watching the Nativity story with Papa

It was a lot of fun to do together.  We were so glad these two made it.

These two reminded us to choose the better part tonight.  Thanks for doing that.

I don't have a pic of Ashlee but I promise she was there.  It was such a fun night.  After the temple we went and saw the Macy's windows.  They were pretty spectacular.  I didn't know this but did you know the old ZCMI sign is up on top of Macy's.  I miss that place.

Cookie Party 2014

We had a whirlwind day.  First we went to Mapa's ward to watch their choir performance.  When we sat down Smitty, Ashlee, and Genevieve walked in.  It was wonderful to see them.  It has been so long.  Genevieve is such a doll.  Emry and her wanted to be right by each other for a while.  Until they didn't.  (Haha)  The choir as usual did an amazing job.  This year we decided to let the kids sing with the kids in their ward.  It was great to see them sing.  Of course I cried.  After their meetiing we headed over to our ward because I was in charge of our Christmas program for the Relief Society and Young Women.  We did "Through the Eyes of a Mother"  It was about Mary the mother of Jesus.  The girls sang and talked about Mary and Jesus.  It was such a beautiful program.  The girls did amazing but I will have to say I am glad that one is over.  

When we got home we open the door to Elsie lying on the ground looking like this.  JJ and the kids were trying to scare us and make us think someone broke in while we were gone.  

After that we headed over to Mapa's house for dinner and the cookie party.  Elsie got some great pics of us and then I walked into the living room and found Genevieve and Emry taking down the tree decor.  It was hilarious.  And I couldn't pass up the chance to get this gem of a pic of Michael and Brynn.  

This has to be one of my favorite pictures of the night.  Smitty is a really cute uncle to my kids.

 Then it was time for the cookie party.  Usually we do it earlier in the month but we wanted to wait for our cousin to get here.  It is always more fun with family.

 I think these two are cute daddy's.  I couldn't decided but I think they were pretty serious about this.  

Emry and her cute aunt Brynn and Silly uncle Michael. 

Ashlee was sweet and gave Emry and Genevieve a bath.  It was funny to watch Emry look at Vie like she was a crazy little girl.  

 These silly kids are all busy at work.  They are all so creative and so different.

This girl is having no fun at all.  Doesn't she just make you smile.

For the moment you have all been waiting for without further ado, here we have all the finished houses.  

 JJ did a really cool roof.  I had to show it off.

 It was a fun night.  It was great to share it with Genevieve.  We wish that all our cousins could have come.  We always miss the ones who are not here.

Ellie's Christmas Party

A few weeks ago Ellie came home with a note asking for parents to help in her class.  She was so excited to bring it home.  She wanted me to help with the party for Christmas.  I told her I would do it and it made her day.  We made a day of it.  They had the carol share this morning and the girls and I went and watched Ellie perform Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.  It was so cute.  Then I took the girls home and came back to help with the party.  The kids loved it.  Ellie was thrilled to have me there too.

Turning each other into toilet paper snowmen.

 They played games, decorated cookies, and gave each other gifts.  She was in heaven and loved every minute.  She is such a happy girl.  These kids really are the sweetest kids too.